The Castle - Trust Annual Report 1972
New Law Courts
We reproduce a drawing of the new law courts as seen from the corner of Trafalgar Street. It will be the first impression received by most visitors. This new complex surrounding the original Great Hall of the Castle, has been produced by an army of planners, lawyers, architects, contractors, local government officers, surveyors, engineers, quantity surveyors, stone masons, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers crane drivers, labourers and committees. Some of those involved were perhaps amazed when they saw what has been accomplished by their combined labours. Others no doubt have grown so accustomed to the coup d'oeil as it developed that they have ceased to marvel. It may perhaps be recalled that the 19th century law courts built on this site, slipped down the hill and disappeared from sight for ever.
But what connection has a random rustic stone wall, apparently imported from a Devonshire village to do with Winchester's High Street? It is as if someone had taken a motor cycle into the law courts and started it up while the judge was delivering his summing up. Both are misplaced.
"A garden is a lovesome thing God wot" is a line which Dame Edith Sitwell said was like being hit over the head without provocation. This kind of intrusion has come to be known as "god wottery" and is something we can do without.