The current structure was commissioned to replace an earlier courthouse which had its origins in the
justiciar's courthouse which was built in the south west corner of the town in around 1296. The remains of this earlier structure, which was located within the town walls, were preserved within the foundations of the new building. The new building, which was designed by John Thomas, the county surveyor, in the
Neo-classical style opened as Caernarvonshire Shire Hall in 1863. A memorial to the County of Carnarvon Boer War Volunteers who had died in the
Second Boer War was unveiled in the building on 2 July 1904. Following its closure in 1921, the former
County Gaol, located to the north of the County Hall was converted to create additional facilities for the county council. The former
Prime Minister,
David Lloyd George, chaired the
quarter sessions in the building from 1929 to 1938. After the county council was abolished in 1974, the old County Hall then became the home of the Crown Court and Magistrates' Court. who converted part of the building into an eight bedroom home, before putting it up for sale in September 2016. It was acquired by a musician, Moira Hartley, in February 2018; she carried out an extensive restoration to the building and converted it into a concert hall and restaurant. The Crown Court became the concert hall while the magistrates' court and the witness room were both converted into dining facilities. Works of art in County Hall included a bust of
Thomas Bulkeley, 7th Viscount Bulkeley and a
bas relief of
Edward Douglas-Pennant, 1st Baron Penrhyn, both of whom served as
Lord Lieutenant of Caernarvonshire. ==References==