There is no difference, the name Bridewell originates from an ex-royal lodgings in London near St Bridgets Well known locally as Brides Well. Some time in the 16th century the lodgings were given by royal consent to be used as a hospital and later converted to a prison. Since that time 'Bridewells' could be found in all major towns and cities.
It appears, depending who does the recording, depends on what name they receive.
I'm under the impression the newspaper report is referring to the Bridewell in Hamilton St, attached to the Old Town Hall.
In 1878, £1030 was spent on the County Police Station, Bridge St/Waston St for new works and the Abbey St Courts Bridewell received plenty of inspections.
Wondering why the cartographer has chosen on the 1876 map to mark the building Bridewell and not Town Hall? assuming it was all one building.
Last edited by bert1; 1st Sep 20143:05pm.
God help us, Come yourself, Don't send Jesus, This is no place for children.
It would appear that the main police station in each division was referred to genrally as the bridewell, though this is not a strict rule. The Birkenhead bridewell was the building in Brandon Street adjacent to the town hall. This used to be the main police station for F division.
Nice one Zipper, it made for some intresting reading. To get rid of any confusion for some, the Argyle Street referred to is off Paradise Street in Liverpoool.I'm also wondering when the term bridewell went out of use as intimated by your attatchments as it was in use to my knowledge till at least the early 80's.
As you can see from the large scale 1875 plan below, Birkenhead's first 'Town Hall' actually consisted of two buildings; one comprised the municipal offices, courtroom and police station, the other the main bridewell with attached fire station.