 Clifford's Tower played no part in the formal design of the prison, although the talus, or sloping edge of the motte, was cut away and replaced by a retaining wall to allow more space for the new prison building.The backyard of the Female Prison, concealed from public view by the new wall, was used for hangings from 1868 onwards.The Prison Act, 1877, reformed the English prison system, and York Castle gaol was passed into the control of central government the following year.