Durham Prison D And A Wings

DURHAM AND FRAMWELLGATE OLD ELVET NZ 2742 SE (South side)

15/312 Durham prison D and A wings

GV II

Prison accommodation blocks. Before 1852, probably by Bonomi and Cory, and later. Coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings: Welsh slate roof with stone gable copings; glazed peak on D wing, and stock brick ventilation stacks. Long D wing; A wing attached on north has surved section linking straight block at 45°. South elevation of D wing has 3 storeys, 43 bays. Windows have flat lintels, block jambs and sloping sills with iron bars. Roof has moulded gutter resting on moulded corbels. 3 large ventilation stacks. Roll finials on overlapping gable copings. East elevation of A wing shows straight section at right of 4 storeys and 14 bays and curved left section of 4 storeys and 11 bays, the lowest storey a basement, with paired windows in canted bay linking to rear of D wing. Basement doors have round and elliptical arches. Left section held condemned cells and execution room.

Interior: wings have open central wells with iron staircases leading to long balconies from which the cells are entered; this plan allows efficient supervision through good views of the whole block.

Listing NGR: NZ2791042094