)^MA\
 
 ^^ 

 
 JAJ^IES NESI/O Esq!" 
 
 &/ji^ rt/' ^4^1 t f'fn/r.r/i/it ar/l'ny /n.'/t'rr^ ti/ .//,r -1 ■'rrii-r ^* /*<-' 
 
 /f//y /■^:^'/,>/y <■■/ n^XSTMiy^fTSH , ■/>r'r,Jt<tr> «///.- SOCIJETY
 
 STATE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ^risou0 
 
 IN 
 
 ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES, 
 
 EXTENDING TO VARIOUS PLACES THEREIN ASSIGNED, 
 
 NOT FOR THE DEBTOR ONLY, 
 
 BUT FOR FELONS ALSO, AND OTHER LESS CRIMINAL OFFENDERS. 
 
 TOGETHER WITH SOME USEFUL 
 
 Document0, ©bsertiatioiig, auD lacmarfes, 
 
 ADAPTED TO EXTLAIN AND IMPROVE 
 
 THE CONDITION OF PRISONERS IN GENERAL. 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES NEILD, Esa. 
 
 TREASURER OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE DISCHARGE AND RELIEF OF PERSONS 
 IMPRISONED FOR SMALL DEBTS ; ONE OF HIS MAJESTY'S ACTING JUSTICES OF 
 THE PEACE FOR THE COUNTIES OF BUCKINGHAM, KENT, AND MIDDLESEX ; AND 
 FOR THE CITY AND LIBERTY OF WESTMINSTER. 
 
 Like Sailors tired, the h.4ppy Port I c.ii.v: 
 Hnir SHEET the Pleasure, aeteu Toil and Pain! 
 
 LONDON. 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN NICHOLS AND SON, RED LION PASSAGE, FLEET STREET. 
 
 M,DCCC,XII.
 
 g:j^ Not having receivetl the Freetloin of the Royal Burgh of Invermiss early enough 
 lor Insertion in its proper Place, (Page 292,) I here avail myself of the opportunity to 
 e.spress my grateful Acknowledgements, for the Honour so liberally conferred upon me hy 
 the worshipful the Provost, Magistrates, and Council.
 
 1/y 
 1 
 
 TO THE 
 RIGHT HONOURABLE AND HONOURABLE 
 
 THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDP:NTS, 
 
 AND TO THE 
 
 AUDITORS, AND OTHER GOVERNORS AND BENEFACTORS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 SOCIETY FOR THE DISCHARGE AND RELIEF OF 
 
 persons J^mprisoiteti for gjinall MthtQ, 
 
 INSTITUTED IN FEBRUARY 
 
 1772, 
 
 THE FOLLOWING WORK, 
 
 CALCULATED, ON AN ENLARGED AND GENERAL PLAN, 
 
 I'OR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PRISONS, 
 
 AND COMFORT OP THE PRISONERS, 
 
 IS 
 
 MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
 
 BY 
 
 THEIR FAITHFUL SERVANT, 
 
 THE AUTHOR 
 
 Chelsea. 
 Nov. 1811. 
 
 t^-T ,
 
 ( vii ) 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Puge 
 Dcdicalioii v 
 
 Obsevvalions on Civil Imprisoiuiicnt j^ 
 
 Remarks on Courts of Conscience 3^^ 
 
 Olisorvations on Crimes and Puuislmieiits xxvi 
 
 General List of Prisons, tlistinguislicd in Al|)hiibetical Order Ix 
 
 Stale of Prisons in England, Scotland, and \\'ales j 
 
 Conclubion gj- 
 
 Portsmouth and Langston Harbours CI 9 
 
 No. 1. Report on tlie State of the Convicts in Portsmouth Harbour, 180'2 620 
 
 II. Report, on the State of the Con\ict» in Langston Harbour CZS 
 
 in. Report on the Hulks :;t Portsmouth, 1807 627 
 
 IV. Report on the Hulks in Langston Harbour (330 
 
 V. Report on the Hulks on the Thames ^ g32 
 
 Statements respecting Criminals C34 
 
 1. An Accoimt of the Number of Criminals executed in the City of London and County of .Middlesex 
 fi'oni the Year 1749 to the year 1806, inclusive ; shewing the Proportion in each Seven Years, 
 
 and distinguishing Years of War from Years of IVace g35 
 
 ■2. An Account of the Number of Criminals executed in the City of London and County of Middlesex, 
 between the First day of January 17-19, and the Thirty-first of December 1806; shcwin" 
 the various Crimes of which thev were Convicted f^^g 
 
 3. An Account of the Number of Criminal Oflendcrs committed to the several Gaols of England and 
 
 Wales f(ir Trial in the Years 180o and 1S06, togethei- with the rouli of tlnir Commitments 638 
 
 4. An Account of the Population of each County, according to tiie Population Returns- tile 
 
 Number of OITenders committed witliin the same respectively in tlie Year ISO.i ; together 
 with the Amount of Panpci-s in each Ci imty, and the Nnnibcr of them in laih Hundied of tlie 
 I'opulation, arranged according to the Circuits of the .ludgc- ^4^, 
 
 5. A Statement of the Xmnber of Pei-sons charged vvitli Criininal Ofl'ences,, committed to the dif- 
 
 ferent (iaols in Enghmd and Wales, for Trial at the '\ssi/.es and Sessions Iield for the several 
 Counties and Place; therein, during the Year 1810; shewing the Nature of their Crimes, and 
 the Sentences of those Convicted ; and the Nature of the Crimes respcctiv ely of such as were 
 Acquitted; and of tnch as were Discliaiged liy reason of no Hill being found agiiiust them, 
 and by rea?on of no Prosecution ; and tlie number Executed of those who have received Sen- 
 tence of Deatli g42
 
 { i;^ ) 
 
 OBSERVATIONS 
 
 ON THE 
 
 LAW OF CIVIL IMPRISONMENT. 
 
 x\N esteemed writer, on the subject of our Penal Laws, considers imprisonment, 
 wlien inflicted for ])unisliment, as not according to the princi])les of wise legisla- 
 tion. If this position be true, in respect to crimes committed against positive 
 institutions, (and it seeins too firm to be shaken,) how nmch more forcibly will it 
 apply to civil arrests, and imprisonment for debt, when the nudtiplied and intri- 
 cate concerns of extended society make the path of the most intelligent, in matters 
 of trade, a course of considerable uncertainty. If then the j)olitical wisdom of 
 confining the persons of debtors for debt be matter of doubt, how important is it 
 that, whilst the practice is allowed to continue, it should be subjected to such 
 general regulations, as are best calculated to lessen the resulting inconveniences ; 
 and prevent the necessity of resorting, at least so frequently as of late years, to the 
 legislature, for acts of parliament to relieve insolvent debtors ; which, while they 
 do honour to the feelings of those friends of humanity who introduce and promote 
 tliem, it must be admitted are too often perverted, to screen a fraudulent debtor 
 from the just demands of his injured creditors. It is the fate of whatever is human 
 to be slow in its progress to perfection ; nor is it matter of surprize, \\ hen rightly 
 considered, that the laws of a country should move the slowest, where rectitude is 
 their aim. 
 
 In the early ages of society, the mind of man is less complicated, than when ad- 
 vanced into the refinement of older governments. The laws at first laid down for 
 his regulation are, like his habits, plain and intelligible to the most ordinary ca- 
 pacity, being little more than moral rules or maxims, against which he is not to 
 offend ; and having few temptations to lead him astray, he readily forms himself to 
 their government : But, when luxuries, the never-failing attendants upon successful 
 commerce, break in upon his primitive habits, new laws become necessary, to 
 restrain the too free indulgence of his acquired propensities. These laws are not 
 
 b
 
 s OBSERVATIONS ON THE 
 
 framed in the anticipation of new events, which a prospective eye may view as hkely 
 to arise in the progress of society, but to check what have already taken place, and 
 to prevent their lecurrence. Hence it follows, that laws so forrued will always be 
 somewhat behind the actual state of the people, their proneness to vice considered ; 
 and it frequently happens, that laws, calculated to suit one state of society, are per- 
 mitted to continue in another; and to remain as law at a period, in which, if they 
 were then introduced for the first time, they would be unanimously rejected, as 
 imijolitic, and inapplicable to the condition of the people to be governed by them. 
 In this view of the subject, arrests for debt may be considered : and although, when 
 England was the lowest amongst the connnercial nations of Europe, arrests for debt 
 might have been less impolitic, it can hardly therefore be argued, that their con- 
 tinuance should be suffered, when England, as at present, is the first trading country 
 in the world. 
 
 In a commercial country, the hazards attendant upon justifiable commerce entitle 
 the unsuccessful adventurer to greater indulgences, than a debtor, under almost any 
 circumstance, could have a right to expect, in a country purely military. But leav- 
 ing the policy of the question, as to whether arrests for debt ought or ought not to 
 be continued, to the judgment of those who are better able to consider it ; and 
 without venturing to anticipate what would be the decision, it seems a more useful 
 appropriation of the time of an humble individual, to consider the law as it stands 
 at present : and to inquire. Whether a superstructure may not be raised, to answer 
 many good and salutary purposes, without materially affecting the fabric ; which, 
 whatever may be its defects, has the venerable shield of time to protect it against 
 the grasp of hasty innovation? Secondary causes, or inducements, to cast the un- 
 fortunate debtor into prison, or to continue his confinement when there, beyond 
 what naturally arise between him and his creditor, should be watched with jealousy, 
 and removed, if possible : and it would be desirable indeed, when a returning 
 gleam of liberty presents itself to the prisoner, if he could be found no further en- 
 cumbered with debt, than when he first became the inhabitant of a gaol. At this 
 moment of hope the debt can be arranged for ; but, alas, the costs are perhaps of equal 
 -amount, and present an insuperable bar to his liberation ! It would be deemed a 
 wicked oppression, on the part of a government that transported a subject to slavery 
 for a period of years, to say, at the end of the term, " Your labour was ours, b}' 
 the offence which you committed : We have now a demand upon you, both for 
 the clothing we have supplied, and for the jMovisions you have consumed ; and 
 as you are unable to pay us, you nmst return again to slavery for the debt you 
 have contracted." His reasoning, that the origin of the debt was involuntary on 
 his part, would be of no avail : the hand of power is against him : and as well might 
 the debtor say, the costs were not incurred by his act, nor with his consent, and 
 he ought not to be detained for them. When a disappointed and ofiended creditor
 
 LAW OF CIVIL IMPRISONMENT. '»« 
 
 applies to his attorney, !io hardly desires his advice, hnt rather directs the proceed- 
 ings to be taken with his debtor ; and, indeetl, if he did otherwise, what answer 
 could be expected ? Is not law the business of the attorney ? and is it found that 
 men, generally speaking, who have the gi-eatest temptation thrown in their way, are 
 the best ? Individuals may be, and are not unfrequently, so found ; l)ecause from 
 t(Mnptation alone can self-denial and forbearance be discovered : but experience 
 proses that it is not so with the great bulk oF mankind. " Just debts ought to be 
 paid, or the laws must be enforced for their recovery", is the language of the ir- 
 ritated creditor, re-echoed by his attorney ; with this only difference between them, 
 that the one is unconscious of the result of what he directs ; while the other, with 
 the knowledge, has the satisfaction also of knowing, that the plaintiff is a solvent 
 man, and that, be the event what it may, the attorney must be paid. Thus, re- 
 gardless of their operation on the unfortunate debtor, proceedings commence: in a 
 short time considerable costs are incurred : the already angry creditor finds himsdf 
 exposed to a new loss, which he never anticipated ; and becomes not only confirmed 
 in his first resentments, but furnished with fresh occasion for their inveteracy. Is 
 a man so circumstanced fit to judge in his own cause ? Is he capable of deciding, 
 with moderation and temper, upon the portion of imprisonment his debtor ought 
 to endure ? It will be readily answered, " Certainly, no !" The hardened creditor 
 will triumph in the imprisonment which he has power to inflict ; regardless of the 
 sufferings of the victim, whom perhaps he at first solicited to take the credit he has 
 abused, and equally unmindful of the wretched complainings of a forlorn wife and 
 starving children : while the man less cruel, or perhaps indolent in his nature, as 
 also the man basking in the sunshine of prosperity, will put away the prisoner from 
 his thoughts. But, should his complaints or humble solicitations be obtruded upon 
 him, he will endeavour to excuse his want of humanity by the pretence, that the 
 confinement of the prisoner is an act of the law, for which he is under no respon- 
 sibility. Can a more wretched state of an honest man be conceived ? Nay, more, 
 does even the J'raudu lent debtor merit this perpetual, undefined punishment, in all 
 the wantonness of its tyranny ? 
 
 In further pursuit of these observations let it be supposed, that an unfortunate 
 man, unable even to pay a debt of lOl. is arrested on the eve of a law term, and 
 thrown into prison for his inability; and that, in the same number of days as he 
 owes pounds, he will be involved in a fresh debt, of equal or greater amount, for 
 the costs of his detainer in prison : What will be the exclamation of the voice of 
 Reason ? But, carry the inquiry a little further, and let us suppose that his attach- 
 ment by one creditor alarms the rest, (nor is it unnatural that it should do so,) and 
 that he has ten detainers laid against him, for debts of the same amount ; what will 
 then be his situation ? Why, he will in a few days be incumbered with additional 
 debts, for costs of a greater amount than all liis original debts put together, at the
 
 xii OBSERVATIONS ON THE 
 
 y;ery time that he is immured in jjrison ; without subsistence, or the mea^s of earning 
 any for himself, or the wretched dependants on his affection ; and without having 
 done a sin<;le act to occasion the expences, which he is wholly unable to prevent. 
 What, then, will be the exclamation ? and where, as the law now stands, is he 
 to look for mercy ? The Bankrupt Laws, which to the fair trader, who has had 
 the good fortune to deal with humane creditors, afford relief, are not open to his 
 assistance: he has been too modest in all his transactions in trade, to have ventured 
 sufficiently to come within their purview : his debts are not of the required amount 
 to entitle him to their relief. His creditors, — most probably of the same class in 
 life with himself, and who can but ill afford to pay the expences that have been in- 
 curred, — will they commiserate his sufferings, and restore him to liberty ? or will 
 they not rather be acted upon, in the fulness of their resentments at the loss of their 
 claims; and (having, as they experience, thrown away good money after bad, and 
 apprehensive, if they liberate the prisoner, that they can have no pretence for sus- 
 pending the payment of their attorney's costs), will they not be more likely to 
 extend his confinement, and endeavour to throw the odium of the expences 
 incurred, upon the pretended obstinacy of the unfortunate victim, for whom no one 
 considers it his interest, or feels any incitement, to drop a word of kindness or 
 mitigation ? And yet, in a Country boastful of its laws and of its freedom, these are 
 the persons who are to pronounce on this imprisonment of their fellow subjects, 
 ])erliaps for the period of their lives, without a right of appeal to their country, 
 or the hoj)e of relief! Power, in the hands of man, is always subject to abuse ; but 
 what is to be exjiected from him, when he is suffered to judge his own cause, under 
 the influence of conceived injuries, and agitated by resentment? The highest ad- 
 vocates for the dignity of human nature must admit, that, in practice, a result 
 of this kind will not be found to elevate their subject. 
 
 lu support of what is thus stated, the ordinary and allowed Bills of Fees and 
 Disbursements, in cases of arrest for ^ 10. are here made out: By which it ap- 
 pears, that at the commencement of a Term they will, within ten days, if in London, 
 aniouut to near Tivlre poKtids ! 
 
 In the case of a CVy Arrest, where the defendant is taken to prison. 
 
 iliUuy Vacation. 
 
 d£. *•• cl. 
 
 j.'Hh April. Instructions and warrant to sue -------0 1'2 
 
 Aiiidavit of debt -- - ~ 2 
 
 Drawing Precipe for original, i'ol. Ij ----- 1 5 
 
 (.\)py for the Cursitor ---------- 12 6' 
 
 Paid for original --_--.__--- o 5 o' 
 Pee thereon --------- ----oGH 
 
 Paid the King's fine, and attending to compound it - OK)
 
 LAW OF CIVIL IMPRISONMENT xiu 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Returning and filing original --------{) 24 
 
 Capias and Fee ------------ oiO'o 
 
 \^^arrant and messenger --------_-02o 
 
 Attending to instruct officer --------0J4 
 
 Paid officer for arrest ----------0106' 
 
 Letters and messengers ---------- o^o" 
 
 o 
 
 (J 
 
 Hilary Term. 
 ■2^0l April. Motion for a rule to return the writ ------034 
 
 Paid for tlie rule ----------- o o" 0' 
 
 Copy and service _-_-----_._() 
 
 Instiuctions for declaration --------- (j6S 
 
 Drawing same, fol. 2j ---------- 16 8 
 
 Entering on the Roll, and paid Protlionotary - - - 1 5 
 Copy declaration on stamps to deliver todefendant,anddutyO ,9 8 
 Attending to deliver same ---------034 
 
 Affidavit of service, duty, and oatli ------072 
 
 Copy declaration to annex to affidavit, and duty - - 9 8 
 Co])y affidavit and declaration, and stam^js - - - - IJ 4 
 
 29tli, Paid liling affidavit and declaration ------020 
 
 Attending to file same ----------034 
 
 Term fee, letters and messengers -------0120 
 
 Total - - - ^.11 1 
 
 .') 
 
 And In the Country, if the arrest is made at a considerable distance from the countv 
 gaol, they will perhaps amount to Twenty Pounds, within the same period ! 
 
 'I'he Lords' Act, which subjects the creditor to make his prisoners an allowance 
 while he detains them in prison, may be considered by some as a sufficient check 
 'on the inconveniences here described; But, upon investigation of the practical effects 
 of this Act, it is feared that it will not be found to possess those Benefits which 
 some humane advocates may imagine. Five tcrn)s are allowed to the plaintiff tio 
 proceed to judgment against his debtor, aud to charge him in execution ; and, until 
 the proceedings against the prisoner are in this advanced state, he cannot apply tor 
 the benefit of the Lords' Act. The crecHtor, informed of this operation of the Act, 
 instructs his attorney to do no more than comply with its directions. The attorney, 
 within the course of the first ten days, having secured the greatest part of his ex- 
 pected harvest, is found obedient to his instructions; and, slowly protracting the 
 remairiing forms of proceeding against the imfortunate prisoner, spins out the five
 
 xiv OBSERVATIONS ON THE 
 
 terms, by measured distances, to retard his application for relief as long as possi- 
 ble! Thus the Debtor pines at least a twelvemonth in prison, niuler the heavy 
 alllictions of poverty and grief, by the protracted course of /f^"-!^// proceedings ; which 
 might, and would be completed against him within the first term, but for the 
 provision (it may almost be said the tantalrJiig provision) made for him by this 
 kindly intended Act of the British Legislature. 
 
 What is here stated seems chiefly applicable to the tinfortimate, yet honest 
 sufferer. But we will now turn to ihit fraudulent M\d dcs'ignhig <\(;h\.uv, and see 
 how the Act operates with respect to him, and to his injured plaintiti". Conscious of 
 the time, which he thinks will elapse, before he is jntt into a situation to seek 
 the benefit of the Statute, betakes care to retain to himself the means of subsistence 
 during the protracted period ; then, covertly, makes over the rest of his property, 
 to put it out of the reach of his creditors ; and when the time arrives, for making 
 his claim under the Lords' Act, he audaciously takes the oaths prescribed, and is 
 ordered to receive its benefit. 
 
 The duty of the Judges, it is possible, may sometimes clash with their judg- 
 ment, whilst ordering the relief intended by law for the impoverished debtor, to 
 many applicants of another sort; whose conduct, even in the face of the Conrt, almost 
 amounts to a conviction, that their applications are made in the confident expectan- 
 cy of their plaintiff's neglecting to make his due payment at the appointed times. 
 It is the natural consequence attendant upon the order for this due payment of an 
 allowance to the prisoner, that it should not only be made in the current coin of the 
 country, but punctually also, on a fixed day, and at a stated period ; and that any 
 any omission, or non-compliance with that order, should be followed by the prisoner's 
 liberation. Hence it naay be seen, that the payment of a counterfeit six-pence, (and 
 who, in the present state of the silver currency of England, can be certain that 
 their money is not counterfeit ?) or the forgetfulness of the plaintiff to make his 
 payment, at the prison, on the appointed day, or till one minute after the prison is 
 shut for the night, must be followed by an immediate discharge of the debtor. 
 What a promising speculation is this, on which a fraudulent debtor may realize his 
 hopes ! A plaintiff, situate many miles from the prison, will but in few^ cases 
 continue his payments for several weeks : most likely he may fail in the first week ; 
 and the greatest rogue be thus cast upon society, to renew his depredations on 
 the fair trader, without being in the least reclaimed by his imprisonment. Voluntary 
 confinement, the basis of a contrivance to defraud, can produce no improvement in 
 the moral habits of a prisoner. 
 
 From this view of the Lords' Act it seems fairly deducible. That the honest debtor 
 may be starved, before he can have the benefit of its provisions ; whilst the fraudulent 
 debtor finds in it a very probable, if not the certain avenue to his Uberation.
 
 LAW OF CIVIL IMPRISONAItNT. . jy 
 
 To remedy this evil, so far as circumstances will admit, Insolvent Acts have been 
 devised. But, highly as the principle of these acts must be admired by every friend 
 of society, and great as is the care of our legislature to govern their opera- 
 tions by wise and numerous provisions ; yet still it nm?t be admitted, that 
 though productive of much general good, they will at times be found to extend 
 an injurious influence, in favour of the profligate and designing debtor. 
 
 A modification of the existing Statutes for debtor and creditor, would, it is 
 conceived, aflford a remedy of the present inconveniences, without any necessity, in 
 the first instance, of framing a new code of laws. 
 
 The practice of the Courts may, in all cases, remain the same as it now is: But, 
 surely, it will not be too great a boon for the loi/orliaiafc debtor to solicit of his 
 country, that, u-hilst he remains in actual confinement, through incajiacity to pay 
 his debts, he should stand excused from contributing to the necessities of the state; 
 and that all legal proceedings against him, when a prisoner, should be exempted 
 from stamj)-duty. 
 
 The Judges of the land, not more elevated by their wisdom than their humanity, 
 and, mindful of the liberal and well-bestowed salaries they receive from the country, 
 can have no hesitation in ordering the subordinate proceedings of the courts, con- 
 ducted at their chambers, to be transacted gratuitously, without taking any fees for 
 the same. 
 
 The Barristers, educated to fill, and in the hope of discharging, at some future 
 period of life, one of the most important trusts in human society, can be influenced 
 bj- no mercenary motives. It is but justice, therefore, to the acknowledged liberality 
 of the Bar, to conclude, that they will, with one voice, consent to a privation of their 
 fees, in all cases, where proceedings are to be taken against the twfoitmiate debtor, 
 whilst in custody. 
 
 The Officers of the Courts, amidst the multiplicity of their other business, will 
 rind a remuneration fo; their trouble, sufficient to put them beyond the desire of 
 taking any thing from a prisoner, who is absolutely denied the means of protecting 
 himself and family, through the heavy inflictions of poverty'. 
 
 The Attorney, — who princijiallv labours in the business, — must perhaps receive 
 some reward for his personal trouble ; but he should be removed, far as possible, 
 from the influence of interested views. The best mode of securing so desirable an 
 end seems to be, the reducing his fees to half their present amount, in all pro- 
 ceedings against debtors under actual confinement. By this means the mercy of 
 the plaintiff' will not be restrained by the recollection of considerable law expences, 
 in addition to his debt; and, his resentments having subsided, he may in time think 
 more favourably of his unfortunate debtor, and restore him to the blessings of 
 Liberty. Nav, it seems not too much to a])prehend, that the adoption of this 
 plan, alone, would reduce the number of prisoners confined for debt, at least in 
 the proportion of six out of ten.
 
 xvi OBSERVATIONS ON THE 
 
 But, to guard against the effect of a contrary temper in any plaintiff, who, care- 
 less or unmindful of his debtor, may incline to leave him to the laws of his country, 
 and the imprisonment which they inflict, — a further remedy presents itself; under 
 which an Apportionate Imprisonment might be inflicted, according to the nature 
 and extent of the debts, and of the particular circumstances under which they 
 were contracted. 
 
 The first feature of a plan, professing to allow of Temporary Imprisonment for 
 debt, should be the providing necessaries of life for the impoverished Debtor, in 
 ordfr to protect the Mau, now rendered unable to protect himself, against the painful 
 claims of unsatisfied Nature. This allowance might be created out of the county- 
 rate ; and, to prevent its misapplication, might only be furnished to those prisonerg, 
 whose necessities oblige them to live on the poor side nf u ■prison! (deprived of all 
 association with other prisoners, whose better circumstances, or whose friends, place 
 them above the necessity of seeking so humble a relief;) and who are, also, in a 
 situation to declare themselves, upon oath, not to be possessed of the value of 20/. 
 
 This would prevent the recurrence of what humanity dreads to record ; although 
 it may be asked, " What else can be expected, when certain prisons in Great 
 Britain, for the confinement of Debtors, are without any allowance oi food whatever ; 
 nay, some even without access to icater ! and have no more than the keeper, or 
 his servants, may think fit to bring them ? — In one place they paid a halfpenny for a 
 jug of water ; in another, a penny was demanded for a pailful ! 
 
 The next object to be considered is. At what period of time the prisoner for debt, 
 against whom no imputation can be brought of dishonesty or intentional miscon- 
 duct, may, with safety to the state, be restored to his liberty. How obligatory 
 soever it may be upon every man to pay the debt which he owes to another man, 
 there is still a higher duty which he owes to his country at large, in the apjjlication 
 of his labour and talents for the general good of the community; and of bis power 
 to perform ^vhich, no man, under any circumstances, ought to possess the means of 
 arbitrarilv' depriving him. It seems difficult to reconcile to any principle of sense 
 or policy, that a man, to whom a debt of only lol. is due (a sum very inadequate 
 to the claim, which, in these times, the country has upon the annual exertions of 
 the humblest of her individuals) shall possess the power of depriving the state of 
 liis debtor's services for a long course of years — nay, for ever, without limitation 
 of time in his favour to restore him to liberty. Surely, as the less atrocious 
 the iiature of a man's crimes is, who offends against the Criminal Law, the lighter 
 is his punishment; so the smaller a man's debts hond Jide contracted are, the 
 shorter should be the period of his confinement. And here it inay not be amiss to 
 observe, that, generally speaking, the man who is cast into prison for a debt of lol. 
 may really be a more useful member of the country, by the due application of his 
 labour, than the prisoner who is confined for 10,000/. A period of three months
 
 LAW OF CIVIL IMPRISONMENT. xvK 
 
 inav reasonably be considered as a sufficient length of confinement, to induce a more 
 cautious conduct in tlie future dealings of a man, whose debts do not exceed lo/. 
 Progressive scales of time, and money, might also be formed, to produce the same 
 good effect with those persons, whose debts are from that sum up to 2000/. And after 
 these, perhaps, it might be as well to suffer all ilebts of a higher amount to be placed in 
 the same scale. 
 
 But, as the creditor ought not to possess an uncontrouled power over the person 
 of his debtor, so perhaps the debtor should not be enabled to determine the 
 quantum of punishment in the power of his creditor to inflict upon him : And, for 
 this reason, his liberation at the periods proposed might not stand as matter of 
 right, but only times assigned, when he may have the power of submitting his 
 conduct, (in regard to the contracting of the debts for which he is charged in 
 custody,) to the consideration of a Jury, summoned by the proper officer, at the 
 instance of the prisoner, and upon notice to be duly served on the plaintiff's 
 attorney. 
 
 If, upon this investigation of the prisoner's conduct, nothing should transpire to 
 induce the Jury to remand him back to prison, their verdict might give him his 
 liberty; and the law might thereupon vest his property in the clerk of ihe peace, 
 or other officer, for the benefit of his creditors, in like manner as the insolvent's 
 property is now vested, under the acts for relief of insolvent debtors. But should 
 the jury be of opinion that the conduct of the debtor merits a prolongation of his 
 imprisonment, it might be safely left with them to determine the extent of its con- 
 tinuance, according to their judgment, founded upon the facts disclosed in evidence; 
 and for this purpose the plaintiff might himself be examined on oath. Or, the 
 power of the jury, in case of thtir remanding the prisoner, might be modelled 
 according to the better judgment of Magistrates, or other still more experienced 
 persons, so as to do justice between tlie country and the particE. 
 
 The operation of such a plan as this ujion the fraudulent debtor, is too obvious 
 to require explanation. He would be remanded to an increase of punishment, ])ro- 
 portioned to his misconduct ; while the honest, though unfortunate debtor, would 
 be restored, by the voice of his countrymen, to his liberty, to his family, and to those 
 social blessings, of which perhaps the becoming security for a friend in an un- 
 guarded moment, may have most unhappily deprived hira. 
 
 Another advantage also might be made to result from an appeal to a Jury. The 
 fraudulent debtor, who prefers remaining in gaol to the payment of his debts, and 
 who lives in confinement, surrounded with luxuries, — whilst his plaintiff may pine 
 without, scarce able to provide himself and family with the ordinary necessaries of 
 life, — might be summoned before a jury, at the desire of any of his creditors, after 
 he had remained the apportioned time in confinement, according to the amount of 
 his debts : and, unless he could shew a satisfactory reason why his effects should
 
 xviii ON THE LAW OF CIVIL IMPRISONMENT. 
 
 not be assigned for the benefit of his creditors, the jury might by their verdict, 
 find for, and direct such assignment to take effect, and that the prisoner should be 
 set at large. Thus the fraudulent debtor would be prevented from wasting that 
 substance in confinement^ which his creditors would gladly receive in satisfaction 
 of their debts ; but upon which, (as the law at present stands,) they can have no 
 claim. 
 
 If the principles here humbly laid down were approved of, a Bill, with no more 
 clauses in it than are ordinarily introduced into an Insolvent Act, would furnish all 
 the requisites needful for carrying it into efTect. And this, it is imagined, would at 
 once render Insolvent Acts unnecessary ; deprive the fraudulent debtor of the 
 means of diverting the Lords' Act from its humane object, to the worst of purposes ; 
 enable the unfortunate debtor to turn his talents to the pursuits of industry, for 
 support of himself and family; and deter the evil-minded from levelling their 
 fraudulent practices against the fair trader. Or, in case these should be found hardy 
 enough to continue their evil courses, it would teach them, by an exemplary and not 
 indiscriminate punishment, to adopt a better plan of life when liberated, and to cease 
 from defrauding their neighbours, under a daringly-pretended sanction of British 
 Law!
 
 ( xiJ^ ) 
 
 A TABLE of Mailable Process against Debtors, for ONE YEAR, 
 from Michaelmas, 1801, to Michaelmas, 1802*. 
 
 DIVIDED INTO FOUR CLASSES. 
 
 THE PARTICULARS. 
 
 First Class. 
 Debts under 
 
 Second Class. 
 
 Debts above £SO. 
 and under ^50. 
 
 Third Class. 
 
 Debts above ^50. 
 and under ,^^500. 
 
 Fourth Class. 
 Debts above 
 
 a£'500. 
 
 NUM] 
 
 In 
 Middlesex. 
 
 3ERS. 
 
 Ill the 
 Kingdom. 
 
 NUMl 
 
 In 
 Middlesex. 
 
 JERS. 
 
 In tlie 
 Kingdom. 
 
 NUMl 
 
 In 
 
 Middlesex. 
 
 8ERS. 
 
 In the 
 Kingdom. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 In 1 1" t**^ 
 Middlesex.! Kingdom. 
 
 W KITS for the Arrest of Debtors or 
 Mesne Pi-ocess 
 
 ARRESTS of ditto on Mesne Process 
 B.\IL BONDS given on Arrests 
 
 } 
 
 7638 
 
 4000 
 
 2200 
 
 823 
 
 114,570 
 60,000 
 33,000 
 12,345 
 
 3S60 
 
 1100 
 
 711 
 
 221 
 
 57,900 
 
 16,500 
 
 10,065 
 
 3315 
 
 3134 
 
 1720 
 
 1100 
 
 303 
 
 47,010 
 
 25,800 
 
 16,500 
 
 4620 
 
 355 
 200 
 130 
 
 5325 
 3000 
 1950 
 
 PRISONERS remaining for Want of Bail 
 
 36 
 
 540 
 
 Note, The disproportion against the first and lowest class, on a comparison with the second, is two to one ; on a 
 comparison with the third, is increased ; and on a comparison with the fourtli clasi, is twenty to one. 
 
 Middlesex is reckoned only at one fifteenth of the whole kingdom. 
 
 The number of Debtors, consisting of the capital Merchants and Traders to all parts of the world, is reckoned greatly 
 to exceed the number of those, whose credit is limited to the sums of Thirty Pounds: the disproportion is tlicrefore much 
 greater against the lowest cla.'s than is apparent. 
 
 In 1793 the number of bailable writs and exccuiions for debts from ten to twenty pounds, in Middlesex only, amounted 
 to Fife thousand seven hundred and nineteen ; and the aggregate amount of the debts sued for was 5^.31,791. 
 
 It will scarce be credited, yet is most unqncsti(maMy true, tliat the mere costs of tliese actions, although made up, and 
 not defended at all, would amount to .s£6S,72S.; and if defended, the aggregate expence to recover .^'81,791. (sti-ange 
 and incredible as it must appear) can be no less than tv:o hundred and eighty-Jive thousand nine hundred and Jifty pounds ; 
 being considerably more than three times the amount of the debts sued for or defended ! 
 
 * For this Table of Calculations 1 beg leave to express my acknowledgements to Joseph Bi/rcuell, Esa. the present 
 worthy Under-Sheriff of Middlesex.
 
 ( XX ) 
 
 REMARKS 
 
 ON 
 
 COURTS OF REQUEST*, 
 
 NOW TEEMED 
 
 COURTS OF CONSCIENCE. 
 
 J. HE Observations hitherto made on the Law of Civil Imprisonment, have 
 been restricted to those Arrests for Debt, where the cause of action amounts to ten 
 pounds or upwards, and where the plaintiff asserts upon oath to that effect ; and 
 also to Executions, issued upon actions that have been instituted in the superior 
 courts. 
 
 But there is yet another sort of confinement for debt, which, notwithstanding 
 the cause of action is comparatively inconsiderable in amount, deserves, if possible, 
 the more serious consideration of every reflecting person ; as chiefly falling amongst 
 labouring husbandmen and working mechanicks, the very strength and sinews of the 
 country ; but who, having no visible estates of their own wherewith to support 
 themselves and their families, are unacquainted with the bread of idleness ; who 
 can only be maintained by their daily toil ; and who, in this respect, may be truly 
 said to come most immediately within the letter of that divine infliction upon the 
 first offenders of mankind : " In th^ sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread -j-." 
 
 It is not easy to conceive a case more distressing than that of a father of a family 
 taken from this class of life, unprovided with the smallest store of any kind to an- 
 swer his growing wants, or (what is not unlikely), without ever having had an 
 opportunity of enabling himself to provide any ; and immured within the walls of 
 a prison, where no allowance is made, to meet the necessities of his nature. 
 
 The description of so deplorable a situation in adequate colours is beyond the 
 power of the author ; and he must therefore leave it to the humane reader to depict 
 to his own heart the wretched plight of so devoted a victim : without food, without 
 
 * " The Court of Rctiucsts had originally and jjroperly the cognizance of all poor men's suits, which 
 were made to his Majesty by supplication ; and ujjon which they were entitled to ha\e right, without 
 j|)ayment of any money for the same." Smith's C'omraomvealth. 
 
 t Gen. iii. 19.
 
 COURTS OF CONSCIENCE. 
 
 XXI 
 
 firing, without bedding ; with only his thread-bare garments to cover his sliiver- 
 ing Hmbs ; and with the painful reflection, that his wife ami helpless offsorin"- 
 are starving without ; or else, seeking relief from parish officers, a picture of 
 human woe shall there present itself, such as imagination could never have formed : 
 It is drawn from combinations of misery, which extend themselves far beyond the 
 walls of a prison : they reach the mournful dwelling of many a wretched famiivs 
 reduced to the extremities of want. 
 
 When the maxim of our Laws, that " Idleness is an offence against the publick 
 Oeconomy," is duly considered, it cannot fail of creating surprize to every reflecting 
 person, that the same laws should, under any circumstances, take a man from that 
 class in society wherein his personal labour is of the most essential value to the com- 
 munity, and compel him to he idle ; for such is most distinctly the situation of a 
 prisoner who is confined for debt. It would rather be expected that the same legal 
 polity which induced the adoption of so wise a maxim against idleness, should Ijave 
 extended the principle to the case of a debtor, unwilling or unable to pay his debts; 
 and have required that he should be obliged to work for increased periods of time, 
 and not remain incarcerated, not only without work being provided for him to 
 perform, but without the conveniences, or, it may nearly be said, without bein" 
 sufTered to exercise his calling, if capable of being carried on in a prison. To the 
 great jealousy of our ancestors for the preservation of their liberties under all cir- 
 cumstances, can alone be attributed this favourable consideiation of prisoners for 
 debt : But, as our laws, in their jiresent form, do not allow such prisoners to be set 
 to work, and the situation in which they are placed under the laws as they exist, 
 being more immediately the object of the present enquiry, the policy of their being 
 set to work will not be further pressed ; though it seems certain, however, that it 
 might humble the pride of some of the dashing adventurers for this distinction in 
 life, that it would be less injurious to their healths and their morals, than the ex- 
 treme of idleness, with coniinenieut, to which they are constrained. 
 
 To form a just conclusion of the good or ill effects which result to the coniniunity 
 from the imprisonment of debtors, for tliL' jjayment of debts which do not, sepa- 
 rately taken, amount to J'orft/ shilling.'! ; it will be proper, in the first place, to lake 
 a view of the persons by whom, and with whom, such debts are most conimonlv 
 contracted ; the general nature of the debts ; the constitution of the courts in which 
 ihey are to be recovered, and the steps to be taken for their recoverv : and, lastly, 
 the coercion directed by the law, to enforce its own ordinances, and the conse- 
 quences produced by such coercion, as it is now e.vercised. 
 
 With respect to the persons by whom and with whom such debts are in general 
 contracted, it has already been observed, that the labouring classes of societv pre- 
 sent the mass of prisoners found in the g.iols of thi-> countrv for debts under the 
 aaiount of forty shillings; and it may readily be concluded, without the hazard of
 
 xxii REMARKS ON 
 
 error, that the persons with whom such debts are contracted will be fotmd amongst 
 the lowest class of shopkeepers and inferior tradesmen ; not omitting the publican ; 
 who, (however his debt may have been contracted, in breach of the laws against 
 tippling, and in defiance of those for better regulation of publick houses,) considers 
 himself equally entitled, with the dealers who may have supplied the necessaries of 
 life, to recover his demand, of which he has been the only score-keeper ; and upon 
 its being verified on his own oath, and confirmed by the commissioners, (persons 
 invested with large discretionary powers, and selected from his own rank in life), 
 to immure his unfortunate debtor without mercy, in a prison ; to the great injury of 
 the community at large, by the loss of his labour, and the increase of the poor's 
 rates in his particular district, by the maintenance of his family ; the certain con- 
 sequence of the father's absence. 
 
 Debts under 40*. it may be said are, and they certainly are sometimes, most 
 fairly contracted, for a supply of the absolute necessaries of life ; and these 
 should therefore, in point of strict morality as well as of law, be scrupulously dis- 
 charged. But, notwithstanding this truth, which is most implicitly subscribed to, 
 the situation of the contracting parties, the power of influence, and the manner in 
 which the labouring man and the mechanick receive the reward of their labours, 
 deserve to be taken into consideration ; and it will from thence be readily seen, that 
 in sound policy, credits of this nature should be as limited, as the returning payment 
 of the poor man's wages ; it being an undeniable position, that longer credits are 
 the certain bane of his future well doing. 
 
 A prudent labouring man, (and, thank God, there are yet many amongst us in that 
 class of life who merit the commendation) so arranges the expenditure of his little 
 income, that he is able to square it with the necessities of his family, and with his 
 weekly wages, so as to pay every one their due ; and to put a small pittance by, or 
 to make some other regulation, for the payment of his landlord. But, give to 
 this man an easily acquired or a protracted credit, and he will soon get into such 
 difficulties, as it may be out of his power ever after to overcome. 
 
 A Debt of only a single Pound in amount, to the person from whom the working 
 man buys his bread, will make him the Baker's slave for life ; and oblige him to 
 purchase his bread from him only for ever after, or subject him, in case of his 
 refusal, from the badness of the article he buys, or other circumstances of more 
 evil tendency, to encounter his Creditor's resentment ; and this, iiy the experience 
 he has learnt from his unfortunate neighbours, the latter has but too much reason 
 to think, can only, from the principles on which he carries on his trade, be satis- 
 fied by an Appeal to the Court of Conscience, and the final Imprisonment of his 
 Debtor. The same Remarks equally aj)ply to the Chandler-shop Man, and in 
 some degree to the Butcher, though not so generally ; as from the high price of 
 meat, the great bulk of the labouring class of people are debarred the means of
 
 COURTS OF CONSCIENCE. xxiii 
 
 purchasing]; it ; and what they do pmchaso is chiefly, and in many cases can only be 
 bought with ready money. Of all the creditors whicli the poor man can liave, 
 there are none wlio seem so httle entitled to a favourable consideration as the Pub- 
 licans: And yet it is believed that in general they are not the least numerous class 
 of complainants at the Courts of Request. Debts contracted with the Publican are 
 seldom for the use of the Debtor s fumilif, and never, it is apprehended, for their 
 comfort or benefit. The effect of such debts, therefore, in the course of their being 
 contracted, leads to a dissolute life, an inattention to consequences, and a contempt 
 or utter defiance of the laws of his country : And ought the non-payment of them 
 (in the contracting of which the Creditor appears more than an accessary to the 
 poor man's error, in which he is often in fact the principal, who leads him to de- 
 struction) to give such a Creditor the power of immuring his unfortunate Victim 
 in a prison, when he has no more money to spend ? debarred of medicine in the 
 hour of sickness, and of every necessary which the preservation of life requires ? 
 and at the same time to injure the community, by depriving it of the labour of a 
 man, from whose services, if employed, the Country would receive more solid ad- 
 vantage, than from the whole class of Publicans within the Kingdom, in their 
 licensed capacities ? 
 
 When an Englishman is considering the Courts of Justice of his Country, it is 
 natural for him to look with partiality to the wise Institutions of Alfred the Greafy 
 the founder of the English Laws, and the framer of that valuable prerogative, the 
 Trial by Jury : And never can he observe so glorious an Institution intrenched upon 
 by modern improvements, without a pang of regret, and justly conceived alarm, 
 from an apprehension that ill consequences may arise, from new-created jurisdictions 
 dispensing with this invaluable British blessing. 
 
 " The policy of the Great Alfred," as Mr. Justice Blackstone expresses himself*, 
 " was to bring home Justice to every man's door." With this view he appointed 
 the Court-Baron, The Hundred Court, and The County Court ; gradually ascending 
 from the lowest Jurisdiction up to the supreme Courts, and investing them, among 
 other powers, with the power to hold pleas of Debt, not amounting to forty shillings. 
 These Courts were of limited Jurisdiction ; but were dispersed universally through- 
 out the Kingdom, and were held at short intervals of time ; the freeholders of the 
 respective districts forming the Juries, who decided the Questions that were 
 brought before them. 
 
 One of the great advantages which resulted to the people from tlie formation of 
 these Courts, arose out of their Proximity to the Abode of those persons whose 
 Interests could be affected by them, and the Prevention of that loss of time and 
 expence, which, under the present order of things, takes place, in travelling to a 
 
 * Seemort^ in my St;\temfntfitthftJ}pRov.«|i CpittPXfB> Ep. 65, §6,.
 
 xxiv REMARKS ON 
 
 distance of many miles, (frequently not less, and sometimes more than three times 
 in succession,) for the recovery of a small debt, and which, if recovered, will 
 seldom repay the Creditor for his loss of time, and necessary maintenance during 
 his absence from home: whilst the frequency of the Court's being htld in ancient 
 Times, prevented the possibility of any material delay taking place in the Ad- 
 ministration of Justice ; and called forth that commendatory observation of our 
 great Lavv3^er, Sir Edward Coke, who describes them as " formed for the ease of 
 the people ; that they might have justice done them at their own doors, without 
 any charge, or loss of time." 
 
 As the King was ever considered by the Laws of England to be the great foun- 
 tain of Justice, and general conservator of the Peace, it was not the design of the 
 Great Alfred, by the institution of these inferior Jurisdictions, to shut out his 
 people from the natural right they possessed, of seeking Justice in his presence, (in 
 the Aula liegia, or great Court of the Kingdom,) whenever the magnitude, or the 
 difficulty of the case to be decided, was too great for the obtaining of Justice in the 
 inferior Courts. In some cases, also, it was permitted, for either of the parties in 
 a common suit to remove the proceedings, in the first instance, by the Writs of 
 pone, or accedas ad Curiam ; and even after Judgment pronounced, to stay the 
 issuing of Execution by Writ of false Judgment, and then rehear the Cause in 
 the superior Court. 
 
 It is the fate of all human institutions, however founded in wisdom and the best 
 intentions, to be subject to error or abuse. The Great Alfred, when he allowed of 
 this Appeal to himself from the inferior Courts, felt no apprehension that it would 
 be perverted to the embarrassment and vexation, instead of the ease and benefit of 
 his people. Sitting in person in the great Court of the Nation, it was not to be 
 apprehended that any one would be sufficiently hardy to remove a Cause of insig- 
 nificant or small import, merely for the purpose of delay, or to harrass his feebler 
 adversary : Such a conduct would be sure to experience immediate and exemplary 
 punishment. But, when the Kings of England ceased to be really present at the 
 Administration of Justice in their Great Court, and when the Court of Kings Bench, 
 in its present form, became completely established, various circumstances con- 
 curred, to induce the Judges not to frown away Appeals which came from the 
 lower Courts. Hence the removal of suits became at length so frequent, that it 
 was soon found expedient to institute them in the upper Courts, in the first in- 
 stance, rather than be subject to the circuitous mode of a removal ; and this cir- 
 cumstance combining with the neglect of the Great Men of the provincial districts, 
 in not attending to assist at the inferior Courts, has occasioned their having ge- 
 nerally fallen into disuse. 
 
 The increase of Trade and Manufacture in the Country was, of course, attended 
 with an enlarged population in particular districts ; and the disuse into which the
 
 COURTS OF CONSCIENCE. xxv 
 
 inferior Courts had fallen was soon ft-lt as a serious inconvenience: Upon which the 
 City of London, in order to substitute a remedy for itself, oljtained an Act of Par- 
 liament, to enable two Aldermen and four Common-Councilmen to sit twice a 
 week, in order to hear and determine all Causes of Debt arising within the City, 
 not exceeding the value of Forty Shillings. 
 
 In this manner summary redress was obtained for the Citizens of the Metropolis 
 at a moderate expencc ; and if the e.'itablishment were not subject to exception, in 
 regard to its intrenchment on the Trial by Jury, it might, from the elevated rank 
 in commercial life of the ])ersons appointed to preside at it, be considered, in other 
 respects, a tolerably good substitute for the disused, but more ancient, and, in fact, 
 better Courts of the Country : And the more so, as from its Restriction to the 
 Limits of tlie City, it answered, in that point of view, the intention of the Hundred- 
 Court, by bringing home Justice to the Citizen's door, without loss of time. 
 
 The Example thus set by the City of London has been followed by other trading 
 and populous Districts ; and sundry Courts of Request, or Courts of Conscience, for 
 the recovery of Small Debts, have been sanctioned by the Legislature, and are at 
 present pretty generally in use. But these Courts, in addition to the fundamental 
 objection against the Court for the City of London, do not now possess a single 
 trait, in their formation or practice, that can merit a favourable consideration. 
 
 The Commissioners who there preside, and determine the causes brought 
 before them, are little otherwise than self-elected ; and, when once appointed, may 
 be considered as Standing Commissioners for the purposes of the Act. They are, 
 generally, too near in rank of life to the parties whose causes they decide ; and it 
 is no unusual thing for a Commissioner to pass on one side, whilst his brother 
 Commissioners determine a question to which he himself is a party. The wide 
 limits of the jurisdiction of these Courts of Conscience are also another source of 
 vexation, as embracing districts of many miles in extent, which greatly harrass 
 both the suitors, as well complaining as defending : while, in fact, they do not 
 possess a single advantage for the people, that would not be infinitely better, and 
 more constitutionally answered, by a revival of the antient Hundred-Court; which 
 would preserve the Trial by Jury, and bring home justice to the door of every man, 
 without any considerable loss of time, and at the least possible ex])ence. 
 
 The Sheriffs', or County Court, as established by Alfred the Great, is still, in 
 some respects, preserved, though greatly impaired, from' the loss of that antient 
 dignity and consequence which ])revaik'd, when the bishop and great men of the 
 county attended, with the Sheriff, to preside in it. This court, though similar 
 to the Court-Baron and Hundred Court, is not a Court of Record ; and yet it has 
 the same power as possessed by them, to hold pleas of debt, not amounting to forty 
 shillings ; and (by virtue of a court, called " Justice's") to hold pleas of all per- 
 sonal actions to any amount. Thus the County Court possesses all the requisite 
 
 d
 
 XX vi REMARKS ON 
 
 powers to administer justice between party and jjarty, as to debts under forty shillings ; 
 and maintains, through its trial by Jury, that best prerogative and boasted right 
 of Englishmen, which is alarmingly infringed by the substitution of Commis- 
 sioners in the Courts of Conscience ; so as to allbrd precedents in practice, the 
 evil consequences whereof no man can foresee, nor the extent to which they may 
 in time be carried. 
 
 The County Courts, it must be remembered, are only a branch of the political 
 institution of our English Justinian, Alfred ; and were framed by him at the same 
 time with the Courts-Baron and Hundred-Courts : thus, by the immediate locality 
 of the lesser Courts, continuing to preserve the beautiful symmetry of his excellent 
 system, and bringing home justice to the door of every man. But, deprived of 
 these lower Courts, a chasm is created ; and the only possible objection that seems 
 capable of being now taken to the institution of County Courts, presents itself in 
 the remoteness of the situation, in which, wherever they maybe held, they must 
 be far distant from some parts of the County over which they preside. Let but 
 the Courts-Baron and the Hundred-Courts be restored, (or at any rate the latter,) 
 and the chasm will then be filled up ; the harmony of plan again rendered com- 
 plete ; and Justice may revisit the door of every man, without loss of time, or the 
 accumulation of unnecessary expence. 
 
 The Remarks above mentioned are solely confined to the inferior Courts esta- 
 blished amongst us for the recovery of Small Debts : and it may not be hazarding 
 too much, to conclude, that, if compared with a Trial hy Jury, our Courts 
 of Request, or of Conscience, do not present an equal certainty to the honest 
 Creditor, or the poor Debtor, of obtaining Justice : But, on the contrary, 
 that many of them, from the extent of their jurisdictions, and the description of 
 persons who are too often found to preside at them, are, not unfrequently, the very 
 bane of those principles which they profess to support, and which led originally to 
 their institution. 
 
 It now remains to consider of the Coercion directed bv the law, to enforce its 
 ordinances for the recovery of small debts ; and the consequences produced by such 
 coercion, as it is now exercised. 
 
 The plaintiff may have many miles to go, to swear to his debt, and obtain a sum- 
 mons for his debtor ; and when this is obtained, it is more than probable that he 
 will liave the same journey to repeat on a fruitless errand, because the defendant may not 
 think proper, or be unable to attend. An order will then be issued for a future day, 
 and this too, in like manner as the summons, must be served upon the defendant. 
 At the time appointed the plaintiff is obliged to renew his journey ; and if he then esta- 
 blish his debt to thesatisfactionof theCommissioners, whetherthe debtor attend or not, 
 he obtains a warrant of execution against his body. Thus armed with power, the
 
 COURTS OF CONSCIENCE. xxvii 
 
 Officer of the Court endeavours to arrest tlie Defeiulant ; but liis natural apprehen- 
 sion of the loss of liberty occasions him to forsake his house, and skulk about as a 
 fugitive vagrant, until at length he is taken by surprize, and carried to j)rison. 
 
 It will not be dealing fairly by this class of Debtors, to attribute their conduct, as 
 here described, solely to dishonest motives. The sentiments of liberality ami truth 
 require that great allowance should be made, for their situation in life, and their 
 want of knowing better: and to this, it is conceived, with their incapacity 
 of being absent from their daily labour without injuring their families, may more 
 properly be attributed their neglect of the process of the court, and tiie seeming 
 apathy with which tiiey viejv the unfortunate situation to which they are thus 
 reduced. 
 
 The Plaintift' will have had some fees to pay at the Court, and to its officer, for the 
 arrest; and, still smarting with the trouble and expence attending the many 
 journeys he has been obliged to undertake, for establishing his demand, he of 
 course is but little disposed to compassionate his debtor; to whom he applies, 
 perhaps most wrongfully, the harsh epithets of Rogue or Swindler, with the 
 charge of incorrigible obstinacy, instead of the truer and more applicable terms of 
 " unfortunate, and ignorantly-confined poor man." 
 
 The time of a prisoner's confinement may be temporary, perhaps forty days ; a 
 period which, in the ordinary course of life, may not be considered as of long dura- 
 tion. But who, possessing the mild sentiments of humanity, and the invaluable 
 blessings of Christian Knowledge, can contemplate the forlorn and wretched con- 
 dition of an unhappy prisoner, and thus venture to consider it, as applying to him ? 
 If there be such a person, let him but picture to himself a man, torn from his 
 family, which can only live by the effi^rts of his daily labour; hurried to a 
 prison, without a change of garments, and those which cover him of the most im- 
 poverished and thread-bare kind : where no medicine is provided against the hour 
 of sickness, which so frequently attends his altered situation : without a bed to lay 
 himself upon, in the dark and loathsome cell of a damp, unhealthy prison; without 
 the least tiring, whatever may be the extreme of cold ; without food ; nay, without 
 any corporeal provision of the humblest necessary, to support his fainting nature, or 
 the aid of a spiritual comforter, to sustain his failing Christianity in the day of trial! 
 Let him, I say, c(»ntemplate a picture of this kind, and it may then with confidence 
 be asserted, that he will be a convert from his opinion, and deem the term of incar- 
 ceration, even for forty days only, an age of woe ! a sufferance, infinitely transcending 
 the cause which occasioned the unhappy situation of the prisoner, even though it were 
 admitted that his debt had been originally contracted by an excess of heedless dissi- 
 pation. The distracted sufferings of the prisoner's wife, whose aflections, thougli 
 unable to bring him relief, induce her daily to travel from her offspring, amidst cold 
 and wetj ovgr a dreary road, to soothe their father's care; — for the pinching cold and
 
 xxviii REMARKS ON'-^rT'TO'l 
 
 hunger of ^//e children need not be noticed here, to heighten this scene of wretchedness, 
 as they must be presumed to receive some parochial reUef, to save them from pe- 
 rishing. These are the certain and immediate consequences of a poor man s confine- 
 ment for a Court-of-Conscience debt ! 
 
 But, to pursue the inquiry a httle farther, (and it w ill be found that the above 
 is only a faint description of the personal suflerings of the afflicted individual ;) No- 
 thing so effectually corrupts the morals, or debases the mind, as Iinpr/somne>if ; and 
 the bad efiects produced on society by the consequences of such confinement, remain 
 yet to be disclosed. 
 
 Shut up in a Bridewell (for of this sort are the prisons to which such debtors are fre- 
 quently sent), in common with the most abandoned criminals, amongst whom, as of 
 necessity, he must associate, an intimacy will soon take place : and which, strange 
 as it may appear, (provision being made for the hardened criminal, however he may 
 have outraged the laws of God or man, though withheld from the debtor,) will be 
 cemented into friendship by the very influence of gratitude, the most honourable tie 
 innature, in return for the pittancewhich is sparedhim,by aFelons sympathy, to sup- 
 port his famished frame. A friendship thus formed (and its existence can hardly be 
 questioned or condemned) will soon be extended bej'ond the donor, to the companions 
 and associates of the criminal, who visit him in his confinement. His mind 
 becomes thus prepared for the commission of those crimes, \\\\\c\\ jfeed his felloiu 
 prisoner : And where is the sanguine friend of subordination, whose zeal will hurry 
 him to conclude, that it will not be continued after the liberation of the Debtor; 
 nor attended with all those fearful consequences, which experience has confirmed 
 as the never-failing retinue of Evil Associations ? 
 
 The miemTiX I'egulationoi Bridewells, with an indiscriminate mixture of prisoners, 
 are so notoriously bad, that the poor man who enters within their walls as an unfor- 
 tunate debtor, must possess more resolution and fortitude than can be expected 
 from persons in his rank of life, if he be not dismissed with those habits of vice 
 and idleness about him, v.'hich may soon return him to his dreary abode, as a 
 formidable J'elon ; charged with the commission of crimes, that subject man's life 
 to the offended laws of his country ! 
 
 The object designed by the publication of this Work, does not admit of my 
 entering into an enlarged detail of the irregularities and bad management of the 
 Prisons in question. But, if the Reader's curiosity is excited by the foregoing 
 remarks, (which he will do well to consider, not as an effect of fancy, but as 
 the result of the Author's personal observation ;) and if he be desirous of pursuing 
 the subject, he may find it but too faithfully delineated by that admirable writer, 
 Henry Fielding, in his " Enquiry into the Causes of the Increase of Robbers," &c. 
 a most authentick and interesting narrative of the hideous scenes of vice which 
 there take place; a detail of the alarming consequences that result to Society,
 
 COURTS OF CONSCIENCE. xxix 
 
 froiTi the permission of smli abominable practices against good order and morality ; 
 and of which, (subject to little or no modification,) the Author cannot hesitate in 
 opinion, that they actually and fully exist at the present day, in all their horrid 
 enormity. 
 
 Having thus, in a hasty sketch, gone through the proposed Inquiry, it remains 
 to be discussed, " whether the permitting the body of a Debtor to be taken in 
 execution, for a Debt not amounting to Forty Shillings, will not be found, under 
 the best laws and best arrangement that human wisdom can frame, an impolitick 
 measure; likely to defeat its own end, and calculated materially to injure the in- 
 terests of publick occonomy r" To form a just opinion upon this head, let the 
 price be considered, which is paid to a labouring man for his hire, at the lowest 
 possible rate by which the value of his time can be estimated. The produce of 
 his labour might, indeed, be taken as a truer criterion ; but, as this would lead to 
 calculations not so readily elucidated, and be open to some cavils from inventive 
 acuteness, the former is preferred, and made the basis of the following remarks; 
 which are submitted by the Writer, \\\\\\ an earnest hope that they may excite 
 the attention of some more ctiicient and able pen, in justice to the important 
 subject. 
 
 A labouring husbandman, for instance, may be considered to receive one shillin"- 
 and sixpence per day, or nine shillings per week, for his hire. Now this, for the 
 space of forty days, — the supposed term of his confinement, excluding the interve- 
 nient Sundays, — will amount to the sum of two pounds eleven shillings ; and, con- 
 sidering his debt to be one guinea, will be more than double its amount. On the 
 most moderate computation, therefore, the loss sustained by the publick will 
 be found to exceed twice the amount of the sum sought to be recovered by the 
 individual Creditor. 
 
 It may be advanced, that if you take away the Debtor's liability in his person 
 for such debts, the poor man will get no credit ; and that this circumstance will 
 subject him to greater inconveniences than those he sustains under the law, in its 
 present form. 
 
 The first part of this apprehension, it is admitted, might in some cases take 
 place ; but that it would produce inconveniences greater, or even equal to the con- 
 sequences of imprisonment, is most earnestly denied. 
 
 The loss of credit, if it should happen, would produce one of these two effects : either 
 that a labouring man should live within his means, or apply to his parish, in the 
 first instance, for parochial relief. And, surely, should the latter event occur, it 
 will be found materially in favour of the parish, (upon a decent rep.esentation 
 being made out, entitling the applicant to relief,) that they should contribute some- 
 thing, in aid of his labour, for the support of himself and fannly ; rather than be 
 obliged wholly to maintain the family during the confinement of the father, with
 
 XXX REMARKS ON 
 
 the certainty of his returning to his hamlet a disgraced man, " a man forbid!" as 
 our great Poet phrases it ; a man, deprived of his former habits of industry, and fitted 
 only to rank with the idle poor, than whom there cannot be greater pests to 
 Society. But, while the attention is engaged about confining the Persons of 
 Debtors, is it to be supposed that an execution against their Goods is a thing with- 
 out influence ? Is there not a commendable pride, amongst the humblest cottagers 
 and occupiers of rooms, to have their little places set out with domestick conve- 
 niences, equal if not superior to their neighbours r Vv ill not the preservation 
 of these objects of their regard from the execution of the Law, sufficiently stimulate 
 them to pay their debts ? Nay, even should this not be the case, will not the de- 
 priving them of their Goods be of less injuri/ to the Country, than the confine- 
 ment of their Persons ? And, supposing they have no effects, what good can result 
 from their imprisonment, when they avowedly have not the means to pay their 
 debts ? 
 
 Let this power of the Law be done away ; let it be concluded that thus they will 
 obtain no credit ; and it will then be seen, that they must work, or seek parochial 
 relief: and what then will be the next result? If they apply for the latter improperly, 
 they may be sent to prison, not as debtors, hut as vagrants ; and, instead of idle- 
 ness and no allowance, (the lot of a debtor, subjected to the discipline of a prison,) 
 they must be kept to hard labour, and fed on the poor, yet life-supporting food of 
 a place of confinement. It seems paradoxical, to treat of the relative duties we 
 owe to society, and at the same time admit a creditor's right to destroy the exercise 
 of those duties, by shutting up his debtor in prison for a sum, perhaps of One 
 ii/iillhig only, or even possibly of Four Pence! The impolicy of the measure is 
 felt, in the loss to the publick of the debtors services ; in his discharge from pri- 
 son a worse member of society than he went in ; and in the loss to his creditor of 
 the debt: So that it seems to possess no one obvious or incidental good ; and 
 the only end at all answerable by it, will be found in the gratilication of one of the 
 worst passions of our nature ;- — the vindictive resentment of a creditor ! 
 
 Whilst the Law allows a confinement of the person for the debts here spoken 
 of, it is submitted, as a desirable regulation, First, that all Publicans' scores 
 should be precluded from recovery ; and, Secondly, that a limitation of time, to 
 the period of one year, should be fixed, for the recovery of all debts under the 
 amount of Forty Shillings*. These two regulations alone, it is conceived, would 
 
 " The Rev. Daniel U'iUiams of Cacrmarlhen was confined at the Suit of one Broker Cuok, 21st July 
 1807, for a Debt of M. ISs.fid. The Costs amounted to Gi. 5rf. This Gentleman paid into Court 
 1/. IDs. He tlien went into Wales; and upon his return was arrested for the remaining 14s. \]d. oa 
 tlie 5th of May 1809, and confined twenty days in the Borough Comptei'. — John Bird, at the Suit of 
 Lawrence Newvuiii, a Publican, for a Debt of Four pence, and Costs /»'• <><'■, had a Warrant of Execution 
 granted against him, dated 9th July 1808, and was committed to Giltspur Street Compltr, 14th I\Iay 
 iSlO, nearly two years after. For the latter of these Cases, see my Statement in page 53'3,
 
 COUIITS OF CONSCIKNCE. xxxi 
 
 produce much good, and materially diminish the number of imprisonments lor 
 Small Debts. 
 
 But, tlie restoring of Courts Baron, The Hundred Courts, and The County 
 Courts wouki, it is believed, be productive of so many commercial advantages, 
 that the arrest of the debtor's Person might very- safely be laid aside, (without 
 the smallest hazard of injury to his Creditor,) to the benefit of the Country at 
 large ; the lessening of the Poors' Rates in particular districts ; and the great relief 
 of a class, the most laborious and useful in the community. 
 
 The truth, and the application of the Observations which have here been made, 
 must be known to many persons : But, to that honourable and most respectable 
 class of (Gentlemen, who, with such distinguislic<l credit to themselves, and satis- 
 faction to tlie Country, discharge the important duties of jNIagistracy, they must 
 be particularly known : And it is, therefore, with the most profound respect that 
 tiiey are more immediately addressed to them; in the earnest hope that some 
 amongst them will deem the subject deserving of their attention, and as such, 
 exert the weight of their talents and influence to call it to the consideration of 
 Parliament, as a measure of internal regulation, that highly merits their delibera- 
 tive wisdom ; and from which abundant benefit will be derived to the Country, 
 and to those humble individuals, who stand so much in need of every indulgent 
 exertion for their relief. 
 
 Of the ruinous effects of the system here decried, enough is said to convince 
 the greatest sceptic, that its tendency has been to degrade the human character ; to 
 corrupt and vitiate the minds of the labouring people ; and thus to increase and 
 establish a general profligacy of manners..
 
 ( xxxii ) 
 
 OBSERVATIONS 
 
 ON 
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. 
 
 VV HEN the mind contemplates the vast variety of offences by the Laws of 
 Eno-land made punishable with death, surprize must naturally follow the reflection, 
 mingled with sympathy and regret at the degraded state of society ; but when, to 
 this dark series of crimes, is added the almost incalculable number of ofiences, 
 serving as it were like feeders to a reservoir, which are made punishable by trans- 
 portation, fine, and imprisonment, how greatly will that surprize be increased, and 
 the mind of the philanthropist be stimulated to inquire into the cause of this in- 
 creasing load of human misery ; forming so complex and numerous a catalogue, 
 that an eminent and learned barrister deemed the making a list of them a task of 
 almost impracticable difficulty ; but which, (from the work* of a late worthy magis- 
 trate, who long discharged the arduous duties of the Bench at a public office, 
 with distinguished credit to himself, and service to the community,) we may con- 
 clude not to be of less enormous magnitude, than six thousand seven hundred and 
 eighty-nine ; for to this extent has the author observed upon the penal statutes, 
 under numbered heads. And although more than one number may, and in fact 
 does, in many cases, relate to the same offence, yet new crimes have arisen and 
 been made punishable since the appearance of that publication. Offences at the 
 Common Law, and declared as such by local and private acts of parliament, did not 
 fall within the scope of the work; but will, it is expected, hv found to supply suffi- 
 cient substitutes for all those crimes, which are referred to under more heads than 
 one; sufficient, at least, to maintain the original number, as so many distinct heads 
 of Crimes and Punishments. 
 
 It would be at the same time both instructive and interesting, if we could 
 look back into the early ages of society, and trace with any tolerable degree of cor- 
 rectness, the history and progress of crimes and punishments. But, unfortunately, 
 the materials for such a view of the subject are scanty, and not easily attainable : 
 
 * Sir William Addington's " Abridgement of the Penal Statutes."
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. xxxili 
 
 for, upon inquiry, the puge of history will l»e foinul j)riiicipally occupied with 
 iViatters of state, and Iiislorians busy in recording tiie ac-tions of princes and their 
 nobles. Thus, in handing down to posterity the wars, negotiations, and treaties of 
 fempires, they have suflered the moral characters of the people, and the natural 
 history of countries (subjects infinitely more interesting to the general welfare of 
 mankind), to pass unnoticed, and be lost in the obscurity of time. 
 
