Historic town centre building given new life by coroner’s service

The near-100-year-old Museum Street building was formerly home to Warrington Register Office before services moved to the new council offices at Time Square.

A ceremony was held recently to officially open Cheshire Coroner's Court in the building, which dates back to 1926.

The ceremonial procession was led by the High Sheriff of Cheshire, Clare Hayward MBE and included senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish, Cheshire Police chief constable Mark Roberts and Warrington Borough Council chief executive Steven Broomhead MBE.

One of the inquest rooms

The opening ceremony celebrated the 100-year history of the venue and brought together archivists and historians to share memories, the history of the coroner and the historical relationship between the coroner and police.

Coroners are judges who are independently appointed and are responsible for investigating deaths to find out how, when and where they occurred.

Coroners will investigate a death and hold a court hearing if it was unnatural or suspicious, the cause of death is unknown or if the person died in any form of state detention, such as a prison or police custody.

A plaque was also unveiled at the ceremony, which thanked Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester and Halton Borough Council for their support in refurbishing the building.

Cheshire Coroner's Court is now based in the former Warrington Register Office on Museum Street

The new coroner’s base includes three courtrooms to hear inquests.

Professor Broomhead said: “It was a privilege to attend the opening of the new Cheshire Coroner's Court, which now sits within the historic building on Museum Street.

“This 100-year-old landmark has been beautifully restored to serve our community once again, blending its rich heritage with updated functionality and new, state-of-the-art courtrooms to serve the people of Cheshire.”

When the first brick was laid in March 1923, the chair of the board of guardians said: “May the building and its staff be a convenience and blessing for all time”.

A plaque has been installed at the court

Senior Coroner Devonish closed the ceremony with the same words and sentiment, 100 years on.

She added: “This esteemed building has been brought back to useful stately employ to serve the Cheshire community.

“I am proud to have been entrusted to lead this important public service.”