The Old Crown Court and Cells in Dorchester offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian justice. This historic courthouse preserves the actual courtroom where trials were conducted, complete with original judge’s bench, dock, and public gallery. Visitors can explore the atmospheric underground cells where prisoners awaited their fate, experiencing the stark conditions of 19th-century incarceration. The site brings legal history to life with period details and interpretive displays explaining court procedures and notable cases tried here. Located in the heart of Dorchester, this well-preserved example of Victorian judicial architecture provides insights into crime, punishment, and the evolution of the British legal system.
Photo by Lairich Rig from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Old Crown Court and Cells
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