Blind Houses

A blind house is the local name in Somerset and Wiltshire for a lock up; possibly because they lack windows. Many date from the 18th Century and were often built to a standard pattern, circular or square with a domed roof and ball finial.

For more details see Mary Delorme’s excellent book, Curious Wiltshire.

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			Lacock fits the usual design apart from having a side entrance from a lobby.



Devizes Lock Up is 17th century, but was built into the new Town Hall in the early 19th century.


		Shrewton Blind House would have been used for local miscreants and for holding prisoners being taken to Salisbury for trial.

	Trowbridge Blind House has an entrance porch and an elegant ogee roof.


		Bradford on Avon Blind House was built as a chapel on the bridge.

	Bromham Blind House is built into the churchyard wall. It has wooden walls and a stone roof.


	Hilperton Blind House

		Steeple Ashton Blind House


	All original pictures © www.wiltshirepictures.co.uk