Is situated in High Street, and was erected in 1785 from a design by Mr.
Haycock of this town, at an expense of £11,000, which was raised by a
county rate.
It is an elegant structure of free stone, presenting a handsome front to
the street. On the front of the pediment, which is supported by four
lofty columns of the Ionic order, is a fine figure of Justice in _bas
relief_, seated on a rock, beneath which, over the centre door, are the
arms of the town handsomely ornamented with appropriate emblems.
The ground floor consists of a vestibule and two courts, in which the
assizes for the county are held. Under the one appropriated to the crown
bar, is a cell, for the reception of prisoners. A beautiful spiral stone
staircase leads to the higher story, where is a large room intended for
county meetings, one for the use of the grand jury of the county, with
record and other offices for the use of the county and town.
The grand jury room is decorated with portraits of George I. given by Mr.
Edward Elisha; of George II. given by Thomas Wingfield, esq.; of George
III. and queen Charlotte, given by sir Thomas Jones, bart.; and one of
the gallant and celebrated admiral Benbow, given by his sister, Mrs.
Elizabeth Hind.