The Cattle Market, on the south side of the hill, has been greatly extended, and presents the most extensive area for the purpose in England. On the east side whole blocks of old houses have been cleared away, and great additions made to the space for the display of horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs. The improvements cost the city over £50,000. Every Saturday the hill presents a busy and highly interesting scene, and a vast amount of business is transacted here in the space of a few hours. The area has recently been further enlarged by the demolition of some old houses at the corner of Golden Ball Street. A line of new houses has been built on the east side, ending with the handsome show rooms of Messrs. Holmes and Sons, the well-known Agricultural Machine Makers, who have won many prizes for their implements. THE SHIREHALL. The Shirehall, on the Castle Meadow, was erected from a plan by William Wilkins, Esq. It was commenced on September 9th, 1822, and opened September 27th, 1823, and is a poor imitation of the Tudor style of architecture. It stands on the north-east side of the Castle, and is a substantial brick edifice, possessing all the usual accommodations. It comprises Crown Court, Nisi Prius Court, and rooms for witnesses and others. The county assizes and sessions are held in these courts. Near the crown court there is a small room communicating, by a shaft, with the prison above, whence prisoners are brought down for trial. The grand Jury room is a large apartment, and the walls are adorned with fine portraits of the late Lord Wodehouse and the late Earl of Leicester, painted by Sir T. Lawrence. There is also a portrait of the late Henry Dover, Esq., for many years Chairman at Quarter Sessions. THE GUILDHALL. The Guildhall is a large antique building, chiefly of flint, at the north end of the Market Place. It was completed in 1413, when the windows of the Council Chamber were glazed chiefly with stained glass; but all these ornaments have disappeared, except in three east windows. The furniture of this room is of the time of Henry VIII., and the wood work is ornamented with the linen pattern. The room has been much improved of late years. The principal court is on the ground floor, where the city assizes and sessions are held. The Police Court is in a room above, opposite the Council Chamber. The Town Clerk and City Treasurer have offices in the building. The Police Station is on the ground floor of the east side.