It is of early Victorian design and was modelled on Reading County Gaol,[2] The site was in an area of public buildings that also included the workhouse (formerly the Tindal Centre) and the Manor House Hospital.

[3] In 1998 HMP Aylesbury was criticised after an inspection report highlighted its poor health regime, which saw the rapid turnover of five senior medical officers in two years.

[6] HMP Aylesbury prison was back in the headlines in 2007 after it was revealed to have a higher rate of self-harm by inmates than any other Young Offenders Institution in England[7] Following the introduction of the Prison Service's ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork) system the rate of self-harm has reduced significantly.

Vocational courses and work programmes include Construction, Painting and Decorating, Bricklaying, Motor Vehicle Mechanics, Industrial and General Cleaning, Laundry, Catering, Gardening and Waste management.

In July 2017 a serious violent incident took place involving many inmates and Prison Officers were injured some needing hospital treatment.