The Town Lock-up

Today we continued our wedding anniversary celebrations by having lunch at The China Garden Restaurant in Great Dunmow. Then as usual we had a walk down to the ‘Doctor’s Pond’ to photograph the ducks and geese.
 
I had planned to blip one of the Canada Geese that I photographed, but on the way back I saw this little building. I have walked past it many times, but never took much notice of it before.  If you are interested, the plaque beside the left-hand window states:
 
 
TOWN LOCK-UP
 
This small single cell prison ceased its function in 1843 when the Dunmow Police Station opened.
 
During the 1890’s this disused Lock-up was adapted to be a Soup Kitchen to help feed the poor of the area during those hard years.
 
Lady Warwick is reputed to have provided venison for the kitchen from her labouring lands.