[4] The assizes sat at the Shire Hall (also known as the County House) beside Palace Green until 1811, when they moved to the new courthouse at the head of Old Elvet.
And no traverse, (except as aforesaid) could be tried unless the defendant had made application to the Deputy Clerk of the Peace for a venire, and shall also have given notice of trial to the prosecutor, on or before Saturday se’nnight preceding the Sessions.
The Court, in the first place, proceeded to call over the names of the Chief Constables, and examine them as to arrears (if any) of the county rates.
The Court then proceeded to hear appeals against orders of removal, and such other matters as did not require the attendance of jurymen.
All jurors, prosecutors of indictments, and witnesses on prosecutions, and also all defendants in traverses, with their witnesses, and all persons bound by recognizances to prosecute or give evidence on, or to answer any indictment to be tried at the Sessions, were required to attend on the second day of the Sessions, at nine o'clock in the morning.
"[16] Petty Sessions for the city of Durham were held in the County Court-house every Saturday, when two or more of the Magistrates attended for the administration of justice.
[13] A Court Leet, View of Frank pledge, and Court Baron, for the city of Durham and borough of Framwellgate, was held at the Guildhall, or Toll booth, before the steward, or his deputy in his absence, twice a year, a month after Easter, and Michaelmas, when all the inhabitants and residents within the manor were required to attend, and to do their suit and service to the lord of the manor, upon pain of amerciament.