County Hall, Kingston-upon Thames ~ Sep 2026

In September several small groups from KURSA visited County Hall, Kingston as part of the Open House Festival.

Following the Local Government Act of 1888, which established councils in every county, it became necessary to find a new meeting place for Surrey County Council within Surrey, Kingston was selected. Construction work on the new building began in 1891, the first meeting in the building being held in October 1893. It was officially opened with bands playing in November 1893.

Following further local government reorganisation in 1965, Kingston had become part of Greater London and County Hall was no longer within Surrey boundaries.

After many deliberations, from January 2021 the Council moved its headquarters to Reigate and County Hall in Kingston was put up for sale. Sold for £25m, the site is estimated to be worth up to £250 million when fully redeveloped.

The Grade II listed building is being redeveloped into a residential and commercial complex by luxury property developer “London Square” to include 292 new homes.

The Court Room and Council Chamber, with magnificent oak panelling and stained glass windows, have been used for location filming of quite a few film and television productions including 102 Dalmations, Call the Midwife, Downton Abbey, Midsomer Murders and Silent Witness. 

If it’s a court scene on tv or in a British film then it is quite likely to have been filmed here.