County hall


A county hall or shire hall is a common name given to a building that houses the seat of local government for a county.
The location of the county hall has usually denoted the county town.
In the case of Surrey, England, when county boundaries changed the county hall remained in Kingston upon Thames. County halls usually contain a council chamber, committee rooms and offices.

List of county and shire halls

United Kingdom

England

County halls in England, with the ceremonial county they served, include:
ImageNameTown or cityCountyYears builtStyleYears in useReference
Avon HouseBristolAvon1969–1972International style1974–1996: Avon County Council
1996–1999: Bristol City Council
1999–2024: private use as a hotel
County HallBedfordBedfordshire1965–1969Brutalist style1970–2009: Bedfordshire County Council
2009–present: Bedford Borough Council
Shire HallReadingBerkshire1981Brutalist style1981–1998: Berkshire County Council
2000–2017: Foster Wheeler AG
2017–present: John Wood Group plc
City HallBristolBristol1938–1952Neo-Georgian style1956–present: Bristol City Council
County HallAylesburyBuckinghamshire1964–1966Brutalist style1966–2020: Buckinghamshire County Council
2020–present Buckinghamshire Council
Shire HallCambridgeCambridgeshire1932Neo-Georgian style1932–2020: Cambridgeshire County Council
2020–present: hotel and office development
New Shire HallAlconbury WealdCambridgeshire2019–2020Modern style2020–present: Cambridgeshire County Council
County HallChesterCheshire1938–1957Neo-Georgian style1957–2009: Cheshire County Council
2009–present: University of Chester
Municipal BuildingsMiddlesbroughCleveland1883–1889French Gothic Style1889–1968: Middlesbrough Borough Council
1968–1974: Teesside County Borough Council
1974–1996: Cleveland County Council
1966–present: Middlesbrough Council
Lys KernowTruroCornwall1966Brutalist style1966–2009: Cornwall County Council
2009–present: Cornwall Council
Cumbria HouseCarlisleCumberland / Cumbria2016Modern style2016–2023: Cumbria County Council
2023–present: Cumberland Council
County HallMatlockDerbyshire1867Victorian neo-gothic1867–1955: Smedley's Hydropathic Hospital
1955–present: Derbyshire County Council
County HallExeterDevon1958–1964Neo-classical style1964–present: Devon County Council
County HallDorchesterDorset1938–1955Art Deco style1955–2019: Dorset County Council
2019–present: Dorset Council
County HallDurhamCounty Durham1960–1963Brutalist style1963–present: Durham County Council
County HallLewesEast Sussex1968Modern style1968–present: East Sussex County Council
Also used by Lewes District Council
County HallBeverleyEast Riding of Yorkshire1881Flemish Renaissance style1889–1974: East Riding County Council
1974–1996: Humberside County Council
1996–present: East Riding of Yorkshire Council
County HallChelmsfordEssex1909Neo-classical style1909–present: Essex County Council
Shire HallGloucesterGloucestershire1816Neo-classical style1816–present: Gloucestershire County Council
City HallLondonGreater London2012Modern style2012–present: Greater London Authority
County HallManchesterGreater Manchester1973Modern style1974–1986: Greater Manchester County Council
1986–present: Commercial offices
Castle HillWinchesterHampshire1833Elizabethan style1889–present: Hampshire County Council
ShirehallHerefordHerefordshire1817Neo-classical style1889–1974: Herefordshire County Council
1998–present: Herefordshire Council
County HallHertfordHertfordshire1939Neo-Georgian style with Scandinavian elements1939–present: Hertfordshire County Council
County HallBostonHolland1927Gothic Revival style1927–1974: Holland County Council
1974–present:Public library
