Before Snaresbrook Crown Court stood here, children’s laughter echoed through these very grounds. Imagine hundreds of young faces looking up at the imposing building, built in the Jacobean Gothic style, with turrets and ogee domes. You may not be able to see a trace of it now, but the building you stand before was once a haven for orphans.
This architectural gem, now a bustling court centre, has a rich history steeped in philanthropy and societal change. Back in the 1840s, the Wanstead Infant Orphan Asylum opened its doors to those in need, providing shelter and care for hundreds of orphans. It cost a whopping £35,000 to build, a substantial sum for the time, and was financed by a blend of donations from wealthy merchants and even royalty. The building served as an orphanage for nearly a century, enduring through wars and changes in social infrastructure.
Fast forward to the 1970s, the building underwent a remarkable transformation, transitioning from an orphanage to a crown court, with six new courtrooms added to the existing structure. In 1988, a further annex was built, extending the court’s capacity to 20 courtrooms, making it the busiest Crown Court centre in the UK. It’s a testament to the enduring significance of the place, continuing to serve the community, albeit in a different capacity.
Today, Snaresbrook Crown Court stands as a powerful reminder of the past, a historic landmark that has sheltered children and held trials, a place where justice is served, and stories unfold.