H M Prison Dartmoor: C and D Wings

H M Prison Dartmoor: C and D Wings

Two attached cell blocks set on a linear north-west/south-east axis, forming a long rectangular footprint with projecting ablution wings to the south-west and north-east. The wings meet at an angle such that D Wing is slightly longer on the north-west side, and C Wing is slightly longer on the north-east side.

D Wing, designed by Sir Edmund du Cane, was built between 1879 and 1883. It is constructed of granite rubble with rock-faced granite quoins and granite ashlar dressings. The building is eighteen bays long to the south-west and sixteen to the north-east. It rises essentially four storeys high, with an additional lower floor or basement at the south-east end where the ground slopes downwards; the change in levels is marked by a rusticated plinth which steps down beneath the basement. In the centre of the south-west elevation is a projecting ablution wing with heavy quoins. The building's small horizontal windows have plain ashlar surrounds, and above the upper windows runs a corbel-course supporting a rounded cornice, above which a clerestory is set back. The clerestory windows are blocked; instead lights are inserted in the metal roof. Tall plenum towers rise against the centre of the clerestory at the centre of each elevation; these towers are slightly battered towards the base and have projecting cornices on corbels. The narrow south-eastern elevation has a central line of four tall windows which appear mainly to retain original iron multi-pane window frames with reinforced glass. The roof has been replaced with metal sheeting and the windows have been replaced. The interior has been completely refurbished with modern fittings throughout, though the original cell layout remains.

C Wing dates from shortly after 1914–15 and is constructed of granite ashlar. It is four storeys high, seventeen bays long to the south-west and nineteen to the north-east, with eaves and stone plinth continuing those of D Wing and windows in line with those of D Wing. The style is plain by comparison with D Wing, featuring a rounded cornice with little other embellishment. The ablution wings have moulded cornices above which are ventilation shafts. The north-west gable end has large shaped corbels to the eaves and windows arranged centrally in threes; the central light of the upper trio is tall. Metal grilles are set against the outer faces of the windows. The roof has been replaced with metal sheeting, but the wing retains its original 21-pane windows with individual sliding panes.

An enclosed corridor has been created on the ground floor of C Wing, linking D Wing with the main covered walkway system. Apart from that, the interior of C Wing has not been changed since the wing closed circa 2002 and retains its original layout and fittings. At the north-west end the block is lit by the triple windows; at the south-east end are openings to the adjoining wing. The roof is supported by metal trusses. The galleried walkways have their metal stairs and railings, which are lower than such railings would now be; the walkways are supported by chamfered stone brackets. The cells retain their panelled and studded metal doors with heavy bolts and peep-holes. Beside each door is a numbered flag forming part of a system used by inmates for attracting attention by operating a push-button mechanism which caused the numbered flag to drop. The ablution wings have slopping-out facilities with wide ceramic troughs.

Entrances are located to the south and north of D Wing, to the north of C Wing, and at its north-west end; this last entrance is served by a late-20th-century covered walkway. There are late-20th-century internal alterations to D Wing.