A display celebrating the tercentenary of the Old Court House – Warwick's Town Hall – has been opened by the mayor and will be available to view for the next two months.

It includes in the front corridor a permanent installation of a timeline showing the story of the Court House over the past 300 years and its importance in Warwick's history.

Prepared by the Unlocking Warwick volunteers, the timeline also shows some significant world events during the period.

For example the Court House had been standing at Warwick's central crossroads for 50 years before the American Declaration of Independence, and a 160 years before the first motor car.

The mayor unveiled the timeline that tells of significant moments in Warwick's history, with the researchers from 'Unlocking Warwick' (image supplied)

Unveiling the timeline and opening the exhibition, Mayor of Warwick Cllr Jackie D'Arcy, said: "The 300th anniversary is certainly a moment to celebrate this impressive building and to reflect on what Warwick looked like in 1725 when Francis Smith began construction of the Court House.

"The population of the town then was about 3,000; now it is 37,000 and growing.

Class divisions were very stark back then, illustrated by the purpose and function of the building.

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It was very much a story of 'upstairs/downstairs'.

The Court House Timeline has been unveiled (image supplied)

One function was entertainment, largely for the affluent of Warwick and its surrounding areas.

Sumptuous balls and society events were held in the ballroom upstairs. Whereas downstairs magistrates dealt with crimes that were mostly associated with poverty, such as vagrancy, petty theft and drunkenness, with felons sent to the House of Correction or threatened with deportation!"

The mayor thanked designer Dianne Loftus who had formatted the timeline, the Visitor Information team who had put together the display boards, and the researchers from 'Unlocking Warwick'.

She said: "This group of volunteers have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality, and have showcased the Court House with a variety of community events for the past 11 years since the building's major refurbishment."

On the final day of the Warwick Words History Festival on October 5, the Court House volunteers, 'Unlocking Warwick' will be presenting the 300-year history of the building and its role in the story of Warwick in an illustrated narrative in the ballroom, with guest appearances and a chance to see the town maces up close.

A special 300th anniversary cake was also enjoyed! (image supplied)

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