Sessions House, Ely
Sessions House is one of the most iconic buildings in Ely and once acted as the seat of Law and Order for the entire area. Now the building is home to The City of Ely Council. Though often not open to the public, private and public tours along with events take place, organised by Visit Ely.
The order for the building of a new Sessions House was given in 1819. Extra land was purchased and an Act to approve the new Sessions House gained Royal assent in July 1820. The contractors were paid £6,000.
About 25 years later, a house of correction was built at the rear and the prison chapel was converted into a police station. Between 1865 and 1869 the north wing was appropriated for use as an armoury, and was taken over entirely for this purpose when, in 1878, the House of correction was closed under the Prisons Act of the previous year.
Repairs and alterations were made to the building in the C20th, most notably, a new set of railings were added to the front and the columns were repaired, the holding cells were modernised and the sides of the dock in the main courtroom were raised and the floor lowered.
Public Tours and Events will be advertised on www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk.
For private tours including Paranormal Investigations please email - info@visitely.org.uk
