Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

134 ANCIENT AND
with strong towers on each side, was erected, with a wall
of the same materials, 35 feet high, with pierced battle
ments and projecting towers. Within this new wall were
erected four radiating double prisons for felons, with eight
courts or yards, which can all be inspected from the
governor's house in the centre of these buildings. The
erection of the wall, gateway, nevv prison, and other im
provements, occupied twelve years, and cost £203,530;
defrayed by an annual rate of ljrf. in the pound on the
county. The county hall stands at the west-side of the
entrance; being built at the expense of the county, in
1673 and re-built in 1777. It is a handsome building of
the Ionic order, 150 feet in length, and 45 feet in breadth;
with an entrance portico, 30 feet in height, and attached
antse, over which is a pediment with the royal arms sur
mounted by a statue of justice. In this hall the Yorkshire
assizes are held, there being a crown court and a nisi-prius
court, with requisite accommodations. On the opposite
side of the castle yard—a fine space, calculated to con
tain 44,000 men,—is a building of the same design as the
county hall; containing apartments for female debtors and
female prisioners on criminal charges; also an hospital
and chapel. At another end is the prison for debtors, who
are allowed to walk in the Castle-yard.
Dr. Smollet, in his well known work, Humphrey Clinker,
introduces the following description of York Castle, in
which he alludes to its spacious court yard and good ar
rangements generally. " The castle, which was hereto
fore a fortress, is now converted into a prison, and is the
best, in all respects I ever saw at home or abroad. It
stands on a high situation, extremely well ventilated ;
and has a spacious area, within the walls, for the health
and convenience of all the prisoners, except those whom
it is necessary to secure in confinement. Even these last
have all the comforts that the nature of their situation
can admit. Here also are the assizes held in a range of
buildings erected for that purpose." Indeed Smollet was