Building record 1160/90/2 - County Council Offices (Formerly the Old Gaol)

Built between 1791 and 1794 by Robert Furze Brettingham and enlarged in 1846 by James Milne. Now used as County Council offices.

{1} 1791-4 by Robert Furze Brettingham; enlarged by James Milne, 1864. Ashlar, hipped Welsh slated roof. 3 storeys, recessed west wing. North elevation has 5:3 sash windows in reveals under flat arches. Cornice, 2nd floor level cornice band. Judge's Lodgings, Sessions House, County Hall, County Council Offices and Nos 8, 8A, 9 and 9A form a group.

{2} 1791-4 by Robert Furze Brettingham; enlarged by James Milne in 1846; ashlar with slate roof; 3 storeys.

{4} The gaol was opened in 1846 with capacity for 150 inmates. It comprised two galleried wings with single-occupant cells arranged along the walls at four floors. Legislative changes rendered the gaol redundant and the east wing was converted for use as a library, public reading room and a museum. The west wing became a Salvation Army barracks with mineral water factory in the basement. In the 1920s the west wing of the gaol was converted into offices by the County Council and was subject to a general re-fenestration and internal re-flooring and re-partitioning. The museum eventually expanded into the full extent of the east wing which was also subject to remodelling.

{8} Two photos dated 1993;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 4/133 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> 1976, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), H14 p.68 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN1000.

<3> Historic England, National Buildings Record, BF093981; NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL, NORTHAMPTON (Archive). SNN109319.

<4> Bassir A., 2017, Historic building recording and archaeological observation at the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery and the Old Gaol, Northampton, Northamptonshire (Report). SNN110819.

<5> Brodie, A, Davies, J, Croom, J, 2002, English Prisons: An Architectural History, p. 269 (Monograph). SNN112921.

<6> Bassir, A, 2021, The history and development of Northampton Country Gaol and Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (Article). SNN112925.

<7> Undated, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY GAOL, NORTHAMPTON, BF093981 (Archive). SNN113653.

<8> Photographs of buildings in Northampton (Photographs). SNN114989.

Record last edited

Jul 5 2023 2:50PM