Architectural Note:-
This is discussed under the section on Westminster Hall in Courts and Offices Surveys (see above). However, it should be noted that one of the reasons that the construction of Soane's New Law Courts proceeded from south to north may have been to allow the Courts of Exchequer and Equity to continue sitting in their Court rooms for as long as possible. It is also worth noting that the records displaced from the respective archives of each Court were simultaneously housed in Westminster Hall within a rectangular wooden store 115 feet long. This was completed by early July 1822 (see SM 37/1/37).

Drawings Note:-
Reference to the drawings prepared for the accommodation of the Courts of Exchequer and Equity within the Day Book entries run for a brief period. They begin on 22 February 1823, with George Bailey working on Plans for both Courts and conclude on 5 March, when the proposals were approved by the Lord Chief Baron. It is not altogether clear whether the drawings being worked on in this period were for the temporary accommodation in Westminster Hall, or for their permanent accommodation in the New Law Courts. However, as the layout of existing furnishings for both Courts was retained, it is entirely possible that both temporary and permanent Courts were designed consecutively. The only hand which can be associated with these drawings is that of Charles Papendiek, working in a distinct and precise manner for SM 37/3/16. It is one of the more perfunctory of the presentation drawings, which no extraneous detailing, as would be suitable for temporary furnishings.

Group

Digitisation of the Drawings Collection has been made possible through the generosity of the Leon Levy Foundation. This catalogue of Soane’s designs for the New Law Courts was generously funded by The Worshipful Company of Mercers and The Pilgrim Trust.

If you have any further information about this object, please contact us: drawings@soane.org.uk