Knutsford’s rich and often surprising history took centre stage at a recent talk hosted by the Friends of the Knutsford Heritage Centre. Local historian Jenny Collis, author of ‘Knutsford, Our Streets Through Time’, led an insightful and engaging discussion on the history of Knutsford Prison, sharing fascinating details about its origins, purpose, and the lives of those who passed through its formidable gates.
It was a lovely afternoon, introduced by Knutsford’s Mayor, Colin Banks, who welcomed the packed audience and highlighted the significance of preserving local history. Jenny, a dedicated volunteer at the Knutsford Heritage Centre, delivered an enthralling narrative, drawing from extensive research and historical records to paint a picture of the prison’s past.
Jenny Collis is a Local historian, author of ‘Knutsford, Our Streets Through Time’ and Knutsford Heritage Centre volunteer
A Prison at the Heart of Knutsford
The story of Knutsford Prison dates back to 1816, when county magistrates commissioned the building of a new Sessions House and House of Correction. Knutsford, already an established market town with quarter sessions held since 1575, was chosen for the project. A plot of land, offered by Lord Egerton, became the site of what would eventually be one of Cheshire’s most notable institutions.
Designed by George Moneypenny, construction began in 1817 with an estimated cost of £31,000 (around £2.25 million today). However, financial difficulties meant Moneypenny was dismissed before completion, and work was carried on by William Heap.
The Knutsford House of Correction opened in 1820, initially built for 150 inmates but quickly becoming overcrowded. Within five years of opening over 237 prisoners were crammed into the facility, necessitating further expansions. By the late 19th century, it housed up to 700 prisoners, including 100 women.
Life Inside the Prison
Jenny detailed the harsh and regimented life of prisoners, many of whom were incarcerated for minor offences, such as stealing food or vagrancy. The prison operated under the Silent System, which forbade inmates from talking, whistling, or even looking at one another.
Punishments included the notorious crank handle—a useless device prisoners had to turn thousands of times before being allowed a meal—and the shot drill, where prisoners repeatedly lifted and moved heavy cannonballs. More productive labour included stone-crushing and mat-weaving, with inmates earning a small wage for their work.
One of the most physically demanding forms of punishment was the treadmill. Installed in many Victorian prisons, the Knutsford treadmill served a practical purpose: it was used to pump water into the prison for drinking and sanitation. Prisoners were forced to walk continuously on the rotating steps, a gruelling task designed to exhaust and discipline.
Knutsford Prison was also one of the first to adopt separate facilities for women, and notable prison reformers such as Elizabeth Fry influenced its approach to incarceration.
Executions and the Prison’s Legacy
Between 1887 and 1912, eight men were executed at Knutsford, the first being Owen McGill, convicted of murdering his wife. Public executions had been abolished by this time, and Knutsford built an execution shed where condemned prisoners were hanged and later buried within the prison grounds. In 1928, these remains were exhumed and reburied at Strangeways Prison in Manchester following the closure of Knutsford Prison.
From Prison to Supermarket
By 1915, the prison population had dwindled, and during World War I, it was repurposed as a detention centre for conscientious objectors and military offenders. After the war, the site housed Knutsford Ordination School, training future clergy before finally closing in 1928.
The once-imposing prison was demolished in 1935, with the land eventually becoming the site of Booths supermarket, the bus station, and car park—a striking transformation from a place of punishment to a bustling part of Knutsford’s everyday life.
Pictured: Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre – Lin Bartlett, Elaine Warren and Jenny Collis. Photo credit: Tatton Estate
Jenny’s talk was a sell-out event, proving the town’s enduring fascination with its history. If you’d like to learn more, visit the Knutsford Heritage Centre, where you can access archives, attend future talks, and even volunteer. Becoming a Friend of the Heritage Centre also grants discounts on tickets and also ensures you are the first to hear about upcoming events.
A special mention to the Friends of Knutsford Heritage Centre Volunteers who organised and hosted the event, including Elaine Warren, Lin Bartlett, Sue Booth, Robin Stubbs, Stephen Smith, Jan McCappin, and to the Mayor and his wife, Mr and Mrs Colin Banks. And of course an extra special thanks to Jenny for her research and for her wonderful talk about Knutsford Prison.
Upcoming events include ‘The Egerton’s of Tatton Park’ park on 22 March 2025 at 2PM. Tickets are £12 pp (£10 for Friends of the Heritage Centre) and include refreshments. To book please email info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk .
To find out more, visit Knutsford Heritage Centre’s website or pop in to discover more about our town’s extraordinary past.
Tatton Estate is a proud supporter of the Knutsford Heritage Centre. We are committed to preserving the rich history of our wonderful town and ensuring that future generations can continue to explore and learn from its fascinating past.
