Armagh Courthouse


Armagh Courthouse is a judicial facility in Armagh, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. It is home to Armagh Magistrates' courts and also a County and Crown court.

History

The courthouse, which was designed by Francis Johnston in the Neoclassical style, was built between 1806 and 1809. The building was originally used as a facility for dispensing justice but, following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1898, which established county councils in every county, it also became the meeting place for Armagh County Council. The county council moved to Charlemont Place in 1945.
It underwent complete reconstruction in the mid-1960s and by 1971 plasterwork, staircase, balusters and most of the woodwork had been replaced. Further restorative work was carried out after 3 September 1993 when a 1,000 lb bomb exploded directly outside the courthouse causing major structural damage to the roof, façade and walls. The main courtrooms were damaged and in the force of the blast one of the pillars was moved back a full 9 inches. Courtrooms were refurbished and a new 3-storey extension was added to the rear. An extensive programme of reconstruction and enlargement costing £8 million ensued and the courthouse was officially re-opened by Lord Irvine, the Lord Chancellor, on 15 January 1999.

Cases

It deals mainly with magistrates' court business for the Petty Sessions District of Armagh, including adult and youth criminal and domestic proceedings business. The Courthouse is also used by county court and district judges use the Courthouse for a range of civil business. In 2005 there were 7 members of staff.