Rare glimpse inside one of Wiltshire’s oldest prisons

The building at Bradford on Avon town bridge was opened to the public, offering visitors the chance to explore a building once used to lock up people accused of being drunk overnight.

Those detained would then be taken before a magistrate the following morning.

History records that the building may once have served a very different purpose.

A rare look inside the Bradford on Avon lock up. (Image: TrevorPorter)

Antiquarian John Aubrey, writing in the 1660s, described it as having once been a chapel.

The building originally belonged to the Abbey of Shaftesbury and was passed down with the manor until the early 20th century.

It was restored in 1927 by antiquarian architect Sir Harold Brakspear, during which medieval stonework was discovered.

Visitors were also able to explore another historic building during the Heritage Open Days – Wallington Masonic Hall.

A look at the chapel at Wellington Hall in Church Street given to Freemason by Albert Wallington. (Image: TrevorPorter)

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Wellington Hall in Church Street given to Freemason by Albert Wallington. (Image: TrevorPorter)

The former Church House was built by clothier Thomas Horton to support the church and the poor.

It became a British School for girls in 1854 before later being used as a boys’ grammar school until 1903.

In 1928, it was restored and given to the Freemasons and church by Albert Wallington.