Built on the remains of an ancient volcano, Exeter’s historic Crown Court carries the distinction of convicting the last witch to be executed in England.
On Wednesday, after centuries of dispensing justice, the court moved from its original site in the city centre to a new, multi-million pound home across town.
”Despite the inadequate accommodation, rising damp and the peeling paint, we shall miss the place,” Justice Alexander Butterfield said at a farewell ceremony. He began his career there as a junior lawyer.
Ancient Britons and Romans used the centre of this southwestern English city as a fortification before William the Conqueror built a castle there in the 11th century.
The castle buildings later formed the basis for an early court, which in the mid-1680s convicted Alice Molland of witchcraft. She was later executed.
The current Crown Court building was constructed in 1774 for general legal hearings known as the Assizes.
City fathers have not yet decided what to do with the old building, which is surrounded by some Roman walls.
The last cases were to be heard on Wednesday, with the first cases due to start at the new court building on Monday. – Sapa-AP