The Judge's Lodging

Home , Presteigne, Radnorshire

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BBC Homepage Wales Home The Judge's Lodging more from this section Last updated: 24 November 2005 Presteigne For four centuries, Presteigne 2006 Art Show doled out justice to the law- Ask a Local Building on the Past breakers of Radnorshire and in From Russia... 1829, a grand new courtroom Grounds for Living BBC Local opened in the town - the Judge's Lodging - 1920s Mid Wales Judge's Lodging. Local Dialect Things to do Local Photos My Town People & Places Potted History Nature & Outdoors Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts History Today, the Judge's Lodging is an award-winning museum. It Sheep Music 2009 The Judge's Lodging Religion & Ethics opened its doors to the public in 1997 after extensive refurbishment restored the building to its former glory. Tour de Presteigne Arts & Culture Useful Info Music The museum's manager Gabrielle Rivers has written about TV & Radio how Presteigne came to be chosen as the location for Local BBC Sites Radnorshire's main courtroom - and recounts some of the News quirky cases to come before the town's judges. Sport Weather "The murder in Rhayader of one judge in the 1530s was to Travel change the life of the tiny border town of Presteigne forever. Neighbouring Sites Rhayader, chosen as the venue for the Court of King's Great North East Wales Sessions, was obviously not a safe enough place for eminent North West Wales men to abide and in 1542 Prestienge was chosen as an South East Wales alternative. Its life as the legal seat of Radnorshire was set South West Wales for more than 400 years and with it the development of Related BBC Sites Presteigne into Radnorshire's county town. Wales Cymru By the early 1800s Presteigne was thriving in its legal and Canolbarth administrative roll for the county. Not only did it host the Great Sessions (called Assizes after 1830) but also the Quarter sessions, where the Magistrates met to try minor offences and carry out their administrative duties (rather like a County Council does today).

There was a Shire Hall for the trials and hearings, a lodging house for the judges and a gaol. However, the old Shire Hall was on the brink of collapse - in 1828 a local contractor was even paid to prop up the Shire Hall for a parliamentary election! - causing a barrage of complaints form the magistrates.

The judges had to be housed at the other end of the town from the court and the gaol was in such disrepair that it was hard for them to keep up with the number that escaped! Something had to be done. The gaol was demolished and a new one built on the edge of town - at least the villains were secure, but what about the judges?

By 1825 the magistrates knew that matters had to be improved. They advertised in the local press for tenders to build a new Shire Hall, Court of Justice and Judge's Lodging on the site of the old gaol and in 1826 Edward Haycock, an eminent architect from Shrewsbury, was chosen to carry out the work.

Beset by financial worries, the magistrates originally ordered that only the shell of the judge's apartments be built, then a further expense was caused by springs breaking through the ground of the apartments causing a new drainage system to be installed. It was not until 1829 that the lodging rooms themselves were furnished and the building declared finished.

On the 24th August the new building housed its first Great Sessions, when a horse thief was sentenced to death (commuted to transportation for life) and a man who had stolen clothing from his employer was likewise sentenced to 14 years transportation.

Many of the court cases were written up in the Hereford Times and Hereford Journal, including that of two Knighton labourers who were arguing over the ownership of a pair of underpants which were apparently identified due to their distinguishing marks'!

The Radnorshire juries themselves won a reputation for a reluctance to convict, not surprising when they probably knew the people up before them. It is alleged that one judge, being driven to Knighton to catch his train, spotted a hare being hotly pursued by two greyhounds - 'nothing but a Radnorshire jury can save that hare' he cried. Whether or not the story is true, it does reflect the attitude towards the juries of the time!

In 1834 a Quarter Sessions Jury was fined for tossing a coin to decide their verdict - the difficult decision being made impossible by one of them being the prisoner's brother in law.

As the years progressed, a number of additional uses were found for this grand and commodious building: In 1834 it was decided that the judges apartments were to be rented out when the judge was not in residence - what a waste, they thought for such good room to be unused for all but a few weeks of the year!

