The site of Wakefield Prison was formerly occupied by the Wakefield House of Correction, also known as the West Riding House of Correction and ‘Monster Mansion’, which was built in 1595. The creation of this institution was made possible by an endowment of £20 in 1595 from the will of barrister, George Savile. The primary purpose for these Houses was to detain criminals until a punishment was meted out and was not in itself considered a punishment. Whilst residing in this organisation, inmates would be shackled at all times, were filthy and had to pay gaolers fees until 1773.
Little is known of the original building, situated somewhere near Back Lane close to Westgate, but we do know that many alterations were made to it over the years, particularly after escapes. In 1764, an escape prompted an inquiry into the state of the House of Detention and to look into the building of a new facility. In 1800 more buildings were added, including a special reception building where prisoners could be washed, given a change of clothing and could be seen by the surgeon.
In 1823 a Governor’s house, a treadmill, a further 193 cells in addition to other buildings were erected at the cost of £40,000. By 1835, such was the number of staff that they could no longer all fit within the prison; they were allowed to live in the town but still had to have their meals inside. A new chapel was added to the structure in 1845.
By 1884 a completely new and larger prison, this time with 732 new cells, was opened after taking 4 years to build.
During the first world war, the criminal inmates were removed and the prison was turned into a work camp for those who disobeyed orders. It was also during this time that conscientious objectors were moved to the prison and, taking advantage of the lax discipline, refused to work and issued their demands in the ‘Wakefield Manifesto’.
The prison is still used to the very day, housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the UK.