Oakfield Cottage

Cadw's description

Location

Situated in enclosed yard NW of the former county gaol.

History

Detached outbuilding of the gaol, probably built c1830 as part of Thomas Penson's design for the County Goal. Built as a pair with the SE detached building, now called Howards End. The two are said to have been infirmaries for male and female inmates, but also said to have been warder's houses. Front garden enclosed by wall of brick with iron gate at S E end.

Exterior

Small rectangular house with front wall of brick, the rest of squared blocks of local green stone, with slate roof, flat eaves, and parapet on left end with short stone chimney. Two storeys. Front wall of brick has raised eaves course and two stone-framed 9-pane hornless sash windows each floor, the upper ones smaller. Later C20 gabled brick addition to right, built between the house and the cell-block wall of former gaol. Rear elevation stonework connects with the NW end of the former cell block wall. Single centre doorway with ashlar head and heavy gaol door. Inserted modern window above and two modern windows inserted in wall to left.

Interior

Ground floor room, formerly two, has heavy gaol door formerly external, now in new addition, with the lock on the outside. Fireplace at other end. Narrow winding stairs in NE corner.

Reason for designation

Included for historic and group interest as part of an 1830s prison complex.