1802 – West Prison, Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen’s Bridewell opened 1802 and was demolished around 1868. An impressive stone gateway to the Bridewell prison stood until 1883 when it was demolished. Described in the 19th centiury as “The City Bridewell was Erected at an Expense of £12,000, on a Site of 2-Scotch acres on the confines of the Town & was Opened in 1809; it is a handsome Structure in the castellated style, surrounded with a Wall 14ft in height. The Edifice contains 5-Storeys, of which part of the Uppermost is used as a Hospital & the Interior is divided, throughout its whole length, by a Gallery, on one side of which are Dormitories & on the other Cells for Labour; the whole number of Cells is 109, each 8-ft long x 7-ft wide. The Building is Warmed by Steam & Lit with Gas & adjoining the Rear, is the Governor’s House, containing a Committee-room for the Meeting of the Magistrates, a Chapel & Apartments for a Surgeon, in addition to the requisite Accommodations for the Governor, Matron, & other Officers necessary for the performance of the various Duties of the Establishment. The Prisoners were Employed in Profitable Labour.”