The ancient structure was taken down at the close of the last century, and the present edifice erected on its site.
The principal entrance is through a handsome portico of Grecian Doric architecture. It is 103 feet by 35, and consists of a centre and two wings connected by covered passages. The ten fluted columns, which compose the peristyle in the centre, are each cut out of a single block of stone. It is situated in the centre of a semicircular sunk fence or foss, 13 feet deep, and 390 feet in diameter, cased with hewn stone, surmounted with stone pedestals at equal distances, and the spaces filled with handsome iron rails, forming the north-west boundary of the esplanade.
On the western side of the esplanade is the Armoury, capable of containing between 30,000 and 40,000 stand of arms. This is well worthy the inspection of strangers, who cannot fail to be struck with the excellent state in which the military stores are kept, and the tasteful arrangement of the arms.
Within the gate at the east end of this range of buildings is the guard-house, behind which is a venerable tower, called Julius Agricola’s, or Cæsar’s, which is still entire, and partly occupied as a magazine. Within this tower is a curious chapel, mentioned in the tax-book of Henry VIII. as the chantry “infra Castrum Cestriæ” and yielding as its tenth 10s. 8d. It is an upper chamber, about 19 feet by 16, and 16 feet in height. The roof, which is vaulted and groined, is of stone. On one side is a plain pointed recess in the wall, the back of which appears to have been ornamented with paintings, and was probably the altar. James II. heard mass in this chapel.
The Gaol and County Hall.
The principal entrance to the Shire Hall is through a portico of twelve columns in double rows, 22 feet high, and 3 feet 1½ inches in diameter, each formed of a single stone. The ceiling, roof, and covering, are also of stone. The hall is of a semicircular form, measuring 80 feet by 50, including the judgment-seat, and 44 feet high, and is lighted from above. The ceiling is a semi-dome, boldly caissoned with ventilators opening to the roof, in the shape of ornamental roses. It is supported by a row of twelve Ionic columns, each composed of a single stone, from the bases of which there is a gradual descent by a flight of circular steps to the bar, which enables every one in the body of the court to have a perfect view of the judges, counsel, prisoners, and witnesses. There is a subterraneous passage from the dock to the prison, which affords both facility and safety in the removal of the prisoners.
On the right of the entrance to the County Hall are the Grand Jury Room and the Prothonotary’s Offices. In a small room on the ground floor is the model of the Grosvenor Bridge, and there are full length portraits of William III., Charles II., George I., George II., and Frederick, Prince of Wales.
On the left is the entrance to the County Gaol, which may vie in every respect with any other establishment of the sort in the kingdom. It is built upon two levels. On the east side of the range of buildings on the upper level is the Deputy-Governor’s house; adjoining are the day and sleeping rooms of the male debtors, with a large and commodious yard, commanding a view of the surrounding country; and in an extensive wing are the convicts’ cells, apartments for the female debtors and prisoners, with the matron’s house and hospital. In the centre, projecting beyond the level, and of a semicircular form, so as to command a view of the court yards, &c., are the gaoler’s or governor’s apartments. Underneath the governor’s apartments, and of the same form, is the chapel, which has lately been rebuilt and much improved. It is situate between the upper and lower level, and so contrived as to receive the debtors and criminals into different compartments, from their respective court yards. Divine service is performed in the chapel every morning during the week, and twice every Sunday. The Rev. J. M. Kilner is the present chaplain, who is most indefatigable in the discharge of his duties. On the lower level, under the jailor’s house, are the felons’ yards, five in number. They are spacious and airy, and each contains a pump and trough. A sort of area or passage surrounds these yards, and beyond that is the outside wall, built of immense blocks of stone, and conveying at once the idea of security and solidity. Nothing can exceed the excellent discipline and general arrangement of the prisoners. A large proportion of the prisoners are profitably employed, under the superintendence of a task-master. They are chiefly engaged in calico, rug, and carpet weaving, shoe-making, and basket-making. The greater part of the articles of clothing and bed furniture used within the walls are manufactured by them; and the store-room presents the appearance of a complete depository of useful articles for the prison, of almost every description.
There is also a commodious schoolroom, which is efficiently superintended. Everything relating to the internal management of this prison is complete in each department, and reflects the highest credit on the governor, Mr. Dunstan.
Previous to the new erections, on the east side of the lower court stood the ancient Shire Hall, in which the courts of justice for the county used to be held. It was a magnificent building, nearly 90 feet in length, and 45 in breadth; the height very lofty, and worthy the state apartment of the first Norman Earl, Hugh Lupus, who required a hall suitable to the greatness of his hospitality. Adjoining to this hall was the Court of Exchequer, or Court of Chancery, of the county palatine of Chester. It was the Parliament House of the little kings of the palatinate, and had neat gothic seats for the abbot and eight barons.