• In 1840 a new gaol, the Sessions House was built, modelled on the same design as Pentonville Prison in London.
• In 1878 prisoners were relocated to either Cambridge or Northampton and the Sessions house became the Headquarters for the Liberty of Peterborough and the Liberty magistrates' court.
• In 1947 the Police were relocated when the two separate forces - the Liberty of Peterborough (who looked after the old 'Soke' of Peterborough) and City of Peterborough force became one. The magistrates remained until another premises were built.
• In the 1980's the magistrates moved into a purpose built court building.
• In 1985 the Sessions House become a public house and restaurant.

Architecture:

Architect W J Donthorn designed the Sessions House. It was built along a Norman style after being modelled on the new Pentonville Prison built a few years earlier.

The front arched portal has a door with a portcullis set above.

Central to the entrance is a tower with two round turrets and machicolations. Situated either side are three large round-arched windows with flanking colonettes. Round turrets on beaten plinths are on each corner of the façade of the building.

Only the front remains of the Sessions House and has been listed as a Grade II building.

Social History :

• The Bridewell, the House of Correction in Exchange Street near the corner of Cumbergate, was built by the Feoffes (Peterborough United Charities) on the site of the Old Moothall.
• It was a site only for petty offenders and conditions were horrendous.
• The Bridewell consisted of a workshop with a narrow yard, an ante-room for beating hemp and two rooms 2.7m (9ft) by 1.8m (6ft) for the prisoners to sleep in. There was no water supply or lavatory.
• Prisoners were allowed 6p per day, a plank bed covered with straw, two blankets and a rug.
• The Bridewell was run by a pensioner who was paid £8 pounds per year and 3s.6d every time a prisoner arrived.
• In 1805 reported in the Gentleman's magazine, the Bridewell gaol was compared to a pig sty.
• Instead of the Bridewell, Felons were confined in the Old Bishop's Gaol next to the Minister Gate.
• Prisoners lived in squalor - three underground dungeons in total 3.7m (4yds) square in size, and one dungeon (The Gaol-room) had a 25.4cm (10in) x 17.8cm (7in) window for light and air. There were no fireplaces, religious attendants or financial allowance.
• The Soke allowed straw, two blankets and a rug per prisoner.
• By 1795, The Old Bishop's Gaol didn't even reach the accepted standards of that age; Lord Exeter was forced to repair the prison as locals were concerned the prisoners would escape.
• In 1802, only two prisoners were recorded as well and the goal being very clean; however Sessions House was then built.