Strangeways: The imposing Victorian landmark that became a symbol of British penal history
In short: Designed by Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1868, HM Prison Manchester—famously known as Strangeways—is a striking architectural feat featuring a massive 234-foot ventilation tower. Beyond its imposing exterior, the prison holds a complex history of capital punishment, major riots, and ongoing debates regarding its suitability for modern incarceration.
Originally built to replace the New Bailey Prison in Salford, Strangeways was constructed on the grounds of a former park, taking its name from the Anglo-Saxon term for a stream with a strong current. The facility was designed using the separate system, resulting in a unique star-shaped layout with ten wings radiating from a central core. Upon its completion in 1869, the project cost £170,000, which would be equivalent to over £17 million today. For nearly a century, it served as a site for executions, with 100 hangings occurring between 1869 and 1964, including four women.
The prison's reputation shifted dramatically following a major riot in April 1990, which left much of the original structure damaged. The subsequent Woolf Inquiry led to extensive rebuilding and modernisation, completed in 1994 at a cost exceeding £80 million. Despite these efforts, the facility has faced persistent criticism. In 2017, an Independent Monitoring Board report described the conditions as squalid and vermin-infested, drawing comparisons to Dickensian England. Staff shortages and rising assault rates have further complicated the prison's operational environment.
Today, the prison remains a high-security Category A facility for adult males, with a capacity of 1,269 as of 2008. Its history is marked by the incarceration of notable figures, ranging from playwright Brendan Behan to musician Ian Brown. While local leaders have recently called for its relocation, arguing the site cannot meet modern requirements, the Ministry of Justice has maintained that there are no current plans to close or move the institution. The debate continues to highlight the tension between preserving historic infrastructure and meeting contemporary standards for safety and human dignity.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: HM Prison Manchester
- Also: Wikidata — HM Prison Manchester · CC0
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