mono Monday- Streetscape.

This is all that is left of the old Addington Prison.This important example of "Gothic Revival" architecture was built in 1874 under the guidance of Benjamin W Mountfort.

Constructed out of 60cm thick concrete, which at the time was a relatively new material, the building has survived in pristine condition.

When opened, the building catered for the needs of both sentenced and remand prisoners.

Over the years the building has been used as a jail, a woman's prison and a military camp.

The Mountfort cell block and remaining perimeter walls are scheduled as a protected item, for historical and architectural reasons, in the Christchurch City Plan.

The prison was closed in 1999, meaning all Christchurch Prisons were then located outside of the city boundaries. The prison lay empty until early 2006 when the building was bought by local couple - Kirsty and Grant, who renovated the building and Jailhouse Accommodation opened in late 2006. The Jailhouse in now a top-rated, award winning, budget backpacker hostel and a fine asset for Christchurch City.

This front wall shows the thickness of the walls- amazing how it has lasted.Thanks to Paladian for hosting today's challenge