IF you thought prisons were just dirty great blots on the landscape where we sling our wrong-doers, English Heritage wants you to think again.

A new book, unveiled today by the organisation, offers a behind-the-bars peek at what it calls "the superb architectural history" of the slammers of Britain, including many in Yorkshire.

Entitled English Prisons: An Architectural History, the book is the first written and photographic survey of Britain's prisons for more than 100 years.

It is published with the co-operation of Her Majesty's Prison Service and reveals how prison buildings developed to reflect changing views of punishment and criminality. Askham Grange Prison, near York, is singled out in a chapter which explores how country houses were turned into prisons during the Second World War.

It tells of the estate's construction in 1886, for Sir Andrew Fairburn, and of its conversion into an open-plan-style women's prison.

Full Sutton top security jail, near York, is mentioned as being one of only a handful of prisons to employ a design whereby the cells are ranged around a central courtyard. Although it opened in 1987, the book says its design owes more to the ideas of the 1960s, when it was originally conceived.

York's prison, which closed in the 19th century, also gets a mention, as do the Wolds Prison, in the East Riding, and Wealstun, near Wetherby.

Sir Neil Cossons, chairman of English Heritage, said: "Prison buildings are as worthy of examination as any other category of architecture. This book reveals buildings hidden from public view, and provides a thorough understanding of this important area of our built heritage.

"It is not only a superb record of the history and architecture of our prisons, but also reflects the human dimension of life 'inside'."

The book marks the culmination of a three-year survey by the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.

The book is available, priced £40, from English Heritage Postal Sales (Gilliards), on 01761 45253

Updated: 10:43 Thursday, January 24, 2002