Court House / Shire Hall (site of), Castle Street

History of old Court House, Cambridge

Court House, Castle Hill

This was the site of the loggia-fronted Court House designed by T H Wyatt and D Brandon, built in 1841-3, Cambridgshire’s most lavish Early Victorian civic building according to Pevsner. It was demolished 1952-3.

1847 Romilly describes in his diary (July) the events surround the visit of the Queen to Cambridge. On the 5th ‘the Q &c went to the Concert at the S.H. to hear Alboni &c: Jenny Lind was not allowed to sing here.’

Romilly’s editor notes: among the other performers were Luigi Lablache, the Queen’s singing master, and the young Joachim who performed Mendelssohn’s violin concerto. The programme included two pieces by the conductor professor Walmisley, popular arias by Rossini, Mozart and Donizetti, overtures by Beethoven and Weber, and other favourites. Tickets were priced at 15 shillings and a guinea, and all profits were to go to Addenbrooke’s hospital.

Proclamation of accession of George V 10th May 1910

1910, Proclamation of King George V (MoC22/73)

Court House, Castle Hill

1913;

Mrs Green, hall-keeper

Ashley Tabrum. Clerk of the Peace for the County

Shire Hall circa 1917

Court House, Castle Street (MoC30/60)

Court House, Castle Street (MoC44/60)

Court House, Castle Street, Cambridge (Cambs Collection)

Albert Mutimer was living here as County Bailiff in 1917. He was married to Elizabeth and had two sons, Walter and Sidney, who were killed in World War One. The family were living at 68 Union Road in 1911.

Walter, b 1891, had been working for Eaden Lilley’s when he joined the Cambridge Territorials. He was a sergeant in the 1st Battalion when he went to France in June 1916. In April 1917 while home on leave he married Ruth Eveline. On 16th January 1918 Walter was wounded. He died on 12th April 1918; his daughter was born on 7th February.

Sidney, b 1894, also enlisted into the 1st Battalion Cambridgeshire. He was killed in action on 26th September 1917.