Leeds prison was built in 1847 and has been the centre of public protection for the citizens of Leeds and West Yorkshire for over 150 years. Construction of Leeds Prison (originally named Leeds Borough Gaol) was completed in 1847. Built from locally quarried stone, the prison originally had four wings radiating from a central point in a style typical of the time. Each of these four wings had three landings of cells. Know locally as Armley Gaol it was renamed along with other prisons to make their locations more obvious to people unfamiliar with these areas. A further two wings were added in 1994. Other refurbishments since then have modernised the residential units, provided improved showering and food servery areas and enhanced primary health care facilities.
Accommodation at the prison
- A wing – incentivised substance free living (ISFL) unit for convicted prisoners and those on remand.
- B wing – convicted prisoners and those on remand; supports prisoners with short sentences and resettlement.
- C wing – convicted prisoners and those on remand.
- D wing – induction unit.
- E wing – convicted prisoners and those on remand.
- F wing – vulnerable prisoners