Hospital Wing Of County Gaol And Gaol Wall

The Hospital Wing of the County Gaol, now used as offices, along with the gaol wall, was built between 1824 and 1827 by Christopher Hodgson. It is constructed of red sandstone ashlar and has been extensively restored. The building features a solid parapet with battlements on the facade facing English Street, and it has a flat lead roof. The structure is two storeys high with numerous bays.

The gaol wall, which faces English Street, is built on a chamfered plinth and has regularly spaced blind lancets with a single metal bar. This wall was the site of public executions, with a cast plaque marking the last execution in 1862. The wall connects with the Crown Court offices and is an integral part of that building. The rear of the wall has the hospital wing built against it.

There are two off-centre former segmental-arched doorways that have been infilled and fitted with casement windows in stone surrounds, some of which are paired. Inside, there have been alterations, but the solitary confinement cell remains intact with its iron door and peep hole, currently used as a strong room. For more information, refer to Perriam's work published in the Transactions of the Cumbrian and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society.