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
25. Leeds Bridewell
Cells, numbers 4, left and 3. In 1941 the Victorian cells were renovated at a cost of £8,000. Windows were fitted, tiled surfaces replaced lime washed walls and new toilet facilities were installed. Eleven additional cells were constructed and two more were enlarged. Cells number 4 was reserved as a juvenile detention room. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
26. Leeds Bridewell
The entrance to cell 10 of Leeds Bridewell located in the basement of the Town Hall. This was a side cell, off cell 7. Cell 7 was an assembly cell where prisoners under the influence of alcohol were taken. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
27. Leeds Bridewell
The Doctor's Room. The room is simply furnished with a desk and chair and a bed for the examination of prisoners who are injured or ill. There is a sight chart on the wall for eye examinations. | Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
28. Leeds Bridewell
The new Leeds Bridewell opened in 1993 as part of the Leeds Magistrates Complex. | YPN Photo: YPN
30. Leeds Bridewell
The new control room at Leeds Bridewell pictured in July 1993. | YPN Photo: YPN