Castle Hill, Winchester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle Hill |
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Part of the eastern elevation of Castle Hill Offices
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| Type | Council offices |
| Location | Winchester, Hampshire |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architect | Owen Browne Carter |
| Architectural style(s) | Elizabethan style |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Castle Hill Offices County Hall | |
| Designated | 14 January 1974 |
| Reference no. | 1167140 |
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Listed Building – Grade II
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| Official name: Castle Avenue Offices County Hall | |
| Designated | 14 January 1974 |
| Reference no. | 1167078 |
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Castle Hill is a group of buildings in Winchester, Hampshire, England. These buildings are used as offices for the local council. There are two main parts: the Castle Hill Offices and the Castle Avenue Offices. Both are special historic buildings, known as Grade II listed buildings. They get their name from Winchester Castle, which is nearby.
Contents
A Look Back: Castle Hill's Story
How It Started
The Castle Hill buildings were first designed by Owen Browne Carter. They were built in the Elizabethan style, which was popular in England a long time ago. The construction finished in 1833.
At first, these offices helped the local courts. Judges and legal officials used them to manage justice. Later, in 1888, a new law called the Local Government Act 1888 changed how local areas were run. This law created "county councils" in every county. After this, Castle Hill also became the main offices and meeting place for the Hampshire County Council.
Building Changes Over Time
The Castle Hill Offices were rebuilt in 1895. The new design was made by James Robinson and Sir Arthur Blomfield. They used local materials like flint and Bath stone. The building had a unique front with large bay windows and a tower. Inside, the most important rooms were the council chamber and meeting rooms.
The Castle Avenue Offices were also rebuilt in two stages. The first part was finished in 1912, designed by William John Taylor and Sir Thomas Jackson. The second part was completed in 1932, designed by Sir Herbert Baker. This section also used flint and Bath stone. It featured many different types of windows, including bay windows and windows with vertical or horizontal bars.
Military Connections
From the late 1800s, these offices also served as the headquarters for a local army unit. This unit was part of the Royal Hampshire Regiment. In 1908, it became the 4th Battalion the Hampshire Regiment. When World War I started in August 1914, the battalion gathered at Castle Hill before heading off to India.
Over time, the council needed more space than Castle Hill could offer. So, a new, larger building was constructed nearby. This building, called Queen Elizabeth II Court, was finished in 1960. It is a big red-brick building with a clock tower.
Castle Hill Today
Today, the Castle Hill Offices are still used by the county council. They hold important meetings in the council chamber and other meeting rooms. Since September 2014, the Winchester Register Office has also been located in these buildings.
