History of the Jail

In 1906, number 77 Albert Street was purchased from the McCutcheon Family by the Corporation of the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham to house prisoners from the old "Goal" as it was then called. Construction began and the jail opened later the same year.

The Jail continued to be expanded as the region grew, adding cells, offices and a huge concrete wall to keep the prisoners inside during it's 92 year history.

In 1998, the Cobourg Jail closed its doors for the last time and it was auctioned off to the highest bidder. What do you do with an old Jail, with the front building designated a historic site? That has exterior character if it wasn't for the 17 foot concrete wall surrounding the back half of the complex? And enough steel inside to build a battleship?

Well - watch the development unfold - into Cobourg's latest historic achievement.
First a Jail then a Restaurant, then an Inn, a Museum, a Spa and now a Banquet & Conference Center.

Background

Cobourg Jail was one of the biggest of its time, holding up to one hundred inmates. The jail was finally closed to inmates in 1998 and acquired by private interests in early 1999, purchased from the County of Northumberland who acted under the Provincial Government of Ontario to operate the Correctional Institute.

It has since been converted into a luxury 20+ Room Country Inn & Hotel, complete with Restaurant, Museum, Banquet and Conference facilities. The facilities extend beyond these four walls: we offer our guests the opportunity to save money with a range of Package deals with several local businesses. The packages vary occasionally so you should ask at reception about Golf, Spa and other deals to make your stay even more exciting.

The museum has been incorporated into the King George Inn and Hotel. As much of the original ambience as possible has been retained while adding modern hotel luxuries. The individual cells are now individually themed guest rooms, each unique. What used to be one dungeon is now the Continental Breakfast room. Another has been made into a childrens play area, allowing parents a welcome break.

The banquet and conference facilities are superb, and our newly opened restaurant, the Red Bull & Potato Company provides excellent fare. From one-person business stops to romantic getaways, wedding banquets or corporate events, we are able to cater to your needs, calling on our years of experience.

For those with an historical interest in the Jail, the Museum is at your disposal. The following article is quoted direct from the 05 Sept. 1918 edition of The Evening Guide and provides a brief but interesting insight into jail conditions in a small town of the time:

A SPLENDID REPORT ON COUNTIES JAIL

Inspection of Jail for the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham

An official visit of inspection was made to the jail of the united counties of Northumberland and Durham, at Cobourg, on July 25th, 1918.

Officials---Gaoler, G. L. McLaughlin; Turnkey, S.E. Ferguson; Matron, Mrs. McLaughlin.
At the time of the inspection there were seven male prisoners in custody. There were 66 commitments to this gaol since October 1st, 1917.

The general condition of the building was satisfactory. The corridors, cells, beds, bedding, yards, toilets, etc., were all clean and tidy. The drainage and water supply are those of the town of Cobourg.
There were no prisoners sick at the time of inspection. One of the prisoners was insane.
The quality of food supplied is good and in accordance with jail regulations. The supplies are obtained by open purchase. The cost of rations for the past quarter was 21 cents per day per inmate. This is the highest daily cost in the history of the jail. The average daily cost during the past year was only 15 cents. There were no complaints amongst the prisoners.
The prisoners are bathed on admission and once a week thereafter.
The prisoners are given the usual jail employment.
The clothing consists of 18 suits in poor condition.
The books are well-kept and up-to-date.
The jail physician makes a thorough inspection of the jail every three months.
There is a fine garden in connection with the jail.
The discipline and management are satisfactory.

Alex. McKay, Inspector.
Toronto, July 25th, 1918