 The English Statute-Book, however, as relating to this country, and during the 
 age it embraces, may be considered to supply, in some degree, the defect of history; 
 and be referred to as a standard, from which conclusions on the moral state of the 
 people, at different periods, may, with tolerable safety, be drawn. Although in a 
 work of this nature' it cannot be expected that every statute inflicting the pain c/f 
 death, or subordinate punishment, should be expressly noticed ; yet a reference to 
 a few of them, it is conceived, will not only render the subject more familiar to 
 such persons as are not accustomed to think upon it; but at the same time throw some 
 general and useful light upon the inquiry. And truly grateful will it prove to the 
 feelings of the Author, jf at any future time, some able pen, desirous of engaging in 
 the cause of humanity, and with leisure and ability to do justice to the work, should 
 be engaged in a general revision of the Eirglish Statute-Book, as regarding crimes 
 and punishments, and indulge the publick with his remarks. 
 
 Before we enter on the proposed reference to the Statute-Book, it will not be amiss 
 if we first consider. What is understood by the Common Law of England, or, at 
 least, so far as it regards our subject. 
 
 The unwritten or common Law, as it now stands, may be considered as a rem- 
 nant of the jurisprudence of our Saxon Ancestors ; who, ignorant of the art of 
 communicating ideas by characters, were of necessity obliged to commit to memory 
 their Laws, as well as the portion of learning they had acquired, and by the force 
 of tradition to hand them down to posterity. And although our haughty Con- 
 querors (proud of a knowledge they scarcely possessed, as being confined to their 
 priests at an early period after the Conquest), adopted the written or Statute Law for 
 the government of the people ; yet it is by no means a clear deduction, that iii 
 those early times it was of any advantage to the nation : for, so long did the bulk 
 of the people continue in a state of ignorance, as to reading and writing, that even 
 at so late a period in our own history as the year 1547, considerably short of three 
 centuries ago, an act of parliament was passed *, to give the benefit of clergy to 
 peers of the realm, and to save them from the ignominy of being burnt in the 
 hand, notwithstanding they were unable to read. And these written laws not al- 
 ways carrying with them that perfection of reason, which is considered one of the attri- 
 butes of the Common law, became as it were a drag-net to catch the people in ; for 
 
 * 1 Edw. VI. Cap. 12. 
 
 e
 
 xxxir OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 the justness of the apophthegm was lost, and the multitude were unable to read the 
 written substitute. And it must be presumed, that a government ruling a nation 
 hv oral laws, will be more particular in promulgating its decrees by oral proclama- 
 tions to the people, than the government which relies on its lejc scripta, and the 
 legal maxim that " Ignorance is no excuse." 
 
 In these times, when reading and writing are so generally understood, and prac- 
 tised by all classes of the people, the observations here made lose much of their 
 force ; but it is conceived they will serve to elucidate some remarks that may arise 
 in the progress of the inquiry. 
 
 Notwithstanding what has been here said, the Common Law, as it now stands, 
 cannot be considered as being purely oral, or traditional ; for it may now be found 
 in our ancient Law-Books, in our reporters, and in our records of judicial pro- 
 ceedings. 
 
 A short account of the origin of what is termed " Benefit of Clergy," and a few 
 strictures on the absurd continuation of it to this day, when scarce a remnant of 
 the principle remains, of describing ofiences of the greatest magnitude as felonies 
 with, or without benefit of clergy, it is expected will not be uninteresting to some 
 persons, whom humanity may incite to the perusal of a work like the present ; 
 whose author has no other aim in view than the hope of contributing his feeble 
 efforts to rescue such of his fellow-creatures as unfortunately fall into the way of 
 temptation from greater evil ; to reclaim such as do fall, and generally to ameliorate 
 the lowest condition of human wretchedness : and the informed reader, and those 
 who are better acquainted with the subject than the author himself, will, it is 
 hoped, in the gentleness of their natures, excuse this digression : a digression, into 
 which he is led from the general ignorance he has found to prevail through large 
 classes of the people ; and even in those circles of society, where better information 
 mif^ht be expected to exist, of the important distinction in the natures and con- 
 sequences of crimes so designated by the legislature. 
 
 The Saxon Kings of England, remarkable for their devotedness and submission to 
 the see of Rome, were ready on all occasions to enlarge the privileges, and augment 
 the revenues of the church ; but, when the Norman race ascended the throne, the 
 afTairs of the church assumed a new aspect. Accustomed to arbitrary sway, these 
 hardy chieftains were not disposed to possess a divided power ; and they equally 
 struggled for absolute authority over both ilie church and the people. 
 
 William the Conqueror carried his endeavours so far, that he openly denied 
 doing homage to the pope, seized on the consecrated vessels of the church, and in- 
 terdicted the British clergy from receiving orders without his permission. 
 
 The reigns of William Rufus, and of Henry the First, were not less remarkable 
 than the Conqueror's, for the steady opposition of those princes to the influence 
 of the see of Rome; nor was the policy of that church less conspicuous for the
 
 CRIMKS AND PUNISHMENTS. xxxv 
 
 wisdom with which she gave way to the resolute steadiness of these determined Kings, 
 rather than, by fruitless struggles, afford them a j)retence for shaking off" the small 
 inffuence she was allowed to retain ; and which afterwards so completely extended 
 itself, as in future reigns to effect the entire subjugation of the kingdom. 
 
 The publick troubles during the reign of Stephen, and the obligations he owed to 
 the church, for seating him on the throne, which he had seized against the rightful 
 heir of his uncle, htted this period for the policy of the see of Rome to act upon : 
 and although we hnd him, within a few months after he ascended the throne, 
 violating his coronation oath, by seizing upon the revenues of the archbisliop of 
 Canterbury, and acling in other respects like his Norman predecessors ; yet he suf- 
 fered the court of Rome to appoint a legate to his kingdom ; and thus laid the foun- 
 dation of afterwards humbling the English bishops, and other ecclesiastics, as well as 
 the monarchs of the empire at large *. 
 
 The influence of the Church of England, during the four succeeding reigns, was 
 gradually on the increase, and at times most prodigiously advanced ; though subject 
 to those occasional fluctuations, which naturally resulted from the turbulence of the 
 times, and the fickle disposition of the reigning monarch ; who, too frequently re- 
 gardless of every solemn pledge, however formally made, governed the country 
 according to existing circumstances, and as opportunities arose favourable to the 
 indulgence of his appetites, or calculated to subserve the capricious pursuits of 
 his mind. Thus we find, in the Great Charter, or what is more emphatically termed 
 " the Charter of Liberties," obtained from king John by his hardy barons, on that 
 memorable plain called Runnimead, and which retains its name to this day, the first 
 article is, " That the Church of England shall be free, and enjoy her whole rights 
 and liberties inviolable:" But what those rights and those liberties were, we are not 
 informed ; the holy fathers most probably considering it more for the advantage of 
 the church to rest themselves on a reference to the unwritten maxims and customs 
 of their Saxon ancestors, than to have them defined by any written law, even 
 though it should be framed under circumstances most favourable to their own 
 desires. 
 
 The primitive doctrine, " that the Church of Christ should be treated with the 
 tenderness of an infant, and have all the privileges of a person under age," by a 
 confounding of times was readily extended to the clergy, in their individual charac- 
 ters ; and they personally claimed the exemptions and indulgences of a figurative 
 expression, originally used to describe the perfect state of the infant church, in its 
 
 * AJberic was the Pojie's Legate. Rupin says, " that the troubles in Stephen's reign exalted the Mitre 
 above the Crown; and iustanees also the penaucc of Henry 11. auil the exconuuunicaiion of the Primate. 
 of York, ami Bishops of London, Durham, and Exeter.
 
 Kx«i OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 collective character, " without spot or wrinkle *." The affectionate regard that 
 subsisted between the early Saxon Christians and their teachers, and the devout and 
 KLibmissive character of these people in matters of religion, induced them not to 
 be over tenacious, in regard to the privileges they allowed to persons so much 
 within their affections ; and who taught a doctrine, by which they were to be con- 
 sidered as the peculiar lot and inheritance of God, and as separated from the 
 noise and bustle of the world, that they might possess leisure to spend their time 
 in meditation and prayer. Hence, viewing their church in the favourable light 
 of persons neither addicted, nor scarcely liable to the temptation of immoralities, 
 iliey readily suffered them to declare themselves independent of the civil power: 
 and whenever it so happened, that the frailties of human nature prevailed against 
 these presumptions, the guilty churchman was handed over to the ordinary, to be 
 dealt with according to the rules of the Canon Law. 
 
 The privileges thus acquired by the Clergy from the pious Saxons, were fre- 
 <]uently trampled upon by the Norman princes, during the long continued strug- 
 gles for absolute sway, which subsisted between them and the church of Rome. 
 This may be gathered from the passage already noticed in the Great Charter ; but 
 which, it seems, did not, as must have been expected, secure them from the hand 
 of the Civil Power : For, in the subsequent reign of Edward the First, anno 1275, 
 we find it declared by the Statute of Westminster, " That a clerk taken for guilty 
 of felony shall be delivered to his ordinary, according to the privilege of the holy 
 church, after the custom aforetime used ;" or, in other words, That the Civil 
 power should not proceed to convict a clerk in holy orders. 
 
 One of the most distinguished features of the Saxon criminal law, which pre- 
 vailed in England before the Conquest, was its mildness, the infrequency of capital 
 punishment, and the allowance for notorious offenders to commute even that 
 punishment for a fine ; But it is from the time of the Norman Conquest, we are 
 to trace the origin and progress of that extreme severity, which now so materially 
 disfigures the criminal code of England : for, notwithstanding the conquest of 
 William has been treated as a conquest or overthrow of a monarch, who hrid usurped 
 the throne, and not of the people, yet it was such a conquest of power, that the 
 people were in no condition to resist. And as the Conqueror, on all occasions, en- 
 ^leavoured to introduce a community of language between his newly-acquired and 
 liis Norman subjects, by ordering schools to be established throughout the king- 
 iiom, for teaching, and bringing the language of the latter people into general use, 
 and by causing the pleadings in the courts of judicature to be carried on in the same 
 language; it may, with the aid of the many authorities on that head, be naturally 
 concluded, that the same motives of policy and partiality, which induced the Ring 
 
 * See Epistle to Ephesians, chap. v. ver. 17.
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMKNTS. xxxvii 
 
 to endeavour at establishing his native tongue, extended also tlicir influence to 
 occasion his introduction of the Laws of Norma ndi/ ; — such, in particular, as 
 seemed best calculated to sujiport his newly-acquired power, or to contribute to his 
 favourite diversion of hunting ; no punishment or privation being deemed too 
 severe, for the subject who infringed on either. Hence we find *, that he put 
 great numbers of his English Subjects to death ; caused the eyes of many others 
 to be put out, or their hands and feet to be cut off, and condemned abundance 
 of them to perpetual imprisonment, for very small ofiences. We also learn 
 that he caused another violent infringement of the English Constitution, bv dis- 
 peopling whole Countries -|-, for the purpose of his Royal diversion of the 
 Chase; and subjecting both those Districts, and all the ancient forests of the 
 kingdom, to the unreasonable severities of the " Forest Laws," imported from 
 the Continent. 
 
 "From this Root," as a learned and elegant Commentator ;{: expresses himself, 
 " although the Forest Laws have been mitigated, and are almost grown obsolete, 
 has sprung a bastard Slip, known by the name of the Game Law, now arrived to, 
 and wantoning in its highest vigour." 
 
 With tlie Norman Conquest, the more homely, but more intelligible and less 
 cruel Maxims of distributive Justice amongst the Saxons, gave way to the deeper 
 chicanery of Norman .Jurisprudence. That Monarch, who could introduce a 
 Trial by Combat, for the decision of Civil and Criminal Questions of fact, was not 
 likely to be scru])ulous about inflicting death, or other punishment, disproportioned 
 to the nature of the Crime committed. yVnd yet, notwithstanding its general ap- 
 plication in the present day, it was not until the reign of Henry the First, who 
 succeeded his brother Rufus, that the crime of Theft was made punishable as a 
 capital ofTence i^. 
 
 The small portion of Learning which existed in that Age of Ignorance and Su- 
 perstition, was lonfined to the Clergy, and to those who were designed for Holv 
 Orders; for scarcely to any others were the Arts of reading or writing known. 
 The Benefit of Clergy, which perhaps originated in the assumed infallibility of 
 Churchmen, as being members of an infallible church, and which, under the mild 
 administration of the Saxons, was little more than a mark of distinction ; yet, when 
 the Normans introduced their Forest Laws, with new-fangled Cruelties as punish- 
 ments, was no longer considered as a mere privilege of distinction ; but it became 
 a matter of solid Advantage to the Clergy, to be entitled to claim their exemption 
 from liability to the secular power; or otherwise, to be delivered over to their 
 Ordinary, when accused of a Crime. 
 
 * Rapin, vol. I. p. ISl. 
 
 t Blackstoncs CoinmentarieSj vol. IV', p, 415. * Ibid, p. 41.5. 
 
 § Ibid. J). 420.
 
 sxxviii OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 Cruelty in Punishments universally defeats its own end, and never fails to raise a 
 general desire of disappointing its operations. Even a sanguinary Monarch, who 
 introduces a cruel law, must, at the last moment, feel a natural repugnance to its 
 execution ; and a readiness to catch at any excuse, under which mercy may be 
 extended to the delinquent, without forfeiting his own consistency. 
 
 The Privilege or Benefit of Clergy was, in its Origin, confined to the Members 
 of the Church ; and as Learning was peculiarly their own, so the being able to read 
 was considered and taken as Evidence of the party accused being a Clergyman, or, 
 as it was then termed, a Clerk : And although, in the course of time, other persons, 
 neither in the Church, nor designed for Holy Orders, became capable of reading, 
 the natural reluctance against giving effect to cruel punishments suflfered the same 
 Evidence to prevail. If the party accused were but found able to read, he was al- 
 lowed the Benefit of Clergy, and delivered over to the Ordinary. Thus originated 
 that distinction, which, notwithstanding its obsoleteness, and its having been li- 
 mited, and even abolished, under modern Acts of Parliament, as to its original 
 operation, is still allowed to disfigure the Criminal Law of England, by the division 
 of Felony, under the heads of " Felony tvitJi," or " Felony without the Benefit of 
 Clergy ;" Terms, not understood by one tenth part of the people, who may forfeit 
 their lives under the distinction. 
 
 A modern learned Writer *, (not more distinguishable for his learning than his 
 humanity ; and to whom the publick are largely indebted for his late arduous exer- 
 tions, to produce reform in part of the Criminal Law, although unattended with 
 the success they merited,) describes the astonishment which was expressed in the 
 language, and painted in the countenance of a wretch, who was convicted of 
 stealing his master's wine, at finding that the Sentence pronounced upon him was 
 that of Death ; or, to use the language of Paley, " at finding himself inextricably 
 entangled in the fatal net." Fatal, indeed, it was to him ! for the Judge left him 
 for Execution. Here is an instance of the ruinous effect of Ignorance, in a man, 
 who, in all probability, would not have committed the Offence for which he suf- 
 fered, if he had known the awful punishment that awaited his Crime. He might 
 have heard of Felony ; but the word, in its abstract meaning, implies nothing like 
 loss of Life : and he probably knew of some amongst his associates, who had been 
 convicted of felony, and only suffered transportation, or some less punishment ; 
 and most likely the distinction of Benejit of Clergy was wholly unknown 
 to him. 
 
 In a late publication we are told, That a memorial, addressed to the Sheriff of 
 Middlesex from the Prisoners in Newgate, signed by 1 52 of the Criminals, had 25 
 names written in a fair hand ; 26 in a bad and partly-illegible hand ; and that the 
 
 * Sir Samuel Romilly, on Crimmal Law, p. 44.
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. xxxix 
 
 remainino; 101 were signed with a cross. On another occasion it appeared that 
 but few of the prisoners could read with faciUty; that more tlian half of them 
 could not read at all ; and that a large majority were totally unacquainted with the 
 nature, ohject, and end of Religion itself. Happy, indeed, was it for this mass of 
 ignorance, that the humane Act of the 5th of Queen Anne existed as Law ; by 
 which it is provided, " That a Convicted Felon shall not be required to read, but 
 only be punished as a Clerk Convict, the same as if he had read as a Clerk ;" or 
 otherwise, they would have found themselves entangled in Dr. Paley's inextricable 
 net, and have been hurried into the presence of their Maker, to seek that mercy for 
 their ignorance of the Divine Law, which was denied them on Earth by their 
 persecuting brethren. • 
 
 The above remarks may by some persons be considered as a cavil about words: 
 but let them who entertain such an opinion consider, what is the sad effect of those 
 words ; and whether it is within the reach of human language, with the fairest in- 
 tentions, to describe, in terms too distinct, and clear, and void of all possibility of 
 misapprehension, the awful consequence of being convicted of Felony, without 
 Benefit of Clergy : and then, let them determine, whether the words " Felony, 
 without Benefit of Clergy," are best calculated to convey their intended meanino- 
 to an unlettered Oftender. 
 
 It is foreign to our purpose, to institute a particular inquiry into the motives 
 that first induced man to quit his state of nature, and become a social animal. 
 It may be sufficient, if we consider him in his gregarious character, as we now 
 find him ; and genei-ally conclude, that it was the attraction of the sexes, the help- 
 less state of infancy, mutual wants, and mutual preservation, but, above all, the 
 Law of God imprinted on his breast, which placed him there. 
 
 What portion of his natural rights he surrendered, in exchange for the protec- 
 tion of society, or what in particular he retained, it will be equally unnecessary for 
 us to inquire into; as we shall prefer drawing our conclusions from the known 
 axiom, that " Law is the absolute perfection of Reason ; and that nothing \vhich is 
 contrary to Reason can be consonant to Law." But, in regard to the punishment 
 of Death, it may deserve to be remarked, that man, not having the right to take 
 away his own life, could not by possibility have surrendered that right to others ; 
 and that those who support the infliction of capital punishments, must seek the 
 right from some other authority than a supposed surrender of Man on his be- 
 coming a Member of Society. " And in making the Inquiry it will be well, (as a 
 humane and elegant writer * on the Penal Law expresses himself,) for lawgivers to 
 remember, that they are, virtually, and in eflfect, the executioners of 'every fellow 
 Citizen, who sufiers death in consequence of any penal statute." 
 
 * Principles of Penal Law, p. 28.
 
 si OBSERVATIONS OM 
 
 Happy indeed must we picture tliat State of Society, in which the passions of 
 man occasion no disorder, nor the clashings of private interest any difference of 
 opinion, or disturbance of the pubhc weal. But alas! such a view of mankind 
 must be purely imaginary ; for the practical experience of life, and the history of 
 all ages, deny the possible existence of such a state of society. They prove the 
 melancholy contrast; and that, while the passions of individuals range without 
 controul, the private interests of all will too frequently be suffered to obscure every 
 idea of natural Justice. Hence, Laws must be made, to restrain the one, and 
 regulate the other ; or the end of society will be destroyed : For infinitely better 
 would it be, for a man to remain in a state of Nature, and inhabit the desert, with 
 all his wants and all his fears upon his head, than to be the member of a Society, 
 in which the Laws afford him no protection. 
 
 Laws, thus considered, appear to be the legitimate offspring of necessity ; and so 
 far as they are confined within the principle of being necessary for preserving the 
 existence of the State, they certainly fall within the natural and implied compact, 
 (whatever it may be called or considered), under which Society was first formed. 
 But, when the Laws exceed this bound, the right of making them becomes more 
 doubtful ; and the doubt encreases in the same proportion, as the urgency of the 
 necessity decreases. 
 
 The prevention of crimes, then, appears to be the only true object of human 
 punishments. This, it is believed, may be effected by the adoption of laws, 
 calculated by their mildness, and certainty of execution, to produce a reform in the 
 habits of the Culprit, and fit him again for the duties of Society : And this should 
 at all times be attempted, as deserving the highest consideration of the Legislature, 
 by the infliction of Fines, Corporal Inflictions, the Pillory, or other public mark 
 of ignominy, temporary imprisonment, or transportation ; instead of those cruel and 
 sanguinary laws, which, as long and sad experience has taught us, defeat their own 
 ends, and stand without even the excuse of necessity for their continuance, or any 
 apology for their original adoption ; unless it can be found in their hasty creation. 
 But this is an excuse which a Legislator, professing to be the friend of mankind, 
 would scarcely be pleased to accept. There may, however, be crimes, of a deeper 
 magnitude than those which the preceding punishments are calculated to prevent, 
 such as offences which are immediately destructive of the existence of Society. 
 These it may be necessary to put it out of the power of the delinquent to repeat ; 
 and an end so important may be effected, either by perpetual imprisonment or 
 transportation for life. In some extreme cases, the ultimate punishment of death 
 may perhaps be resorted to ; but this, like sacred ground, should only be converted 
 to the ordinary purposes of Man, under circumstances of the greatest possible 
 urgency.
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMF.NTS. xh 
 
 How far the British Legislature has, for a succession of ages, been governed hy 
 these priniii)Ies in its Law-giving capacity, will be best discovered by the proposed 
 reference to the Statute-Book ; preparatory to which it may be proper to remark, 
 that the Great Charter, and the Charter of Forests, are not to be read as original 
 Laws, or as containing all the then existing Laws of England : But the first rather as 
 a declaration of the ancient Rights of the Subject, which had been infringed upon 
 by the Norman Monarchs; and the latter as a reform of the excesses and encroach- 
 ments which had been made on the milder laws of Saxon government, in respect 
 to the Royal Forests. 
 
 In the (ireat Charter it is provided and declared, That no Man shall be amerced 
 for a small fault, but after the manner of the fault ; and for a great fault, after 
 the greatness thereof; thus equalizing and adapting the punishment to the magni- 
 tude or smallness of the Crime: principles of justice, upon which the Saxon Laws 
 were founded, and which have preserved their character through all ages; but 
 which, ill suiting the turbulent and haughty spirit of the imperious Normans, were 
 trampled upon in their excess of pride ; and Cruelty, in all its wantonness of power, 
 created inventive punishments for small offences, disgraceful to Barbarians, and 
 shocking to humanitv. This is manifested by the 10th Chapter of the Charter of 
 Forests, declaring That " no man should sufi'er castration, loss of eyes, or cutting 
 off his hands or feet, for destroying or disturbing any fowl of the air, or any beast 
 of the field, reserved for the royal amusement of the Sovereign." 
 
 Surely, in the punishments here meant to be restrained, there was no Analogy 
 between the smallness of the ofience, and the penalty to be inflicted. It must 
 have been the arbitrary will of man, acted upon by a heated imagination, that 
 could alone have given them birth. And yet, horrid as they are in their natures, 
 it must not be supposed that they were unfrequently inflicted ; for, had that been 
 the fact, the declaration of equality of punishments to the extent of crimes, con- 
 tained in the Great Charter, might have satisfied a single Case, and operated as a 
 restraint upon the cruelty of the Laws in future. But the state of Society, at that 
 period of the History of the Kingdom, naturally made men eager in the pursuits 
 of the Chase, from the absence of many employments of industry, which have 
 since presented themselves ; and the frequency of the crime, and consequent punish- 
 ment, notwithstanding its enormity, influenced the Baronage ; who, being able to 
 demand these declarations of the rights of the people from their Royal Master, 
 were but little disposed to leave any point open to the chicane and subtile refine- 
 ments of the Norman Lawyers. 
 
 In the reign of Edward I. the Benefit of Clergy originally appears upon the 
 Statute-Book; but it was in the succeeding reign of Edward II. that it became 
 more fully provided for, and a certain history was given of that seeming absurdity, 
 
 f
 
 xlii OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 which has been so long suffered to disfigure the criminal laws of England, by 
 tlie distinction of felony with, or without Benefit of Clergy. 
 
 The 4th of Edward the Third provides, That " Sherifts and Gaolers shall receive, 
 and safely keep in prison, thieves and felons, without taking any thing for their 
 receipt." Where, then, is the origin of Gaol fees to be found ? Before this early 
 reign they may be supposed to have existed in abuse, and this statute made to cor- 
 rect and restrain their being taken in future : and yet, to this day, they are per- 
 mitted to exist, as will hereafter be justly observed upon. 
 
 The Reio-n of Edward III. is also remarkable for the Statute of Treasons, which 
 is valuable to the Subject, not only as defining what shall be deemed Treason in 
 future ; but for the restraint it puts upon constructive Treasons, by leaving it to 
 the King and his Parliament to declare, what other cases, not therein specified, 
 ought to be adjudged Treason, or other felony : and also, for its declaring certain 
 offences not to be Treason, but only felony, or trespass, according to the laws of 
 the Land, of old time used, and as the case required. 
 
 With these Statutes before us, and in the recollection of the amiable and manly 
 virtues of the Prince under whose reign they passed, it will be scarcely possible to 
 refer to the Statute in the 25th year of his reign, (inflicting the punishment of loss 
 of life and limb, with forfeiture of estate and effects, for engrossing or forestalling 
 Gascony Wine,) without lamenting the imbecillity of our nature, and remarking 
 on the great caution which men should use, to divest themselves of their prejudices 
 and their apjietites, when they assume the characters of Legislators : or otherwise 
 they will for ever incur the hazard of assigning excessive and unjust penalties to the 
 commission of small and unequal faults, in which their passions or interests may 
 be engaged. 
 
 In this Law we find the Great Charter of the Land expressly violated ; all the 
 principles of Humanity and Justice, and the bond by which man is united to society 
 most wantonly outraged, for the riot of a Feast ! and yet, in that early age, as 
 in the still earlier time of Richard the First, the effect of sanguinary laws defeating 
 their own end was discovered, and acknowledged, by a repeal of the horrid am- 
 putations inflicted on transgressors against the Forest Laws, (which had been then 
 so recently grafted on English jurisprudence), by reason of their extreme severity; 
 even in that age of rudeness, preventing prosecutions against the offenders : whilst 
 in the 37th of Edward theThird, the cruel and impolitic law to prevent the engrossing 
 and forestalling of Wine, was for the same reason repealed, and more equal and 
 natural restraints were imposed on the offence. This milder law may be considered 
 to have proved itself the better remedy, from its being suffered to continue through 
 a long succession of years, until grown obsolete by a change of circumstances. 
 
 The like remarks will equally apply to another statute of this reign (Edw. III.) 
 making the transportation of wool out of the kingdom a capital ofteace ; which was
 
 CRIMES AND PUNFSHMFNTS. xliii 
 
 afterivards rejjealecJ, as to the loss of life and member: And foitimate was it for 
 the people of that day, that so long and venerable a reign aHijrded siitticient oppor- 
 tunities to determine by experience, (the best touchstone by which to evince the 
 wisdom or folly of all human actions,) whether sanguinary or milder Laws were 
 most clearly calculated to restrain the conunission of offences. 
 
 In the reign of Henry the Fourth, it was forbidden to use " the Craft of nnihijjhfa- 
 tiou of Gold or Silver,"' under the pains of felony ; and in the third year of tin- suc- 
 ceeding King's Reign, it was declared Treason, to clip, wash, or file the Money of 
 the Land ; both of them severities of punishment, that would require considerable 
 ingenuity to justify their application ; whilst the long continuance of the latter 
 oftence proves, by the practical experience of ages, that the severest laws in the 
 power of man to iuHict, are not effectual remedies against the perpetration of 
 Crimes. 
 
 In a subsequent reign, that of Henry V'lII. remarkable for the Vices of the Prince, 
 (who, by an elegant and not uncourtly Historian * is described as violent, cruel, 
 profuse, rajjacious, unjust, obstinate, arrogant, bigotted, presumptive and capri- 
 cious, a catalogue of crimes scarcely to be found in tiie same person,) and for the 
 almost incredible number of 72,000 persons, who are stated to have died bv tiie 
 hands of the executioner ; we shall not be surprized to find the Benefit of Clergy, 
 that screen to the lettered man, taken away, by one general act: and then, as it 
 were with a drag-net, drawing in and subjecting a class of persons to the ultimate 
 punishment of death, who were not in the contemplation of the I^aw-makers, when 
 the laws themselves were framed. This reign is also remarkable for a law, wan- 
 toning in cruelty, which declares That wilful poisoning shall be adjudged High 
 Treason, " and the jjerpctrator be boiled to death :" a punishment, that bespeaks 
 as much ferocity in the Law-maker, as wickedness in the offender. 
 
 In this reign Servants, guilty of embezzling their Master's goods to the value of 
 40*. were deprived of the privilege of Clergy and Sanctuary, and thereby subjected, 
 without distinction, to the pains of death : surely, a punishment highly dispro- 
 portioned to the comparative smallness of the offence ; and such a one as naturally 
 leads the mind to inquire, in what possible view of just or jiolitical Legislatif)n, the 
 mere act of embezzlement to the value of 4().s-. unaccom])anied uiili other circum- 
 stances of aggravation, can be considered as a crime of n)aguitude sufficient to 
 merit the infiiction of death, liut, a Monarch, who was himself the slave of pas- 
 sions, with Parliaments abject in submission to his will, was not likely to make 
 Justice in Mercy the basis of his laws. From such reigns we can only expect to 
 find those monstrous inconsistencies, described bv Hmne in the following manner. 
 " By one Statute, for instance, it was declared 'iVason, to assert the validity of 
 
 *■ Humes History of England, vol. IV. pp. geC, 275. 
 f 2
 
 xllv OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 the King's marriage either with Catherine of Arragon, or Anne Boleyn. By 
 another, it was Treason to say any thing to the disparagement or slander of the 
 Princesses Mary and Ehzabeth, (the Issue of those Queens ;) and to caH them 
 spurious, would no doubt have been construed to their slander. Nor would even a 
 profound silence, with regard to these delicate points, be able to save a person 
 from such penalties : for, by the former statute, whoever refused to answer upon 
 Oath to any point contained in that Act, was subjected to the pains of Treason. 
 The King, therefore, needed only propose to any one a question, with regard to 
 the legality of either of his first marriages : If the person were silent, he was a 
 Traitor by Law ; if he answered, either in the negative or the affirmative, he 
 was no less a Traitor." 
 
 This Reign, towards its close, affords also another striking instance of the little 
 attention which was at that time paid to the inflicting of punishments, after the 
 manner of the fault, in an Act, which makes it felony to take the Eggs of a Falcon, 
 Goshawk, or Lanard, or the Birds out of their nests. Is it possible that the Egg 
 of a Bird can be worth the life of a Man ? and yet the Legislature of that day must 
 have so considered it. 
 
 It has already been noticed, that in the reign of Henry the Eighth, the Benefit of 
 Clergy was wholly taken away, without distinction of persons. But this, in the 
 following Reign, was qualified, in favour of Peers of the Realm ; the first of Ed- 
 ward the Sixth, anno 1547, granting the Benefit of Clergy to such Peers as had 
 place and voice in parliament, although they should be unable to read : a Statute, 
 that distinctly marks the state of learning in those days ; and presents an apology in 
 the ignorance of the people, which better times are not entitled to. Robbing in 
 any dwelling-house, the owner being therein, and whether waking or sleeping, by 
 an Act in the same reign, forfeits the Benefit of Clergy. 
 
 The reign of queen Elizabeth, glorious in many respects, is greatly chequered 
 by a variety of Laws, which appear to have passed upon the spur and temper of the 
 juoment ; and to proceed on the abominable principle, that it is better to extirpate 
 oiltnders, than to be at the trouble of attempting their reformation : for how, 
 otherwise, could it be made felony, and subject to the pains of death, for persons, 
 calling themselves Egyptians, to remain one month in the realm ? 
 
 By the 8th of Elizabeth, Cap. 3. persons sending live rams, sheep, or Iambs, 
 on shipboard, to be carried out of the kingdom, are, for the first offence, to forfeit 
 all tliLJr goods for ever ; to suffer imprisonment for one year; and at the year's 
 end, in some open market-town, in the fulness the market, on the market-day, 
 to have their left-hand cut off, and nailed up in the market-place ; and for repeating 
 the offence, to be adjudged felons, and suffer death. What a detestable ingenuity 
 of cruelty is displayed in this statute! and surely, for a comparative and trifling 
 oftencc ; and that without any reserve, in favour of vessels going to sea on long
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. xlv 
 
 voyages ! The next Act following the above, and passed by the same Legislature, 
 is introduced under a formal preamble, that would equally suit a similar act, if in- 
 troduced in the present day ; while, by the undiminished prevalence of the crime, 
 it is clearly shewn, that severity of laws doth not prevent the crimes they are 
 avowedly intended to restrain. The preamble to the Act recites, "That cut-purses, 
 or pick-purses, confederated together, making as it were a brotherhood, or frater- 
 nity, of an art or mystery to live idly, by secret spoil ; and, at sermons and preach- 
 ings of the word of God, and in times of service and common prayer, in churches, 
 chapels, closets, and oratories, and in the prince's palace, house and presence, 
 and at courts of justice, and in fairs, markets, and other assemblies of the 
 people, and at the time of execution of persons attainted of murder, felony, or other 
 criminal cause, ordained chiefly for terror and example of evil-doers, &c." The Act 
 then declares, That " persons feloniously taking money, goods, or chattels, from the 
 person of any other, privily, without his knowledge, shall lose the benefit of their 
 clergy ; and suffer death, as if they were no clerks." There is a studied formality in 
 the recital of this act, which leads to the opinion, that the very legislators who passed 
 it, were conscious at the time of its want of humanity and justice. 
 
 The same spirit of cruelty and deadness of feeling prevailed throughout the whole 
 reign of Elizabeth ; for, so late as in her 39th year, we find persons feloniously 
 taking to the value of five shillings, in any dwelling-house, or outhouse be- 
 longing to the same, although no person should be therein, are declared to lose 
 their Benefit of Clergy. And thus, while in her father's time the life of a man was 
 not considered equal to a hawk's egg, the trifling sum of five shillings, in the 
 reign of the daughter, was supposed to be of still greater consideration. 
 
 In the third year of the reign of William and Mary, the Benefit of Clergy was 
 taken away from persons robbing any other ; or feloniously taking any goods or 
 chattels in a dwelling-house, the owner or other person being therein, and put in 
 fear ; or robbing, or aiding or assisting to rob, any dwelling-house iu the day-time, 
 any person being therein ; or breaking any dwelling-house, shop, or warehouse 
 used therewith, in the day-time, and feloniously taking money or goods, to the 
 value of five shillings, although no person should be therein. Here is a catalogue 
 of offences, which upon the first reading are not very intelligible ; and, to the discredit 
 of English Jurisprudence, the object and operation of this act will be better under- 
 stood from the judicial determinations upon it, than from the language it adopt;;. 
 There is, however, one controuling feature in it, which neither the learning nor 
 humanity of the judges who are called upon to decide on it can effectually remove, 
 whatever latitude they may recommend our juries to use, in the valuation of stolen 
 property ; namely, that the life of man is again put into such a scale of estimation, 
 as not to exceed the value of five shillings.
 
 slvi OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 Before this time, women-felons suffered death*, whilst men were allowed Benefit 
 of Clergy for the like offences : so miserably defective was the criminal law as to just 
 principles of legislation. 
 
 Benefit of Clergy is by the 10th and 11th William III. cap. 23. taken away 
 from persons privately stealing, by night or day, in any shop, warehouse, coach- 
 house, or stable, to the value of five shillings; although such places be not broke 
 open, and whether the owner, or other person, be or be not therein. Is it possible, 
 that a human being can be found, to offer any thing in justification of such a law ? 
 Its sanguinary effects are too manifest to require a remark : every line is an acm^ of 
 crudty, and every word written in letters of blood : and yet, the subject was brought 
 before the consideration of Parliament, by a member eminently distinguished for 
 his humanity and splendid abilities ; and, after deliberate consideration, is allowed 
 to continue, as the law of the land. 
 
 We come now to a period, than which no time has afforded men more eminent for 
 wisdom and abilities, living under one of the best and most unblemished sovereigns 
 that ever sat upon the throne of England : But, unfortunately, a deliberate re- 
 visal of objects is not the general character of persons at the height of power ; and 
 this evil we find exemplified by a Statute, in the 12th of queen Anne, subjecting 
 persons stealing to the value of forty shillings, in any dwelling-house, or out-house, 
 although not broke open, and whether inhabited or not, to the penalty of death ; 
 and extending the like punishment to certain explained doubts, whether the en- 
 tering into the mansion-house of another, without breaking the same, with an intent 
 to commit some felony, and breaking the house in the night-time to get out, was 
 burglary? However, injustice to this reign, we ought not to omit referring to the 
 Statute passed in the 5th year of its continuance, in part repealing the Statute of 
 10th and 11th William and Mary, before referred to, so far as it inflicted on 
 persons convicted of theft, and entitled to the Benefit of Clergy, that most impolitic 
 punishment of burning, in the most visible part of the left cheek, nearest the nose« 
 and also for extending the Benefit of Clergy to -convicted felons, who are unable to 
 read, in like manner as if they had read as a clerk. 
 
 The gth Cieorge I. cap. 22. presents a string of offences to be deemed felony, 
 and punished with death, many of which it is difficult to consider as crimes en- 
 <langering the existence of the state, or for which the life of man ought to be taken 
 away ; such as, " appearing armed, with blacked faces, or otherwise disguised, in 
 any forest, or grounds enclosed, wherein deer are usually kept ; or in any warren 
 or place where hares or conies are usually kept ; or in any high road, ojien heath, 
 common, or down ; or robbing anj' warren, or place where conies or hares are 
 usually kept; or stealing or taking away any fish out of any river or pond; or 
 
 * 3 William and Mary, c. 9. §. 6".
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. xlvii 
 
 breaking clown tlie lieail or mound of any fisli-ponil, whereby the fish sliall be lost 
 or destroyed ; or cutting down or destroying any trees planted in any avenue, or 
 growing in any garden, orchard, or plantation, for ornament, shelter, or profit ; or 
 knowingly sending any letter, without a name, or signed with a fictitious name, de- 
 manding money, venison, or other valuable thing." 
 
 Can it be possible, that the mere stealing of a rabbit in a warren, or fish out of 
 a pond, merits the penalty of death ? or that such legal cruelty is excusable,, under 
 the erroneous opinion, that lesser punishments will not restrain the crimes ? 
 
 'I'he above are only a few of the many statutes that might be referred to, in sup- 
 port of the observations here submitted : and, although the references have purposely 
 stopped short with the reign of George the First, it must not from thence be con- 
 cluded that the Statutes of the present, or of the preceding reign, will be found free 
 from the like defects, of inflicting punishments too highly disproportioned to die 
 quantity of moral wrong committed by the j)unishable delinquents.. 
 
 How far these wide-spreading statutes of death agree with the principle, that 
 " nothing but the result of the most absolute necessity can autlwrize the destruction 
 of mankind by the hand of man," is left to the determination of the Header ; who, 
 it is conceived, will be under little difficulty in forming his conclusion : For, if tlie 
 infliction of death is not to be considered as a punishment, but as the last resource 
 in the extermination of such persons from society, whose continuance therein is no 
 longer consistent with the public safety ; how can this sentiment of morality and 
 truth agree with those inconsiderable ofiences, which are so inconsiderately made 
 punishable with death ? or will it be pretended, that a person who steals to the value 
 of five shillings in a stable, although, not broke open, nor any person being therein; 
 or who steals a fish or a rabbit out of a pond or warren, is on that account to be 
 eonsidered as a member of societyj whose continuance in it is become inconsistent 
 with public safety ? 
 
 The same inattention that has prevailed in framing those numerous Statutes, 
 the breach of which is made punishable w ith death, equally displays itself in certain 
 Laws, which inflict the punishment of transportation ; although in the latter re- 
 spect it is true, that an error or indifference is the less culpable in tlie Law-makers, 
 inasmuch as the consequences are less destructive of the human species. The 
 punishment of transportation, perhaps, only removes the offender to a new 
 Country, with a better Climate ; civilized, and capable of maintaining the social 
 intercourse of Life, and leaving his parent country the principal sufferer by his ba- 
 nishment, from the considerable expence incurred in the transportation of a convict, 
 and the loss of the future labours of himself and progeny for the benefit of the 
 state. This species of punishment ought solely to be inflicted on the incorrigi- 
 ble, and such as by otlier means are incapable of being reclyimed from their vicious
 
 xlviii OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 pursuits ; as death ought alone to be inflicted on those, the continuance of whose 
 existence is absokitely incompatible with the safety of the State. 
 
 So early as the reign of Edward the Second, prisoners breaking prison were de- 
 clared not to be subject to tne judgment of life or member, unless the cause for 
 which they were taken required such judgment. In this law there appears much 
 good sense and judicial reasoning; for what is there in an escape from prison, 
 that can increase the moral enormitv of the crime conunitted ? and it seems attended 
 with considerable difficulty in this age, to reconcile the punishing with death a 
 return from transportation, before the expiration of the period of punishment, more 
 particularly when the original offence was not liable to that awful penalty. The 
 transportation of the criminal again, for the whole of the original term, as though 
 none of it had run out, or for a lengthened period (if that should be considered ne- 
 cessary), appears better calculated to meet the humanity and justice of the case ; 
 and, it is presumed, would be found equally sufficient to deter persons from making 
 the attempt. 
 
 Transportation, when considered as a punishment, must be supposed to carry 
 with it the anxieties of separation from kindred and friends, and all the best affec- 
 tions of the human heart ; and if a convict, transported for one of the many inade- 
 quate offences, no way implying incorrigibility, to which that punishment is affixed, 
 should embrace an opportunity to effect his escape, and return to a destitute wife 
 and family, deprived of every means of support by his absence ; how justly may the 
 heart, agonized with the feelings of sensibility, complain of that law, which subjects 
 a man thus unfortunately circumstanced to the punishment of death ; and to be 
 hunted down by the unfeeling Runners of some public office of Criminal 
 Justice ! 
 
 To conclude the Remarks here submitted on the Criminal Law, and which have 
 •already exceeded the length at first intended them, or which, indeed, a work of this 
 nature admits ; It may be observed, in the words of an ingenious writer *, well ac- 
 quainted with the principles of human action, that " the degree of punishment and 
 consequences of a crime, ought to be so contrived, as to have the greatest possible 
 effect on others, with the least possible pain to the delinquent." This sentiment 
 of truth and humanity will stand the test of time, and remain to the remotest 
 ages of the world, however broken in upon by man, in the practical course of life, 
 under the influence of his passions and his prejudices. 
 
 To the above humane reflection may be added another position of the same 
 author, as also of several other writers of eminence, who have treated on the sub- 
 ject ; That " crimes are more effectually prevented by the certainty, than by the 
 severity of punishment." This maxim of sound jurisprudence is very warmly 
 
 * Beccaria, c. 19. pp. 75, 76.
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. xlix 
 
 ad< pted by a most sagacious Commentator * on the Laws of England, who has 
 amply expressed himself with so much force and elegance, that it is considered the 
 following extracts from his writings will be highly acceptable. They contiin senti- 
 ments whicli cannot be too often revived, nor too deeply impressed on the mind of 
 the Legislator, the Philanthropist, or the Man of the World ; and as such, deserve to 
 be engraved on Tablets of (Jold. 
 
 In treating on the measure and effect of human Inflictions for offence, he says, 
 " We may observe that punishments of unreasonable severity, especially when in- 
 discriminately inflicted, have less eflfect in preventing crimes, and amending the 
 manners of a people, than such as are more merciful in general, yet properly inter- 
 mixed with due distinctions of severity. The excessive severity of Laws, (says Mon- 
 tesquieu,) hinders their execution : When the punishment surpasses all measure, the 
 publick, out of humanity, will frequently prefer impunity to it. We may farther 
 observe, that sanguinary laws are a bad symptom of the distemper of any State, or 
 at least, of its weak constitution." 
 
 " It is moreover absurd and impolitick to apply the same punishment to crimes 
 of different malignity. A multitude of sanguinary laws (besides the doubt that 
 may be entertained concerning the right of making them,) do likewise prove a mani- 
 fest defect, either in the wisdom of the legislative, or the strength of the executive 
 power. It is a kind of Quackery in Government, and argues a want of solid skill, 
 to apply the same universal remedy, the ultlmum supplicium, to every case of dif- 
 ficulty. It is, it must be owned, much easier to extirpate than to amend mankind : 
 Yet that Magistrate must be esteemed both a weak and a cruel Surgeon, who cuts 
 ofl[' every limb, which, through ignorance or indolence, he will not attempt to 
 cure." 
 
 " Though we may glory in the wisdom of the English Law, w'e shall find it 
 difficult to justify the frequency of capital punishment to be found therein ; inflicted 
 (perhaps inattentively,) by a multitude of successive, independent Statutes, upon 
 Crimes very different in their natures. So dreadful a list, instead of diminishing, 
 increases the number of offenders. The injured, through compassion, will often 
 forbear to prosecute : Juries, through compassion, will sometimes forget their 
 oaths ; and either acquit the guilty, or mitigate the nature of the offence : and 
 Judges, through compassion, will respite one half of the Convicts, and reconmiend 
 them to the Royal Mercy. Among so many chances of escaping, the needy and 
 hardened offender overlooks the Multitude that suffer: he boldly engages in some 
 desperate attempt, to relieve his wants, or supply his vices : and, if unexpectedly 
 the hand of Justice overtakes him, he deems himself peculiarly unfortunate, in 
 falling at last a Sacrifice to those laws, which long impunity has taught him to 
 contemn." 
 
 * Judge Blackstone, vol. IV. p. 16 — 19.
 
 1 OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 * 
 
 The practical effects here described, are accurately and distinctly shewn by a 
 learned modem writer *, eminently distinguished by his zeal for the cause of hu- 
 manity, in his Observations on the Criminal law of England ; and to which the 
 reader is again referred, as containing lessons and maxims of Philanthropy highly 
 meriting his adoption and cultivation. 
 
 That great and excellent Man, Sir Matthew Hale, observes, that more offenders 
 escape, by the over easy ear given to exceptions in Indictments, than by their own 
 Innocence ; and many times gross murders, burglaries, robberies, and other heinous 
 and crying offences remain unpunished, by these unseemly niceties, to the reproach 
 of the law, to the shame of the government, to the encouragement of villainy, and 
 to the dishonour of God." And may it not be inquired, if these unseemly niceties 
 owe not their origin to the too sanguinary character of our criminal laws, and to 
 the desire of Judges, as they advance in learning and the practice of humanity, 
 to catch at any pretence to blunt their severity ? To a man of plain understanding, 
 not versed as a professor in the Law, it seems difficult to account, from any other 
 principle, why a more technical accuracy should be required in Indictments, than 
 is sufficient to describe, in distinct and unequivocal terms, the nature of the offence 
 committed, with its attendant explanatory circumstances : and why Common 
 Sense should be outraged, by the many unseemly niceties which are allowed to pre- 
 vail, in the form of exceptions to indictments, from the too easy Ear of Justice 
 having lent itself, in the fir^t instance, to a case of hardship ; and, having esta- 
 blished the precedent, unable, on account of that necessary consistency which must 
 follow the administration of the Law, to refuse it even to the most heinous criminal ; 
 who thus escapes punishment, and puts to shame the offended laws of his country. 
 Moderate Laws, firmly executed, would better answer the ends of Justice ; and the 
 subtile refinements of cavilling Lawvers would then give way to more substantial 
 forms, and the intelligible voice of reason. 
 
 " Imprisonment,'' says the humane Beccaria, " is a punishment, which differs from 
 all others in this particular; that it necessarily precedes conviction, but should 
 never be inflicted, except when ordained by the Law. When punishments shall 
 become less severe, and prisons less horrible ; when compassion and humanity shall 
 penetrate the iron-gates of dungeons, and direct the obdurate and inexorable ministers 
 of Justice, the Laws may then be satisfied with weaker evidence for imprisonment." 
 
 The first end of imprisonment is the security of the j)arty accused of injuries to 
 Society, until he can be tried, and either condemned or acquitted, according to due 
 course of Law. But, the innocent as well as the guilty may be accused, and put 
 upon h.is trial ; and as no person, according to the mild and equitable Spirit of our 
 Law. should be considered as guilty, until he is actually tried and convicted ; im- 
 
 * Sir Samuel Romilly. Obswv. p. 11, ef passim.
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. K 
 
 prisonnient, for sate custody luulcr sucli circumstances, should be attended with the 
 utmost lenity to the prisoner, consistent with his custody, and the necessary regu- 
 lations for orderly management in the prison ; and also of as short duration as 
 circumstances may by possibility admit : And whether he is affluent or poor, he 
 should on no account whatever be obliged to associate with those prisoners, on 
 whom the Law has j)ronounced its Sentence. 
 
 The nexi. end of imprisonment is the safe Detention of the party who has been 
 found guilty by his country of the injuries done to society with which he stood 
 charged, and is remanded to prison, to abide the execution of his Sentence. But, as 
 Imprisonment forms no part of tliis Sentence, it should never be accompanied 
 with further duress, or restraint, than «hat the necessity of safe Detention abso- 
 lutely requires. 
 
 The third and last end of criminal imprisonment may be considered, as it relates 
 to the punishment of the offender, in those cases where imprisonment forms part of 
 the sentence. But, even in such cases, no greater or other severity ought to be 
 exercised, than what the express direction of the Sentence requires : for whatever 
 exceeds such direction nmst be absolute tyranny, by whomsoever it may be prac- 
 tised or allowed. 
 
 It has been too much the practice for Ages past, to consider prisoners (and par- 
 ticularly those confined for Offences against the criminal Law) as the out-casts of 
 Society ; no longer meriting protection, nor entitled to the common claims of suf- 
 fering humanity. For how, otherwise, can we reconcile the horrible prisons and 
 frightful Cells, dangerous to existence, and destructive of the health and lives of 
 their pitiable inhabitants, which have been suffered to increase in wretchedness, and 
 remain a disgrace to Society for such unmeasurable lengths of time; and, in many 
 places, even to the present day, without the poor apology of inadvertence for an 
 excuse ! Who in these Kingdoms, after the labours of that great and good Man, 
 Mr. Howard, can venture to sanction so absurd a pretence ? 
 
 It is a truth in which the Author rejoices, (with the deepest gratitude to the great 
 disposer of all human Events, for having allowed him to pass, and protracted his 
 advanced Age,) to witness that his humble endeavours have been attended with 
 the most promising success. Much has been done in many places, and some 
 of them the most remote from the Capital, to render those habitations of misery 
 less unfit to maintain life : to comfort the existence of their unwilling inhabi- 
 tants ; and to restore the prisoner, at the end of his confinement, if not a re- 
 formed, at least not a more depraved member of Society, than at his first incarcera- 
 tion. But much, still, and very much remains to be done, before abuses and neg- 
 lects so long accumulated can be effectually removed. 
 
 The unwarrantable cruelties practised on prisoners, (by Itxiding them with Irons, 
 or fastening thern one to another with heavy Chains ; by bolting them to the walls or
 
 )i, OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 floors of the prison ; and by shutting them up, at the discretion of a Gaoler, in dark 
 and loathsome Cells, void of almost every necessary to support life ; all of which 
 illegal severities, to a very aggravated degree, the Author has repeatedly witnessed,) 
 may, it is conceived, have derived their origin from the improper places set apart 
 for confinement: many, at first, insufficient for the purpose; and all of them, 
 by the decays of time and neglect, become insecure for the safe-keeping of prisoners. 
 The Gaoler thus circumstanced, and made responsible for the custody and forth- 
 coming of his prisoners, naturally resorted to those artificial means of security which 
 his situation in life enabled him to provide, as substitutes for his defective prison : 
 and hence fetters, chains and bolts were introduced, according as he considered his 
 responsibihty involved, or as the torpor of an unfeeling heart for the sufferings of 
 others induced liim to adopt them, rather than incur the hazard of an escape: For, 
 as Blackstone (V^ol. IV. ch. 22.) remarks, " Gaolers are, frequently, a merciless race of 
 Men ; and, by being conversant in scenes of misery, steeled against any tender sen- 
 sation." But here, while allowing the general truth of this remark, it is but Justice 
 to except, with Applause and Honour, those Keepers of prisons, whom the Author, 
 in his extended journies to the difTerent parts of the Kingdom, has found treating 
 their prisoners with exemplary humanity ; and kindly administering to the wants of 
 tlie most forlorn and wretched, without the exaction of Fees for their improved con- 
 dition. I refer my I'eader's attention to the several instances related in the body of 
 this work ; and which, as proceeding from a class of men wherein they are least 
 expected, do the Authors of them the greater credit, and well deserve the warm 
 approbation of the Publick. 
 
 Necessity is a plea too frequently urged, as an apology for every species of narrow 
 policy and indolence ; and (having been once allowed to prevail in excuse for the 
 fettering of prisoners, and otherwise securing them, at the unfeeling discretion of 
 their Gaolers,) no surprize ought to be expressed, that such a class of men, grown 
 unmindful, by the indolent permission of judges and the magistrates, of that humane 
 Maxim of the common law, which forbids the fettering a prisoner, " unless lie is un- 
 ruly, or attempts an escape," should convert so terrible an instrument of power to 
 their own advantage. For what mortal, can it be supposed, would not part with 
 his last shillin"', to avoid being bolted by his neck, or his leg, to the floor of a 
 prison, or to convert a massy chain, or ponderous fetter, into a flimsy wire? or to be 
 wholly excused, at the discretion of his Tyrant Master, from so odious an addition 
 to the many otlier grievances, which must rend tlie heart of Man, in so fallen a condi- 
 tion? Whatever be the external appearances, which pride or obstinacy may induce 
 him to assume, the Nature within him cannot but revolt at such Degradation. 
 
 I'ew men, or, perhaps, it will be better expressed, no Man is fit to be entrusted 
 with uncontrouled power. And j-et by Common Gaolers, (so truly described by 
 Blackstone as a merciless race of Men, and remarkable for a general want of hu-
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMKN TS. fiii 
 
 manity,) is this niiglity trust permitted to be exercised. If tlie law itself do not in 
 terms authorize the tyranny and coercion which they practise upon their prisoners, 
 yet, if Judges and other Magistrates wink at the abuse, may it not be likened 
 to a power without controul? For what prisoner, upon his trial, could expect favour 
 or redress, who began by a complaint of his Gaoler's having wantonly, illegally, 
 and without necessity, confmed him in fetters and chains, or otherwse treated 
 him with hardship and cruelty ? — No : Prudence admonishes him, that he had better 
 endure in silence, than provoke the consequences of such a challenge, against power 
 deputed, and subordinate insinuation. 
 
 Tlie gradation to wrong is considered as more uniform in its course, than the 
 progress of that which is right. A wrong, once admitted and established, is al- 
 most certain to be followed by another : and thus Gaol-Fees, with other despotick 
 extortions, have crept in; and, by long usage, are become hardly distinguishable from 
 matters of right. The progress of iniquity, steady in its course, has jiroceeded : 
 until at length, the denial or supply of prison conveniencies, even to the article of 
 Jf'atcr, so essentially connected with the support of life, has been frequently, and is 
 still, in some instances, made a source of corrupt income to Gaolers ; to the disgrace 
 of the Laws of our Country, and of every humane feeling. 
 
 Amidst the multiplied occurrences of life, there will be found no condition in 
 which man can be placed, however exalted his rank, or extensive his power 
 and wealth, so as wholly to secure him from the possibility of becoming an 
 inhabitant of one of these dreary abodes of misery. See the Notes, in page lix. 
 
 The impetuous Man may be brought thither by the unbridled impulse of his pas- 
 sions: the good man may equally become paralysed, from the false testimony of the 
 wicked : And thus, a defined restraint on the power of Gaolers, together with 
 healthy and well-regulated prisons, may be of more personal consideration to every 
 man, than in the day of joy, and in the pride of his heart, he is apt to imagine. But, 
 whether this probability be remote or at hand, it is equally the duty of every one, 
 from the highest to the lowest in Society, to contribute his best endeavours, ac- 
 cording to his rank and means, to alleviate the sufferings of wretchedness, where- 
 ever they may present themselves ; and even in the case of criminal imprisonment, 
 (but especially where the voice of suHering is confined witliin dungeon-walls) to be 
 v.atchful that the unhapj)} , repenting, or even hardened prisoner, may endure no 
 other or worse punishment than what the Law assigns him. 
 
 Self-preservation is a comnjon law of nature, implanted in the breast of every Animal. 
 But, tl:ere are other sentiments in the human heart, that justly predominate in our 
 Ilstiuialion. Which of us can hesitate to decide, betwixt the generous Youth, who, 
 forgctiul of his own security, and regardless of impending danger, hazards his ex- 
 istence to rescue a fellow creature from destruction ; and the more cautious Man, 
 who, governed by this first Law of Nature, the equal motive of every brute, alone
 
 liv OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 consults his own personal safety, avoids the hazard, and allows the victim to perish, 
 without an attempt to save him ? And yet, however the feelings of refinement may 
 revolt at the comparison, such seems to be the condition of those in Society, who, 
 relying on their own security, when persons in their station of life become inhabi- 
 tants of a dreary prison, consider the abuses which prevail there as no way aftecting 
 themselves, and suffer them to be continued. But let such persons, in the fullness^ 
 of their confidence, call to recollection the dreadful ravages which the pestilence 
 engendered in crowded prisons, has scattered in all directions ; and that, from the 
 Judge who tries the Prisoners, through the gradation of Witnesses, (from which no 
 rank can excuse a man,) down to the lowest officers of the prison, and the associates 
 of the culprit, the dreadful contagion may be induced to spread abroad, and visit the 
 house of the very man, who feels most confident of personal safety, from the little 
 probability, as he conceives, of his having any thing to do with the prisons of his 
 country. Such considerations ought to have their weight with those persons, who 
 are solely influenced by the narrowest principles of self-preservation ; whilst the more 
 generous sentiments of a feeling heart will lead it to sympathize with the sufferer 
 in misfortunes, however they may have been occasioned ; and to advocate the cause 
 of that languishing distress, which cannot so raise its voice as to be heard from 
 the dreary dejaths of a dungeon ! 
 
 Whatever may be a man's offence, the Laws will be found to assign its appro- 
 priate punishment, or it nnist go unpunished. Nothing ought to be inflicted 
 on any Criminal, beyond the legal visitation annexed to his crime; no more 
 than punishment ought to be hurled upon the Innocent. Beyond the extent of the 
 crime, and the punishment to be inflicted on the Guilty, both are alike innocent 
 in the eye of the Law. But the limitation or measure of punishment appears a 
 folly, if a Graoler be suffered to add what load of severity he thinks fit to the con- 
 demnation of the law, on a pretence of the insecurity of his prison. Ought he 
 not rather to be told, " Raise your Walls ; Strengthen your Gates. Make your 
 Gaol a place of security ; and no longer oppress your prisoners with unlawful 
 chains, for the worst purposes of corruption, under the miserable subterfuge of a 
 pretended County-CEconomy ?" 
 
 Solitary Confinement, as affording an opportunity to the reflective powers, aided 
 by religious advisers to discriminate with truth between the extremes of right and 
 wrong, (an advantage which the hurrying scenes of vice are calculated to deny) pre- 
 sents a scheme of reform to the victim of crime, secluded from the exercise of his 
 bad habits, and communication with his worse associates, that at first sight warmly 
 recommends itself for adoption. But, when the description of those persons is con- 
 sidered, to whom this peculiar trust is likely to be devolved, every thinking mind 
 must naturally hesitate ; and look with anxiety for some controuling power, to 
 check the apprehended evils of Total Seclusion.
 
 CRIMES AND Pl.NISHMENTS. Iv 
 
 The recent inanaoement of a jjrison of this description, in fhe near vicinity of tlie 
 Metropolis, has created serious doubts in the niinds of some of the best of men, as 
 to the propriety of entrusting so gi-eat a power with any individual ; And, indeed, 
 estabhshes beyond contradiction, tliat if, and wherever it is entrusted, it ought to 
 be guaranteed by the wholesome interference of an immediate, constant, and certain 
 visitation. 
 
 The County Magistrates, from the honourable class of Society out of whicli thev 
 are chosen, and from their intimate acquaintance witli the Criminal Laws they 
 are appointed to administer, seem the fittest persons to be invested with this 
 visitatorial and controuling power. And, indeed, if all of them possessed the same 
 talents, zeal, and unabating energy as that worthy Baronet*, who, with distinguished 
 credit to hiniself, and benefit to the connnunity, has wrought such excellent effects 
 in the prisons of the County where he resides; (establishing a model, to which 
 needless severities are unknown, and by which the reformation of the Culprit is 
 secured) no further inquiry need be made, as to where the law might repose so truly 
 important a trust. But alas ! in what branch of society is perfection to be found ? 
 The pursuits of pleasure, the attraction of gain, the negligence of many, anfl the 
 ill-placed confidence of others, lead astray from those duties, which, being equally 
 the business of every body, are but too frequently neglected ; and the artful Gaoler, 
 with words of submissive cant, finds no great difficulty in persuading a Bench of 
 Magistrates, so circumstanced, to wave the trouble of visiting his prison. Thus, a 
 house designed for reform, may be converted into a chamber of lasciviousness and 
 debauchery ; denied only to those, who are not objects of pleasure, or without the 
 means of payment for indulgences. But how will the feeling iieart exclaim, when 
 it apprehends such scenes may be forced upon the virtuous, yet unfortunate inhabi- 
 tant of these secluded houses; shut out from an apjieal to friends : debarred every 
 means of complaint ; and neglected by those, whom the Law considers as their 
 guardians against injury and ojjpression ! 
 
 When a principle is intrinsically good, it ought not to be relinquished, merely on 
 the ground of difficulty to carry it intoefiect: And even should every attempt 
 hitherto made of putting prisons for Solitary Confinement on an eligible footino- be 
 found to have failed, it v.ould not follow from thence, that Solitary Confinement 
 ouglit to be abandoned, as unequal to the beneficial ends proposed from it: But, 
 so long as its possible utility is acknowledged, new attempts should be made to 
 ado])t such checks, as may eflectually prevent the abuses ajiprehended, or com- 
 plained of. 
 
 Grand Juries, from their respectability and numbers, and from the frequency of 
 their being changed, jiresent a desirable medium of controul, in aid of the ma- 
 gistrates, and to supply any casual defect in their attention. 
 
 * Sir George Onesiphoius Paul.
 
 ivi OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 For this purpose, the walls of the rooms in which Grand Juries assemble, might 
 be furnished with the Sections of all the Prisons in their respective Counties: the 
 dimensions of every room and cell might be stated ; the manner of its ventilation, 
 and how warmed, and protected from damps and cold ; with the nature and quan- 
 tity of its furniture, the name and offence of its inhabitant, his time of commit- 
 ment, the period fixed for his enlargement ; and an account also of his general 
 demeanour. The Rules and Regulations made for the orderly government of the 
 Prison might, in like manner, be hung up in some conspicuous situation, together 
 with the names of its religious and other officers, their salaries, and their duties. 
 
 In possession of such materials, it might not be left to the discretion of Grand 
 Juries to visit, or omit the visitation of the j^risons of their Counties ; But it 
 might very honourably be required of them, as a part of their duty ; and that they 
 should report, not only upon the abuses, if they found any, but upon the general 
 conduct and management of each prison, as they found it, whether good or bad. 
 One part of such report might be presented to the Judge, from whom the Grand 
 Jury received their charge ; and another be entered in a book, called " the Prison 
 Booh," to be preserved and laid upon the table of their successors ; and in like 
 manner continued by them in succession. The Foreman of every Grand Jury also 
 might be intrusted with the power, by virtue of his office, to inspect the Prisons of 
 his County at any time, until another Grand Jury was sworn in. 
 
 With such controuling checks as here pointed out. Corruption would veil its 
 hydra head ; the good order and better regulation of prisons would be the 
 result ; or else, a removal of Gaolers would follow the continuation of evil prac- 
 tices. Had some such regulation been adopted only a short time back, we may 
 confidently believe it would not have remained to be told that in the year 1810, to 
 the disgrace of Society, the shame of the great City of London, and even in the 
 Gaol of Newgate, surrounded by the splendour and opulence of the kingdom, 
 Women Felons lay upon the bare boards, in crowded wards, with a space of less 
 than twenty inches in breadth for each to sleep on *. 
 
 It cannot be expected that in General Observations, like the present, any regular 
 plan should be laid before the public, for the internal regulation of our various Pri- 
 sons at large. Such an attempt to meet all the prejudices of time, and long habits 
 of error, would require a work of no inconsiderable magnitude. It may however 
 be justly premised, as an invariable maxim, that not only should nothing be allowed, 
 which can tend to destroy or injure the health of prisoners; but that every pos- 
 sible attention, consistent with their situation, ought to be paid to its preservation : 
 and that an equal consideration should be shewn to their moral principles also, 
 together with an earnest endeavour to regulate and improve them. 
 
 * See my description of Newgate, in p. 425.
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS. Wi 
 
 To effect the fust of these ends, all the apartments of the biiildinfj should be 
 properly ventilated : sufficient beds and covering should be provided for all the 
 prisoners : means should be taken to exchide the cold air and damps of the night ; 
 and sufficient firing should be allowed during the inclement season. All the in- 
 ternal wr.lls of the building should be lime-whited once, if not twice a year : coarse, 
 ye'i wholesome food should be su|)plied, in sufficient, but at the same time in mo- 
 derate quantities, and not more than enough to maintain healthy life. Water should 
 be the only article that might be supplied with j)rofusion, for of this invaluable 
 blessing it is scarcely possible to allow too liberal a supply. Temperance should 
 not only be encouraged, but enforced, in every prison, during every stage of con- 
 finement, before, as well as after the trial of a prisoner ; and even tlie humane and 
 just principle of our Law, that no man ought to be considered as guiltv, until he 
 is tried and convicted, should not be allowed to have any effect in regard to the 
 internal regulation of a prison, as«aff'ecting the health and morals of the prisoners. 
 It is a serious affliction for an innocent man to endure confinement, till he 
 is acquitted by his j)eers ; but the being obliged to subscribe to regulations of tem- 
 perance and morality, ought, and must be considered by every good man, as a very 
 small portion indeed of his suffL'rings. 
 
 No prisoner, however wealthy, or whatever his rank in life, or cause of confine- 
 ment, should be permitted to break in upon the Rules laid down for the orderly 
 and good government of his prison. They should in all cases be impartial, and 
 invariably alike to all. Wine, beer, spirits, and other strong liquors, of whatever 
 description, as tending to disqualify the mind for the humiliation consonant to the 
 j)lace, should be expelled as poisons, baneful to morality ; confined exclusively to 
 the stores of a medical attendant, and allowed by him only in cases of absolute 
 necessity. Should it be urged on the behalf of persons in confinement, that there 
 may be those, whose former habits of life require the continued use of wines, or 
 other liquors, to maintain their health, the answer is plain and ready ; that the 
 Medical Attendant of the prison will be the proper person to decide on sucli cases ; 
 and that his certificate to the Gaoler, stating the grounds on which it is granted, 
 must be the only sanctiovi for obtaining the required indulgence. 
 
 Universal Cleanliness, through all j)arts of a prison, is an equal essential with 
 Temperance, to preserve the healtli of its inhabitants, and should on no account be 
 omitted. 
 
