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.
Hilperton blind house has been fully renovated new replica door with the domed roof and boss finial typical of Wiltshire. The area has plenty of parking in the Knap opposite, so this should make a quick cache and dash.
The north Wiltshire half of this series is owned by Hamfist (supplier of the above picture - Thanks Brian) and can be found at the following waypoints:
The list will be updated as more are added.
• GC1MP4M – Bradford upon Avon