In 1783, the Justices of the North Riding of Yorkshire decided to close the existing house of correction in Thirsk and replace it with a larger custom-built facility in nearby Northallerton.

On the outbreak of World War II it was transferred to the British Army for use as a storage depot and later a training facility for Royal Military Police officers.

In 1946 some prisoners, aggrieved that the end of the war had not led to the remission of their sentences, rioted, damaging the cell block and throwing roof slates into the street.

Previously inspection reports had highlighted problems with bullying, poor sanitation and lack of exercise facilities at the jail.

[5] However, a further inspection report in April 2006 found that some shared cells at Northallerton were unhygienic and unfit for purpose.

The report also raised concerns over the insufficient education and work opportunities for inmates at the prison.

On 4 September 2013, the Ministry of Justice announced that it intended to close Northallerton Prison by the end of 2013.

[11] The site is now part of a masterplan for Northallerton which includes the development of new homes, shops, leisure and education facilities.

[14] After the demolitions were complete, archeologists from York Archaeological Trust spent a month excavating on the site.