The Village Round House or Lock Up was built around the 1790s, for those that had broken the law until they could be removed to a town prison. They were often known as "Blind Houses," being quite dark inside except for the little light let in by an iron grating in the door. The Round House was last used for prisoners in 1885.
October 16, 2022
Somerset, England
One of the best-preserved examples of an old town lock-up in the country.
Kirkcudbright, Scotland
A 17th-century building that once served as the town's courthouse and jail is now a thriving art center.
Mantua, Italy
A medieval tower with a suspended iron cage used as an open-air jail for criminals who were exposed as a warning.
Prestonpans, Scotland
Reportedly the "most handsome" market cross in Scotland.
Tomioka, Japan
The World Heritage-designated site of Japan’s industrial revolution, once mistaken as a den of vampires.
Raħal Ġdid, Malta
Malta’s largest cemetery is a Victorian-era architectural masterpiece.
Conwy, Wales
One of the oldest suspension bridges in the world blends in perfectly with a medieval castle.
Mdina, Malta
See Malta’s history through the recreation of scenes of torture using life-sized mannequins in a former medieval dungeon.
