County Hall
Encyclopedia
A county hall or shire hall is usual name given to a building housing a county
's administration
. The location of the county hall has usually denoted the county town
, and as county halls have moved it has also been considered that the county town has moved, for example when Derbyshire County Council moved from Derby
to Matlock in the 1950s. As important government buildings, many county halls are known for their distinctive architecture
. Some county halls are historic buildings at the heart of the town, whilst others are more modern office building in suburban locations. Many buildings which have lost their administrative function have retained the name county hall for historic reasons, such as County Hall, London
.
County Halls usually contain a council chamber, committee rooms and offices. Many have also been home to court rooms, however in recent years many have moved to separate buildings.
County Halls in Great Britain
and Ireland
include:
County
A county is a jurisdiction of local government in certain modern nations. Historically in mainland Europe, the original French term, comté, and its equivalents in other languages denoted a jurisdiction under the sovereignty of a count A county is a jurisdiction of local government in certain...
's administration
Local government
Local government refers collectively to administrative authorities over areas that are smaller than a state.The term is used to contrast with offices at nation-state level, which are referred to as the central government, national government, or federal government...
. The location of the county hall has usually denoted the county town
County town
A county town is a county's administrative centre in the United Kingdom or Ireland. County towns are usually the location of administrative or judicial functions, or established over time as the de facto main town of a county. The concept of a county town eventually became detached from its...
, and as county halls have moved it has also been considered that the county town has moved, for example when Derbyshire County Council moved from Derby
Derby
Derby , is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands region of England. It lies upon the banks of the River Derwent and is located in the south of the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. In the 2001 census, the population of the city was 233,700, whilst that of the Derby Urban Area was 229,407...
to Matlock in the 1950s. As important government buildings, many county halls are known for their distinctive architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
. Some county halls are historic buildings at the heart of the town, whilst others are more modern office building in suburban locations. Many buildings which have lost their administrative function have retained the name county hall for historic reasons, such as County Hall, London
County Hall, London
County Hall is a building in Lambeth, London, which was the headquarters of London County Council and later the Greater London Council . The building is on the bank of the River Thames, just north of Westminster Bridge, facing west toward the City of Westminster, and close to the Palace of...
.
County Halls usually contain a council chamber, committee rooms and offices. Many have also been home to court rooms, however in recent years many have moved to separate buildings.
County Halls in Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
and Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
include:
- County Hall, Abingdon
- County Hall, CardiffCounty Hall, CardiffThe County Hall is the head office of Cardiff Council , located beside the disused Bute East Dock in the Atlantic Wharf area of Butetown, Cardiff.-Design and construction:...
- Cork County HallCork County HallThe County Hall is a 17-storey office block, owned by Cork County Council and housing its administrative headquarters. The building is located on Carrigrohane Road in the City of Cork...
- County Hall, WakefieldCounty Hall, WakefieldCounty Hall or West Riding County Hall stands at the corner of Bond Street and Cliff Parade in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. It is the main headquarters of Wakefield City Council....
- County Hall, LondonCounty Hall, LondonCounty Hall is a building in Lambeth, London, which was the headquarters of London County Council and later the Greater London Council . The building is on the bank of the River Thames, just north of Westminster Bridge, facing west toward the City of Westminster, and close to the Palace of...
- County Hall (Surrey)County Hall (Surrey)County Hall is the main government building for the county of Surrey in England. It was opened 13 November 1893, and is located in Kingston upon Thames. County Hall is a landmark in Kingston and contains a clock tower entrance, sculptures, plaques of Surrey MPs and Lord Sheriffs, and the council...
- Shire Hall, MonmouthShire Hall, MonmouthThe Shire Hall in Monmouth was the centre for the Assize Courts and Quarter Sessions for Monmouthshire. It was also used as a market place. Shire Hall is currently used as the offices for Monmouth Town Council.-History:...
- Shire Hall, NewportShire Hall, NewportThe Shire Hall is a building in Newport, Wales which served as the County Hall for Monmouthshire until the Monmouth County Council was wound up in 1974. It continued to be used as local government headquarters until 1978 and has subsequently been converted into offices...