Scotland Street Gaol

[Ponytail]

Part of Scotland Street between Courts 5 and 7 formerly the site of The Debtors Gaol (left), then the premises of Robert Slack, Sweet Merchant. s19326

Originally a merchants warehouse but in 1818 when the Debtor's Gaol in King Street was taken down the debtors were removed to Scotland Street. The premises became the prison for the liberty of Hallamshire; the Duke of Norfolk being the owner and Thomas Smith the Gaoler.

In 1852 a W. L. Smitter was Governor, but no prisoners were there except one or two from High Court.

Last occupant before demolition Mr. Robert Slack, sweet merchant; the upper stories were also used as offices. The whole building was known as Hallamshire Chambers.

Information from: Newspaper Cuttings Relating to Sheffield Ref: 942.74 SF Vol 39, Pages 28 and 81. 

 

Premises of Robert Slack Ltd., Sweet Merchant, former Debtors Prison, Scotland Street. s12490

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Part of Scotland Street between Courts 5 and 7 formerly the site of The Debtors Gaol (left) with Methodist Chapel Gate entrance top of picture taken from the junction with Lambert Street. 1929.s19287

Doorway from Scotland Street Gaol. Two heavy, thick and iron studded doors were discovered during demolition. 

y01621

 

Gable end of former Scotland Street Gaol, showing grill window.

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[Edmund]

In November 1823, the prisoners in the Scotland street gaol, 32 of them, were given a pint of ale and six shillings each, by Smith the keeper, on behalf of Earl Fitzwilliam.  The prisoners assembled in the yard to drink the health of the Earl and his son Lord Milton, and gave three cheers for them. 

The Earl had just visited Sheffield with great celebrations, dinners were held in various places, the main one probably being at the Cutlers' Hall, as the Master Cutler (Dewsnap) was present. Outside a cast iron arch lit by gas had been erected, the population seemed to adore the Earl, and the newspaper reports were excessively sycophantic.