MONMOUTH’S historic Shire Hall opens its doors this weekend to show off the results of a £4.5 million restoration project.

Work on the historic building Grade I listed building started in September last year following a seven-year campaign to secure funding.

The hall, which dates from 1724, will be officially reopened as a community and tourist information by Princess Anne on September 27, but members of the public can take a guided tour of the newly refurbished building today and tomorrow as part of Civic Trust for Wales’ Heritage Open Days.

The refurbishment project was jointly managed by Monmouthshire council and the Shire Hall Stewards community group and funded by a £3.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1.4 million raised through donations and fundraising events.

Organisers have the restored courtroom where John Frost and other Chartists were convicted of high treason in 1840, as well as the cells where they were held while they awaited the verdict.

Court Room Number 1 has been set up as if the Chartists were in the middle of their trial with evidence laid out for visitors to see, and a handheld audio-visual guide will feature a film recreating the trial.

The revamped hall also includes meeting rooms, exhibition space, a community room, adult learning areas and a new tourist information centre.

It will also house Monmouth Town Council.

Shire Hall general manager Mike Booth said: “For the people of Monmouth the Shire Hall has been part of the history and heritage of Monmouth for many generations.

“To see it restored to such a high standard has really been welcomed by the town, and we hope it will become the heart of the community.”

Guided tours will run every hour between 10am and 4pm today and tomorrow.