And here we are at our final stop, the Lincoln Crown Court! This magnificent building is a prime example of Gothic architecture and has been dispensing justice for centuries. Can you imagine having a court hearing inside a castle? Well, that's what has been happening here since the Lincoln Castle was built in the 11th century, talk about a historical setting for some legal drama!
Now, the current Lincoln Crown Court building was completed in 1823, designed by the famous architect Sir Robert Smirke. It's listed as a Grade II* building, which means it's considered to be of significant historical and architectural importance. And you know what's even more fascinating? It was built at a cost of £40,000, which was a pretty penny back then!
When you take a look at the front of the building, you'll notice its symmetrical design, with thirteen bays facing the east gate of the castle. The central section has a beautiful arched doorway and a triple Gothic window on the first floor. And if you look up, you'll see the crenellated roof and the octagonal corner turrets, giving it a majestic and imposing presence.
Inside, you'll find two courtrooms, one for criminal cases and the other for civil cases. They are approximately square in shape and adorned with lovely wainscot panelling. The grand jury room is worth a visit too, with its ornate fireplace guarded by lions bearing shields. I bet those lions have some interesting stories to tell!
Now, let me share a juicy piece of history with you. In March 1872, the Lincoln Crown Court played a significant role in the trial and conviction of William Frederick Horry, who was accused of murdering his wife. Sadly, Horry became the first person to be executed in the UK using the "long drop" method, which was developed by William Marwood. They thought it was a more humane and faster way of execution, but it's a chilling chapter in history.
Over the years, the Lincoln Crown Court not only served its purpose as a court but also became the meeting place for the Lindsey County Council. However, after the County Council moved to County Offices in Lincoln in 1932, the building continued to be used as a court. There were some proposals to move the Crown Court out of the castle grounds, but in the end, it was decided that it wasn't the best use of resources.
And that wraps up our tour! I hope you've enjoyed exploring Lincoln with me today. If you have any questions or need any further information, feel free to ask. Thank you for joining me, and remember, justice may be blind, but it's not deaf to a good joke!
