Mr Whichcord is probably best known for designing the Kent County Lunatic Asylum in the 1830s, also in Maidstone, and similarities between the two buildings are apparent.

Other reforms later included a strictly enforced segregation of prisoners by offence and the general improvement of living conditions such as improving the water supply, sanitation and ventilation system; many of these renovations were made with prison labour over the course of the century.

By the late 20th century, the only remaining signs of the original prison are the large and small roundhouses, the Weald Wing, the Administrative Block, the Training Complex, the Visits Building and the perimeter wall.

After the passing of the Capital Punishment Amendment Act 1868, subsequent executions took place inside the prison, the last was in 1930.

[4] Maidstone accommodates foreign national prisoners convicted of a range of offences; about two-thirds of whom are deported at the end of their sentence.