Durham Prison D And A Wings

Durham Prison D and A Wings are prison accommodation blocks built before 1852, likely by architects Bonomi and Cory, with later additions. The buildings are constructed from coursed squared sandstone with ashlar dressings and feature a Welsh slate roof with stone gable copings, a glazed peak on the D wing, and stock brick ventilation stacks.

The D wing is long and has three storeys with 43 bays on its south elevation. The windows have flat lintels, block jambs, and sloping sills, all secured with iron bars. The roof features a moulded gutter supported by moulded corbels and includes three large ventilation stacks, along with roll finials on the overlapping gable copings. The A wing, attached to the north, has a curved section linking to a straight block at a 45-degree angle. Its east elevation shows a straight section with four storeys and 14 bays, alongside a curved left section with four storeys and 11 bays, where the lowest storey serves as a basement. The basement doors are designed with round and elliptical arches, and the left section contains condemned cells and an execution room.

Inside, the wings have open central wells with iron staircases leading to long balconies that provide access to the cells, allowing for efficient supervision with clear views of the entire block.