HMP Wheatley

Resembling a monument that wouldn’t be out of place in one of the magnificent seven cemeteries this building had much more of a practical purpose for the living.

Nestled on the corner of Church street and Holloway Road, in the village of Wheatley is a splendid building dating back to 1834 and has been in regular use since then.

Whereas most other lock ups resembled crude sheds or brick outbuildings this hexagonal structure has stood the test of time, earning a Grade II listing and looking sound enough to do its job even today.

This lock up was designed and built for just that reason, to lock up the naughty scallywags who cause trouble and allow justice to be served. Not exactly Strangeways or Prison Dana this small but effective holding cell was frequented mostly by drunks that had too much fun and needed the night to sleep it off. There were the occasional more serious criminal that had the pleasure of staying there until transport to the local magistrates in Oxford was organised.

Lock ups were common place in towns and villages from the 16th century through to 1839 when the Country Police Act was introduced. This increased the amount of local police stations and in turn the number of police holding cells making Lock Ups obsolete.

This surviving relic is used for storage nowadays though in recent years you could, for a fee, spend a few minutes detained inside during the May Day fayre and receive a certificate to prove it.

Location: 1 Gardiner Close

Wheatley

Oxford

OX33 1HU