 As Temjjerance is the basis of health, so is it the sure foundation of morals. I'he 
 one without the other is little belter than good maxims, which are rejjeated, but not 
 followed; and privations patiently endured, are the certain forerunners of reform. 
 In fact, it seems essential, in such a school, (where almost every thing is to be im- 
 leurnt, if such an exj)ression may be allowed) that the habits and customs of the 
 prisoners should be wholly changed, and religious and moral duties substituted 
 
 h
 
 Iviii OBSERVATIONS ON 
 
 in their place, by daily admonitions: And upon every return of the Sabbath, 
 Church-service should on no account be omitted, but the attendance of all the 
 prisoners should be insisted on, enforced, and encouraged. As idleness is the bane 
 of morals, so the means of labour should be provided for every prisoner ; and proper 
 encouragement, I am fully persuaded, would render their being compelled to work 
 unnecessary. 
 
 The duty of the Medical Attendant should not be, as it has hitherto frequently 
 been, merely a form, to entitle him to claim his salary ; but a strict attention to the 
 health of every inhabitant of the prison. 
 
 A very important point still remains for consideration ; namely, the providing 
 for a prisoner, whose time of confinement has run out the means of supporting 
 himself, until he can get into employment. Released from confinement in a gaol, 
 few are willing to receive him ; and in the state in which his mind has been placed 
 by the discipline of a prison, it would be doubly cruel, from necessity, to drive 
 him again to the haunts of his evil associates. A County Fund might be easily 
 raised for this special purpose, and prudently advanced to the prisoners on their 
 discharge; under the directions of the Grand Jury, according to their well-informed 
 discretion, and founded on the Gaoler's stated reports of the prisoner's demeanour. 
 
 Fees, or entrance money, under whatever pretence they are taken from the 
 prisoner, ought to be abolished ; and, if possible, a still stronger restraint should 
 be laid against the taking any kind of fees from him at his discharge. 
 
 The health and the morals of prisoners are, as it were, first principles, which 
 ought never to be lost sight of; and, rightly considered, they will readily point 
 out what should be done, better than a thousand essays on the regulations and 
 management of prisons. 
 
 Vice in its course is gradual : no man was ever perfectly vicious at once ; but 
 step by step he graduates to his height in villainy. Small crimes should therefore 
 be considered as the forerunners of greater evils ; and be punished with more 
 promptness, and perhaps with greater comparative severity, than in other respects 
 may seem actually to belong to them. Restoration of property purloined, and a cer- 
 tainty of immediate but moderate punishment, would deter more from the com- 
 mission of offences, than heavier punishments at a distant period ; when vicious 
 habit has combined with the chance of escape, and the power of retaining or making 
 away with a booty thus infamously acquired. 
 
 To repress inferior Crimes on their first appearance greatly deserves the closest 
 consideration of the Magistrates. A vigorous and active police particularly claims 
 the attention of such of them as reside in great cities, or crowded neighbourhoods ; 
 it being far better to repress than punish crimes. But much care is requisite, that 
 subordinate officers of the Police be not suffered to mingle themselves too closely 
 with the Criminals, and thus become traffickers in their blood. The humane
 
 CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS, lix 
 
 Beccaria (chap, xxxvi.) considers a Lcirislature's offers of reward for tlie apprehension 
 of Criminals, as preventing one crime, but giving birth to a tliousand : and too 
 much reason is there to fear that this truth is often realized, in the practical career 
 of some of our own laws. 
 
 The Observations here submitted have considerably exceeded the space originally- 
 allotted them ; but, imperfect as they are, the Author, relying on the indulgence 
 of his Reader, nmst of necessity conclude them : lirst bcggi;'g to refer his attention 
 to the admirable hint thrown out by Mr. Justice Blackstoue, in his learned Com- 
 mentaries*, for the appointment of a Committee to revise the Criminal Law : eui- 
 phatically expressing himself, that " if such a Committee were appointed but once 
 in an hundred years, many of the Acts in the Statute-Bonk already referred to, 
 could not have continued to the present hour." Happy, indeed, would it at this 
 time be for the Country, if the Legislature of that day had taken the hint of the 
 learned Judge : and happy will it be in ages to come, if such a Committee should now 
 be appointed, to revise the criminal Law ; to direct the regulation and management 
 of prisons; and assiduously to reform the Police by salutary provisions. 
 
 * Vol. IV. p. 4. 
 
 NoTF.s, on the preceding Page liii. line 22. 
 
 An Author, whose name I do not now recollect, has very pointedly expressed iiimself 
 on the subject referred to in the above page. " Let no one," saith he, " thus reason. 1 
 scorn the commission of a crime : A prison cannot be my lot : It is provided for the Mis- 
 creant, and for the Miscreant alone : who, having opposed the ordinances, has abandoned 
 the protection of the Laics. Lea\ e him to his doom of misery : Let him rot in the vapours 
 of a dungeon ; and drag liis unwieldy chain, at the mercy of his Keeper." 
 
 But how far more nobly generous and true, is the following sentiment of that excellent 
 Judge, Sir Michael Foster ! " No rank of life ; no uprightness of heart ; no prudence 
 or circumspection of conduct, should tempt any man to conclude, that he may not, at 
 some time or other, he tUrplij interested in these researches."
 
 ( Ix ) 
 
 GENERAL LIST 
 
 OF THE VARIOUS PRISONS IN 
 
 ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, and WALES, 
 
 MENTIONED IN THE COURSE OF THIS VOLUME ; 
 
 Distinguishing each Prison in Alphabetical Order. 
 
 Page 
 ABERDEEN, Scotland. Tolbooth, or Town 
 
 Gaol 1 
 
 Aberdeen, New County and City Bridewell . . 4 
 
 Abergavenny, South Wales, Town Gaol .... 5 
 
 Abingdon, Berkshire, County Bridewell ... 6 
 
 Town Gaol 7 
 
 Aldborough, Suffolk, Town Gaol 8 
 
 Alnwick, Northumberland, House of Cor- 
 rection 9 
 
 Andover, Hampshire, Borough Gaol 10 
 
 Annan, Scotland, Town Gaol 11 
 
 Appleby, Westmoreland, County Gaol .... 12 
 
 County Bridewell 13 
 
 Ashbourne, Derbyshire, House of Correction 14 
 Aylesbury, Buckingliamshire, County Gaol, 
 
 and Bridewell 15 
 
 Aylesham, Norfolk, Bridewell 20 
 
 Ayr, Scotland, Town and County Gaol ... . 21 
 Bala, Merionetlishire, North-Wales, Bride- 
 well 23 
 
 Banbury, O.xiordshire, Town-Gaol and Bride- 
 well 23 
 
 Banff, Scotland, Town-Gaol 24 
 
 Page 
 
 Barking, Essex, Gaol, and House of Correction 26 
 
 Barnstaple, Devonshire, Borough Gaol, and 
 
 Bridewell 27 
 
 Basingstoke, Hampshire, Bridewell 25 
 
 Bath, Somersetsliire, City Gaol 28 
 
 Battel, Sussex, Town Gaol 32 
 
 Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesea, County Gaol . . 30 
 
 Town Gaol 32 
 
 Beccles, Suffolk, House of Con-ection 33 
 
 Bedford, County Gaol, and House of Cor- 
 rection 35 
 
 Town Gaol 38 
 
 Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire, Bridewell... 41 
 
 Berivick-npon- Tweed, Town and County Gaol 39 
 
 Beverley, Hall-Garth, Yorkshire, for Debtors 41 
 
 Town and Liberty Gaol 42 
 
 House of Correction 43 
 
 New Sessions House, and House 
 
 of Correction 44 
 
 Birmingham, Warwickshire, Town Gaol... 46 
 
 Court Prison, for Debtois only 47 
 
 Aston Gaol 48 
 
 Blandford, Dorsetshire, Town Gaol 50
 
 GENERAL LIST OF PRISONS. 
 
 !ii 
 
 Page 
 
 Bodmin, Cornwall, County Gaol and Bride- 
 well 51 
 
 Borough Compter, Southwark, in Surrey . . 57 
 Boston, Lincolnshire, Town Gaol and Bride- 
 well 66 
 
 ■ House of Correction 67 
 
 Bottesdale, Suffolk, House of Correction . . 68 
 
 Bradford, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 45 
 
 Brecon, South Wales, County Gaol, and 
 
 Bridewell 69 
 
 Town Gaol 72 
 
 Bridewell, London, House of Correction . . 73 
 
 Bridgewater, Somereetshire, Town Gaol . . 50 
 
 Bristol, City and County Gaol 77 
 
 City Bridewell 60 
 
 Lawford's Gate, the County Bride- 
 well 81 
 
 Buckingham, Town Gaol 72 
 
 Biintingford, Hertfordshire, Bridewell .... S3 
 Bury St. Edmund's, Suffolk, County Gaol, and 
 
 House of Correction S.'J 
 
 Town Bridewell 89 
 
 Caermarthen, South Wales, County Gaol 
 
 and Bridewell 90 
 
 Boroug-h Gaol 91 
 
 Caernarvon, North Wales, County Gaol ... 92 
 
 Cambridge, Town Bridewell 93 
 
 Cambridge Castle, County Gaol and Bride- 
 well 95 
 
 Town Gaol 100 
 
 Canterbury, Gaol, and House of Connection 101 
 
 City Bridewell 104 
 
 City Gaol 105 
 
 Cardiff, (ikimorgan.vhire. South Wales, Coun- 
 ty Gaol 107 
 
 Town Gaol 108 
 
 Cardigan, Soutli Wale?, Coun'y Gaol and 
 
 Bridewell lOS 
 
 Car/ii/r, Cumbei-land, City and County Gaol 110 
 
 City Gaol Ill 
 
 Castle-Town, Isle of Man, Castle-Rushen 
 
 Gaol 1 12 
 
 Chelmt^ford, Essex, County Gaol 1 17 
 
 • County Bi'idewell 122 
 
 Chester Castlfi, County (iaol l'>4 
 
 Chester, New City Ciaol and Bridewell 129 
 
 Chesterfield , Derbyshire, Town Gaol 132 
 
 Bridewell 133 
 
 Page 
 Chichester, Sussex, City Gaol and Bridewell 134 
 
 Clerkenwell, London, New Piison 135 
 
 CockermoiUh, Cumberland, County Bridewell 139 
 
 Colchester, Essex, the Castle Bridewell .... 1.50 
 
 — — Borough Gaol and Bridewell . . . 140 
 
 Cold Bath Fwhli, Middlesex, County House 
 
 of Correction 1 42 
 
 CoftH/ry, Warwickshirc'City and County Gaol 147 
 
 City Bridewell 149 
 
 Cowbridge, Glamorganshire, South Wales, 
 
 County Bridewell 123 
 
 Croydon, Surrey, Town Gaol 116 
 
 Dartford, Kent, the Bridewell 150 
 
 Deal, Kent, Town Gaol 151 
 
 Dean, (see Little Deaii^, Gloucestershire, 
 
 House of Correction 151 
 
 Denbigh, North Wales. Town Gaol 153 
 
 Derby, County Gaol, and I louse of Correction 15;j 
 
 Town or Borough Gaol 157 
 
 Devizes, Wiltshire, Town Gaol, and County 
 
 Bridewell 153 
 
 Dolgelly, IMerionethshire, North Wales, 
 
 Town Gaol .• 161 
 
 Bridewell 161 
 
 Doncaster, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 1 62 
 
 Dorchester, Dorsetshire, County Gaol 163 
 
 Dover Castle, Kent, for the Cinquc-Port 
 
 Debtors only 169 
 
 Town Gaol and Bridewell 173 
 
 Dumfries, Scotland, County Gaol 173 
 
 Dunbar, Scotland, Town Gaol 175 
 
 Dundee, Scotland, Town Gaol 175 
 
 Durham, County Gaol and Bridewell 177 
 
 the County Bridewell 185 
 
 Dymchurch, Kent, Town Gaol and Bridewell 163 
 
 Edinburgh, tlie City Tolbooth 187 
 
 Canon-gate Tolbooth 197 
 
 Holy-rood House 199 
 
 Comity and City Bridewell 2(X) 
 
 Elgin, Scotland, the Tolljooth 2(.t2 
 
 Ely, Cambridgeshire, City Gaol 203 
 
 Bridewell 205 
 
 Evesham, Worcestershire, Borough Gaol . . 217 
 Exeter, Devonshire, County High Gaol for 
 
 Felons 206 
 
 South Gate, City and County Gaol 209 
 
 Sheriff's Ward, Coimty Prison for 
 
 Debtors 21*
 
 Ixii 
 
 GENERAL LIST OF PRISONS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Exeter, the County House of Correction . . 314 
 
 Falmouth, Cornwall, Town Gaol 217 
 
 Fleet Prison, London, for Debtors, and Con- 
 tempt of Court 218 
 
 Flint, North Wales, County Gaol and House 
 
 of Correction 223 
 
 Folkingham, Lincolnshire, House of Correc- 
 tion 225 
 
 Forres, Scotland, the Tolbooth 227 
 
 Gilt-Spur-Street Compter, London 228 
 
 Glasgow, Scotland, the Tolbooth 238 
 
 the Bridewell . . . .• 242 
 
 Gloucester, County Gaol, and Penitentiary 
 
 House annexed 244 
 
 City Gaol and Bridewell 250 
 
 Gosport, Hampshire, Bridewell 251 
 
 Grantham, Lincolnshire, Gaol, and House of 
 
 Correction 252 
 
 Greenlaw, Berwickshire, Scotland, County 
 
 Gaol 253 
 
 Greenwich, Kent 227 
 
 Guildford, Surrey, Bridewell 254 
 
 Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, County 
 
 Gaol 256 
 
 Halifax, Yorkshire, Low, or Town Gaol, 
 for Debtors only 257 
 
 Town Gaol 260 
 
 Ualsted, Essex, Bridewell 261 
 
 Harwich, Essex, Town Gaol 261 
 
 Bridewell 262 
 
 i/arer/b)d-?r'«<,Pciiibrokcshire,SoulliWales, 
 
 County Gaol 263 
 
 Town (iaiil and Bridewell . . 264 
 
 Helston, Cornwall, Tt)\vn Gaol 265 
 
 Henley, Oxfordshire, Town Gaol 265 
 
 Hereford, Couuly Gaol and House of Cor- 
 rection 266 
 
 City Gaol and Bridewell 260 
 
 Hertford, County Gaol and Bridewell 2/0 
 
 High H'ycomb, Buckinghamshire, BridewtU 274 
 
 Hinrldey, Leicestershire, Bridewell 274 
 
 HiUhin, Hertfordshire, Bridewell 255 
 
 Hithe, Kent, Town Gaol 265 
 
 Horseky, Gloucestershire, House of Correc- 
 tion 275 
 
 Horsham, Sussex, County Gaol and Bridewell 277 
 
 Hullcs 627, 630, 632 
 
 Hull, Yorkshire, Town and County Gaol . . 279 
 
 Page 
 
 Hidl, Bridewell ,. .-.,« > 282 
 
 Huntingdon, the County Gaol 293 
 
 the County Bridewell 286 
 
 Ilchester, Somersetshire, County Gaol, and 
 
 Bridewell 287 
 
 Inverness, Scotland, the Tolbooth 29 1 
 
 Ipswich, Suffolk, Town and Borough Bridc- 
 
 weU 292 
 
 Town and Borough Gaol 293 
 
 County Gaol 295 
 
 House of Collection 298 
 
 Irven, Scotland, Town Gaol 299 
 
 Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, County 
 
 Gaol 300 
 
 County Bridewell 300 
 
 Kendal, Westmoreland, Town Gaol and 
 
 Bridewell 301 
 
 Kidderminster, Worcestershire, Town Gaol 303 
 
 Kilmarnock, Scotland, Town Gaol 303 
 
 King's Bench Prison, Southwark 304 
 
 Kingston-vpon-Thames, Surrey, Town Gaol 312 
 
 House of Correction . 315 
 
 Kirkcudbright, Scotland, Town Gaol 318 
 
 Kirton, Lincolnshire 318 
 
 Knarcsboruugh, Yorkshire, Castle Gaol, for 
 
 Dcljtors 320 
 
 • — Piison for Town Debtors . . 321 
 
 Town Gaol for Felons 321 
 
 Lancatler Castle, County Gaol and Bridewell 322 
 
 Town Gaol 330 
 
 Langston Harbour Hulks 630 
 
 Launceston, Cornwall, County Gaol for Felons 330 
 
 Town Gaol 33<j 
 
 Bridewell 332 
 
 Leeds, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 333 
 
 Leicester, County Gaol 333 
 
 County Bridewell 336 
 
 Town Gaol 33s 
 
 Leith, ScotLuid, the Town Gaol 340 
 
 Lenlon, late Basford, Nottinghamshire ... 341 
 Leominster, Herefordshire, Town Gaol .... 342 
 Lewes, Sussex, House of Correction, for the 
 
 East Division 342 
 
 Lichfield, Stallbrdshire, City and County 
 
 Gaol, and Bridewell 344 
 
 Lincoln Castle, County Gaol 345 
 
 City Gaol, and House of Correction 351 
 
 Liverpool, Lancashire, Borough Gaol 353
 
 GENERAL LIST OF PRISONS 
 
 Jxia 
 
 Page 
 
 Liverpool, New Borough Gaol, and House 
 
 of C oiicclion 355 
 
 BiidcwcU 358 
 
 House ofCoircclioii 359 
 
 Lostuilhyell, or Leslw'Uhid, Cornwall, Gaol 
 
 for Debtoi's ....*. 360 
 
 Loullt, Lincolnshire, House of Correction 361 
 
 Ludgate, London . 363 
 
 Ludlow, Shropsliire, Town Gaol 343 
 
 Lydd, Kent, Town Gaol 362 
 
 Lijnn Regis, Norfolk, Town Gaol, and House 
 
 of Correction 369 
 
 Macclesfield, Cheshire, Town Gaol 371 
 
 Maidstone, Kent, County Gaol 374 
 
 Housc of Correction 378 
 
 Malton, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 380 
 
 Manchester, Lancashire, the New Bailey . . 381 
 Marlborough, Wiltshire, Comity Bridewell 
 
 and Town Gaol 385 
 
 Marshalsea, Southwark, London 38G 
 
 New Prison 393 
 
 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershu-e, Bridewell , 393 
 Middlewich, Cheshire, County House of Cor- 
 rection 394 
 
 Monmouth, Town Gaol 396 
 
 County Gaol, and House of Cor- 
 rection 397 
 
 Montgomery, North Wales, County Gaol .. . 400 
 
 — ^^— House of Correclion 40*2 
 
 Montrose, Scotland, the Tow n Gaol 399 
 
 Morpeth, Northumberland, County Gaol . . 403 
 
 Bridewell 404 
 
 Musselburgh, Scotland, Town Gaol 3S4 
 
 Nairne, Scotland, County Gaol 405 
 
 Nantwich, Ciieshire, Prison for Debtors . . . 406 
 
 Town Gaol 406 
 
 Newark-upon-Trent, Nottinghamshire, Towi\ 
 
 Gaol and Bridewell 407 
 
 Newbury, Berkshire, the Corporation Gaol 408 
 
 Bridewell 408 
 
 Newcastle - upon - Tyne, Northumberkuid, 
 
 County Gaol 409 
 
 the Castle Garth . . 412 
 
 Sessions Prison ... 413 
 
 Bridewell 414 
 
 Newgate, London 415 
 
 Newport, Essex, Bridewell 430 
 
 Isle of Wight, Bridewell and Town 
 
 Gaol , , , 4X4 
 
 Pngc 
 Northallerton, Yorkshire, Bridewell 431 
 
 Norlhamplou, Counly Gaol and Bridewell . . 433 
 
 Town Gaol and Bridewell . . . 436" 
 
 Northlech, Glouccstershii'e, House of Cor- 
 rection 438 
 
 Norwich Castle, Norfolk, County Gaol .... 440 
 
 City Gaol 445 
 
 City Bridewell 449 
 
 for Precincts of the Close 450 
 
 Nottingham, County Gaol 45J 
 
 Town Gaol 457 
 
 House of Correclion 459 
 
 Oakham, Rutlandshire, County Bridewell, 
 
 and Town Gaol 461 
 
 Odiham, Hampshire, Bridewell 46^ 
 
 Okehampton, Devonshire, Town Gaol .... 46^ 
 Orford, Suftblk, Borough Gaol and Bridewell 462 
 Oxford, Castle Gaol, and County Bridewell . 46.1 
 
 City Gaol 467 
 
 Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Town Gaol 470 
 
 Pembroke, South Wales 472 
 
 Penrhijn, Cornwall, Borough Gaol 473 
 
 Penzance, Cornwall, Borough Gaol 473 
 
 Perth, Scotland, Town Gaol 474 
 
 Peterborough, Northamptonshire, Soke Li- 
 berty Gaol 476 
 
 Bridewell 477 
 
 Petworth, Sussex, County Bridewell, for the 
 
 Western Division 477 
 
 Plymouth, Devonshire, Town Gaol 478 
 
 Dock Gaol 479 
 
 Pontefract, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 460 
 
 Poule, Dorsetshire, Town Gaol 481 
 
 Bridesvell 4S1 
 
 Portsmouth, Hampshire, Town Gaol 4S1 
 
 Harbour, Hulks 627 
 
 Poultry Compter, Ix)ndon 484 
 
 Presteign, Radnorshire, South Wales, County 
 
 Gaol 490 
 
 County Bridewell . . t . . ■.• 491 
 
 Preston, Lancashire, House of Correction . . 491 
 
 Reading, Berkshire, County Gaol 495 
 
 Town Bridewell 50() 
 
 Town Gaol, or Compter 50O 
 
 Renfrew, Scolhuid, Town Gaol 501 
 
 Richmond, Yorkshire, Lilierty Gaol, for 
 
 Debtors only 501 
 
 Corporation or Borough Gaol . . 502 
 
 Ripon, Yorkshire, Uie Liberty Gaol 503
 
 Ixiv 
 
 GENERAL LIST 
 
 rage 
 
 EipoH, Canon-Fee Coxn't Gaol, and House 
 
 of Correction 501 
 
 Rochester, Kent, City Gaol and Bridewell ./. 505 
 
 Romncy, Kent, Town Gaol 506 
 
 Rothwell, Yorkshire, Prison for Debtors only 507 
 Ruthin, Denbighshire, North Wales, County 
 
 Gaol, and Bridewell 508 
 
 — House of Correction 510 
 
 Rye, Sussex, Town Gaol 510 
 
 Saffron-Waldm, Essex, Town Gaol and 
 
 Bridewell 511 
 
 Saint Alhan's, Hertfordshire, Borough Gaol 511 
 
 Liberty Gaol 51'2 
 
 House of Correction 513 
 
 Saint Briavel's, Gloucestershire, for Debtors 
 
 only 514 
 
 Salitbury, Wiltshiie, County Gaol and 
 
 Bridewell 515 
 
 Sandwich, Kent, Town Gaol and Bridewell 519 
 Savoy, Strand, London, Military exclusively 520 
 
 Scarborough, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 522 
 
 Selkirk, Roxburghshire, Scotland, Town 
 
 Gaol 523 
 
 Sheffield, Yorkshire, Town Gaol 524 
 
 Eccleshall Gaol 524 
 
 Debtors' Gaol 525 
 
 Shepton-Mallet, Somersetshire, Bridewell . . 526 
 
 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, County Gaol 52S 
 
 Southampton, Hampshire, Town Gaol, for 
 
 Debtors only 531 
 
 Felons Gaol 531 
 
 Bridewell 532 
 
 Southwell, Nottinghamshire, County House 
 
 of Correction 532 
 
 Spatdmg, Lincolnsiiire, Bridewell, for Hol- 
 land Division 536 
 
 Stafford, County Gaol and House of Cor- 
 rection 537 
 
 Stamford, Lincolnshire, Town Gaol 543 
 
 Slirlins:, Scotland, Town Gaol 544 
 
 Stockport, Cheshire, Town Gaol 545 
 
 Sudbunj, Suffolk, Borough Gaol and Bride- 
 well 546 
 
 Surrey, County Gaol and Bridewell, Horse- 
 monger Lane 547 
 
 Bridewell, St. George's Fields 551 
 
 OF PRISONS. 
 
 Page 
 
 Swaffham, Norfolk, Bridewell 554 
 
 Swansea, South -Wales, Town Gaol 543 
 
 Taunton, Somersetshire, County Bridewell . 555 
 
 Thames, Hulks 632 
 
 Thctford, Norfolk, Town Gaol 556 
 
 Tideswell, Derbyshire, House of Correction 557 
 
 Tiverton, Devonshire, Town Gaol 558 
 
 Town Bridewell 558 
 
 Tot hill- Fields, Westminster, Bridewell.... 560 
 
 The Tower, London 563 
 
 Tower Hamlets, Welldose Square Gaol .... 564 
 
 Truro, Cornwall, Town Gaol 564 
 
 Tyncmouth, Northumberland, House of 
 
 Correction 565 
 
 IVakeJield, Yorkshire, House of Con'ection 566 
 
 Town Gaol 569 
 
 Jf'alsalt, Staffordshire, Town Gaol 570 
 
 Waisingham, Norfolk, Town Gaol 570 
 
 M'arrington, Lancashire, Town Bridewell . . 571 
 
 Warwick, County Bridewell 572 
 
 County Gaol 573 
 
 Wellington, Shropshire 578 
 
 H'ells, Somersetshire, Town Gaol 572 
 
 Whitechapel, London, for Debtors 578 
 
 Whitehaven, Cumberland, House of Correc- 
 tion 579 
 
 Winchester, Hampshire, C'oimty Gaol 580 
 
 City Gaol and BrideweU 585 
 
 County Bridewell 586 
 
 Wirksworth, Derbyshire, Bridewell 588 
 
 Wisbeach, Cambridgesliire, Town Gaol and 
 
 BrideweU 589 
 
 Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Bridewell . . 590 
 
 Woodbridge, Suffolk, Bridewell 591 
 
 Worcester, City Gaol 593 
 
 Castle Gaol and Bridewell 594 
 
 Wrexham, Denbighshirc, NorthWales, House 
 
 of Correction 599 
 
 Wymnndham (Windham), Norfolk, County 
 
 Bridewell 600 
 
 Yarmouth, Norfolk, Town Bridewell 602 
 
 Town Gaol 603 
 
 York, City Bridewell 605 
 
 St. Peters Gaol 606 
 
 City and Ainsty Gaol 608 
 
 York Castle, County Gaol 611
 
 STATE OF PRISONS, 
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 IT IS OF LITTLE ADVANTAGE TO RESTRAIN THE BAD BY PUNISlliMENT, 
 UNLESS VOU RENDER THEM GOOD BY DISCIPLINE. 
 
 ABERDEEN. Scotland 
 The Tolbooth, or Toum Gaol. 
 
 (jaoler, Alexander Brown. 
 
 Salaiy, from the Magistrates - - 55/. 
 
 from the County - - 10/. 10*. 
 Fees, for Felons, none. For Debtor's, fourpence a night. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Alexander Thorn. Salary, 50/. 
 Duty ; on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Ogilvie ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons. 
 
 relty Offeiiderf. 
 
 iSoy. Sept. 30th 5-._.8----7 
 
 Total - - - 20 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, as they are alimented, on Aj)plication to the INIagistrates.. 
 Felons, fourpence a day in Bread, and a pint of Milk. 
 
 A
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol adjoins to the Town-Hall, and the ascent to it is by a flight of stone 
 steps ; at the top of which i& a corporaFs guard, night and day. The outer gate 
 of entrance is of wood, strongly cramped with iron, and the inner gate is iron-grated. 
 
 On the left of the entrance is a miserable hole of a room, 15 feet by eight ; with 
 an arched roof, and a small iron grating for light and ventilation, which it can 
 hardly ever enjoy. It has two wooden bedsteads, with two dirty blankets and 
 coverlets, and a fire-place. 
 
 In tliis wretched place were tliree f/'ometi ; one of whom had been under 
 the sentence of transportation for Jive years ! And these women all ate, drank, 
 and slept in this sink-hole of human privatioii, a focus of disease ; pent up and 
 surrounded by an atmosphere of pestilence, from which they have no power to 
 escape, whilst yet alive! 
 
 Whoever visits the Gads in Scotland will, generally speaking, be forcibly struck 
 with that " Destitution", which Hooker declares to be " such an impediment to 
 virtue, as, till it be removed, suffereth not the mind of man to admit of any other 
 care." How happy is it for human society, that the evil is not unremovable by 
 wholesome and vigorous exertion ! 
 
 The filthy tubs are emptied into a well, or uncovered receptacle, to which a door 
 opens, close to the Women Felons' room. 
 
 The second story of this Gaol has one room for Criminals, somewhat larger 
 than the foregoing ; with two wooden bedsteads, and the same scanty kind of dirty 
 bedding, but without a fire-place. Here are also two rooms for Debtors, with fire- 
 places in them, but neither coals nor any kind of bedding allowed : And, adjoining 
 to these apartments, is a third for-Debtors, called " The Long Room" which has a 
 large iron-grated but unglazed window. This is the Debtor's general Day-room ; 
 and in it divine service is performed ! 
 
 There is no Chapel here : But, a place set apart for the worship of God, should 
 seem to carry some res])ect with it, even to the most unfeeling eye and indurated 
 heart. In the above Long-Roonii however, let rae avow, it is hardly possible to be 
 devout. What a close and motley assemblage is. here exhibited I Clergyman, Gaoler, 
 Criminals, Debtors, Men and Women, all huddled togeth.er in one small room; 
 to which Joseph's dungeon must seem to him and his Egyptian associates a 
 calm and tranquil retreat, if compared with this memorable wilderness of human 
 comfort. There is no need of adding, that a House of Prayer- like the above, 
 cannot but, in the spirit of contrast, remind every one at the same moment, how 
 much it resembles the constant abode of an avowed Den of Thieves. In short, 
 this is one of the wor^t constructed and constttuted Gaols in Scotland.
 
 l^ ENGLAND^, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S 
 
 The Third Story has what is termed the Stock-Room for criminals. Within this 
 is a strong iron bar, sixteen inches in circumference, laid across the floor, garnished 
 \\ ith rings for receiving the prisoners' legs, who are chaine<l to it night and day, 
 without the possibility of moving a stej). The woman who lighted me along, and 
 who had been here five years, said she remembered five prisoners at one time in 
 this unhapj)y situation. Those, as I understand, who escape being chained to this 
 formidable bar, are only fastened to a ponderous chain, rooted within the wall, of 
 about four feet in length, which is padlocked to their fetters. In this room, and 
 in this manner, the wearied and heavy laden are tantalized with the unenjoyed 
 sight of a wooden bedstead, that has a little loose dirty straw scattered upon it : None 
 of the prisoners, thus accoutred and secured, could make use of so desirable an 
 indulgence. 
 
 Near to the above Stock-Room, a small door opens into another horrid place, 
 called " The Black-Hole ;" and most justly so, for it is buried in total darkness. 
 The kee]>er, however, told me it was now become obsolete ; and coals only, for the 
 use of the prisoners, were here deposited, as there was no other j)lace to lodge 
 them. 
 
 I visited this Gaol at midrday, but it was necessary to have lighted candles for 
 -inspecting it in every part. The turret staircases, of stone, are so very narrow, that 
 two persons cannot pass each other except at the landing-place ; and, to prevent 
 falling down, you must have firm hold of the iron rail. 
 
 Debtors, Felons, and Petty Offenders here mix indiscriminately in the day-time ; 
 nor can it be otherwise whilst there an; no court-yards for separation. 
 
 No sewers* are provided; and tlu' tubs substituted to supply their use are 
 most extremely offensive. Water, none, except what is fetched by the Keeper 
 from the town-well. 
 
 The whole Prison is filthy to a degree, that cannot be described but by an eye- 
 witness. In a word, it is hardly possible to form an idea of this f-ieavy recess 
 of lumiau wretchedness, or to conceive how it should ha tolerated in » civihzed 
 country. 
 
 It is in contejnplatiou to build a new Gaol. 
 
 «• Tlic leader will plca,se to observe, that under tljc words scwcr.* and dudiis. !u:e comprehended tliase 
 conveniences wliich delicacy forbids enlarging upon, th'^ugh absolutely necessary to all houses, and 
 the situation and oonstniclion of which are of the greatest ini()ortance in prisons. The want of care 
 respecting ihen> is a principal cause of unhcalthiiiess in many of our Guol*, and x^ *iich has alwaj* 
 engaged uiy peculiar atteutiun.
 
 4 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ABERDEEN. Scotland. 
 Tlie New County and City BrldewelL 
 
 Keeper, James JVatson. Salary l6o/. out of which he has to pay his Assistants^ 
 Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, not yet appointed. 
 Duty, once every Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Moir ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1809, Oct. 3, One. 
 
 Allowance, contracted for by the Keeper, from 2s. id. to 2*. gd. per week eacfty 
 according to a Dietary established by the Magistrates. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This handsome Gaol stands about a mile from the centre of the town, and was 
 first opened for the reception of prisoners on the 2d of October, 1809; at the 
 ceremony upon which occasion I was present. It commenced with an excellent 
 and very ajipropriate prayer by Dr. Shirriff, surrounded by the Provost, Magistrates 
 and Council, and attended by a number of other respectable Gentlemen. 
 
 The boundary wall encloses two acres of ground, and affords an ample space 
 for the growth of vegetables, as well as court-yards for the prisoners. 
 
 At the entrance in front is a noble Arch, having on one side a Turnkey's Lodge, 
 and a Guard-house on the other. The Prison, in the centre of the area, has i 
 very conspicuous and beautifully castellated appearance. The Keeper resides in 
 the middle of the Prison. 
 
 On the ground-floor are fourteen sleeping-cells, and eleven work-cells, eight 
 feet by seven, and eight feet high each, to the crown of the arch ; which open 
 into a well-ventilated lobby, four feet wide. Every sleeping-cell has an iron 
 bedstead, a straw-in-ticking bed, two blankets, a sheet, coverlet and bolster ; a 
 wooden stool to sit on, and, in one corner, a covered chamber conveniency. These 
 cells have a glazed window in each, four feet long, and twelve inches wide, 
 turning on a pivot, as at Edinburgh Bridewell. The work-cells have each two 
 similar windows: every door has a circular grated aperture for ventilation ; and 
 there are two water-closets in the lobby adjacent. 
 
 The first story is similar to the ground-floor already described ; and, besides 
 apartments for the Keeper, contains the Visiting Magistrates' Room, which has 
 six handsome sash-windows, tables, chains, law-books, &,c.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4 
 
 The second story is exactly the same as the first, with the Chapel, over the 
 Magistrates' Room : The Prisoners are seated on forms in the area, and the sexes 
 are separated by a curtain thrown across the centre. 
 
 The third story, which is like the other two, has a Store Room, over the Chapel, 
 where bedding and the materials for work are deposited. 
 
 The fourth story, of similar dimensions *, has the Large Room divided into three ; 
 two of which are for the Surgeon's accommodation, and the other for the nurse. 
 
 I'lie attick story has two sleeping cells in the centre, and eight small cells, lighted 
 from the roof; which therefore must be too hot in summer, and equally cold in winter 
 to sleep in. The whole number of cells is II5. In the four first stories, each has 
 26 ; the attick story has 1 1 ; and in each story, there is a dark cell. 
 
 A forcing pump throws up water into the cisterns, to supply the Prison, and 
 cleanse the sewers, &c. 
 
 The employment here is picking of oakum, spinning, &c. And the Prisoners, 
 after defraying their maintenance, have the whole net profit of their earnin"-s ; 
 viz. half upon their discharge, and the remainder six months afterwards. Their 
 uniform clothing, on admission, becomes their own at being discharged. 
 
 Here are no fire-j)laces provided : But it is intended to introduce warmth into 
 several rooms, by stoves placed in the several lobbies. 
 
 ABERGAVENNY. South If ales. 
 
 Keeper, WtUiarn Thomas : Salary none. Consists of two Rooms ; that foi 
 Prisoners, ten feet by four, with arched roof, wooden bedstead, and straw ; lighted 
 by an aperture in the wall ; a grating of eight inches square in the door, through 
 which they receive their provisions. 
 
 Prisoners, Nov. 16, l802, none. Sept. 6, 1803, none. Sept. 12, l8o(J, none. 
 
 * Dimensions. To many of my Readers, the descriptions which I have given in this work, with 
 respect to admeasurement, and other circumstances in the construction of Prisons, may possibly appear 
 tedious, and too minute : But variety of description may also suggest something very useful, in the plans 
 of such Prisons as thull be erected in future ; and whate\cr can shew itself to be worthy of imitation, may 
 thus be extracted from the best specimens. Let it moreover be considered, that in the construction of 
 Building, as well as in the formation of New Elstablishnients, it is important to be acquainted with 
 many things, which, though appai'ently trivial, are often of material consequence for the purposes 
 intended to be answered by them : And Magistrates, from being better informed as to the real state of 
 Gaols, will be enabled to judge, whether the Prisons over whicii tlu^y preside, and to which they commit 
 Offenders, are judiciously adapted to effectuate the object of the design. 
 
 B
 
 6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ABINGDON. Berkshire. 
 The Coiinty Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, John IValker. Salary, lOO/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain ; none yet appointed. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Gvinley, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, August 22d 1811, Six. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of household bread, sent from the Baker, in 
 loaves of that size. On weighing them singly, I found some nearly two 
 ounces deficient; but on weighing four loaves together, tlie whole deficiency 
 was about one ounce and a half. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This New Prison, not yet quite finished, was first inhabited the 17th March 
 1811. It is situate near the Bridge, and part of its boundary-wall skirts the River 
 Ock. The Sessions House, which forms the front, gives it a handsome appearance ; 
 and for the Prisoners here are four court-yards, of an irregular octagon shape, about 
 C)1 feet long by 64. Each court has a day or mess-room opening into it, of about 
 25 feet by 17, furnished with a table and forms, and warmed by a German stove. 
 Here are likewise arcades, to work under, or for walking in wet weather. 
 
 The building consists of three wings, two stories high, branching in an angular 
 direction. The Keeper's apartments, with the Sessions House and Offices, form the 
 centre of it ; and the windows of this structure command the several court-yards. 
 On the first Prison story are sixteen sleeping-cells, of 8 feet 9 each by 7 feet 10, 
 and ,9 feet 6 inches high, to the crown of the arch. The upper story has the same 
 number of cells ; each furnished with a perforated cast-iron bedstead, on stone- 
 bearers, a straw-in-sacking bed, one blanket, a coarse hempen sheet, and a rug; 
 lighted and ventilated by an iron-grated window, 4 feet by 2 feet 3, with blinds to 
 open, or shut close up, at the Prisoner's pleasure : the outer door is iron-grated, and 
 the inner of wood. 
 
 The Cliapel is on the second story of the central building, with doors of entrance 
 for the several classes : Above it, in the attic-story, are two spacious Infirmaries, 
 two foul wards, or rooms for infectious disorders, with two others for convalescents ; 
 and at the top of the building is an alarm-bell. 
 
 The excellent Rules and l\egulations established in the Bridewell of Reading (See 
 page 4,97,) are ordered to be here also observed by the Keeper. All Prisoners wear 
 the County Uniform, and their own clothes are purified, numbered, and deposited 
 in the Wardrobe assigned, until the time of their trial, or discharge. The 42(1
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 7 
 
 article ordains clean straw, or chaff, for matresses, to be allowed as often as needful, 
 and clean linen once a week. The 57th enjoins, tliat all Prisoners who receive the 
 County Allowance, shall be kept to work; Those sentenced to liard labour are en- 
 titled to receive 20 per cent, of their nett Earnings ; those not so sentenced are to 
 have 50 per cent, agreeably to the Act 22 Geo. III. Cap. 64 ; and the remainder to 
 be equally divided between the County and the Keeper. The Prisoners' share is to 
 be given them, in clothes or money, at their discharge ; after deducting the cost of 
 any wearing apparel issued, or any extra allowance of provisions, that may have been 
 given them during confinement. 
 
 The 63d Article directs, " That if any Offender, during his confinement, has been 
 industrious and obedient, the Chaplain and the Keeper shall give him, on his dis- 
 mission, a certificate of such good behaviour ; and no Offender is to be dismissed at 
 the end of his term, (unless at his own request,) if he shall labour under any acute 
 and dangerous distemper ; nor until (in the ojnnion of the Surgeon) he can be dis- 
 charged with safety : And when discharged, his own, or other decent clothing, shall 
 be delivered to every OflJender; together with such sum of money, as shall, by the 
 Visiting Justice or Justices, in every Quarter Sessions, be deemed necessary for sub- 
 sistence to the place of his legal settlement, not exceeding ten shillings." 
 
 ABINGDON. The Town Gaol. 
 
 G&oXer, James Goldhy, Sergeant at Mace. Salary, 17/. 1()a\ Fees, 6*. Srf. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, sent by the Mayor. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 iSth Aug. 1803, Two Criminals. 31st Aug. 1806, One. 22d Aug. iSll, Two. 
 I have not found one Debtor here at my several visits. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence per day, except when committed to hard labour : They have 
 then their Earnings only to subsist on. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is the Old (Jate-way. The ground-floor, about 14 feet square, with a 
 fire-place, is chiefly used for Deserters : Its iron-grated window looks toward the 
 street. Up stairs is a room for Debtors, who are committed by a Borough Process, 
 and become entitled to their Sixpences in about six weeks. 
 
 For Felons, and otiier Criminal Prisoners, here are three small sleeping-rooms. 
 A tub serves for a sewer ; wiiieh, when emptied, on being nearly full, a Man receives 
 one shilling. No court-yard : No water, but as brought in by the Gaoler ; who 
 :ipj)ears to be a humane Man, and keeps the Prison as clean as its dilapidated state 
 will permit.
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ALDBOROUGH. Suffolk. 
 Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler. Fi'ancls Osborne, the town coal-meter. 
 Salary, none. 1805, Sept. l6. No Prisoners. 
 
 Two rooms on the ground-flour under the Town-hall ; one of nine feet by four 
 feet nine inches ; lighted and ventilated by two apertures in the wall, 22 inches 
 by seven: The other 15 feet six inches by eight feet four; lighted and ven- 
 tilated by two apertures like the former, 18 inches wide by seven; mud floors, 
 with loose straw. No court ; no water. Prisoners are seldom confined here more 
 than one night. 
 
 ALNWICK. Northumberland. 
 Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Thirhval. Salary none ; but he lives at the Castle. This Prison 
 is seldom used except for Deserters. 
 
 1802, Sept. 10th, and 1S09, Sept. 19th, no Prisoners. 
 
 The Town Gaol is under the Bond-Gate Tower, at the entrance of the town, and 
 is the property of the Duke of Northumberland. It consists of one room 16' feet 
 by 8, dark and damp, but lighted and ventilated by an aperture in the wall. 
 Straw laid upon a barrack-bedstead. 
 
 At ALNWICK CASTLE are the remains of an ancient prison, which is kept 
 in good preservation by his Grace of Northumberland. It is in the Inner Ward, or 
 Tower, and is called The Dungeon, or Castle Keep. The entrance to it is through a 
 passage 16 feet long, and 3 feet wide, leading to a room of 11 feet 4 inches by 
 10 feet 4. In the centre of this room is an iron-grated trap-door, nearly a yard 
 square, which covers an aperture 2 feet 4 inches by 1 foot 10. The descent through 
 this aperture is by a ladder into a dark and damp dungeon, 8 feet 6 inches square, 
 and 1 1 feet high. The Arch appears to be of Saxon architecture. It was cer- 
 tainly built in the feudal times, when the security of prisoners, or captives, was 
 alone considered. The servant who accompanied me said, there was formerly a 
 dungeon in every tower of the Castle, but that this was the only one preserved.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 9 
 
 ALNWICK. Northvmherland. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, David Cojtsins. Salary 25/. 
 
 Fees, for Felons, 135. 4d. paid by the County ; and 13^. 4d. for Assaults, and 
 Bastardy, paid by themselves. 
 
 No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Ilasivell ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 19th Sept. 1809, Two. 
 
 Allowance, 4d. a day, paid to the Keeper for their support. 
 
 RExAIARKS. 
 
 This Prison, first inhabited in October, 1S07, has, on the ground-floor, two of 
 the Keeper's rooms in front. These are divided by a passage 4 feet 6 inches wide, 
 leading to the Gaol door, and entrance into. a lobby '24 feet long, and 4 feet 
 6 inches wide ; with an iron-grated and glazed casement at the end of it, IQ inches 
 by 16 ; and into this lobby five sleeping-cells open. 
 
 The smallest cell is 9 feet 5 by 7 feet 8, and 8 feet 4 indies high to the crown 
 of the arch ; the whole of stone, fitted up with wooden bedsteads for two persons, 
 loose straw, two blankets, and a coverlet : a small uncovered tub for a sewer, 
 emptied every morning ; and a wooden stool to sit on. Every cell-door has an 
 inspecting wicket 8i inches square. 
 
 On the North side is a court-yard for Men, who are allowed to be out for one 
 hour in the day, accomjjanied by the Keeper : It is 42 feet square, and, in the 
 centre, has a sewer, and a pig-stye ; and part of it is planted with cabbages. 
 
 The Women's court is on the South. -side, 63 feet by 3G, with a detached sewer 
 in it. The area forms the Keeper's garden, and is planted with vegetables. Females 
 have the use of this garden one hour in the day. 
 
 Above stairs are three sleeping-cells for Women, of the same size with those 
 below, and opening into a lobby of like dimensions. Their cells contain two 
 wooden bedsteads for two persons each, and are fitted up like those assigned for 
 the men. 
 
 There is also a lai^e work-room on this floor, of 22 feet by 12, witli two large 
 grated and glazed lift-up sash windows, and a large fire-place ; for which coals 
 are allowed during the six winter months. For the rest of the year the pri- 
 soners work in their sleeping-cells, which, having no grate, are frequently very cold. 
 
 c
 
 10 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Magistrates hold their Petty Sessions every fortnight in a convenient room 
 above stairs. No rules, however, or regulations are printed and stuck up. Here 
 are no rooms set apart for the sick : No day-room allotted : No bath or oven to 
 purify foul or infected clothes : No water accessible : even the Keeper, for his own 
 use, fetches it from a pump 300 yards distant! The Act for preserving the Health 
 of Prisoners, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are not hung up. 
 
 The employment of the Prisoners consists in beating hemp, picking oakum, 
 winding cotton, cutting candle-wicks, spinning and knotting of rope. The aver- 
 age of earnings is 3«?. per day, which the Keeper has, in aid of maintenance. The 
 Prisoners have no share ; neither do they receive any money on being discharged, 
 to carry them home, or prevent those necessities, \\ hich may impel them to pre- 
 datory acts, when happily liberated from a gaol. 
 
 ANDOVER. Hampshire. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Cowley ; No Salary: A Shoemaker by trade: but he is likewise 
 Town-Crier, and Keeper of the Town-Hall, as also Collector of the Market- 
 Tolls ; from each of which appointments he derives some casual Fee. 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 3*. 4d. 
 
 Surgeons, Messrs. Poore and Pitman ; they make a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 l3oi, Jan. 10th, -_---.--- ----- 
 
 1802, Dec. 28th, -------- 1 --__. 
 
 1807, Sept. 25th, -- -,_-- 
 
 Allowance, to those who are unable to maintain themselves, 6d. per day ; and, in 
 extremely cold weather, a fire. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, for the Borough of Andover, consists of two rooms, with boarded 
 floors, one over the other. That for Men is about iG feet by 14, and 8 feet high : 
 the upper room, for the Women, 14 feet by 12, and of the same height as the 
 former. Here is a small court-yard, about 16 feet square. 
 
 The Debtors sent here, are only those committed by process issuing out of 
 Andover Town-court. 
 
 The Borough allows straw only on bedsteads.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ll 
 
 Prisoners for felony, after final examination, are committed to the County Gaol at 
 Winchester. The two rooms set apart for them look toward the river, tlirougli 
 small iron-crated windows. The court is in front of the house, and the passage, 
 or road through it, is separated from the main-street by a very low paling ; so that 
 the Prisoners can have no use of it. 
 
 When I was here in 1807, the Women's Gaol was filled up with tanner's bark, 
 made into halls for fuel. 
 
 The Gaoler's house, being under the same roof as the Prison, a bed-chamber in it 
 is appropriated to Prisoners, in case they are more than the Gaol can conveniently 
 accommodate. 
 
 ANNAN. ScutlavJ. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, William Roxburgh, who is a Shoemaker, and lives near the Prison. 
 Salary, lol. 
 Fees, for Debtors, who are Burgesses, 2d. a night : If not Burgesses, 4d. a night. 
 
 No religious attentions ; nor Surgeon. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Criminals. 
 
 2d Nov. 1 809, --------. 5 _--.,. 
 
 Allowance, Criminals, 4t/. a day in bread. Debtors, as alimented. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is built at one end of the Court-House, in the centre of the High- 
 street, and has, on the right-hand, a place called The Blach-Hole, with an iron-grat- 
 ing toward the street, and straw on the floor ; which is used for temporary con- 
 finement, till the Prisoners are sent to Dumfries. 
 
 On the left hand is a room for Debtors, with a grated and glazed window, fire- 
 place, and wooden bedstead. 
 
 Up stairs are three other sizeable rooms for Debtors, the windows of which 
 are large, and so made to open, that a cheerful view of the town, as well as light 
 and ventilation are aftbrded ; which ranks this amongst the very best Prisons in 
 Scotland. 
 
 No bedding whatever is here allowed : No court-yard ; no coals ; nor water, 
 except as brought in by the Keeper : and the place of a sewer is supplied by a tub.
 
 J 2 - STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 APPLEBY. IVestmoreland. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Ga.o\er, James Bewsher ; a Blacksmith: His shop is at the foot of the Bridge, 
 nearly opposite the Gaol. 
 Salary, 20l. Conveyance of Transports to Whitehaven, Is. per mile. 
 Fees for Debtors and Felons, (see Table.) But the Under-Sheriff demands 6s. 8d. 
 from every Debtor for his Liberate ! (rarnish, not yet abolished, 1*. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. James Metcalfe. Salary 15/. 
 Duty, Sunday afternoon, Prayers and Sermon. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Bushby ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, March 31st, -------- 6 ----- 3 
 
 l80«, Sept. 24th, -- 4 ----- 
 
 1809, Nov. 4th, --- 9 ----- 4 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none whatever : to Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, 
 fourpence a-day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol was built by the County. The Earl of Thanet is Hereditary Sherifl". 
 and pays the Gaoler "his Salary. The Prison itself is out of the reach of the 
 floods, but the river sometimes overflows part of the Court-yard. 
 
 In the lower part of the Gaol are four vaulted Wards for Felons, 144- feet by 13 ; 
 with straw on the floor, and two blankets to sleep on ; a small grated window 
 in each, but no chimney : and over them are three good rooms with fire-places 
 for Debtors. There being no chapel. Divine Service is perfornsed in the Debtor's 
 Day-room. Here is only one court-yard, 96 feet by 66 ; so that debtors and felons, 
 men and women of all descriptions, associate promiscuously together during the 
 day-time. They have 710 Kitchen, and are therefore obliged to dress their victuals 
 under the open arch of' the landing-place oj'thejlight of stone steps, leading to the 
 Debtors' apartments ! A pump in the court-yard supplies the prison with water.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. J8 
 
 Table of Fees, 
 
 To be taken by the Keeper of Applehy Gaol, as agreed to by tbe Bencli of Justices, 
 
 at tbe Midsuuniier General (Quarter Sessions, 14tb July 17.97. 
 
 jC. 1. d. 
 " For the discharge of a Debtor *-----,---- 015 4 
 
 For evtiy person coimiutted by warrant of 11 Justice of tlie Peace 8 
 
 For a Cop3^ of Commitment, when demanded ------ 010 
 
 For a Certificate of Commitment, in order to obtain a Writ of 
 
 Habeas Corpus .............. 026 
 
 For signing a Certificate, in order to olitain a Supersedeas, or a 
 
 Rule or Order of Court -...------- 026 
 
 For the Discharge ot a Prisoner by Proclamation at the Assizes, 
 
 or General Quarter Sessions ---------- 0134 
 
 Here is a Gaol Delivery once a year. No Employment is provided, and prisoners 
 who are of handicraft trades, can seldom procure it from the town. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against the use of Spirituous 
 Liquors, are both properly hung up; as is also the foregoing Table of Fees, of 
 which I took a copy. 
 
 APPLEBY. 
 
 Coimty Bridewell. 
 Keeper, John Athinson. Salary, 12/. No Fees. 
 Prisoners, 24th September, l802, Two Lunaticks. Allowance, none. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This comfortless Prison, as appears by the date in front, was built in lf)39, and 
 consists of two cells, 13 feet each by 8, with vaulted roofs. Straw laid <.n the floor. 
 No light or air, but what is admitted through an aperture of 12 inches by 4. These 
 cells are subject to floods. There is one large room above stairs, bul considered as 
 insecure. No court-yard ; no water accessible. 
 
 * But how is a Debtor, on his entrance into Prison, to acquire money a-s fees fur his discharge, 
 when liis credit lias been crushed ; the exertions of liis industry pvecURleU ; and unusual expenccs liave 
 accumulated again=t him, in consequence of his dreaiy situation ! Here is no allowance, either from his 
 Plaintiff or fioni the County, for Ihe sustenance of a poor confined Debtor. Here is Hoithcr pro\ision, 
 nor clbtliinc;, be ihe weathers extremity what it may ; nor even bedding, except of straw, but what the 
 destitute starveling must hire. Jx.'t us now shift tlie scene, and be astonished at the contrast. The 
 wretch charged with crimes die most atrocious, and under the stiungest presumptions of gxiilt, is per- 
 fectly attended to in tlic various respects of comfort abo\e-mentioned. And what is tlie fatal consc- 
 tjuence ? All tliose notions of comparative turpitude, which it is so umch the interest of society to keep 
 clear and promiuent in the mind of man, arc thus utterly confounded and ovcrtlirown.
 
 14 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ASHBOURNE. Derbyshire. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Lytton. 
 
 Salary 25/. out of which he furnishes straw for the Prisoners. 
 Fees, none. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, is ordered by the Magistrate. 
 
 Prisoners, 
 1802, Oct. 12th. Criminal, 1. Deserters, 2. 
 
 Allowance, to each four-pence a-day ; but if work is procured, they have the 
 produce of their labour only. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This structure was erected in 1784, and stands in Bach-Lane. It is a neat 
 square building, and consists of a room on the ground-floor for the Keeper, about 
 16 feet square, with a fire-place in it, and two glazed windows. These command the 
 two court-yards, which are 30 feet each by 16, and have sewers at the farther ends. 
 The wall being only 14 feet high, the court-yards are rather insecure. 
 
 Men-prisoners live a day-room, of 17 feet by 9 feet 6 inches, and seven feet 
 high, which opens into their court-yard, and has a fire-place, and an iron-grated 
 and glazed window. Into this room open two sleeping-cells, each 6\ feet long 
 by 54. feet, and 6\ feet high. 
 
 No bedding is here provided ; and the straw in lieu of it is furnished by the 
 Keeper : But 1 observed in the sleeping-cells, not only some loose straw, but two 
 old blankets and a rug. 
 
 Above stairs are two rooms for Women-prisoners, with sleeping-cells attached, 
 like those for the men. In one of them was a bedstead, intended for the Keeper: 
 but, as he lives in the town, the more orderly prisoners have the use of it ; and either 
 furnish their own bedding, or pay the Keeper for the use of his. 
 
 A trap-door in the flooring opens 'nto a loathsome dungeon, nine steps down, 
 which is about six feet square, and as many in height; dark and damp, with 
 a bricked floor, but without even straw for bedding. I hope it is never used, and 
 wish it were entirely bricked up. 
 
 No water : The Keeper told me he carried it to the Prisoners tw ice a-day. The 
 whole Prison very dirty. No Rules and Orders. The Act for Preserving Health, 
 and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are not hung up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 15 
 
 AYLESBURY. Buckinghamshire. 
 The County Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Henry Sherriff. 
 
 Salary, for the Gaol, 140/. for the Bridewell, 30/. 
 
 Fees and Garnish abolished : But the Under-Sheriff takes from earh Debtor 
 
 2s. 6d. for his Liberate. 
 For Transports, the ex pence of conveying them. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Hopkins. Salary 50/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and a Sermon every Sunday: and daily attendance on those 
 Prisoners who are left for execution. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hayward. 
 
 Salary, 35/. for all descriptions of Prisoners. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Aug. iCth, - - - 
 
 1802, Nov. 24th, - - - 
 
 1803, Jan. 30th, - - - 
 
 1804, April 15th, - - - 
 
 1805, July 25th, - - - 
 
 1806, June 20th, - - - 
 
 1807, May ath, - - - 
 
 1808, April 27th - - - 
 
 1809, March 7th, - - - 
 
 1810, August 4th, - - - 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors and Prisoners of everj' description, one pound and half 
 of best wheaten bread per day, and a ])int of souj) twice a week. 
 Comncts under sentence of transportation have the Kings Allowance of 
 Us. 6d, per week *. 
 
 * The AUowanco luadu to the Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, upon passing his accounts annually in the 
 Court of Exchequci , of '2s. 6d. \:er week (for the maintenance of capital com icts, and convicts at the assizes 
 for transportable offtnces, detained in the Gaol) is issued under an order from the Chancellor of the Ex- 
 chequer. The Und( r-Shei iff makes out an account, containing the name of the convict, the time when 
 convicted, and the number of weeks from that jieriod till tiie convict is sent off, or till the end of the 
 Sherifi'alty, in case the convict so long remains in liis custody. And, as the County supports the convict 
 with bread and clotlilng, the Under-Sheriff from time to time pays to the Coimty Treasurer the sums 
 so ;dloued in his bill of cra\ings, in aid of that expenditure. As there are many Counties, who do not 
 know how to apply for the transport's money, 2s. 6d. a week, I insert this note to instruct them in 
 the mode of application for it. 
 
 ebtors 
 
 , 
 
 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 
 
 Bridewell, 
 
 18 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 14 
 
 15 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 17 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 24 
 
 12 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 19 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 37 
 
 17 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 13 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 29 
 
 17 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 k 
 
 15 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 12 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 27 
 
 8 
 
 _ 
 
 _ 
 
 - 
 
 18 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 iS 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 13 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 26 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 16 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 27 
 
 10 
 
 _ 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 11 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 15
 
 16 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol adjoins to the back part of the magnificent Shire-Hall. The original 
 construction of the building was faulty in the extreme; but the Marquis of Bitck- 
 ingliam, ever attentive to the interests of the County, having humanely interfered 
 in its Prison concerns, the loathsome dungeon is now inaccessibly bricked up, and 
 the Gaol has received many other and great improvements. 
 
 Here is but one court-yard for Debtors, 54 feet by 26, paved with flag-stones, 
 and a sewer in one corner: two day-rooms, with fire-places, and glazed windows;, 
 the largest room 20 feet by 14- 
 
 Above stairs are seven good bed-rooms, all Free IVards; furnished with wooden 
 bedsteads, flock beds, a blanket, and coverlet, at the County's expence. One of the 
 smallest rooms is set apart for Women Debtors. 
 
 Men Felons have a court-yard, of 32 feet by 24, paved with flag-stones, and the 
 sewer is in one corner. They have three day-rooms, whose average size is 16 feet 
 by 14 ; with cupboards for provisions, and benches to sit on, opening into the court- 
 yard. 
 
 Their sleeping-cells, sixteen in number, are over the well-room and straw-room, 
 and open into lobbies seyen feet wide. Each cell is 6' feet 6 by 5 feet, furnished 
 with a wooden bedstead, straw mattress, and one blanket ; and ventilated by an iron 
 grating in the door, 9 inches square, and another in the roof, 42 inches by 18. 
 Here is one solitary cell, of 6 feet 6 by 1 foot 9 inches, totally dark, and without 
 ventilation ; where the refractory prisoner sleeps on the floor upon loose straw, 
 with a blanket. 
 
 There being no stated Cliapel, divine service is performed in the Shire-Hall. 
 The Felons ascend to it from the l(jbby, into which their cells open, by a ladder of 
 25 steps, and three inches broad, to a trap-door made in the floor of the Sessions- 
 House, 2 feet 6 inches long, by 2 feet 3 broad, opening into the Prisoners' bar, 
 which is about 10 feet by 9 ; and here they sit to hear divine service. 
 
 The Bridewell Prisoners are seated on benches within the bar : Debtors, on a 
 row of benches, called The Attornies' Seats ; and the women are placed in a pew, 
 on the left baud of the chair. 
 
 When I attended divine service on the 13th January, 1805, thirteen criminals and 
 four debt.<rs received the sacrament, which is administered four times a year. 
 Many persons also from the town are accustomed to attend upon this occasion ; 
 and the momy collected is distributed amongst the criminals. All prisoners are 
 required to attend divine service. 
 
 A Chapjl within the Prison, properly partitioned off, so as to exclude the classes 
 from the sight of each other, is an accommodation much wanted. It would afford 
 their exemplary Chaplain an opportunity of selecting occasionally, and of applying
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 17 
 
 particular passages from scri])ture, the most appropriate to each dcscrij)tion of the 
 prisoners. 
 
 The IFell-Iioo))i, whicli is assigned for Prisoners under sentence of death, is 
 28 feet long hy 13 feet 3, and 9 feet 5 inches high ; with a brick floor, and small 
 fire place. There are in it five well-ventilated cells, of 6 feet 7 by 5 feet and an 
 inch ; fitted up with a wooden bedstead, a straw-in-sacking bed, and two blankets 
 each. 
 
 The Straiv Room for deserters, of 20 feet 6 inches by 15 feet 4, has a barrack-bed, 
 the whole length of the room, and raised two feet from the floor, with loose straw, 
 and a blanket for bedding. It opens into a lobby, 20 feet by 1 1 ; in which there is 
 a cell for one Pri^ione^, of 6-^ feet by 5 feet ; and adjoins to the Wtll-Rooin. 
 
 Female Felons are confined in the Women's Bridewell, and have a court-yard, 
 of 28 feet by 24; in which there is a sewer; a day-room, 20 feet by 10 ; a wash- 
 house, 17 feet by 12, with a cistern, copper, and fire-place; and a sleeping-room, 
 13 feet by 12 ; all which have boarded floors. There are also five sleeping cells, 
 of 7 feet by 6 feet 6, with a wooden bedstead, straw, and one blanket each. 
 
 The illeii's Brideicell has a court-yard, 47 feet by 29, with a sewer; a large 
 work-room, on the ground-floor, of 43 feet by 12 ; and a day-room, of 19 feet 
 9 inches by 15 feet 6. On the first floor are five sleej^ng cells, each 7 feet by 6 feet 
 6 ; with iron-grated windows, and inside shutters ; a bedstead for two persons, loose 
 straw and a blanket. The second story has eleven cells, of the same dimensions, 
 and furnished in the same manner as the former ; also one dark cell for the refrac- 
 tory, of 7 feet by 3 feet G inches, ventilated by an aperture of 6 inclies by 5. 
 
 The Injirmary is a neat building, detached from the Gaol, and consists of two 
 large rooms on the ground floor, 24 feet by 18, and paved with brick. In one of 
 them is an excellent mill, with a pair of n)ill-stones for grinding corn, and the 
 apparatus for dressing the flour. Above are two rooms for the sick, of the same size 
 as the former, with boarded floors and large glazed windows: A kitchen, 16" feet 
 by 12 feet 9 ; a room for the nurse, nearly of the same size, with suitable conveni- 
 ences for invalids. 
 
 A liberal supply of coals is allowed to the day-rooms, from the iGth of October 
 to the 16th of April : But if the weather be very severe, the time is extended by the 
 considerate Magistrates. 
 
 For Prisoners under sentence of death, — the mournful inhabitants of the " IFell- 
 Room,"^ already described, — time, and the just reflections of reason, have at length 
 given their lot a favourable turn: They are not, as heretofore, exposed to pitiless 
 curiosity. There was a time, when the people of Aylesbur}' were greatly averse 
 to having the place of execution fixed at the Gaol, " because it was within the town." 
 During my sheriffalty, I represented to the Marquis of Buckingham what ;in exccl- 
 
 D
 
 la STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 lent place we had for the purpose ; and, after getting several models made in London, 
 the one fixed upon is, I think, the completest piece of mechanism in this kingdom, 
 and was used, for the first time, this year, 1810. 'Tis an incident that seems to 
 interest humanity ; and I therefore wish some notice to be taken of it, that other 
 counties may " do likewise." In this particular, my endeavours to that end have 
 been very successful ; and I hope that the remaining towns (few in comparison), 
 will join to root out the old custom upon such distressful occasions. Here, now, 
 in Aylesbury, the poor condemned wretch no longer passes his dreariest days in a 
 loathsome dungeon, to be thence dragged through the town in a cart to execution, 
 at some distance, to gratify the cruel insensibility of the multitude, and disgrace the 
 character of civilized society : But an occasional platform, for the awful business, is 
 fixed in front of the County-Hall ; and the last comforts are calmly administered 
 to the sufl^erer, previous to his public exposure and punishment. 
 
 Some years ago the Prisoners were employed by the Gaoler, (and shops were 
 erected by him for the purpose) in sawing stone and timber, sifting of sand, &c. 
 But this has been discontinued; and now a trifling quantity of hemp, beat once or 
 twice in a month, is the only employment. 
 
 At the Summer Assize, Prisoners are removed from hence to Buckingham. 
 
 The following Memorial oj'a Legacy, is hung up in Aylesbury Church, and the 
 donation is regularly paid. 
 
 " William Findall, in the year 1604, gave Six pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, 
 to be paid on Midlent-Sunday annually, into the hands of the Church-Wardens of the 
 Parish of Aylesbury, for the time being, for ever, out of Summer-Leys, in the Parish of 
 Weston-Turville, for the following purposes; viz. 
 
 ^. s. d. 
 To the Poor of Weston-Turville ----.____ 06 8 
 To the Prisoners in Aylesbury Gaol ----____ 013 4 
 To a Scavenger, to keep the Church-ways clean ----- 0134 
 
 The Remainder (after deducting 155. 6d. for the Land-Tax) is distributed to the Widows 
 and distressed Poor of the Parish of Aylesbury." 
 
 There are likewise other donations, which ought to be recorded ; viz. 
 
 The Earl of Chesterfield has, for several years, given at every Christmas, two 
 pounds of beef, and one shilling in money, to each Prisoner. It is distributed by 
 Mr. Curry, his Lordship's Steward, at Eythorp, in the County of Bucks. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Ilupkhis, for the thirty years of his officiating as Chajjlain to 
 the County Gaol, has given to the Prisoners every Christmas, One Guinea ; which is 
 equally distributed amongst them by the Gaoler.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 19 
 
 Frequently have I attended Divine service at Aylesljury CJaol, and witnessed the 
 pious and energetic spirit with which the above exemplary Chaplain lias addressed 
 the Prisoners; but, particularly, on Sunday the 5th of August, 1810, (the day pre- 
 vious to their removal to Buckingham for trial ;) when he admonished the profligate, 
 aroused the thoughtless, and comforted the afflicted, in a manner so pointedly 
 impressive, that it not only drew tears from the Criminals, but visibly afiected the 
 numerous and silent congregation that usually attends the service with them in the 
 Shire-IIall. 
 
