Here stands Tottenham Magistrates’ Court a building steeped in local history. This Neo-Georgian building has been a cornerstone of justice since 1937. Prepare to discover its story.
Tottenham Magistrates’ Court opened its doors in February 1937. Lord Chief Justice Hewart himself presided over the opening. It was originally named Tottenham Police Court. The name changed to Tottenham Magistrates’ Court after 1949. The court replaced ‘Elmslea’. Elmslea was a girls’ orphanage supported by the Drapers’ Company.
W.T. Curtis the Middlesex County Council architect designed Tottenham Magistrates’ Court. Curtis also designed Harrow Magistrates’ Court. His design reflects a dignified Neo-Georgian style. Brown and blue brick create its exterior. Rubbed red brick and stone dressings add detail. The hipped tiled roofs complete the look.
Note the building’s layout. A wide and shallow front range greets you. Single-storey flanking wings extend outwards. Tall single-storey courtrooms stand behind. A two-story range sits at the rear. A narrow link connects to a late-20th-century addition. Historic England deemed this addition of no special interest in 2004.
Look at the front range more closely. It features nine window bays. Lower two-window bay wings flank it. Multi-pane casement windows adorn the building. Ground floor windows have continuous rubbed brick bands. Stone plat bands sit beneath. First-floor windows feature rubbed red brick flat arches. A stone band and brick band lie below the stone cornice. Three small hipped dormers sit in the steeply pitched roof.
Notice the stone entrance portico. It features a segmental hood on columns. A plaque displays the MCC arms with scales. Stone dressings surround the central first-floor window. The scrolled surround adds an elegant touch.
Step inside Tottenham Magistrates’ Court. Heavy panelled front doors open fully into the wall. Matching inner doors await. Paired stairs with metal handrails lead upwards. They once led to witness and waiting rooms. The central entrance hall features late-20th-century counters. Minimal Deco details adorn the piers.
To each side lie Court 1 and Court 2. These courts boast original English Oak fittings. Blue leather upholstery adds a touch of comfort. The judge’s bench sits at a higher level. Witness boxes stand ready. Clerk’s and solicitor’s benches face the public seating. A fence and gate separate the public. A dock stands against the side wall with a late-20th-century screen. High-level windows sit above a chevron relief band. Royal arms are displayed. Court 3 is smaller but features tall exterior windows. It also has original oak fittings and a dock.
A commemorative plaque hangs in the inner hall. Steps lead down to the cells. These steps provide discrete direct access to the courts. The justices’ retiring room lies in the rear range. It features boxed-in radiators and a dado. Caretaker’s accommodation sits above.
The front boundary features a low brick wall and metal railings. These features add to the building’s presence. The contractor was James Steward & Sons, Ltd. Maurice Adams, Ltd provided the furnishings. The Architect and Building News covered the opening in 1937.
Tottenham Magistrates’ Court stands as a reminder of local justice. Its Neo-Georgian style its history and original features are protected. The court’s registers are held at The London Archives: City of London. They cover the years 1965 to 1984.
Today Tottenham Magistrates’ Court continues to serve the community. Its walls have witnessed countless cases and stories. This building represents a significant part of Tottenham’s history.