THOUSANDS have passed through Oxford's prison and managed to avoid a life sentence but that could all be set to change.

Malmaison Oxford has opened up the old prison's A-Wing block for weddings allowing couples to tie the knot in corridors roamed by inmates for hundreds of years.

Couples will be able to celebrate their big day in the block, hiring it out exclusively for the evening and overnight.

Oxford Castle, its prison and the 18th century prison extension was redevelopment and opened in 2006 to a new commercial complex, with the hotel, restaurants and bars.

The hotel's new general manager, Rachael Bird, said: "We pride ourselves on offering our guests the unexpected - and what better way than the opportunity to get married in a former prison.

"And not only will the venue impress - guests can rely on our experienced team of planners, chefs and sommeliers to help plan every step of the way."

The prison complex was built in 1785 next to St George's Tower - which housed inmates from the 1200s - and after an expansion a century later became HMP Prison.

Inmates included children, the youngest was a seven-year-old girl sentenced to seven days hard labour in 1870 for stealing a pram.

But its prison walls will now see happier times with the introduction of wedding ceremonies.

Guests would stay in the former cells, which are now converted hotel rooms, and its atrium would be filled with banqueting tables.

The hotel has always catered for weddings but its A-Wing Atrium, which is already available for parties, could now be used for ceremonies, drinks receptions and wedding breakfasts.

The 38 cell bedrooms surrounding the space would be reserved exclusively for wedding guests.

The castle and prison was restored by Oxford Preservation Trust and also includes the Oxford Castle Unlocked visitor attraction.

It was officially opened by the Queen in 2006 ten years after the prison's closure.

The Trust's director Debbie Dance said it was great to see new and innovative ways of using the historic buildings.

She said: "The main atrium has always been a fantastic space for a party and a celebration, and what better place to celebrate tying the knot than the old Oxford prison.

"It's great we are seeing interesting new uses of these buildings even more than ten years on from the restoration.

"People are always looking for different and quirky places to get married, I'm not sure we ever would have believed it could happen in the prison - but I think it's wonderful."