Kensey Place

Kensey Place is a building that began as a prison, was later used as a workhouse, and is now almshouses. The original structure dates to the 17th century, but it was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century. The front is built of brick in a Flemish bond pattern, with granite dressings to the rear wing basements. The steeply pitched roof is covered in rag slate and is bitumen-grouted, with projecting eaves and a moulded cornice with hipped returns. Brick axial stacks and lateral stacks are present on the outer walls of the rear wings.

The building has a large U-shaped plan, built on a slope that descends at the rear. It is two stories high, with a basement, and features a nearly symmetrical five-bay, three-bay, five-bay road front. A gable, formerly a pediment, is above the slightly projecting central bays, incorporating an oculus. Segmental arches are above various windows, including two mid-19th century six-pane hornless sashes on the first floor to the right. Many original two-light casements with glazing bars are present, alongside some 20th-century casements, and six 20th-century glazed doors. A central doorway leads to a reduced through passage.

The basement of the left-hand rear wing has a chamfered four-centred arched doorway and a two-light hollow-chamfered and mullioned window to its left. The wing opposite has a heightened four-centred arched doorway and an outer window frame. The rear elevation preserves original rubble masonry to the ground floor, with some openings spanned by oak lintels.

Historical records indicate poor conditions within the prison were documented in 1664 by the Quaker, Joseph Coale. In 1803, James Neil described the prison as being characterized by “filth, rags and wretchedness.” The last public flogging occurred in 1834, when J.K. Lethbridge was sentenced to 25 lashes and three months in Bridewell for assault.