Old Shire Hall, Durham

Durham’s Old Shire Hall is a striking Grade II listed landmark on Old Elvet Street. Designed by architects Harry Barnes and Frederick Coates in the Baroque Revival style, the building was completed in 1898 to serve as the headquarters for Durham County Council.

Erected with attention-grabbing red terracotta brickwork, ornate stone mouldings, a copper-clad dome crowning its central tower, and beautifully detailed wrought-iron entrance gates, the façade makes an impressive first impression. Internally, visitors would find a richly appointed council chamber flanked by stained‑glass windows, carved wood panelling, and decorative tiles-the kind of craftsmanship emblematic of the late Victorian era.

After the county council relocated to a new site in 1963, the building transitioned into Durham University’s administrative offices, a role it fulfilled until 2012. Following a period of vacancy, the historic Shire Hall was converted and reopened in 2018 as Hotel Indigo Durham, which richly preserves the building’s architectural heritage while offering modern boutique hospitality.

Today, a stroll past Old Shire Hall offers more than just a photo opportunity-it’s a chance to appreciate a bold example of Victorian civic pride and continuity of purpose. Its commanding presence amid Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage surroundings reminds visitors of the city’s long history of local governance, architecture, and evolving function. Whether you admire it from outside or stay inside as a guest, the building remains a charming testament to Durham’s civic legacy.