THE team behind the renovation of an iconic Knutsford building is asking for residents to help compile an exhibition of its history.

The Sessions House in Toft Road will reopen as the Courthouse Hotel this spring, with a suite set to be dedicated as a permanent exhibition.

Peter Heywood of Flat Cap Hotels, which owns the building, says he has been amazed by the history of the Sessions House, and wants to compile it for display in the Moneypenny Suite – named after the building’s famed architect George Moneypenny.

Mr Heywood said: “What we are looking for is for anyone who has any history, stories, photographs - or anything of interest - of the old Sessions House.

“There is plenty online, but it’s never been brought together and that’s what we would like to do, put together an exhibition of the history. Whether it be trials, people involved in the building – apparently there were local plasterers who did the work from 1880 onwards – there is a phenomenal history to it and we are just hoping to try and pull some pictures and real life stories together.”

Renovation work has unearthed plenty of crown court history.

An Australian woman told of her great, great grandfather being sentenced to seven years for stealing a watch, serving two here before being extradited down under.

The hotel is set for a phase one opening of this spring, with Mr Heywood keen to open up the unique Grade II-listed building to the community.

He said: “It’s a fabulous building. I can’t stress how amazing it is inside – it’s beautiful. We have been working on it now for just over 12 months, liaising with Historic England, listed buildings and Cheshire East Council, who have been fantastic to deal with.

“We have been singing off the same hymn sheet since day one in being sympathetic to the building, reinstating it to its original shape and size and refurbishing a lot of the original features.”

Email your stories and photos to info@thecourthousecheshire.com