SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Having seen in the Press that the Government intends to sell off the Victorian Prisons around the country for conversion to apartments. As once I had occasion to go through the gates of Armley Jail over 60 years ago the memory of that most depressing place is still easy to recall. I went into one of the Warders houses and I can remember how small the door arches and rooms were. I would not think that in this particular instance it would make very pleasant homes. We shall see....

It would be Ironic if some of the old habitual lags and law breakers were rehoused in there having spent time there on previous occasions.


Here where I live in Gloucester they have sold the local prison off and now sell guided tours round it

Armley Jail is one of those places in Leeds that I've often wondered what it is like inside, as its outside is such a noticeable landmark building. If Armley Jail is one of those to be closed then I wonder where a replacement jail will be built?

If they sell it off, the bodies of those executed would have to be exhumed - if they haven't already, have they?

Leodian wrote:Armley Jail is one of those places in Leeds that I've often wondered what it is like inside, as its outside is such a noticeable landmark building. If Armley Jail is one of those to be closed then I wonder where a replacement jail will be built?

I have been inside the Gloucester Terrace hotel on four occasions and a more gloomy horrible place I have yet to visit compared to more modern HMP establishments. (No I don't have a criminal record and have never served time just for the record)

As for the bodies I seem to recall some being exhumed, during alterations to the building, some years ago.

A post here confirms..

http://secretleeds.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 4&start=30

Thanks Tabbycat for that link, so interesting, I would have tacked this on the end had I known.
In the 1970s /80s my pal was the Land lord of the Beech pub on Tong Road and on visiting days at the Nick there were lots of strangers came into the pub and before they left there was lot of carrier bags being emptied and visits to the toilets, so I assume "Snout " and other goodies were on their way to Fletcher and Godpher.

I have been in Armley when first appointed to the bench as all magistates had to know what conditions were like where they sent people.In fact it was laid out very well by the Victorians with landings radiating from a central control point so they could be watched and help stop bullying by warders being able to see who went into each cell.In fact the layout was so good that when they had to build a new wing in the 1960's(I think it was) they copied the victorian plan as they couldn't think of a better one!