Mark Whitehead 10 May 2023

Council steps in to save 16th century courthouse

Council steps in to save 16th century courthouse  image
Image: Somerset Council.

A 16th century courthouse in Chard, Somerset, has been saved for posterity after the county council stepped in to buy it.

The Grade I listed building retains most of its original features including a first-floor courtroom with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and plasterwork with figures depicting Justice and Wisdom and scenes from the Judgement of Solomon.

The Old Courthouse in town centre Fore Street was owned privately and has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for some time.

But with support from Historic England and Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust, the council has ensured its future.

Historic England supported the council's purchase with a grant of £147,000.

Somerset Building Preservation Trust will lease the building to enable it to complete a range of surveys and studies to explore the long-term future of the premises with a view to completing repairs and restoration.

Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s lead member for prosperity, assets and development, said: ‘This building is an important part of our shared past.

‘All those involved have worked so hard to make sure this heritage gem is protected for future generations to admire.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Casual Duty Managers (Sports Centres)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£14.28 per hour plus 12.07% holiday relief pay al
Casual Duty Managers (Sports Centres)
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding Triage

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Community Support Worker - Centralised Safeguarding TriagePermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Mechanical Engineer (Gas) - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £450.0000 per day
Mechanical Engineer (Gas) Location, HarlowFull time, Temporary 6-12 Months £350.88 PAYE / £450.00 Umbrella Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Planner - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council
£50 - £55 per hour
Principal Planner - Basildon Borough Council Full-Time, Temporary 6 Months Contract 36.25 hours£50-£55 per hour Umbrella Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Systems Analyst Applications

Oxfordshire County Council
£46412 - £49282
The ICT Principal Systems Analyst will be the subject matter expert on the Children's Social Care and Early Help Applications. They will be aware of and will contribute to Application roadmap developments, keep abreast of legislative changes and customer Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner