On the left is the entrance to the County Gaol, which may vie in every respect with any other establishment of the sort in the kingdom. It is built upon two levels. On the east side of the range of buildings on the upper level is the Deputy-Governor’s house; adjoining are the day and sleeping rooms of the male debtors, with a large and commodious yard, commanding a view of the surrounding country; and in an extensive wing are the convicts’ cells, apartments for the female debtors and prisoners, with the matron’s house and hospital. In the centre, projecting beyond the level, and of a semicircular form, so as to command a view of the court yards, &c., are the gaoler’s or governor’s apartments. Underneath the governor’s apartments, and of the same form, is the chapel, which has lately been rebuilt and much improved. It is situate between the upper and lower level, and so contrived as to receive the debtors and criminals into different compartments, from their respective court yards. Divine service is performed in the chapel every morning during the week, and twice every Sunday. The Rev. J. M. Kilner is the present chaplain, who is most indefatigable in the discharge of his duties. On the lower level, under the jailor’s house, are the felons’ yards, five in number. They are spacious and airy, and each contains a pump and trough. A sort of area or passage surrounds these yards, and beyond that is the outside wall, built of immense blocks of stone, and conveying at once the idea of security and solidity. Nothing can exceed the excellent discipline and general arrangement of the prisoners. A large proportion of the prisoners are profitably employed, under the superintendence of a task-master. They are chiefly engaged in calico, rug, and carpet weaving, shoe-making, and basket-making. The greater part of the articles of clothing and bed furniture used within the walls are manufactured by them; and the store-room presents the appearance of a complete depository of useful articles for the prison, of almost every description. There is also a commodious schoolroom, which is efficiently superintended. Everything relating to the internal management of this prison is complete in each department, and reflects the highest credit on the governor, Mr. Dunstan. Previous to the new erections, on the east side of the lower court stood the ancient Shire Hall, in which the courts of justice for the county used to be held. It was a magnificent building, nearly 90 feet in length, and 45 in breadth; the height very lofty, and worthy the state apartment of the first Norman Earl, Hugh Lupus, who required a hall suitable to the greatness of his hospitality. Adjoining to this hall was the Court of Exchequer, or Court of Chancery, of the county palatine of Chester. It was the Parliament House of the little kings of the palatinate, and had neat gothic seats for the abbot and eight barons.