19th Century Prison History : 19th Century Prison Search

Police Cells under Salford Town Hall

Overview

Location   town hall (Bexley Square)  Salford

County   Lancashire

Year Opened   unknown

Year Closed   unknown

Century of Operation   1800-1899

Remarks   The principal lock up in Salford.

Further information can be found at
https://www.prisonhistory.org/lockup/police-cells-under-salford-town-hall/

Description

  • 'These cells have been recently built. Two of them, indeed, are not yet completed. The site is convenient and unobjectionable, but the cells are below ground ... There are at precent only three cells which are completed and in use. They are each 14 feet long, 12 feet broad, and 8 1/2 feet high. They are dry, but the only means of lighting them is by gas. They are well warmed, but the ventilation is not good, the gratings for admitting fresh air not being sufficiently large. The place is secure; and, being a police station, there is a resident keeper. There are benches to lie on, and rugs for bedding.'
    Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain IV. Northern District, Thirteenth Report (Parl. Papers, 1847-8, XXXVI.361), p.94

Sources

  • Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain IV. Northern District, Thirteenth Report (Parl. Papers, 1847-8, XXXVI.361), p.94
  • Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain II. Northern and Eastern District, Sixth Report (Parl. Papers, 1841 Session 2, V.1), p.149