House of Correction

The House of Correction, located on Billingborough Road in Folkingham, is a Grade II* listed building designed by Edward Browning in 1825. Currently, it is undergoing restoration and conversion by The Landmark Trust. The structure features limestone ashlar and some red brick, topped with a low slate hipped roof that is concealed behind a high parapet. It stands two storeys tall with a high plinth and a string course that runs around the west, south, and east fronts.

The south front has three bays, dominated by a central giant order gateway. This gateway has a semi-circular, boldly rusticated head with a large raised keystone and a wooden tympanum displaying an openwork chequered pattern. Through the gateway, there is a barrel vaulted passage leading to an inner doorway, which is framed by a moulded ashlar doorcase, also featuring a large raised keystone and a heavy plank door.

Flanking the outer gateway are single, semi-circular headed, giant order blind arches, each with bold rusticated heads, large raised keystones, and wooden tympana that mirror the openwork chequered pattern. Above, there are projecting moulded eaves and a parapet inscribed with "House of Correction 1825." The central bay rises above this with a narrow, plain horizontal plaque topped with a moulded pediment.

On the east side, plain giant order pilasters flank a large plain rectangular doorway, which was formerly fitted with double doors. Above this doorway is a Diocletian window with a rusticated head, large raised keystone, and glazing bars. The north side is currently being refronted in red brick following the removal of an early 20th-century brick range. The west side also features plain giant order pilasters and a blind giant order semi-circular headed niche with a rusticated head and large keystone. Inside this niche is a semi-circular headed doorway with a Diocletian window in the tympanum, complete with glazing bars, and a rectangular doorway below.

Several yards north of the gateway, steps lead down to an underground, brick-lined chamber. The House of Correction is located on the site of Folkingham Castle, with the earthworks of the inner and outer baileys still visible.