STEWARD Inka Piergris keeps the pavement clear and directs visitors to the ancient Lock-Up gaol on Bradford on Avon town bridge.

The 18th century Lock-Up was opened for four days from Thursday to Sunday as part of the annual heritage open day events run by Heritage Open Days.

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate the country's fantastic history and culture.

It gives the residents of cities, towns and villages the chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences all of which are free to explore.

A spokesman said: "This charming little building is only open once a year during Heritage Open Days.

"It gives people the experience of entering the ancient lock-up cells and seeing the historic fixtures."

It is thought that the Lock-Up started off life as a travellers' chapel, perhaps providing respite to those undertaking long and dangerous journeys rife with highwaymen and thieves.

The Lock-Up was later converted into a 'blind house' or 'drunk tank', holding inebriated locals through until morning to sober up before sentencing.

It had one cell with straw on the floor, a fireplace, and a drain. In 1825 it was divided into an entrance lobby and two cells, each with an iron bed frame and a toilet shoot with a long drop into the river.

On its domed roof is a 16th century gilded weathervane in the shape of a fish known as the Bradford gudgeon. Prisoners were said to be “under the fish and over the water”.

In 1855 the new town hall was built which included a police station with its own cells, so the Lock-Up was no longer needed.

In 1927 Sir Harold Brakspear had it restored at a cost of £300 (about £16000 today) before handing it over to the county council.

Since then, it has been open to visitors at certain times and more repairs were carried out in 2015.

Today, the Lock-Up remains a thoroughly interesting piece of the town's history and a significant tourist attraction.