 It is a circumstance peculiarly fortunate, when a Prison, ill-constructed for every 
 humane purpose, attracts the notice of power, and the warm attentions of benevo- 
 lence, as is really the case with the one which I have here described. Not only Fees 
 and Garnish are abolished, but a well-behaved Debtor is indulged with " the 
 llules" (or range of space for air and exercise) which extend along the Pavement 
 in front of the County-Hall. Comfortable bedding also is here grahtitoiisly {nx- 
 nished. No one is discharged from hence, without receiving the price of a day's 
 labour, to convey him home: And thus, that punishment which the law ordains 
 equally to vice, to folly or misfortune, is Itere meted out in mercy : an example 
 worthy of imitation throughout the kingdom. 
 
 The Gaol is supplied with religious books ; and poor Prisoners, w hen discharged, 
 have money given them, according to their distance from home ; not merely for 
 immediate sustenance, but to remove the great temptation of committing a crime 
 for that purpose. 
 
 Books are kept in the Prison, in which the Visiting Magistrates, Chaplain and 
 Surgeon, enter their several Reports. 
 
 Water is well supplied from a rivulet at the bottom of the Keeper's Garden, by 
 means of a forcing pump worked by the Prisoners. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against the Use of Spirituous 
 Liquors, are here conspicuously hung up.
 
 20 STATl-: OF PRISONS 
 
 AYLESHAM. Norfolk. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Kt'ej)er, Ifllliani IIoiccs. 
 
 Salary 40/. now 55/. Also onc-fouiUi of the Prisoners' earning"!, and coals, 
 mops, brooms, and pails for the, use of the Prison. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Addison. Salary 30/. 
 
 Duty, Sermon on Sundays ; Prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Taylor. Salary, none ; but makes a Bill. . 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1805, Sept. 3d. --------------- 14 
 
 iSlO, Sept. 6th, -------------- 9 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a-day in money, or in bread, pease, and potatoes. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 On the front of the Keeper's house, is the following venerable Inscription, cut or 
 carved in wood. 
 
 " GOD save oure suprem Hed Kyng Henry the Eyght. Pray for the Good 
 
 Prosperyte and Asstate of Robert Mersham and lane his Wyfe, the wiche 
 
 this Howse they cawsed to be made. To the Honor of the Towne be their 
 
 Qwyck Lyfe. FINES. . 
 
 " This Howse was made in the Yer of our Lorde, 1543. 
 
 R. M. I. B." 
 
 At the back of the Keej)er's house is a court-yard 60 feet square, with a pump 
 in it, and two sewers. The Prisoners have one hour in the morning to wash and 
 clean themselves, which the Rules require them to do, before they receive their 
 bread; and likewise half an hour in the evening for the same purpose. Soap and 
 towels are allowed them by the County, a clean shirt every week, and clean sheets 
 once a month. 
 
 On the ground-flour are five cells, which open into a well-ventilated lobby, 40 
 feet long, and 4 feet wide; at the end of which is the Chapel, 18 feet by 10, and 
 8 feet 6 inches high ; with a fire-place. 
 
 Above stairs are five other cells, and an Infirmary over the Chapel, and of the 
 same size, which oj)en into a lobby of the like dimensions. Each cell is 12 feet 
 by 7, and 8 feet 6" inches high, with arciied roofs, and fitted up with a crib bedstead.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AXD WALES. 21 
 
 straw-in-sacking bed, one slieet, two blankets, and a rug : In each door is a wicket, 
 or pot-hole, of 6 inches Ijy 4. 
 
 There are also four cells, adjoining to the Keeper s wash-house, for the women ; 
 and these have glazed windows. 
 
 Yellow and brown striped clothing is provided for the Prisoners by tiie County. 
 Hemp blocks were heretofore used ; but as there is no hemp supplied, a mill is now 
 substituted for the grinding of corn, &c. 
 
 The Rules and Orders are hung up ; but not the Act for Preserving Health, nor 
 the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors. The Prison is white-washed once a year. 
 
 AYR. Scot/anil. 
 The Town and County Gaul. 
 
 Gaoler. fVilliam Paul. Salary 3.",/. 
 Fees, none, either for Debtors or Felons. 
 
 Chaplain, none; nor any religious attentions whatever : Not even to those under 
 sentence of death, unless gratuitously and voluntarily attended. 
 
 I. < <■) 
 
 Surgeon. When one is wanted, sent in, on application to the Magistrates. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 2SthOct. iSog. --__- 4. _._.._ 10. 
 
 Allowance to Felons, &c. Ail. a-day in bread. Debtors as alimented. One Man 
 had only 6d. the others 8</. per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison adjoins to the Justiciary Court. The ascent to it is by a fine flight 
 of 20 steps, and the entrance forms the Guard-House, a door from which opens into 
 a room under the Court, and is called " The Low Prison ;" And this is the only 
 place for the confinement of Debtors, male or female. It is ig feet long by 12 feet 
 wide ; has double iron-grated and glazed windows, 4 feet square ; a fire-place ; two 
 small tables, and benches to sit upon ; a turn-up bedstead, two wooden bedsteads on 
 the floor, and two others at the top of them, ascended by a small ladder : But no 
 bedding whatever, nor coals allowed. 
 
 Here are also two cells for criminals, each 14 feet by y feet (i ; wiih an aperture, 
 about 3 feet long and 8 inches wide, made through the wall ; but both light and air
 
 22 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 are almost totally excluded b}' the iron stancheons and perforated iron "plates which 
 extend the whole length of the aperture. The floors of the cells are stone, and 
 spread over with a little loose straw only to sleep on ; no fire-places, nor water, 
 save what is brought in by the Keeper ; and a tub uncovered serves the purpose of 
 a sewer. 
 
 The floor above is in the Steeple, and therefore, perhaps called " The High- 
 Prison." It contains two cells, of 12 feet by 8, with light and ventilation equally 
 obstructed, and, in other respects, similar to those before described. 
 
 The upper or attick story has two rooms, about l6 feet each by 11, with floors, 
 for Criminals. The windows of the Women's-Room are iron-grated, and about 3 feet 
 square : That for the Men has an aperture in the wall, about four inches wide, with 
 an iron stancheon up the middle : No bedding but some loose straw : No fire-place 
 in either of the rooms, nor any furniture whatever ; a tub in place of a sewer: And 
 no water, but what is brought by the Gaoler, who lives distant. 
 
 Some of the doors here are of iron, others strongly clouted with it ; and all, 
 excepting those on the upper-story, open into dark passages, so that I found a 
 candle necessary, though both my visits were made in the day-time. 
 
 James Fisher, committed hither for stealing apples out of an orchard, had a pair 
 of leg-bolts on him, made something like handcuffs, but the iron five times thicker ; 
 the stiff iron bar attached to which, must require uncommon and painful exertion 
 for the Prisoner to rise on his feet ; and even then he could not walk or move 
 either foot more than two or three inches at a step before the other. At the time 
 of my visit he had been thus shackled for sixty days. The Keeper told me the 
 Prisoner had been very unruly ; and his having discovered marks of insanity, was 
 the cause of his being thus cruelly ironed. The Magistrates were desirous to release 
 liim, but neither his son, nor any other would take charge of him. Before I left 
 Ayr, his irons were taken off; the Magistrates, however, could get no person to 
 receive him. As the circuit is only twice a-year, April and September, a Prisoner 
 may be here confined six months without coming out of his cell, or tasting the fresh 
 air ; and the Gaoler informed me that he has had 23 Prisoners at one time. 
 
 30th Oct. 1809. The Magistrates and Council of Ayr assembled, were pleased to 
 honour me with the freedom of the Burgh, which was greatly enhanced by the 
 speech delivered by the Chief Magistrate on presenting it.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALF.S. 23 
 
 BANBURY. Oxfordshire. 
 The Town Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Joseph IVise. Salary, Ij/. 
 
 Fees, for l^ebtors ami Felons, 1,3*. 4d. ") .^ r^. , , 
 /> « • . 1. T^ ■ ^ o I J-^o Table, 
 
 tor Bridewell Prisoners, 6s. hd. j 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, from the Town. 
 
 Prisoners, 1803, August 20th. Debtors, none. One Woman Felon, 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. Criminal Prisoners have sixpence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tiiis Prison appears to have been built in 1706. It has two dark anil ofiensive 
 rooms below; one of them called The Gaol, the other The Bridewell; with straw 
 upon the floors to sleep on. 
 
 The Debtors confined here are by process issuing out of the Borough Court ; and 
 in the Keeper's house there is a room above stairs, for such as can pay 2*. 6d. per 
 week. Here is no court-yard, but one might be made out of the Gaoler's garden, 
 into which the iron-grated windows of the Prison look, and of which the back part 
 of his house commands a view. No water accessible to the Prisoners ; nor any 
 employment provided for them. Neither the Act for Preserving Health, nor the 
 Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, hung up. 
 
 BALA. Merionethshire, North Wales. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, IFilliam Jones. Salary, 61. 
 
 1803, Dec. 27th, No Prisoners. Surgeon from the town, if wanted. 
 
 Allowance, three shillings per week for each, which is paid to the Keeper. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell consists of two rooms adjoining to the Town-Hall, of about eleven 
 feet square. Here is a small court-yard. No water, but what is brought by the 
 Keeper.
 
 24 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BANFF. Scotland. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaolers, The four Town Officers, in weekly rotation. 
 Salary, none, except from the Town. See Remarks. 
 Fees, for Felons, none. Debtors, 4d. a night. No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. James Smith, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtor. Felons. Lunaliik. 
 
 6th Oct. 1809, - - - - 1. - - - - 3. - - - - 1. 
 
 Allowance, Felons, 3^. a day. Debtors, as alimented. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is built adjoining the Town-Hall ; and has on the second floor two 
 spacious rooms for Debtors, with flagged floors, lift-up sash-windows, and fire-places, 
 but no coals allowed. Two wooden bedsteads enclosed by a dwarf partition, have 
 a little loose straw as the only bedding afforded ; and a sewer is enclosed in one 
 corner. The doors of these rooms open into a flagged lobby, five feet wide, with 
 a large grated window at the end, for light and ventilation. Two strong cells for 
 Felons communicate with this lobby, and are about eleven feet square, with vaulted 
 roofs ; but no fire-places, nor bedsteads, or bedding, except a little loose straw on 
 the floor. They are lighted and ventilated by a narrow aperture, with a strong 
 iron stancheon run up the middle. 
 
 No court-yard. No water accessible : but there is a very convenient place at the 
 top of the building for a cistern to supply the Prison ; which, it is to be hoped, 
 will not be forgotten, when the plan for furnishing the Town and County Hall with 
 so necessary an article, is carried into effect. A forcing pump for so good a pur- 
 pose might be worked by the Prisoners. 
 
 The following is a Copy of the Report made to the Court of Session in 1808, by 
 the Town Cierk, in pursuance of an order to that effect. 
 
 " The Gaol of Banft', which was built a few years ago, is one of the most com- 
 modious, secure, and airy, it is believed, in Scotland. 
 
 " It contains, on the second story, two strong cells for delinquents, and two 
 spacious rooms for civil debtors. •■ 
 
 'f Besides these there are two very large apartments, on the ground-floor also, 
 intended for a House of Correction, and employment for many Prisoners; but not 
 being finished, they liave not yet been used.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 23 
 
 The Town Officers, four in number, act as Gaolers by weekly rotation ; for which, 
 besides the perquisites specified below, they receive a small salary from the revenue 
 of the town. The Gaoler, for the week, is obliged to attend the Prison, and clean 
 the same ; to procure the Prisoners what necessaries they may want, and carry any 
 communications which they may have occasion to send out of the Gaol. 
 
 The (jrAOL Fees, exacted according to immemorial custom and ])ractice, are, 
 " From the Incarcerator of any Civil Debtor, under letters of caption, 
 
 £. s. d. 
 " To die Town Clerk, for booking -.-_-... 050 
 
 To the Gaoler, for receiving the Prisoner --_... OIO 
 " From the Incarcerator, or person interested in the imprisonment of any person 
 incarcerated under a Warrant de meditutiouc fugic, Laborrow, or any other War- 
 rant of an inferior Judge, 
 
 £. s. d. 
 " To the Town Clerk --... 026 
 
 To tlie Gaoler ---------.--_-_ oio 
 
 " Every Prisoner possessed of Funds, except those who are committed for trial, 
 
 and Convicts, pay for every night of confinement to the Gaoler, as follows, viz. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 " If a Burgess of Banff, ----_-_--... 03 4 
 
 If not a Burgess -------._.-.__ 068 
 
 " No Fees are exacted on the liberation of Prisoners. 
 
 " There is no instance of a Prisoner having been confined here for Gaol-Fees, after 
 his Incarcerator consented to his liberation : But the Gaolers frequently detain what 
 effects the Prisoner may have had in Gaol, until they are paid their fees ; and, for 
 want of payment, sometimes obtain warrant, and sell the eflects by auction. The 
 rate of aliment allowed to poor Debtors, who apply for the benefit of the act, com- 
 monly called the Act of Grace, varies from 6d. to iv. per diem ; generally 8rf. or gd. 
 
 John Smith." 
 
 BASINGSTOKE. Hampshire. 
 
 Bridewell. The Head Constable is the Keeper. No Salary, 
 Allowance, sixpence a-day. 
 
 Here are two close offensive rooms, adjoining the court-house, each 13 feet by 4. 
 with a small iron-grating over the doors. Straw upon the floor. No court-yard, 
 nor water. A very narrow passage to the sewer. 
 
 iSoi, March 20th, 
 
 ■ " "'nsoners. 
 
 1803, October 
 
 >NoPn£
 
 26 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BARKING. Essex. 
 The Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Miller, a shoemaker. Salary 38/. 
 
 Fees, none. Conveyance of each Prisoner to Chelmsford for trial, 30^. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Ebert Jefferys. Salary 20/. 
 
 Duty, Sermon on Sundays. There being no Chapel, Divine Service is per- 
 formed in the Keeper s house. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Ireland. Salary 15/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1806, June 21st, ._.___---- 14 
 1808, Aug. 26th, ---------- 5 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of bread, furnished by the Gaoler ; and a quart of 
 table beer sent from the Brewer's, at 20s. per barrel. Women, for their chil- 
 dren, have bread, milk, and sugar, to the amount of about seven farthings per 
 day. Five chaldrons of coals also are yearly allowed to the Prison. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, situate in the North Street, stands in the middle of a garden, con- 
 taining about an acre. 
 
 From the Gaoler's house is a descent by a flight of eighteen steps, to a court-yard, 
 paved with flag-stones, 64 feet by 1 1 ; which is divided by an iron-palisaded gate, 
 and contains six well-ventilated sleeping cells, of 10 feet by 8, and 9 feet high. There 
 is an iron-grating over every door, with a shutter to put up at night. The floors 
 are of oak-plank, and the rooms are furnished with wooden cradle-bedsteads, straw- 
 in-sacking bed, one blanket, or two, as the season may require, and a rug. 
 
 One of the cells has a fire-place ; and there is a pump of excellent water. 
 
 On the other side of the Keeper's house is the Men's working room, 14 feet by 
 13, with a fire-place, and glazed window. The employment of the Prisoners is to 
 pick oakum ; and they have the half of their earnings. 
 
 The Women's Court-yard is 28 feet by 8 feet 9 inches ; and their work-room 
 15 feet by 14, and 10 feet high ; with a fire-place and glazed window. They have 
 also a Lying-in Room, 9 feet by 8, with bedsteads and bedding, like those for the 
 Men. 
 
 Above stairs is a room for the sick, 17 feet square, with fire-place, and opposite 
 windows. But this room, at my visit in 1806, was filled with breeding cages, and a 
 variety of birds ; and in 1808, was used as a cutting shop, and filled up with leather. 
 
 The Prisoners have County clothes, and a bathing tul) supplied them : Clean linen 
 once a week; and when dischiirged, which is always in the morning, they have 
 money given them, according to their respective distances from liome.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 BARNSTAPLE. Devonshire. 
 The Borough Gaol, and Brideuell. 
 
 Gaoler, Nathaniel Blackivill. Salary, 5/. Fees, 4*. 4d. 
 
 Chaplain, none: nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, is sent in by the Parish. 
 
 Prisoners, 4th Dec. 18 10, Debtor, 1. Petty Offender, 1. Foreigners, 2. 
 
 Allowance to Debtors, none ; to Criminals, twopence halj'-penuij per day, from 
 the Parish. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here is only one court-yard for Debtors, Felons, and all descriptions of Male 
 Prisoners, which is 26 feet square, with a pump to supply it with water. 
 
 The Debtors Prison consists of one room on the ground-floor, 12 feet by 11, and 
 7 feet high, with a boarded floor, and an iron-grated window. No fire-place. Their 
 sleeping room above is 15 feet by 14, and 8 feet high, with barrack bedstead, and 
 straw only allowed. It has a glazed-window, and a fire-place ; but no coals are 
 supplied. Debtors committed hither are by process issuing out of the Borough 
 Court, which is held once a fortnight, on Mondays ; and the number confined 
 within the last four years and a half has been only seven. 
 
 The part called the Felons' Prison is one room, 14 feet by 8, and 7 feet 6 inches 
 high, on the ground-floor ; with a barrack bedstead, to which straw only is fur- 
 nished for bedding. Here is a fire-place, but incapable of being used : No fuel 
 allowed; and the iron-grating looks to the street. 
 
 The Brideuell Part consists of one room below, 14 feet by 12, and 6 feet 
 high ; with boarded floor, an unglazed grated window, but no fire-place : And one 
 room above, of the same size, with barrack bedsteads, and straw only allowed. 
 
 Females are kept separate from Male Prisoners, both day and night ; but they have 
 no court-yard. 
 
 Here is a Gaol-Delivery twice a-year, at the Session, which is held before the 
 Mayor, Aldermen, and Recorder, who is a Barrister of this Borough. They have a 
 Power of Charter, of trying all offences committed within it, except capital felonies : 
 for which Prisoners are confined here only for a-day or two, till fully committed to 
 the County Gaol. The Prison is dry, airy, and well ventilated. 
 
 1 have heretofore been at Barnstaple, but never had an idea that a Prison existed 
 there, no such having been mentioned by Mr. Howard. A petition, by letter, 
 from Mr. Roberts, a worthy resident of the town, in favour of a poor delator under 
 very pitiable circumstances, caused me to institute an inquiry, and produced the 
 above information.
 
 2» ■ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BASINGSTOKE; ^eepa^e 25. 
 
 BATH. Somersetshire, 
 The City Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, George Griffin, who is also a Sheriff's Officer ; which no Keeper of a 
 Prison should be. He must frequently be from home ; and his business is 
 incompatible with the Duty of a Gaoler. 
 Salary 30/. Fees 7*. M. No Table. Conveyance of Prisoners to the Countj' 
 Gaol at Ilchester, one shilling per mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Marshall, lately appointed. 
 Salary 20/. 
 Duty, no stated time of attendance, or arrangement of service. At my visit 
 
 here, in Sept. 1 806, it was more than two months since divine service had 
 
 been last performed. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Kitson, also lately appointed. 
 Salary 20/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1800, March 30th, - 
 
 1801, Dec. 3«^, - - 
 1803, Oct. 5th, - - 
 1806, Sept. 19th, - 
 
 Allowance to Debtors, none whatever. (See Remarks) . 
 
 Felons and Criminal Prisoners, sixpence, or fourpence per day in bread, as it 
 is dear or cheap ; it is sent from the Baker in two-penny loaves : Weight 
 in Sept. 1 806, eleven ounces each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, situate in Grove-street, is unfortunately built on very low ground. 
 The ascent to it is by a fine flight of stone steps. On the entrance-floor are the 
 Keeper s parlour, kitchen, and two bed-rooms. Above are three stories, and on each 
 five good-sized rooms ; two of which are used by the Keeper : the rest are for 
 Debtors ; one bed in a room, for which the Prisoner pays 3*". 6d. per week. 
 
 Two rooms on the second-story are free-wards ; one for Men, the other for 
 Women ; to which the Corporation allows straw laid on the floor. 
 
 No employment is furnished by the city. Coals are sometimes allowed to the 
 Prison : But here is no Chapel. Divine service (when performed at all) is in a 
 
 btor 
 
 3. 
 
 Felons , 
 
 Petty Offenders. 
 
 Deserters. 
 
 1 
 
 - - 
 
 2 
 
 • - - 4 - - 
 
 • - 
 
 2 
 
 - - 
 
 3 - 
 
 - - - 10 - - 
 
 - - 
 
 1 
 
 - - 
 
 
 
 - - - 4 - - 
 
 - - 1 
 
 2 
 
 - .. 
 
 1 
 
 - - 6 . . 
 
 ■ - 2
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 29 
 
 front-room, of 17 feet by 14 ; one half of which is taken up by a larfje barrack bed- 
 stead *. Previous to my visit in 1801, there had been httle or no religious duty for 
 many years ; and yet, at one of my visits, there were 31 Prisoners in the Gaol. 
 
 The police of this splendid and matchless city appears to be well-regulated in 
 every respect, except as to its Prison. The Act for the Preservation of Health is 
 not hung up; but on a painted board is inscribed, " No strong Liquors admitted, 
 " undrr the Penalty of Ten Pounds, or three Months Imprisonment." 
 
 For Petty Offenders, here is, seventeen steps down, a dark damp day-room, about 
 14 feet square, with a fire-place ; and three damp sleeping-cells, one of which is 
 14 feet square, and 9 feet high ; the two others y feet square : One of them has no 
 light nor ventilation, but what it receives from an aperture in the door, 9 inches by 
 6 : The doors are boarded, and have loose straw to sleep on. 
 
 These cells are frequently crammed with vagrants ; and there is a flagged court, 
 52 feet long and l6 feet wide, used in common, both for Prisoners of the latter 
 description, and for debtors, through which lies the passage to the court-yard, where 
 felons are confined. This court was formerly overflowed by water, the marks of 
 which, at least, till lately, were visible on the w^alls ; but since the canal has been 
 cut, the ground is dry. 
 
 In the centre there are 12 cells, which the Corporation have very properly built 
 upon arches : They consist of a double range, six in each, of about 8 feet square, and 
 as many high ; light, well-ventilated, and to every one there is a fire-place, and a 
 small stone-sink as an urinal in one corner. The floors are of boards, with loose 
 straw to sleep on. The doors of the cells open into stone galleries, 42 feet long, and 
 3 feet 9 inches wide, guarded by an iron railing, and with a sewer at each end. 
 No room set apart for an Infirfftary. No Bath, nor County clothing. No mops, 
 brooms, pails, soap or towels, for personal or prison cleanliness. No Rules and 
 Orders. Mrs. Dickenson, who resides at Hath, has sent annually, for the last seven 
 years, at Christmas, Easter and Whitsuntide, one pound and a half of mutton or 
 beef, a half-quartern loaf and potatoes, to every Prisoner in this Gaol. 
 
 Debtors are sent hither from the Court of Requests for the City of Bath, and 
 Liberties thereof; the parish of PValcot ; the several parishes and places in the 
 Hundreds of Bath-forum and fVellow ; the Liberties of Hampton, Claverton, Easton 
 and Amrill, all in the County of Somerset: which Court takes cognizance of all 
 debts not exceeding ten pounds. The imprisonment for debts exceeding five 
 pounds is 200 days. 
 
 * As I shall, in the course of this Work, luwe frevjuent occ;ision to mantion ban-ack-beds, or bed- 
 steads, I vvi.^h my reader to understand the) are low stages of boards, raised fi-oni the Boor ; and slop- 
 ing from the wall towaixls the middle of the room ; as in the barracks for soldiers.
 
 30 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BATTEL ; see page 32. 
 
 BEAUMARIS. Isle of Anglesea. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, William Hopson ; now Thomas Ashurst. 
 
 Salary, in l802, was Ten Pounds ; but in 1803, Five Pounds from the Sheriff; 
 and for the Bridewell 30/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, 7*. Felons, &c. 13*. 4d. No Table. Conveyance of Trans- 
 ports, the expence. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Thomas, now Rev. Mr. Williams. 
 Salary, heretofore loZ. now 20l. 
 Duty, At my visit in 1803, DivineService had been discontinued for two years: 
 
 But the Salary having since been increased, as above, here are Prayers and 
 
 a Sermon once a-week. 
 
 Surgeon, till lately, Mr. Sparrow : But since his death none has been regularly 
 appointed. When wanted, sent by the town, and makes a Bill. 
 
 Jumber of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. Bridewell. 
 
 1800, April 24th, 
 
 - - 4 - - 
 
 - - - - - - 
 
 180-2, Jan. 26th, - - 
 
 - - 5 - - 
 
 -- ---- 
 
 1803, Sept. 15th, - - 
 
 - - 3 - - 
 
 -- ---- 1 
 
 1806, Nov. 13th, - - 
 
 - - 1 _ _ 
 
 - - - - - - 5 
 
 1809, Feb. 21st, - - 
 
 - - 5 - - 
 
 - - 1 and Bastardy, 3 
 
 Allowance, 4d. a-day to all. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is also the County Bridewell. It stands on the strait or narrow 
 channel, called the Menai, and near the old castle fortified by Edward I. 
 
 For Debtors here is a court-yard, an oblong square, of about 16 yards by 13 ; and 
 on the second story they have six good-sized sleeping rooms, with fire-places and 
 glazed-windows ; for which, if the Debtor brings his own bed, he pays nothing ; 
 otherwise straw, in lieu of bedding, is furnished by the County : But if the Keeper 
 furnishes a bed, the charge is 2s. per week. 
 
 On the ground-floor there is a common kitchen, with a fire-place, and a pantry. 
 There being no Chapel, divine service is performed in the Keeper's parlour. The 
 window of this room commands the debtors' part of the Prison ; but of the felons' 
 part there is no view whatever, except through the iron palisaded gate hereafter 
 mentioned.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 3 1 
 
 Felons have a court- yard of about the same size as that for the debtors ; a day- 
 room, with a fire-place ; and five sleeping cells on the ground-floor, each 8 feet 
 4 inches by 7 feet two, and 7 feet 9 inches high. These have arched roofs, with 
 brick floors, and are dark, damp, and insecure; supplied with plank bedsteads, 
 chaft-in-tickingbeds, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 A wall intended as a separation divides the Debtors court-yard from that of the 
 Felons, which is of the same size; but a constant communication is kept up, by 
 means of two iron-palisaded gates, through one of which you must pass to the 
 felons' part of the Gaol. This, however, is insecure, a felon having made his escape 
 about three weeks before my visit in 1803. At that period the court-yards, day- 
 rooms, pantry, and common kitchen, had all of them mud-floors, which have since 
 been paved with flag-stone. For Bridewell Prisoners here is one room. 
 
 I remember the Gaoler told me, that the whole of his Fees, amounted only to 
 12/. 13*. \od. So that, his Salary included, he had no more than 47/. 13*' 10(f. 
 to maintain himself, and support his wife and seven children: adding, that Lord 
 Bulkeley humanely employed him at times amongst his labourers, or he must be in 
 a state bordering on starvation. 
 
 It is but an act of humanity and common justice to observe, That every where 
 in Wales, in Cornwall, and some nearer parts of England, the Salaries of Gaolers 
 are very small, and inadequate to the fixithful discharge of so important a trust. 
 
 This Prison is said to be white-washed once in two or three years; but the good 
 effects of that salutary process are destroyed, as every chinmey in the place is smoky. 
 
 Here is no water, but what the Gaoler fetches from a fine spring, ninety-six yards 
 distant, and then pours into a square box, lined with lead, which holds about 
 22 gallons. This task, however, might easily be prevented, and the water laid on 
 at a small expence. 
 
 No Fuel is allowed the Prisoners. No separate court-yard, day-room, or kitchen 
 for Women Debtors, who therefore must mix with the Bridewell Prisoners. No 
 mops, brooms, pails, towels or soap, to keep the Prisoners or their Prison clean : So 
 that I was not surprised at finding the Gaol dirty. 
 
 Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors 
 hung up. The Keeper informed me, that 110 Magistrate had been u'ltkin side the 
 Gaol for seven years. 
 
 Mr. Ashurst also told me in 1803, that the Under-Sheriff had reduced his Salary 
 as Gaoler to Five Pounds. Now by the Statute, 24 Geo. HI it is clearly expressed, 
 " That the Justices of the Peace are to order and direct the Salaries to be paid out 
 of the County-Rate, by the Treasurer of such County."
 
 32 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BEAUMARIS. The Town Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, Richard Ellis, the Town Sergeant. Salary, as Keeper, none. 
 Fees, 13*. 4d. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1803, Sept. 15tli. Deserters, 3. 
 
 Allowance, as in the County Gaol, fourpence a-day. 
 
 Here is one room for the Keeper ; and for the Prisoners, two small ones, of about 
 10 feet by 6, under the Town-Hall, with loose straw thrown upon a wooden bed- 
 stead. No court-yard. No water. 
 
 BATTEL. Sussex. 
 
 Gaoler, fVllliam Croft, a Sheriff's Officer, who lives at a distance. 
 Salary lO/. Fees, 3*. 4d. 
 
 Surgeon, from the town, when wanted. 
 
 1 802, Sept. 20th, One Prisoner. 
 
 Allowance, 4d. or 6d. per day, according as bread is cheap or dear. 
 
 This Gaol consists of two rooms on the ground-floor, 14 feet by 12^, in one 
 of which is a chimney, and the fire-place was filled with rubbish ; the other 
 has a strong staple, to which felons are chained. There is straw laid upon the floors, 
 with a blanket and rug to sleep on ; and an offensive sewer in each room. The iron- 
 grated windows look into a small court ; but of which, as being insecure, the Pri- 
 soners have not the use. No water accessible to the Prisoners, although it might be 
 laid on from the little garden belonging to the Keeper. The Prison very filthy.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. %J 
 
 BECCLES. Sufolk. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, JVUliam Cadmore, Salary 3")/. now Samuel Drewell, Salary 42/. ; with 
 Coals for his own use, and 14^. per week for a Turnkey ; paid by the Beccles- 
 Division of the County. 
 Fees, for Felons, 13.V. 4d. No Table. 
 
 Conveyance of Transports to Ipswich, one shilling |jer mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Penn. Salary lo/. 10s. 
 Duty, Prayers on Tuesday and Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Croujbot. Salary, none; makes a Bill. 
 
 N°of Prisoners, 1805, Sept. 10th, 7. 1807, Dec. 17th, 5. 1 8 10, Sept. 15th, G. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of household bread per day, sent from the 
 Baker's, which I found to be of full weight. 
 Dietary, Breahfast, each day, oatmeal gruel. 
 Dinners, on Sundai/, half a pound of meat, and one pound of potatoes. 
 
 Monday, three-fourths of a pint of pease, or rice in stead, when 
 
 pease are dear ; with broth from meat of the preceding day. 
 Tuesday, rice, or oatmeal, made into porridge, with leeks or onions; 
 If^ednesduy, two pounds of potatoes. 
 Thursday, as Sunday : Friday, as Monday. 
 Saturday, as Tuesday. 
 When a Prisoner is sick, extra food, or bedding, sujjplied at the Surgecn's 
 discretion. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Great part of this Prison has been lately built : But the brick-work is not substan- 
 tial : The mortar appears to be badly made ; and the wood, not having been well 
 seasoned, has shrunk, so as to leave considerable interstices. The (Jaol, therefore^ 
 is not secure. 
 
 The boundary- wall, seventeen feet high, incloses an area of 180 feet by loS. It 
 fronts to the South ; and over the g-ate the following motto is very suitably in- 
 scribed on stone, " PROHIBERE GUAM PUNIRE." " Tis better to prevent 
 than punish crime." 
 
 On the right-hand, at the entrance, is a room called The Cage, for the temporary 
 confinement of what are termed assaults, or nigM-charges. On the left is the 
 Turnkey's sitting-room ; and over both of these is his chamber. A foot-j)ath of 
 42 feet long leads to the Prison ; and the residence of the Keeper being in the 
 
 F
 
 '34 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 centre, the windows of his two rooms command a view of the Men's two court-yards, 
 which are nearly 70 feet each by ,qo, and in one of them a pump and stone-trough, 
 inclosed by a wooden paling, not more than five feet six inches high ; upon which, 
 as the Keeper justly observed, he could lay his hands and jump over. Here is also 
 a small court-yard for the Women, of 24 feci by 12 feet 6, of which the Keeper 
 has no view. They have 3II gravel bottoms. 
 
 On the ground-floor are two day-rocnns for Men, about 10 feet by 9, with fire- 
 places and glazed windows; and six sleeping-cells, about 12 feet by 7, with glazed 
 and grated casement windows, and J) feet 6 inches high, to the crown of the arch. 
 Also two other cells for Women, of nearly the same size ; the doors opening into a 
 well ventilated lobb)', 4 feet wide, in which are two iron palisaded gates, to separate 
 convicts from those who are not yet tried ; and a wooden door excludes the Women 
 from both. 
 
 On the first story, in the centre, is the Chapel, which is very small, where the 
 I'risoners are seated in full view, and almost close to each other. The two prison 
 lobbies open into it, each containing five sleeping-cells, similar to those before 
 described ; and in one of them is a fire-place. 
 
 The attick-story of each wing has two spacious rooms, with glazed and grated 
 windows ; which have fire-places, and may serve occasionally for Infirmaries or 
 Store-Rooms. 
 
 Every cell tliat is occupied has a crib bedstead, with straw-in-sacking bed, two 
 sheets, cleaned monthly, and two blankets. The Men Prisoners are clean shirted 
 and shaved every Sunday morning ; and cloth is ready provided for twenty suits 
 of County clothing. 
 
 A forcing-pump throws water to the top of the building, and cleanses also the 
 sewers and drains, which the Keeper informed me were not ofi'ensive. 
 
 The circumjacent ground, betwixt the court-yards and the boundary-wall in front, 
 affords the Keeper a convenient garden for the growth of vegetables : The back- 
 part consists of a Iiog-cote, with about half a dozen pigs in it. Ducks also range 
 about at large. The Keeper, who is a cabinet-maker, assured me, that if he did not 
 procure work at his trade, his salary was not adequate to support his family. 
 
 The total amount of Prisoners confined in, and discharged from, this House of 
 Correction, between the 12th of July, lS02, and the 15th of September, 18 10, 
 was 372. ^. s. d. 
 
 The Expeiice for their Maintenance -----_._- 394 12 8| 
 And the Value of their Earnings ------_.-- 97 16 8^ 
 
 Leaving a Nett Charge on the County - _ _ . _ 296 16 O 
 
 Here is no bath, but an oven in the Keeper's house is provided to purif}'^ foul or 
 infected clothes. The Prison is kept clean. No alarm-bell. No Rules and Orders ; 
 and neither Act iior Clauses are hung up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, aCOTLAND, AND WALES. 35 
 
 IJliDFORD. 
 
 The County Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, John Moore Howard. 
 
 Salary, for the Gaol, \00l. and for the House of Correction, go/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 174-. Ad. each, as per Table hung up : Besides which 
 the Under-Sherift' demands of each Debtor 6s. Sd. for his Liberate! For 
 the removal of Transports to Woolwich, 5/. each ; and if to Portsmoutli,. 
 the expence of conveyance. Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Cave. Salary 40/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday, and Pra3ers on Thursday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Campion. Salary, for Debtors, Felons, and House of Correction, 40/. 
 
 imber or Prisoners, Debtors. 
 
 Feloiis. 
 
 House 
 
 of Coriecticn. 
 
 1801, Aug. 19th, - - - 5 - 
 
 - - 12 - 
 
 _ - _ 
 
 4 
 
 1802, Jan. 26th, - - - 4 - 
 
 - - 6" - 
 
 _ - - 
 
 .9 
 
 1806, July 14th - - - 11 
 
 3 - 
 
 - - _ 
 
 9 
 
 1807, Sept. 1st - - - 4 
 
 - - 2 - 
 
 - - -. 
 
 6 
 
 1 80S, Feb. 18th - - - 11 
 
 6 - 
 
 - "- - 
 
 4 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, two quartern loaves each per week. 
 Felons, two half-peck loaves per week each. 
 I weighed the loaves at my several visits, and they were all just- 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol was first inhabited 17th June, iSoi, and stands in a good situation., 
 being just out of the town. 
 
 The entrance to the Prison is the Turnkey's lodge, a handsome stone-building, with 
 a sitting-room on one side ; and on the other, a warm and cold bath, with an oven 
 to purify infected or offensive clothes. Up-stairs is the Turnkey's sleeping-room, 
 and another in which the County clothing is put on, and that of the Prisoners 
 ticketed and hung by till discharged. Here is likewise a reception-cell for the newly- 
 arrived Prisoner, till he is e.\amined as to his health, jjrevious to admission into the 
 interior. At the top of the building is the flat-roof, — the place of execution. 
 
 After passing the lodge, the way to the Keeper's house is through a small garden, 
 
 of 32 feet in length. The Keeper resides in the centre of the Prison. 
 
 . On the ground-floor is his parlour, kitchen, and pantry ; and behind them an 
 
 open space, called The Hall, in which I vow found both the Act for Preservation of 
 
 Health, and the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, conspicuously j)aintc<l ou a
 
 3(5 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 board, and hung up ; with weights and scales hkevvise for the use of the Prison. 
 Into this hall three lobbies open, of five feet wide. Over the entrance-gate of one, 
 is inscribed in stone, " Men-Felons and Convicts ;" of a second, " Women-Felons, 
 and Debtors ;" and of the third, " House of Correction." 
 
 The above three lobbies contain two day-rooms each, which open into a court- 
 yard, for the use of the several classes ; one day-room for Men, the other for Women ; 
 having glazed windows and fire-places, to which coals are allowed during the six 
 winter months : They are fitted up with benches and cupboards for provisions ; 
 and cooking utensils, towels, &c. are very considerately provided by the Magistrates. 
 In each lobby there are four working-cells. 
 
 Criminals are employed in beating hemp, but receive no part of their earnings. 
 Debtors sometimes procure employment from without, and have whatever they 
 can earn. Transports here have not the King's allowance of 2.s. 6d. per week. 
 
 Over the Hall is a room, of the same size, in which the articles of County clothing 
 are deposited : Also three lobbies like those below : Two of these contain eight 
 sleeping cells, for felons and House of Correction prisoners ; and the third has six 
 sleeping-rooms for poor debtors, two of which are of 13 feet by 8, and the other four 
 10 feet by 8, having fire-places and glazed windows, and fitted up with iron bed- 
 steads, sacking bottoms, a straw -in-canvas bed, blanket, and rug, furnished gratis, 
 at the County's expence. 
 
 For those who can pay, here are rooms of better accommodation, which are sup- 
 plied by the Keeper at 2s. Gd. a single bed, per week ; or if two sleep together, at 
 Sis. weekly each. If the debtor finds his own bedding and sheets, he pays 1*. 6(1. 
 per week. 
 
 The Chapel is in the centre, on the second or attick-story, where the Prisoners 
 are properly seated according to their respective classes ; and all are required, not 
 only to attend divine service, unless prevented b}^ illness, but to deport themselves 
 reverently there. 
 
 There are three other lobbies, like the former, that open into the Chapel : The 
 first for Felons and Convicts, with eight sleeping-cells ; the second for House of 
 Correction Prisoners, and the same number of sleeping-cells: the third lobby has 
 two store-rooms ; and two others are set apart for Infirmaries, with boarded floors, 
 14 feet 8 inches by 10 feet 6, and 9 feet 8 inches high ; also with fire-places and 
 glazed windows. 
 
 At the top of the building is an alarm-bell. 
 
 The Criminal Prisoners have thirty-two sleeping-cells, each ,9 feet 4 inches by 
 € feet 9, and 10 feet high : These are all light, airy, and clean, fitted up with iron 
 bedsteads, straw beds, two blankets and a coverlet : the iron-grated window has an 
 inside shutter. Each cell has a double door; the outer, iron-grated, the inner of 
 wood. The Prisoners are shaved, and have clean linen every week. For the diflfereat
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 37 
 
 classes here are six airy court-yards; their averajje size 54 feet by 30, with open 
 wood palisades, about 17 feet distant from the boundary walL 
 
 There is a pump in every court-yard, and the whole Prison is well supplied with 
 water, and kept very clean. 
 
 Table or Fees. 
 
 ♦' COI'NTY OF BeDIORD. 
 
 At a General Quarter Session for the Town and County of Bedford, l)eld on Wednesday, 
 3d Octol)er, 1781, before Sir Philip Moiioic.r, Bart. William Geary, John Nesbit, and John 
 Miller, \\in. Estirs. ; and ilie Rev. lladlcy Cox, Henry Jlimle, Peter Lepipre, W. Smith, and 
 John Hawkins, Justices ot' ilie Peace in the said County, and assigned to determine Fcloiiies, 
 Trespasses, and other JNIisdenieanours there. Tut following Tabic of Fees was perused, 
 settled, and approved to be taken by the County Gaoler of Bedfordsliire ; but first sub- 
 mitted to the Judges of Assize for their approbation. 
 
 Debtors' Fees: 
 
 To the Gaoler, and his Turnkeys. £. s. d. 
 
 for each Debtor discharged -..-..._.-_ 0174 
 
 For tlie second, and every other Action -------. Oloo 
 
 To the Turnkey, at the Discharge of every Debtor - _ - . 2 
 
 Ditto, for a secotul, and every other Action ------- 010 
 
 For every Debtor for a Week's Lolging, on the Chapel Sitic, the 
 
 Gaoler finding bedding, sheets, and blankets ------ 026 
 
 If two sleep together, to take of each ---------- 020 
 
 Of every Debtor, for Chamber-Rent, finding his own bedding and 
 
 sheets, per week -------------- 016 
 
 For a Copy of every Warrant of Detainer ------- 020 
 
 For Certificate, for want of a Declaration, in order to take out a 
 
 Supersedeas --------------- 026 
 
 For Certificate, to sue for Habeas Corpus ------- 026 
 
 For entering every Declaration delivered to tlie Debtor in Custody 10 
 To the Under-sheriff, /or his Liberatur to the Gaoler, for the 
 
 Discharge of a Debtor, for each Action! -------- O68 
 
 Felons' Fees: 
 To the Gaoler, and his Turnkeys, J!, s. d. 
 
 To the Gaoler, for every Prisoner sentenced to be burned in the 
 
 hand, fined, or imprisoned, when discharged ------ 0174 
 
 To the Turnkey, for each such person -------- 020 
 
 To the Gaoler, for the Discharge of every Person committed for 
 want of Sureties of tlie Peace, Misdemeanor, or any other Crime, 
 not being felonious ----_-._----- 0174 
 
 And to the Turnkey for each Person --------- 02O 
 
 For Copy of each Commitment, if demanded ------ 020 
 
 For a Certificate of Connnitment, to sue out a Habeas Corpus - - 2 G
 
 3S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 For attending in the-Town of Bedford, with every Prisoner, to give £. s. d. 
 bail, or be otherwise discharged _-___-_-. 020 
 For the Discharge of everv Prisoner, committed for Felony, or on 
 suspicion thereof, and no Bill of Indictment found, or discharged 
 on his or her trial ; or delivered by proclamation ; to be paid out 
 
 of the County Rates 013-4 
 
 John NeiBiTT. Approved, James Eyre, 
 
 Wm. Smith. 7th March, 1782. 
 
 A correct Abridgement from a true copy, examined with the original, upon tlie File of 
 
 Easter Session, 1782. 
 
 By Jeuemy-Fish Palmer, 
 
 Clerk of the Peace, of the County of Bedford." 
 Judging from my own feelings, I cannot but think that the foregoing account of 
 an excellent Gaol will be pleasing also to others. There is one important article, 
 however, in Prison-polity, to which I do not here find that attention paid, which, 
 in my opinion, the subject deserves. A small sum of money given to each Prisoner 
 on being discharged, according to the distance from friends and home, might prevent 
 necessity from an immediate recurrence to those misdoings, which brought him to 
 a Gaol. 
 
 The practice here earnestly recommended, has the sanction of very good success 
 in many other Prisons of this Kingdom. 
 
 BEDFORD. Toum-Ganl. 
 Gaoler, James Castleman, the Mace-bearer, Salary, none. Fees, none. 
 Surgeon, from the town, if wanted. 
 Prisoners, 1st Sept. 1807, and 8th Feb. 1808, none. 
 
 Allowance, a half-quartern loaf of bread per day ; and from Michaelmas to Lady- 
 day, a half-bushel of coals is allowed weekly to both the day-rooms. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is situate near the County-Gaol. Here is a house for the Keeper, and 
 two court-yards adjoin to it; one for the use of Men, the other of Women, and 
 each 38 feet by 14. 
 
 A day-room, with a fire-place, opens into each court ; which has likewise two 
 sleeping-cells, of 10 feet by 6 feet 4 inches, and 11 feet high, to the crown of the 
 arch. Each wooden bedstead is made to hold three persons, and to each are allowed 
 loose straw and a blanket. Over the door of the sleeping-cells is an iron-grated 
 aperture, 18 inches by 10. 
 
 Here is no employment. Neither the Act nor Clauses hung up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND \VALES. 43 
 
 BEIUvIIAMSTEAD ; seepage 53. 
 
 BERWICK UPON TWEED. 
 
 The Town and County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, George Richardson ; now f'f'illiam Brown, who keeps the Berwick- 
 Ai-ttis, a public-house just by. Salary 40/. Two Men, as his assistants, 
 have 15/. each per annum, with room-rent paid, and a coat and hat, from 
 the Corporation, to attend in rotation, clean the Gaol, and go upon errands 
 for the Prisoners. 
 Fees, none for Debtors who are Freemen, nor for Felons ; but for Debtors, 
 
 not free, 2s. 6d. each. 
 Garnish abolished. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor Surgeon. If a Prisoner be ill, the Parish-Surgeon attends, 
 upon application to the Magistrates ; and is paid by the Treasurer of the 
 Corporation. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Petty Offenders. 
 
 1800, April 7th, ----- 3 ----_ 5 
 
 1801, Nov. f)th, ----- 1 _-_^_ J 
 
 1802, Sept. nth, -.---- 3 _-_-- 2 run-away Appren- 
 1809^ Sept. 20th ----- 4 -.-__ 1 [tice?. 
 
 Allowance, to Delfors. At a Guild, held 18th January, 1800, it was agreed, on 
 account of the dearness of provisions, " That every such Prisoner, beino- 
 a Freeinan, should have 9i/. and every Non-Freeman, 6d. per day. 
 To Felons, and other Offenders, the allowance is at the Magistrates' discretion; 
 but not to exceed 6d. a day for each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, which was finished in 1754, stands over the Grand Town Hall, and 
 has a fine steeple, the only one in the Town of Berwick. On each side of the Gaol 
 are four windows, about four feet square, with a lifting-sash, for the benefit of 
 fresi; air. 
 
 The four damp-cells, on the ground-floor, and under the piazzas, where Prisoners 
 formerly were confined, are now very properly discontinued as a Prison, and used as 
 sho^js, &c. for the country butchers.
 
 ♦9 ' STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The long rooms extend the whole length of the building, which is judiciously 
 partitioned off in the middle, to separate Felons, and other offenders, from the 
 Debtors. The former have also five other rooms, of 14 feet by 12, and 8 feet high, 
 which have grated and glazed sash-windows, with casements : They are supplied with 
 straw on wooden bedsteads; and in each is placed a covered tub, to serve as sewers, 
 which are emptied by the Town Beadle, when he thinks proper; and, consequently, 
 are offensive. 
 
 For Debtors here are three rooms, with fire-jilaces, two benches in each to sit on, 
 a table, cupboard for provisions, and cooking utensils. These are all Jree wards, 
 and the Corporation furnishes a bed to one of them. Their sewer also is a covered 
 tub, inclosed at one corner of the adjacent gallery, and, like the others, emjitied by 
 the Beadle at his leisure. 
 
 The Debtors have no court-yard ; but in their hall, or day-room, is a pump, 
 which supplies the whole Prison with water; and for air and exercise, they are per- 
 mitted to walk on the leaden roof of the building. They have a large fire-place 
 in the hall above mentioned, with a sink, to carry off foul water. But the Corpora- 
 tion do not allow coals. 
 
 The bedsteads here are all of wood, with straw-in-ticking beds, two blankets, a 
 bolster, and coverlet, both for Debtors and Felons. 
 
 This Prison is well lighted and ventilated by the long-room sash-windows. No 
 employment is here provided; but handicraft trades may be followed by those 
 who can procure themselves the means of working : And the Women sometimes 
 get articles of spinning, for which they are paid the same prices as are given in the 
 town. 
 
 There were no Felons here, at either of my four visits. 
 
 The Gaol is seldom visited or white-washed. 
 
 No water generally accessible, but as it is daily carried up by the Beadle, and put 
 into a common cistern from the pump, to the several Prisoners. No Rules and 
 Orders. Neither the Act for Preserving Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors, are hung up. 
 
 ^3" It is a matter so obvious in itself, that I need hardly remark. How very 
 inconsistent is the non-residence, or distance, of any Gaoler from his important 
 charge ! If he is inattentive, or much absent, who else will be alert and active ? 
 The security of Prisons is their bounden duty ; and if this be treated as a slight 
 affair, who can wonder, that the great objects of cleanliness, good order, and per- 
 sonal comfort of the confined, are also glaringly neglected ? 
 
 The above observation, I am sorry to say, may be extended to several inferior 
 Gaols, South of the Tweed.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALE?^. 4l 
 
 B I':U K 1 1 A MSTK A I). Ilertfordnhire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, If'lUiam Rogers, a Shoemaker. Salary, 2o/. Fees 3^. Ad. and half 
 profit of the Prisoners' work. At iny visit in l804, tiiey were employed 
 in cutting j)egs ; and the Keeper told me he allowed them three half-pence 
 per thousand, and sold them at three-|)ence. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Steele, who makes a Bill. 
 
 ,Numberof Prisoners, l802, July 12th, 2. 1803, July l.-,th, 2. 1804, Sept. 3d, 1. 
 1 805, July 25th, 2. 1 807, May 1 oth, 1 . 1810, Aug. 4th, 0. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of bread per day, cut from the Keeper's loaf. 
 It would be better if the bread were sent in loaves from the Baker, that the 
 Prisoners might know their quantity. 
 
 Here is a room for Men, 12 feet by 10, and for Women, 1 4 feet by 10, with 
 boardeil floors. Straw and two blankets to sleep on. Each room lias an iron- 
 grated window, looking into a small court, 6 yards by 4, with a sewer in it, where 
 they are allowed to walk one hour in the day. For Felons, a dungeon, nine steps 
 down, of 13 feet by 9-i- and 6 feet 3 inches high : Earth floor, very damp; totally 
 dark, and without ventilation. No bedstead. Straw on the floor, and a blanket. 
 At my visit, 18 10, the Gaoler told me the Magistrates had determined to brick up 
 the dungeon. Neither the Act nor Clauses hung up. 
 
 BEVERLEY HALL-GARTH. Vorkshire. 
 For Debtors. 
 
 Gaoler, JVilllam Lundie ; now Stephen Aclum. Salary, none. Fees, 4s. id. 
 No Table. Allowance, none. It is a Publick House, and he pays Rent 25/. 
 a year. Lord Yarborough holds a Court in it twice a year. 
 
 Prisoners, lS02, Aug. 25tli, and 1809, Sept. Sth, None. 
 
 The Hall-Garth, in the Liberty of St. John of Beverley, is a Manor-Gaol, or 
 Court-Baron, belonging to Lord Yarborough. 
 
 Over the Hall it has five rooms, 16 feet by 10; of which two have fire-placeji. 
 Some of them have brick, and the rest boarded floors. The custom has lieen for 
 Debtors to pay Kv. 3^/. each per week, for a bed furnished bv the Keejier. There are 
 said to be II3 towns, or parts of towns, that lie within the Liberty of St. John, 
 or Beverley Hall Garth. Its iron-grated windows give this building somewhat of 
 the appearance of a prison ; but I was informed that no Debtors have been confined 
 here for these twelve years.
 
 42 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BEVERLEY. Town and Liberty Gaot. 
 
 Gaoler, Timothtf Lundie, Serjeant at Mace. Salary, 14^. 4^. 
 Fees, for Debtors, 4*. Ad. Felons, none. Garnish, l*. 
 
 Surgeon ; when one is wanted, he is sent by the Mayor. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Deserter. 
 
 1802, Aug. 25th, - - - - - - - - .3 - - - - 0. 
 1809, Sept. 8th, ---- 2 ---- ---- 1,' 
 
 Allowance, none to Debtors, unless certificated as Paupers ; and then they have 
 the same as Felons, 6d. a-day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 For Debtors here are three rooms ; one below, well furnished, for which the 
 Gaoler charges 2.S. 6d. per week ; and a small one, where, if the Prisoner finds his 
 own bed, he pays 6d. a week. The third room is above stairs, where, at Is. sd. per 
 week, the Keeper provides a bed. Here is one small court-yard for Prisoners of 
 all descriptions ; with a work-shed in it, but no water. The Gaoler fetches it from 
 over the way. 
 
 A Table of Fees payable to the Attornies and Clerk of Court, and signed by the 
 Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, is hung up ; and likewise a Table of the antient 
 Customs. 
 
 Debtors are committed to this Prison by the Court of Requests, as well as those 
 prosecuted by actions in the Court of King's Bench, and in the Town Court. 
 
 The Men and Women Felons have each a separate day-room up stairs. The 
 Women's sleeping-room adjoins to it : and they are all rendered veiy offensive, for 
 want of sewers ; a half-tub only being substituted for the purpose. 
 
 Men Criminals sleep in two dirty cells below, of about four yards square; having 
 in each a privy badly ventilated, and only a small iron-grated window to each cell. 
 
 The town allows straw-in-ticking beds, with two blankets, and a rug. The 
 Felons' employment is to pound tile-sherds, for which they receive 6d. per bushel. 
 
 Neither the Act for preservation of Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors are hung up. 
 
 About ten years since, the Gaol was white-washed.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES.- «» 
 
 BEVERLEY. House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, George Plummer, now Samuel Shepherd. Salary, 84/- 
 Fees, two shillings from each Prisoner. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Robert Righy, lately appointed. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Friday, in the Old Court-House. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Gill. No Salary ; but makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Felon. Pctly Offenders.- 
 
 1802, Aug. 2r)th, ----- 1 -_--_- 5. 
 1809, Sept. 8th, ------31. 
 
 Allowance, 6d. a-day to each, in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, which adjoins to the Town-Hall, has, on the ground-floor, four 
 sleeping-cells, of about 9 feet by 6, and a dark room used by the military for the 
 confinement of Deserters, &c. On the first story, four sleeping-cells, and on the 
 second story, three ditto, and a day-room, all of about the same size with those first 
 mentioned. Here is also a lobby, 28 feet long, and 7 feet wide, for the Prison- 
 ers occasionally to walk in. 
 
 Below are three cells for Vagrants, and a small court-yard with a sewer in it. 
 Also two work-rooms, one for Men, and the other for Women ; with two small 
 rooms set apart for Infirmaries. 
 
 The East-Riding allows straw, on plank bedsteads, and five chaldrons of coab 
 yearly. No water accessible to the Prisoners. 
 
 Their employment consists in spiiming, picking oakum, and pounding of tile- 
 sherds : but, although so near Hull, it being difticult, or deemed so, to procure the 
 two last articles, I saw only one Woman at work, and she was spinning. 
 
 The Prisoners have half their earnings, if they exceed l*. per week. 
 
 It were to be wished that the Magistrates would not surttr a half-tub, or un- 
 covered pail, to be in each room, as it keeps them continually offensive ; and 
 little occasion can be alledged, as a sewer is provided in the court-jard. 
 
 The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors were properly hung up ; but not the 
 Act for preserving the Health of Prioners, — so liable to injury in neglected place* 
 of confinement.
 
 44 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BEVERLEY. Forlcslnre. 
 Xeic Sessions House and House of Correction, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, for the East-Riding of the County of York, which was not inhabited 
 at my visit in Sept. iSoj), stands a httle way from the town, without the North Bar. 
 The ground, inclosed for the Court-House and Prison, is about two acres : a hand- 
 some iron palisade extends in front, with a gate of entrance at each end ; and the 
 approach is by a curved carriage gravel-walk. 
 
 The portico in front is supported by four Ionic columns, 25 feet high, and the 
 ascent, bv a flight of four steps, presents a noble appearance to the turnpike-road. 
 The ri<rht-vv'ino- in front, which is detached from the Court-House, has on the 
 ground-floor two rooms, each 17 feet by 11 feet 6; together with a bath for Men, 
 7 feet by 4, and another for Women, of the same size, with glazed windows to each. 
 Above are two infirmary rooms, of the like dimensions, with separate stair-rases; 
 and behind are two courts, 16 feet by 13 each : These have iron-grates over them, 
 and there is a sewer in each. 
 
 The ground-floor of the left-wing is the Turnkey's lodge; with sleeping rooms 
 above : and a stable, cowhouse, and other offices, occupy the remainder. 
 
 The Prison itself is at the back of the front buildings ; having the Keepei-'s house 
 in the centre, and a wing on each side for the Prisoners. The ground-floor of the 
 risht-tving contains two day-rooms, each 16 feet 10 inches by 14 feet 10 ; a fire- 
 place in both, with two grated and glazed windows, 3 feet square : Five sleeping- 
 cells 10 feet by 8, with arched roofs, grated windows, and an inside shutter with a 
 pane of glass in each of them ; a cast-iron bedstead, with sides of wood, and a 
 covered sewer to each cell in one corner. The doors of the cells open into well 
 ventilated and flagged lobbies 4 feet wide ; and at the end of each is a washing-stand, 
 and water closet. The chamber-story is in all respects exactly similar; and the 
 Prisoners' day-rooms belonging to this wing, open into two spacious flagged courts, 
 which have sewers at the upper-end. 
 
 The leji-ii'itig is appropriated to Females : It has seven sleeping-cells and one 
 day-room on the ground-floor, with the like number above; and in other respects 
 corresponds exactly with the right-wing. 
 
 The Keej)er's house is separated from the Prison by a flagged walk of 9 feet 
 wide; but his windows very judiciously command a view of the several court-yards. 
 At the back of the building there is a neat Chapel ; to which the Prisoners ascend 
 by a stone stair-case on each side. A dwarf partition runs through the centre of 
 the area; and sej)arates the sexes, who are .seated on forms, and out of liight of each 
 other.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. •#» 
 
 Under the Chai)el is a cookinjr kitchen, l8 feet by 15, with an oven and boilers^ 
 &c. ; a pantry; a store-room, I3 feet by 10 feet 8. A room for uniform clothing 
 of the Prisoners, of the same dimensions; and another room, with a stove in it to 
 purify their own clothes against infection. Also a yard 26 feet by 12, to dry linen. 
 
 Here is likewise another yard, which has a forcing pump, to throw water into a 
 lavi^e reservoir, which thus supi)]ies the whole Prison with excellent spring water; 
 and another reservoir receives rain from the roof, for washing, &c. 
 
 The Keeper has a convenient garden for his own family use ; and another plot of 
 ground (at present a corn-field), is set apart and intended as a garden for the 
 Prisoners, of above an acre and a half. 
 
 BRADFORD. Vurkshlrf. 
 Gaoler, Jf'ilitam Lee. Salary, -ZOl. 
 Surgeon, if wanted, sent for from the town. 
 Number of Debtors, Oct. 19th, 1805, Two. 
 Allowance, 4</. a day, if petitioned for, at tlie discretion of the Commissioners. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison receives debtors from the Court of Requests for Halifax, Bradford, &c. 
 It is situate on an eminence, called the North Wing, and was first inhabited in 
 the year 1797- The Gaol stands on the left of the Keeper's house, and consists of a 
 court-yard for men, of about 34 feet by 16, which has a sewer in it. 
 
 On the ground-floor are two rooms, about 20 feet square, with fire-places and 
 glaztd-windows; and above them is a room set apart for the sick, about 14 feet 
 square, accommodated in the same manner. 
 
 The women have a separate court-yaid, 23 feet by 17, with a sewer; also a 
 sleeping-room, 14 feet square, with fire-place and glazed window. 
 
 To all these rooms the Keeper furnishes beds, at l.s'. per week each ; but if the 
 Prisoner finds his own bed, he pays nothing. No fuel nor bedding is allowed by the 
 town ; nor any employment furnished. The Act for preservation of Health, and 
 tlie Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are not hung up.
 
 4« Sl'ATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BIRM I NGHAM. Warwickshire, 
 The Toivn Gaol. 
 
 jGaoler, William Payne. Salary 42/. Fees, 2s. for serving a Warrant, Is. for 
 each Summons, and 2*. on Discharge. For Prisoners, see Remarks. 
 
 Allowance, Twopenny-worths of Bread, with a slice of Cheese, to each, 
 
 RExMARKS. 
 
 This New Gaol was first inhabited in September, l8o6, and is situated in Moor- 
 Street, at the back of the Pubiick Office. 
 
 Here is only one court-yard for all descriptions of Prisoners, 59 feet by 30, en- 
 closed by a wall 26 feet high, on the top of which is a chevaiix de J'rise, for better 
 security against escape. Attached to it are two day-rooms, or kitchens, fourteen 
 feet square, which open into it ; one for Men, the other for Women, with a pump 
 of excellent water. 
 
 On the ground-floor are eight sleeping-cells, paved with flag stones ; and on the 
 upper-story, eight others, strongly planked with oak. Each cell is 8 feet by G, well 
 ventilated, and fitted up with an iron bedstead, a straw mattress, and three rugs. 
 
 The Prisoners have fire in their day-rooms all through the year, and are provided 
 with every requisite for culinary purposes. Coals, bread, &c. paid for by the town. 
 The number of Prisoners must be very uncertain from the nature of the Gaol : 
 There are frequently twenty or more detained here at one time : To-day, perhaps, 
 fourteen or fifteen ; and to-morrow, not one. It is not a place of punishment, but 
 a recess only for safe custody, till the Prisoners can be disposed of by a Magistrate. 
 There are no commitments to it of any description ; It is no more, in fact, than a 
 lock-up house, provided and appropriated by the parish for the Constable's use and 
 accommodation. The Magistrates have their Sittings three days in the week, and, 
 consequently, except in cases remanded for farther discussion, they may be con- 
 sidered as so many Gaol-deliveries. Of course no Employment is provided, as in 
 such a state of fluctuation no work can be regularly done. 
 
 No bath or oven is furnished, for the purifying of infected clothes; but every 
 thing necessary for personal or prison cleanliness is allowed ; as mops, brooms, 
 2>ails, &c. &c. 
 
 There is no particular weight here specified of the bread and cheese allowed ; but 
 twice a day the custom is, to send a slice of cheese with the sixth-part of a sixpenny- 
 loaf, to as many Prisoners as happen to be in the (laol. This, however, as the size 
 of the loaf varies with the price of wheat, is a very irregular standard, and ouglit to 
 be adjusted accordingly. It is not found, indeed, that any one suflers ; but, ou
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4» 
 
 the contrar}^, much of the bread issued is generally left. Few, in fact, choose to tiike 
 the above allotment for their subsistence, but have meat and other things brought 
 in by their friends. 
 
 The Keeper of this Gaol is not permitted to sell ale, like liis predecessor in the 
 old one ; nor to furnish any article of j)rovision3 for the Prisoners, as was the case 
 at that period. My full description of the " Old Dungeon" was given in the 
 Gentleman's Magazine for February, IS07, p. I07, and is now happily rendered 
 useless for ever. 
 
 Bl RMINGH AM. IFarwichshire. 
 The Court Prison, for Debtors only. 
 
 Gaoler, Jolm Donmes. No Salary; except what may arise from Fees, paid on 
 serving Warrants of Execution, or for the furnishing of Beds. See Remarks. 
 
 Surgeon, as wanted, is sent from the Work-house. 
 
 r lS()4,Nov. r.th, 1. 1803, Aug. 23d, 2. 
 
 J\ umber of J>tbtors, \ o ^^^ j. ^ oa^i 
 
 ' I 1S05, Nov. 1st, 2. 1 8 1 0, Aug. eth, 5- 
 
 Allowance, none whatever was granted at the time of my two first visits: But in 
 Nov. 1805, I was informed that poor Prisoners had a scanty dole of ///rce- 
 pence j)er day from their respective parishes ! 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This wretched receptacle for Debtors, in Birmiuglunn, is situate in Philip-street ; 
 and consists of a dani]), dirty dungeon (of about 10 or 11 feet square) with a 
 descent by seven stej)s to receive Men and Women ; which has one sleeping-room 
 above it, about 12 feet square, with straw laid on the floor. These stand in a little 
 back court-yard, not quite 14 feet square, belonging to the Keeper's house ; where 
 are three othLX rooms, furnished with beds for those who can pay him two shillings 
 per week. The dungeon is occasionally used as a day-room, on account of its 
 vicinity to the court-yard ; and I have been informed that frequently it has had 
 four, and at one Ume Jijieen Prlaoners in it. 
 
 In the year 1809, a large building, (formerly Tfie Puhlick Office,) was converted 
 into a Court of Requests in this town, and adapted also as a better Prison for the 
 confinement of Debtors. Whoever suggested such an improvement was wise and 
 merciful : Yet still the Men and Women Prisoners continue to associate together in 
 the day-time.
 
 4B STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Above stairs are six sleeping-rooms, to which the town supplies straw-in-ticking 
 beds and a rug gratis ; or, if required, the Keeper furnishes bedsteads and bedding, 
 as before mentioned, at two shillings weekly. 
 
 No coals are here allowed ; nor is water accessible, but as it is brought by the 
 Keeper, together with other necessaries, when wanted by the Prisoners, for which 
 purpose there is a Bell, to inform him of it. 
 
 ; A Plaintiff, it seems, has here the option of taking out execution either against 
 the body or goods of his Debtor, but not against both. 
 
 *> Strange as it may appear. Debtors, in the Old Prison, were not allowed to work! 
 This almost singular circumstance is not let down to my comprehension; but it 
 seems cruel, inasmuch as their confinement may \ast forft/ daijs. 
 
 The Keeper told me, that were he to permit a Debtor to work, he should make 
 himself liable to pay both debt and costs. This reminds me of Mr. Howard's 
 remark, " That, when he visited this Court-Prison, 'm the year 1^82, the Keeper 
 informed him he had been obliged to pay a Shoemaker's debt, of fifteen or sixteen 
 shillings, and costs, for permitting him iojin'tsh a piece of work, which the Man 
 had begun before his confinement." 
 
 It was well said by a Biographer of my revered Predecessor, that we may hope 
 his plans will terminate in such General Regidafions, as to make judicial confine- 
 ment the means of amelioration in morals, and of acquiring habits of industry ; 
 whilst the few criminals, who may be too depraved for amendment, shall be com- 
 jjelled to become beneficial by their labours ; and suffer nothing more, than that 
 restraint, which is so needful for society, and that exertion, which they ought never 
 to have abandoned." 
 
 BIRMINGHAM, irarwichshire. 
 Aston Gaol. 
 Keeper, Jemima Tart ; now If'iUiam Daniel Brounell. 
 
 Salary, none. But the Keeper lives rent-free. 
 Surgeon, if wanted, sent from the parish. 
 
 /-l802, NW. 5th, - - - None. 
 Number of Prisoners, <^ 1 803, Aug. 24th, - - - 3 run-away Apprentices. 
 
