Alternative Names Bridgwater Gaol, Bridgwater Borough Gaol and Lock Up House
Prison Type Local Prison - Common Gaol
Jurisdiction Municipality
Date opened [1834]
Date closed [1875]
Location within Cross Keys public house, Fore Street Bridgwater
Map location exact or closely approximate
County Somersetshire
The town gaol located in the Cross Keys public house may have been replaced by a new gaol connected to the new police office in Fore Street in 1834. It is not clear from the sources whether the old town gaol was located on the same site or whether it was closed with the opening of the police station. The Fore Street gaol was closed and demolished in 1875.
Alternative Names Bridgwater Gaol, Bridgwater Borough Gaol and Lock Up House
Prison Type Local Prison
Jurisdiction Municipality
Date opened [1834]
Date closed [1875]
Location within Cross Keys public house, Fore Street Bridgwater
Map location exact or closely approximate
Lat. 51.1283563 Long. -3.0023889
County Somersetshire
The town gaol located in the Cross Keys public house may have been replaced by a new gaol connected to the new police office in Fore Street in 1834. It is not clear from the sources whether the old town gaol was located on the same site or whether it was closed with the opening of the police station. The Fore Street gaol was closed and demolished in 1875.
Year 1818
Annual Committed - 6
Daily Greatest number - 2
Year 1828
Annual Committed - 15
Daily Census - 15
Year 1832
Annual Committed - 11
Daily Greatest number - 36
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: D/B/bw/2389
Collection: Bridgwater Borough
Description: Bundle of papers including case concerning keeping of Bridgwater Sessions' prisoners in County Gaol, and draft contract for maintenance of prisoners in Gaol (1856, 1872)
Dates: 1852-1899
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: D/B/bw/2395-8, 2431, and 2433-6
Collection: Bridgwater Borough
Description: Documents relating to the bridge, Gaol and the market house, with other public buildings
Dates: 1859-1899
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/63
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes James Gane at Taunton Gaol concerning improvements to Bridgwater Prison.
Dates: 1848-1850
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/RUp/240a
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Plans. New Borough Prison at Bridgwater and improving and extending Assize Courts. Architect - Richard Carver.
Dates: 1854