Walden HouseHuntingdonHuntingdonshire1674Jacobean style1889–1965: Huntingdonshire County Council
1965–1974: Huntingdon and Peterborough County Council
1974–present: Municipal offices and then private apartments
County HallMarchIsle of Ely1909Edwardian style1909–1965: Isle of Ely County Council
1974–present: Fenland District Council
County HallNewportIsle of Wight1938Neo-Georgian style1938–present: Isle of Wight County Council
County HallMaidstoneKent1824Greek Revival style1889–present: Kent County Council
County OfficesSleafordKesteven1856Italianate style1925–1974: Kesteven County Council
1974–present: North Kesteven District Council
County HallPrestonLancashire1882Queen Anne revival style1889–present: Lancashire County Council
County HallGlenfieldLeicestershire1967Brutalist style1967–present: Leicestershire County Council
County OfficesLincolnLindsey / Lincolnshire1932Neo-Georgian style1932–1974: Lindsey County Council
1974–present: Lincolnshire County Council
The GuildhallWestminsterMiddlesex1913Neo-Gothic style1913–1965: Middlesex County Council
1965–2009: Used as a court
2009–present: Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
Metropolitan HouseLiverpoolMerseyside1974Modern style1974–1986: Merseyside County Council
1986–present: Commercial offices
County HallNorwichNorfolk1968Modern style1968–present: Norfolk County Council
County HallNorthamptonNorthamptonshire1845Neo-classical style1899–2021: Northamptonshire County Council
2021–present: Tourist Information Centre
County HallMorpethNorthumberland1981Modern style1981–present: Northumberland County Council
County HallNorthallertonNorth Yorkshire1906Edwardian Baroque style1906–1974: North Riding County Council
1974–present: North Yorkshire County Council
County HallNottinghamNottinghamshire1954Modern style1954–present: Nottinghamshire County Council
County HallOxfordOxfordshire1841Gothic Revival style1899–present: Oxfordshire County Council
Catmose HouseOakhamRutland1781Neo-classical style1899–1974: Rutland County Council
1997–present: Rutland County Council
ShirehallShrewsburyShropshire1966Modern style1966–present: Shropshire County Council
County HallTauntonSomerset1935Neo-Georgian style1935–present: Somerset County Council
County HallBarnsleySouth Yorkshire1960Brutalist style1974–1986: South Yorkshire County Council
1974–2015: Commercial offices
County BuildingsStaffordStaffordshire1895Baroque revival style1899–present: Staffordshire County Council
Endeavour HouseIpswichSuffolk2003Modern style2003–present: Suffolk County Council
Woodhatch PlaceReigateSurrey1999Modern style2020–present: Surrey County Council
Sandyford HouseNewcastle upon TyneTyne and Wear1974Brutalist style1974–1986: Tyne and Wear County Council
1986–present: Commercial offices
Shire HallWarwickWarwickshire1758Neo-classical style1899–present: Warwickshire County Council
County HallBirminghamWest Midlands1970Brutalist style1974–1986: West Midlands County Council
1986–present: Commercial offices
County HallKendalWestmorland1939Neo-Georgian style1939–1974: Westmorland County Council
1974–2024: Municipal offices
County HallChichesterWest Sussex1933Neo-Georgian style1933–present: West Sussex County Council
County HallWakefieldWest Yorkshire1898Gothic Revival style1898–1974: West Riding County Council
1974–1986: West Yorkshire County Council
1986–present: Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
County HallTrowbridgeWiltshire1940Neo-Georgian style1940–present: Wiltshire County Council
County HallWorcesterWorcestershire1978Brutalist style1978–1998: Hereford and Worcester County Council
1998–present: Worcestershire County Council

