THE old magistrates’courtroom at Tavistock Guildhall is set to appear on TV after popular BBC programme Antiques Road Trip filmed at the venue on Friday last week.
Presenters David Harper and Catherine Southon visited as part of their latest tour across southern England, seeking bargains in antiques shops to auction.
The restored courtroom was used as a setting for the auction results to be announced. The filming, which took much of the afternoon, also saw the presenters arrive in a classic car, a 2CV called Dolly.
Antiques expert David had never visited Tavistock before, and took a few minutes to grab a look around the town. He said: ‘This is the penultimate episode, we started in Kent and we have worked our way down the coast. The crew have already filmed the auction and this is where the auction results are being announced.’
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The visit was arranged at short notice, meaning the courtroom, open to the public, had to be closed at a busy time during school half term, but the Tavistock Heritage Trust, which runs the visitor attraction, pulled out the stops to make it possible.
Dr Geri Parlby, chair of the Tavistock Heritage Trust, said : ‘We are delighted to host such a fascinatng TV programme and we love showing off the courtroom.’
Sandra Jones, vice chair of the trust, added: ‘It was quite short notice. We have had to liaise with the town council over the parking and close the courtroom this afternoon. It is brilliant for us though. They have an audience of 2.5 million, so that is really good for the Guildhall.’