Leeds Bridewell was the city centre lock up in the Town Hall which housed some of the country’s most infamous villains including murderer Charlie Peace. It opened in 1858 and boasted 13 cells and three police offices with living quarters for a civilian gaoler and his wife. The names comes from St Brides Well in London - a prison for petty offenders. The official name was the Central Charge Office. In 1864 Leeds became an assize town with courts in the Town Hall prompting more cell accommodation was completed beneath the front steps, which were reshaped. These fascinating photos take you inside the Bridewell which remained until 1993, when it was moved to the new Magistrates Courts building. READ MORE: The story of the Leeds city centre character known as 'Woodbine Lizzie' LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Leeds Bridewell
This photo taken in Van Gate Assembly of Leeds Bridewell. Off camera, left, there is access to Oxford Place. Vehicles park at this entrance. The open doors lead to two cells, numbers 18 and 19. There is a short corridor through the doorway at the end accessing more cells. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
8. Leeds Bridewell
The van gate Assembly The metal gateway gives access to Oxford Place. On the left an open door to cell 19 is visible. Cells 18, 19 and 20 were converted during the improvements of 1864 from the original living accommodation of the gaoler and his wife. They are sometimes known as 'the gates' or 'the cooler'. Central heating panels are cemented into the rear walls. Toilet facilities are visible on the right and at the far end is the prison staff room. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
9. Leeds Bridewell
Open doors to cells are visible on the right. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
10. Leeds Bridewell
A view into a prison cell. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
11. Leeds Bridewell
The Custody Officer's Room in the Leeds Bridewell. A prisoner would be brought in via this entrance, then down a long corridor to this room where details would be taken by the Custody Officer at this desk. The relevant documentation would be produced and the prisoner searched before being taken to a cell. This view looks through the open door to the corridor. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
12. Leeds Bridewell
The Custody Officer's Room. The two arched windows overlook Oxford Place. Prisoners would be brought to this room to have their details documented before being transferred to cells and awaiting court appearances. The desk is to the left, beneath which use draws and cupboards. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net