Scotland

County halls ceased to have a role in Scotland in 1975, when a system of large regional councils was introduced. Former county halls in Scotland, with the county they served, include:
ImageNameTown or cityCountyYears builtStyleYears in useReference
County BuildingsAberdeenAberdeenshire1896Neoclassical style1896–1975: Aberdeenshire County Council
1975–present: commercial offices
County BuildingsForfarAngus1843Scottish baronial style1890–1975: Forfarshire County Council
1975–1996: Angus District Council
1996–present: Angus Council
County BuildingsInverarayArgyll1820Neoclassical style1890–1975: Argyll County Council
1975–present: Visitor attraction
County BuildingsAyrAyrshire1818Neoclassical style1890–1975: Ayrshire County Council
1975–1996: Strathclyde Regional Council
1996–present: South Ayrshire Council
County BuildingsBanffBanffshire1871Italianate style1890–1975: Banffshire County Council
1975–1996: Banff and Buchan District Council
1996–present: Local courthouse
County BuildingsDunsBerwickshire1856Jacobean style1890–1975: Berwickshire County Council
1975–1996: Berwickshire District Council
1996–2015: Local courthouse
County BuildingsRothesayButeshire1835Gothic Revival style1890–1975: Bute County Council
1975–2011: Local courthouse
2011–present: Private apartments
County OfficesWickCaithness1820Neo-Georgian style1930–1975: Caithness County Council
1975–2015: Offices for the delivery of local services
County BuildingsAlloaClackmannanshire1865Scottish baronial style1890–1975: Clackmannanshire County Council
1975–present: Local courthouse
County BuildingsDumfriesDumfriesshire1914Renaissance Revival style1890–1975: Dumfriesshire County Council
1975–1996: Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council
1996–present: Dumfries and Galloway Council
County BuildingsDumbartonDunbartonshire1965Brutalist style1965–1975: Dunbartonshire County Council
1975–2018: Offices for the delivery of local services
County BuildingsHaddingtonEast Lothian1833Gothic Revival style1890–1975: East Lothian County Council
1975–2015: Local courthouse
County BuildingsCuparFife1817Neoclassical style1890–1975: Fife County Council
1975–1996: North East Fife District Council
1996–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County BuildingsInvernessInverness-shire1876Gothic Revival style1930–1975: Inverness-shire County Council
1975–1996: Highland Regional Council
1996–present: Highland Council
County BuildingsStonehavenKincardineshire1865Neoclassical style1890–1935: Kincardineshire County Council
1935–2015: Local courthouse
County BuildingsKinrossKinross-shire1826Neoclassical style1890–1975: Kinross-shire County Council
1975–present: Business centre
County BuildingsKirkcudbrightKirkcudbrightshire1800Neoclassical style1925–1975: Kirkcudbrightshire County Council
1975–1996: Stewartry District Council
1996–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County BuildingsHamiltonLanarkshire1964International style1964–1975: Lanark County Council
1975–present: South Lanarkshire Council
County BuildingsEdinburghMidlothian1904Palladian style1904–1975: Midlothian County Council
1975–1996: Lothian Regional Council
1996–2018: Registrar's Office
2018–present: French Consulate-General and the French Institute for Scotland
County BuildingsElginMorayshire1866Neoclassical style1890–1975: Moray County Council
1975–present: Local courthouse
Town and County BuildingsNairnNairnshire1818Neoclassical style1890–1975: Nairn County Council
1975–1996: Nairn District Council
1996–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County BuildingsKirkwallOrkney1877Scottish baronial style1890–1975: Orkney County Council
1975–present: Local courthouse
County BuildingsPeeblesPeeblesshire1935Baroque style1935–1975: Peeblesshire County Council
1975–1996: Tweeddale District Council
1996–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County OfficesPerthPerthshire1838Neoclassical style1930–1975: Perthshire County Council
1975–1985: Perth and Kinross District Council
1995–present: Public library
County BuildingsPaisleyRenfrewshire1885Neoclassical style1890–1971: Renfrewshire County Council
1971–present: Local courthouse
County BuildingsDingwallRoss and Cromarty1965Modern style1965–1975: Ross and Cromarty County Council
1975–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County OfficesNewtown St BoswellsRoxburghshire1968Brutalist style1968–1975: Roxburghshire County Council
1975–1996: Scottish Borders Regional Council
1996–present: Scottish Borders Council
County BuildingsSelkirkSelkirkshire1870Scottish baronial style1890–1975: Selkirkshire County Council
1975–present: Local courthouse
County BuildingsStirlingStirlingshire1855Scottish baronial style1931–1975: Stirlingshire County Council
1975–1996: Central Regional Council
1996–present: Stirling Council
County OfficesGolspieSutherland1892Victorian style1892–1975: Sutherland County Council
1975–1996: Sutherland District Council
1996–2008: Offices for the delivery of local services
2008–present: Residential apartments
County BuildingsLinlithgowWest Lothian1935Neo-Georgian style1935–1975: West Lothian County Council
1975–2009: Offices for the delivery of local services
2018–present: Linlithgow Partnership Centre – Tam Dalyell House
County BuildingsWigtownWigtownshire1863Gothic Revival style1890–1975: Wigtownshire County Council
1975–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County BuildingsLerwickZetland1875Scottish baronial style1890–1975: Zetland County Council
1975–present: Local courthouse

Northern Ireland

County halls ceased to have a role in Northern Ireland in 1973, when a system of local government districts was introduced. Former county halls in Northern Ireland, with the county they served, include:
ImageNameTown or cityCountyYears builtStyleYears in useReference
County HallBallymenaCounty Antrim1970Modern style1970–1973: Antrim County Council
1973–present: Government offices
Charlemont PlaceArmaghCounty Armagh1830Georgian style1945–1973: Armagh County Council
1973–present: Government offices
Downpatrick CourthouseDownpatrickCounty Down1735Neoclassical style1899–1973: Down County Council
1973–present: Local courthouse
County BuildingsEnniskillenCounty Fermanagh1960Neo-Georgian style1960–1973: Fermanagh County Council
1973–2015: Government offices
2015–present: Offices for the delivery of local services
County HallColeraineCounty Londonderry1970Modern style1970–1973: Londonderry County Council
1973–present: Government offices
County HallOmaghCounty Tyrone1962Modern style1962–1973: Tyrone County Council
1973–present: Government offices

