Lock-up

This has no bearing on the Platinum Jubilee except for the evidence of bunting. We were on our way from shopping in Ashby, where a street party was in full swing, to find the location of the access to Calke Abbey for future reference and saw this little building in Smisby.

It's the local lock-up, apparently one of around 200 in the country, that date from the C17 and C18, where drunks or vagrants were held for short periods until they had cooled off or were transported to court.

The Grade II listed Smisby lock-up is octagonal, brick-built with a tiled spire roof, with a heavy studded door; others, in nearby Ticknall, Breedon and Alton are circular and also without a window.

Tomorrow we move to another residence, just a few yards away. We should have been there on arrival but, due to the Jubilee, it was not prepared and we have enjoyed this large flat with views over the lake as a temporary measure.