Explore the Victoria Law Courts – A Guided Heritage Tour

Step into Birmingham’s rich civic history with a guided tour of the Victoria Law Courts, an architectural gem built between 1887 and 1891 by renowned designers Aston Webb and Ingress Bell. This late Victorian public building, celebrated for its national significance, showcases striking red brick and terracotta on the exterior, while its interior glows with sandy-yellow terracotta—a material that became fashionable in the city thanks to this very landmark.

Constructed during Birmingham’s transformation into a “great city,” the courts were part of a broader civic vision. The city was officially granted status in 1889, midway through the building’s completion. Inside, the Great Hall features grand windows at either end, adorned with depictions of local luminaries—from Shakespeare to Matthew Boulton—and trades that shaped Birmingham’s industrial legacy.

Tour Details
The tour begins outside the main entrance with a brief historical overview, followed by a visit to the Great Hall and public corridors. While courtrooms will be in session during the tour, access to a heritage courtroom may be possible if proceedings have concluded.

Security Information
Visitors must pass through airport-style security, including an archway detector and handheld scanner. Please allow extra time for this process. Phones and cameras may be brought inside, but photography and video recording are strictly prohibited. For full details on permitted and restricted items, visit GOV.UK’s court entry guidelines.

Booking
Reserve your place via Eventbrite. Tickets are £5.

Meeting Point
The tour, led by Irene de Boo of the BCS Heritage Committee, begins at 3pm on Thursday 18 September outside the main entrance of the Victoria Law Courts, 153A Corporation Street, Birmingham, B4 6PH.