South elevation of proposed alterations to Bedford Gaol by Thomas Smith, 1848.

After seeing a Gaol at Hertford in 1848 the County Magistrates appointed the Hertfordshire Surveyor, Thomas Smith, as Surveyor for Bedfordshire. He designed the substantial additions [PP 6/2], including a wing for women prisoners and a new main cellblock in the shape of a 'T'. The builder was Walter Parker. The nucleus of the original building from 1798 – 1801 remained, and is still standing, although the building has since been greatly extended and adapted.