The Annapolis County Courthouse is a courthouse located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was built in 1837 by Francis LeCain and was enlarged in 1923. The building is designated a National Historic Site of Canada. It is part of the Historic District of Annapolis Royal and is one of the oldest courthouses in Canada still in use.[1]
| Annapolis County Court House National Historic Site of Canada | |
|---|---|
Lieu historique national du Canada du Palais-de-Justice-du-Comté-d'Annapolis (French) | |
 | |
  Location within Nova Scotia | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Palladian |
| Address | 377 Saint George Street |
| Town or city | Annapolis Royal |
| Country | Canada |
| Coordinates | 44°44′30″N 65°30′58″W / 44.74173°N 65.51623°W |
| Year(s) built | 1837 |
| Designations | |
| Official name | Annapolis County Court House National Historic Site of Canada |
| Designated | 1991-11-22 |
| Website | |
| https://www.courts.ns.ca/locations/digby | |
History
editThe Annapolis County Courthouse was built in 1837 by contractor Francis LeCain, who designed it in conjunction with the county grand jury, a common practice in Nova Scotia in the first half of the 19th century. It replaces a wooden courthouse and prison built in 1793 and destroyed by fire in 1836.[2] It was built according to the Palladian style, typical of the courthouses of the British Empire at the time.[1]
It was enlarged in 1923 according to the plans of architect Leslie R. Fairn. It was during this addition that the octagonal dome at the top and the stucco coating of the first floor were added.[2]
Architecture
editThe Annapolis County Courthouse is a rectangular building with a symmetrical five-opening facade and a central door. It has a rump roof with an octagonal dome at the top and an imposing portico with columns.[1] The ground floor is covered with rustic stone and the second floor and annex are covered with stucco.[2]
As with many courthouses of this form in Canada, the ground floor serves as a prison, while the second floor serves as a courtroom.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "Annapolis County Court House National Historic Site of Canada". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-07-01.
- ^ a b c "HistoricPlaces.ca - HistoricPlaces.ca". www.historicplaces.ca. Retrieved 2023-07-01.