 W 805, Nov. 1st, - - - 3 Criminals. 
 Allowance, four-pence each per day, heretofore: But one shilling a day is now 
 ordered for the maintenance of every Prisoner, by the Overseers of the Poor. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This (iaol which is also called Bordesley Prison, stands within the hacli-yard of 
 an ale-house. Perhaps it is not in the power of language to convey an idea of grosser 
 obscurity for a place of human confinement!
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 49 
 
 It consists of two dark iinU daiiij) dungeons, sunk tt'ii steps undcr-grrMjiul ; to 
 wliich tlio descent is bj' a trap-door, level with the court-yard ; amJ eacli ot tlicm is 
 about 12 feet by 7 ; supplied with wooden bedsteads, straw, and a rug. 
 
 The only light or ventilation which the above gloomy dens can receive, is through 
 an iron-grated aperture, about 12 inches square, made in the doors, wliich open 
 into a narrow dark passage. Their brick floors, when I was here in 1S02, were an 
 inch deep in water; but, luckily for liuinanity, at that time there were no Prisoners. 
 In truth, these dungeons, which might be numbereil amongst the very worst in the 
 kingdom, were so unfit for the incarceration of any being that had life or sensibility, 
 that it astonishes and humbles mankind, to think they could ever l»av£ been assigned 
 to any fellow creature. 
 
 Over the dungeons are two rooms, which oj)en into the court-yard, and are each 
 about 1 2 feet square ; one used as a day-room, the other as a sleeping-roou), furnished 
 with a wooden bedstead, straw and rugs, for petty offenders. 
 
 " At length," (says a worthy and much-valued friend), " about the end of the 
 year 1 808, one of the Church-wardens of the parish of .Isfon, jii.ita liirmingJidm, 
 called a parochial meeting, for the purpose of taking into consideration the ])ropriety 
 of closing up the detestable dungeons of this Gaol, and of erecting suilal)le buildings 
 in their stead : Previous to which he addressed a circular letter to the principal 
 Inhabitants, containing a representation of the lamentable state of the Prison. 
 
 "This preparatory step had the desired effect: Several Gentlemen examined 
 the dungeons, and were unanimous in declaring them un^t even Jar the cnnjincment 
 i^'a dug *. 
 
 " At the parish-n>eeting an order was made; and in the summer of 1805, the 
 entrance to the dungeons was filled up ; a new day-room built, and three cells, or 
 bed- rooms, added in the upper-story. 
 
 " The above improvements took place in the old court-yard ; in addition to which 
 another court has been enclosed, and a convenient day-room assigned for the recep- 
 tion of run-away apprentices, and other offenders of a minor class. Iron bedsteads, 
 with straw mattresses and rugs are provided: and some very heavy irons, which 
 were formerly used, are now nailed up against the front of the day-room, in the old 
 ■court-yard, in terrorem only, as they are too securely fixed to be taken dawn, and 
 are strictly prohibited for the future. 
 
 " This done, the renovated Prison was opened in the week preceding the lini/al 
 Jubilee, 25th October, l8og; on which festival, the workmen, together with the 
 prisoners, were regaled by the aforesaid Church-warden; who promises to make 
 
 * This general sentiment had a pointed meaning, and seems to have arisen in consequence of the 
 following feet. A Collector of Taxes having seized two pointers, under a Distress-Warrant, brought 
 them for security to this Prison of Aston, and desired Brounell to Iwlge them in one of the dvuit^cons : 
 iut, on seeing tlie doers opened, the Tax Gatherer actually started back with honor, and begged, " tii?t 
 " some other place might be provided for the dogs, as they certaijily should not be confined thei-c." 
 
 H
 
 50 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 frequent visits to the Gaol, and, as far as he is able, to contribute to promoting the 
 proper comfort of its unfortunate inhabitants." 
 
 Soft water was heretofore brought hither at a half-penny per pail, and hard water 
 at twelve shillings a year. 
 
 BLANDFORD. Dorsetshire. Town Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, the Sergeant at Mace. Salary, none. Allowance 6d. a-day. 
 
 1803, Oct. 22d, no Prisoners, 
 
 This Prison consists of two rooms, called the Outer and the Inner Gaol. Pri- 
 soners are confined in the Outer Gaol during the day-time, when they beg charity, 
 see and converse with people in the street ; and at night are shut up in the Inner 
 Gaol. Straw on the floor. Both rooms dirty and offensive. No court; no water. 
 Formerly Debtors were sent hither by the Court of Requests. 
 
 BRIDGEWATER. Sotnersef shire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Brevitt, now Samuel Slocomb : He is a Sergeant at Mace. 
 Salary, none. Fees, both Debtors and Felons, 3*. 4d. 
 
 N" of Prisoners, 1 803, Oct. 5th, Debtors, none. Felons and Petty Ofltnders, One, 
 1806, Sept. 2d, - - none, -------- One. 
 
 Allowance to Debtors, none. Felons and other Criminal Prisoners, Jburpence 
 half-penny, or sixpence per day, as bread is cheap or dear. 
 
 Tliis Gaol is within the Cross-Keys Publick-Hoijse, situate near the bridge : The 
 rntvance down a long passage, over w hich are the Council-Chamber and Sessions- 
 House. It consists of one room for Men, about 15 feet square, with two iron-grated 
 windows, and straw for sleeping on the floor. Here is also another room for Women, 
 nearly of the same size, with a fire-place and boarded floor ; and a third, with a fire- 
 place, is used as a workshop. 
 
 Up-stairs are three rooms ; in one of which there are five beds, furnished by the 
 Keeper, at 1a-. or 1*. 6d. per week, if two sleep together ; or at 2s. per week for 
 each single bed. 
 
 No Debtors are sent hither, but by process issuing out of the Borough Court, and 
 then commitable for sums to any amount. 
 
 Here is one very small court-yard, with a sewer in it, a pump, and a pig-sty. 
 Water is brought to the Prisoners as they want it. The straw for bedding is changed 
 once a fortnight. No Rules and Orders,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES- Si 
 
 BODMIN. Cornwall. 
 The Countif Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, James Chappie. 
 
 Salary, 30/. with Fees as per Table ; and if both together do not amount to 
 
 100/. the County makes good the deficiency. Also Coals for his own use. 
 
 The two Turnkeys under him have 25/. each per annum, paid them by the 
 
 County, and Fuel likewise is allowed them. 
 Fees, see Table. The Under-Sheritfdoes not claim any Fee for his Liberate. 
 Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Morgan, now Rev. Mr. Plummer. Duty, Prayers and Ser- 
 mon every Sunday. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hamley. Salary, 30/. for Debtors, Felons, and Bridewell Prisoners. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, 
 
 &c. 
 
 Bridewell. 
 
 1801, Nov. 3d, - - 
 
 -14 - • 
 
 ■ - 21 
 
 _ _ _ 
 
 - 40 
 
 1803, Oct. 10th, - ■ 
 
 - - 12 
 
 ■ - 13 
 
 _ ■ _ 
 
 20 
 
 iBofi, Sept. 30th, - - 
 
 . - 8 - ■ 
 
 ■ - 13 
 
 - - - 
 
 22 
 
 1807, Feb. 17th, - ■ 
 
 -14 - 
 
 - - 13 
 
 _ _ _ 
 
 20 
 
 1810, Nov. 10th, - ■ 
 
 - - 15 - ■ 
 
 - - 8 
 
 _ _ _ 
 
 10 
 
 Allowance. To poor Debtors, who petition the Magistrates, one pound eleven 
 ounces of bread per day each, made of wheat and barley meal, in equal pro- 
 portions ; and when employed, they have the whole of their earnings. 
 
 Men Felons, who are not permitted to work, for fear of escapes, have 
 sixpence a day. Those for smaller offences, and the Bridewell Prisoners 
 receive half their earnings, in addition to the County allowance of bread. 
 Convicts under sentence of Transportation, have tiie County allowance of 
 bread, and one shilling in money. Every Prisoner, on Sunday, has half 
 a pound of beef; and coals are furnished for the whole Prison. Debtors on 
 the Master's side have no Allowance. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This County Gaol, which is also the Bridewell, stands on a fine eminence, at a 
 small distance from the town of Bodmin. It fronts the South ; and the steepness of 
 the ground appears to be of peculiar advantage in many points, by placing the several 
 buildings one above another, and thereby giving to each a full sun, and fresh air. A 
 copious stream of excellent water is brought in above the Gaoler's house, and distri- 
 buted through every ward, for supplying the baths, with other useful purposes ; and
 
 H STATE Of- PRISONS 
 
 is then, ultimately, and with great propriety, carried off through the sewers ; which, 
 being thus judiciously placed and cifiiuihstaiiced, are never offensive. 
 
 The Prison was first inhabited in .June, I779. Its boundary-wall encloses an area 
 of 1 So feet by 145- The Turnkey's lodge is in front ; and has two rooms below, 
 and two above stairs. 
 
 The court-yard of entrance is 30 feet by 15. In the approach to the Gaoler's 
 house the several court-yards are on different levels. 
 
 On the right, is the 3Ien Bridewell Court, 62 feet by 47 ; on the left, that for 
 the 3Ien Felons, of the same size ; and to each of them belongs a day-room 
 47 feet by 14, under arcades, with a bath, and a boiler for warm water to each. 
 
 Ascending up four steps is another court-yard, 50 feet by 30, with a work-shop in 
 it for vagrants, and a day-room of 40 feet by \6. From this court, the next ascent 
 is by fifteen steps, to the court in front of the Gaoler's house, which is 30 feet 
 square, with doors opening into four other court-yards. Of these, that on the right- 
 hand is for Bridewell IFomen ; that on the left, for Female Felons ; both are 62 feet 
 by 20, with day-rooms 47 feet by 14,and arches for shelter and exercise in wet weather. 
 
 Higher up still, on the right-hand, is the Infirmary Court, of 54 feet by 20 ; 
 adjoining to which is a passage 3 feet 6 inches wide, with three iron-grated windows. 
 Into this passage open the three Condemned Cells, each of them 10 feet by 8, and 
 <) feet high to the crown of the arch: The floors are of brick, and they have each 
 loose straw, two blankets, and a rug to sleep on. Close to the Infirmary Court, and 
 near the Condenmed Cells, there are in all four infirmary rooms, with the Surgeon's 
 shoj), or examining room, adjacent. 
 
 Opposite to the Infirmary court-yard is another of the same size, for poor, or 
 Common-side Debtors, with arcades, 24 feet by 14, and two day-rooms, one of them 
 30 feet by 14, the other, 20 feet by 12. Each having a fire-place, v^ith an oven, 
 benches and stools to sit on, cupboards, and other conveniencies for frugal cookery. 
 Here are also six sleeping-rooms, 10 feet by 7, and 8 feet 9 inches high ; each cal- 
 culated to accommodate two debtors, and for which, those on the Common Side 
 pay gd. per week, or 1*. Gd. for a single bed. 
 
 In short, the Magistrates have here established a lasting monument of their 
 humanity, by displaying a very liberal attention, both to the health and morals of 
 the Prisoners. 
 
 The(taoler's house, placed in the centre of the Prison, has a turret, with an alarm- 
 bell and clock. For the Master's Side Debtors aie set apart four good rooms, 
 well furnished, at 2*-. Gd. each single bed per week, or if two sleep together, I, v. ^d. 
 each; but if a Debtor brings his own bed, \s. ^d. jjer week for the room. They 
 have likewise the indulgence of a very neat semicircular garden, H/O feet by 80, 
 lymg on the North side of the house ; in which, not only they, but the con- 
 valescent criminals also, occasionally take the air at proper times.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S9 
 
 The Chapel, 30 feet hy 20, is within the centre building. The Criminal Pri- 
 soners are SLated below, tlie Women arc placed out of sight of the Men, and a pew is 
 ajjpropriated to Convicts under sentence of death. The Debtors, and the (iaoler s 
 family severally occupy the galleries. All are required to attend Divine service: 
 Their behaviour, at my several visits, was orderly and devout, so as to answer the 
 idea of a House of Prayer, and the ihity was impressively performed by the worthy 
 Chaplain. 
 
 I well remember, that in October, 1S03, the Psalm read for the day happened 
 sin<>ularly to be the LXXIXth. The three poor Men-convicts, then under sentence 
 of death, were present, and appeared very sensibly affected by that pathelick ejacu- 
 lation in the concluding part of the 12th verse; " Preserve thou those that are 
 appointed to die T It was not a Psalm s])ecially selected for the solemn occasion; 
 but it was rendered, tliertfore, the more strikin-;-. By the wa)', it might be exceed- 
 ingly useful to have selettums, for times like the above; and many of the Psalms 
 are ])eculiarly suitable and appropriate. 
 
 In this Gaol, the humane, active, and intellit^ent Keeper furnishes employment 
 for all those Prisoners who are willing to work: And, indeed, all criminals here, 
 who receive the County Allowance, as well as those committed for hard labour, 
 vutst worh, in order to have it, if well in health, and able so to do. The Women 
 card and spin wool, or make, mend, and wash the other prisoners' clothes and 
 bedding. 'l"he Men are chiefly employed in sawing timber, for which a double 
 saw-pit is provided ; or in sawing and polishing head-stones for church-yards ; or 
 else in weaving at the looms, which are also ready prepared. This the Gaoler 
 takes charge of, and lays in the materials for labour, at his own risk of sale, when 
 the work is done. By these means many, under his care, have been enabled to send 
 a comfortable relief to their families ; and others, from the exercise of talent, and. 
 acquiring habits of activity, have, in a prison, created to themselves a new resource 
 for their industry, when discharged from it. In proof of this, and to the honour 
 of the Keeper, I was informed, that one Prisoner, sometime after being disciiarged 
 from hence, declared, " that the day of his commitment was the most fortunate of 
 his lite, as he had learnt here the trade of a sawyer, by which he could earn two 
 guineas a-week." Such mm; he the happy effect of diligence in a (iaol : and, sen- 
 sible of such effects, the Magistrates very judiciously allow to Mr. Chappie that 
 portion (a fourth-part) of nett earnings from the labour of the Prisoners, which for- 
 merly was paid to the County. 
 
 If a Debtor works here, he has the whole of what he earns to himself. Those 
 Criminals that are employed in preparing timber and stone, have one-half of their 
 earnings, beside the County Allow ance : and the Women have the same, who are 
 occupied in spinning and carding of wooL
 
 54 y-FATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The various rooms and court-yards of this Gaol, are (with some exceptions, 
 which I shall presently notice,) kept distinct and separate for each class and sex of 
 offenders. Every such Prisoner has a separate lodging-room, of about 8 feet 4 inches 
 by 5 feet 4, and 9 feet 8 inches high ; furnished with a wooden bedstead, straw- 
 bed, two blankets, and a coverlet. In each court-yard there is a stone-trough, with 
 a pipe and cock, to supply each ward constantly with water. 
 
 Closely adjoining to three of the day-rooms, are baths and boilers, with ovens for 
 purifying the clothes of those who are newly admitted. When a Prisoner is brought 
 into custody, the Surgeon is sent for to examine him. If found unwell, medicines 
 are sent him ; if ragged and dirty, he is stripped, washed in the bath, and the 
 County clothing substituted for his own. 
 
 The Men's Gaol is two stories high, and contains eight cells on each floor, divided 
 from the court by a passage of 4 feet 6 inches wide. Their Bridewell is the same. 
 The Women's Gaol and Bridewell are one story high, each of them containing 
 seven cells, divided by a lobby, or passage, the same as for the Men. Here is also a 
 large work-room, with several looms for weaving ; and a court-yard to work in, 
 of 138 feet by 96. 
 
 A Table of Fees and Rates, 
 
 Approved by the Justices, and confirmed by the Judges of Assize, the 25th of 
 March 1789, is printed, and stuck up in various parts of the Prison. 
 
 From Debtors. first class. £. s. d. 
 Every Debtor voluntarily going into the Master's Ward, to pay the 
 
 Keeper at entrance ----------_..__ 034 
 
 To the Turnkeys -----_-___._.__ 016 
 
 To the Keeper at Discliarge ---.--___-__ O68 
 
 To the Turnkeys -----_-.__...__ 026 
 
 Every Debtor lodging in the Master's House, a Bed to himself, per Week 2 6 
 
 Two such Debtors in a Bed, each -----.__._ 013 
 
 Every Debtor in tlie Master's house bringing his own bed, for lodg- 
 ing-room --------__._.__.. CIS 
 
 SECOND CLASS. 
 
 Every Debtor, lo:lged over the Arcades, to the Keeper at entrance - 2 6 
 
 To Turnkeys -----------,.._. 010 
 
 To Keeper at discharge ---------___. 5 O 
 
 To Turnkeys ----------_...__ 020 
 
 Every such Debtor over the Arcades lodged in the Keeper's bed and 
 
 room to himself, per week --.---_._._. 016 
 
 Two such Debtors in a bed, each per week ----_... 009
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S« 
 
 Common Debtors having only straw, mattress, or their own bed, to £■ s. d. 
 Keeper at discharge .._---------- 060 , 
 
 To Turnkeys ---- 020 
 
 Debtors in general. 
 
 For signing every Certificate to obtain a Supersedeas,, or Rule or 
 
 Order of Court ---.... 016 
 
 For Copy of Sheriff's Warrant, if demanded -----.. 010 
 
 For registering any Declaration against a Prisoner ------ oio 
 
 For Disciiarge of every Debtor, on Composition, or by an Act of Insol- 
 \'ency, or for want of Prosecution [of which two shillings and Jive- 
 pence is to be the Turnkey's Fee) except where it is otherwise 
 
 directed by Statute ..---.-_. 0125 
 
 Fee from every such Debtor, charged with more Actions than one, not 
 
 exceeding five, of which /f«-/)e?!a' is to be the Turnkey's Fee on each 6 
 
 From Felons. 
 
 For every Felon acquitted and discharged -------- 0134 
 
 For every Person bailed out or discharged, for which the Fee is not paid 
 
 by the County .---._------.--- 0134 
 
 For every Convict discharged .._.-----.- 0134 
 
 From Persons committed to Bridewell. 
 
 For every Person discharged from Bridewell .---_.- 0134 
 
 EpiPtt.'VNY Sessions, held &t Loshvi/kicl the 15th January, 1789, fortheCounty of CorwM-a//, 
 the above List of Fees was produced, examined, and approved of by us, his Majesty's Jus- 
 tices of the Peace for the said County, 
 
 We, tiie Judges of Assize on the Western Circuit, Thomas Grahant, 
 
 have perused and examined the above List of Fees, John Coryton. 
 
 and do approve and confirm the same. Dated 25ih H. Hawkins Tremayne. 
 March, 1789. W. H. AsHHURST. 
 
 F. BULLER. 
 
 In the important discharge of his duty, the Surgeon is very attentive and humane. 
 The Prison is frequently visited by tlie Magistrates, and kept very clean. Ail 
 the apartments are white-washed twice a-year, and the sleeping-cells four times 
 a year. The floors of the day-rooms and cells are washed once a-vveek in wJiRter, 
 twice in summer, and swept out every day. 
 
 §3" It is worthy of especial remark, that out of 3877 Prisoners, there happened 
 hntjifteen deaths in the space of twenty-seven years : — strong proofs not only of 
 the healthy situation of this Gaol, but of that good government also, which assidu- 
 ously keeps it such-
 
 56 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 And yet, like so many others, it has, in some instances, its inconveniences, or 
 defects. Tliere is still wanting a distinct conrf-i/ard for Convicts ; who, too often, 
 remain a long time here after sentence, and should certainly be separated from such 
 Prisoners as are committed for trial. Another court-yard also is essentially desir- 
 able, in order to preserve a proper separation betwixt young beginners in vice, and 
 such old offenders, as are both hackneyed and hardened in the practice of every 
 enormity. But — 1 speak not to deaf ears. 
 
 From the 4tli of Oct. lS02, to the r,tli of Oct. 1S03, the number of Prisoners 
 committed to the Bridewell was 85. Their earnings during that period amounted 
 to 117/. 8a'. od. of which sum the working Prisoners received one-half; the Keeper 
 one-quarter ; and the remainder was paid into tlie County stock. 
 
 Statement of Prisoners in general, from January, I780, to February 17th, 1807, 
 
 received here during the course of Z~j years, from the Gaol and Bridewell's being first 
 
 inhabited : 
 
 Gaol. Bridewell. Debtors. Totals. 
 
 Commitments, - - - 1258 - - 1846 - - - 773 - - - 3877 
 
 Deaths ----- 2 - - 5--- S--- 15 
 
 Prisoners are always discharged from henc^e in a morning ; and, if necessitous, 
 money is given them, according to their respective distance from home. 
 
 03=* Whenever, to benefit the living, we honour the dead, it becomes no less a 
 pleasing than a bounden duty. I cannot here omit this last opportunity of paying a 
 tribute of great respect to the memory of my learned friend, Dr. Hall, the much 
 lamented Physician of Bodmin. At my first visit to the Prison, I found this excel- 
 lent Man visiting, and gratuitously prescribing for the sick, which I was informed 
 had been his constant practice. Its singularity inspired me with the highest vene- 
 ration. I had seldom, nay hardly ever, seen an instance of the kind during my 
 walk through our Gaols, in any place, except the Metropolis : It was exemplary, 
 and worthy of a more extensive imitation ; and with Dr. Hull it continued until 
 September, 1806, when a fatal accident deprived society of one of its most useful 
 members.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 57 
 
 THE BOROUCiH COMPTER. 
 
 Southwark in Surrey. 
 
 Keeper, Sir Jf'athhi Lewes, Knight, Bailiff of the Borough ; appointed by the 
 Lord Mayor of London, and Court of Aldermen. 
 Deputy, John Frost ; afterwards, John BuUevant ; now John Law. 
 Salary, none. Fees, for Felons, see the Table. 
 " Garnish, two Shillings," jjainted on the Prison-Doors. 
 
 Surgeon, none ; nor medical assistance in case of sickness. 
 
 Number of Dei/or*-; and also of their Wives and Infant Children, humanely 
 and necessarily in the Prison with them. 
 
 Debtors. Wives. InfiuU Children, 
 
 l801,Sept. 14th, ----- Q .--_ ---- 3 
 
 1802, Feb. 9th, ----- 5 ---_ ---. i 
 
 1803, Jan. 2d. ----- 8 ---- ---- 4 
 
 1804, Dec. 8th, ----- 8 -.-- ---- 3 
 
 1805, Dec. 1 0th, 5 ---- 2 -.._ 3 
 
 180G, March 28th, ---- 5 .--- ^ --._ 9 
 
 1807, Oct. 2d, ----- 6 -_-- ---- 3 
 
 1808, May 23d, ----- 8 .--- ---. 4 
 
 1809, Nov. 14th, ----- 9 -..- ---- 4 
 
 1810, June 21st, ----- 6 ---- 2 ---- 4 
 
 Allowance, To each Debtor, a twopenny loaf per day *, from the City ; and every 
 eight weeks, sixt3'-five penny loaves, from Mrs. Margaret Symcott's Gift, 
 more properly known as " Eleanor Gwynns Legacy ;" a memorial whereof 
 is fixed up in this Prison. Also twenty Shillings at every Christmas, from 
 the Archbishop of Canterbury. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Borough Compter, vulgarly called " The Clink" is under the Jurisdiction 
 of the Bailifi' of Southwark, controulable, however, by the City of London; and 
 extends its influence over five Parishes. But, in August, 1 806, the powers of the 
 Court were still farther extended to Norwood, about seven miles distant ; the num- 
 
 * The weight of this l';af, on the 10th of IMarrh, 1801, was six ounces. In August, 1*83, the two- 
 penny loaf weighed tuentii-one ounces. The allowance of bread, every wheix", and at all times, should 
 be in weight, and ne\er according to its casual value in money ; because of the frequent variation of 
 price in an article of such important consequence. 
 
 I
 
 Si STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ber of commitments thei-eby increased in more than a triple degree. For the six 
 years preceding, the annual average had been 152; but no sooner was the Jurisdiction 
 enlarged, than the number of the committed in the first year increased to 549- The 
 following is an exact List of Commitments hither, from iSoi to lSo6, inclusive: 
 InlSoi,— iSo. In 1802,— IGO. In 1803,-170. In 1804,-125. In 1805,— 
 131. And in iSoC, — 147- 
 
 Debtors have here one small court-yard, about 19 feet square. On the ground- 
 floor, on the right-hand, is the Women's day and sleeping-room, of 24 feet by 9 feet 
 6 inches. On the left hand is another, intended for Men, 41 feet by 10: But the 
 floor of this room being only of earth, or mud, and unfit to sleep on, no use has been 
 made of it for mcwt/ years ; so that the Men and Women associate promiscuously 
 together in the Women's apartments, during the day-time. 
 
 Above stairs are two rooms, of the same size as the former, and in pretty good 
 repair. All these rooms have fire-places; but no coals are allowed; no kettles 
 or saucepans to cook provisions ; no mops, brooms or pails to keep the Gaol clean ; 
 no bedsteads, bedding, nor even straw to lie upon ! Hence, the Debtors are obliged 
 every night to sleep in their clothes upon the boards, than which the very streets 
 can hardly be more filthily dirt}'. 
 
 All who are arrested by process issuing out of the Borough Court, are sent to 
 this miserable Prison ; and in the house there are rooms, of about S feet square, for 
 such as can pay sixpence per night for a bed. 
 
 Tlie extreme distress and wretchedness which I had often witnessed in this place, 
 particularly in the years 180I, lS02, 1803, and 1804, induced me, at length, to 
 address the Lord Mayor by letter, of which the subjoined is a transcript: 
 
 " MY LORD Chelsea, 11th December, 1S04. 
 
 " I BEG pardon for the liberty I take in addressing myself to your Lordship ; but, 
 when the importance of the subject, and the object it has in view, are considered, 
 they will, I trust, plead excuse. It is now more than three years since I made my 
 first report to the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen, on the state of the Borough 
 Compter. A Committee was appointed to inspect it. The windows were repaired 
 and glazed : it was white-washed, and swept. This being all the improvement it 
 lias received, permit me to trespass on your Lordship's patience, and that of the 
 Honourable Court, whilst I describe its present state. 
 
 " Sir Watkin Lewes, as Bailiff of the Borough, is, I presume the Keeper. His 
 Deputy, John Bullevant, has no salary. This Prison extends its jurisdiction over 
 ■live parishes- Men and Women Debtors have one small court-yard, about 
 19 feet square, and they api)ear to me at all times to associate together. They have 
 nothing but the dirty boards to sleep upon. No bedding, nor even straw allowed. 
 No fire, even in this cold and dauij) season. No medical assistance in sickness. 
 No religious attentions whatever. 'I'he few remaining boards in the Men-Debtors' 
 room, (mentioned in my former report) are now taken away, as are the joists on
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES'. S9 
 
 which they were laid. The room is useless ; the floor is earth. Neither mops, 
 brooms, or pails are allowed to keep the Prison clean. Soap and towels are not 
 afforded to the Prisoner; so that a man may, for a deht of one guinea, remain in- 
 this wretched place forty days, without once taking off his clothes, or washing his 
 hands and face. 
 
 " Permit me now, my Lord, to submit to your consideration the Allowance to- 
 this Prison. It is a two-jjennj' loaf p^er day ; weight 10th March, iSoi, -six ounces! 
 and 7th December, 1804, eight ounces. This scanty provision, without any nutri- 
 tious liquor, on\y water, is not sufficient to support the cravings of nature ; and the 
 Prisoner at his discharge may be fit for an hospital, but he cannot be fit for labour. 
 The County of Middlesex allows to Prisoners of this description, in Cold Bath 
 Fields, a loaf of bread of one jjound weight every day, a pint of gruel every morn- 
 ing, a quart of broth made of rice and oatmeal for dinner, and every other day six 
 ounces of meat for dinner, instead of broth. They have a common room, with a< 
 fire-place, and a peck of eoals per day ; a sleeping-cell 7 feet by 5^, with plank 
 bedsteads, straw-in-ticking beds, a blanket, and a rug. What a contrast! what 
 shall I say to a system still continued, though respectfully submitted to the Court 
 more than three years ago ? I am informed there has been no resident Alderman 
 in this ward for many years, which may in some measure account for the total 
 neglect of this miserable place. The 6^ penny loaves every eight weeks (from Mrs. 
 Symcott's gift) might, if dis'tributed at proper periods, according to the number of 
 debtors, be of real service; but they are sent all at one time; and the late Keeper 
 informed me, when there was only one debtor, he had the whole, and sold them. 
 
 " No inquiry ever appears to be made about the state of this prison, and there 
 being no resident Magistrate, the cries of the miserable never, reach that Court, 
 where distress seldom supplicates in vain. The annual donation of 20s. by the 
 Archbishop of Canterbury, is distributed in the same inconsiderate manner as the 
 bread. Liberality, Benevolence, and Humanity, are the characteristics of the City, 
 and on all public occasions she extends them in a manner wortliy the first city in the 
 uorld. The (iaols of Newgate, Ludgate, (iiltspur-street, and Poultry, are ample 
 partakers of its bounty, whilst the miserable one l have been describing, situate 
 in Surrey, has no claim to the provision made by that liberal County. Forgot by 
 the City; out of reach of being heard; it seems a wretciied cast-ofl] and may be 
 numbered among the worst prisons in the Kingdom. At my visits the 7th and 8tli 
 of this month (Dec. 1804) the number of Prisoners, eight; viz. six Men, two 
 Women ; their condition ragged and dirty, starving, and (except one) without 
 employ. lu this extremity 2s. garnish '\s ex&cted from every new comer. That 
 this picture is not over-charged, I am ready to prove ; and will attend the Court of 
 Aldermen any time they please to appoint, to interrogate the Keeper as to facts ,. 
 Mr. Aldermun Coniby, when Lord Mayor, honoured my remarks on the Poultry,
 
 60 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Compter with the most prompt and effectual rehef ; and I humbly hope, my Lord, 
 for a like exertion of your high authority, and for the exercise of a like compassion 
 towards the unhappy objects of it. I have the honour to be, with great respect, my 
 Lord, your Lordship's most obedient and faithful humble servant, 
 
 " To the Ris:ht Honourable James Neild." 
 
 Peter Perchard, Esq. Lord Mayor." 
 
 To the above letter I had not the honour of receiving any answer. 
 
 Benevolence, however, occasionally, though very rarely, has sometimes found its 
 way to these dreary walls. At Easter, 1804, two legs and two shins of beef were 
 sent. On the 15th of March, 1805, there were three Men and one Woman Prisoners: 
 the Woman was extremely ill of a bloody flux, and the poor Men had raised eighteen 
 pence amongst them, and bought a truss of straw, of which they had given their 
 sick associate a large portion. This act of sympathy pleased me much : The Deputy- 
 Keeper too had lent her an old blanket, and humanely permitted her to come into 
 his house, during the day ; by which means, and with some other charitable assist- 
 ance, she recovered. 
 
 On the gth December, 1805, two legs and two shins of beef were sent, the number 
 of Prisoners heiugjour ; and also, the same year, two pair of blankets, and two rugs. 
 On the 25th March, 1S06, were sent three legs of beef, the number of Prisoners 
 at that time eleven. At my visit on the 28th, I found here five Men-Debtors, who 
 had with them in the Prison three wives and nine children : some humane gentleman 
 had sent them eight small flock beds, and he likewise in the same year liberated 
 eight Prisoners. On the 28th May, 1806, there were seven Debtors, who had with 
 them in prison five infant children. 
 
 For Felons and other criminal Prisoners here is a court-yard, of 1 6 feet by 11, 
 with a sewer and pump in it, separated from that of the Debtors by a brick-wall. 
 Their day-apartment, called the Stone Room, is 17 feet by 12, and has a fire-place, 
 but no coals are allowed them. Vagrants sleep below, in two cells; one of them 
 10 feet by 7, the other 9 feet 6 inches by 7 feet. 
 
 Felons, &c. have also four sleeping-cells above stairs, the average size of which is 
 10 feet by 7. They all sleep on the bare boarded floors: No bedding, nor even 
 straw is allowed. Prisoners of this description are now sent hither for a night or 
 two only, until fully committed for trial. I have not met with any here at my 
 different visits. 
 
 Within the house is hung up the following 
 
 " Table of Fees 
 " To be taken by the Keeper of the Borough Compteu. 
 
 " For the admissioa of every Prisoner, for felony, trespass, or other j£. s. d. 
 misdemeanor -----------._.-. 0114 
 
 For every night's lodging ------....-- - -0 6
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. til 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 To the Turnkey, for the admission of every such Prisoner - - . 10 
 For every person brought by any Peace OHicer for safe custody, until 
 
 hearing: can be had before a Masristrate -------- 020 
 
 " And, for the better information of such Prisoners, the Court doth further order and direct. 
 That a Table of tlie said Fees be fixed uj) in the most conspicuous part of the said Prison, 
 for the perusal and inspection of the said Prisoners, and others resorting to tlie said Gaol. 
 
 " By the Court, Man." 
 
 I cannot speak with precision as to the number of those Phiintiffs who 'have 
 received debt and costs, in consequence of the imprisonment of their Debtors in this 
 Borough Compter ; because the late Deputy-Keeper died before I had finished my 
 extracts, and Sir Watkin had sent for the books : But Jeremiah Beavis, a former 
 Deputy-Keeper, in his evidence before a Committee of the Lords, in 1791, says, 
 " that where one pays the debt, twenty are discharged after staying out their time." 
 And I have no reason to believe it is otherwise now. 
 
 The Act and Clauses are here conspicuously hung up. 
 
 SHORT ACCOUNT 
 
 or THE 
 
 Ancient Institution of Courts of Conscience, 
 
 Within the Metroj)olis and its Vicinity ; and of their much improved Condition, 
 
 as efii^cted by the .Society for Relief of S.mall Debtobs. 
 
 Courts of Conscience, anciently denominated Courts of Request, had their 
 origin in 1518 (thegth of Henry VIII); when the Common Council of the City of 
 London issued an Act for the Recovery of Debts under Forty Shillings due to 
 Citizens, by a Court to be called a Court of Conscience, and to be held in (iuildhall : 
 and those debtors who failed to obey the award of that Court were to be imprisoned 
 in one of the City Compters, until they complied with such award ; even though it 
 were durante vitd. In 1605 (the 3d year of James I.) the powers of the Court so 
 formed in l,jl3 by the Common Council of London, were established by Act of 
 of Parliament. 
 
 In 1750, Alderman Dickenson brought in a Bill for extending similar powers to 
 the whole County of Middlesex ; but with this ditierence, that all persons refusing 
 to submit to the decision or award of the Court, were rendered liable to imprison- 
 ment, in Newgate, for three calendar months, which cancelled the debt. 
 
 Thus it seems evident, that different degrees of punishment were inflicted for one 
 and the same offence, contrary to true policy, justice, and common sense ; as will
 
 g2 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 appear by stating the various expences and fees that were incurred to recover a 
 debt from one shilling * up to forty shilhngs : and which were nearly the same in 
 
 all the Courts of Conscience : 
 
 s. d. 
 
 For three Summonses - - - 20 
 
 The Order ------ 22 
 
 The Hearing ----- 13 
 
 The Execution - - - - 26 
 
 The Officer ----- 10 
 
 8 11. 
 On this original document are formed the following statements ; vh, 
 A-t the City Compters, in Wood Street and the Poultry. 
 Debt of one shilling - - - - - 10 
 
 Expences to recover it as above - - 8 11 
 
 Fees exacted by the Gaoler when cleared - 15 8 £. s. d. 
 
 15 1 
 
 which the debtor must pay, or be imprisoned for life, with felons. 
 
 At the Borough Compter^ Southwark. 
 Debt, as :i])Ove ----- 1 
 
 Espences, ditto - - - - - 811 
 
 Fees exacted by the Gaoler when cleared - 7 
 
 16 11 
 
 which the Debtor must discharge, or incur imprisonment for life, witb felons. 
 
 At Newgate, tlie County Gaol. 
 
 Debt 10 
 
 Expences - - - - - - 811 
 
 J'ees exacted by the Gaoler when cleared - 8 10 
 
 IS 9 
 
 which the debtor must pay, or be imprisoned with felons, for three calendar months,. 
 
 At Clerkenwell. 
 
 Dcht 10 
 
 Expences - - - - - - 8 11 
 
 Fees exacted by the Gaoler when cleared - 5 
 
 ■ 14 11; 
 
 which the debtor must pay, or be imprisoned with Mons/oi-ty days. 
 
 At Toihill Fields. 
 
 Debt 10 
 
 Expences - * - - - - 8 11 
 
 Fees exacted by the, Gaoler when cleared - 5 
 
 14 11 
 
 which the debtor must pay, or he forty days imprisoned with felons. 
 
 *• See my Remark on " Thomtis Dobson," under the ai'ticle Newgate.,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 6S 
 
 Such once was the legally-sanctioned, the severe, and miserable lot of these 
 poor, unthinking, and unfortunate classes of mankind, at the time of the institution 
 of our Society : Nor was it till near fourteen years after its auspicious establish- 
 ment, that their repeated applicatioHS were so attended to, as to effect a total change 
 in the horrid system. At length, however. Truth and Humanity prevailed. The 
 exactions before specified were j)ublishcd by order of the Society in February 1785; 
 and in the same year an Act of the legislature passed " for reducing the Time for Im- 
 " prisonment of Debtors committed to Prison upon Prosecutions in Courts of Con- 
 " science in London, Middlesex, and the Borough of Southwark, to the sanae 
 ■*' Periods in each Court ; and for abolishing Fees paid by those Debtors to Gaolers, 
 " or others, on account of such Imprisonment." The happy result has been, that 
 all Fees to Gaolers on these petty and injurious prosecutions are every w here abo- 
 lished; expences are reduced ; the term of imprisonment is restricted (as hereafter 
 mentioned) ; and in most of our County Gaols, throughout the kingdom, a due 
 separation is observed betwixt unhappy debtors and the most flagitious offenders. 
 
 The perfect completion of so salutary a reform cannot fail to excite the just hope 
 and warm expectation of every feeling heart. Particular care ought to be taken, 
 that Debtors of the kind here specified, should never be suffered to mix a-'ith Cri^ 
 minals : but in my various tours of visitation to the Houses of .Correction, and 
 Bridewells, in places remote from the metropolis, I have but too often found them 
 associated with Felons, and other offenders of the worst description ; who, both 
 by instruction and example, frequently make them as abandoned as themselves ; 
 nay, and even extinguish every spark of modesty in the females, by daily habits of 
 intimacy with the lewdest of their sex. 
 
 Another consideration, of much importance, demands also the peculiar attention 
 t)f ever\' conscientious Magistrate. Whilst the lav- ordains imprisonment, there 
 ought to be a County Allowance of food, and of Bedding for every indigent and 
 friendless Prisoner : instead of which, I have sometimes found debtors, who have in 
 prison become indebted to felons for their food ; and, in some instances, have ])ain- 
 fully witnessed, that when liberated from a gaol, they were fitter fur ivi hospital than 
 for labour. 
 
 In August l(So(3, an Act passed, extending the limits of jurisdiction beyond the 
 paris/ies to which I there alluded, and enlarging the powers of the Commissioners, 
 by the style and title of " The Court of Requests for the I'own and Borough of 
 Southu'tirk, and Eastern Half of ihe Hundred of Brixton, in the Count v of Surry:'' 
 Three Commissioners to have jurisdiction over debts not exceeding Forty shiUings; 
 and five over debts not exceeding Five pounds. 
 
 By the above Statute it was enacted, That the several Fees and sums of money 
 following, and no other, should be taken by the Bailiff, Clerhs, and Officers of the
 
 64 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 said Court of Requests, for their respective services in the execution of the Statutes 
 ^2d and 32d of King George II. instead of the fees hmited and expressed in the 
 former of those two Acts ; viz. 
 
 To the Bailiff. 
 
 F<n' every Summons ----^---------- 
 
 For every Sumiiioris for the Attendance of not more thru two \ 
 Witnesses ---------------) 
 
 For every Hearing on Trial ----------- 
 
 For every Order, Decree, or Judgment, on Hearing . - - - 
 For paying Money into Court ----------- 
 
 For every Attaciiment ---- .._------- 
 
 For every Execution ----.--------- 
 
 For every Nonsuit -------------- 
 
 For receiving Money out of Court, in part ------- 
 
 For receiving Money out of Court, in full ------- 
 
 For every Search in the Books ----------- 
 
 For swearing every Witness ----------- 
 
 For calling tlie Defendant before tlie Court ------- 
 
 To the Clerks. 
 
 For every Summons ------------- 
 
 For every Summons for the Attendance of not more than two 
 Witnesses -------------- 
 
 For every Hearing on Trial ----------- 
 
 For every Order, Decree, or Judgment, on Hearing - - - 
 For paying Money into Court .-_------- 
 
 For every Attachment ------------ 
 
 For every Execution ------------ 
 
 For every Nonsuit ------------- 
 
 For receiving Money out of Court, in part ------ 
 
 For receiving Money out of Court, in full ------ 
 
 For every Search in the Books ---------- 
 
 For swearing every Witness ---------- 
 
 For caliinsr the Defendant before the Court ------ 
 
 On Debts not 
 exceeding 40s. 
 
 To the Officers. 
 
 For serving every Summons oa Defendant, or \\'itness 
 For serving Notice of Attachment on Defendant - 
 For gi\ing Notice of such Service to the Plaintiff' - 
 For levying Executions on Debts not exceeding 15.$. 
 Above 155. and not exceeding 205. _ - - - - 
 Above 205. and not exceeding 405. - - - - - 
 Above 405. and not exceeding C05. - _ - - - 
 Above 605. and not exceeding SOs. - - - - - 
 Above 805. --.-_--.--._ 
 
 4- 
 
 4- 
 
 4 - 
 
 4 - 
 
 4- 
 
 8 - 
 
 10 - 
 
 1 - 
 
 2- 
 
 3 - 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 
 8 - 
 
 8 
 8 
 8 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 8 
 2 
 2 
 6 
 2 
 2 
 2 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 On Debts 
 above 40s. 
 
 s. (I 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 •1 
 6 
 
 3 O 
 
 4 
 6 O
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. (J» 
 
 The f'oregointx Tables of Fees were ordered to be conspimously hung up in the 
 Gourt-house, or where the Commissioners meet, that all concerned may see and 
 peruse them at all times. 
 
 In consequence of the said Act, the term of imprisonment was ordained to bcr 
 thenceforth limited as follows ; and accordingly it now is, upon each action,^ 
 For all sums under, and up to 20*. . _ . Twentj' days. 
 
 Above twenty, arid not exceeding iOs. - - - Forty days. 
 
 Above forty sliillings, and not exceeding 5/. - - Sixty days. 
 
 Above 3/. and not exceeding 5l. - - - - One hundred days. 
 
 The following observations of Mr. Justice Blackstone demand a peculiar atten- 
 tion. He tells us that " divers trading towns, and other districts, had obtained 
 " Acts of Parliament for establishing in them Courts of Conscience, upon nearly 
 *' the same plan as that in the Cit}- of London. The anxious desire that has been 
 '^' shewn to obtain these several Acts, proves clearly, that the nation in general 
 " is truly sensible of the great inconvenience arising from the disuse of the antient 
 " County and Hundred Courts ; wherein causes of this small value were always 
 " formerly decided, with very little trouble and expence to the parties. But, it is 
 *' to be feared, that the general remedy which of late hath been jnincipally applied 
 " to this inconvenience (the erecting these new jurisdictions) may itself be attended, 
 " in time, with very ill consequences: as the method of proceeding therein is en- 
 " tirely in derogation of the common law ; as their large discretionary powers create 
 " a petty tyranny in a set of standing Commissioners ; and as the disuse of the 
 " trial by jury may tend to estrange the minds of the people from that valuable pre- 
 " rogative of Englishmen, which has already been more than sufHciently excluded 
 " in many instances. How much rather is it to be wished, that the proceedings in 
 " the County and Hundred Courts could again be revived, without burthening the 
 *' freeholders with too frequent and tedious attendances ; and at the same time 
 *' removing the delays that have insensibly crept into their proceedings, and the 
 " power that either party have, of transferring at ])leasure their suits to the Courts 
 " at Westminster ! And we may with satisfaction observe, that this experiment 
 " has been actually tried, and has succeeded, in the populous County of Middlesex ; 
 " which might serve as an example for others. For, by Statute 23 (leorge H. c. 33. 
 " it is enacted, 1 . That a special County-court shall be held, at least once a month, 
 " in every hundred of the county of Middlesex, by the county clerk. 2. That twelve 
 *•' freeholders of that hundred, qualified to serve on juries, and struck by the sheriff", 
 " shall be summoned to appear at such court by rotation, so as none shall be sum- 
 " moned oftner than once a year. 3. That in all causes not exceeding the value of 
 " forty shillings, the county clerk and twelve .SM<Vor* * shall proceed in a summarv 
 
 * Sic Orig. Q. Jurors, or Jurats ' 
 K
 
 «6 STATE OF PRISONS" 
 
 " way, examining the parties and witnesses on oath, without the formal process 
 ** antiently used ; and shall make such order therein, as they shall judge agreeable 
 " to conscience. 4. That no plaints shall be removed out of this court by any 
 " process Avhatsoever ; but the determination herein shall be final. 5. That if any 
 " action be brought in any of the superior courts against a person resident in Mid- 
 " dlesex, for a debt or contract, upon the trial whereof the jury shall find less than 
 " 40.V. damages, the plaintiff shall recover no costs, but shall pay the defendant 
 " double costs ; unless upon some special circumstances, to be certified by the Judge 
 " who tried it. 6. Lastly, a Table of very moderate Fees is prescribed and set 
 " down in the Act ; which are not to be exceeded upon any account whatsoever. 
 *' This is a plan entirely agreeable to the Constitution and genius of the Nation : 
 " calculated to prevent a multitude of vexatious actions in the superior Courts ; 
 " and at the same time to give honest creditors an opportunity of recovering small 
 " sums ; which now they are frequently deterred from by the expence of a suit at 
 " law : a plan, which, in short, wants only to be generally known, in order to its 
 " universal reception *." 
 
 BOSTON. Lincolnshire. 
 The Town Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, William I'aux; a Gunsmith by trade, and his workshop adjoins the 
 Felons' Gaol. 
 Salary, for both, 31^. Fees, on discharge, 2s. 6d. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, is ordered by the Mayor. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtor. Criminals, Men. Woman. 
 
 1802, Aug. 25th, ---- 1 -_-_ 3 -._. 1. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. To Criminal Prisoners, four-pence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This wretched Gaol seems to have been made under the arches of some old 
 monastery. 
 
 For Felons here are, on the ground-floor, two damp offensive rooms, I4 feet 
 square, with iron-grated windows, the bars of which are sufficiently set apart for a 
 prisoner to put his head through, and they were conversing with their friends in the 
 street. The Keeper told me they had liquors brought to them at all hours in the 
 night, so that his life was in danger from their frequent intoxication. Their two 
 
 * t'onimentaries, edit. 4to. vol. III. pp. 81"— 83.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. e% 
 
 rooms have wooden bedsteads, two blankets, and a rug each, and an offensive sewer 
 in one corner. Over these are two other rooms, for Female Criminals, one of which 
 is a bed-room of 9 feet 3 by 6 feet 4, dark, and without ventilation, the aperture, 
 which was formerly in the door, having been stopped up : the other has an iron- 
 grated window, through which the Woman Prisoner, young and dressy, was nod- 
 ding to and conversing with her admirers in the street. 
 
 Close adjoining to the above are two rooms for Debtors, who are sent hither 
 from the Court of Requests for the Borough of Boston, Skirbeck-Quarter, and the 
 parishes of Boston and Skirbeck. Here is no clear ventilation. The Debtor whom 
 I met with in August l802, complained of excessive heat : he appeared as in the last 
 stage of a consumption ; and, being a medical man, said it was owing to the 
 want of air. Hard-fated captive ! His debt was one guinea : his commitment, for 
 forty days, which were nearly expired when I came hither. 
 
 Here is no court-yard ; no water accessible : The Keeper fetches it as wanted, for 
 his own use, from the street adjoining. The Gaol did not look as if it had ever 
 been white-washed ; nor could its filthy state be a matter of surprise, when its com- 
 munication with the street was considered. 
 
 The irons here used are excessively heavy, owing, as the Gaoler informed me, 
 to the insecurity of his prison. Neither the Act nor the Clauses hung up. 
 
 BOSTON. Lincolnshire. The House of Correction^ 
 
 Gaoler, IVilliam Appleby. Salary, 30/. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Davis. Makes a Bill. 
 Prisoners, 1810, August 6th, none. 
 Allowance, sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This New House of Correction was built in 1S09, in Skirbeck-Quarter, near 
 Boston, for the division of Holland. The Keeper's house, which fronts the road, 
 forms the centre building ; and on each side is a day or work-room, 17 feet by 14, 
 one for men, and the other for women; and above each is a sleeping-room of the 
 same size, the ascent to which is by a step-ladder from the lower room. The doors 
 and windows of these rooms open into their respective court-yards, which are 
 17 feet by 14, with a boundary wall, only 14 feet high. \\'ater is supplied from a 
 pump in the Gaoler's court-yard.
 
 68 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BOTTESDALE. Suffolk. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 . ■ Gaoler, John Bond. Salary, 52^. lOs. 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. See Remarks. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Thomas Reeve. Salary, none ; but makes a Bill. 
 Number of Prisoners, 1805, Aug. 30th, 4. 18 10, Sept. iCth, 3. 
 Allowance : The following Dietary is painted on a board, and hung up. 
 
 One pound and a half of bread daily. 
 
 Breakfast each day, oatmeal gruel. 
 
 Dinners, Sunday, half a pound of meat, and one pound of potatoes. 
 
 Monday, three-quarters of a pint of pease, with broth of the preceding day. 
 
 Tuesday, rice or oatmeal porridge, with leeks or onions. 
 
 Wednesday, two pounds of potatoes, if in season, or gruel. 
 
 Thursday, as on Sunday, 
 
 Friday, as on Monday. 
 
 Saturday, as on Tuesday. 
 
 Salt for the week. 
 This diet costs is. 6d. per week, besides the one pound and a half of bread daily. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, first inhabited in April 1801, stands in a healthy situation, about 
 a quarter of a mile from the town. It is a new building, and surrounded by 
 a boundary- wall, 13 feet high, 64^ yards long, and 29-I- yards wide, having the 
 house in the centre. The approach is through a handsome stone entrance, along 
 a flag pavement, skirted on either hand with a neat grass-plat and small garden. 
 Behind the building is an excellent kitchen-garden for vegetables. On the right- 
 hand of the entrance are the Keeper's apartments ; on the left is a kitchen, fitted up 
 with iire-place, an oven, copper, and other utensils for frugal cookery ; and adjoining 
 to it is also a small room for prison-utensils. Through the centre of the building is 
 a passage 37 feet 6 inches in length, 5 feet 6 inches wide; and in the middle of the 
 passage an iron-grated door divides the Prison from the Keeper's apartments. On the 
 ground-floor are four cells, two on each side of the passage 14 feet 6 by 8 feet, with 
 arched roofs 8 feet 6 inches high, and iron-grated and glazed windows, with case- 
 ments 2 feet square. Up one pair of stairs there are also four other cells, of equal 
 size ; and on the same floor is a room in front of the Keeper's house, 21 feet by "12, 
 and .9 feet 6 inches high ; which has a fire-place, and is used occasionally as a day- 
 room or infirmary. Here is likewise a court-yard 40 feet by 37, surrounded by a 
 wall 14 fe«t high, and paved with flag stones. In this yard is a pump and sewer, 
 and each prisoner has access to it, for about one hour in the day. Every cell is
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES, t9 
 
 i'urnished with an iron-frame bedstead, wooden bottoms, a sacking bed filled with 
 straw, one blanket and a rug ; and a bell is fixed in each cell for the use of the 
 prisoners, in case of being taken ill, or wanting assistance. The Keeper informed 
 me at my visit in iSlO, that a Chaplain was to be apj)ointed to the Prison. 
 
 The Schedule of Laws for governing Houses of Correction (•22(\ G. III. c. 64.) 
 and the Clause against Spirituous Liquors, are painted on boards and hung up; but 
 not the Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners. 
 
 Their employment is the spinning of wool ; half their earnings from which are 
 paid them at the time of their discharge. All of them are allowed clean linen once 
 a week ; and coals, mops, brushes, brooms, soap, towels, and vinegar, are here consi- 
 derately allowed, for personal comfort and prison cleanliness. 
 
 BRADFORD, Yorkshire. See page 45. 
 
 BRECON. South Wales. 
 The County Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Walter IVatkins ; Salary, 52/, 105, : Now Thomas Git tins; Salary, 105/. 
 and half of the Prisoners' earnings ; out of which he provides a Turnkey. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, as per Table, Felons, when discharged in Court by proclama- 
 tion, 11*. 4d. which is paid by the County Treasurer, For Conveyance of 
 Transports, the expence attending it. 
 
 Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Jones. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers on Sunday and Thursday ; and Sermon once a month. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr, /FiV/wwA', Ss\a.ry,ior Felons only, 26I. 5s. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1803, Sept, 7th, - - - 
 1806, Sept. 12th, - - 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors and Felons, one pound and a half of bread per day. Trans- 
 ports have not the King's Allowance of '2s. 6d. per week. 
 
 REMARKS, 
 
 This Gaol and Bridewell was finished for the reception of Prisoners in 1782 ; and, 
 since my visit in 1S03, has been benefited by many improvements. 
 
 The Prisont rs, at that tiirie, complained to me of being cruelly treated, and half 
 starved. They were hterally half naked; and two Women, witiiout shoes or 
 
 btors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 Bridewell. 
 
 3 - 
 
 - - - 4 - 
 
 - - - 2 
 
 
 
 . . - 6 - 
 
 - - - 4
 
 TO STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 stockings, heavily loaded with double irons *. At my earnest request the then Gaoler 
 promised to take them off, but added, " he would not do it to oblige any Magistrate 
 in the town." Conversant in scenes of misery, this Man seemed to be steeled 
 against every tender sensation. He told me that a Felon and a Deserter had made 
 their escape a short time before my visit. My answer was, that I should not be 
 surprised at any act of desperation, under circumstances of such severity. The said 
 Keeper, who was a weaver, and dyer of worsteds, also informed me, " that he had to 
 support the Prisoners committed to the House of Correction, in return for which he 
 received the whole of their earnings." The countenances of all the Prisoners, at 
 the period alhuled to, bespoke neglect and oppression. The learned Judge, to 
 whom I sent my Remarks, was pleased to mention them in his Charge to the Grand 
 Jury at the next Assize ; adding, that the Keeper was an incorrigible drunkard -|- ; 
 and the Magistrates humanely interfered. 
 
 Here is, now, a boundary-wall, of 51 yards by 37, and the Gaol is in the centre 
 of the area. The ascent to the Keeper's house is by a flight of steps, and he has 
 apartments on the ground-floor. On the right of his kitchen is the infirmary-room, 
 and on the left a room for Female Debtors. Men Debtors have a court-yard, with 
 a j)ump and sewer in it ; a large day-room, with a fire-place and glazed windows ; 
 and on each side a large sleeping-room, termed a J'/ee-icard, with fire-place and 
 windows like the former. Up stairs are four other sleeping-rooms, with similar 
 windows, and in two of them a fire-place. If the Debtor brings his own bed, he pays 
 nothing ; if the Keeper furnishes one, 2*. 6d. per week. 
 
 Men Felons have a court, about 35 feet by 25, into which opens one sleeping-cell ; 
 and a day-room, of 26 feet 6' inches by 14 feet, into which two cells open. Adjoining 
 to the day-room is a passage 16 feet long, and 4 wide, called " the Iron Gate" 
 into which four cells open. These latter are assigned for Prisoners of the worst 
 class. 
 
 The court, day-room, and sleeping-cells for Women Felons, are similar to those 
 for the Men, but on the opposite side of the Gaol. The Bridewell House of Cor- 
 rection is under the same roof, but separated from the Gaol by the Chapel. The 
 
 * At the Lent Assizes for Thctfurd, in 1782, Lord Loughboroiigli laid a fine of twenty pounds on the 
 Gaoler of Norwich Castle, " for putting irons on a If'oman." The lesson is exemplary, and it is hoped 
 may ever be felt as a caution. 
 
 t A Welch Writer has volunteered in the cause, and attempted to \ indicate this very xmwortliy Man, 
 by saying, that " One of the Women thus ironed was young, and stout, and refused tamely to submit to 
 be double-ironed; in consequence whereof, the Gaoler was obliged to get assistance to effect it." He 
 ridicules the idea of giving money to a Prisoner on discharge, and he even compliments the Gaoler for 
 his humanity ! Noscitur a sociis ! Who has not heard of the famous Oiieu Glendouer ? He, too, was a 
 Gentleman of Wales, and very apt to assert what few could easily believe : And to him, it is said, the 
 gallant Hotspur addressed that ncicr-to-be-forgotten precept of sound morality, 
 
 " Oh : while you live, Tell Tnuh, and shame the Devil." Hen. IV. Part I. Act 3. Sc. 1.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 7i' 
 
 day-room has a fire-place, with iron-grated windows ; and two sleeping-cells open 
 into it. 
 
 In the court-yard is a double cell, for those under sentence of death. The outer 
 cell has an iron-grating over the door, and is of 1') feet by 10 feet 6 inches. The 
 inner one, which opens into it, and where the Prisoner sleeps, is 6 feet 6 by 5 feet 
 6 inches, and almost totally dark. 
 
 There are also two reception-cells for Prisoners when first brought in ; each of 6 feet 
 by 4 feet lO, and 8 feet high ; fitted up with a wooden bedstead, straw-in-sacking 
 bed, fresh straw every month, two blankets and a rug : The door-way only 3 feet 
 10 inches high. 
 
 Mops, brooms, and soap are supplied for cleansing the Prison, — which is kept very 
 clean, — but neither pails nor towels are allowed. The employment of weaving has 
 lately been introduced ; and the Prisoners are to have one-third of their earnings, 
 the (iaoler and County the other two. 
 
 Here are books provided for the Visiting Magistrates, the Chaplain, and the Sur- 
 geon, to enter their Reports. The two former are very regular ; from the latter, 
 none since the 14th August (l8o6.) No money is here given to Prisoners, when 
 discharged, to prevent a recurrence to former suflerings. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. No County clothing. The Act for Preserving Health 
 not hung up, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors. 
 
 "At an adjournment of General Quarter Sessions, held at Brecon, I 3th March, 1805, 
 for settling the Fees, to be taken by the Gaoler tor coinmitnieiit or discharge of Debtors ; 
 it ii'as ordered. That the following, and no more should be taken, viz. 
 
 " For enteiing every tVesii Action or Process, whereon a Prisoner may 
 
 be charged ------------._._ 036 
 
 For the Turnkey, or Under Turnkey, on each fresh Action - _ - 10 
 For enteiing ti)e discharge, or for the diseliarge of every Prisoner - 7 
 To the Turnkey, for tiie discharge of every Prisoner ----- 010 
 
 For the receiving ;ind entering every Declaration against a Prisoner 
 
 in custody -------_-_-_.-_- 020 
 
 To the Turnkey on every Declaration -----_--_ 006 
 
 For a Certificate, for want of a Declaration, in order to take out a 
 
 Writ of Supersedeas --_---.--__-. 036 
 For a Copy of the Warrant of Commitment against each Prisoner - 10 
 
 Edwaud Morgan, Esq. Chairman. 
 Walter Jeffreys, Esq. 
 Penrv Williams, Esq. 
 Approved by George Hardinge and Abel Moysev, Esqrs. Justices of the Great 
 Sessions of the several Counties of Glamorgan, Brecon, and Radnor."
 
 7* STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BRECON. Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, David Morgan, Sergeant at Mace, a Shoemaker. Salary, 5/. Fees, 35. 6d. 
 Prisoners at my Visits, 7th Sept. 1803, and 12tli Sept. 1806, None. 
 Allowance, two-pence a day in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 A dark dungeon, about 12 feet square, down ten steps. Straw on a mud-floor. 
 No court! No water! The only light it receives is from a small iron-grating, level 
 with the street. Up stairs were heretofore four rooms for Debtors, who furnished 
 their own beds, or paid the Keeper for each bed \s. per week. 
 
 The Keeper told me that the Allowance was now one pound and a half of bread 
 per day ; and that his Salary had been discontinued for two years. 
 
 There are only two rooms now for Debtors, who are committed by process issuing 
 out of the Borough Conrt, from one shilling to any amount. 
 
 BUCKINCtHAM. Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Danhy; a Collar-maker, who works at the opposite side of the 
 street. Salary, 5/. 5*. Fees, none. Allowance, 1*. per week. 
 
 Debtors, lS02, Nov, 25th, One. 1804, July lOth, Two. 1 805, Sept. l6th. One. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Behind the Keeper's apartments is a court-yard, about 30 feet square, and two 
 rooms which open into it, about 16 feet by 12 each, with barrack bedsteads and 
 straw: one is the Bridewell, the other for Felons. Over these are two rooms for 
 Debtors. No water : The Gaoler fetches it from over the way. The Prison clean : 
 The floors had been rotten and full of holes; but at my visit in 1810, they were in 
 good repair. Debtors for small sums are committed by process issuing out of the 
 Borough Court. There are seldom any Criminals confined here except for one or 
 two nights at the Assizes. It is chiefly used as a place of confinement for vagrants, 
 night-charges, and deserters. 
 
 Over the Gate is the following Inscription. 
 
 " The Right Honourable 
 
 Richard Gkenville Temple, 
 
 Lord V^iscount Cobham, 
 
 caused this Edifice to be erected at his own Expence, 
 
 For the Use of this Town and County, 
 
 the Summer Assizes being restored to this Place, 
 
 and fixed here by Act of Parliament, 
 
 in the year 1 748."
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 73 
 
 BRIDEWELL. London. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Steward, Mr, Bolton Hudson. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Henri/ Budd. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and a Sermon every Sunday morning, and Prayers in the after- 
 noon, in a Chapel a])propriated to the Governors, Officers, &c. and a Sermon 
 every Sunday, and Prayers twice a week, in the Prison. Sec Remarhs. 
 
 Salary, 200l. and apartments in the house. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Bryan Crotvther. Salary, 50/. See Remarks. 
 
 Apothecary, Mr. John Haslam. Salary, 335/. and medicines provided. See 
 Remarks. 
 
 Matron, Muri/ Bundle. Salary, Gol. See Remarks. 
 
 Porter, Mr. Richard Jfeaver. Salary, jol. Porter's Man, Richard Allen. ' 
 
 Number of Prisoners for nearly sixteen years, beginning in 1/94, and continued 
 up to my last visit, in 1809, inclusive. 
 
 1794, ----- 1224. 1802, ----- 1751. 
 
 1795, ----- 1318. 1803, - - - - . 1480. 
 \-Hj6, ----- 1490. 1804, ----- \2Q6. \ 
 1797, ----- 1371. 1805, ----- 1328. 
 17.08, ----- 1439. 1806, ----- 1239. 
 17.99, ----- 1548. 1807, ----- 1300. 
 
 1800, ----- 1989. 1808, ----- 1226. 
 
 1801, ----- 1935. 1809, ----- 553. 
 
 Allowance, one quartern loaf per day for six Prisoners, provided by the Hospital ; 
 independent of the contract made with Mr. Hudson, the Steward ; who is 
 allowed one shilling per day for the maintenance of each Prisoner, and fur- 
 nishes the following diet for each, as settled in the Special Committee, 19th 
 .Tanuary, iSoi. 
 
 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, One pound of beef without bone, boiled down 
 to a consistency of ten ounces ; and three pints of eighteen shilling table-beer, 
 
 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, The broth of the n)eatof the preceding da}-, with 
 three ounces of rice, which, when properly boiled, produces 15 ounces at 
 least. Tlie (juantity of soup for each Prisoner to be three pints ; and one 
 quart of table-beer. 
 
 Sunday, One pound of beef without bone, boiled down to the above consistency, 
 together with the broth of the meat; and three pints of table-beer. , 
 
 h
 
 7* STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This E<lifice was rebuilt by King Henry the Eighth, near to a remarkable well> 
 called " Bride's Well," upon the scite of a tower or castle, which had belonged to 
 the Kings of England from before the conquest; and where those Princes lodged, 
 and sometimes removed to it their Courts of Record from Westminster. They 
 here also occasionally held their Parliaments. 
 
 By Henry the Eighth it was prepared for the reception of the Emperor Charles 
 the Fifth, who came there in 1522 ; but having at length fallen to decay, it was for 
 some time disused. King Edward the Sixth, in the seventh year of his reign, gave 
 it to the Mayor, Commonalty, and Citizens of London, to be used as a harbour or 
 asylum for poor destitute people ; but Edward dying soon after, the City did not 
 take possession of it, till the Ro^al (Jrant, two years afterwards, had been con- 
 firmed by his sister Queen Mary ; when Sir William Gerard the Mayor entered, 
 and, having taken possession, an Act of Common Council was made, of which the 
 following is an extract. 
 
 " Inasmuch as King Edward Sixth has given his House of Bridewell unto the 
 " City, partly for the setting of idleand lewd people to work,and partly for the lodging 
 *' and harbouring of the poor, sick, and sore people of this City, and of poor way- 
 *' faring jieople repairing to the same; and hath for this purpose given the bedding 
 "and furniture of the Savoy; therefore, in consideration that very great charges 
 *' will be required for the fitting up of the said house, and the buying of tools and 
 " bedding, It is ordered, &c. &.c." 
 
 In the Reign of Oueen Elizabeth, mills were invented to grind corn, and to be 
 worked, some of them by the hand, and others by the foot; so that even the lame 
 (if they possessed but one sound limb) might find employment : and we are told, 
 that the mills were so constructed, that two men could grind as much corn, in any 
 given time, as could be ground by ten men with the other mills then in use. In the 
 year l6lO, twelve public granaries were here erected, large enough to contain six 
 thousand quarters of corn ; which, in case of scarcity, or of combination among 
 other dealers, was to be sold to the poor at prime cost. 
 
 83" A noble example, surely, in the rude times of our forefathers ; and, perhaps, 
 not unworthy the public consideration of those, who would wish to add true dignity 
 to the spirit of modern refinement. 
 
 In the year l666, the old building of Bridewell was almost wholly destroyed by 
 the dreadful fire of London ; but afterwards again rebuilt in the style and manner 
 of its present appearance ; the front only excepted, which has lately been taken 
 down, and a handsome row of houses erected, in a hue with the rest in Bridge Street. 
 
 The Hall of this venerable structure is a noble room ; in which is a fine painting 
 of King Edward \T. delivering his Charier to Sir (ieorge Barnes, the then Lord 
 Alayor. Several other good portraits are also hung up, to decorate the wall.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALTS. 75 
 
 ■ llie Old Cliapel lias Ix-en takeiv down, and a New one erected on the Xorlli side 
 of the present front. 
 
 That part of Bridewell, whirh peculiarly relates to the subject of mv investigation, 
 has wards "assigned for Men an<l Women Prisoners, separated very properly by the 
 Porter's house, placed in the centre of those divisions. 
 
 The Men's If'ard, which occupies the ijround-floor, on the left of the entrance, 
 has a large day-room, in which tlity pick oakum ; and adjoining to it is another 
 room, wherein to deposit the raw materials for work ; with a small apartment, called 
 " the Iron Room,'' from the irons which are kept there. 
 
