At the base of The Headrow stands Leeds Town Hall. One of the most notable pieces of the city's skyline, the building was featured on the cover of Gang Of Four's 1979 single, 'Outside The Trains Don't Run On Time'.
However, what's tucked beneath the building is much lesser known - a Victorian Prison named Leeds Bridewell.
Until the new Magistrates' Court opened in 1993, prisoners were taken to Leeds Bridewell for their court appearances. From 1858 and until 1934, the Borough Police were accommodated on the ground floor too.
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Later on, when the police moved to the Municipal Buildings next door, Bridewell was left to be renovated between 1937 and 1941. 11 further cells were added and more toilet facilities installed with attention also paid to the lighting and windows. The name, 'Bridewell' is often used for a town lock-up and is thought to originate from a London prison which was located near the Church of St. Brides and close to a well.
The historic Leeds Bridewell prison is beneath the front steps of the Town Hall and was a holding place for a few notorious criminals over the years. Charles Fredrick Peace was one of which. He was on the run after committing a murder in Sheffield in 1878 and continued to roam all over the country, whilst burgling and thieving.
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He was eventually caught but not before shooting the officer who arrested him. Amazingly, PC Robinson still managed to restrain him until help arrived. He was sentenced to hang at Armley Gaol but spent his time before at Leeds Bridewell in Cell 11.
In the photos you can see Cell 7. This was reserved for prisoners who were under the influence of alcohol with lower benches and cushions added to avoid any injuries. Leeds Bridewell also had access to Court 1 which later became Remand Court.
The metal gates that give way to Oxford Place can be seen next to Cell 19. The cells next to it were converted during the improvement of 1864 to accommodate the original living quarters for the gaoler and his wife. They were sometimes known as 'the gates' or 'the cooler.' They were right next to the staff room.
The doctors' office consists of a simple desk, chair and bed for the examination of prisoners who were injured or sick. You can see the sight chart on the wall in the photos that was used for the eye examinations.
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We'd love to hear from you below in the comments. Did you ever visit the prison or know someone who worked there?
