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HMP Aldington is a low-security prison near Ashford, Kent, and closed down in 1999. Since then, it has remained empty and been subject of many rows among local residents. In 2000, plans to convert the site into an asylum seeker detention centre caused much controversy, and as such were scrapped. The Prison Service, who still own the site, have now submitted plans to turn the land into a housing estate of approximately 70 buildings. This, too, has caused local residents to object, and so the site continues to remain empty.
When we visited, it was evdient that vandals have been highly active here over the years, as most windows were smashed, and plenty of graffiti can be found on the walls.
NOTE: all enlarged images open in a pop-up window, so blocking software should be switched off.
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Image reference: CRW_1372
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The doors into one of the prison workshops. Various pieces of equipment have been left behind, and most of the windows have been smashed by vandals. |
Image reference: CRW_1380
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The view down on of the cell-block corridors. Despite being low-security status, heavy metal gates still guard the entrances to the prison wings. |
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Image reference: CRW_1384
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Another corridor, another metal gate guarding it. |
Image reference: CRW_1403
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'Blitz' walking down one of the cell-block corridors. With a person in the image for scale, it is clear how cramped and confining the building is. |
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Image reference: CRW_1417
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The reception area, where inmates would check in upon arrival. |
Image reference: CRW_1423
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A small selection of magazines found in one of the offices. The administration staff evidently had plenty of spare time! |
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Image reference: CRW_1425
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The open-air exercise compound, surrounded by huge razorwire-topped metal fences to stop inmates escaping. |
Image reference: CRW_1429
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One of the half-demolished peripheral buildings, formerly the education area. |
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Image reference: CRW_1431
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Another of the prison workshops, now with everything but the safety signs removed. |
Image reference: CRW_1433
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The workshop office. Vandals have smashed all of the windows, leaving shards of glass scattered all over the floor. |
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Image reference: CRW_1442
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The Prison Service are quite keen on health and safety, with warning signs appearing everywhere in the workshops, covering almost every risk imaginable!
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Image reference: CRW_1446
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A valve in one of the prison's many boiler-rooms. All mains services seem to have been disconnected, but the equipment here still seems to be in perfect working order. |
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Image reference: CRW_1456
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Heavy-duty electrical switches for the boiler machinery. |
Image reference: CRW_1459
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Another valve connected to the boiler. |
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Image reference: CRW_1472
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The sports hall, complete with the equation for success to motivate the inmates. |
Image reference: CRW_1479
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The vandalised entrance to the weight-lifting hall. |
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Image reference: CRW_1494
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The main gates that guard the prison entrance, chained shut since the Prison Service moved out. |
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