 From the large day-room a stair-case leads on to the first stor)^ or gallery j 
 which contains nine sleej)ing-cells, of about 10 feet square, supplied with iron- 
 grated and glazed windows, well contrived for the benefits of light and ventilation. 
 These cells are fitted up with wooden bedsteads, straw beds in Russia duck, one 
 blanket and a rug to each, and a shelf for the j>lacing of provisions. Here are also 
 two cells for the refractory ; and all the cells ojien into a well-ventilated lobby^. 
 7 feet 6 inches wide. 
 
 The second gallery is of the same width, and contains 12 cells of the like dimen^ 
 sions. Of these, six are set apart for petty oflpenders, and fitted up as those already 
 described. A door of partition across the lobby separates them from the other six 
 cells ; over the doors of which is painted " Apprentice."' These latter cells are fur- 
 nished with flock beds, a pillow to each, two sheets, two blankets and a rug. 
 
 The third, or attick story, contains three rooms, of about 19 feet square, for Men 
 Vagrants, who sleep ujron the floor ; which, to separate each Prisoner, is partitioned 
 to the height of about four inches, and has long wheaten straw, with one blanket 
 and a rug to each compartment. 
 
 Here is also a large room, occasionally used as an Infirmary, with a fire-place in 
 it, and four opposite windows for fresh air; adjoining to which is another apart- 
 ment, called The Dispensary. 
 
 The If omen .s ffard, on the right-hand of the entrance, has three sleeping-cells 
 upon the ground-floor, fitted up in the same manner as those appropriated to the 
 Men. Their first gallery contains three other sleeping-cells, and a large day or mess- 
 room, which opens into a wide and well-ventilated lobby. The second gallery is similar 
 to it ; and the attick story contains three slee|>ing-cells ; together with a large room,^ 
 the floor of which is partitioned in the manner before described, to receive 21 Women 
 Vagrants, furnished with loose straw, a blanket, and a rug for each compartment. 
 
 The Chajjel, already noticed, is on the ground-floor of the Women's side of the 
 Prison, and the sexes are so duly separated, as to be placed out of sight of each other. 
 The Chaplain's duty is ])articularly to a<lmonish and instruct the Prisoners from 
 time to time, to read the Liturgy and tin- exhortation already provided for the lusti- 
 tution ; or to preach on Sundays once, and read Prayers on two other da\s of the week
 
 76 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 in the Prison. On all which occasions he is to wear his usual officiating dress, and 
 to see that such Prisoners as are able and: proper do always attend divine service. 
 And here it is but just to remarji, as far as has come under my observation, that 
 the duty has been impressively performed ; and that short religious tracts are printed, 
 which the Chaplain delivers out to the more orderly Prisoners who can read. 
 
 The Surgeon's duty here is to attend the Prisoners, and surgical cases, both at 
 this and at Bethlehem Hospital, as well as the resident officers and servants. Mr, 
 Haslam, the apothecary, has apartments in this building, where constant residence 
 is required. He is to give all necessaiy attendance upon the Prisonel-s and other 
 inhabitants of the Hospital, and to sign the Matron's bills fol- sick messes to the 
 Prisoners, &c. To her is consigned the <;harge of all Women Prisoners, and to 
 attend upon the sick, both male and female, with care and humanity, in all manner 
 of disorders. She is allowed three-pence for each mess of gruel, and fifteen pence 
 per day for the maintenance of all prisoners on the sick list. The Porter's man 
 is required to serve out the prisoners diet : He is allowed three-pence for each mess 
 of gruel supplied to the Men, and mast assist, as dn-ected in all matters respecting 
 the Prison and the Prisoners. 
 
 The Prisoners here are served with their respective allowance of provisions daily 
 at twelve o'clock. 
 
 The care devolved upon Mr. Weaver, the Porter of Bridewell, is to receive all 
 prisoners into his custody, and enter their names and other circumstances in a book 
 provided for the purpose : to see that the Men's Prison be well washed once a week 
 with vinegar, fumigated weekly with tar, and white-washed regularly, conforniable 
 to Act of Parliament; to treat the prisoners with humanity and kindness, and keep 
 them safe and clean, till they are duly discharged ; to visit them frequency ; to 
 see that they are kept to labour, humanely treated, &c. and to sign the Steward's 
 Diet-Book, as a voucher for the same. 
 
 Formerly the prisoners were employed by a hemp-dresser, who had an apart- 
 ment in the Prison, with a Salary of 20/. per annum, and the profit arising from the 
 labour of the prisoners. But the chief employment now is, and for some years past 
 has been, picking of oakum. The junk for this purpose is provided by the Porter 
 of Bridewell, and when picked is sold at from three to five shillings per Cwt. 
 
 The earnings of the prisoner appear to have been as follow ; 
 
 1799 - - - - 
 
 1800 - - - - 
 
 1801 - - - - 
 
 1802 - - . - 
 
 1803 - - - - 
 
 1804 - - - - 15 13 4 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 21 
 
 18 
 
 9 
 
 1805 
 
 23 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 1806 
 
 35 
 
 5 
 
 11 
 
 1807 
 
 28 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 1808 
 
 29 
 
 6 
 
 8 
 
 1809 
 
 ^. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 14 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 15 
 
 18 
 
 6 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 0.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. t* 
 
 Their hours of labour, deducting meal times, are from eight till four in wititer, 
 and in summer from six to six. 
 
 The bath, placed here in the basement story, is well supplied with water. Firing 
 is allowed in severe weather. Here is no court-yard ; but in extreme hot weather 
 the prisoners are sometimes taken out for air in the adjacent burying ground. 
 
 •BRIDGE WATER, 5o;«e/Ae^A/u>e. See page r^o. 
 
 BRISTOL. 
 
 City and County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, WilUam Humphries. Salary, 200l. and 2/. a year gown-money, s. d. ' 
 Fees, for Debtors, first Action, __--._----- 6 8 
 
 second, and every subsequent Action - - - 3 4 
 a London Action ---------- 90 
 
 for Felons ---------------- 134 
 
 Transports, 5/. each when delivered at Portsmouth. Garnish abolished. 
 
 - Chaplain, Rev. Mr. IValcam ; now Rev. Mr. Day. 
 
 Duty, Sermon on every Sunday, and Prayers on Wednesday and Friday. 
 Salar)', 35/. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Safford. Salary, none ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Deserters. 
 
 iSoi, Dec. iGth, --- 18 --- 26 ---- 0. 
 
 1803, Oct. 4th, --- 24 --- 26 ---- o. 
 
 1806, Sept. 20th, --- 33 --. 27 ---- 0. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. 
 
 to Felons, a threepenny loaf of standard wheaten bread. Its weight on the 
 
 iPth Dec. 1801, was lib. 5 oz. 
 
 20th Sept. 1S06, - - - lib. 30Z. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, called Newgate, is built on a declivity, and stands in the middle of 
 the City. It is very antique, and by much too small for the general number of 
 its inhabitants. The lower rooms are dark. For Debtors there are about fifteen 
 large and airy rooms ; two of which are termed yree tvards, for poor Debtors, who 
 find their own beds.
 
 75 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Those rooms which are on the Master's Side pay 2*. 6d. per week each ; and two 
 Prisoners sleep in a bed. Here is not a proper separation of Men and Women. 
 Only one court-yard, (called the Tennis-court) that is sufficiently large for air and 
 exercise. Its dimensions are 13 yards by 6, into which debtors and felons are 
 separately admitted, and at different hours of the day. When I was there, linen was 
 hanging out to dry. In this court-yard there is a pump with good water ; and also 
 a convenient bath, but seldom used. 
 
 The Men-Felons have two day-rooms. Adjoining to the first, 15 feet by 13, and 
 7 feet 8 inches high, is a sleeping-room of about the same size; which has no air 
 but what is admitted through an iron-grated window in the day-room. There is. 
 a small but very close court adjacent, about 20 feet long and 12 feet wide. On one 
 side of this court, is an ascent by twelve steps, to a sick room for felons, 18 feet by 
 12-^, and 7 feet 6 inches high; which has iron-grated and glazed windows, a fire- 
 place, a small aperture in the door, 14 inches by 11, and a ventilator. 
 
 The second day-room is 24 feet by 18, and 8 feet high ; with a fire-place, and two 
 treble iron-grated windows, which, in consequence, nearly exclude the light. This 
 room has two sleeping-cells, of 1 1 feet by 7, with arched roofs ; and a very small 
 court, with a sewer in it. 
 
 The " Condemned-room," as they term it, is 18 feet by 13, and 9 feet high, wbdch 
 has a double iron-grated window, that looks into the felons' yard. Their dungeon, 
 (the Pit) to which you descend by eighteen steps, is 1 7 feet in diameter, and 8 feet 
 6 inches high. It has barrack bedsteads, with beds of straw in caavass ; and some 
 benevolent Gentlemen of the City occasionalli/ send afeiv rugs. This dreary place 
 is close and offensive ; with only a very small window, whose light is merely suffi- 
 cient to make darkness visible. In the year iSoi I remember it was chiefly 
 appropriated to convicts under sentence of transportation. Seventeen Prisoners- 
 are said to have slept here every wight I The Turnkey himself told me, " that in a 
 morning, when he unlocked the door, he was so affected by the putrid steam issu- 
 ing from the dungeon, that it was enough to strike him down." At my next visit, 
 4th Oct. 1?03, it so happened, that only one Man slept there. 
 
 When Tundteys aie thus aft'ected, by only opening the doors, what must the 
 pitiable wretches sufier, confined, through the whole night, in such fetid hot-beds 
 of disease ! * There are many narrow passages about this Prison, so that the 
 utmost iittention seems requisite to keep it healthy ; and yet, at my several visits, I 
 
 * It has very judiciously been remarked, that a Gaol, considered as a place for safe custody of 
 the distiiibu's of peace and property, rarely attracts our attention as an object of pity and benevolence. 
 Gratified with the fiibt idea, of its power to je<ai«adai'ing murderer, how often do we o\erlook that most 
 ■ lamentable tyroupe, which it so dreadfully oppresses! — I mean the victims of mere • misfortune ; — the 
 feeble and unresistless sacrifices to false and groundless accusatioji ! Volumes might .be crowded, on 
 •y.iis h<;ad of lei^al, suj'ei ing^.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. W 
 
 found it comparatively clean, considering that the Felon-Side was so close and 
 crowded. It is scraped and white-washed once i^ycar. 
 
 The Female Felons' ward is a large room, 42 feet by 24, and 6i feet high, at the 
 tojj of the house, which serves the purposes of a day-room and sleeping-room. It 
 overlooks the Men-Felons' court, and had once four windows, but two of them are 
 now stopped up. There is in it a sink, but no water supplied, except what is ordered 
 by the Keeper from below. Near this ward are two rooms set apart for infirmaries. 
 
 Some time since Mr. John Ileydon left one hundred pounds to be lent to two 
 merchants, each paying annually to the Corjwration, for the benefit of the debtors, 
 l/. 13*. 4d. as the interest of his moiety. This is paid to the Treasurer of the 
 Society for Small Debts instituted here. 
 
 Mr. Freeman left Four Pounds Nine Shillings to be laid out in bread and beef, 
 and distributed on Christmas-Eve to the Prisoners of all descriptions. To this 
 legacy Mrs. Freeman liberally makes an annual addition of eleven Shillings. 
 
 The Churchwardens have, for many years past, paid four Pounds two Shillings 
 for the use of the prisoners ; two-thirds of which are given to the debtors, and one- 
 third to tlie Felons. This I ap])rehend to be the Legacy of Mrs. Aldsworth, who is 
 mentioned by Mr. Howard, Hut no memorial ajjpears in the (Jaol of any legacy. 
 
 The Act for preservation of Health is hung up in the Chapel, which, though large, 
 is not properly partitioned to separate the classes. The attendance of Debtors on 
 Divine worship is optional, and I was sorry to observe only nine present, in 1806, 
 out of thirty-three. Neither were the Criminal Prisoners so attentive as one might 
 have expected from the devout and serious manner in which the duty was performed 
 by their pious Chaplain. So little regard, indeed, was paid to the Chapel, as a 
 place of worship, that I have repeatedly seen the prisoners drinking, smoking, and 
 chewing tobacco in the gallery. 
 
 The Clauses against strong Liquors are hung up at the entrance of the Gaol. No 
 employment : and such is the confined situation of the Prison, as to preclude the 
 possibility of work ! No Table of Gaoler's Fees. 
 
 Besides the clerical duty before noted, here are thirteen Sermons in a year; for 
 which the Rector of the parish receives four pounds from a legacy. 
 
 I understand that a person arrested by an action from the Tolsey Court here, may, 
 at the next Court, confess the debt ; and at the first Court after (which occurs 
 monthly) may be charged in execution, and become immediately entitled to his 
 sixpences, or a supersedeas. 
 
 Several years since, an Act passed for the building of a new Gaol. Tliat it has 
 not been carried into execution by this rich commercial City, is much to be 
 regretted ; for, really the present Gaol is disgraceful. 
 
 How long shall young beginners and old offenders, both here and elsewhere, be 
 suffered to associate promiscuously together ! - "
 
 so STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 BRISTOL. City Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, John Parsons ; now Thomas Evans. Salary, 50/. Fees, ^s. Gd. 
 
 Chaplain, none; nor any religious attention paid to the Prisoners. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Safford, who makes a Bill. 
 
 N" of Prisoners, 1801, Dec. 17th, 8. 1803, Oct. 4th, 16. 180G, Sept. 20th, 5. 
 
 Allowance, a threepenny loaf of household bread, which I weighed, — 1 lb. 5 oz. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was built in 1721. Part of it is in the Keejier's house, on one side 
 6f the strget, and part on the other side. In the Keeper's house, the Master's-Side 
 Criminals have a day-room on the ground-floor, 15 feet square, 10 feet high; and 
 up-stairs, two rooms supplied with beds by the Keeper, at 1*. per night. In these 
 three rooms the following notice is painted : " Whoever shall write against, or daub 
 the walls in any manner, will be punished as the Magistrates shall think proper." 
 
 The Common-Side, (the Bridewell) over the way, consists of two parts, separated 
 by a court 50 feet by 15, in which there are a pump and cistern for hard and soft 
 water, which is laid on by a pipe from the quay. The first part has, on the right 
 hand, two cells for Vagrants on the ground-floor, each KJ-i. feet by 6-^ feet, an iron- 
 grated window facing the court, and a most offensive sewer in one corner: The 
 sleeping-room above is large and airy, but the straw upon the floor was short, dirty, 
 and almost worn to dust. On the left hand is a room iovjines, 22 feet by I7, and 
 10 feet high, with an iron-grated window to the court ; and the room is not rendered 
 ofiensive. Above stairs is an apartment of the same size. 
 
 The second part of the Common-Side has upon the ground-floor, on the right- 
 hand, two cells, 16^ feet by 6\, and g feet high to the crown of the arch ; with an 
 aperture 12 inches square, to admit light and ventilation, and an iron-grating over- 
 each door. The sewers, being near the river, are not very ofTensive ; but on my visit 
 in 1S03, they were so terribly infested by rats, that a cat was kept in each cell, to 
 prevent their gnawing the prisoners' feet. On my next call, however, in 1806, 
 and the appointment of 9. new Keeper, I found the rats prevented from such annoy- 
 ance. The floors were mended, cells white-washed, and the whole Prison very cleans 
 
 Over the cells is the Infirmary, 22 feet by 17, and 10 feet high, with a fire-place 
 *nd glazed window. On the left-hand is the Female Vagrants' day-room, 18 feet 
 by IG, and 10 feet high, with an iron-grated window toward the court; and over 
 this a sleeping-room of the same size. The court itself being quite out of sight 
 from the Keeper s house, he does not permit prisoners to use it, nor the pump there, 
 except three times a week, in the middle of the day ; yet some offenders are con- 
 fined here for three years together, and, during that time, kept in irons. 
 , No employment here. Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor the Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors, hung U]). No fuel allowed. Those who are imprisoned 
 .for a term have a rug allowed them by the Mayor.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Sf 
 
 BRISTOL. Gloucestershire. 
 LairJ'ord's Gate ; the Conntij-BrideiL'ell. 
 
 Keeper, Joseph HalUim. Salary, 50/. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Page; now Rev. Mr. Eden. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Dut}^, Sunday, Prayers and a Sermon ; also on Christmas-Day, antl Good- 
 Friday ; and Prayers on every Wednesday and Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Btitjnton. Salary, 15/. 15*. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1801, Dec. 17th, Nine. 1803, Oct. 4th, Two. 
 
 1806, Sept. 20th, Three. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of good household bread per day for each Man ; 
 and one pound three ounces each Woman, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was finished in 1791. The boundarj-wall encloses about an acre 
 of ground, and being at the distance of 16 feet from the court-yards of the Prisoners, 
 affords the Keeper a convenient garden for the growth of vegetables. The Gaol does 
 credit to those who superintended the work, being every way substantially strong. 
 
 On the right of the (rate of entrance is a room, where the Magistrates hold their 
 Petty Session every Thursday, exctpt in the Assize and Ouarter Sessions week. 
 The approach to the Prison is through a small garden, separated from the court' 
 yards by close wooden palisades. The Keeper's house is in front; and in the centre 
 stands the hall, which is nearly circular, with a passage or lobby on each side, 4 feet 
 6 inches wide, which open into it. The lobby on the right has seven work-cells ; 
 that on the left has eight ditto, and of the whole number eight have glazed-windows. 
 
 Here are four airy courts, of 28 yards by 15, with a pump and a sewer in each ; 
 and three day-rooms, I3 feet by 11 feet 6, with fire-places, stone seats and shelves. 
 The Women's court has a grass-plat, to bleach and dry the linen. 
 
 The Chapel is on the first story, and over the hall here are two lobbies or pas- 
 sages, of the same width as those below ; one containing nine sleeping-cells for 
 Women, the other ten such for Men ; which all open into the Chapel. 
 
 On the upper-story is the like number of cells, divided in the same manner; the 
 lobbies of which open into the gallery of the Chapel, and at the top of them there is 
 a large sky-light. Each sleeping-cell is 7 feet 4 inches by six feet 1, and 10 feet 
 high, with an arched roof, to prevent danger and confusion in case of fire. Every 
 one is fitted up with a tast-iron bedstead, straw-mat, hair-mattress, a blanket, sheet, 
 and double rug. Every cell has two doors, one of them iron-latticed; and is 
 
 M
 
 S2 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 lighted by an iron-grated window with sHding shutter, and a ventilator of 12 inches 
 diameter on the opposite side. There are two cells set apart for Vagrants, and they 
 have straw only, which, when worn, is taken out and burnt. 
 
 On this upper-story are also two infirmary rooms, with fire-places and water- 
 closets ; and three small rooms used as foul-wards, ^rom which iron-gratings com- 
 municate with the Chapel, to accommodate the sick Prisoners for hearing Divine 
 service. Here is likewise a Dispensary for the Surgeon ; and all these latter apart- 
 ments have glazed windows. 
 
 For the refractory two dark cells on the upper-story are allotted, each g feet 
 6 inches by 6 feet 6, and 9 feet high, ventilated by apertures in the wall. There are 
 forty sleeping-cells in this Prison, and the greatest number of Prisoners confined at 
 one time, has been twenty-four. 
 
 In chapel, the prisoners are separated according to their classes; and all are required 
 to attend Divine service, and placed alike under immediate inspection, either from 
 the Keeper's or the Turnkey's pew. 
 
 An alarm-bell at the top of the building : A warm and cold bath : an oven to 
 purify the prisoners' clothes, and County clothing is put on in their stead. 
 
 Here are also four stoves, from thefues of tvhich warmth is commvnicated, in 
 IVinter, to every fart of the Prison ; and a peck of coals per day allowed for each 
 stove. 
 
 Prisoners, when employed, receive a proportion of their earnings, according to 
 their classes, sufficient to purchase an addition to the Gaol allowance of food : but 
 the Keeper told me that frequently they had nothing to do. The remainder of 
 what thej' earn is paid them at their discharge. 
 
 From the quantities of old cables and junk that I saw at Bristol, — to which city 
 this Prison very nearly adjoins, — I should think that oakum might always be pre- 
 pared, as a ready and useful article. If any of the Prisoners refuse to be employed, 
 when the means of working are presented to them, they are punished by solitary/ 
 confinement. 
 
 The Surgeon's charge is to attend and see every Prisoner, at least once a week, and 
 always when sent for. He has the power, either to suspend punishment, or to vary 
 the diet, according to his discretion ; and a book is kept wherein to enter his observa- 
 tions and directions, ready to be laid before the Visiting Justices at their next meeting. 
 
 Books of moral and religious instruction are provided, to be distributed by the 
 Chaplain, as he thinks proper. 
 
 Proper cisterns, with soap and towels, are supplied to each court-yard, near the 
 pump, for the daily use of the Prisoners, on opening the cells, freights and mea- 
 sures also are kept for their use ; and they have clean linen once a week. 
 
 Copies of the excellent Rules and Orders are pasted up in various parts of the 
 Prison ; the whole of which is kept very clean.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 8l 
 
 BUCKINGHAM Town Gaol. See page 72. 
 
 BUNTINGFORD. Ilerffordshire. 
 
 Bridewell. Keeper, Btillen. Salary, 12/. Consists of two rooms, for 
 
 Men, of about 19 feet by 8, and one for Women, 13 feet by 10; having straw for 
 bedding, but no fire-place. They both look into the Keeper's large garden, out of 
 which a court-yard (which is now wanting) might conveniently be made. Allowance, 
 one pound of bread per day. 
 
 No water, but what is brought in by the Gaoler. An ofTensive sewer. Neither 
 Act nor Clauses hung up ; and the whole Prison dirty. 
 
 1802, Feb. 4th, and 1803, July i;,di, no Prisoners. 
 
 BURY St. EDMUND'S. Suffolk. 
 The County Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, John Orridge. 
 
 Salary, for both, 300/. He has also coals and candles; together with other 
 perquisites specified in the Rules and Regulations, as approved by the Magis- 
 trates, and confirmed by the Judges of Assize. 
 
 Fees, as per Table. Garnish jirohibited. 
 
 For conveyance of Transports, one shilling a mile each. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Simon Pryke. Duty, Prayers three times a week, and a Sermon 
 on Sundays, Christmas-Day, and Good-Friday. 
 Salary, for Gaol and Bridewell, 60I. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hubbard. Salary 60I. for Debtors and Felons in both Prisons. 
 
 Number of Prisoners Debtors. Felons, &c. House of Correction. 
 
 1801, Oct. 15th, ----- 6 - - - - 13 - - - 18 
 
 1802, Aug. 25th, ----- 9 ----17 __-2i 
 1805, Aug. 20th, -----10 ----23 ---20 
 1810, Sept. 17th, -----10 ----11 ---24 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of bread per day, and one pound of cheese per 
 week, both to Debtors and Felons : But Prisoners and Convicts, employed 
 in work by the County, have the addition of a quart of small beer per day, 
 and three-quarters of a pound of meat for their Sunday's dinner.
 
 «4 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This new Gaol is situate at the East-end of the South gate, near a mile from the 
 Centre of the town ; and the prisoners were removed into it on the 8th of December, 
 1805. The buildings are enclosed by a boundary-wall, 20 feet high, built in an 
 irregular octagon form, the diameter of which is 292 feet. 
 
 Four sides of this (iaol are 192 feet each, and the other four are 70 feet 6 inches 
 each. The entrance to the Prison is the Turnkey's lodge, a handsome stone-build- 
 ing, which consists of the entrance-room, sitting-room, and bed-room for the Turn- 
 key. On the right-hand is a room, with a fire-place, 12 feet by 7, and 9 feet 6 inches 
 high, used as a reception-room ; into which all prisoners are brought and confined, 
 till they have been examined, properly cleaned, and found to be free from any infec- 
 tious disorder, before they are admitted into the interior of the Gaol ; and there is a 
 water-closet adjoining, for the use of this room. 
 
 There are also two cells up one pair of stairs in the lodge, fitted up with iron 
 bedsteads on stone bearers, into which all prisoners are put when brought in at 
 night. The size of each cell, 9 feet 6 inches by 6 feet, with arched roofs, and 7 feet 
 6 inches high. The Turnkey's sleeping-room and a large store-room are also on 
 this floor. 
 
 On the left of the entrance, within the lodge, there is a convenient wash-house, 
 fitted up with an oven, copper, warm and cold bath, for the use of the Prison ; and 
 adjoining to it is the brewhouse. 
 
 The lead-flat over the Turnkey's lodge, which extends sixteen feet in length, is 
 assigned for the awful execution of criminals. 
 
 After passing through the lodge, you proceed down an avenue, paved with flag- 
 stone, with posts and chains, enclosing on each side a beautiful shrubbery border, 
 which leads to the Keeper's house : This is also an irregular octagon building, situate 
 in the centre of the Prison, and from which the several court-jards are completely 
 inspected. 
 
 The Prison consists of four wings, 69 feet long, and 32 feet wide, detached from 
 the Keeper's house by an area of 15 feet, which, with the different court-yards, 
 completely surround it. In all the wings there is a partition-wall, 14 inches thick, 
 running along the centre ; so that each wing contains two Prisons. 
 
 The wing, numbered 1 and 2, is the Prison for Male Debtors ; in which there 
 are two kitchens, fitted up with every convenience for frugal cookery : the size of 
 each 18 feet by 14, with arched roofs, 10 feet high. There are also two passages 
 44 feet long, and 3 feet 6 inches wide, communicating with their different rooms, 
 of which there are twenty. Of these, eighteen are 9 feet by 8 feet 6 inches, with 
 arched roofs 10 feet high; fitted up with iron bedsteads on stone bearers ; sash- 
 windows and a fire-place in each room.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. MT 
 
 Every Debtor has one of these rooms to himself. Eight are on the ground-floor ; 
 tlie rest on the upj)er-story to which you ascend by a stone staircase at the end of 
 the passage, or lobby. On this upper-story are two rooms assigned for the sickj 
 $ach of them l8 feet by 8 feet 6 inches, with two bedsteads and a fire-place in each. 
 There are also two courts attached to this wing (N" 1 and 2.) which are an irregular 
 polygon ; the one 64 feet by 42, the other 0"4 feet by ^4- 
 
 Every court-yard has a pump, with shy-boards in the centre of it, to which all 
 the prisoners have access in the day-time. 
 
 The second wing, numbered 3 and 4, contains also two Prisons ; in each of 
 which there is a day-room 20 feet by 14, with arched roofs 10 feet high. From 
 U)ese are passages or lobbies 42 feet long, 3 feet 6 inches wide, leading to the cells: 
 and adjoining to each day-room there is a work-room 14 feet by Q, with a fire-place 
 in each. 
 
 This wing contains 18 cells, six on the grovmd-floor, with glazed windows, and 
 12 on the upper-story, all of .9 feet by 6; with iron bedsteads, and iron-grated win- 
 dows with shutters, which have a square pane of nobbed glass in the centre. Here 
 are likewise two rooms for the sick, 13 feet by 9, with a fire-pla(;e and two beds in 
 each. The two courts for the use of this second wing are 6'4 feet each by 34. 
 
 The third wing, numbered 5 and 6, is exactly the same as the second. 
 
 Tlie fourth wing, numbered 7, 8, and 9, is in three divisions, viz. N" 7 contains 
 a day-room, 20 feet long by 14, with an arched roof, 10 feet high; an adjoin- 
 ing work-room, I4 feet by 9 ; three cells on the ground-floor, 9 feet by 6; and six 
 cells on the upper-story, of the same size : also another room 14 feet by 9, with two 
 iron bedsteads and a fire-place, used as a sick-room for the class confined in this 
 wing. The court adjoining is 64 feet by 34. 
 
 N° 8, the Prison for Female Debtors, has a day-room, 14 feet by 13, with a 
 fire-place ; and one cell, 9 feet by G, on the ground-floor ; and on the upj>er-story, 
 one cell of the same size. Also a room, 13 feet by 9, with two bedsteads and a fire- 
 place, for the use of the sick in this division. The court adjoining is 40 feet by 22. 
 
 N° 9, has a day-room likewise, of I4 feet by 13, and two cells on the ground- 
 floor, 9 feet by 6 ; two other cells of the same size, on the upper- story ; and a room 
 for the sick, of 13 feet by 9. The court adjoining to this wing is 40 feet by ^6. 
 
 Every court-yard has a bench for seating the prisoners; and there are water- 
 closets at the end of each wing, which are so contrived, that the water runs all the 
 time that the closet is opened. 
 
 These wings, being detached 15 feet from the Keeper's house, and the ojien fences 
 that enclose the court-yards being at the same distance from the house, they form 
 a court round it; by which means the whole Gaol, and all the prisoners, are con- 
 veniently attended to, or visited by friends, without going into any of the rooms 
 or court-yards.
 
 $6 ' STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The gi'ound-fioor oF the Keeper's house is raised six steps above the level of the 
 other buildings ; and the windows of the house are so placed, that all the prisoners 
 in the different court-yards are under constant inspection, as well as all persons 
 coming into the Gaol. 
 
 The Chapel is in the centre of the Keepers house, up one pair of stairs. The 
 prisoners go to it by means of stone galleries, which lead from eacli wing to the 
 Chapel; and it is so partitioned off, that each class is separated in the same manner 
 as in the Prison. 
 
 By the late regulations, this Gaol, and the nearly adjoining House nf Correction, 
 are, in a manner, consolidated. The latter is bounded by a separate wall, which 
 incloses about an acre of ground ; and the Prison stands in the centre, having a 
 garden round it. It is a square building, the Keeper's house being in front. It 
 consists of two divisions: One has a day-room, l6 feet by 9 feet 6 inches, and 
 l6 feet high, with a fire-place and sink ; and seven cells, 10 feet by 7, and 12 feet 
 6 inches high, all on the ground floor ; together with a court-yard, 62 feet by 24. 
 
 The other division has also a day-room, of 1 8 feet by 10, and \6 feet high ; with 
 fourteen cells, 10 feet by 7, and 12 feet 6 inches high, all on the ground-floor; 
 and a court-yard, 66 feet by 32, Each of the yards has a pump, to which the 
 Prisoners have access during the day ; and a sewer in the corner. 
 
 There are two infirmary rooms up one pair of stairs, each of about 17 feet by 12. 
 On the top of the Keeper's house are five cells ; two of which are 12 feet by 8, 
 and the other three, 10 feet by 6. 
 
 The Chapel here is a room in the Keeper's house ; in size, I3 feet by 9 feet 6. 
 
 AH poor Debtors in Bury Gaol have the County Allowance ; and, from the fifth 
 of November to Ladv-Day, the Debtors receive four bushels of coals per week, and 
 forty Shillings at every Christmas, from a FeofTment, or Deed of Gift. 
 
 Here is also a most excellent charitable Fund, called " Pemberton's Clinrity" 
 (being left by a gentleman of that name) : Which Fund is directed by the Donor's 
 Will, " To be applied by the Trustees towards the relief of such poor distressed 
 " Insolvent Debtors, as shall be imprisoned untkin any nf the Gaols of the County 
 \' oj" Suffolk ; either for delivering them out qf^ Prison, or relieving their necessi- 
 '.' ties whilst there, as the Trustees shall think fit ; provided such Debtors be per- 
 " sons horn in Suffolk, and no way indebted to any oj'thc Trustees." 
 
 TheCieatlemen, engaged in the trust under this very exemplary Charity, frequently 
 allot three or four, and sometimes five Pounds to poor deserving Debtors, towards 
 obtaining their discharge : They also allow to each Debtor two pounds of beef, a 
 pint of porter, and a twopenny loaf every Sunday ; under this condition, however, 
 " that every Debtor, receiving the bounty, shall regularly attend Chapel, unless 
 prevented by sickness." But no Cnnvn-Debtors partake of this charity.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. m 
 
 The Rjji.ES, Orders and Regulations for the Government of both the above 
 Prisons are truly excellent. They are printed for the use of the (iaol and its Guar- 
 dians ; and I here subjoin with pleasure a few of the most essential Articles : 
 
 I. As principally affecting Debtors. 
 
 Aar. IG. "The Gaoler shall, at his own expence, provide proper bedding for the 
 
 Debtors; which, for each room, shall consist of a feathei-hed, mattress, pair of blankets, 
 
 coverlet, and sheets ; the latter to be changed once a month. The charge to be paid for the 
 
 use of the room, including the above, with the expence of cleaning, shall be painted over 
 
 each door." 
 
 Art. 42. " A Table of Fees and Rates, 
 
 To be paid by Debtors : being regulated as directed by the Act of the 32(i Geo. II. and 
 
 :Jlst Geo. III. 
 
 To the Gaoler, for Commitment Fee, and Discharge of every Debtor, s. d. 
 
 on each Action, ---------------- 88 
 
 To the Sheriff, for Discharge on each Action -.-_-_-. 20 
 
 To the Gaoler, for a Certificate, in order to sue for a Supersedeas - - 3 G 
 
 To the Gaoler, for each Copy of Warrant --------- 20 
 
 " The following Rates to be paid to the Gaoler for Room-rent, Lodging, &.c. 
 Every Debtor occupying one of the Rooms No. 1, 2, 3, and 4, shall pay 
 
 each week ---_-------.----_ 20 
 
 Every Debtor, occupying one of the Rooms, No. 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, shall 
 
 pay each week ---------------- 16 
 
 Every Debtor, occupying one of the other Rooms, appropriated for the 
 
 use of Debtors, shall pay each week ---------- 10 
 
 Every Debtor finding his own Bedding, shall pay for his room each week I 0." 
 
 II. As respecting Criminals. 
 
 Art. 2.5. " There shall be provided jjroper bedding for the use of the Prisoners 
 committed on charge, or convicted of Felonies and Misdemeanors, and all necessary utensil* 
 for keeping the Gaol in a stale of health and cleanliness." 
 
 Art. 29. " Every- I'risoner, committed for trial, may hire bed and bedding, upon paying 
 one shilling and sixpence per week." 
 
 III. Comfort and Accommodation. 
 
 Art. 31. "A quantity of coals, not exceeding txvo bicshels a week, from Michaelmas to 
 Lady-Day ; and not exceeding one bushel, from Lady- Day lo Michaelmas, shall be allowed 
 to each division. Should the number of Prisoners, in any division, lie materially reduced, 
 the Allowance of Coals shall he regulated at the discretion of the Gaoler." 
 
 Art. 34. "There shall be provided proper scales, weights, and measures, duly stamped, 
 for the use of the Prisoners, to weigh and measure their allowances, whenever it shall bo 
 required by them : Notice of which, and likewise their different allowances, shall be painted 
 on a Board, and hung up in the courts of each Division. 
 
 Art. 35. " Convenient places being made where the Prisoners are to wash themselves, 
 dean towels shall be provided in each Division, twice a week ; and the Men shaved every 
 JSaturdai/.
 
 S6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Employment of the respective Prisoners consists in the grinding of corn, 
 &c. (for which there are two mills) and in spinning of wool. Each class to be 
 kept separate, according to the following arrangement. Art. 21. 
 •' No. 1 . atid 2. Male Dehtois. 
 
 3. King's Evidence ; and, occaslonallv, otlier prisoners. 
 
 4. Convicted of Misdemeanors. 
 
 5. Transports, and convicted atrocious Felons. 
 C. For Trial, for sucli Felonies. 
 
 7. Do. for small offences. 
 
 6. Female Debtors. 
 
 9. Female Felons for Trial. 
 
 10. Females convicted of Misdea)eanors. 
 
 1 1 . Do. convicted of Felonies." 
 
 A mill has been erected here, upon a very large scale, for the employment of 
 Convict-Prisoners : It is worked by a wheel, 20 feet in diameter, and about 7 feet 
 wide in the rim ; so as to admit of five Men walking abreast in it: And there has 
 always been sufficient einploy here, in grinding barley for fiittening pigs, at one 
 shilling the coomb; so that it answers very well. I am informed that the mill 
 itself cost 300/. and the building that contains it 300/. more. 
 
 §3" Before an expence, therefore, of this magnitude is incurred, it would be well 
 to consider. First, whether there is good employment for it: and, secondly, Whether 
 the average number of Convict-Prisoners be ten ; which it will constantly require, 
 so as to relieve each other, or to work it in succession. N. B. The Prisoners here 
 are chiefly labourers in husbandry ; and for men of their vocation it seems pecu- 
 liarly calculated. 
 
 The earnings of the Prisoners employed by the County, are divided in the follow- 
 ing manner: 
 
 Two fifths to the County. 
 
 One fifth to the Gaoler, or Governor of the House of Correction ; and 
 Two fifths to the Prisoners, viz. one fifth of what becomes due to them, is 
 to be paid them weekly ; and the remaining fifth on their being discharged. 
 
 All Prisoners, bejore trial, have the whole of their earnings. What an idea does 
 not this convey of British discernment, justice, and the truest philanthropy! Let 
 Britons ever bear so short a lesson in their minds and hearts. 
 
 Every Prisoner here is required to put on clean linen once a week. If they have 
 it not of their own, it is provided for them, and supplied by the County. 
 
 It is not a compliment, but a verdict, to say. That these Prisons do honour to the 
 County of Suffolk, and are superior to most in this Kingdom, whether we consider 
 their construction, for answering the three great purposes of secitrity, health, and 
 morals; or the singular liberality of the Magistrates, in providing every comfort, 
 that can tend to alleviate the unspeakable sorrows of Imprisonment. 
 
 The Keeper, Mr. Orridge, is well qualified for the discharge of his importaat 
 trust, being active, intelligent, and humane.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 8» 
 
 BURY Sr. EDMUND'S. Suffolk. 
 The Town Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Bass ; now WiUiam Neal, Beadle and Town Crier. 
 Salary, 6/. and a Chaldron of Coals. 
 Fees, One Shilling on every Commitment. 
 
 Surgeon, wlien wanted, sent by the Town. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Oct. 15th, - - - - 1, A Boy, then knitting Garters. 
 
 1805, Aug. 20th, - - - - 2. 
 
 iSlO, Sept. 17th, - - - - 0. 
 
 Allowance, One pound and a half of bread per day, sent from the Baker's. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This very curious old building, " majestick, though in ruin," exhibits a noble 
 Saxon mansion, consisting of two stories. The second, being the principal one, 
 lias, at the South end, a double-arched window, supported by columns. Three of 
 the same double windows occur also on the East side, divided each from the other 
 by pilasters, or projecting piers. It is built of flint and free-stone ; and was long 
 since converted into a Jewish Synagogue, by a singularity, which it is now needless 
 to account for. In the old writings it is named " Moses' Hall." 
 
 The walls, faced with stone, manifest, at this day, their great solidity ; and the 
 style of the windows bespeaks its venerable age, — not less, perhaps, than the 
 aera of the Norman Conquest ; soon after which period the Jews settled at Bury in 
 great numbers. 
 
 In the reign of Henry II. they made this town one of their chief places of resi- 
 dence, and thus, certainly paid no ill con)pliment both to their taste and judge- 
 ment, for it is situated in a spot so healthy, as on that account to have been called 
 " The 3Ionfpelier of' England." It is said, that in the year 11 79, they murdered 
 here a boy, by crucifying him, in derision of the manner of our Saviour's death. His 
 name, it seems, was Robert. The story, having been gravely narrated by one 
 Josceli/n, a monk of the Abby of Bury, was so gravely credited, that from this 
 catastrophe, we are told, the lad was canonized, and afterwards reverenced, if not 
 worshi])ed, as St. Robert the Martyr. 
 
 So many assertions, of the like kind, have, from time to time, appeared against the 
 Jews, (but especially in the days of the Grand Crusade) as almost to quash that cre- 
 dence, which they might be intended to establish. Upon some similar occasion, 
 good Sir Richard Baker, (who was not " an Unbeliever,") has very judiciously 
 remarked, that " Writers, perhaps, had been more complete, if they had left this 
 story out of their writings." Possibly it may be esteemed a circumstance more 
 
 N
 
 90 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 worthy of notice, that when all the Synagogues of the Jews were ordered to be de- 
 stroyed, in the 1 ] th year of Edward III. (133S) the present structure, though falling 
 accidentally under that description, happened to escape the general devastation. 
 
 The ascent to this Prison was formerly by XIX steps, rising from the street, 
 whence it was vulgarly called " The Nineteener," The entrance to it is now made 
 through a lobby, of 13 feet by 10, and leads up a stair-case, which, singularly 
 enough, has as many steps to it, so that it still retains the name of Nineteener. On this 
 floor is the Keeper's residence. The first room comnuniicating with his apartments, 
 is of 37 feet by -iQ ; and from it a day-room has been partitioned olf by open wood 
 palisades, for the use of the Prisoners, 21 feet by 18, and 20 feet high ; brick-floored, 
 and fitted up with a fire-place, three benches, and a table fixed : a leaden cistern 
 also and sink for prisoners' washing ; and in one corner a sewer. 
 
 In a passage from this room are two sleeping-cells, of 11 feet each by 7 feet 6% 
 and up a ladder stair-case are two other cells, of 11 feet by 9. All these are fur- 
 nished with a crib bedstead, a bed, two blankets and a rug, provided by the town. 
 
 Water, for the Keeper's family, and for the use of the prisoners, is brought from 
 a publick-house close by ; for which the Corporation pay Five Shillings a year. 
 
 As the County Gaol and House of Correction receive the Prisoners properly be- 
 longing to the Town, persons committed to this Bridewell are for small offences 
 only ; and Travelling Vagrants are also here lodged for the night, to whom the 
 Town furnishes straw. 
 
 Beneath this Prison are a Guard-House for the Military, the Town-Cage, and a 
 room for the Fire-Engine. A Town-clock has been lately placed on the top. 
 
 CAERMARTHEN CASTLE. South-Wales. 
 The County Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John T/ioma^, afterwards Thomas Calkin; now (1810) Benjamin IVaugh, 
 Salary, 31/. 10*. from the County, and 61. 6s. from the Borough. 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 13*. 4d. each : Petty Offenders, 3.V. 4d. No Table. 
 For the Conveyance of Transports a Bill is made. Garnish, 2*. 6d. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Price. 
 
 Duty every Sunday and Holiday. Salary, 1 2l. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. William Price. Salary, 20/. for Felons only. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1803, Sept. 29th, Debtors, Six. Felons, &c. Sixteen. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none ; except very poor, on application to the Parish : ta 
 Felons and other 6V<»j/««^ Prisoners, Two Shillings each per week.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ^ 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, finished in I792, is also the County Bridewell. Here is a spacious 
 court, 38 yards by 22, for Men and Women Debtors. A well is sunk in it, and a 
 reservoir prepared to supply the Prison with water ; but, having been out of repair 
 four months, at my visit in 180,3, the Prisoners had been without that necessary 
 article all the time, excejit what they bought at a halfpenntf for a jug-full' 
 
 For Debtors here are five rooms below, and five above stairs, each about 12 feet 
 by 9, with fire-places ; but the windows were much broken and out of repair." They 
 are all free-wards. The County allows iron bedsteads, with straw-in-sacking beds; 
 and Five Pounds in coals yearly, to be distributed amongst all the Prisoners. 
 
 Formerly there were Rules, or Bounds to this Gaol, as at the Fleet and King's- 
 Bench Prisons, which extended half a mile ; but for 10 or 12 years past no Debtor 
 has been permitted to enjoy this privilege. 
 
 The Felons have two courts ; one 2Q yards by 8, the other 1 8 yards by 11. Also 
 eight sleeping cells on the ground-floor, and seven above ; with vaulted roofs, dark, 
 damp, and ill-ventilated. Those below have floors of flag-stone ; the upper paved 
 with brick : Each has an iron bedstead, and straw-in-sacking only to sleep on. 
 
 For Bridewell Prisoners are also two spacious courts, 36 yards by 14 each, and 
 twenty-four sleeping-cells, 10 feet each by 7, with arched roofs. 
 
 The Chapel is in the centre of the Prison ; and three lobbies or passages, 4 feet 
 wide, open into it, for the different classes of Prisoners. 
 
 In one of the courts is a long range of work-rooms, but no employment furnished. 
 
 Transports have not here the King's allowance of 2.y. Gd. per week ; and, from 
 sickness, want of water, and filth, were in a state bordering on desperation, and beg- 
 ging to be sent any where, to get out of so miserable a place. One of them, a 
 Woman, who had been two years under sentence of transportation, had a young 
 Child at her breast, of which she said the late Gaoler was the father. A similar 
 instance I met with at Dover Town-Gaol, in September 1801. 
 
 Several of the Prisoners I found here ill ; and one in j)articular could not turn 
 herself in bed : yet, they told me, the Surgeon had not, for two months, either seen 
 any of them himself, nor sent his Assistant, though frequently applied to. 
 
 The several court-yards had loads of ashes and rubbish in them : The Gaoler wa» 
 ill in bed, and the Prison in every part appeared totally neglected. Neither the Act 
 for jireserving Health, nor Clauses against Spirituous Liquors were hung up. No 
 Rules and Orders. 
 
 CAERMARTHEN, Borough Gaol 
 Formerly consisted of four rooms in the Old Gate-way. It is now pulled down, 
 and shops are built on the Scitc. The Prisoners are sent to the Castle ; and for this 
 privilege the Borough allows Six Guineas a year to the Keeper.
 
 92 "■ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 CAERNARVON. North- IVales. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 •Gaoler, William Griffiths. Salary, 15/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, Js. besides which the Under-Sheriff demands 3*. 6d. for his 
 Liberate ! Felons, 13*. 4d. No Table. For the Conveyance of Trans- 
 ports he makes a Bill. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; but a Clergyman is desired by the Magistrates to attend a Pri- 
 soner under sentence of death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Carrie attends when one is wanted, and makes a Bill, 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons. 
 
 Bridewell. 
 
 Deserters. 
 
 1800, April 3d, - • 
 
 1801, Nov. 7th, - - ■ 
 1803, Sept. 20th, - • 
 
 - - 2 - • 
 
 - - 3 - • 
 
 - - 3 - • 
 
 . _ 1 . . 
 
 - - 2 - - 
 
 - - 3 - 
 
 - - 3 - - 
 ■ - 4 - - 
 
 - - 2 - - 
 
 ■ - 
 • - 
 
 - - 4 
 
 Amongst the Bridewell Prisoners were two Lunaticks. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors who are very poor, 2*. per week from the County, 
 to Felons and other Criminals, 2*. 4rf. a week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Gaoler is a Shoemaker : his workshop and apartments occupy the front of 
 the Gaol towards the street, and a passage in the centre, 12 feet long, leads to 
 the iron-grated door of entrance. 
 
 The Debtors' day-room is on the right-hand ; the Felons' on the left ; each 27 feet 
 by 15 ; and both have fire-places. Here is also, farther on, and in the centre of the 
 Prison, an inspection-room, 18 feet by 13 ; and over it another room of the same 
 size. The Gaoler's family ought properly to live here, because both rooms com- 
 mand the several court-yards ; one of which is for Men and Women Debtors ; the 
 second for Male Criminals ; and a third for Females of the same description. Each 
 court-yard is 72 feet by 31. They are none of them paved ; and a pump is in one 
 of them only, which being out of repair, when I happened to visit the Gaol, the 
 Prisoners were without that needful article, except as supplied elsewhere. Poultry 
 were very improperly kept in the courts. 
 
 The Female Criminals' day-room is 15 feet by 13 ; and adjoining to it are their 
 two sleeping-cells, containing two wooden bedsteads, straw-in-ticking bed, a pillow, 
 two blankets and a rug. 
 
 From the Men-Criminals' day-room a passage, 3 feet wide, leads to their three
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 98^ 
 
 condemned cells, each S feet by 6, and 7 feet hi^h, with arched roofs. To these 
 cells there is attached a small court-yard, for Prisoners under sentence of death. 
 Above the condemned cells are three others, of tl)e same size, for Felons. 
 
 Debtors have six sleeping-rooms above stairs, which are all free-wards, and have 
 iron bedsteads, with sacking- bottoms, stravv-iii-ticking bed, pillow, two blankets and 
 a rug, furnished at the County expence. 
 
 The Chaj>el is over the Debtors' day-room, and of the same size, (27 feet by 14.) 
 There are three pews in it ; and benches also for the Prisoners, who are seated pro- 
 miscuously, and mfuU view of each other. The Intirmary room is about 26 feet 
 by 11, and stands ov«r the Women Felcns' day-room. All the sleeping cells are 
 nearly of a size, and fitted up in the same manner. 
 
 Neither the Act for preservation of Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors were hung up. No fuel supjilied. No mops, brooms, soap, or towels al- 
 lowed, to keep the Gaol clean. The lunatick and felon were confined together ; a 
 painful circumstance for both, and which I have been sorry to notice in many 
 County Gaols. 
 
 The four Deserters before mentioned were in double-irons. Au<l here, (as at 
 Brecon,) I found that even a Woman did not escape this savage treatment. 'Ti^ 
 but charity to the inflictors of such tyrannick and unmanly severity to inform them, 
 that at the Lent Azzize at Thetford, in 1782, Lord Loughborough fined the Gaoler 
 of Norwich Castle twenty pounds, for putting a fVoman in irons. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 The Town Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Samuel Barker, a Wool-Comber; whose Salary was 30/. from Mr. 
 Hobson's Charity, and 5/. from the University. (See Remarks.) Now Thomas 
 Leach, who keeps a Chandler's shop in front of the Prison, and is the bil- 
 letine Constable of the Town. 
 Salary, 50/. from Mr. Hobson's Charity, and 5/. 5*. from the University. No- 
 Fees. 
 
 Surgeon, for University Prisoners, Mr. Tinney ; for Town ditto, Mr. Bond. 
 Salary none : They make a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Aug. 7lh, ------ 1. 
 
 1805, Aug. 25th, ----- 6. 
 
 1807, Aug. 30th ----- 3j one a Vice Chancellor's Prisoner. 
 
 1810, Sept. 2d, ------ 2, one of them ditto^ 
 
 Allowance, now, is eight-pence a day to all..
 
 H STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is a square building, surrounded by a boundary-wall, fifteen feet high, 
 and about five feet distant from the Bridewell. It stands in the back yard of the 
 Keeper's house, which was originally bought and endowed for the encouragement of 
 wool-combers and spinners of this town. j ^ 
 
 The basis of the institution was a Legacy of the famous and justly celebrated 
 " University Carrier," Thomas Hobson of the Town *. His will is dated on Christ- 
 mas-Eve, 1630, O. S. and on New- Year's Day, 1st January l6'30, (the very day on 
 which he died,) he added to it the following codicil : 
 
 " Item, I give unto the Mayor, BaylifFs, and Burgesses of the Town of Cambridge, 
 " the sum of One Hundred Pounds ; to the intent, that they shall, within as con- 
 " venient time as they may, purchase lands or tenements therewith ; and the rents 
 *' thereof yearly arising to be employed and l)estowed towards the maintenance of 
 " the House of Correction and ffork-house within the town of Cambridge, and of 
 " the poor which shall be set on work there for ever." 
 
 To answer, as far as might be, the liberal intention of the Testator, the Keeper 
 of this House of Correction and Work-house was required to be a /fool-Comber ; 
 who should employ, not only several hands upon the foundation of the Charity, 
 but many others ; and amongst them the Prisoners under his charge. At my visit, 
 however, in 1807, I found the old Keeper almost superannuated, and very little 
 work done ; which is now totally discontinued, and the pious intentions of the 
 Donor frustrated. 
 
 The Men Prisoners here have three cells at the entrance of the building, of 9 feet 
 each by 7 feet 6, and nearly 8 feet high, with straw laid on the floor ; and each also 
 supplied with a mattress, two blankets, and a rug for bedding. 
 
 For the Women Prisoners there are ten cells of the same size as the former, and 
 four court-yards, rendered offensive by the sewer in each. Within the cells a tub 
 is made to serve the purpose ; and for ventilation they have an iron-grating over 
 each door, through which is an aperture of six inches square. The floors have 
 all, except one, been repaired since my visit in 1807. 
 
 Soap and coals are allowed, yet the whole Prison is very dirty. There is indeed 
 but one pump in it ; and those confined have not the option, given by good Hobson 
 to his customers, of " tJiat or none." 
 
 The only employment here is spinning ; and those who work at it have the whole 
 
 of their earnings. Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor the Clauses, are 
 
 hung up. 
 
 * This excellent Man, whose name is celebrated by Milton, and his beneficence recorded in many 
 parts of Cambridge, was used to let horses out to hire ; and, being willing (hat each should have his 
 portion of rest, resoluielj lefusjd a clioice being made ; but every one was to take the beast that stood 
 next in rotation. Little did he think, that tlie phiiise, '* IJobson'n choice, That,ornone," would in tinie 
 become proverbial.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES, 93 
 
 CAMliKIDGE CASTLE. 
 
 The County Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, JriU'ium Grcgurij ; now Robert Orridge. Salary, 200l. 
 
 Fees, both for Debtors and Felons, are laudably abolished. The Under-Sheriff 
 makes no demand for his Liberate, Conveyance of Transports 1*. per mile, 
 
 Cliaplain, Rev. Mr. Holmes; now Rev. ]Mr. Pearce. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday, Good Friday, and Christmas Day. 
 
 Salary, was formerly 25/. from the County, and 20(. from the Earl of Uard- 
 wicke, Lord Lieutenant: But the County having increased the Salary for 
 INIr. Pearce to 50/. his Lordship has ever since discontinued his donation. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Oakes. Salary, 261. 5s. for Debtors and Criminals. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. 
 
 1800, Aug. 20th, ---- 8 ---- 
 
 1802, Aug. 7th, ---- 6 ---- 
 
 1805, Aug. 25th, ----14 ---- 
 
 1807, Aug. 30th, - - - - n _ - . . 
 
 1810, Sept. 1st, ---_ 8 ---- 
 
 Allowance, to every Prisoner 7 lbs. of good bread per week ; to be at least one 
 day old. — To every Felon Convict two ounces of salt per week, and 12 lbs. of 
 potatoes, except in the months of June and July ; when, in lieu of potatoes, 
 each Prisoner is supplied with Si 'bs. of rice, or pulse, weekly. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This New Gaol, built in the centre of the Old Castle- Yard, was completely 
 finished, and began to be inhabited in the year 1810 *. 
 
 The boundary-wall, 20 feet high, encloses an acre and quarter of ground ; and 
 being, upon an average admeasurement of the circuit, about 30 feet from the Prison, 
 it affords the Keeper a convenient garden for the growth of vegetables. 
 
 The Turnkey's lodge is in front of the building, and occupies a space of about 
 eighteen feet ; so that executions, which are to be performed on the flat-roof of the 
 whole (about 38 feet by 15), may be rendered more public. 
 
 On the right-hand, at the entrance, are two reception-rooms, for the examination 
 of the Prisoners, in point of health, previous to their being admitted to the interior : 
 
 * It may he proper here to remark, that Debtors from the Isle of Ely are generally sent to this Cattle- 
 Gaol of Cambridge. 
 
 ons. 
 
 
 
 
 Bridewell, &c. 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 3
 
 95 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Also two sleeping-cells above, 8 feet by 6 each, lighted and ventilated by iron- 
 grated windows, and an aperture of six inches in the opposite walls near the door. 
 These cells, (like all the others in this Gaol) are supplied with iron-bedsteads on 
 stone bearers, straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, and a rug; and to each of them 
 is a small semicircular court-yard, of iS feet diameter, with a water-closet. 
 
 On the left-hand of the entrance is a room, of 14 feet by 12 feet 9, with glazed 
 windows; where Prisoners, upon their admission, are stripped, washed, and the 
 County clothing is put on : also an oven, for purifying any thing ofiensive in their own 
 apparel, together with a warm and cold bath. Over this are the Turnkey's sleeping- 
 room, and another, in which locks, irons, &c. are deposited. The Prisoners' 
 clothes are then ticketed and hung up, to be given back to them at their discharge. 
 
 The Turnkey's sitting and sleeping-room windows command a view of four 
 court-yards. Tlie Gaoler's house stands in the middle of the area ; and the approach 
 to it is by a narrow slip, enclosed by posts and chains, extending 55 feet by l6, and 
 bordered with flowers and shrubs. 
 
 On the ground-floor, which is elevated three feet above ground, are the Keeper's 
 hall, parlour, and kitchen, together with the Visiting Magistrates' Committee Room, 
 the windows of which also command all the court-yards of the Prison, except those 
 appropriated to the Women-Debtors, and Women-Felons, which are under the eye 
 of the Turnkey. 
 
 In the Gaoler's house, and on the same floor with the Chapel, are two rooms, 
 furnished, for Master's Side Debtors, at 10*. 6d. per week ; and both these rooms 
 were inhabited at my visit in 1S07. But their respective tenants were absent from 
 Divine service. 
 
 In the centre of the building is a circular stair-case, made of oak, leading up to 
 the Chapel, which is on the first story, and has a door opening into it from jeach of 
 the wings. The Prisoners are there seated, in eight divisions, appropriated to their 
 several classes, and all in full view both of the Minister and the Gaoler. 
 
 Above the Chapel are three rooms, originally intended for the sick, about 15 feet 
 Bqua,re, and f) feet high, with an apartment for a nurse ; and to each is assigned a 
 leaden sink and water-closet. I twice visited the Gaol in 1807, and plainly saw 
 that these rooms, so designed, and so fitted up for the purpose of I/ifirmaries, would 
 soon be the Gaoler's rooms only ; because, in each of the wings, I found (in August) 
 that two cells were making into one, for the purpose now laid aside. My conjec- 
 tures appear to have been just; for, in September iSlO, Mr. Orridge told me they 
 were then used as sleeping-rooms for his servants. To Him there could be no 
 objection, whilst not wanted for the Prisoners. They certainly have many con- 
 veniencies, which the cells cannot afford to Invalids. 
 
 Here is also a reservoir, with a warning-pipe, that supplies the whole Prison 
 with water, and holds 36' barrels: anj at the top of the building is a lead-flat.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 9T 
 
 about 40 feet square, with a parapet wall, for convalescents to take air and 
 exercise. 
 
 The Gaol itself consists of four wings, detached from the Keeper's house by an 
 area of sixteen feet, and encircled by the ten different court-yards, whose average 
 size is 55 feet by 40, with open fences at each end, so that a thorough air is trans- 
 mitted. Each court-yard has in the centre a brass cock and stone sink, and is pro- 
 vided with a water-closet. 
 
 One wing is solely appropriated to the Debtors, and has two court-yards ; the 
 one of them (N° 8 and 9,) for Men, the other (N" 10,) for Women. 
 
 Master's-Side Debtors have a Day-room, 16 feet by 14, and 9 feet 6 inches high, 
 with a fire-place and two sleeping-rooms, 9 feet each by 7 feet 6, and of the same 
 height. Over these are four other sleeping-rooms of the like dimensions ; all of which 
 have sashed glazed windows, with iron bedsteads on stone bearers, and are furnished 
 with beds at Is. 6d. per week, for such as can afford it. They are all single beds, 
 and the rooms are arch-roofed. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors have a day or mess-room, 23 feet by 14, 9 feet 6 high; 
 and ten sleeping-cells, of the same size as those on the Master's-Side ; to which the 
 County furnishes a straw-in-sacking bed, two blankets and a coverlet each. 
 
 Women-Debtors have their day-room on the ground-floor, 14 feet by 13 feet 6; 
 and two sleeping-rooms above, fitted up in the same manner as the Men's. All the 
 day-rooms have benches to sit upon, and fire-places. 
 
 The Male-Convicts' day-room is also 14 feet by 13 feet 6, with a work-room of 
 the same size ; and two sleeping-cells, each 9 feet 6 by 6 feet 2, and 9 feet 6 inches 
 high. Above these are six other sleeping-cells, of like dimensions, with wooden 
 shutters to keep out the weather, and a square of knobbed glass in one shutter ; oppo- 
 site to which is a grated aperture, of 9 inches, for ventilation. The passage to these 
 is about 50 feet long, 3 feet 6 inches wide, with a window at each end ; and three 
 circular gratings opening into the roof for air. Each of the above cells is fitted up 
 with a cast-iron bedstead, 6 feet long, by 2 feet 3 inches wide ; a straw mattress, 
 straw-in-sacking bed, two blankets, and a coverlet. 
 
 Men Felons, before trial, (Class I.) have a lobby, or passage, the same as that 
 above noticed ; which leads to their day-room, work-room, and eight sleeping-cells, 
 all of the like size, and fitted up in the same manner as those for the Men-Convicts. 
 
 Men Felons, of Class II. have their day and working-room in one, of 20 feet 
 by 14 ; with five sleeping-cells the same as already described. And above are three 
 condemned-cells for Convicts under sentence of death, with a day-room, 14 feet 
 square, which has a fire-place, benches to sit on, and a water-closet. 
 
 The Women-Felons have, on the ground- floor, a day-room, 14 feet by 13 feet 6; 
 and three sleeping-cells above it, exactly like those assigned for the Male-Felons. 
 
 o
 
 ^ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Men-Prisoners of the House of Correction, or Bridewell, (Class I.) have both 
 a day and work-room, each of the same size as the last-mentioned ; also two cells 
 on the ground-floor, and six above, with a passage, and fitted up like the pre- 
 ceding. Those of Class II. have the same number of cells, and the like accommo- 
 dations. 
 
 Women Bridewell Prisoners have their day-room and work-room below, and over 
 them six sleeping-cells, the same as the Men. 
 
 All the sleeping-cells throughout this Gaol and Bridewell are alike in size ; but 
 those of the Debtors have glazed windows. Every door has a small wicket in it, 
 about six inches square, through which the Keeper inspects the cell, without going 
 into it. 
 
 The communication from the different wings to the Chapel is by four stone 
 bridges, with iron-rails over the area, of l6 feet, round the Keeper's house. These 
 bridges serve, not only for a passage-way in different directions to the Chapel, but 
 likewise for the Keeper to visit the various districts at night, as he may find occasion. 
 
 In his garden is an engine-house, where the pump, worked by two Men-Prisoners, 
 one. at each handle, fills the reservoir, before noticed, in about two hours. When 
 full, the warning-pipe, which is in the cistern, or reservoir, at the Keeper's house, 
 :gives notice to leave off. The well, from whence the water is thus drawn, must be 
 a happy resource. I was assured it is no less than 140 feet deep, and 8 feet in 
 diameter ; and that the water, with which nature supplies it, constantly rises, after 
 pumping, to within 6 feet of the surface. 
 
 Debtors in this Prison have occasional relief, though very scantily, from legacies 
 and donations, paid by several Colleges in the University of Cambridge. 
 
 From Sidney/Sussex College, four pounds are annually given at Christmas to poor 
 Debtors. In 1801, that sum was distributed and applied as follows, viz. — To six 
 poor Debtors a shirt each, and the rest in coals and bread ; — in 1806, to five poor 
 Debtors a shirt each, and the rest in coals: — in l8o,9, the four pounds were distri- 
 buted to four poor Debtors, in coals, meat, and bread. 
 
 From Saint John's College, sixteen-penny worth of bread every Saturday morning. 
 
 At Christmas, in each year, a Collection is sometimes suffered to be pubhcly 
 made in the Town of Cambridge ; which now and then has amounted to one guinea 
 for each poor Debtor : but, as to sanction this Application the Signature of the Vice- 
 Chancellor is held necessary, (which cannot always be obtained,) I understand 
 that a new Collection was not made till Christmas in the year 1804; and the last 
 in 1806, which to nine poor Debtors produced ^.v. Qd. a piece. 
 
 About sixteen shillings, as a Donation, or Legaci/, are also made payable, in some 
 sort, from an Estate at Croxfon, in the County of Cambridge ; but tio memorial of if 
 is recorded in the Gaol.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 99 
 
 ^3=- Tlie payment of this Donation, Legacy, or Rent-charge, was, at one time, 
 ftto i/ears in arrear. M\ apphcations respecting it, for some time, proved ineffec- 
 tual ; but I am informed it is noiv regularly and justly paid. 
 
 Prisoners belonging to this Gaol are tried at the Town Hall, which is half a mile 
 distant; and they walk thither, — digito prcctereuntium monstrari, et dicier 
 Ilic est ! 
 
 'I'he Contents, or various de])artinents of this Prison, may best be shewn by the 
 following enumeration of the different rooms, and how they are applied. 
 
 Rooms. 
 Reception Cells, 2. Men-Debtors, Master's-Side, 6. ------ 8 
 
 Men-Debtors, Common-Side, 10. "Women- Debtors, 2. ----- 12 
 
 Men-Convicts, 8. Convicts under Sentence of Death, 3. ----- 11 
 
 Men-Felons, .Class L) 8. Ditto, (Class H.) 5. 13 
 
 House of Correction, Men, (Class I.)----------- S 
 
 Ditto, (Class n.) - 8 
 
 Women-Felons, 3. House of Correction, Women, c. ------ 9 
 
 Total, 69. 
 
 Here is no employment yet furnished by the County. The Visiting-Magistrates, 
 Chaplain, and Surgeon, regularly enter their Reports in books kept for that purpose : 
 But neither the Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners, nor the Clauses against 
 their use of Spirituous Liquors, are hung up. 
 
 The Rules and Orders for the Government of the Gaol, were confirmed by 
 the Judges at the Summer-Assizes in l8o8. 
 
 On my visit to the old Gaol, in August l802, the Prisoners stated, that Divine 
 service had not been performed there for some months, nor any religious attention 
 paid to them. For this suspension of dut}^ the reason, afterwards assigned, turned 
 out to be, " That a Felon had made his escape on the way to Chapel, in going 
 across the Old Castle Yard." It was, indeed, not only spacious, but insecure ; and, 
 in consequence, no Prisoners thenceforward were indulged the use of it; such only 
 excepted, as were confined for small sums, and in whom the Keeper (then Gregory) 
 could j)lace confidence. 
 
 The complaint above-mentioned, however, was at length removed. On the 25th 
 of August, 1805, I found twelve out of the fourteen Debtors, and all the Criminal 
 Prisoners, attending Divine service as formerly. On the 30th of August, 1807, only 
 five Debtors out of the eleven were present ; but, on the 2d of September, 18 10, all 
 the Debtors, except one, and all but one of the Criminals, attended Chapel both 
 morning and afternoon ; when their behaviour was orderly, and attentive to a very 
 appropriate discourse.
 
 100 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 An allowance of coals is made to Felons, and House of Correction Prisoners, 
 yearly, from Michaelmas to Lady-Day ; but Debtors are obliged to provide fuel for 
 themselves. Mops, brooms, pails, soap, and other articles for cleanliness, are granted 
 by the County. The Gaoler appears to be humane and attentive to his charge, and 
 the Prison is very clean. 
 
 CAMBRIDGE. 
 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Adams, Bell-man of the Town. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors and Criminals, l^s.Ad. each. No Table. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor Divine Service ever performed here. 
 
 Surgeon, if wanted, sent from the Town. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Criminals. 
 
 1800, May 16th, 1 ------- 2 
 
 1801, Aug. 20th, ----- 1 ..--_-- 3 
 
 1802, Aug. 7th, ------0 ---..-- 2 
 
 1807, Aug. 30th, .-_-- ------_ 5 
 
 1810, Sept. 2d, ------ ------- 3 
 
 Allowance, to Dehtors, none statedly : But see Remarks. 
 
 to Criminals, sixpence a day in bread and cheese. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Formerly here was a room below, for Criminals, 21 feet by 7, called The Hole ^ 
 and above it another, termed The Cage. On a visit, in August 1800, I had the 
 pleasure to find that The Cage had fallen into The Hole, and both formed a heap 
 of ruins. The Prisoners were destitute of court-yard, water, and allowance. 
 
