Oldbury Court House and Jail.
First off, let me say this is now a Weatherspoons Pub that has been pretty well restored but due to it being a grade II listed building, this obviously limits what they can do with the place. Posting this here because this was a special one off whistle stop visit during a quiet period by the manager and wouldn't like to piss her off by sending hoards here all requesting to see the cells and the court room. While in the area for work, ended up having lunch here everyday and after chatting and a bit of begging a quick tour was sorted.
There is loads of history available on this place here http://www.historyofoldbury.co.uk/articles/article003 - court and prison.htm but the general gist was that it opened up as a Court of Requests on this site and evolved into the building it is now. After closing as a court house it was turned in to a library before being taking over and restored as a an Weatherspoons. On the plus side at least they've got a few drunk tanks on site
Anyway, on with a few pics. Not the best quality as all handheld while being ushered around.
1. Through the Kitchen and around to the cells.
2. Cell No.5, where someone supposedly hung themselves before facing their trial
3.
4. Door to freedom or fate.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Back along the corridor and up to the court room.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. Inside whats left of the court room/christmas storage.
15. Back down to freedom?
Thanks for looking
First off, let me say this is now a Weatherspoons Pub that has been pretty well restored but due to it being a grade II listed building, this obviously limits what they can do with the place. Posting this here because this was a special one off whistle stop visit during a quiet period by the manager and wouldn't like to piss her off by sending hoards here all requesting to see the cells and the court room. While in the area for work, ended up having lunch here everyday and after chatting and a bit of begging a quick tour was sorted.
There is loads of history available on this place here http://www.historyofoldbury.co.uk/articles/article003 - court and prison.htm but the general gist was that it opened up as a Court of Requests on this site and evolved into the building it is now. After closing as a court house it was turned in to a library before being taking over and restored as a an Weatherspoons. On the plus side at least they've got a few drunk tanks on site
Anyway, on with a few pics. Not the best quality as all handheld while being ushered around.
1. Through the Kitchen and around to the cells.
2. Cell No.5, where someone supposedly hung themselves before facing their trial
3.
4. Door to freedom or fate.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Back along the corridor and up to the court room.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14. Inside whats left of the court room/christmas storage.
15. Back down to freedom?
Thanks for looking
. Nice shots Altair