The 1860s saw temperance lectures, brass band concerts, use as the Officers' Mess of the Radnor Militia in 1865 and in 1874 it hosted a fancy dress ball to celebrate the opening of the Presteigne railway.

The 20th century has seen this multitude of uses continue, with the grand rooms being used for many social functions, meetings, elections and even housing the local museum and library.

By the end of the 19th century, however, increasing popularity of Llandrindod Wells meant that the newly formed County Council (1888 Local Government Act) chose the thriving spa resort as its future meeting place, sealing the fate of Presteigne's county town status.

Llandrindod did not, however, take the legal duties from Presteigne - it was not until October 1970 when Mr Justice Mars-Jones sat at the Autumn Assizes that the building said goodbye to the judges, with the magistrates continuing to deal with the lesser criminal matters for another 20 years."

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BBC Homepage Wales Home Judge's Lodging more from this section Last updated: 24 November 2005 Presteigne Read more about the history of 2006 Art Show the Judge's Lodging museum at Ask a Local Building on the Past Presteigne in the second part of From Russia... a fascinating article by museum Grounds for Living BBC Local manager Gabrielle Rivers. Judge's Lodging - 1920s Mid Wales Local Dialect Things to do Local Photos My Town People & Places Potted History Nature & Outdoors Presteigne Festival of Music and the History "As the use of the Shire Hall dwindled, its condition of repair Arts Sheep Music 2009 Religion & Ethics worsened. By the early 1990s drastic action was needed if the building was to be saved from irreversible decay and, even The Judge's Lodging Arts & Culture Tour de Presteigne worse, demolition. Several suggestions were made as to what Music Useful Info could be done with the building, including part of it being used TV & Radio as a legal or social history display. related bbc.co.uk links Local BBC Sites Local History News Historical Consultant, Dr Charles Kightly, was invited to inspect Sport the building and discuss this possibility. The interior was not related www links Weather too bad, despite rampant damp (and redecoration in rather The Judge's Lodging Travel garish SOs designs); some of the original furniture, though Neighbouring Sites rather battered, was still in place and then there were the North East Wales attics... North West Wales South East Wales Never throw anything away - it might prove useful one day! South West Wales Thank goodness the Shire Hall housekeepers of the 20th century had believed this! The attics were full of broken Related BBC Sites Wales furniture, glassware, a whole trunk full of silverware, and portraits. The future of the building was set. It was decided Cymru that it should be transformed back to its mid Victorian heyday, Canolbarth not just as a social history museum, but as a real working Victorian house.

More and more came to light as the work started on the building - forgotten corners in the basement contained original water cans for filling the bath, plate warmers, coal scuttles, boarded-up fireplaces were rediscovered - even the kitchen water pump could be got to work again once the numerous layers of emulsion were stripped away.

Through three years the building was carefully restored to its former glory. Structural repairs, especially to the roof and a major damp-proofing of the basement were undertaken whilst armies of electricians, gas-fitters, decorators and furniture restorers marched in and out. Outside, paint scrapes revealed samples of the original yellow ochre paintwork, whilst inside the electricity was gradually removed (there are some concealed emergency lights and plug sockets for cleaning!) and replaced with real fires, oil lamps, candles and gas.

Gas lighting was first introduced to the building in 1860, powered by the newly established gas works in Hereford Street. It was, however, fitted only in the basement where the servants lived and worked - it was reported that they should see how the thing worked first before incurring further expense', ie. they were testing it out on the servants! It was eventually fitted in the courtroom, but was apparently considered too down market for the judge's apartments, leaving the judges to struggle down stairs by candlelight to the one toilet! Next the rooms themselves were the focus of attention. All furnishings in need of repair were removed to restorers, whilst decoration took place. Samples of paintwork from the woodwork in each room were used to match new paints and, due to the complete stripping of all Victorian papers in the past, replica wallpapers were chosen for their colour compatibility and date.

Each room within the lodgings themselves was furnished with a new carpet - all copied from Victorian originals (mainly from the V&A collection), with the Drawing Room carpet actually copying its surviving original (very threadbare and with a large hole cut from it) and new curtains hung at each window.

