19th Century Prison History : 19th Century Prison Search

Gateshead Lock-Up House

Overview

Location   Bridge End  Gateshead

County   Durham

Year Opened   unknown

Year Closed   c1845

Century of Operation   1800-1899

Further information can be found at
https://www.prisonhistory.org/lockup/gateshead-lock-up-house-3/

Description

  • 'The other police prison consists of a single cell in the officers house at Bridge-end. This cell is about 10 feet long, six feet wide and nine feet high. It is much better than the cells [at Church Walk] just described, and I found it much cleaner, but it is ill ventilated and not secure. There is a window, but it does not open; and the ceiling is nothing but lath and plaster. The door opens into the officers room. A wooden slab is the ordinary provision for a bed, but I was told that occasionally a prisoner is allowed a great-coat and a rug. There are no means of warming the cell, and the place is consequently very cold. The cell is on the upper floor and is dry.'
    Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain IV. Scotland, Northumberland and Durham, Sixth Report (Parl. Papers, 1841 Session 2, V.413), p.44

Sources

  • Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain IV. Scotland, Northumberland and Durham, Eleventh Report (Parl. Papers, 1846, XX.461), p.77
  • Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain IV. Scotland, Northumberland and Durham, Sixth Report (Parl. Papers, 1841 Session 2, V.413), p.44