SNN106700 - Historic Building Report: The Sessions House, George Row, Northampton

The Sessions House is an L-shaped building situated on the south side of George Row. Its main range fronts the street with the Judge's Lodgings adjoining to the east and councuil offices, set back, adjoining to the west. The main wing runs southwards from the west end of the street-side range and the ground level falls away from the street so that the ground-floor level of the south ranges is lower than those to the north. The sessions House was built between 1675 and 1678 immediately after the fire in September 1675 that destroyed much of the town of Northampton. Plasterwork ceilings were added between 1684 and 1688 by Edward Goudge. The 17th century structure survives largely intact and consists of an L-shaped building designed to accommodate two courtrooms, criminal and civil, and a public area. It is possible that a low range to the south of the west wing of the sessions house was an original was an original feature, although the present wing has been much altered and appears to be late 18th century or early 19th century in date. This wing was extended eastwards in the 18th century, it is also possible that the east wing is contemporary with the Sessions House and that it was once open on its west side. This wing was shortened at its south end in the first half of the 19th century by the addition of a building which housed the record room. This building incorporated the 18th century extension of the range south of the west wing and closed the south side of the courtyard. The courtyard was still open in 1847 but was then roofed over by the erection of a lantern roofed building (called here the lantern) in the second half of the 19th century. This report may be updated when further information expected from Northamptonshire County Record Office is received.