The site selected by the Lord Chancellor's Department had originally been divided by a river known as Bell's Dyke and was occupied by a foundry owned by a local bellmaker, Henry Penn.

The ground floor, which was projected forward, featured a row of eight columns which divided the bays and supported a modillioned pavilion roof.

The first floor, which was narrower, was designed in a similar style with a central section which was fenestrated, and some outer bays which were recessed under another pavilion roof.

[10] In October 2001, three prisoners escaped from the building after they had attacked Group 4 security officers and then placed them in a holding cell.

[11] Notable cases have included the trial and conviction of Jamie Juste, in July 2009, on a charge of grievous bodily harm committed against his female partner after they had both taken part in a discussion about alleged infidelity on the Jeremy Kyle Show.