Browns Courtrooms

The past cannot be rewritten, yet if walls could speak, what truths discovered and wrongs committed have these historic rooms witnessed. This building steeped in history, memories and character, has seen some of the most prolific of judges such as Dale Blagden acquiring his reputation in expertise in bankruptcy law within this site. The former Westminster County court was built in 1908 and lies in the heart of London’s West End. The courtrooms were still in operation until 1990, when they were allegedly closed due to a forgotten renewal licence to trade as a civil court, it was later discovered however this closure was authorised by the courts and enshrined in statute. Following its closure, the building was then later renovated and opened for business as Browns in 1996.

The Judges Court
This was the main Judges Court in operation, and while it was a civil court it held the jurisdiction to hear debt cases and sentence defendants to debtor’s prison. The cell door, still located in the room, has access down to the detention cells leaving a reminder of its former purpose. The cells have now been renovated as the buildings wine cellars. The largest of the four courtrooms, this flexible space can accommodate all occasions; Granted with a civil ceremony license this stunning venue continues to capture and immortalise individual’s memories within its walls. The layout of the room offers a unique focal point, maintaining the original judge’s bench and press boxes, which in our current time are used to seat family members and friends.

The Barristers Court
This was originally used for administrative purposes such as certificates, births, deaths and marriages. It is now our second largest private room and maintains similar features to the Judge’s Court by preserving the original judges chair and bench and also holds a civil ceremony licence. These two main courtrooms are joined by a stunning mosaic foyer and bar and overlooked by a sweeping staircase.

The Judge’s Chamber
The Judge’s Chamber offers a combination of a more informal and comfortable space than the majestic county courts found on the floor below. Originally used as a place of consultation, this inviting space suits both intimate private dinning, informal and formal meetings.

The Judge’s Study
This room is the smallest of the private rooms, originally used as the Judge’s Study for solitude and reflection, this intimate space creates the perfect ambience for a special dinner or private meeting.