The Restored Court House

The Court House, the home of Warwick Town Council, stands at the central cross roads of Warwick, originally called High Cross. There’s evidence of a building on the site from 1340.

In 1694, the ‘Great Fire of Warwick’ destroyed a large part of the town centre. The Corporation found its Court House surrounded by smoking rubble and ‘somewhat scorched’. Francis Smith was commissioned to design a new courthouse constructed in sandstone. It was built between 1725 and 1728 and immediately became the fashionable centre of Warwick life, with balls, assemblies, dinners and public meetings, and soon became used as the Town Hall. The history of the Court House is covered in more detail on this page.

The Grade 1 listed building was reopened in 2014 after a major restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Town Council. Now it houses a new Visitor Information Centre, the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum of military artefacts, the Town Council Chamber and Offices, and a magnificent Regency Ballroom. Behind the building, the Pageant Garden is a haven of calm in the centre of town. The garden can be used to stage outdoor events. Details of the refurbishment can be found on this page.

Hire the Ballroom

The beautiful Georgian Ballroom on the first floor of the Court House in Jury Street is available for functions such as weddings, anniversary dinners, or business lunches. It has an adjoining kitchen, is licensed for drinks and music with an integrated sound system, and has full disabled access.  The Pageant Garden immediately behind the building provides a lovely setting in the heart of Warwick for outdoor events or photos. More information, including prices, can be found on the Warwick Town Council website. To check availability contact Fiona and Tabetha: events@warwicktowncouncil.org.uk

Our free Tours of the Court House

During the summer on selected Saturdays, Unlocking Warwick volunteers conduct 45-minute tours around the Court House, telling some of the rich history of Warwick since its founding in 914. There will be tours during the two Heritage Open Days weekends in September 2025 at 10.30 and 11am. The dates are September 13th and 20th, and there will be a final tour of this season on October 11th at 10.30am.Please reserve your place at the Visitor Information Centre: 01926 492212.