SHIRE HALL

The heritage of the Shire Hall is the unique Georgian architecture belonging to the 18th century. It was built to serve the purpose of providing a space where meetings of the county council and other civic meetings could be held. It once used to have all the important offices of administration like courts, grand assembly, and a large ballroom for recreational purposes.

The historic Shire Hall is an impressive Georgian building with a set of courts, grand assembly is a classical style Portland stone face that still dominates the Chelmsford town center. The hall designed by John Johnson in 1792 was built to serve the purpose of providing a space where meetings of the county council and other civic meetings could be held. Listed at the top amongst the top tourist places to visit in Chelmsford the Shire hall also has a good collection of artworks.

The most popular artwork at the hall is a finely detailed sculpture of the Vestal Virgin and different panels from the 18th century. The architectural layout of the hall involves a symmetrical frontage with five bays connected to the Tindal Square with four ionic columns supporting the pediments. The first floor of the building has a large pediment clock, and cravings that depict justice, wisdom, and mercy. 

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Highlights

• Take a walk through the large arcades of the Georgian-style Shire Hall which is built at the main location of the Chelmsford town center. 
• Appreciate the different artworks in the hall like the sculpture of the Vestal Virgin and different panels from the 18th century crafted by the renowned artist John Bacon. 
• You’d love to enjoy the street shopping at the shops which are a mix of local retailers, independent outlets, and community spaces surrounding the Hall. 
• Witness the political culture of the city at the hall which marks the shift in the political system of the nation from a monarchical system to democratic administration.