Find out about our history
About The Courthouse
A warm welcome
Welcome to The Courthouse, one of the most iconic buildings in South Cheshire located in the centre of Knutsford. The magnificent building has been refurbished to emulate the building's history and grandeur-style. It is home to Barristers Restaurant & Rooftop Gardens and The Court Room, a magnificent wedding & events space.
The Courthouse has become one of Cheshire’s most prestigious venues for weddings, conferences, private dining, exclusive hire, meetings and events.
In July 2018, 10 luxury bedrooms will be opened in the existing wings. Each bedroom will be individually designed with contemporary style yet in keeping with the magnificent architecture befitting the iconic building.
1292
Knutsford was established as a market town on 3rd August 1292 when William de Tabley, Lord of Knutsford paid for a charter from Edward I which established a weekly market on Saturday’s and a 3 day fair at the end of June.
1575
Decision was made to hold the County Quarter Sessions in rotation with Chester, Northwich & Middlewich. A part from the prestige this brought to Knutsford, it provided trade and business.
1744
St John the Baptist Church, opposite to The Courthouse was built by local architect J.Garlive.
1815 - 1818
The Sessions House and House of Correction (prison: now Booths supermarket) is built. George Moneypenny was the selected architect who had been involved in the design of county goal’s throughout the UK. The Grade II* listed building & facade was influenced by the Doric theatre’s and 'buildings of importance' from Rome.
1819
A report from George Moneypenny to the Committee (Council) issued in February 1819 itemised sums of £6,045 over the agreed original costs to construction, meaning the design & build was over budget by c.28%. In a statement; Moneypenny said ‘an error in my sums’ was to blame… he was removed as architect. Little is known about George Moneypenny after he was dismissed however his work at Knutsford received praise and the Manchester Mercury famously commenting about The Sessions House;
“Was a building so high in renown,
That a Lord might live there,
But one hardly believes,
That such a fine place,
Was built only for thieves”.
“Was a building so high in renown,
That a Lord might live there,
But one hardly believes,
That such a fine place,
Was built only for thieves”.
1820
William Heap was hired to finish the works on the outbuildings but records state; “Heap was too accused of incompetence and chicanery and was also dismissed due to not having much business for several years and not a man of very fair character”. Heap objected to this and took the Committee to court and won his case. The Committee were ordered to pay him £19,647.6s.9d.
The collapse of the working relationship between the Committee, its architect and its builder may partly explain the lack of archival records and there is a limited amount of drawings and documents after this date.
The collapse of the working relationship between the Committee, its architect and its builder may partly explain the lack of archival records and there is a limited amount of drawings and documents after this date.
1820
There is no official document for the opening of the prison but the Goal Visiting register began in September 1820.
1886 - 1912
7 hangings took place outside the court (all men).
2014
The Sessions House closes its doors and judicial proceedings are moved to Crewe & Northwich due to lack of use.
2016
Flat Cap Hotels acquires The Sessions House and completes a full change of use to open the The Courthouse up to the public for the very first time in its history.
2017
After a full refurbishment and restoration of the building; The Courthouse opened with Barristers Restaurant & Bar, The Court Room and The Moneypenny Suite for weddings, events, functions and conferences.
2018
11 luxury bedrooms in the existing wings and the Rooftop Gardens opens in July.
