Listed prison goes under hammer

A former prison in Liverpool which was used as the city's main jail for more than 130 years is to be auctioned.

The Main Bridewell, a Grade II-listed building on Cheapside, off Dale Street, opened in 1866 and closed in 1999.

It is hoped the Merseyside Police Authority-owned site, made up of 47 cells over four floors, will fetch up to £500,000 when it is sold next month.

The jail was built to house petty criminals, and later to hold people overnight ahead of court appearances.

In 2004 developers discussed turning the building into a luxury hotel.

The prison will be auctioned at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 3 September.