10 Facts about Crumlin Road Jail

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail talk about the former prison located in north Belfast, Northern Ireland. People often call the prison as Crumlin Road Gaol or HMP Belfast. The exact location of the former prison is on Crumlin Road. Since 1996, the prison had not used anymore. In Northern Ireland, Crumlin Road Jail is considered as the only prison created during Victorian era. Check other interesting  about Crumlin Road Jail facts below:

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 1: the importance of Crumlin Road Jail

Crumlin Road Jail is considered as one of the important buildings in Northern Ireland. Due to the historical and architectural significance, it earns grade A listed building status from Northern Ireland Environmental Agency.

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 2: Crumlin Road Courthouse

At the opposite side of the Gaol, you can spot Crumlin Road Courthouse. However, the building is in ruined condition. The two buildings are connected with a tunnel located under the primary road.  In the past, the prisoners were transported to reach courthouse via the tunnel.

Crumlin Road Jail Pic

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 3: who designed Crumlin Road Jail?

Sir Charles Lanyon was the architect who designed Crumlin Road Jail. It cost £60,000. The construction occurred in 1843 and 1845.

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 4: the materials to construct Crumlin Road Jail

Crumlin Road Jail was located beneath Crumlin Road. The black basalt rock was used to construct the jail.

Crumlin Road Jail Image

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 5: the purpose for constructing Crumlin Road Jail

Crumlin Road Jail was built to replace County Gaol located in Carrickfergus. At that time, Crumlin Road Jail was considered as the prison with great advance.

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 6: the designs

The Circle is a term used to call the central area of Crumlin Road Jail. The height of four wings can reach four storeys. It also features a five sided wall.

Crumlin Road Jail Facts

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 7: the number of prisoners

The measurement of each cell is 12 x 7 feet. It held around 500 to 550 prisoners inside Crumlin Road Jail. Find facts about Circus Maximus here.

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 8: the system

The Separate System was applied for the all jails in Ireland. It means that one cell will be occupied by a single prisoner. Therefore, each prisoner with others could not communicate.

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 9: the increased number of prisoners

Due to the increased number of prisoners, each cell was filled with at least 3 prisoners in the beginning of 1970s. Get facts about confederation bridges here.

Facts about Crumlin Road Jail 10: the children

The prisoners in the jail were not only adults, but also children. They were jailed in Crumlin Road Jail because of stealing clothing and food.

Crumlin Road Jail

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