1834 – New Gaol, Trim, Co. Meath

An unusually designed gaol with 5 cell blocks radiating from central governor’s house. Built to replace a gaol on the far side of the river, construction started in 1827. Built on the Panopticon theory, which included a radial or polygonal arc of cell blocks encircling a central inspection block, walled exercise yards filled the external spaces between the radiating cell blocks. This operated until about 1870 and then in 1890 it was converted into an industrial school for children by architect Anthony Scott. The gaol was demolished in the 1950s with the site used for a secondary school which still occupies the site. The original northern entrance screen wall was retained, almost 200 feet long and 25 feet high, it is a dramatic remnant.

“….a new county gaol was erected here in 1834, at an expense of £26,000. It is on the radiating prinqiple, and consists of five ranges of building for the reception of the different classes, each of which is divided into three stories, containing on the lower a dining-hall and workroom, and in each of the upper 12 sleeping-rooms or cells: between the ranges are airing-yards for the respective classes, who are employed in stone-breaking and in various handicraft trades: in the centre is the governor’s house, a circular building, in the upper story of which is a chapel communicating with the five wards by a bridge leading from each. The prison is capable of receiving 140 prisoners in separate cells; it has a treadmill with two wheels, hospitals for male and female patients, and a school in which adults attend for three hours every day.”
Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837

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