The Old Shire Hall, also known as the Hotel Indigo Durham, is a Grade II listed building in Old Elvet, Durham.[1] The former municipal building was the headquarters of Durham County Council from 1898 to 1963 and has been a hotel since 2018.
History
In the 18th century the justices held the assizes in the Shire Hall (also known as the County House) beside Palace Green; they then moved to a new courthouse at the head of Old Elvet in 1811.[2] Following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1888, which established county councils in every county, it became necessary to find a meeting place for Durham County Council.[3] County leaders decided that the courthouse was not suitable for the purpose and chose to procure county council offices nearby: the site they selected in Old Elvet had previously been occupied by a row of large residential properties.[4]