At the Shire Hall we have the following rooms and spaces available:
Recently restored with the help of English Heritage, the County Room or Ballroom is the largest and grandest room in Shire Hall.
Décor
- Oil portraits of the Lord Lieutenants of Essex surround the hall
- Two large gold leaf mirrors hang above marble fireplaces
- High cambered ceiling is decorated with 1020 handmade plaster oak leaves, acorns and stems
- Five tall windows
- Sprung beechwood floor
- Interconnects with the Picture Room by the kitchen
- Special rates available for hiring the County and Picture rooms together.
The construction and size of the room allows variable set-ups with or without a stage and bar, and a choice of rectangular or round tables.
Capacity
- Theatre/standing 320
- Dinner 200
- Boardroom 72
Overlooking the grounds of Chelmsford Cathedral, the spacious carpeted Picture Room derives its name from the numerous photographs of Essex scenes and landmarks.
The room is ideal for a huge range of events, from seminars to christenings. It can be hired on its own or as an additional room when hiring the County room.
- Room can be laid out in the style that you want
- Projector and screen
- Immediate access to the kitchen
- Special rates available for hiring the County and Picture rooms together.
Capacity
- Theatre/standing 80
- Dinner 50
- Boardroom 36.
Full of natural daylight and located away from the hustle and bustle at ground level, the Committee Room is the ideal location for meetings, training days and exams. Newly decorated the fully carpeted room is supplied with conference equipment including:
- TV
- Video
- Projector and screen
- Utilities are available to prepare drinks and refreshments.
Capacity
- Theatre/standing 45
- Dinner 30
- Boardroom 24.
From 1792 to 1858 the Foyer was Chelmsford’s original Corn Exchange and has always been host to commercial sales and displays.
The Foyer can still be hired at weekends and evenings for direct sales to the public.
Decor
- Rebuilt in the 1930s
- Marble walls and mosaic floor
- Walnut doors and leaded windows.
This splendid, imposing space can be used in conjunction with the County Room as an impressive reception area.
The Jury Room can only be booked in conjunction with the Picture Room or County Room and makes an ideal rest or changing room. The scene of numerous important decisions, this private room contains a large table that can be used on its own as a meeting room for up to 14 persons.
Our sister venue, The Lodgings also known as Maynetrees, houses our most exclusive suites. It is the ideal setting for corporate events and meetings, exclusive dinner parties and small weddings.
Decor
- Three Georgian rooms beautifully presented with original antiques and oil paintings.
- Manicured and walled garden at its rear, large enough for marquees.
Capacity
- Dining Room 18 persons
- Lounge 20 persons
- Conference Room 22 persons
- Combined capacity of the garden and house is approximately 225
