Stafford Prison: A Comprehensive Guide to Staffordshire’s Historic Gaol

Located in the heart of Stafford, Staffordshire, Stafford Prison stands as one of the UK’s oldest correctional facilities, serving as a cornerstone of the region’s justice system. Officially known as HMP Stafford, this Category C prison blends Victorian architecture with modern rehabilitation efforts for a diverse male population. Whether you’re planning a visit to support a loved one, researching its storied past, or curious about life behind its walls, this guide provides a detailed exploration of Stafford Prison’s address, telephone number, visiting procedures, transport links, and the daily experiences of its inmates, offering an essential resource for families and researchers.

Overview of Stafford Prison

Stafford Prison, officially HMP Stafford, is a Category C male prison located in Stafford, Staffordshire. Established in 1793, with major expansions in the 19th century, it is one of England’s oldest operational prisons, with a capacity of approximately 741 inmates. The facility primarily houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences for offences such as theft, assault, or drug-related crimes, with a focus on rehabilitation through education and vocational training.

Managed by His Majesty’s Prison Service, Stafford is known for its vocational programmes, including construction, catering, and IT, supported by facilities like workshops and classrooms. While no high-profile inmates have been widely publicised in recent years, the prison serves a diverse population from the West Midlands. Recent inspections praise its training opportunities but highlight challenges with drug use and staff shortages, positioning Stafford as a dynamic yet complex facility.

History of Stafford Prison

Stafford Prison opened in 1793 as the Stafford County Gaol, with significant rebuilding in 1833 to serve the growing industrial population of Staffordshire. Its Victorian radial layout, designed by architect Thomas Trubshaw, featured cell blocks extending from a central hub, reflecting the era’s emphasis on discipline and surveillance. Initially housing men, women, and juveniles, it became a male-only facility by the early 20th century.

Key moments include its role in 19th-century executions and its use as a military detention centre during World War I. The prison faced criticism in the 1980s for poor conditions, leading to refurbishments in 1995 and 2015 that added educational spaces and improved sanitation. A 2023 HM Inspectorate of Prisons report noted improvements in staff-inmate relations but flagged concerns about drug smuggling and outdated facilities. Stafford’s history mirrors the evolution of incarceration in Staffordshire, balancing tradition with modern demands.

Stafford Prison Address

The most up-to-date address for Stafford Prison is:

This address is verified via the GOV.UK website. The prison is located in an urban area, 0.5 miles north of Stafford town centre, accessible via the A518.

Stafford Prison Telephone Number

To contact Stafford Prison, use the following number:

Telephone: +44 1785 773000

Sourced from GOV.UK, this number connects to the main switchboard, available Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For visitor bookings or specific queries, follow the prompts or request relevant extensions.

Stafford Prison Capacity

Stafford Prison has an operational capacity of approximately 741 inmates, according to Ministry of Justice data. The facility includes single and double cells across several wings, with limited accessibility adaptations due to its historic design. Overcrowding has been reported during peak periods, as noted in recent inspections.

How to Get to Stafford Prison: Travel Directions and Transport Links

Stafford Prison’s urban location in Stafford offers excellent connectivity to Stafford town centre, Wolverhampton, and Birmingham.

By Car: From Stafford town centre, take the A518 north to Gaol Road (5 minutes). From Wolverhampton, follow the A449 north (20 minutes). From Birmingham, take the M6 north to Junction 14, then the A34 (30 minutes). The prison is signposted off Gaol Road.

Parking: Limited on-street parking is available near Gaol Road, with pay-and-display spaces nearby. The nearest car park is at Stafford Riverside Car Park (5-minute walk, £1–£3 for 2 hours). Disabled parking is scarce, so plan ahead.

By Train: The nearest station is Stafford Railway Station, 0.5 miles away (5-minute walk or 3-minute taxi, £4–£6). West Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast operate services from Wolverhampton (15 minutes), Birmingham New Street (30 minutes), and London Euston (1.5 hours). Taxis are available at the station. Check schedules on the West Midlands Railway website.

By Bus: From Stafford town centre, the Number 7 or 8 bus (Arriva) stops on Gaol Road, a 2-minute walk from the prison. Buses run every 10 minutes, taking 5 minutes from Stafford Bus Station. Plan your journey using the Arriva Midlands website.

