Carlisle Citadel

Carlisle Citadel or The Citadel is a former medieval fortress on English Street in Carlisle, Cumbria. It comprises two towers, both of which are Grade I listed buildings: the Nisi Prius Courthouse[1] and the former Crown Court.[2]

Carlisle Citadel
Carlisle Citadel with the Western Tower (on the left) and the Eastern Tower (on the right)
LocationCarlisle, Cumbria
Coordinates54.8920°N 2.9334°W / 54.8920; -2.9334
Built1541
ArchitectStephen von Haschenperg
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: Former Nisi Prius Court
Designated1 June 1949
Reference no.1196940
Listed Building – Grade I
Official name: Former Crown Court
Designated1 June 1949
Reference no.1196939
Location of Carlisle Citadel in Cumbria

History

The citadel was commissioned by King Henry VIII to replace the medieval Botcher's gate,[3] which was a gateway through the city walls. The new facility, which was designed by Stefan von Haschenperg as a medieval fortress, was completed in 1541.[3] It ceased to be a fortress and became a prison in 1611.[3] The Eastern Tower was modified to designs by Thomas Telford and Sir Robert Smirke and converted for use as a Nisi Prius Court (i.e. civil courts) in 1812.[3] The Western Tower was completely rebuilt to designs by Thomas Telford and Sir Robert Smirke and converted for use as the Crown Court in 1822.[3]

The citadel continued to be used as the local facility for dispensing justice but, following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1888, which established county councils in every county, it also became the offices and meeting place for Cumberland County Council.[4] After amalgamation with Westmorland County Council in 1974,[5] Cumbria County Council continued to use the facilities at the Citadel as offices. The County Council also occupied a series of Victorian houses on Portland Square, Brunswick Street and Alfred Street North in Carlisle[6] as well as Lonsdale House in Lower Gaol Yard.[7]

The citadel ceased to function as a judicial facility after the new Crown and County Courts Complex in Earl Street was completed in 1992.[8] It also ceased to function as a municipal facility when, as a cost-saving measure, the County Council moved to a single facility, Cumbria House, in Botchergate in December 2016.[9] The County Council has been seeking to redevelop the Citadel since 2016.[10]

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References
  1. Historic England. "Nisi Prius Courthouse, Associated Offices and Gate Arch (1196940)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  2. Historic England. "Crown Court, Adjoining Offices and Gate Arch (1196939)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  3. "Carlisle Citadel". Britain Express. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  4. "Local Government Act 1888". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
  5. Local Government Act 1972. 1972 c.70. The Stationery Office Ltd. 1997. ISBN 0-10-547072-4.
  6. "Ex-county council offices in Carlisle put up for sale". News and Star. 23 November 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  7. "Going, going gone....Carlisle's county council offices are set for demolition". News and Star. 15 March 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  8. "Carlisle". County History Trust. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  9. "Cumbria County Council new offices now complete". Eric Wright. 19 December 2016. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
  10. "£6m shops and hotel plan for The Citadel in Carlisle". News and Star. 12 April 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
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