Gloucester Shire Hall


Gloucester Shire Hall is a municipal building in Westgate Street, Gloucester. It is the main office and the meeting place of Gloucestershire County Council. It is a grade II listed building.

History

The building, which was designed by Sir Robert Smirke for Gloucestershire magistrates in the Greek Revival style, opened in 1816. It was originally used as a facility for dispensing justice but, following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1888, which established county councils in every county, it also became the meeting place of Gloucestershire County Council. The front of the building was rebuilt in 1896 to accommodate the council chamber and offices. Substantial wings on either side of the portico were erected in 1911. The building was substantially rebuilt and additional office blocks erected on the west side in the 1960s.