You know, I suspect Oscar would have wanted it demolished and the ground sown with salt

[oursin]

Apparently Reading Gaol is a Grade II listed building? It is of:

* Architectural interest: an impressive, fortress-like design that represents an early work by one of England's foremost C19 architects;

* Planning interest: a pioneering English example of a radial-plan prison built for the newly-introduced 'separate system' of constant surveillance and solitary confinement.

I came across this while looking into the background of a petition 'to see it preserved and enhanced to become an arts hub and to celebrate Reading's heritage'.

This is undoubtedly better than being sold off to a real estate developer, which seems to have been on the cards.

But I can't help wondering what Oscar himself would have thought of this and that it was still standing.