When it came to furnishing the rooms all the original pieces, freshly restored, were put back into their places. The more public rooms, such as the Dining Room and Drawing Room had survived well, but the private facilities, such as the bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen had suffered from continually being updated. The Victorian beds had been thrown away, the tin bath replaced by a new one and the kitchen, which had been in continual use hand be modernised over the years, leaving cupboards, tables and one jelly mould!

To replace the items lost, the antique shops of the surrounding area was searched for suitable items, with local provenance being sought wherever possible and 74 pieces arrived on loan from The Museum of Welsh Life, St Fagan's, many of which actually came from Presteigne originally. The rooms were then ready for their new life as a living museum.

The next task was to bring the house back to life. An audio tour was recorded in which the Victorian inhabitants of the building tell of their life - from Mary the hardworking maid, to Richard Lister Venebles, Chairman of the Magistrates and employer of famous Victorian diarist, Francis Kilvert. Local people were used for the servants voices, to provide real Radnorshire accents, with Mr Venebles being played by the distinguished voice of actor Robert Hardy.

Mr Venebles reminisces about all the changes he has seen in this life - the railway, photography, gas lighting to name a few; Mary gets tired carrying the water for the bath up the 42 steps from basement to bathroom; the cooks shows off where the servants live and work, whilst poor William Morgan complains about the rats in his cell to Constable Rogers.

The Courtroom itself was given its own sound system which plays a dramatisation of the 1860s trial of William Morgan, accused of stealing ducks from Llanshay Farm in Knighton. The building and its history has been put into context with exhibition rooms introducing Presteigne and its surrounding area called 'Neither Wales nor England' and the old Presteigne Museum collection has a new home in its own room. To finish it of, it was decided to make a 'hand on' policy for the building - everything works and can be touched.

On 24th May 1997, Robert Hardy stepped out of his horse drawn 1860s carriage, cut the ribbon and declared the building open. You can now visit the building for yourself. It is open from 10am every day, 1st March - 31st October and Wednesday - Sunday 1 November - 22nd December (other times by appointment). See you in court!" Part 1 Photo Tour Written by Gabrielle Rivers, the manager of the Judge's Lodging museum.

You'll find details of other visitor attractions in our What's On section.

your comments

Beatson Numurkah Vic Aust A relative of mine was the governor of Radnor Gaol William Paytoe one of the associated names was Evans, curious. Thu Oct 18 09:19:45 2007

John Evans, Penybontfawr I read with interest the article about Prestigne assizes and I then realized that I was the last police officer to give evidence at that court. I gave the antecedents of a man who pleaded guilty to a rape in Cheshire. After the case all the staff had an excellent lunch at a local hotel and it was all free. Mon Jul 25 12:02:38 2005

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BBC Homepage Wales Home Judge's Lodging - 1920s more from this section Last updated: 05 September 2008 Presteigne Herbert Thomas from Stroud in Gloucestershire sent us this 2006 Art Show photograph of the Judge's Lodging at around 1920 and asks if Ask a Local Building on the Past anyone recognises the people on the steps: From Russia... Grounds for Living BBC Local Judge's Lodging - 1920s Mid Wales Local Dialect Things to do Local Photos My Town People & Places Potted History Nature & Outdoors Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts History Sheep Music 2009 The Judge's Lodging Religion & Ethics Tour de Presteigne Arts & Culture Useful Info Music TV & Radio

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales South West Wales "I enclose a photograph I believe was taken outside the Related BBC Sites Judge's Lodgings at Presteigne on a Polling Day in about Wales 1920. The man in the top hat is probably my Great Cymru Grandfather Richard Morris. Canolbarth He was born 25 Feb 1837 and lived at NORTON for many years. He was the Blacksmith and in later life lived at Rowley Farm, Presteigne. The lady at the front I believe is his daughter Elizabeth 'Bessie' Morris.

The man may be a Major Thompson who may have been the Returning Officer and the other lady is probably his wife. Maj. Thompson was killed in the First World War and his two sons in the 2nd World War.