Wales

County halls in Wales, with the county they served, include:
;Historic counties
ImageNameTown or cityCountyYears builtStyleYears in useReference
Shire HallLlangefniAnglesey1899Jacobethan style1899–1974: Anglesey County Council
1974–1996: Ynys Mon Borough Council
1996–2019: Local registry office
Shire HallBreconBrecknockshire1843Neoclassical style1889–1974: Brecknockshire County Council
1974–present: Brecknock Museum / Y Gaer
County HallCaernarfonCaernarfonshire1863Neoclassical style1889–1974: Caernarfonshire County Council
1974–2009: Local courthouse
2009–2018: Private residence
2018–present: Concert hall and restaurant
County OfficesAberystwythCardiganshire1866Hôtel de Ville style1950–1974: Cardiganshire County Council
1974–2012: Local registry office and courthouse
County HallCarmarthenCarmarthenshire1955French Renaissance style1955–1974: Carmarthenshire County Council
1974–1996: Dyfed County Council
1996–present: Carmarthenshire County Council
County HallRuthinDenbighshire1909Neoclassical style1909–1974: Denbighshire County Council
1974–1996: Glyndŵr District Council
1996–present: Denbighshire County Council
County HallMoldFlintshire1967Brutalist style1967–1974: Flintshire County Council
1974–1996: Clwyd County Council
1996–present: Flintshire County Council
County HallCardiffGlamorganshire1912Beaux-Arts classical style1912–1974: Glamorgan County Council
1974–1996: Mid Glamorgan County Council
1996–present: Cardiff University
County HallDolgellauMerionethshire1825Neoclassical style1889–1952: Merionethshire County Council
1952–2016: Local courthouse
2018–present: Dentist's practice
Shire HallNewportMonmouthshire1902Edwardian style1902–1974: Monmouthshire County Council
1974–1978: Council workspace
2014–present: Private apartments
County OfficesWelshpoolMontgomeryshire1931Neo-Georgian style1931–1974: Montgomeryshire County Council
1974–1996: Montgomeryshire District Council
1996–2025: Offices for the delivery of local services
2025–present: Residential care facility
Shire HallHaverfordwestPembrokeshire1837Neoclassical style1889–1974: Pembrokeshire County Council
1974–2003: Local courthouse
2010–present: Commercial offices
County OfficesLlandrindod WellsRadnorshire1900Baroque Revival style1950–1974: Radnorshire County Council
1974–1996: Radnorshire District Council
1996–present: Offices for the delivery of local services

;Preserved counties
NameTown or cityCountyReference
County HallMoldClwyd
County HallCarmarthenDyfed
County HallCwmbranGwent
Council OfficesCaernarfonGwynedd
County HallCardiff Mid Glamorgan
County HallLlandrindod WellsPowys
County HallCardiff South Glamorgan
County HallSwanseaWest Glamorgan

Republic of Ireland

County halls in the Republic of Ireland, with the county they serve, include:
NameTown or cityCountyReference
County BuildingsCarlowCounty Carlow
Cavan CourthouseCavanCounty Cavan
County BuildingEnnisCounty Clare
County HallCorkCounty Cork
County HouseLiffordCounty Donegal
County HallDún LaoghaireDún Laoghaire–Rathdown
County HallSwordsFingal
County HallGalwayCounty Galway
County HallTraleeCounty Kerry
County BuildingNaasCounty Kildare
County HallKilkennyCounty Kilkenny
County HallPortlaoiseCounty Laois
County HallCarrick-on-ShannonCounty Leitrim
Civic OfficesLimerickCounty Limerick
County HallLongfordCounty Longford
County HallDundalkCounty Louth
County HallCastlebarCounty Mayo
County HallNavanCounty Meath
County OfficesMonaghanCounty Monaghan
County HallTullamoreCounty Offaly
County HallRoscommonCounty Roscommon
County HallSligoCounty Sligo
County HallTallaghtSouth Dublin
Civic OfficesNenaghCounty Tipperary
Civic OfficesClonmelCounty Tipperary
Civic OfficesDungarvanCounty Waterford
County BuildingsMullingarCounty Westmeath
County HallWexfordCounty Wexford
County BuildingsWicklowCounty Wicklow