Female Prison, York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Female Prison, York |
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| Location | Eye of York, York, North Yorkshire, England |
| OS grid reference | SE 60578 51448 |
| Built | 1780-1783 |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Designated | 14 June 1954 |
| Reference no. | 1259324 |
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The Female Prison in York, North Yorkshire, was once a place where women who had broken the law were held. It is a very important old building, known as a Grade I Listed building. This means it is protected because of its special history and architecture.
Since 1938, the Female Prison has been part of the York Castle Museum. Today, you can visit it to learn about what life was like for people in the past.
A Look Back in Time: The Prison's Story
The Female Prison and its surrounding yard were built a long time ago, between 1780 and 1783. It cost about £1,540 to build, which was a lot of money back then! Two people named Thomas Wilkinson and John Prince designed the building.
The front of the prison looks very similar to the Court building across the way. This was done on purpose to make the buildings look balanced. Over the years, the prison was changed a few times. In 1802, new sections, called wings, were added. Later, between 1820 and 1850, a raised platform with steps was built at the front.
The outside of the building is made from a type of stone called sandstone. The inside of the entrance area is smooth and plastered. In 1934, the city of York bought the prison. It then opened its doors as the Castle Museum in 1938, allowing everyone to explore its history.
