Celebrate 200 years of the Shire Hall with a behind the scenes visit

Herefordshire will be opening up its fabulous historic sites for Heritage Open Days, which run from Thursday September 7 to Sunday 11.

It’s England’s biggest heritage festival that celebrates our fantastic history, architecture and culture. 
 
A highlight will be the Shire Hall in Hereford celebrating its 200th anniversary!
 
The Shire Hall, which was designed by Sir Robert Smirke, who was also responsible for the British Museum, Eastnor castle and the Covent Garden Theatre,  will be opening up its doors on September 9 to the public.
 
The day will also consist of interactive exhibitions, talks by His Honour Judge Pearce-Higgins QC Honorary Recorder for the City of Hereford and Rhys Griffith, Senior Archivist at Herefordshire Archives and Record Centre, plus tours of the Cells and Courtrooms.
 
There will be an unveiling of a plaque celebrating the 200th anniversary by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, The Dowager Countess of Darnley at 4pm to which all are welcome.
 
Followed by two performances by the Hereford Gilbert and Sullivan Operatic society of ‘Trial by Jury’, performed in the historic Crown Court 1 at 5pm and 7pm. Tickets are available for £5 from the Black and White House museum and from Herefordshire Archives and Record Centre in Rotherwas.
 
Cllr Brian Wilcox, Chairman of Herefordshire Council said: "It will be fascinating for people to find out more about the history of the Shire Hall, it was opened in 1817 with the first assize being held in the August of that year. In 1952 it was made a Grade II listed building and has the 6th oldest working court in the country. It is hard to believe that people were sent for execution and transportation from here with a number of gruesome stories surrounding the treatment of the dead prisoners, including a prison governor who kept pigs and it was alleged he used to feed them the bodies. It will be a day not to miss."
 
HH Judge Pearce-Higgins QC, Hon Recorder of the City of Hereford, will be giving one of the talks and he said: “One of the things I will talk on is the 1922 trial and subsequent hanging of Major Armstrong, the solicitor from Hay on Wye convicted of the murder of his wife, which remains of public interest.”
 
Whilst the death penalty was passed long before Judge Pearce-Higgins began sitting as a Judge, he has for the past 13 years sat frequently in the Crown Court in Hereford and Worcester."
 
As part of Heritage Open days The Black and White House Museum will also be opening up its basement containing the impressive room safe from when the building was used as a bank, on Sept 9 from 10am to 4pm.
 
Heritage Open Days are a once-a-year chance to discover the often hidden or forgotten gems on our doorsteps and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities that bring local history and culture to life.

Loyd Grossman, Patron of Heritage Open Days, said: “At a time when many of our heritage sites, museums and buildings of cultural interest are under increasing economic pressure it’s heart-warming to see the number of Heritage Open Days events continue to grow.  Our army of volunteers play an important role in championing our wonderfully diverse local heritage, opening up doors and keeping access free for these very special four days every year. We are keen to encourage people to stand up for the places that are important to them by bringing to life their stories for everyone to enjoy.”
 
For more detailed information on the events at The Shire Hall and the Black and White House museum visit our Events page.

All Heritage Open day events for 2017 can be found on www.heritageopendays.org.uk
 
For tickets to the Trial by Jury performance please drop in to or contact the Black and White House Museum on 01432 260694 or HARC on 01432 260750