H.M.Prison, Perimeter Walls

H.M. Prison features perimeter walls that are nearly symmetrical, with two-storey L-shaped blocks that once housed the Chief Gaoler’s and Governor’s residence. These blocks flank a recessed two-storey arched entry. The exterior is made of snecked rubble with freestone dressings, topped with hipped slate roofs and tall stacks that have cornices. The wide eaves are adorned with moulded cornices, and there is a plain frieze with sunk roll mouldings at the outer angles and a projecting plinth.

The archway is topped with a cornice and a heavy blocking course, which is linked below to a key block that features some rustication. The angle of the arch is splayed, and the arch head also has rustication. Bold cill bands on the first floor extend back to the imposts, and there are massive double boarded doors with a boarded lunette. Most windows are paired and set in heavy rusticated surrounds with keyblocks, moulded imposts, and aprons. The upper floor windows are round-headed, while those on the ground floor are segmental-headed.

To the left, there is an angle with a lean-to addition and a low curving range attached to the left end. There is also a lower two-storey, three-bay range that features similar detailing, including eaves brackets, and is set back on the right.

The high snecked rubble perimeter wall has a slight batter facing Oystermouth Road and features occasional vertical buttresses. This wall continues around Glamorgan and Paxton Streets.