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
19. Leeds Bridewell
Assembly Cell 14. Side cells, from left to right, 17, 16 and 15 can be seen on the left. The windows on the right let in fresh air and light. They look out onto Oxford Place. At the far end a doorway leads to two toilet cubicles. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
20. Leeds Bridewell
One of the most notorious prisoners to have been housed in the Bridewell was Charles Fredrick Peace. He was on the run after committing a murder in Sheffield in 1876 and continued to roam all over the country burgling and thieving. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
21. Leeds Bridewell
He shot the officer who arrested him but P.C. Robinson still managed to restrain him until help arrived. Charles Peace was put on trial and occupied a cell approximately where cell 11 is situated. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
22. Leeds Bridewell
He was found guilty and was sentenced to hang at Armley Gaol. The sentence was carried out at 8am on Tuesday, February 25, 1879. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
23. Leeds, 31st July 1980
The manacled peer. Lord Kagan arrives at Leeds Bridewell in July 1980. | YPN Photo: YPN
24. Leeds Bridewell
Two men model the first uniforms of the Leeds Borough Police. They were adapted from designs of the London Metropolitan Police. Dark blue serge jackets were worn, with tails and high tunic collar. The white 'duck' trousers were worn during the summer months and dark blue serge trousers were the winter alternative. A black leather belt was buckled at the waist with a metal buckel engraved with the Leeds fleece. The tall black leather top hat was known as a 'stove pipe' and the top was laquered to protect it from the elements. The early police wore black boots and white gloves and an oilskin cape was provided. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net