Evening sunset behind former County Court and Inland revenue Office 1887, The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, Lancashire, England,UK, WN1 1NA
Gerard Winstanley House which was formerly the towns magistrates court and police station but is now the home of a multi-arts thriving creative community. It is a Grade II listed building dating back to around 1887 and of course, the first thing that hits you is the brickwork. The official records describe it as "red brick in Flemish bond with sandstone dressings and a slate roof". The buildings stand on Crawford Street opposite the small little garden that belongs to the Parish Church of All Saints and it really does cut a very imposing figure from a seat in that garden. But the dramatic architecture doesn't stop there - not only do we have the amazing red brickwork and intricate dressings, but we have towers and turrets too! The spiked tower at the bottom end of Crawford Street rises high above the brickwork pointing right up to the often dark skies above. This is where the main entrance to the courts was, its large welcoming doorway still a big feature of the facade. The symmetry and absolute craftsmanship of the building never fail to impress These days the courts and police station have long gone, updated and replaced elsewhere in the town and everyone wondered what might happen to this magnificent building. Would it go to rack and ruin like so many other buildings in the town, or would there be new life breathed into it, would it get a second chance? The answer was firmly YES as the building was purchased and occupied by The Old Courts who have transformed the place and have refurbished the interior (still an ongoing project) to provide Art Galleries, a Theatre, a Live Music venue, a Cafe, a Record store, Band rehearsal rooms, Conference and Events space and even a bar. Bailiff Bar is at the very bottom of the building around the corner from Crawford Street and on to King Street West.
Size: 5472px × 3648px
Location: The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, Lancashire, England,UK, WN1 1NA
Photo credit: © Tony Smith / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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