Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB19/04/030 A

Address :
‘H’ Block 6 Zone J, The former Maze Prison, Halftown Road Lisburn BT27

Townland:
Maze

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Survey 2:
B1

Date of Listing:
01/04/2005 00:00:00

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Prison

Former Use
Prison

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
No

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
165/13

IG Ref:
J2245 6151

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Owner Category

Central Govt

Exterior Description And Setting

One of three H Block cellular units set within its own fenced compound within the Phase 3 area of the prison (Zone J). This block forms the western of three arranged along the southern half of the zone. To its west is a ‘Dead Zone’ beyond which is the western perimeter wall and inertia with the southern perimeter wall and inertia to the south (HB19/04/030E). Single storey grey brick and concrete structure, ‘H’ in plan comprising a central ‘circle’ off of which are four cellular wings, two to north and two to south. The building has a flat roof surmounted by brick enclosed water tank. The building is aligned east west with tarmac hard standing forming and entrance yard (between wings ‘A’ and ‘D’), There is a similar area between wings ‘B’ and ‘C’ and two pairs of exercise yards to the north and south of the cellular wings. Each of these areas is defined by high metal fences of galvanised corrugated steel sheeting over welded mesh panels with razor wire tops. Regular arrangement of ‘street’ lights surmounting fence posts. Vehicle air lock to east from dedicated access road with ornamental flowerbeds. Tall gates of galvanised steel and wire mesh surmounted with mesh above. Pedestrian gates of similar construction to each side. External elevations are regularly fenestrated with steel framed windows. Inside these are reinforced concrete grilles limiting daylight. Domed skylights to internal corridors. External doors fitted with Steel grille security gates. Later galvanised screens over the central block (‘circle’) windows. ‘Circle’ windows also have concrete grilles. External brick has regular expansion joints. Windows have simple concrete/rendered surround. Large insulated pipes run along the lower part of the north elevation of Wing A and supply hot water from M&E 3 (Mechanical and Elelectrical plant 3) to the H block calorifier. Main door in centre of east elevation of north south ‘circle’ block range. Doors are timber and fitted with observation window however they were operated in conjunction with outer metal grille doors. Similar secondary doors on western elevation of ‘circle’, opposite the main doors. Two Tertiary Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) observation towers located centrally along the outer fence, one to north and one to south. The towers are square in plan with the main entrance on the east. Constructed on a frame of tubular steel, the lower part clad with pressed and coated (pale green) steel sheets on the three sides with opaque corrugated plastic sheets on the fourth, away from the H Block Compound. The upper part formed the observation platform which projected over the fence slightly enabling greater sightlines. Each side of the observation room comprised of two panels of glass or Perspex except for the outer face which continued the steel cladding of the tower below. The windows were partially darkened and mirrored by means of an adhesive backing sheet.

Architects

Chief Architects Division, DoE(NI) Works Service

Historical Information

For general historical background see HB19/04/030. The H Block and associated observation towers, fences gates and gardens formed one of the three original elements of the Phase 3 Cellular prison, under construction in April 1977, with little sign of later modification. This formed the 6th H Block to be constructed overall out of 8 in total. The cell blocks were occupied by different paramilitary groups although adjoining blocks were often occupied by members of the same faction when numbers allowed and in this case the two were opened into one by the locking back of the dividing gates. Each cell block became an extension of the factions neighbourhood and was decorated with familiar murals, sometimes including street signs from areas of particular support and paramilitary leaders. A six monthly rotation of the various groups of prisoners between the cell blocks meant that this artwork was painted over before the block could be reoccupied, possibly with a group with wholly opposed views to their predecessors. This was also true of individual cells which were often decorated with wallpaper or paintwork to individual tastes. There was no visible artwork in this H Block and the cells were presented in alternate green and blue colour schemes. This H Block was one of three involved in the Dirty Protest. It was also the H Block from which 38 inmates escaped in 1983, the biggest escape in British Penal history. The infamous killing of Billy Wright was carried out when he was leaving this building in a visits van on the 27th December 1997. The building was occupied and served its function until the closure of the prison in 2000. The southern and northern observation towers are attributable to a mid 1980’s construction. They were added to reduce staff in the blocks and increase observation of the yards. The dark windows were to minimise staff intimidation.

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

A. Style D. Plan Form F. Structural System I. Quality and survival of Interior J. Setting

Historic Interest

W. Northern Ireland/International Interest Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance V. Authorship Z. Rarity

Evaluation

A representative example of a Maze H Block. A structure which represents a significant development in the construction history of British Penal architecture and a form which is synonymous with The Maze Cellular. The building is of interest for its historical associations with the history of the prison. It has heightened historical interest due to its involvement in the ‘Dirty’ protest, the hunger strikes, the 1983 escape and the murder of Billy Wright. Its plan form is important in understanding the orgainisation of the prision. Its structural system and internal details are of interest. It setting and surroundings add to its penal character. The fences defining yards and the controlled entrance to the enclosure, together with the north and south NIPs towers are integral and essential in the interest of the building.

General Comments

Date of Survey

13 May 2004