WHILE walking along Bridge Street and noting the positives of new outlets last week, one would possibly have seen the old Andover Jail House, which was constructed in 1623 and was operational for 276 years as denoted by the brass plaque on the wall pictured here.

But what has happened to the poor malnourished wretch that we always saw in this ancient Jail House? He could always be seen staring forlornly out through the bars at passersby.

The jail is situated beneath the old library and where the original council offices were based years ago. History tells us court sessions took place here too and directives “take him down to the cells!” could be regularly heard.

Can anyone throw some light on this missing incumbent who has languished behind bars until very recently. Has he done a runner? If he has, his description is of greying hair, blue eyes, very slim, six-feet tall, holding a piece of parchment and a writing instrument and no doubt composing his latest letter to the local paper.

John Porter, of Millway Road, Andover