The Prince of Wales visited The Old Prison in Northleach on Tuesday meeting volunteers and members of The Friends of the Cotswolds.
The site was built in the 1790s as the Northleach House of Correction, one of four houses of correction in Gloucestershire.
Built in the 1790s, The Old Prison was at the time the example of a how a prison could encourage adequate care and rehabilitation of prisoners throughout the country and abroad. The keeper’s house, female cells, police station, courtroom and front facade and perimeter wall remain.
The Grade II* listed Georgian old prison is now a visitor attraction, café, and home to the Lloyd-Baker Rural Life collection and the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
Prince Charles arrived at The Old Prison received by HM Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter.
During his visit, Charles toured The Old Prison and had the opportunity to see a variety of activities the Friends of the Cotswolds run in partnership with the Conservation Board.
Charles viewed a Cotswold dry-stone walling demonstration and watched a host of rural craftsmen from weavers and spinners to local blacksmith Richard Williams demonstrating his craft and thatcher Dan Quartermain conducting a thatching course.
“The Board is delighted to co-host the visit by The Prince to The Old Prison. The site is a central hub for the Cotswolds AONB helping to deepen understanding and appreciation of the special landscape. The Prince’s visit is timely, as next year the Cotswolds AONB will celebrate its 50th anniversary since being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,” Liz Eyre, Chairman of the Cotswolds Conservation Board commented.
After his visit to The Old Prison, Prince Charles popped on the M5 and headed to Gloucester Services Southbound.
Glocester Services Southbound is not you typical rest stop or place to tuck in for a meal whilst travelling. They offer homemade cakes, hand-baked pies and local artisanal cheeses, to name just a few of the broad range of products available.
The project also has a charitable division called Gloucestershire Gateway Trust to ensure the business affords ample jobs and to plough money into local social improvement schemes.
During his visit, Charles toured the farm shop and the food service area, before meeting representatives from some of the groups who have involved with the project.
On Wednesday, Charles will be joined by The Duchess of Cornwall as they visit the 134th Sandringham Flower Show.
Featured Photo Credit: International Fund for Animal Welfare Animal Rescue Blog (Cropped) via Flickr
Photo credit: Nick via Flickr
