Edwin's Hall

The Hall of Judgement in Bellcross.

Purpose / Function

This building is used as a place to hold trials and hear legal disputes.  It is also where legal documents are registered and kept.  The building is split into four sections:

• Criminal Courts.
• Hearing Rooms.
• Records.
• Submission and Administration.

Architecture

Like most of the crown buildings in Bellcross in the fourth age, the main structure of Edwin's Hall is made from large stone blocks.  Low stone stone steps lead up to the covered walkway that runs around the building.  The walkway has benches set against the wall inbetween the windows.  The roof over the walkway is supported by narrow  square stone pillars.  The building itself is stands about 20ft high from ground to the start of the roof.  As is usual for Bellcross the roof is made of grey slate tiles.  Tall arched windows let light into the building and reveal that the height of the rooms varies, with some rooms tkaing up the full 20ft height of the building, while there are two floors in other areas.  Although the windows are fitted with glass they also  heavy lockable shutters on the inside. 
Inside the court and hearing rooms are separated from each other by stone walls to help support the weight of the roof.  These rooms then have a layer of a light sound absorbent wood behind wood panelling to help prevent noise from one room interfering with what is happening in another room.  While magic was considered as a means to dampen sound, it was found to be prohibitively expensive, especially when there was a crafted alternative.

History

As the Kingdom of Caresnas began to expand it became clear that the castle would not be large enough to accomdate the everyday business of the kingdom alongside the sometimes lengthy processes of rendering judgement of lawbreakers.  While the Church of Tarin had offered to take over making judgements on minor cases the king (Nathaniel Greth) was not comfortable having trials heard in the tempe of Heironeous.  He ordered this building be constructed which was physically and symbolically separate from his castle and the temples.
Construction began in the spring of 90 and was completed 5 years later.  It was named for Edwin Mallory who helped write the laws of Caresnas.  The building later became a model for the halls of justice in Filishar, Trem and @Shaon.

Founding Date

19 Lomar 95

Alternative Names

Paperwork Hall

Type

Courthouse

Parent Location

Bellcross

Owning Organization

Church of Tarin