How to Book a Visit to Stafford Prison

Visiting Stafford Prison requires advance booking and compliance with security protocols. Follow these steps:

1. Call the Booking Line: Contact +44 1785 773000 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM). Provide the inmate’s name, prison number, and desired visit date.
2. Online Booking: Use the GOV.UK prison visit booking service. Register and submit your request up to 14 days in advance.
3. Identification: Adults (18+) must present photo ID (e.g., passport, driving licence). Children need a birth certificate. Arrive 15 minutes early for security checks, including searches and drug detection dogs.
4. Special Requirements: Request accessible facilities or child support when booking. The visitor centre offers a waiting area and basic facilities.

Confirmation is sent via email or phone. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours prior to avoid restrictions.

Stafford Prison Visiting Times

Visiting hours, as confirmed by GOV.UK, are:

• Tuesday, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Saturday, Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (social visits).
• Legal Visits: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment).

Visits last approximately 1 hour, with longer sessions for legal meetings. The visitor centre is basic but functional, with limited refreshments. Check for holiday schedule changes or COVID-19 measures (e.g., masks).

Life at Stafford Prison: What’s It Like for Inmates?

Life at Stafford Prison is structured to balance rehabilitation and security, leveraging its facilities despite its historic constraints. Inmates live in single or double cells across wings, with access to education (e.g., literacy, IT), vocational training (e.g., construction, catering), and work programmes. Facilities include a gym, library, and limited outdoor areas, with 6–8 hours of daily out-of-cell time when staffing allows.

A 2023 inspection found that 65% of inmates felt safe, but drug use, particularly cannabis and Spice, and violence remain challenges, with over 150 assault incidents in 2024. Mental health support is improving but strained, with self-harm rates above average. Positive aspects include employability programmes with links to local businesses and family contact initiatives. Inmates describe a purposeful environment, with training offering a sense of achievement, though tensions from drug use and staffing shortages (down 10% in 2024) can disrupt progress.

Recent News About Stafford Prison

Stafford Prison has been in the news in 2025 for its rehabilitation efforts and challenges:

• Vocational Training Success: In March 2025, Stafford’s construction training programme placed 20 inmates in jobs post-release. Express & Star
• Drug Smuggling Crackdown: A February 2025 operation reduced contraband smuggling, though drug issues persist. BBC Staffordshire
• Staff Shortages: A January 2025 report noted a 10% staff shortage, impacting programme delivery, with recruitment ongoing. HM Inspectorate of Prisons

These updates highlight Stafford’s commitment to rehabilitation amid operational hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stafford Prison

Who is held at Stafford Prison?

Stafford Prison houses adult male prisoners serving medium to long-term sentences in Category C conditions, with a focus on training and resettlement.

How can I send money to an inmate?

Supporting an inmate financially is a common concern. At Stafford, use the GOV.UK online payment service or send a postal order. Contact +44 1785 773000 for guidance. Cash is not accepted for security reasons.

Is Stafford Prison accessible?

Accessibility is limited due to the historic building, but ground-floor access and support can be arranged. Contact staff when booking to discuss needs.

What programmes are available for inmates?

Inmates access education, vocational training, and work programmes, including IT, construction, and catering, though availability varies.

How safe is Stafford Prison?

Safety is moderate, with 65% of inmates feeling safe in 2023. Drug use and violence are concerns, but training and security programmes are improving conditions.

HMPrisonguide.co.uk Personal Overview

At HMPrisonguide.co.uk, we believe that family support can inspire hope and change, and Stafford Prison’s focus on rehabilitation makes these connections vital. With a capacity of 741 inmates and recent news highlighting successes in vocational training alongside challenges like drug smuggling, Stafford is a hub of opportunity and complexity. The visiting hours (Tuesday, Thursday, and weekends) and straightforward booking process via +44 1785 773000 enable loved ones to offer support, which can transform an inmate’s journey. We hope this guide helps you plan a visit to the Gaol Road address or connect with someone at Stafford Prison, fostering support and rehabilitation. For more details, visit the GOV.UK website.