Blind houses are miniature lockups employed for the short term detention of miscreants. Although most could barely accommodate one person, often several detainees were locked up, possibly with a guard. There are over a hundred in England and have several names including round house, lockup or clink. They provided a place for the local constable to put drunks, vagrants, brawlers and disreputable women as well as those more serious offenders in transit to the county assizes. Windows are always absent, hence the name with light and ventilation coming only from tiny grilles. Most were free-standing, constructed of stone with heavy wooden nailed doors. Most Wiltshire blind houses date from the 18th century although there are couple older. More information can be found in Mary Delorme's excellent book, Curious Wiltshire.
Steeple Ashton’s blind house, on the village green was built in 1773 for £19.18s. All thick stone, dome topped with boss. It is reputed to be so cold inside, that the last occupant is said to have died of pneumonia during the night. This is however not true, he died the morning after.
The north Wiltshire half of this series is owned by Hamfist (supplier of the picture above -Thanks Brian) and can be found at the following waypoints:
The list will be updated as more are added.
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Lacock GC1MRDF
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Bradford on Avon GC1MP4M
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Luckington GC1N2QP
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Malmesbury GCN2RK
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Castle Combe TBA