Old City Gaol, Bristol

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Old City Gaol, Bristol, Grade II listed prison structure in Spike Island, Bristol, England

The Old City Gaol features stone walls, entrance gates, and architectural elements designed by Richard Shackleton Pope on Cumberland Road near Bristol Harbour.

Built in 1832 following the Bristol Riots, this prison replaced the original New Gaol and operated until 1883 when authorities closed it due to poor conditions.

The prison building represents the evolution of British penal system practices during the nineteenth century through its architectural design and operational methods.

The entrance wall and gateway remain visible along Cumberland Road, while the Bristol Archives maintain documents and plans related to the structure.

John Horwood became the first person executed at this facility in 1821, and his skeleton remained at Bristol University for medical research.

Location: City of Bristol

Inception: 1832

Architects: Richard Shackleton Pope

GPS coordinates: 51.44620,-2.59800

Latest update: March 16, 2025 00:28

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« Old City Gaol, Bristol: Grade II listed prison structure in Spike Island, Bristol, England » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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