The former county gaol was originally built c.1780, in the inner ward of Haverfordwest Castle (NPRN 94235), but later replaced by the current building in the outer ward in 1820 to the designs of James Pigott Pritchett of York (although born in Pembrokeshire). Closing in 1878 as the County Gaol, the building was then used by the county police force from the 1920s/1930s until 1963 before being repurposed as the county museum and record office. The original gaol buildings in the inner ward were demolished in 1964-7, and the new county architect, Gilbert Ray, designed a number of alterations to the gaol building in the outer ward to convert it into a museum. 

The record office relocated in 2012 and the building has since lain unoccupied. The building is rectangular and of stone rubble with quoins, voussoirs and dressings in contrasting stone. It is 3 storeys high with 13 bays facing both north and south. In 2023-24, planning permission was being sought for the redevelopment of the former gaol building, as part of a wider programme of restoration and enhancement of the Haverfordwest Castle area.

CHN 11/10/2004. Updated by M. Powel, August 2024.

Sources: PE/Domestic/SM91NE from Cadw; Philip Poucher, Former County Gaol, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Historic Building Recording (Prepared by DAT Archaeological Services for Pembrokeshire County Council, May 2024).