Old Magistrates Court, 24 Cantelupe Road
| Old Magistrates Court, 24 Cantelupe Road | |
|---|---|
 | |
| LL ref: | 114 |
| Start date: | 10 January 1903 |
| Architect: | unknown |
| Builder: | unknown |
| Original use: | Magistrates Court |
| View on map: | |
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The Magistrates Court at Cantelupe Road were opened on the 10th January 1903.
The new police-station and the courthouse were built as a single unit in an aristocratic, private residential part of the town, which, as one can imagine, originally raised objections from those in the neighbourhood.
The building’s main block was of dark red brick, relieved here and there with white stones. It consisted of the Sessions House with Superintendent’s dwelling and Sergeant's house on either side. The roof was tiled the same dark, red colour and had symmetrical chimneys. The other buildings, consisting of three cottages and the coach-house and stable, were of uniform design. The whole establishment was enclosed with a tall iron railing and substantial brick piers.[1]
The entrance to the Sessions House was under an imposing stone archway, in which the arms of the County had been skilfully worked.
"On entering one finds himself in the corridor, on the left side of which of the doors leading into the court house, and on the other side of the waiting-rooms and apartments for solicitors. The public entrance to the Court is immediately on the left, solicitors and others using the second door further along the hall. Oak-ceiling, oak-panelled, oak-benched, oak dock, and oak witness-box with a large stained glass window at either end, that behind the magistrates bench being both beautifully impressive, bearing the County Arms and the words on either side below, 'Virtus, Honor, Justitia', the Hall of Justice represents an appearance which must command the respect of the most hardened offender."
- Bexhill Observer
Further Reading
Bexhill Museum: Cantelupe Road Police Station & Magistrates’ Court
Gallery
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County Arms above the doorway