 The present Gaol, erected in 1788, has a small court-yard, about 18 feet square, 
 with a pump and sewer in it, for Prisoners of every description. There are five 
 cells below for Criminals, each about 9 feet by 6, and 7 feet 6 inches high. Above 
 are two rooms for Men and Women Debtors, and a day-room, 24 feet by 15. They 
 pay weekly two shillings for a single bed each ; and if two sleep together, each 
 pays one shilling and three-pence. The Town allows straw and blankets to Cri- 
 minals. 
 
 The cells are ventilated by an iron-grating over each door, in which is made an 
 aperture, about 6 inches square. Tiiere is one dark, solitary cell, with a double
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. I«r. 
 
 door : the inner one of wood ; the outer, iron-grated, and ventilated by an iron- 
 grating above it : also one cell in the garden, of g feet by 5. 
 
 No employment is furnished by the Town ; but Prisoners are allowed to work, 
 on their own account, if they can procure the means. 
 
 Debtors receive broken bread from several of the Colleges every Friday, which 
 a Woman is j)aid fourpence a time for collecting. The Mayor of Cambridge sends 
 yearly three sacks of coals for both Debtors and Criminals, which are occasionally 
 used, either to cook their victuals in the house, or to warm themselves by, there 
 being no common room for them accommodated with a fire-place. 
 
 Water is now accessible to all the Prisoners. I found the Gaol clean, thougli 
 more than two years since its having been white-washed : But it appears to be inse- 
 cure ; for, about a month previous to my visit in lS02, a house-breaker had made 
 his escape through a breach in the brick-work. 
 
 Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 were hung up. 
 
 CANTERBURY. 
 
 The Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Aris. Salary, 200/. with coals, candles, and soap. 
 Fees, none. Garnish prohibited. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Chafey. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday ; and Prayers on Wednesday and 
 Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Chandler. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Number of Prisoners,/ ^^«9' "^"^y ^°*^'' ^^^^^"^ ^"^ ^^"^ Offenders, 2S. 
 
 (.1810, July 9th, Ditto, 15. 
 
 Allowance, one pound of bread per day, and a pint of gruel, with salt. To those 
 who work in the outer ground, half a pound of meat, with vegetables, for 
 Dinner ; and the next day broth, from the meat that has been boiled : also 
 a pint of 20*. table beer at dinner, and half a pint of strong beer in the after- 
 noon. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This New Gaol, for the Eastern division of Kent, (substituted instead of the 
 Old Prison, called St. Dunstan's,) is erected on the scite of St. Augustin's Monastery, 
 a little way out of Town ; and the Prisoners were removed hither on the 14th of 
 December 1808.
 
 102 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The boundary-wall is an octagon, enclosing about two acres of land : the entrance 
 to it is through the Turnkey's lodge ; and on the ground-floor are his sitting-room, 
 a wash-house with a boiler, warm and cold baths, and an oven to purify foul or 
 infected clothes. 
 
 Here is a reception-room also, of 12 feet 7 inches by 6 feet 4 ; in which Prisoners 
 are examined, properly cleaned, and must be found clear from any infectious disorder, 
 previous to their admission into the interior of the Gaol. For the use of this room 
 a court-yard, 14^- feet square, and a water-closet, are provided. 
 
 Above stairs are the Turnkey's sleeping-room, and another apartment, for the New 
 Prisoners' clothes to be ticketed and hung up, till he is discharged, in case the 
 County clothing was put on at his admission. Also two sleeping-cells, of 9 feet each 
 by 6, with arched roofs, and iron-grated windows ; which have inside shutters, with 
 a pane of knob-glass in them, to put up at night. 
 
 After passing through the lodge, an avenue, 40 feet long, and enclosed with posts and 
 chains, leads into the Prison ; which is a handsome stone-fronted buildmg, with the 
 Gaoler's house in the centre. This, likewise, is of an octagon construction ; and from it 
 the several court-yards are very judiciously and completely inspected. On the ground- 
 floor is also the Magistrates' Committee-Room, of 14 feet, and in the same form. 
 
 The Prison consists of three wings : That for Felons is 53 feet long, and 32 feet 
 wide; the other two are 46 feet by 32, detached from the Keep>.r's house by an 
 area 12 feet square, which, with the different court-yards, conijiletely surround it. 
 In all the wings there is a partition-wall, 14 inches thick, running along the centre ; 
 so that each compartment, in a manner, contains two Prisons. 
 
 The North-wing is for Male Felons, before and after coni-iction ; and of these 
 two descriptions each has a separate court, 40 feet by 35, with a day-room 14 feet 
 square. It is most humanely fitted up, with a fire-place; and a fixed grate, shovel, 
 tongs, poker, and coal-box, are provided ; for to each day-room a peck of coals 
 is daily allowed, and even more, in case the weather should be particularly severe. 
 Cooking vessels also are assigned, together with trenchers and spoons: tin pots, 
 or basons, with handles, to breakfast out of: a roller and towel are supplied to 
 every room, and mops, brooms, pails, and soap, for personal and prison cleanliness. 
 The iron-grated windows are glazed, the floors are of brick; and adjoining to each 
 day-room is a working-room, of 14 feet square, with a fire-place. 
 
 The lolibies, or passages, leading to the cells, are 3 feet 6 inches wide, with bricked 
 floors. This wing contains seventeen sleeping-cells ; five, on the ground-floor, have 
 grated and glazed windows, and the other twelve above are secured with iron grat- 
 ings, and have each an inside shutter, with a: pane of knobbed glass in them, to be 
 |jut up at night. 
 
 The attick compartment of this wing, which is one story higher than the other 
 two, contains four infirmary rooms; two of them are 21 feet by 14, and the
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLiVND, AND WALES. 103 
 
 i-est 16 feet by 10, and 10 feet liioli: with iron bedsteads on casters, having; a screw 
 so constructed, as to ruiae the head of the sick Prisoner; and furnislied with flock 
 beds, a pair of sheets, two blankets, and a \\\^. To these comforts also are added a 
 stone sink, lined with lead, the water for which is laid on with a cock; and in each 
 room are two or three chairs, with fire-places, grates, and large sash-windows. Even 
 over the door of each room is a sash window, about a yard square, which turns on 
 a pivot for ventilation. Such attentions surely demand notice. 
 
 Between the Infirmary rooms are a lobby, with a water-closet, and a neat surgery 
 apartment, of 14 feet by 7, fitted up for medicines, &c. 
 
 The flat leaden roof, defended by a parapet-wall, is very conveniently appropri- 
 ated to convalescents, for taking the air; and upon it is placed a large reservoir, 
 replenished, as needful, by a forcing pump, which supplies ilie whole Prison with 
 excellent water. 
 
 The East and West wings have court-yards, day-rooms, and working-rooms, 
 similar to those already described ; and twentyfour sleeping-cells, making, in the 
 whole, forty-one: each of them 9 feet by 6', and {) feet high. 
 
 The apartments below have glass-casement windows ; those above are furnished 
 with inside shutters ; and in every door there is a wicket, with iron-gratings, each 
 6 inches square ; a cast-iron bedstead on stone-bearers, supplied with a straw mat- 
 tress, straw-in-ticking bed, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The court-yards, (seven in number) have each a bench for the Prisoners to sit on ; 
 and water-closets are judiciously placed in them. 
 
 The three wings are detached twelve feet distant from the Keeper's house; and 
 the open fences, which enclose the court-yards, being at the same distance from the 
 house, form an ample area round it : by which means the whole Gaol is conveni- 
 ently attended to, and the Prisoners are visited by their friends, without the necessity 
 of going into any of the rooms, or court-yards. 
 
 The ground-floor of the Keeper's house is raised three feet above the level of the 
 other buildings ; and the windows are so placed, tliat all the Prisoners, in the several 
 court-yards, are under constant inspection, as well as every other person coming 
 into the Gaol. 
 
 The Chapel is placed in the centre of the Keeper's house, up one pair of stairs. 
 The Prisoners go into it by means of stone galleries, leadmg from eacli wing to the 
 Chapel ; which is so partitioned off, that each class is kept separate, in the same 
 manner as in the Gaol. The Keeper has an alarm-bell at the top. 
 
 From the boundary-wall a space of 24 feet encircles the whole Prison, and its 
 court-yards : and thus affords the Keeper an excellent garden for the growth of 
 vegetables. The Sessions-house adjoins the boundary-wall, and Prisoners are 
 brought into court for trial by a subterraneous passage. 
 
 The Visiting-Magistratesj Chaplain, and Surgeon, make their Remarks every
 
 104 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 time they inspect or visit the Gaol ; which are entered into the proper books by 
 a Clerk, in the «ame manner of peculiar neatness, as are all the accounts of this 
 Prison. 
 
 The following voluntary DONATIONS, which for several years were sent to the 
 Prisoners in St. Dunstan's Gaol, are now transferred to that of St. Augustin ; viz. 
 
 Ten shillings a year, by the Comity at large, for Religious Books. They were 
 sent to the Old (iaol when I was there in September l804. Two guineas by the 
 Dean and Chapter, and two guineas by the Dean for the time being ; which aiFord 
 the Prisoners a dinner on the three great festivals of Christmas, Easter, and 
 Whitsuntide. And also other occasional aid. 
 
 These Donations have been usually made in the month of December. 
 
 g^ Prisoners committed hither by the Magistrates, or sentenced at Sessions to 
 hard labour, are employed in ground belonging to the Gaol, but without the walls; 
 and a Man is paid eighteen pence a day by the County for guarding them. 
 
 CANTERBURY, Kent. 
 The City Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Humphrey Crouch ; who is also Master of the Worlchouse. 
 
 Salary, Two Shillings on each Commitment ; one of which the Beadle receives. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Trimnel. Salary, 75/. for Workhouse and Bridewell. 
 
 J' 1803, Sept. 25th, - - - - One Woman. 
 Prisoners, < 1808, Aug. 14th, - - - - One Man. 
 
 L 1810, July gth, - - - - One Woman. 
 
 Allowance, to Men, seven ounces of bread, at three times a day : To Women, 
 five ounces, ditto. And water is brought in thrice a day by the Keeper. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell is situate in Stour-Street ; and consists of a room about 12 feet 
 square, in the front court of the Workhouse, furnished with wooden bedsteads, 
 sftraw-in-hop bagging, and two blankets to each. And in it are fixed the whipping- 
 stocks, and a block for beating hemp. 
 
 Here is no court-yard ; but a small one might be taken from that assigned to the 
 Workhouse, which is finely situated, as the Stour rivulet runs between the two 
 courts. The Workhouse has two well-ventilated cells, of 10 feet by 7, with sewers, 
 which empty themselves into the stream. These cells are intended for the refrac- 
 tory poor; and very convenient, if a Man and Woman should at one time be com- 
 mitted to the Bridewell.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES, 105 
 
 CANTERBURY. Kent. 
 The City Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Evan Jone.s. Salary, 15 /. Fees, Debtors and Felons, 13.S. 4^. No Table. 
 
 Chaplain, none: but the Rev. Mr. Chafe;/ attends, if any Prisoner is under sen- 
 tence of death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Trimnel, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 iSoo, March 26th, --- i .-.-0. 
 
 1801, Sept. 20th, ---2---- 3. 
 
 1803, Sept. 24th, ---2----3- 
 
 1806, Aug. 12th, --- 2 ----1. 
 
 1808, Aug. 15th, 2 {ffor Bastardy. 
 
 1809, July pth, - - 3 - - - - 8. 
 
 ( One of whom wns under Sentence 
 
 1810, Julv <)th, - - - - 
 
 of Death ; and one for Bastai'dy. 
 
 Allowance, the half of a half-gallon loaf per day ; the weight of which, at my 
 visits, was 2 lbs. 2oz. 12drs. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is over the West Gate. Here is only one common day-room, which, 
 till within these few years was about 27 feet square ; but, having recently had five 
 sleeping-cells for Criminals taken out of it, it is now a mere slip of a room, with a 
 fire-place at one end, a pump with a stone-sink at the other end ; and, in the 
 corner, an uninclosed, uncovered, and filthy sewer. The pump is luckily supplied 
 with water by a forcing syphon from below; otherwise it must be unbearably 
 offensive. 
 
 In this wretched place, Debtors and Felons, male and female, with those com- 
 mitted for assaults or bastardy, mix indiscriminately throughout the day! The 
 nasty state of the walls, cielings, and floors, shews how very little attention is paid to 
 that Clause of the Statute, which enjoins, " That once in the year, at least, the 
 Gaols shall be u'hite-iva.shed." 
 
 In each of the two Towers there is a sleeping-room, 11 feet 6 inches diameter, 
 and well-ventilated ; but a bucket here supplies the place of a sewer, and no water 
 is accessible. 
 
 The Gaoler told me that he sometimes permitted a Prisoner to walk on the 
 leads ; but as I never found any to whom this indulgence was granted, at my several 
 visits, I believe it to be only when he had leisure or inclination to attend them. 
 
 p
 
 JOB STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Escapes, it seems, have been effected ; and this, he told me, was the reason why 
 Criminals, for comparatively trivial offences, were heavily double-ironed. 
 
 The stated bedding here is a rush-mat, laid on the floor, with two blankets and 
 a rug: but I never saw more than one old rush-mat in each cell; and in three of 
 them was only one old rag of a rug, and a bit of tattered blanket in the other two, 
 which I learned had been furnished by the City. Whatever addition there was to 
 this scanty supply, the Prisoners' friends had sent in. A stranger, who visited the 
 Gaol in July l8oy, sent them twelve rugs. There were at that time lliree Debtors, 
 (but one of them, an Officer, being able to j)av for a bed, \\as accommodated in 
 the Keeper's house, w hich nearly adjoins the Gaol ;) and also eight Criminal Prisoners. 
 These rugs had been well taken care of by the Gaoler, who told me in July iSlO, 
 that they had been of the greatest service to poor Prisoners, particularly in the cold 
 inclement weather preceding. 
 
 An old Man, to whom the Corporation give yearly a great-coat and laced hat, 
 goes about the City with a basket every Saturday, to collect from the green-stalls and 
 butchers, meat and vegetables : For his trouble he receives one-third of the Collec- 
 tion, and the remainder is divided equally among all the Prisoners. 
 
 No court-yard : no Rules and Orders. The Act for preservation of Health, and 
 Clauses against the use of Spirituous Liquors, are not hung up. A begging-box 
 is fixed, indeed, in the wall of the gate ; but so obscured now, by rust and dirt, as not 
 easily to be seen. 
 
 The state in which this miserable Prison is suffered to remain, is certainly a dis- 
 credit to this highly respectable City, — " a Metropolitan See !" But I would humbly 
 submit. That whilst it is continued as a place of long confinement, the walls and 
 cells be frequent li/ uashed ivith itnslaclLed lime during its effervescence ; the Jloors 
 sprinkled, and the cells fumigated tvith vinegar. This would greatly freshen and 
 relieve the air, tending to counteract the effects of so many pitiable creatures being 
 congregated in so small a space. A dwarf partition also, placed before the detestable 
 sewer, would separate the sexes when decency most requires it. There were two 
 Women-Prisoners in this room at my visit in 1809. 
 
 The pitiable Man whom I found here under sentence of death in July 1810, 
 was a Roman Catholick, and wished to be attended by one of his persuasion, rather 
 than by Mr. Chofei/, who ofl^ered his spiritual services. He seemed truly penitent, 
 and burst into tears when I addressed him. 
 
 It were needless, surely, to add, that this opprobrious Gaol is seldom, if ever, 
 visited by the Magistrates. It cannot be: — Having remarked on the wretched 
 bedding, or rather no-bedding, at my previous visits, without any suitable efl^ect, 
 (for the rugs then found, as a Wanderer's Gift, had not produced a single blanket of 
 comfort,) it is evident that very little attention is paid to the hapless Prison, or its 
 concerns ; and I can even doubt, whether the Mayor, or his Brethren, eitlier know 
 or remember if they have known, any thing about them.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 107 
 
 CAUDirF. Glamoygaiishirr, South- If 'ales. 
 The Count}/ Gaol. 
 
 Gdio\e\-, Thomas Morgan. Salary, lOO/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, fo. 8f/. Felons, 13a-. 4'/. No Table. For Conveyance of Trans- 
 ports a Bill is made. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Evans ; now Kev. Jolui Jones. Duty, Prayers and Sermon 
 ou Sunday. Salary was 30/. ; now 40/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. ^f7///ff/H.9; now Mv. Griffiths. Salary, heretofore, 20/. now 30/. 
 for Debtors and Felons. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Deserter. 
 
 1801, Nov. 21st, --- 5 __-_ 3 ..__.o. 
 1803, Oct. 2d, ---- C, - - - 4 ----1. 
 
 I8l0, Maygth, ---10 ---. 7 -____o. 
 
 Allowance, to all descriptions of Prisoners, 2s. 6d. each per week, bytheCounty. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol has three large airy court-yards, one of which is 54 feet by 45 ; the 
 second, 48 feet square; and the third, 36 feet by 27; paved with flag-stone, and 
 supplied with a pumjj and sewer. 
 
 One court-yard is ajjpropcjated to the Debtors; who have a//fr-?rrt/7/, or common 
 sleeping-room, capable of holding four beds, for such Men-Debtors as cannot 
 supply their own, and to whom the County allows straw: Also six rooms, 1(7 feet 
 by 14, for those who can pay 2*. per week for bed and bedding. Debtors are no 
 longer <"onfiiie<l in the Town-Gaol novv. 
 
 The Chapel is in the centre of the buihling, neat and commodious, where Debtors 
 and Felons are placed separately to hear Divine service. 
 
 Two rooms, about \G feet square, and a bath, are assigned for the sick ; but the 
 latter, I understood, had not been used for two years. 
 
 The Felons have the other two court-yards, with a day-room to each, having 
 fire-places, for which fuel is supplied by the Countv. They have, likewise, seven 
 sleeping-cells on the ground-floor ; eight others above them ; and two more, set apart 
 for Prisoners under sentence of death, which are very near the Chapel. 'l"he cells 
 are all 7 feet 5 by G feet 9, and 10 feet high, with arched roofs, well-ventilated ; and 
 separated by lobbies, or passages, 4 feet wide, which respectively lead to the Chapel. 
 
 One of the above cells had an iron bedstead ; the others, straw on the floors, \\\{\\ 
 a rug to each. Here is a cast-iron stove, with pipes to convey warmth to the cells : 
 but more particularly to those, in which Prisoners are consigned to solitude.
 
 i^fe STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 I found the Prison very clean: but, in 1803, the pumps in the court-yards had 
 all been out of order for above four months, owing to the dry weather, and the wells 
 not being sunk sufficiently deep. The Surgeon, I was told, never visits the Gaol, 
 but when sent for. 
 
 Here is no employment furnished to the Prisoners. Transports have not the 
 King's allowance of 2a-. 6d. per week. The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors, both hung up. 
 
 The Great Sessions are removed from Cowbridge hither. 
 
 CARDIFF, Town Giinl. 
 Keeper, The Town Constable. 
 
 It consists of two rooms, arched with brick, under the Town-Hall. Debtors not 
 being now sent hither, the Prisoners here are only confined for a night. At my 
 visitj 2d October, 1803, there were none. 
 
 CARDIGAN. South-mdes. 
 The County Gaol and BrideiveU. 
 
 Gaoler, William Langdon. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors and Bridewell Prisoners, 6.9. Sc?. For Felons, tried at the 
 Great Sessions, 13*. 4</. and for the Conveyance of Transports, 1*. per mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Evans. Salary, 20l. Duty, on Sundays ; and at other 
 times, if required. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. ff'illiams. Salary, for Debtors and Felons, lo/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons. Bridewell. 
 
 1801, Nov. 30th, ---- 6 -.__ 5 ___- 2. 
 1803, Sept. 26th, --- 3 -_-. 1 ._-_ 0. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none whatever. If the Debtor be poor, he must apply to 
 his parish for relief. To the Gaoler, for llie maintenance of Felons and 
 other Criminal Prisoners, 4s. Sd. each per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tliis Gaol, wiiich is also tiie Bridcwi^!/, was finished and inhabited in 17,97, and 
 stands at the North-end of the Town ; having in front a paved court, 42 feet by 27, 
 with cast-iron jiulisades, \^l)lch yive it a very handsome appearance.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. JO* 
 
 On one side of the entrance is the Ciaoler's kitchen, and, on the otiier side, his 
 office; beyond which, and in the centre of the building, is tlie Grcal-IIull, or 
 Inspect ion- Room, 38 feet by 30, of a circular shape: It has a flag-stone floor, with 
 twojire-plnces, and four windows, commanding a view of the four difTerent courts, 
 eacli of which is 20 yards by ifi. 
 
 ^3> Were tlie Gaoler to live in the (ireat-Hall, he would then have a full and 
 complete view of the whole Prison, from a point the most eligible foreflectual inspec- 
 tion : But, at my last visit, in Sej)tember 1803, I found it jilU'd with com, and ttoo 
 Men tcere absolutely threshing it out ! The six passages, which lead to the Cri- 
 minals' sleeping-cells, open into this room. 
 
 For Debtors here are four rooms on the ground-floor, and four aljove stairs, each 
 13 feet by 11, and furnished uitlijire-places ; but no fuel allowed, which had rather 
 a tantalizing appearance. Straw is the only betiding su})plied by the County for 
 Prisoners of every description. 
 
 The entrance to the Felons' ward is at the lower end of the Great-Hall, and forms 
 a detached wing of the Gaol. Thev have four sleeping-cells below, and four above 
 stairs, each 10 feet 6 inches by 9 feet, and 10 feet 0' inches high. To this wing 
 are attached two small courts, 1 5 feet each by 1 1 ; but, as being out of tlie Gaolers 
 view, the Prisoners seldom have the nse of tJiem. 
 
 The Bridewell part of the Prison comprizes twelve rooms and sleeping-cells, 
 about 10 feet each by 8, with loose straw in them to sleep on. 
 
 The Chapel is properly partitioned of}", so that the sexes do not see each other ; 
 their respective lobbies leading distinctly to their seats. Over the Chapel are two 
 rooms for the sick, each 38 feet by 30, the size of the Great Hall below. They are 
 both light and airy, and furnished with fire-places. 
 
 There is no water laid on to the premises of this County-Prison : The Keeper must 
 therefore fetch it from a well, a quarter of a mile <listant : Even the inhabitants 
 purchase water for their own use. No bath : The whole Prison is, and must be, 
 very dirty, till some improvement takes place, to supply the means of ablution 
 and cleanliness. Geese, ducks, and poultry inhabited the court-yards. The Prison 
 is a new structure, of little more than ten years standing. A Lttnatick was here 
 confined with a Felon! No particular care seemed to be taken of the maniac; 
 although, ])robabU-, by medicines, and a ])ro])er regimen, some, at least, of this 
 melancholy description, might be restored both to reason and usefulness in life. 
 
 No Table of Fees. No fuel allowed to any part of the Prison. Seldom visited by 
 Magistrates. No Rules and Orders : Neither the Act hung up, for preserving the 
 Health of Prisoners, nor the Clauses against their use of Spirituous Liquors.
 
 1 10 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 CARLISLE. Cumberland. 
 The Citif and County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Joseph MuUemler ; afterwards Kaberf Mi hole ; now Richard Jackson. 
 Salary, 40/. and to a Blacksmith Two Guineas for his attendance. 
 Fees, Debtors, U A'. Felons, 1 3*. 4t^. No Table. Transports, l*. a mile to 
 Whitehaven. Garnish, is. 6d. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. 3Iurk. Salary, 30/. Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. IJndgin ; now Mr. Blamire. 
 
 Salary, Two Guineas for making his Report, and paid for medicines. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtoia. Felons, &c. 
 
 ISOO, April 1st, ------- 28 - -----5. 
 
 1802, Sept. 20th, ------ 16 .------7. 
 
 1809, Nov. 3fl, ------- 13 - - 16. 
 
 Also for Bastardy, Four. Assaults, Thi-ee. Deserters, Two. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, on application to the Magistrates, nine-pence a week 
 until the first Session after Commitment ; and thenceforward \s. '^rf. is 
 allowed : So that a poor Debtor may remain here twelve weeks, upon the 
 scanty pittance of nine-pence a week, which is then increased to little more 
 than two-pence per day I 
 To Felons, 2s. a week, before Conviction, and 2s. 6d. afterwards. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The court or area of this Gaol is spacious, (85 yards by ^36,) and has a pump in it, 
 with fine water. Formerly it was common to all Prisoners, but now one part, 
 15 yards by 8, is appropriated to the Felons, and separated by iron palisades ; through 
 which they can converse with the Debtors, or any Persons who visit there. The 
 Gaoler's house is at one end of the court, and adjoining to it is the Chapel, built in 
 1734 ; where the Prisoners are indiscriminately mixed to hear Divine service. 
 
 The Blasters-Side Debtors have five rooms in the Gaoler's house, for which they 
 pay 2*. Gd. per week, and two sleep in a bed. Common-Side Debtors have four 
 free wards, (so called,) 23 feet each by 18, and another small room. Here they 
 must furnish their own bedding; but the rooms have a very dirty and ruinous 
 appearance, with windows opening into the court-yard : formerly tiiey looked into 
 the street. The sexes are se|)arated at night, but assemble together all the day. 
 
 The wards for Felons are two rooms going down a step or two, dark, damp, and 
 dirty. One of them, 21 feet by 15, is their day-room, but serves likewise as a
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Ill 
 
 night-room. It once had a window opening towards the street, through which 
 spirituous hquors, and tools, capable of great mischief, might easily be conveyed. 
 But it is now bricked up. The coinlemncd-ronm is only 11 feet by [); which, 
 should there be more than one or two Convicts, must be very close. 
 
 There are two rooms over these Felon-wards, called The House of Correction, 
 in which Women are lodged. Heretofore, straw only was allowed to those Prisoners 
 who could not pay for a bed; but now (in l8oj)) both Felons and House of Cor- 
 rection Prisoners are supplied with a rug, in addition to the straw. 
 
 At this, my third visit, I found a wooden ])aling raised at ten feet distance from 
 the iron-palisades of the Felons' court-yard, which prevents their intercourse with the 
 Debtors. 
 
 The five rooms in the Keeper's House are occupied in this manner. Those 
 Master's-Side Debtors, who sleep on chaff beds without curtains, have three blan- 
 kets and a quilt ; for the use of which each Debtor pays three shillings per week, 
 though sometimes three sleep in one bed. Those who have feather-beds, with 
 sheets, blankets, a quilt, and cotton furniture, pay each five shillings per week, and 
 sleep two in a bed. 
 
 Here is no infirmary, nor bath : No Rules and Orders. The Act for preserving 
 Heilth, and Clauses against the use of Spirituous Liquors, are not hung up. 
 
 In short, this Prison is in a very ruinous, dilapidated condition ; seldom visited by 
 the Magistrates, and extremely dirty. But a new Gaol, with Courts of Justice 
 adjoining to it, are now building, in an elevated and airy situation. 
 
 CARLISLE. 
 
 The City Gaol. 
 
 It stands over the Scotch-Gate; and is only one ruinous room, about 20 feet 
 square, with a fire-place, and a window of 4 feet by l8 inches. 
 
 Prisoners from the City are kept in the County-Gaol, by agreement between the 
 Corporation and the Gaoler. No Tuivn-Debtor can now be imprisoned for less than 
 ten pounds. They have seldom exceeded two or three in a year, and those were 
 only detained for a short time. 
 
 The Gaol room was filled with lumber when I was there, and no Prisoner had 
 been confined in it for several years. No allowance : No court-yard : No water.
 
 ,12 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 CASTLE-TOWN. Me of Man. 
 Castle Rushen Gaol. 
 
 Governor of the Isle, His Grace the Duke of Athol. 
 
 Lieutenant (iovernor, and Keeper of the Castle, Cornelius Smelt, Lieut. Colonel 
 in the Army. 
 
 Gaoler, John Fitzsimmons, Headborough of Castle-Town. 
 Salary, 50/. Biitish, besides Perquisites. 
 
 Turnkey, WiUiam Quuyle. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Constables, Fifteen, at lO/. each per annum ; one of whom is in daily attendance 
 on the Gaol. Also live Centinels, on guard night and day. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Nov. 10, 18 10, Debtors, 9. Felons, &c. none. 
 
 Allowance, none, nor any medical assistance in case of sickness. IFafer inacces- 
 sible, but as brought in by the Constable, or other attendant of the day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Castle-Town, in the Isle of Man, is divided into two districts, by a small creek, 
 which opens into a rocky and dangerous bay. In the centre of the town stands 
 Castle Rl-siien ; which overlooks the country for many miles, and was built in the 
 year 960, by Guttred, a Prince of the Danish line, who lies buried within its walls. 
 Founded on a rock, it i)resents the appearance of much strength ; and, previous to 
 the introduction of ;irtillery, must have been impregnable by any force that could 
 assail it. In figure it is irregular, and thought to resemble Elsineur. A stone 
 glacis surrounds it on all sides. It still continues to brave the rude injuries of time, 
 and arrests attention, as a majestic and formidable object. The early Kings of this 
 Island are said to have resided here, in that barbarous pomp, which alone could dis- 
 tinguish them at so remote a period. 
 
 That there should have existed, and perhaps for centuries, a Prison Jhr Debtors, 
 in so distant a part of his Majesty's British dominions, I had no intelligence what- 
 ever, till it was communicated to me by two very inl\ resting letters, dated Aug. 20, 
 and Nov. 10, 1810, from a gentleman, formerly a Lieutenant-colonel of Dragoons; 
 and, at the time of writing, an imprisoned Debtor in Castle Rushen. 
 
 "Whilst I regret the want of knowledge that has hitherto prevented my visiting 
 this lonesome Prison, (of vvliich I have been favoured with a drawing,) I cannot 
 convey to my lieaders a better idea of it, than must arise from transcribing a part of 
 the letters in question.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. U3 
 
 " Castle Rushen," says my unknown Correspondent, " was built upwards of gOQ 
 years ago, and contains only three inhabitable rooms, in which Felons and Debtors 
 are jiromiscuously confined. Here }io Insolvent Act hath ever reached ; neither 
 have the laws of this Island ever provided any mode of relief for the honest, though 
 unfortunate Debtor. 
 
 " After a Debtor has given up all his effects, there is not any public provision of 
 food, beds, fuel, or medicine, for persons confined in this place. Many of them, 
 therefore, suffer the severest consequences of want and w retchedness ; and, as there 
 is no parochial support afforded to their wives and J'amiUes, they are reduced to 
 the greatest distress, although formerly enjoying comfort and respectability. Strange 
 also as it may appear, 7io subscription was ever known to have been entered into, 
 throughout any part of this Island, for the relief of the unfortunate. For, as the \\i- 
 digenous Manx are not liable to iviprisonment for debt, their feelings seldom are 
 ' tremblingly alive' to the miseries of an incarcerated Stranger." • 
 
 My mournful Correspondent mentions, as his fellow-prisoners, the descendant 
 
 of a celebrated Antiquary, and formerly M. P. for H , who has been confined 
 
 there for four years ; the Rev. Mr. M , a vicar in Queen's County, l8 months; 
 
 and Major H. formerly M.P. for B . "This gentleman," he adds, " was released, 
 
 in consequence of the non-payment to him of the Manx-groat per day ; and yet, 
 after a lapse of eight months, was put into prison again for the same debt!" 
 
 The writer thus concludes his first melancholy letter: "The darkness of the 
 room I sit in, must apologize for the badness of my writing ; the state of my mind, 
 for the incoherence of my letter ; and my poverty, for this paper." 
 
 The court-yard of this prison is a part of the old fosse (the ditch or moat round 
 it) which formerly was filled by the tide ; and the water ke])t in, or let out, as 
 might be necessarv for the defence or accommodation of the inner Castle. It is, qf 
 course, exceedingly damp; surrounded also by high walls ; and seldom does the 
 sun shine upon any part of it. The privy attached to it is not sunk, as propriety 
 might have suggested ; it is dirty beyond belief; and, in the summer months (for 
 some Prisoners have spent all the seasons here) it eructs such, ahnost psstilentiaJ 
 eflluyia, as to render the court-yard intolerable. The puinj) also, ordained to supply 
 the essential beverage of life, is out of order ; and^ though long ago the Prisoners 
 have prayed to have it mended, this grand desideratum of comfort is still left in the 
 same useless state. Many unpleasant instances, both of want and vexation, have 
 occurred, from the negligence of furnishing the Prisoners with a regular supply of 
 water. Complaints have frequently been made on this head, which, it is hoped, 
 may never again be rendered necessary. 
 
 It has been doubted by Manx gentlemen of the Law, whether, and how fai;, 
 English Acts of Parliament can bind this Island, except in matters of revenue. Is 
 
 u
 
 114 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 it thus, then, that pecunicE omnia ohediunt ! or can it be suffered that imperium 
 in imperlo shall thus prevail ? Such a decision it is the interest of no one to desire; 
 for to all it must prove injurious in some degree, and could benefit no honest man. 
 We are told, that such laws of innovation, even if originating from England, ought 
 to be first promulged on the Ti/nwald Hill, a consecrated spot, in the centre and 
 heart of the Isle of Man, where all new Laws are necessarily proclaimed. It may 
 be so, locally ; but, surely, this reasoning cannot reach so far as to militate against 
 the Common Law of humanity. 
 
 The apartments for confinement in this Gaol consist of three principal rooms. 
 One of them is about 20 feet by 14, with a single window in it; which does not open, 
 but has two wooden panes made occasionally to be taken out, and thus let in air. 
 It was not long since occupied hy fourteen, but now by three Prisoners only. 
 
 The second room is 14 feet by 12, having two Gothick windows, 8 inches each in 
 breadth, with an iron bar through the centre. Here, recently, were nine inha- 
 bitants ; but now only two. 
 
 The third room is of the same dimensions ; and lighted (if light it may be called) 
 by two windows, like those above. It lately held, of Prisoners, 13 in number: but 
 now, only three ; besides an infant boy, son of a man and his wife, who (so strangely 
 is the Law here constructed) are both of them confined in this Gaol for the same 
 debt ! 
 
 On the walls is a small apartment, about 8 feet square, said to be a Danish watch- 
 turret, and in which one gentleman is detained. 
 
 Of the above four rooms, it may seem ahnost difficult to believe, though true, 
 that not one has been white-washed in the last three years ; and when they were so 
 refreshed, for the most obvious reasons, it was done at the expence of the Prisoners 
 themselves, who inhabited them at the time. 
 
 At present, they are obliged to contribute to the expence of having a woman to 
 clean out their respective rooms daily ; to pay 2*. 6d. per week for the hire of a bed 
 and bedstead ; six-]ience a week also for the use of a little table and a chair; and 
 coals cost them each about 2*. per week. These articles, together with the charge 
 for their female attendant, stand every individual (if he has it to command) about 26s. 
 per month, exclusive of the expence for candles ; and " by the badness of this 
 writing," my Correspondent observes, " you will readily perceive that the dark- 
 ness of our regions requires them." 
 
 " The apartments here, or rather dungeons, are very damp and cold. Mr. S , 
 
 who lately occupied the room in which I am now confined, has declared to me, 
 ' that, had he remained another Winter in it, he must have entirely lost the use of 
 bis limbs."
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 115 
 
 " Tlie iron bedsteads, &c. wliicli you mention, would answer the best. If the 
 beneficence of the donor should extend the number to six (or ticojbr each room) 
 it would be impartially benefiting the whole: and in that case I would advise 
 that some impression, or stamp, should be made upon the iron ; such, for instance, 
 as ' The Donation of ****** to the Prison (or the Prisoners) of Castle Rushen 
 Gaol.' The kind gift would thus become exclusively secured, and perpetuated to 
 the use of the Prisoners." 
 
 So very singular and unsystematic do the proceedings of this secluded Island ap- 
 pear, that certain arbitrary and lawless events in it may occasion less surprize. The 
 venerable Bishop WILSON, (whose name here is only not adored ; and by whose 
 exemplary life and writings, the world has received, and will long continue to re- 
 ceive, unsjjeakable edification,) was, on the iigth of June, 17^'2, together with his 
 two V^icars-general, committed to this destructive Prison of Castle Rushen, for the 
 non-payment of a fine, which he had just reason to oppose, and which afterwards 
 appeared to be unjust. They were kept closely immured within these dreary walls, 
 and no persons admitted to see or converse with them. 
 
 The horrors of a Prison were aggravated by the unexampled severity of the then 
 Governor, in not permitting the Bishop's house-keejjer (who was the daughter of a 
 former Governor) to see him, or any of his servants to attend upon him during his 
 whole confineilltnt ; nor was any friend admitted to either his Lordship, or his 
 Vicars-general. They were not treated as common Prisoners, but with all the 
 strietness of Prisoners confined for High Treason. Their sole attendants were 
 Common Gaolers ; and even these, we are told, were instructed to use their Pri- 
 soners ill! In this wretched Gaol, the good Bishop and his innocently suffering 
 friends were confined for two months; and, at t'.ie end of that time, released, 
 upon his Lordship's Petition to the King and Council, before u horn his cause was 
 afterwards heard and determined. On the 4th of July, I724, his Majesty in 
 Council reversed all the proceedings of the Officers in the Island, declaring them to 
 be oppressive, arbitrary, and unjust. 
 
 From the dampness of his Prison in Castle Rushen, even in a Summer season of 
 the year, this excellent Prelate contracted a disorder in his right hand, which dis- 
 abled him, through life, from the free use of his fingers. He ever after wrote 
 backwards, slanting towards the left, with his whole hand grasping the pen. A 
 friend has just laid before me some autographs of Bishop Wilson (from his excellent 
 Tract in Manuscript, on the J'isitation of the Sick) ; and but too clearly do they 
 evince the injury he must have sustained by so vile and cruel an incarceration. 
 The following lines upon the occasion are cited from Feltham's *' Tour" of the Island 
 in 1798*, p. 109; and cannot but gratify the lovers of Religion and Virtue: 
 
 * An clegaot Octavo, printed by Ciuttwell of Bath, and sold by the lute Mr. Chaiies Dilly.
 
 116 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 " But, oh ! the sad reverse of fate, 
 That neither spares the good nor great, 
 
 Not e'en can cherubs paint. 
 Lo, Envy, brooding o'er the scene, 
 Dash'd with a cloud the bright serene ; 
 
 And bore to Rushen's walls the persecuted Saint ! 
 
 " There, as immur'd the good man lay. 
 Awhile to Tyranny a prey, 
 
 Sate Patience, witli calm eye ; 
 And there too. Faith, who gives to tlow 
 O Innocence, thy robe of woe, 
 
 Oped, through the vale of tears, a vista to the sky." 
 
 My best apology for giving this long description, is from the hope of its attracting 
 the attention of some member of the British Legislature. 
 
 CROYDON. Surry. 
 Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, a Turnkey, who has charge of the Prisoners in Assize Time. 
 
 - Prisoners, iGthJune, 1806, and 23d June, 1810, none. 
 
 Allowance, none to the Debtors from the Court of Requests : But to other Pri- 
 soners, one pound and a half of bread per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The ground, on which the stable of the Three Tuns Inn once stood, is now occu- 
 pied by a room for the confinement of Prisoners, during the time the Assizes are 
 held here. It is a large apartment, 36 feet by 27, and Q feet high, with six opposite 
 iron-grated windows, and a boarded floor; with iron staples, to which the Prisoners 
 are chained all night, and have straw to sleep on. 
 
 Adjoining to this apartment are four cells ; one for Debtors, sent from the Court 
 of Requests, of 13 feet by 10, in which there is a wooden bedstead, spread with 
 straw, and a rug. The next is about the same size, which is appropriated to the use 
 of the Turnkey, and has a fire-place and glazed-window: the two other cells,; 
 13 feet by (i feet 4, and 9 feet high, are for male and female King's Evidence. 
 
 In all the rooms there is a sewer. ■
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 117 
 
 CHELMSFORD. Essex. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler. Robert Pnniell : now Thomas Archer. 
 
 Salary, 345/. and for the conveyance of Convi(^ts to the Ilulkr, 1*. jier mile. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, See Table. Besides which the Under Sherift" demands 
 5A-. 6d. for his Liberate 1 It would be an act worthy the humanity of a 
 County so opulent and respectable, if Debtor's Fees were wholly done away. 
 For Felons, no Fees but for Lodging. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. il/orocr??, who, on common occasions, attends twice a week ; 
 and every day on Prisoners under sentence of death. 
 Salary, 50/. the Act of Parliament not having granted more. But to this sum 
 the Magistrates, about the year l802, added twenty pounds, as a remune- 
 ration of Mr. Morgan's attentions to the House of Correction, which, for 
 many preceding years, he had visited gratuitously. 
 
 Medical Attendants, Dr. IfllUam Bird, Mr. John Gilson, and .]\lr. George 
 Jsser Gepp, who attend alternately every third year. These Gentlemen con- 
 sider themselves, now, as equally engaged : They attend all descriptions of 
 Debtors, midwifery not excepted ; and, at every Session and Assize, report the 
 State of Pealth of them, as well as of the Felons, &c. 
 
 Salary, 50/. to each, in the course of his attendance. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Men-I^elons, 
 
 &c. 
 
 Women 
 
 Ditto. 
 
 Deserters, & 
 Lunatics. 
 
 1800, Mar. 21, - - 
 
 - 17 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 74 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 1801, Oct. 11, - - 
 
 - 13 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 49 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 8 
 
 - .. 
 
 - 
 
 1803, July 31, - - 
 
 - 22 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 31 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 8 
 
 - - 
 
 2 desertei-s^ 
 
 1805, Sept. 18, - - 
 
 - 21 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 33 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 1808, Nov. 12, - - 
 
 - 45 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 20 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 1 lunatic. 
 
 l8og, Aug. 4, - - 
 
 - 22 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 30 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 - - 
 
 1 ditto. 
 
 1810, Sept. 26, - - 
 
 - 26 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 11 
 
 - - 
 
 - 
 
 4 
 
 - - 
 
 - 1 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of bread each*, and a quart of small beer 
 daily. Also ten bushels of coals per week for the prison, from 1st Novem- 
 ber to 25th March; equally distributed to Debtors and Felons. Convicts' 
 under sentence of transportation have only 2*. 6f/. per week allowed them 
 by Government, and paid in money. 
 
 ■* The bread is made within the Pri-son, of the best wheaU'n (loin'. Wei.'rhts, scales, end nir.Turos 
 are provided at tlie County expcnce, and fixed in the several Coints of the (.aol, in wooden cases made 
 for the purpose ; so that each Prisoner may sec the allowance fairly delivcreil out.
 
 118 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tliis new and elegant County Gaol, erected upon a very liberal plan, at the ex* 
 pence of the County, was finished and inhabited in the year I777. Its handsome 
 appearance cannot fail to excite the admiration of every passenger. But the original 
 design, as to some of the internal parts of the building, was found to be rather 
 incommodious. It was deemed to be too much crowded, not only with a large 
 Chapel, but with a needless Tap-7'oom, a spacious kitchen, and several domestic 
 offices, which were thought to impede that free circulation of air, so necessary for 
 the Preservation of Health in all Places of Confinement. 
 
 These defects, or redundancies, however, have been since very judiciously reme- 
 died, by the removal of the Chapel to a more eligible situation, &c. and many 
 single cells have also been added to the plan, without the least interruption to a 
 •free currency of air. 
 
 Debtors and Felons are here happily and entirely separated from each other ; 
 their Prisons being divided by a spacious gravel walk, with a flagged foot path. 
 
 Tke Debtors have a common court-yard for men and women, of gg feet by 19, 
 containing eight sleeping-rooms, 18 feet each by 14; four at bottom, and four above, 
 with boarded floors, fire-places, a table, seats, and sash windows in each; for which 
 they pay, as per ensuing Table. Those who furnish their own beds are not charged 
 for room-rent, and when they work, receive all their earnings. But the cast-iron 
 sewers, injudiciously placed near the Debtors' rooms, are at times extremely of- 
 fensive. 
 
 At the upper end of the court-yard is a large day-room, 43 feet by l6, with three 
 sash windows, boarded floor, a fire-place, large oak table, with benches to sit on, 
 and cupboards to secure provisions : And here the Gaol Rides and Regulations are 
 conspicuously hung up. 
 
 The last-mentioned room is moreover appropriated to such handicraft tradesmen, 
 as can procure work from without the Prison ; and likewise as the sleeping-apart- 
 ment of those poorer Debtors, who, being unable to pay for, or provide themselves 
 with bedding, rest here, upon straw laid on the floor. The sloping blinds before 
 the windows of this spacious room greatly obstruct both light and ventilation. 
 
 No room is yet set apart as an Infirmary for Debtors. 
 
 Here is also a large apartment, to which the approach is through the 
 Keeper's dwelling house. It was formerly called Tke Smugglers Room, and is 
 4iJ feet long, by l6* wide. It is not used at present ; but >vith little expeiice might 
 be converted into lodging apartments for such Debtors, as may wish to be accommo- 
 dated in a superior manner, within the dwelling house.
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 4 
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 119 
 
 Table of Fees, 
 
 To be taken by the Keeper of the Gaol at Chelmsford, for the County of Essex, as 
 varied and altered (pursuant to the Act 32 Geo, II. chap. 28, Sect. 5), from that 
 which was orii^inally settled and cstal)lishetl, under, and by virtue of an Act of 
 Piirliament, passed in the second year of his said late Majesty, King (Jeorgc the 
 Second. 
 
 dB. s. d. 
 
 " For the chamber-rent, bed, and bedding of each Prisoner upon 
 Criminal Process, per week, provided that not more than two 
 be put into one l)ed, nor more than two beds in one room - 3 6 
 
 For tlie ciiaiiiber-rent, bed, and bedding of each Debtor, per 
 night, provided that not more than two be put into one bed, 
 nor more than two beds in the same room - - - _ - 
 
 For the Turnkey's Fee, into Gaol, for every Debtor . - . 
 
 For the Turnkey's Fee, out of Gaol, for every Debtor 
 
 For the Gaoler's Fee upon each Debtor's Discharge - - 
 
 Essex. Michaelmas Session, 4th Oct. 1796. 
 
 Signed by us. Justices of the Peace for the said County, 
 T. B. BliAMSTON. 23d January, 1797. 
 
 T. Kynaston. We have reviewed, and do confirm the 
 
 John Conyeks. above Table of Pees. 
 
 Ken YON. 
 
 W. BlLLOCK, B. HOTHAM. 
 
 Clerk of the Peace for the said County. 
 
 The Felons have twenty-seven cells, ten feet each by five, and seven feet high-, 
 (of which eight are solitary ;) and two large condemned rooms, containing seven 
 sleeping-cells, each of which is seven feet by six and a half, and eleven feet high. 
 Every common and solitary cell has a crib bedstead, furnished with a straw mat, 
 flock bed, bolster, blanket, and rug; but the condemned cells have their crib bed- 
 steads supplied with straw and blankets only. 
 
 Attached to these cells is a small flag-paved court, into which the Convicts are 
 admitted for two or three hours in the day. 
 
 Every cell in this Prison is flagged and well ventilated ; the court-yards airy; and 
 all, except the solitary and condennied cells, have a day -room attached to them 
 respectively, with a fire-place, to which fuel is allowed, at the County's expence, 
 during the Winterly half year. For those criminals who choose to })ay as per TablSj 
 extra bedding is provided by the Keeper. 
 
 In several of the Felons' sleeping-cells are placed cast-iron sewers, without covere 
 to then), which must reiuler them very oti'ensive.
 
 ,20 -^ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 With respect to the Women-Felons an excellent alteration has taken place ; a 
 laro'e and useless room having been converted into a comfortable ward, with boarded 
 floor, fire-place, large sash window, table, benches to sit upon ; and containing 
 eio'ht crib bedsteads, furnished in the same manner as for the Men Felons. To 
 this- room are likewise attached a cooking and washing kitchen for their use, and a 
 small court-yard for air and exercise. 
 
 ^1^ I have always observed the Prisoners in this Gaol to be very heavily ironed. 
 In four of the Felons' wards, which contain barrack-beds for 36 Prisoners of this 
 class, a ponderous chaiq is every night passed through the main link of their fetters, 
 and made fast at each end, so that the Prisoner cannot turn himself on the bed. 
 Of this description there were eight Felons in one ward, six in another, and two in 
 a third. The fourth ward was unoccupied. It is but justice to add, that the pre- 
 sent Gaoler, upon my representing the cruelty of this addition to the daily misery 
 of a Prisoner, ordered this chain to be taken away, and promised to discontinue the 
 practice of his predecessor; so that it is to be hoped Prisoners are no longer threaded 
 together by a heavy chain, during those hours which are destined by Nature to 
 repose. 
 
 " If the Gaoler keep the Prisoner more strictly than he ought of right, whereof 
 the Prisoner dietli, this is Felony in the Gaoler by the Common Law." 
 
 3 Inst. 91. Fost. 321, 32iJ. 
 
 Here are two separate Infirmaries, for men and women : the former is flagged, 
 and the latter has a boarded floor. That assigned for the men is 20 feet by 15. The 
 women's somewhat smaller, with glazed windows, fire-places, crib bedsteads, and 
 forms. Both, however, of these apartments fur the Sick, are at present placed on 
 the ground Jhor ; which I humbly presume to be wrong ; and would respectfully 
 recommend some other apartments, in a higher situation, to be adopted as Infir- 
 maries. They certainly would be less subject to damps, and have better ventilation? 
 from a larger quantity of fresh air. 
 
 - At the North end of this Gaol there is exhibited a very humane and excellent idea, 
 for the execution of capital convicts. Hooks and eyes of iron are firmly fixed in 
 the wall : the scaffolding is thus easily adjusted ; and, by a simple contrivance, the 
 platform falls back, and the wretched criminals ceas^e to mourn their hopeless 
 existence among the living! 
 
 On the North side of the Gaol, is The Chapel, upon an amended construction, 
 And to \vlii(;h the apartments called " Condemned Cells'' closely adjoin. Its area is 
 occupied by the Keeper's own family, the Debtors, and Women Felons. At the 
 end opposite tlie Communion Table, are seated the Men Felons, classed according 
 to the nature of their ofl^ences, and separated by a wainscot partition, and an iron 
 railing placed before their seats. The respectable Cl!a])lain, Mr. Morgan, is
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. IJl 
 
 pmj)lary in his whole dej)ortment ; and the Prisoners, at my several visits, evinced their 
 esteem for him, by being very attentive to their duty, 'lliose of every description are 
 required to attend the sacred duties of the place: ami here I cannot help expressing 
 the pleasure I received from the worthy Minister's selecting in his discourse those 
 passages of Scripture, which struck me as most suitable to the class he was imme- 
 diately addressing. lie firmly admonished the profligate, exhorted with gentleness 
 the unthinking, and comforted the afflicted hearer : In a word, as if not content 
 with a formal and stipendiary discharge of prescribed duty, he appeared to be, in 
 heart and principle, A Christian. 
 
 In the County Gaol of Chelmsford, every criminal, at his entrance, is stripped 
 and washed. His own clothes are taken from him ; and, being purified in a bath 
 or oven, the County cloathing is put on, which has either a sleeve or collar so co- 
 loured, as to discriminate the nature of his offence. Caps, also, like the forage 
 caps of soldiers, are worn by them. 
 
 The Felons here are employed in a manufactory of ropes, and other cordage. Old 
 junk, from the King's Yards, is purchased and plucked in pieces. The best of it is 
 knotted together by them, and made into what is called ttcke-laid rope ; the refuse 
 of the junk is then sent to the several Houses of Correction, and picked into oakum. 
 New rope is also spun and made up ; and tiie articles so fabricated are disposed of at 
 reduced prices, for various j)niposes in the shipping and farming lines, &c. I 
 am informed that the nett profit of this work to the County Stock, from 1st April, 
 1800, to 1st January, 1803, was 22^1. %s. gd. and has produced, upon an average 
 of the years 1805-6-7-8, ISOl. per annum. 
 
 Some years since, Mrs. Herris gave certain lands in trust to the Incumbent of 
 the parish of Chelmsford ; out of the rents whereof five pounds are distributed an- 
 nually, at Christmas Eve, in equal proportions to the Debtors here confined. A 
 Memorial of this Donation is hung up in the Gaol. 
 
 In the Rules and Orders of Chelmsford County Prison is the following article, 
 expressive of the truest humanity : " No Person shall be dismissed, (unless at his 
 *' or her own request,) if he or she labour under any acute or dangerous distemper, 
 " until, in the opinion < f the surgeon, he or she can be discharged with safety. 
 " And at the time of his or her discharge, his or her own, or other decent clothes, 
 ^' shall be delivered to him or her, together with such sums of money as the visiting 
 " Justice shall judge necessary for subsistence to the place of his or her legal set- 
 " tlement." 
 
 Every part of this (iaol is well supplied with excellent water. It is white-washed 
 onee a year. The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors are hung up in it: And the very judicious Rules and Orders established 
 fcr its good government, confer great honour upon their authors. 
 
 a
 
 J 2! STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 CHELMSFORD. Essex. 
 The County Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Richard Broohe, now PFiUiam Couthorn. Salary, 100^. and for coals 
 and other contingencies, 6"o/. or more, if necessary. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Morgan. Salary, •■lol. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday morning. 
 
 Medical Attendants ; the same Gentlemen as at the County Gaol; with a Salary, 
 
 for both, of 50/. per annum. 
 Number of Prisoners, Men. Women. 
 
 1808, Nov. 12th, ------ 34 - - - - - - 10 
 
 1809, Aug. 4th, ------30------ 6 
 
 1810, Sept. 26th, ------ 54 ------ 14 
 
 Allowance, the same to each Prisoner here as in the County Gaol. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This new House of Correction, first inhabited at Michaelmas 1806, adjoins to the 
 County Gaol ; and being fronted with Portland-stone, has a very handsome ap- 
 pearajice. The house appointed for the Keeper immediately occupies the front ; 
 and in it is a room entirely ajjpropriated to the Magistrates, with every convenience 
 of books, &c. necessary for the duties of their office. 
 
 Behind this building, and in the centre of the large area, is the Brideivell ; on 
 the right and left of which are two large court-yards, with a day-room attached to 
 each. 
 
 The Men's court is 144 feet by 32, and has on each side separate cells, amounting 
 in all, to thirfi/-eigJit. 
 
 Over the cells, on the right hand, is a workshop, 152 feet by 14; and at the 
 end next the street are two rooms for Overseers, and two others, set apart for a de- 
 posit of various articles necessary to the situation. At tlie farther end is an Injir- 
 mari/, 38 feet six inches by 14 feet, which, on the 3Iens side, has seven crib bed- 
 steads, with each a straw bed, blanket and rug; also a cast iron grate, and pegs for 
 clotlies. Annexed to it is a foul or infectious vva.vd, containing four crib beds, and 
 furnished in all respects as the Infirmary. 
 
 The I'Vomens court-yard has twenty-six cells, a work-room of 72 feet by 14, and 
 at the lower part of the court-yard, an Infirmary for Women, of 12 feet by y feet 
 seven, fitted up in the same manner as the men's. Here are likewise a room for 
 temporary confinement, 48 feet ten inches by 14 feet, and a sleeping-room above 
 it, of the same dimensions.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 125 
 
 The Chapel, 65 feet by 21 feet six, is biii't parti)' over the cells ; and has a wall 
 running through the centre of it, to the length of 42 feet six inches, so as effectually 
 to prevent all communication between the men uiul women, who have each their 
 separate doors of entrance. At the end of the Chapel is a spacious room, assigned 
 for stores of every kind that mny be wanted for the employment of the Prisoners. 
 
 The men have two rooms, one for a working and day room ; and the other, for 
 lodging, has seven beds in it. Over which the women also have two rooms, of the 
 same size and description ; to which hitter the ascent is by a stair-case from their 
 court-yard. 
 
 The size of each cell here is ten feet by six feet 6, and eight feet high, all arch- 
 roofed, and fitted up with a bed, mattress, blanket, and coverlet. Over each door 
 i« an aperture for light and ventilation, with a shutter on the inside. 
 
 The employment of the Prisoners is picking of oakum. 1 hey have no portion 
 of the earnings ; but, if they have behaved well, receive money at their discharge, 
 according to their distance from home. 
 
 The bread here distributed is mads, and the beer brewed, in the house. The 
 commitments to \t, from 1st January, 1807, to 1st January, 1808, were one hun- 
 dred and Jifty-eight. Persons confined for Bastard} , or for petty offences, as 
 servants, are not permitted to have any intercourse with the other Prisoners, but 
 have a separate court-yard, rooms, &c. 
 
 Firing is humanely allowed here, the same as at the Count)' Gaol; and all the 
 court-}-ards are well supplied with excellent water. 
 
 The Rules and Regulations of this House of Correction are properly and very 
 conspicuously hung up in the different wards. 
 
 The loathsome old Bridewell, now pulled down, I have fully described in the 
 Gentleman's Magazine for August 1804, p. 704. 
 
 C0WBRID(;E. Glamorganshire. 
 The County Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Evan Deer. Salary, 50/. Fees, None. 
 Prisoners, 2d Oct. 1 803. Four. 
 Allowance, four-pence halfpenny each per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Keeper's house fronts the street. In the back court-yard are two rooms 
 15 feet square, and one above. They are supplied with straw and two blankets 
 
 each. There is a pump in the court-}ard. No employment provided. 
 
 j'l gniJf.ji;l «/. biD.Ja Hi'// m
 
 124 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 CHESTER CASTLE. 
 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler and Constable, 3Iatthew Hudson. 
 
 Salary, 500/. as Keeper, out of which he pays three Turnkeys : From the Crown 
 
 he receives 18/. 5^. as Constable. 
 Fees, which are accounted for by the Keeper; See Table. Debtors pay 4*. 1 rf. 
 
 to the stock for Coals. For conveyance of transports he is allowed the 
 
 expence. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Rowland Hill, who officiates by his Deputy, the Rev. Mr. Fish. 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon, (See Remarks,) and Prayers on Wed- 
 nesday and Friday. 
 Salary, 30/. 
 
 §r3" A Debtor officiates as Clerk, for which the County allows 2l. a year. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hughes. 
 
 Salary. The County pays to the Infirmary 60I. for attendance and medicines; 
 out of which the Surgeon receives ten pounds for his attendance. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1801, Nov. 7th, 26 ------ 12 
 
 1802, Oct. iGth, ------31 26 
 
 1803, Dec. 28th, ------ 28 14 
 
 1805, Oct. 26th, 38 ------ 25 
 
 1809, Nov. 16th, ------ as ------ 33 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, weekly, seven pounds of good wholesome bread, which 
 is to be at least one day old; viz. 3lbs. and a half on every Tuesday and 
 Friday. Felons have the same quantity of bread, together with two ounces 
 of salt per week ; and likewise 12 pounds of potatoes each week, viz. four 
 
 pounds on every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. See also the Re- 
 
 marhs, on the Ladies' and Gentlemen's Christmas Subscription, in behalf 
 of very poor Debtors. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Castle, which by its magnificence does honour to the County, is, I am 
 informed, one of the finest specimens of Grecian Architecture in this Kingdom. 
 The Architect, Mr. Harrison ; of whose professional abiUties the Briilge and Ciibtle 
 at Lancaster will stand as lasting records to posterity.
 
 IN EXGLANR, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 125 
 
 The grandeur of the design, tiie elegance of its apjicarance, (heing all of while 
 stone,) and the convenience with which every part of Chester Castle is constructed, 
 render it eq\ial, at least, to any Gaol in lOngland, 
 
 Its front extends about 100 yards, and in the centre of it stands the County Hall; 
 before which is a colonnade, projecting about 15 feet, composed of twelve solid pillars, 
 six in a row, and each in length 21 feet, without a joint. 
 
 The Court itself describes a semi-circle ; round which there are twelve other solid 
 pillars, I S feet long. On these rest the stone beams which support the roof. The Court 
 of Justice is well calculated for seeing and hearing ; the audience being raised one above 
 another, upon steps 18 inches broad, in the manner of the (ireek and Roman Theatres. 
 
 From the Prisoners" Bar there is a private passage into the Gaol, for bringing 
 them into Court. On the left hand of the Hall are tlie entrance to the Gaol, and the 
 Turnkey's Lodge. After passing the vestibule is the Debtors' Yard, which is both 
 spacious and airy, 7-2 feet by 63, exclusive of the Terrace, 6^ feet by 17 ; and over- 
 looks a large tract of Country. 
 
 Above the Turnkey's Lodge, and a small arcade of Q feet, is a day-room, of 24 
 feet 6 by 18 feet 6, and I3 feet high; with a cistern of water, a stone sink, and 
 stone shelves to set the provisions upon. Also a sleeping-room adjoining, 26 feet by 
 18, and 13 feet high, well lighted and ventilated. Under the stairs is a small cellar 
 for coals. 
 
 On the right side of the Yard is another day-room, 24 feet by 20, and 1 2 feet 6 
 inches high ; which likewise has a water-cistern, stone sink, a pantry, with stone 
 shelves for provisions ; and above this is a sleeping-room, 32 feet by 20, I3 feet 
 six inches high, well ventilated. The four rooms here noticed are for Common-Side 
 Debtors, who are allowed by the County a straw bed, two blankets, and a coverlet 
 lined with flannel. At the top of the stairs is a large cistern of water, used for 
 cleansing the sewers in this part of the Prison. 
 
 On the lej't side of the Yard are two stories of small sleeping-rooms, twelve in 
 number; ten of which are 13 feet 6" by 7 feet 6, and 12 feet high; the end room 
 on each landing-place is 19 feet by 8, and 12 feet high, with fire-places. Two 
 pleasant day-rooms also adjoin to each, 19 feet 6 by I5 feet, and 13 feet high, 
 with two windows in eacii room. These are for the Master's-Side Debtors. They 
 have no water-cisterns in these apartments, but are accommodated by a pump, well 
 supplied with spring-water, which stands in the centre of the yard. Each sleeping- 
 room contains one bed ; for which, if provided by the Keeper, the Prisoner pays 2*. 
 per week ; if, by the Prisoner, he is charged per week one shilling, which is ac- 
 counted for to the County by the Keeper. Debtors have no access to their sleeping- 
 rooms during the day : their bedsteads consist of two iron tressels, with boards 
 painted and varnished. 
 
 At the extremity of the yard, on the right-hand, is a passage, of 8 1 feet by 6, lead- 
 ing into another yard, 63 feet square, exclusive of the Terrace, (as before,) 6^ feet
 
 J 26 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 by 17: On the farther side of which is the hifirmary, 42 feet by 18, with C07i- 
 valescent-7'ooms adjoining, 13 feet high, airy, and vvell-ventiiated. At the end of the 
 yard is a large cistern of water, supplied fiom the River Deva, or Dee. 
 
 Opposite to these are the apartments for the IFomen-Dehtor.s; of which descrip- 
 tion, at present, there are but tv/0 ; — a sitting-room, 20 feet by 17, and a sleejiing- 
 room, 2^ feet by 20, both airy and well-ventilated. Here also is a large cistern, 
 with water to cleanse the sewer; and, in the middle of the court-yard, a pumj), well 
 supplied with spring water. 
 
 In the centre of the lobby, or principal passage, is the great stair-case ; down 
 which, by a descent of ^i"^ ,sfe/w, (the ground being on different levels,) are the 
 Felons' courf-yards. 
 
 Round the stair-case are the Constable's apartments, consisting of two elegant 
 parlours, and a kitohen on the first-floor, with five handsome bed-rooms above. The 
 front parlour projects about four yards beyond the lower parts of the house ; and is 
 surrounded by a stone terrace, 6 feet 10 inches Inroad, with open iron palisades, from 
 wliich the Keeper has a full view of the Felons' yards, inclosed by a boundary-wall, 
 25 feet high. They are respectively numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and divided by par- 
 tition-walls, 10 feet 9 inches higli, each of which is furnished with its own distinct 
 apartments. 
 
 Yards, N" 2, 3, 4, consist each of a spacious court, 75 feet by 57, and a pump, 
 well supplied with good spring-water, in the centre of each, having an arcade of 
 of 20 feet by 15, and two day-rooms to each yard, 14 feet 6 by 13 feet 6: Above 
 which are two stories of sleeping-cells, six cells in each story, and all of them 8 feet 6 
 by 6 feet 4. 
 
 The end-yards, N° 1, and 5, are 36 feet by 29, with a daj'-room to each, of 14 feet 
 10 by 11 feet; and arcades 19 feet by 1.5. These have only six slpepin'.i;-rooms, 
 three in each story. Each cell is provided with a cast-iron bedstead, 27 inches wide, 
 perforated with small round holes, on which is a straw-mattress, bed stuffed with 
 straw, two blankets, and a coverlet lined with flannel. 
 
 The Felons' apartments 'are all of stone and iron ; and the roofs also, which are on 
 the same level with the Debtors' yard, are of stone, painted, to prevent the weather 
 from making the cells damp. 
 
 The Female-Felons are separated from the Males. Round the apartments and 
 court-yards of both is an area of l 2 feet broad, flagged with stone, 4 feet wide, and 
 the other part gravelled ; which the Prisoners cross in going to Chapel. 
 
 The Chapel, which stands directly under the front-room and terrace of the 
 Keeper's house, is a very neat little building, ornamented with seven solid pillars, 
 18 feet long. There is a gallery erected for the Debtors, under which the Felons 
 are placed in five seats, or boxes, each 12 feet by 6 feet 8 inchds, KJorrespdndiiigwJthi 
 their respective court-yards. The Keeper's , pew is bbhind the Clergyman, and the 
 Communion Table below, where the Sacmmentis,adnnhist)er^dJ<fur times ayea^ji
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 127 
 
 On each side of the Cliapel, in a straiglit line, are 13 solitary cells, 7 feet 8 
 inches by 6 feet 4. Each has a small anti-room, of 8 feet 2 by 7 feet 8, and 8 feet 
 G inches high ; three of \vhicli anti-rooms are now made into work-shop*, and, of 
 the rest, seven may be heated by a stove for that purpose. Over these cells, on each 
 side, are work-rooms for Debtors, the roofs of which beins; of flagged stone, form 
 the teiraces in the Debtors' and Infirmary-courts : and in fiont of them are two 
 rows of iron-railing, placed a little distant from each other, in order to prevent the 
 Debtors or their friends from seeing or conversing with the Felons below. 
 
 Here is a warm and cold bath, with a stove to purify the Prisoners' offensive 
 or infected clotlies; which are taken from them on coining into Prison, and the 
 Gaol uniform put on. 
 
 Such Debtors as work, have two-thirds of their earnings ; b\it, as Chester is not 
 a manufacturing city, there are few of them, except taylors and shoe-makers, that 
 can get employed. 
 
 Felons have half their earnings, from which, when working, they receive three 
 shillings per week, besides the Gaol-allowance : The remainder is paid to them, or 
 remitted for the assistance of their families, if any, or, on producing a certificate of 
 their good behaviour, at the end of three months after their being discharged. 
 