I would welcome confirmation of the above or any other background information."

Photo and message from Herbert Thomas

Take a photo tour of the Judge's Lodging...

your comments

Clare MacDiarmid from walsall My name is Clare MacDiarmid. I am the daughter Of Roger Traylor who is a cousin of Herbert Thomas. The photograph shows my Great Great Grandfather and My grest Grandmother. My dads mother was Amy Morris who is a sister of Herbert's mother. I saw the photograph and was interested because the lady at the front looked very similar to my late grandmother, Amy. Then when I read Herbert's comment realised we were the same family.. Fri Jan 8 10:11:36 2010

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BBC Homepage Wales Home Judge's Lodging more from this section Last updated: 24 November 2005 Presteigne Take a step back in time with our virtual tour of the Judge's 2006 Art Show Ask a Local Lodging in Presteigne and find out more about how Victorian Building on the Past judges lived. From Russia... Grounds for Living BBC Local Read about the history of the Judge's Lodging. Judge's Lodging - 1920s Mid Wales Local Dialect Things to do Local Photos My Town People & Places Potted History Nature & Outdoors Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts History Sheep Music 2009 The Judge's Lodging Religion & Ethics Tour de Presteigne Arts & Culture Useful Info Music TV & Radio related bbc.co.uk links Mid Wales Slideshows Local BBC Sites News Sport Weather Travel

Neighbouring Sites North East Wales

North West Wales Judge's Lodging, Presteigne South East Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 South West Wales

Related BBC Sites Built in 1829, the Judge's Lodging at Presteigne was a grand Wales and impressive building, housing a courtroom as well as Cymru posh accommodation for judges of the Victorian era. Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Lord Chief Justice Campell South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales Lord Chief Justice Campell stayed in the building in the Cymru 1850s and described the accommodation there as "the most Canolbarth commodious and elegant apartments for a judge in all England and Wales".

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Constables South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales Four Radnorshire Constables from the 1920s who would Cymru escort defendants to and from the courtroom. Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Courtroom South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales It was in this vast courtroom that the Great Sessions were Cymru held. Cases heard within these walls included that of a horse Canolbarth thief who was sentenced to death (commuted to transportation for life) and a man who had stolen clothing

from his employer who was sentenced to 14 years transportation. 10 May 2012 Accessibility help Text only

Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales A child tries on a wig South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales Children who visit the museum love to hear the case of the Cymru stolen underpants - when two local labourers argued over Canolbarth the ownership of a pair of underpants which were apparently identified due to their distinguishing marks! Staff also

organise popular Victorian Games such as squeak piggy squeak, tag, charades and blind mans buff. 10 May 2012 Accessibility help Text only

Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Drawing room South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales The judges' appartments have been lovingly restored Cymru Canolbarth

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Local BBC Sites News Sport Weather Travel

Neighbouring Sites North East Wales

North West Wales Pantry South East Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 South West Wales

Related BBC Sites As they wander from room to room, visitors hear an Wales eavesdropping audio tour of voices from the past - including Cymru the story of Mary the hardworking maid. Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Kitchen South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales This is a living museum - you can touch. You can even pump Cymru water in the kitchen. Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Servants' hall South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales This is "downstairs" - the 'Servants Hall' where the servants Cymru would have their food... Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Dining room South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales ...and this is "upstairs" where the judges would dine. Cymru Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Dressing room South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales The Judge's dressing room where he would put on his robes Cymru and wigs before making his way to the courtroom. Canolbarth

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Neighbouring Sites North East Wales North West Wales South East Wales Judge's bedroom South West Wales 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Related BBC Sites Wales After a hard day's sentencing, the Judge would retire to his Cymru grand four-poster bed for a well-earned rest. Canolbarth Today, the Judge's Lodging building is also home to Presteigne's Tourist Information Centre and a permanent exhibition called 'Neither Wales nor England', which tells the history of the Radnor Borders region. Read more about the history of the Judge's Lodging Mid Wales Visitor Attractions More Mid Wales Slideshows