Shire Hall

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The magnificent Shire Hall was the crowning glory of a refurbishment of the castle that took place at the end of the 18th c. The work of renowned architect Thomas Harrison, the Shire Hall was built in the Mock Gothic style so popular at the time, and finished by Joseph Gandy to present the impressive space we see today.

Objects within the room

The following objects are located in this room:

The Shields Smallest are High Sheriffs of Lancashire. This is an annual appointment in the gift of the monarch. Medium are Constables of the Castle. Again, this is a royal appointment, usually for life. In the Middle Ages this was a very important post, bearing responsibility for the safety of the castle and all in it. Today it is an honorary position. Largest are the Monarchy. There have been royal associations from the castle’s inception, but since 1399 the castle has been the personal property of the reigning monarch, in right of their title to the Duchy of Lancaster.

Canopy Completed under the architect Joseph Gandy early 19thc. The canopy is in the neo-gothic style very popular at the period. There are faces carved into the canopy, which itself is a fine and rare example of Codestone, an amalgam developed in London to reproduce the qualities of real stone while being lighter, and also to be stronger than ordinary plaster.