 The earnings of the Prisoners are accounted for at each Easter Sessions. 
 
 There is a book kept in the Prison for Visiting- Magistrates to enter their Remarks. 
 And here I cannot help expressing my sincere regret, for the loss, to this City, of 
 that able and upright Magistrate, the Rev. Doctor Peploe Ward, who, by virtue of 
 the late Statute, is now obliged to reside nine months in the year at Ely. By the 
 active energy and unremitted attentions of this truly excellent Divine, industry and 
 morality were inculcated and encouraged; and, possessing temporal authority to 
 make his spiritual advice respected, its influence was felt through every department 
 of this very interesting Gaol. 
 
 Table of Fees. 
 
 s. d. 
 Commitment-Fee for every Prisoner, --------- 82 
 
 For Copy of each Commitment ----------- 10 
 
 Discharsing Fee --------------- 10 
 
 To the Turnkey on Discharge .__-_------ 6 
 
 Chamber-rent, Prisoner finding bedding, per week, ----- 10 
 
 Bedding, if found by the Constable, for each, not exceeding per week, 3 
 Ditto, in a room, with a fire-place, ditto, -------- -JO 
 
 For attendance into Court, with every Prisoner brought there by 
 
 Rule of Court, --.------- 10 
 
 The only Legacies which I find on record are the two following: 
 " Mr. John, JVornej/, Citizen and Merchant-taylor of London, by his Will, dated 
 " 10th October, 1615, left six shillings and eight-pence to be distributed on Candle- 
 " mas, yearly, for ever, by the Mayor, to the poor Prisoners, in money or bread."
 
 12o STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 " Valentine Broughton of Chester, Alderman, by his Will, l6i\\ June, I603, left 
 " thirteen shillings and four-pence, to be distributed at Michaelmas and Lad)-day, 
 " yearly, for ever, by the Mayor, to the Prisoners in the Castle, by equal portions, 
 " or twenty days after." 
 
 The above-written List of Gifts a true Copy. 
 
 Tho. Tagg. CI. Pads. 
 N. B. [1805] These are regularly paid by the Mayor. 
 
 Of the £)e&^07-*, when I was here in 1805, thirteen were at work, and one of 
 them, a Shoe-maker, had saved upwards of ten pounds. Of the Felons I found 
 seven at work. Every one of the Prisoners attended Chapel the next day, where 
 their appearance was clean, and their behaviour orderly, and attentive to a serious 
 and appropriate discourse. The worthy Chaplain has a discretionary power of dis- 
 tributing to them moral and religious books, as he thinks necessary. 
 
 Every Christmas, the Ladies and Gentlemen of Chester are waited upon by the 
 Turnkey, and their Subscriptions for Relief of the Criminal-Prisoners are generally 
 from 14 to 18 pounds; part of which is distributed in money and coals, as the 
 Visiting Magistrates direct. Out of this Fund the worthy Gaoler is humanely au- 
 thorized to allow any very poor Debtor the same quantity of potatoes and salt weekly, 
 as the Felons receive. From the same Annual Donations also he assists many 
 poor Debtors in obtaining their six-pences ; and, frequently, to effectuate their dis- 
 charge, by a small addition to the sums voted by the Society for Small Debtors in 
 London. 
 
 A book is here kept for the purpose of entering all donations, and the manner of 
 their application, which is under the constant inspection of the Visiting Ma- 
 gistrates. 
 
 In the method of treating Prisoners left for execution, there is a singularity which 
 merits attention. They are delivered by the Constable, or his Deputy, at a stone 
 called " Glover's Stone, a little way distant from the Gaol, into the hands of the 
 Sheriffs of the City; who receive them at that stone, (as being the extreme limit of 
 the Castle-Precincts,) and from thence convey them to the place of execution, of 
 which, also, they have the charge. 
 
 This Prison is kept remarkably clean. The County Magistrates have evinced 
 great liberality, in providing every comfort which can attend the privation of 
 Liberty, and in shewing pity to the misery of even the most guilty. In the choice 
 of a Gaoler, the qualities of the Man seem to have been jjarticularly attended to. 
 Mild of temper, patient in manners, humane and firm in conduct, he is much re- 
 spected by all, and satisiiiction is visibly displayed in the countenance of every Pri- 
 soner.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALRS, 12^ 
 
 The folIowiniT Notice is entered in the Magistrates' Book, and struck my atten- 
 tion ; perhaps the more forcibly, as being both singular, and worthy of general 
 imitation. 
 
 " By order of the Visiting Magistrates, 10th April, 1805. 
 " We, the Publicans permitted to serve the Prisoners confined within the 
 " Castle of Chester, with Ale, &c. Do hereby publickly declare, That from the 
 " date hereof, we will exonerate every Prisoner, on his discharge, from all debts 
 " whatever, which we may have permitted him to contract with us, either for Ale, 
 " Porter, or Wine. " Witness our Hands, " Rob. Oldham, 
 
 " Rob. Goff." 
 There is an elegant Armoury building at the extremity of the Castle Yard, where 
 the Towers formerly stood, of 120 feet by 25, for storing 30,000 stands of arms. 
 The front and each end of it are of white stone, and built by the County ; the re- 
 mainder to be done by Government. A handsome stone gateway, of about 12 feet, 
 leads to the lodgings assigned for the use of the Judges. But what surprized me 
 extremely was, an immense Powder- Magazine, placed within ten yards of these 
 elegant buildings ! It is surely an ill neighbour. A more convenient structure of the 
 kind, and very safe in case of explosion, might easily be built near the Banks of the 
 Dee, at a proper distance from the City. 
 
 CHESTER. 
 
 The New City Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Hughes. Salary, 80/. 
 
 Fees, the same as at Chester Castle, which are his perquisites. For the Con- 
 veyance of Transports he is allowed the expence. 
 
 Keeper of the Bridewell, Jonathan Taylor. Salary, 60/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. William Fish. Salary included in that of Little St.. John's Chapel, 
 to which this Gaol is an apj)endage. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. George Harrison, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Debtors. Felons. Bridewell. 
 
 Numberof Prisoners, 1809, Nov. 16th, --(>---4---<}. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none, except on petition to the Sheriffs ; and then, one 
 pound of bread i)er day. To Felons, and other Criminals, in Gaol and Bride- 
 well, seven pounds of bread weekly, sent from the Baker's, in loaves of 
 3-i-lbs. each.
 
 130 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The horrid Gaol at the North-Gate, which so long disgraced this very ancient and 
 respectable City, having been pulled down, and the New one I am about to describe 
 being got ready, Prisoners were removed to it on the 15th of February 1807. 
 
 These two Prisons are situate in a field betwixt the Infirmary and Stanley-Place. 
 The boundary-wail, 1 7 feet 6 inches high, is of an oblong square, running from 
 West to East, and incloses three quarters of an acre of ground. 
 
 The entrance to the City Gaol is West of the City walls : The front commands an 
 extensive prospect of the Cambrian hills, and likewise enjoys the salutary breezes of 
 the River Dee, which runs about 300 yards distant from the Prison. 
 
 There are four pilasters, two on each side of tlie door of entrance, projecting about 
 two feet ; and at the top of the building, on a stone tablet, is inscribed, " City Gaol." 
 This part of the structure is of stone; the remainder of brick. An inspecting 
 walk, 9 feet wide, runs close to the boundary-wall, and encircles the court-yards. 
 A .passage, or lobby, five feet wide, and 89 feet long, leads through the whole build- 
 ing ; on each side of which are cells and rooms, both for the Prisoners, and to accom- 
 modate their respective Keepers, whose apartments are judiciously placed in the 
 centre, commanding a view of the several court-yards. 
 
 In the part appropriated for the City Gaol, there are, on the ground-floor, four 
 sleeping-cells for Criminals, 12 feet by 7 feet 6 each, and 10 feet high, with a 
 glazed and grated window, 3 feet square ; and furnished with an iron bedstead, a 
 straw-mattress, straw-bed, two blankets and a coverlet, as at Chester Castle. Here are 
 also two day-rooms, one for Male, the other for Female-Felons ; each 19 feet by 
 12 feet 6, and 10 feet high, furnished with tables, shelves, and seats, and opening 
 into their respective court-yards, of 43 feet long by 34 '• at the extremity of which 
 is a wooden paling, 6 feet 6 inches high, inclining inwards, so as to prevent any 
 access to the boundary-wall. 
 
 For Debtors in common, male and female, here is one large day-room, 18 feet 
 by 14, with a fire-place, tables, shelves, &c. and opening into their court-yard, of 
 43 feet long by 34 ; in which there is a pump of good spring-water, and a work- 
 room, 19 feet by 12, supplied with fire-places, shelves, &c. 
 
 On the chamber-story are two airy bed-rooms, 16 feet by 12, with boarded floors, 
 glazed-windows, and fire-places. Each has three iron-bedsteads; and a straw- 
 mattress, straw-in-sacking bed, two blankets, and a coverlet, are allowed by the City. 
 But, if a Debtor furnish his own bed, the Gaoler charges him one shilling per week 
 for this indulgence! 
 
 Here are two well-furnished rooms for Debtors, who can afford to pay four 
 shillings per week for a single bed, or two shillings each, if two sleep together. 
 Also four small rooms of the same dimensions as those of the cells below : One of
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ISf 
 
 lliem, Iiaving a fire-place and grate in it, is set apart for the Infirmary, and the 
 other three are assigned to Female Felons. 
 
 In the centre, and hetweeu the two Prisons, is the Chapel ; to which the ascent is 
 by two flights of steps, one leading out of the City (raol, and the other out of the 
 Bridi'well : It b a large room, 36" feet long by ii4, and 18 feet 6 inches high. On 
 the Gaol-Side of it are two ranges of seats, one for Male, the other for Female-Felons, 
 having the entrance-door betwixt them : the like seats also are on the Bridewell- 
 Side, with the door of entrance; and the Debtors, placed between, are opposite 
 the pulpit. 
 
 In the middle of the before-mentioned lonij passage, on the ground-floor, is a door 
 that comnmnicates with the JirideueU, which forms the East end of the Building; 
 and in the nunjber and size of rooms, cells, and court-yards, both on the 
 ground-floor and above stairs, it is exactly similar to the City Gaol. Over the 
 Bridewell door of entrance is a flat space, for the execution of Criminals under 
 Capital sentence from the County or City Gaols. 
 
 The sewers in the different court-yards are judiciously placed, and not offensive. 
 Soft water is laid on to the Prison by Pipes from the City, and spring-water from the 
 pump in the Debtors' Court. The Visiting Magistrates allow such extra nourish- 
 ment for the sick as the Surgeon judges proper. 
 
 In the outset of my j)resent description, I have alluded to the Old North-Ciate 
 Prison, as horrid, and a disgrace to the tlistinguished City in which it stood at my 
 former visits, in iSoi, 2, 3, and 1805. Injustice, however, let me add, that, in 
 the wretched Gaol referred to, one alteration had taken place, which, until my visit 
 in 1805, I had almost despaired of. I then found that the veteran dungeon, that 
 slough of despond, was made drif, for the only time I had heard of its being so, 
 during a series of at least thirty years since my first remembrance of it. It seems 
 that a daring Man, who had been committed thither for felony, and was lodged in 
 this famous night-room, had formed the selfish resolution to drain it, if jjossible. 
 I found him here ; and he told me that he had, singly, emptied above twenty 
 buckets of water and filth out of it ; a laborious task, surely, when the narrow ascent 
 of eighteen steps every time from his (hrmitory is considered. The Citv being 
 informed of such singular exertions, humanely ordered the dungeon to be so secured 
 against the land-springs beneath, that I was given to understand it had continued 
 to be comparatively dry ever after ; though damp it must have been, from dose 
 confinement at so great a depth. The Man in question afterwards attenii)ted to 
 escape, but was severely punished for it ; having, in addition to his heavy doul)k- 
 fetters, a strong iron belt passed round his waist, together with a collar of the same 
 about his neck, and a prong also, that went down his back. These engines of 
 correction I recollect him to have said he had had upon him for three months ; but
 
 132 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 his A'e^joer assured me it ivas 07ily for two months!" In the same old Gaol of 
 Nortli-Gate, I likewise recollect were the onl}^ iron gloves I had ever seen, as the 
 accompaniments of a British Prison. This was too striking an incident not to 
 awaken my curiosity; which the Gaoler candidly gratified, by telling me " That he 
 liad lived for some years in the Leeward Islands, where these things ivere frequently 
 nsed for the Negroes ; and that upon his return to Chester, and being appointed to 
 the office of Gaoler, he had got a pair made." If these iron gauntlets are not yet 
 annihilated, I sincerely hope, for the credit of humanity, that they will soon quit 
 the New-Gaol for ever. 
 
 From past circumstances let me now revert to some, that actually tend to disparage 
 and deform this modern Prison ; in which, with regret, I find neither the Act of 
 Parliament for preserving the Health of Prisoners, nor the Clauses against their 
 use of Spirituous Liquors, are as yet hung up. No bath provided, nor oven to purify 
 foul or infected clothes. Neither Debtors nor Criminals, in Gaol or Bridewell, have 
 coals allowed, or any Fuel whatever. No soap, or towels, for personal comfort and 
 cleanliness. No employment furnished, to prevent the bane of idleness ; and even 
 if the Debtor can procure it from without the Prison, he must pay one shilling per 
 week to the Gaoler, for his permission to work : — a hard tax upon industry ! But, 
 in January 1 809, it was exacted from five Debtors ; viz, a Hatter, a Limner, a Wire- 
 worker, a Tailor, and a Cabinet-maker. 
 
 Here are no books for a Visiting Magistrate to enter his Remarks, or to specify 
 the attendances of Chaplain, Surgeon, &c. The court-yards want paving with flag- 
 stones, (of which there are plenty in the neighbourhood;) and having only mud- 
 bottoms, it is difficult to keep the Prison clean. 
 
 I was sorry to be informed, that the indecent, immoral, and unmanly practice of 
 whipping the Women in the Bridewell is still continued, in defiance of the Act 
 32 Geo. III. which expressly prohibits it. 
 
 CHESTERFIELD. Derbyshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Shepherd, who lives in the House; and is Deputy to Mr. Geoi-ge 
 Gosling, as Bailiff. 
 Salary, none. Fees, one shilling on the Discharge of each Prisoner. 
 
 1805, Oct. nth. Debtor, One. 
 Allowance, none whatever. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This Gaol, for Debtors within the Hundred of Scarsdale, is the property of the 
 Duke of Devonshire, who lets it to Mr. Gosling, together with the Tolls of the
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 133 
 
 Market, at l8/. 12*. per annum. It stands under the Town Hall, and consists of 
 two rooms on the ground-floor, which open into a close passage, 25 feet long and 
 5 feet wide, lighted and ventilated by two iron-grated semicircular windows. The 
 Men's room is l8 feet by 15 ; the Women's 25 feet by 14. which last has a copper 
 in it ; and both have iron-grated windows opening to the Street. 
 
 If the Debtor find his own bed and bedding, he pays nothing : but there are 
 some rooms in the House, to which the Deputy Keeper furnishes bedding at 1*. 6d. 
 and 2.V. per week, for those who are able to pay. 
 
 CHESTERFIELD. Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Daniel Glossop, a Cabi net-Maker. Salary, 30/. 
 Fees, 2.S'. Garnish, I*, for Coals. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. John Cartledge. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1805, Oct. 11th, Four. The average number annually 
 confined here is Twelve. 
 
 Allowance, a four-penny loaf per day each ; except when they work, so as to 
 supply themselves from their earnings. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Thh Bridewell, by the date in front, appears to have been built in 1614. It 
 has three court-yards, one for the Men, and one for Women, of 45 feet by 15 each : 
 the third a small one for the Women also, of 10 yards by 5, with a room in it about 
 12 feet square, in which I found a woman employed in stocking-weaving. 
 
 Here are likewise two day-rooms \vith fire-places, 1 5 feet square. 
 
 The Men Prisoners have one sleeping-cell upon the ground-floor, and two others 
 above, each about 12 feet square; also a dark cell, of 9 feet square, set apart for 
 Solitary Cotifinement. Haifa guinea per annum is allowed for coals, to heatjiues 
 for warming the cells. 
 
 The W^omen-Prisoners both sleep and work in their day-room, where spinning 
 wheels are provided for them by the County ; and whatever they earn is their own. 
 They have wooden bedsteads, with loose straw, two blankets, and a rug each. 
 
 The Gaol is well supplied with water, to which all the Prisoners have access. 
 
 A room in the Keeper's House was ajjpropriated to two French Prisoners in 
 October 1805. Its size, 14 feet by 12, with fire-place, himiture, J'eather-hed, Sec. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against the use of Spirituous 
 Liquors, not hung up.
 
 134. STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 CHICHESTER. Sussea:. 
 The City Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John Humphreys, Sergeant at Mace. Salary 20l. No Fees. 
 
 Surgeon, from the Parish, when wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l804, Sept. 17, One. 
 
 Allowance. A Quart Loaf of bread per day ; each of which, when I was here, 
 weighed 2 lbs. 3 oz. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here is a small court-yard, of 25 feet by 13, with a sewer. A pump and bathing 
 tub in the wash-house adjoining. 
 
 On the first floor is a good-sized room for Women. On the second floor are 
 four rooms for Men, which open into a lobby, or passage, four feet wide. '\\\ey 
 have all glazed windows, with sloping blinds, to prevent communication with the 
 street ; and each has a straw bed in canvas on the boarded flooring, with tliree 
 blankets in Winter, a!id two in Summer. They are well ventilated and lighted. 
 The City furnishes straw. 
 
 None of the rooms have fire-places. 
 
 Bibles, Testaments, the Whole Duty of Man, and small devotional and other 
 tracts, are furnished to the Prisoners, and religious Poor, by the Society in this 
 City for Promoting Christian Knowledge, established '^5th May, I799. 
 
 The Rules and Orders are wi-itten on paper, and stuck up in the Gaol; but not 
 being signed, I omit tnmscribing tl>eni. 
 
 No employment for the I'risoners. The Act for Preserving Health hung up ; but 
 not the Clauses against Spirituous -Liquors. 
 
 The whole Prison is very clean. 
 
 There appears to have been formerly a Court held in a part of the Cathedral ; to 
 which adjoins a dungeon, 15 feet by 12, totally dark, except the borrowed light 
 which it receives from an aperture over the Cloi6t;ers.
 
 IX ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 135 
 
 CLERKENWELL. London. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Newport. ^. ^. ^_ 
 
 Salarj', --_-_.__ _ 400 O 
 
 Clerk, fnilium Beebi/, 2/. 2a. per week - - - - 109 40 
 
 Turnkevs, six, at l/. Is. per week each - - _ _ ggj jg 
 
 Total 836" 16 0. 
 Fees, as per Table. See Remarks. 
 Ciarnish, two pots of Beer. 
 
 Chaj>lain, Rev. Mr. Evans. Salary, 50/. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. fVebb. Salary, 300/. for this Prison, and tlie House of Correction 
 in Cold Bath Fields. 
 
 1800, April 15th, - - - 144 
 
 lS01,Dec. 8th, - - - 48 
 
 1802, Feb. 27th, - - - 76 
 
 1803, Nov. 4th, - - - 61 
 
 1804, AuEj. 31st, - - - 154 
 
 1805, April 13th, - - - 140 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Felons, &c. 
 
 1806, May 26th, - - - 73 
 
 1807, Dec. 18th, - - - 55 
 
 1808, July nth, - - . 115 
 
 1809, June 19th, - - - S6 
 
 1810, May 22d, - - - ll6 
 
 1811, Feb. I6'th, - - - 85 
 
 Allowance, one pound of bread per day, sent from the Baker's, in loaves of 2lbs. 
 weight, every other day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, built in 1775> has, over the gate-way, two rooms, called " Between 
 Grates,'' and " Bed-Prison ;" each containing three beds. These are occasionally 
 occupied by Prisoners brought in at night, who can pay one shilling the first night, 
 and six-pence every night succeeding ; and two sleep in a bed. Others, who can- 
 not pay for this reception, are put into the Strong Room, which is about 16 feet 
 square : On the Women's ^ide of the Prison it has barrack-beds, but no bedding ; 
 and is lighted by two iron-grated windows. 
 
 Over the Turnkey's Lodge is a bed-chambei*, furnished, and called the " Guinea 
 Room," because the Prisoners who occupy it pay one guinea each per week. 
 
 From the outer gate is a passage to the gate of the Men's court, on the right hand, 
 and to that of the Women on the left : to each of these, the descent is by six steps.
 
 13« STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 In the Men's court are two sheds, one iS feet by 12, the otlier about 12 feet 
 square, partly enclosed, and without windows. In each tliere is a table, with 
 shelves for provisions, benches to sit upon, and a fire-place ; to which a jieck of 
 coals per day is allowed in Summer, and half a bushel during the Winter. 
 
 The Gates-Man has a double allowance of bread, half a pound of meat, with the 
 broth in which it is boiled, and a pint of porter daily. He likewise sleeps in 
 the Bed If'ard, hereafter noticed. His duty is to attend at the Inner Gate, and 
 assist in cleansing the courts and sleeping wards. 
 
 Here are also two Sheds-3Ien, one of whom acts as Clerk in the Chapel, and 
 the other as a Barber, to shave the Prisoners. They are likewise employed to keep 
 the Prison clean, and receive the same allowance as the Gates-Man. N. B. The 
 Prisoners thus occupied are what they here call Fines, or persons imprisoned for a 
 certain limited time. 
 
 The Alglit Haj^d, (into which Prisoners are not permitted to go in the day-time, 
 that the air in it may be fresh and cool,) is a building on the side of the court-yard, 
 divided into two apartments. The ground floor of it, on the right, is called " New- 
 gate Ward ;" which has barrack-beds, without bedding ; and above it is a room with 
 nine wooden bedsteads flock-beds, two blankets to each, two sheets, and a rug; 
 for the use of which each Prisoner pays one shilling the first night, six-pence every 
 night after, and two sleep together. This room is called the " Bed Ward ;" and 
 over it, on the attic story, is the Men's sick ward, which has five iron bedsteads, 
 and bedding for single persons ; a fire-place also, with iron-grated and glazed 
 windows. 
 
 The ground floor, on the left hand, is denominated " the Lower Ward," and has 
 barrack bedsteads, without bedding. The chamber above this is called the " Middle 
 Ward," and set apart for Felons: the attic story is of the same size, and appropriated 
 to Fines. These rooms are of an irregular shape, measuring in the widest parts 32 
 feet by 28 ; nearly 10 feet high, and strongly planked all over, but without chim- 
 neys. For the free circulation of air, every room has in front, toward the court- 
 yard, two windows, and three or four backward ; all enclosed with iron bars, but, 
 very properly, not glazeil. In this court there is a dark cell, of 11 feet by 8 feet 
 7 inches, and 8 feet 8 inches high ; with a barrack bed, for the refractory. 
 
 The Women's court has two sheds, or day-rooms, similar to those for the Men, 
 and without windows; one 15 feet by 9, the other 12 feet by 10, with fire-places, 
 coppers, benches, and table. A Gates- Woman is here stationed, who has a 
 double allowance of bread for attending the Gate ; and also two Sheds- Women, 
 whose office is to clean the court-yard and sleeping-wards ; for which they also have 
 the same allowance of bread, and half a pound of meat daily, but no strong beer. 
 The Prisoners thus employed are likewise called Fines.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 137 
 
 On one side of the Women's court-yan), uj)on the ground floor, is the " Strong 
 " Room" before-mentioned ; and over it, in a passage, or gallery, are five cabins, 
 calkd Pigeon Holes, each of 9 feet 4 inches, by 4 feet 2; witli a barrack bedstead 
 for two Prisoners, feather beds, and bedding. In the passage room is a wooden 
 turn- up bedstead, with bedding; and every Prisoner sleeping in any of these beds 
 pays one shilHng the first night, six-pence every night after, and two sleep in 
 a bed. 
 
 Adjoining to the last-mentioned room is another, for Women Fines, 21 feet by 
 16 feet .9, with barrack-beds, and three windows looking to the court-yard. 
 
 Adjoining the Strong Room, and on tlie ground-floor, is the Lower Ward for 
 women, who cannot pay for beds, but sleep on barrack bedsteads : this is 21 feet long 
 by 16 feet 9, and has three iron-grated windows. 
 
 The Women's Infirmary is above stairs, and has five iron bedsteads, with bedding 
 for single persons ; it is 25 feet by 15, fitted up with fire-place, glazed windows, 
 cupboard, and other conveniencies. The patients, at the discretion of the Surgeon, 
 are supplied with better diet, &c. and a Woman Prisoner attends as Nurse, who is 
 allowed a double dole of bread, with half a pound of meat, and a pint of porter 
 per day. 
 
 The windows of both the men's and women's ward, are, as they should ever be, 
 too high for the occupiers to look out at. Ail the staircases are of stone; the ground 
 floors and courts are paved. In each court-yard is a pump, with cisterns, and 
 New River water is laid in from the Main. 
 
 In the Chapel, the Men Prisoners are seated below, and the Women in the 
 gallery above. Divine Service was well attended, when I was there on Sunday 
 19th July 1808, and the Prisoners appeared clean. 
 
 Witnesses for the Crown are carefully detained between-gates, in order to secure 
 them from the mal-jjractice of other Prisoners. Here is no oven to purify infected 
 cloathing, nor a bath for personal cleanliness ; an essential accommodation, pecu- 
 liarly needful in so crowded a Prison, especially during the Summer months, and 
 where two thirds of the Prisoners constantly sleep in their wretched habiliments on 
 the bare boards, without even straw afforded them for bedding. 
 
 Within the gate-way of entrance is affixed a board, on which, very properly, is 
 painted as follows : 
 
 " A Table of the Fees 
 
 " To be taken by the Keeper of New Prison, at Clerken\\ell, in the County of 
 
 Middlesex. 
 
 " For keepinj^ and discharging every pcvsoii committed by a 
 
 Warrant of Commitment --.------.046 
 
 For turning the Key at every such Person's Discharge - - - 10 
 
 T
 
 138 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 £. s. <f. 
 For going with any Person before a Justice ------ 010 
 
 For a Copy of Commitment - - - -- -_---oi4 
 
 Prisoners brought in by Constables of the Night, and carried 
 
 before Jusiices of tiie Peace, and discharged ----- 02 
 
 " By the Courts 
 
 " Selby. 
 
 " N.TJ. No Spirituous Liquors allowed to be brought in here." 
 
 Prisoners are discharged from hence at all hours, after payment of the Fees ; but 
 for failure in which they continue to be detained, unless the Magistrate writes " Poor" 
 on the back of their Discharge. 
 
 The court-yards here are by much too small for the nun)ber of Prisoners : But 
 botli might be enlarged, and a salutary separation of the young beginner from the 
 veteran in oflfence secured, by taking in a part either of the Keeper's Garden, or of 
 the adjacent Field. 
 
 No money is given to the Prisoner at the time of discharge, so as to prevent an 
 immediate recurrence to those predatory acts which brought him or her hither. 
 
 The Act for preservation of Health is not hung up, but the prohibitory Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors are duly exposed for inspection ; and the Gaol is kept 
 very clean. 
 
 There are Rules and Orders, printed; but, being signed only by the Gaoler, I do 
 not transcribe them. 
 
 Formerly, Mr. Wildman, a Salesman in Smithfield, and afterwards, his Widow, 
 sent the Prisoners beef and beer twice a week ; but this kind bounty has been dis- 
 continued many years, and I have constantly been told that no donations are sent 
 hither now. 
 
 The allowance of bread is too scanty, in a place where there is no opportunity 
 afforded of earning any thing by labour; and the want of bedding must at times be 
 most severely felt, as not even straw is allowed to the poor and destitute Prisoners, 
 who must sleep in their rags on the boarded floor. 
 
 SldJ" I do not recollect having ever visited The New Prison, without seeing Lti- 
 natics contiuud in a ])lace so very ill-adapted for them : And, whilst Persons com- 
 mitted for Fines, and lesser offences, are unavoidably associated with the daring and 
 desperate Criminal, that Confinement which was intended for wholesome Correction, 
 can prove no other than a Seminary of Vice; a sure introduction to the most infii- 
 mous practices.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. \-i9 
 
 COCKERMOUTH. 
 
 The County Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Joseph Bowman. Salary, 20/. Surgeon, Mr. Bell, who makes a Bill. 
 It has a small court-yard, 21 feet by 12, and two sleeping-cells, one l8 feet by 10, 
 the other lo feet by 5 : one of these is called The Strong Room. No beddmg 
 allowed, but loose straw upon the floor. No water accessible. Allowance, 2*. per 
 week. At my visits in 1802 and 1809, no Prisoners. 
 
 COLCHESTER. Essex. 
 The Castle Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John Smith. 
 
 Salary, 30/. He is also allowed 3/. per annum, to furnish straw, and other 3^. 
 per annum, to provide firing for the Prisoners. Fees, none. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Newell, who makes a Bill for Medicines ; and has also Two Gui- 
 neas a year, for reporting, quarterly, the state of the Prison. 
 
 Prisoners, iSoi, Oct. I2th, One Man for Bastardy. 
 
 1805, Sept. 18th, Three disorderly Women. 
 
 1810, Sept. 24th, Three Men; one of them for Bastardy; the other 
 two sick in bed. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of bread daily, and a quart of small beer. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Castle of Colchester was formerly the County Gaol. That part of it which 
 is now the Bridewell, has one large room, 20 feet by 14, and 12 feet high, with a 
 fire-place. On one side of this room is another, with a window ; and on the other 
 side are two more rooms, at a right-angle with the former, and in the farthermost of 
 them a window. These last three are loftj^, and about I3 feet square: the partitions 
 to them are iron gratings, to admit light and air from the grated window at each end. 
 Here are also glazed windows, ready prepared to be put up in cold weather. 
 
 In the court-yard, about 17 feet square, excellent water is introduced by a pipe 
 and cock : But of this area the Prisoners never have the use, though it is immediately 
 under command of the Keeper's window.
 
 140 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 In the chamber-story are two rooms appropriated to the f^f omen- Prisoners : one 
 of them, about 28 feet square, and 10 feet high, has a fire-place, and is used as a 
 day-room ; the other, which is over it, is 20 feet by 10, and 10 feet high. This is 
 employed as their sleeping-room, and, as well as the rooms below, supplied with 
 crib-bedsteads, straw-in-sacking beds, and two blankets each. 
 
 At my visit in October 1801, the only Prisoner was a Man for bastardy. It 
 was very cold weather; but he had no fire, neither were the glass windows put 
 up. He was not permitted to come into the court-yard for exercise ; water was 
 brought to him by the Keeper ; and of both these objects he had a confined and tan- 
 talizing view, through the gratings of his window. As he had no soul to converse 
 with, employment might have beguiled the hours of captivity, and must have proved 
 an evidence of humane attention. The Keeper was from home ; but at my subse- 
 quent visits he appeared rough, rude, and ignorant. He kejot a Fox in the court, 
 just under the Prisoner s window, the smell of which could not be very grateful. 
 
 A Gaoler should never be permitted to furnish his Prisoners with either food, fuel, 
 or bedding. The Prison had just been white-washed, and I found it clean : But 
 here was no religious attention: no employment. Neither the Act nor Clauses 
 hung up. 
 
 COLCHESTER. 
 
 The Borough Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 G?io\er, John Hardy. Salary, 12/. Fees, see Table. 
 
 Chaplain, none. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. GrjV^on. Salary, none. He makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Oct. 12th, - - 
 
 1805, Sept. 18th, - - 
 
 1810, Sept, 24th, - - 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, unable to maintain themselves, one pound and half of 
 good wholesome bread, and a quart of small beer, daily. To Felons, and other 
 criminal Prisoners, sixpence a day, and the like quantity of small beer. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This once-despicable Gaol, of which I gave an ample description in the Gentle- 
 mans Magazine for August 1804, page 705, lias lately received great improvements. 
 
 Debtors are noiv separated from Criminal-Prisoners ; and have a spacious court- 
 yard assigned them, of about 60 feet by 50, with a water-closet very conveniently 
 placed. Also a day-room, about 14 feet square, with a flagged floor, two large sash 
 
 )tors. 
 
 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 
 Disorderly Women. 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 1 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 10 
 
 I 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 4 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 8 
 
 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 6 - 
 
 _ 
 
 - - 6
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 141 
 
 windows, and a fire-place ; to which two bushels of coals per week are allowed, 
 from Michaelmas to Lady-Day, and one bushel weekly, from Lady-Day to 
 Michaelmas. 
 
 In the chamber-story are three rooms ; two of which have one bed each, and 
 the third will contain two or more beds, if needed : They have boarded floors, fire- 
 places, and glazed sash-windows, which command a very extensive view. They are 
 liberally furnished by the Town with bedsteads, chamber utensils, water pitchers, 
 and brooms; but the Prisoners must provide their own beds and bedding, or pay to 
 the Gaoler, as per Table. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 " To be taken by the Keepers of the Debtors' ( jaol of the Borough of Colchester. 
 
 s. d. 
 " For the Turnkey's Fee on admitting every Debtor .--.-_ 10 
 
 For the bed and bedding of each Debtor per night, provided that not more 
 
 than two be put into one bed ------------ 04 
 
 For the Turnke3''s Fee on the going forth of every Debtor - - . - i o 
 
 For the Gaoler's Fee upon every Debtor's Discharge ------ 13 4 
 
 " Afoot-Hall, Colchester. The foregoing Fees were, at the General Quarter Session 
 
 of the Peace, holden in and for the said Borough, on Monday the lOlh day of July 1809, 
 
 seen, examined, and allowed. 
 
 " By the Court. 
 
 " W. Mason, Town-Clerk." 
 
 ^3" A Woman, in this Gaol, attends the Female Debtors, and they have the 
 exclusive use of the court-yard daily, from twelve till two. 
 
 That part of the Gaol which is appropriated to Felons, and other criminal Pri- 
 soners, continues in much the same state as at my former visits ; and consists of a 
 room, about 15 feet square, with two iron-grated windows, straw-in-sacking beds, 
 three blankets, and a rug, laid on the boarded floor. I found it occupied by six dis- 
 orderly Women. Another room, \6 feet by 11, with one iron-grated window, had 
 four Men-Felons in it; and a third room, 15 feet by 9, with a very small iron- 
 grated window, held two other Felons. The bedding in these two last rooms is 
 similar to that for the Females. Li each apartment a covered tub was made to serve 
 as a sewer; and it is needless to add that all were shamefully ofl'ensive. 
 
 I had the pleasure to learn that the two dark strong-rooms below, of 16 feet each 
 by 11, were at length deemed unfit for human confinement, and I found them 
 far better filled with lumber. 
 
 The whole of this Feloti's-part of the Gaol is to be taken down, and likewise some 
 old buildings adjacent; which, from the plans I have seen, will afford space for a 
 convenient Felons' Prison, with a court-yard adjoining, which cannot fail of doing 
 credit to the respectable Borough of Colchester. 
 
 The Surgeon here has a discretionary power, with respect to the diet and bedding 
 of sick Prisoners under his care.
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 109 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 109 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 546 
 
 
 
 
 
 109 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 142 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 COLD BATH FIELDS. Middlesex. 
 The County House of Correction. 
 
 ■Gaoler, Thomas Aris : now IVilUam Adhins. 
 Salary, 400/. Fees, see Table. 
 
 Task-Master and Store-Keeper, Salary, 2I. 2s. per week - 
 
 Clerk, Salary per week, 2l. 2s. - - - - - - - - 
 
 Turnkeys, Ten, at one guinea per week each - - - - 
 
 Watchmen, Two, at one guinea jier week each - - - 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Evans. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday ; and Prayers twice a week. 
 
 Salary, 20/. and also an allowance ©f 30/. per annum for superintending the 
 education of those children in the House of Correction, who are properly 
 kept separate and apart from their parents. For Clerhenwell Prison, like- 
 wise, the same emolument of 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Wehbe, 
 
 Salary, 300/. for this Prison, and Clerkenwell Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, See the Remarks. 
 
 Allowance, to each a loaf of one pound weight every day. A pint of gruel for 
 breakfast every morning. For dinner €ach other day, a quart of broth, 
 made from beef, with oatmeal, celery, onions, leeks, pepper, and salt : 
 and on the alternate days, six ounces of meat for dinner, instead of broth. 
 
 §k3" The total expence of their Prison diet is estimated at seven pence 
 three farthings each per day : And, in addition to this County allowance, 
 their friends are permitted to bring them any proper kinds of provision. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This extensive Gaol, which comprises also the County Bridewell, or House of 
 Correction, is encircled by a boundary wail, enclosing nearly four acres of land; 
 and to it are committed Debtors from the Court of Conscience for the Tower 
 Hamlets. 
 
 From the best accounts I could collect out of the books, it appears, that in the 
 course of eleven years, from the nth of June l80(), to the 21st of May 1810, the 
 whole number of Debtors sent hither has been seven hundred and Jifty ; viz. 
 Detained their full term of Imprisonment ------ 332 
 
 Discharged by small Compositions -------- ^53 
 
 And, the whole Number who paid Debt and Costs . - - - 65 
 
 750
 
 IN ENGI AND, SCOTLAND, AXD WALES. r^S 
 
 Number of Criminal Prisoners received witliiii the same period, viz. 
 By CouMiiitmeius ----- _;;-,;j- - - 9342 ") 11 --S 
 
 Upon Couvictinu ---------- 2216 J 
 
 To whicU add llie Debtors (P. 142) - -----.--- 750 
 
 Making: the total of Prisoners to be - - - 12308. 
 
 The Prison of Cold Bath Fields, now under consideration, stands in front of 
 Bnyne's Row. The entrance to it is the main gate, with the First Turnkey's room^ 
 adjoining; from vviience a court-yard, of about 35 feet, leads on to the Inner Turn- 
 key's Lodge. 
 
 From the iron rails next the Gaoler's house, to those nearest the Prisoner's work- 
 yard, is another court, 48 feet in length, paved with stone, which forms a carriage 
 way into the Prison. 
 
 At the end of the court-yard next the main gate, stands the Inner Turnkey's 
 lodge, which has two rooms above it. The gateway below, leading on to a court- 
 y-ird in front of the office, of about 28 feet by 12 feet 9 inches wide, is paved with 
 broad Purbeck stone, and has an iron gate, with a wooden one also across it. 
 
 The former gate is where the friends of Prisoners are admitted who come to visit 
 them, and stands about four feet distant from the wooden gate, at which the 
 Prisoners are allowed to receive their friends ; both gates being under cover, and 
 having between them a door belonging to the Inner Turnkey's lodge. 
 
 Another court-yard, of 45 feet by 42, leads from the last-mentioned lodge, and 
 extends to the front of the Turnkey's office. The office itself, 15 feet by 14 
 feet 6, has two rooms above it : one of them is for the Gaol Committee ; and over 
 it is the Store-keepers apartment, 17 feet by 16. 
 
 A passage of f, feet 9 inches wide, reaches from the court-yard just noticed, to 
 the kitchen. The Chapel, which is above the passage, and in the centre of the 
 whole building, is so constructed as to receive all the six classes of Prisoners, male 
 and female ; and contains, also, a pew for the Magistrates, the Communion Table, 
 and seats for the Keeper and Turnkeys. On the 19th of June, 1808, I attended 
 Divine Service here, when all the Prisoners were cleanly in their persons, and de- 
 cently attentive to a very suitable discourse. 
 
 The kitchen, 33 feet by 3i, is furnished with two cast-iron boilers, for the use of 
 the Prisoners. 
 
 In the interior of the Gaol are eight other court-yards, extending each about 66 
 feet from the doors to the water-closets in them, and from the front of the cells to 
 the back-wall of the Colonnades, 32 feet 6 inches wide. These courts contain each 
 from seven to nine cells, and a water-closet. The staircases to the ditierent apart- 
 ments are about five feet wide, and the several passages to the galleries and cells,, 
 about 4 feet 6 inches.
 
 144 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Next the garden grounds also are eight smaller court-yards, about 41 feet by 23, 
 surrounded by iron rails; and a ninth, 16 feet 6 by 13 feet 10. Tliese are all ap- 
 ])ropriated to the Prisoners for taking air and exercise. 
 
 A spacious garden is thrown round the whole Prisou, and extends to the boundary- 
 wall on all sides. On the right-hand from the Maiii-Ciate is the Gaolers House, 
 which I am given to understand was hiiHf by the Prisoners here confined, and con- 
 tains two ceUars, and as many kitchens, a water closet, two parlours, and the 
 Keeper's office. On the first-floor are a drawing-room, dining ditto, and a bed- 
 chamber ; on tlie second-floor, three bed-rooms, i'he house is enclosed within 
 a small iron palisade, and a gate (said also to ha\ e been made by the Prisoners) : 
 And on the right of the Inner Turnkey's lodge is the Keeper's wash-house, 
 with coppers, and other utensils. 
 
 On the left of the Main-Gate is the working-yard, containing sheds for coals, and 
 a large one for the drying of oakum ; under which last is sunk a capacious saw-pit, 
 and nearly adjoining, on the left of the Inner Turnkey's lodge, are placed an 
 oven for fumigating clothes, with various shops for shoe-makers, taylors, blacksmiths, 
 and other handicraft Prisoners. 
 
 The garden is cultivated, sown, and planted with different kinds of vegetables for 
 the use of the Prisoners, and the labour of it is done by themselves, under the 
 Gaoler's direction. The Gaol is white-washed at least twice a year, which is also 
 performed by the Prisoners ; and it is supplied with water plentifully from a well on 
 the East-side, vvhicli is carried to diff'erent parts of the building,: by means of an 
 engine occasionally set to work by two of the Prisoners. Here is also a large work- 
 room at ths top over the well, of 27 feet 10 inches by 29 feet 3 inches wide. 
 
 The Debtors here have, on the Eastern-side of the Prison, a court-yard, 35 feet 
 by 20; a day-room about 12 feet square; and two sleeping-cells, 7 feet by 5 feet 
 6 inches on the first story, furnished with wooden bedsteads, a straw-in-ticking bed, 
 one blanket in Summer, two in Winter, and a rug each. The County humanely 
 allows them a peck of coals per day. 
 
 On the South-west Side, being the department of the Females, is a small well, 
 supplied from the one before- mentioned, to serve this part of the Prison ; which is 
 done by an engine set to work by the disorderly Females. Over this well, likewise, 
 there is a large work-room of the same dimensions as the former; and also a court- 
 yard, of 37 feet 9 inches by 28 feet, in which are the Turnkey's apartments. 
 
 At the South-corner is the general laundry, or wash-house, with copper, washing- 
 troughs, &c. in w hich the Female Criminals are emploj^ed to wash and get np the 
 linen of the Prisoners at large. Here is also a drying-yaixl next the garden, of 41 
 feet by 23, and another for the like purpose, of 13 feet 10. Over the wash-house 
 is a work-room for the Females, 2;"} feet by 15 ; and above this, at the top of the 
 building, is the Female Infirmary, of the same dimensions.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTr.AND, AND WALES. 145 
 
 At the East-corner is a day-room, for the fii*st class of Male-Felons, about 23 feet 
 square; over which, on the first floor, is another day-room, set apart for the aged 
 and infirm Prisoners, of Hke dimensions ; and above all these, on the top of the 
 Prison, is the Male Infirmary. 
 
 Statement of the Number of Rooms. 
 
 Infirmaries for the Male and Female Sick ------- 2 
 
 Work-Rooms ..----_--------- 5 
 
 Ditto for Pass- Vagrants ------------ 2 
 
 Ditto for disorderly Females ---------- 2 
 
 Ditto for the Aged and Infirm ---------- 2 
 
 Ditto for Debtors ------------- 1 
 
 Ditto for Female Misdemeanours --------- 2 
 
 Ditto for Male ditto ---_--.-.__- 2 
 
 Best Rooms, furnished by the County, at 10.s. 6d. per week - - 5 
 
 Total ------- 23. 
 
 The number of cells was 366, each 6 feet 3 inches wide by 8 feet 3 inches long, 
 and 1 1 feet high. Of these, ten are solitary cells ; and four of the others have been 
 laid into two : so that the original number of sleeping-cells is at present reduced 
 to 3.54. 
 
 The distribution of emplot/ment into its various branches is as follows, and de- 
 serves to be recorded ; viz. 
 
 1. White-washing and painting the Prison. 
 
 2. Washing and mending the Prisoners' linen. 
 
 3. Making and mending their clothes and shoes. 
 
 4. Carpenters' and Smiths' work for the Gaol. 
 
 5. Making rope and spun-yarn, and spinning tow. 
 
 6. Knotting yarn, and picking oakum. 
 
 7. Working in the garden, and at the water-engines. 
 
 8. Sweeping and cleaning the Prison ; and 
 
 <). Attending as Nurses to the Infirm and Sick. 
 
 The Prisoners (except such only as stand on the Surgeon's List,) are constantly 
 engaged at their several occupations; and, during the hours of labour, are kept as 
 much separated as the nature of their respective employments will admit. Of their 
 earnings they are allowed one sixth part, or two-pence in every shilling; which they 
 receive at the expiration of their Term of Imprisonment, and are then discharged 
 without paying Fees. N. B. No Prisoner who appears to be distressed, is sent forth, 
 without first receiving some relief, either in money or clothes ; and sometimes they 
 have both. 
 
 u
 
 H6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 
 " To be taken by the Keeper of Cold-Bath-Fields Prison, or House of Correction, 
 
 at Clerkenwell, in the County of Middlesex. 
 
 s. d. 
 " For keeping and discharging every Prisoner committed by Warrant - 4 6 
 For tvn-ning the Key at every such Prisoner's Discharge ----- i o 
 
 For a Copy of every Commitment -----------14 
 
 For o-oing with every Prisoner before a Justice --_-.--io 
 Prisoners brouglu in by Constables of the Night, and carried before a 
 
 Justice ------------------20 
 
 " By the Court, 
 
 " BUTLEU." 
 
 At the South-west froilt of this Prison are two store-rooms, for depositing the 
 different articles of provision, clothing, bedding, &c. for the use of the Prisoners ; 
 and also for laying by the clothes of such as are convicted, from Session to Session, 
 either at Justice- Hall, in the Old Bailey, or from other of His Majesty's Courts 
 belonging to the County of Middlesex : which clothes, upon the Prisoners' coming 
 in, are examined ; and, if found in an offensive state, are fumigated, washed, and 
 carefully kept separate, till the time of their discharge. Frequently, however, they 
 enter the Prison so wretchedly equipped, that their apparel is obliged to be de- 
 stroyed. 
 
 Since writing the above account some alterations have taken place; viz. 
 
 A room, heretofore used as a store-room, has been turned into a day-room for 
 Male-Prisoners detained for misdemeanours, which was much wanted. The num- 
 ber of day-rooms is thus increased to seventeen, and there is a fire-place in each. 
 
 The Old Intirmary-rooms have been converted into foul-wards; and two new 
 Infirmaries, (large and airy apartments,) are built over the tanks; orwelis. 
 
 All the sewers have been turned into water-closets, and cisterns very properly 
 constructed fur their supply. 
 
 A new stove has been put up in the Chapel, which is thus rendered warm and 
 comfortable. 
 
 There are still some other improvements which this Prison is very capable of 
 receiving; and after being specified in detail by the judicious Commissioners ap- 
 pointed to examine into the state of it, they will, no doubt, be readily adopted by 
 the considerate Magistrates of the County of Middlesex.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. J47 
 
 COVENTRY. Prarwkhshb-e. 
 The City and County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Basil Goode. Salary, 1 20/. 
 
 Fees, Felons, none. Debtors, See Table. Transports, the expence ot con- 
 veying them. 
 Garnish, now abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; except to attend on Convicts under Sentence of Death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. IVhitwell; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, March 26th, ------ 2 - - 9- 
 
 1802, Jan. 26th, ------- 7 .------8. 
 
 1803, Aug. a2d, ------- 3 ------- 15. 
 
 1805, Nov. 1st, - 2 ------- 7. 
 
 1807, July 27tli, - ----- 2 ------- 4. 
 
 1808, July 31st, ------ 5 -_--.-- 9. 
 
 1809, Aug. 21st, ------ 3 -------2. 
 
 And Three for Bastardy. 
 
 Allowance, to Prisoners of all descriptions, a sixpenny loaf every other day, sent 
 in from the Baker's. Weight, at my last visit, 2 lbs. 2oz. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 n)is Gaol, built in the year 1772, stands in a very close part of the Cit3^ Here 
 is one court-yard only, of about Go feet by 40, which is common to Debtors, Felons, 
 and every description of Prisoners ; and a day-room, called " The Den,'" from its 
 being the place of general and promiscuous association. To this room the Corpo- 
 ration allows l^cwt. of coals in Summer, and 2cwt. in Winter, the price of which, 
 at my visit in 1809, was 8jd. per cwt. This, surely, is but a scanty allowance, where 
 coals are so abundant, and so cheap. 
 
 Seven lodging-rooms are provided for Master' s-Side Debtors, to which the 
 Gaoler furnishes beds, at 3^. per week ; or, if two sleep together, at 2*. weekly each. 
 
 Here is a common ward for poor I^ebtors, to whom the City allows a bed- 
 stead, with loose straw, (which is said to be changed every three weeks,) a 
 blanket, and a rug, for which they pay six-pence a week. Women Felons have 
 only one room.
 
 14S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 There are two other rooms, which open into the court-yard, and were intended 
 for Prisoners ; Dut one of these I found filled with straw, and the other with the 
 Gaoler's coals, although he has a good coal-cellar in the house. 
 
 To their horrid dimgeons, (which still remain a disgrace to the City,) there is a 
 descent by twelve steps, to a narrow passage, 4 feet wide. The dungeons, four in 
 number, are about 9 feet by 6, and at the top have a little grated aperture, 1 1 inches 
 by 7, which admits a glimmering light from the court-yard above, just sufficient to 
 make " darkness visible." All of them are damp, and offensive. 
 
 A Boiiltin of straw (long wheaten straw, about 24lbs. weight, so called) is said 
 to be allowed to each Felon, every three weeks. The bedding consists of two rugs 
 and two blankets ; which, as well as the straw, I have always found nearly worn 
 out, and very dirty. I was told that torches of pitch, or tar, were occasionally 
 burnt in these dungeons, to dry and purify them ; and that, now and then, they 
 were fumigated with vinegar. When I went down to them, we always had lighted 
 candles, to behold, what? — the discredit of a large Manufacturing Town, thus ma- 
 nifesting its natural apprehensions of disease, and probable infection ! 
 
 The Gaoler seems to have overlooked that Clause of the 14th Geo. III. which 
 prohibits Prisoners from being kept under ground : for, of the three men committed 
 for bastardy, one of them, Jonathan Hoble^^, not having money to pay for a bed, 
 was thrust down into a dungeon every night: while two convicted Felons, being 
 able to pay, were indulged with the Debtors' room to slee]) in. 
 
 A private passage from the Gaol conducts Prisoners into Court for trial. 
 
 This Prison might be much improved, by enclosing a small piece of ground 
 adjacent, and turning it into a separate court for the Women Prisoners ; in conse- 
 quence of which the opprobrious caverns before-noticed might be happily anni- 
 hilated. And, if a few old houses in Pope's-Head ^ilU'U, were pulled down and added, 
 a new (iaol might be built, or the present rendered sufficiently large for the City, 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 " Settled at the General Quarter Session for Coventry, gth Jan. 17,97. 
 
 " Every Prisoner 011 the Keeper's side, if he has a bed to him- £. s. d. 
 
 self, pays by the week ------- ----030 
 
 Those Prisoners on the Keeper's side, who have a bed between 
 
 two, pay by the week each, --.----.--020 
 
 If on the Common side, each Prisoner, weekly, - - - - 6 
 
 TotheGaolerf'ordischargingevery Prisoner, or detained in custody 13 4 
 To the Turnkey on every such Discharge -------020 
 
 To the Under Sheriff for every Discharge - - - - --040 
 
 For receiving and entering every Declaration ------o 1
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. l+» 
 
 For a Copy of eacli Wanaiil against a Prisoner 10 
 
 For every Certificate of llie cause of a Prisoner's being detained 
 in Prison, in order to his being discharged ------OJO 
 
 Approved 27 Mar. 1797. B. Butteuwortii, Mayor. L Cartkk. 
 
 N Grose. John Claukf. N. Nokma.m. 
 
 G. HOWLETTE. T. W'lIXIAMSON. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health is conspicuously hung up in the Gaol, but not 
 the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors. The whole Prison is very dirty. 
 
 COVENTRY City Bridewell. 
 Keeper, John Ilassell, a Shoe-Clicker. Salary, 2ol. Fees, id. 
 
 Chaplain, none. Surgeon, Mr. IF hit well; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 ISOO, March 2f)th, - - - - 2 
 
 1S03, Aug. 22d, - - - - 5 
 
 1S05, Nov. 1st, - - - - 6' 
 
 Allowance, The same as for the City Gaol. 
 
 1807, July 27th, - - - 12 
 lS()8, July 31st, - - - 4 
 1809, Aug. 21st, - - - 3 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was formerly theokl Town Hall : It was afterwards used as a Riding 
 School ; but at length converted into a large work-room, with two other very dark 
 lodging-rooms for men. Here is no court-yard for their use. The work-roorn, 
 now paved with flag-stone, has a fire-place, and fuel allowed. Of the two lodging- 
 rooms, one is now converted into a cell for the refractory ; the other is called, very 
 suitably, " The Dungeon ;" and in lieu of them, four new cells, each g feet by 7, 
 are built in part of the large work-room, which have boarded floors, straw for 
 sleeping on, a blanket, and two rugs each. Up stairs is a room for vagrants, and 
 one in another part, for faulty apprentice boys. 
 
 The Women's ward has a small court-yard, with a sewer in it ; and one room 
 above stairs, with three beds, and bedding, like those in the City Gaol. 
 
 The Women were winding silk, procured them by theKeeper, who receives one 
 third of their earnings. The City allows coals for the Bridewell. Neither the Act 
 nor Clauses hung up. The Prison very clean.
 
 1808, July 13th, - - - - 36 
 1810, July 8th, - - - - 17. 
 
 ISO STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 COWBRIDGE, Glamorganshire. See P. 123.— CROYDON, Surrey. See P. 1 16. 
 
 DARTFORD. Kent. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 (Gaoler, Thomas Ohill; now Robert Ohill. Salary, 55/. 
 Fees; Felons, 13*-. 4f^. Misdemeanors, (>.«. 8</. No Table, 
 
 No religious attentions. Surgeon, Mr. Peet ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Sept, 24th, - - - - 7 
 
 1804, Sept. 26th, - - - - 6 
 
 1807, Sept. 8th, - - - - 14 
 
 Allowance, three half-quartern loaves per week. Those Prisoners, who are com- 
 mitted for more than one month, have the fourth-part of a quartern loaf 
 more per week ; and the whole of their earnings, when employed. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Men's court-yard here is 40 feet long by 22 feet, and has a fire-place for 
 cooking their provision in dry weather; but in wet weather it is dressed in the 
 infirmary-room, which is at the upper end of the Court. The latter is 14 feet 
 7 inches by 11 feet 6, with glazed windows, and afire-place, barrack bedsteads, 
 straw-in-sacking bed, one blanket, and a lug; to which an addition is made in 
 case of sickness, if ordered by the Surgeon. Their common-ward, or day-room, is 
 26 feet by 17 ; and they have likewise two sleeping-cells ; one of which, 12 feet by 
 11, with two iron-grated windows, has only loose straw on the boarded floor to sleep 
 upon : the other, 11 feet by 7, and totally dark, is to confine the refractory. 
 
 Here is also another ward, 22 feet by 11 feet 6 inches, for faulty Apprentices, 
 and other servants. 
 
 The Women have a court-yard, of 25 feet by iS; adjoining to which is their 
 first ward, or day-room, I3 feet 8 inches square, with wooden bedsteads, straw-in- 
 sacking beds, one blanket to each, and a rug. The second ward is 14 feet 6 inches 
 square, and 9 feet 6 inches high, with straw-in-sacking laid on the floor. All the 
 sleeping-rooms are on the ground-floor. 
 
 I have seldom met with any of the Prisoners here in irons, the Keeper very justly 
 observing, " that he finds mildness to do better than harsh severity of treatment." 
 Their employment is generally to j)ick oakum. They have a pumjj and sewer ia 
 each court-yard.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. lU 
 
 DEAL. Kent. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Langlei/, Sergeant at Mace. Fees, 2s. 
 
 Prisoners, 24th Sept. 1804, One Woman, for shop-lifting; the first who had been 
 10th Aug. 1806, None. [committed here. 
 
 Allowance, Sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is a new building, at the back of the market-])lace. Adjoining to it 
 is a small court-yard ; but, as being insecure, the Prisoners have not the use of it. 
 Here is one large room, 24 feet by 12, very lofty, light, and well-ventilated, with 
 double doors, a pump, stone sink, and a sewer. Also two sleeping-cells, 7 feet by 4, 
 which have dwarf partitions, and wood-grated roofs ; straw, on crib-bedsteads, with 
 two blankets : and one dark room, 17 feet by 8, with an iron-grated window. 
 
 The only Debtors sent hither are from the Court of Conscience. 
 
 DEAN, (calle<l LITTLE-DEAN.) Gloucestershire. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, Robert Gurin. 
 
 Salary, 40/. ; with a ton of coals to keep the Prison well aired, and 20.y. for his 
 attendance at each Quarter Session. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Jones. Salary, 20l. Duty, Prayers twice a week. 
 
 Surgeon, 3Ir. Phillips. He makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 5th of Sept. iSof), Three. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and a half of good whcaten bread, fioni the Baker's, in 
 loaves; several of which I saw weiiihed, and thev were of full weisrht. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was fir.^t inhabited on the iSth of Nov. 1791. The boundarv-wall 
 encloses about an acre and three quarters of ground. The Turnkey's lodge is at the 
 entrance-gate on the left, and over it his sleeping-room. On the right, a warm and 
 cold bath, and a fumigating-room, where the Prisoners, on coming in, are washed ; 
 and if ragged, or ofTensively clad. County clothing is put on before they are admitted 
 to the interior of the Prison, which stands in the centre of the area.
 
 loii STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The approach to the Keeper's house is through a small garden, with a close 
 wooden fence on each side. On the ground-floor, in front, are the Gaoler's office, and 
 the Sessions-room ; the latter opening into a neat Chapel, in the centre of the build- 
 ing, and separating the Gaoler's kitchen and wash-house, which command a view of 
 tlie two court-yards behind. 
 
 The Prisoners are divided into classes, and have four courts, about 42 feet square,, 
 a pump and sewer in each, with open wood palisades; which being 16 feet distant 
 from the boundary-wall, the Keeper has within it a convenient kitchen garden for 
 vegetables. 
 
 In front of the building, on each side of the Keeper's house, is a work-room, 
 18 feet by 7 feet 7, with stone seats in each, and a fire-jjlace : also two day-cells, 
 of 7 feet 6 by 5 feet 6", and 10 feet high, on one side; and three similar cells on the 
 other. Above stairs are eleven sleeping-cells, and one for soUtari/ cotifinemenf. 
 These lead into a stone gallery, with open railing towards the front court-yards. 
 
 On each side of the Chapel; a passage on the ground-floor, 5 feet wide, separates 
 the back work-rooms and five day-cells from those in front of the building ; the 
 same, likewise, on the npper-story, where the twelve back cells open into the pas- 
 sage. On this story are also \.\\o sleeping-rooms for the Keeper, two Infirmaries 
 wiih glazed windows, and two bedsteads in each; a store-room for the Prisoners' 
 ap]jarel, and a small dispensary-room, with a fire-place, for the use of the Surgeon. 
 
 Every sleeping-cell has an iron-grating, with inside shutters, and is 8 feet long by 
 G, and 10 feet high to the crown of the arch ; fitted up with a perforated cast-iron 
 bedstead each, straw-mattress, a liair-stuflTed bed, two blankets, two sheets, changed 
 monthly ; a coverlet lined with flannel, and a woollen night-cap. 
 
 An excellent reservoir in the garden afl"ords a constant supply of water. Here 
 is but little employment for the Prisoners ; but if those of handicraft trades, taylors, 
 shoemakers, &c. can procure it from witliout, and maintain tliemselves, they have 
 the whole of their earnings ; but if otherwise, one half only. Soap, towels, mops, 
 pails, and broouis are allowed by the considerate Magistrates, to keep the Prisoners 
 and Bridewell clean. 
 
 The number of Commitments, from the first opening of the Prison to the Qth 
 August, 1S06, was one hundred ami sixty. 
 
 Here are cells for lodging twenty-four Prisoners, and the greatest number con- 
 fined at one time is six. Books are kept here, in which the Visiting-Magistrates, 
 Chaplain, and Surgeon enter their respective Remarks. Pi-ayer Books are allowed 
 to the Prisoners, who in all respects are well attended to. The whole building is 
 clean and well-vcntilated, and the same excellent Rules and Regulations are here 
 established and observe<i, as in all the other (iaols of this exemj)lary County of, 
 Gloucester,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 153 
 
 DENBIGH. North JVales. 
 Gaoler, Thomas IVdUams. Salary, 61. No Fees. 
 Allowance, sixpence a day. Prisoners, spOct. l802, None. 
 
 The Gaol, built in 17,90, stands in the middle of the High Street, and consists of 
 three rooms, about 9 feet by 6 feet each, lighted by an aperture in the wall 36 
 inches by 8. Straw, on brick floors. 
 
 No Court, no water : The Prison very dirty : The Keeper lives at a distance. 
 
 The Prison called The Black Hole, under the Town Hall, is now converted 
 into a shop. 
 
 DERBY. 
 
 The County Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, JViUiam Eaton. 
 
 Salary, 170/. and 30/. for the House of Correction ; also 8/. 8^. for straw, and 
 
 2/. 12*. 6d. for Coals. 
 Fees, Debtors, and Felons, each 17*. 4d. besides which the Under Sheriff 
 
 claims of every Debtor 6s. %d. for his liberate. Transports, 7/. each to 
 
 Woolwich, and lo/. to Portsmouth. 
 Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Ellis Henry, now Rev. Nicholas Bailey. 
 
 Duty, Prayers on Monday and Wednesday ; Prayers and Sermon on Saturday, 
 and daily attends Convicts while under Sentence of Death. Salary, 35/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Francis Fox^ 
 
 Salary, 40/. for attendance and medicines to all descriptions of Prisoners, and 
 making his Returns as to their Health, at the Quarter Sessions. 
 
 'Jumberof Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, 
 
 &c. 
 
 House of Conection 
 
 1801, Nov, 16th, - - 
 
 - - 9 - - 
 
 - - 17 
 
 - 
 
 - - - 18. 
 
 1802, Jan. 29th, 
 
 - - 12 - - 
 
 - - 9 
 
 - 
 
 - - - 32. 
 
 1803, Aug. 24th, 
 
 - - 8 - - 
 
 - - 10 
 
 - 
 
 - - - 13- 
 
 1805, Oct. 9th, - - 
 
 - - 13 - - 
 
 - - 7 
 
 - 
 
 - - - 9. 
 
 1809, Aug. 24th, 
 
 - - 8 - - 
 
 - - 6 
 
 - 
 
 ... 4. 
 
 Allowance, two twelve-penny loaves per week, sent in from the Baker's, weight 
 i6th Nov. 1801, 5lbs. 70Z. and 9th Oct. 1805, 4lbs. each. When a Debtor obtains 
 his sixpences, he ceases to have the County Bread.
 
 154 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is situated on A'un's Green : the front of it is occupied by the Keeper, 
 and extends 126 feet, including the passage leading to the Garden, of 5 feet wide ; 
 the depth is 121 feet; so that when the width of the passage is taken off, it forms 
 a complete square. It was finished and inhabited in I757, and the situation is airy 
 and healthy. 
 
 The Keeper's back rooms command all the court-yards, except that assigned for 
 the Vagrants. 
 
 Here is one large court-yard, 82 feet by 43, well supplied with both hard and 
 soft water, common to the Debtors, and Men Prisoners in the House of Correction. 
 But Debtors have the exclusive privilege of walking on the flat roof, which is .90 
 feet by 26. They have also a large day-room, 20 feet by 15, and 10 feet 6 inches 
 high, with an oven and utensils for frugal cookery : to which add eight sleeping and 
 work rooms above stairs, of the average size of about 17 feet 6 by 11 feet, and 9 
 feet 3 inches high ; with fire-places, glazed windows, and wooden bedsteads. Chaff 
 beds, two blankets, t^vo sheets, a bolster and a rug, are furnished by the Keeper, 
 at six pence each per week ; but if the Debtor finds his own bed he pays nothing. 
 Convenient watei^closets are j)laced at the end of the lobbies or passages, to which 
 they have access in the night time ; they have also an exceeding good cold bath, 
 and a copper for warm water. 
 
 There are no work-rooms either in the Gaol or House of Correction, nor any em- 
 ployment furnished by the County ; but the humane Ciaoler frequently procures 
 them employment in weaving of Calicoes. They are furnished with looms from 
 the Town, at four-pence per week, and receive all they earn. 
 
 l"he Women Debtors have a separate court-yard, «3 feet 9 inches by 12 feet 6', 
 suj)plied with hard and soft water, and a sewer in it. Their four lodging-rooms are 
 up a flight of iS steps ; the average size about 12 feet square, and Q feet liigh : They 
 have each a fire-place and glazed window, and are fitted up with bed and bedding, 
 the same as the Men's. Two of the lower of these rooms, are occasionally assigned 
 to Women Felons, and misdemeanours. 
 
 Men Felons have a court-yani .93 feet by 4J, supplied with water and a seuer, 
 like the last-mentioned ; also a day-room 25 feet by iS, and 10 feet high, with an 
 oven, and proper utensils for siuiple cooking. A door opens from it into a lobby 
 of 24 feet by 3 feet 4 inches ; in which there are four sleeping-cells on the ground- 
 floor, 7 icet by 7 feet 4 inches, and S feet 3 inches high, with boarded floors, sacking 
 filled with straw, two blankets, ar.d a rug. To these cells warm air can be intro- 
 duced, by means of flues under thy floors, which keep them perfectly dry. 'J'he 
 only light, however, that these cells enjoy, (and that borrowed,) is froni an aperture 
 over the doors, each 12 inches by 6 ; so that when the door is shut, they are almost 
 totally daik, and ventilation is very niuch obstructed, ' ' "•
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. US 
 
 Near to these is another door, that opens into the court-yard. The lobby here is 
 25 feet 6 inches long, and 3 feet wide, and contains three cells on the ground-floor, 
 of about the same diinensiojis as those above described: two of them equally dark 
 and ill ventilated : the third has an iron grating, which looks into the Debtors' 
 Court, and is much preferable to any of the others. Into this cell a Convict is put 
 •when left for execution ; and there is a slip or day-room near, of 12 feet 6 by 6' feet, 
 with glazed window, a fire-place, table, chairs, and religious books, where the 
 Chaplain daily attends him. 
 
 The humanity of the considerate Magistrates likewise allows to Criminals in 
 this unhappy situation, a hot dinner every day, and tea, morning and afternoon. 
 
 (C 
 
 Table of Fees. 
 
 " Derbyshire, to wit. 
 
 " At the General Quarter Sessions held at Bakc-xell, on Tuesday the 10th July, 
 4th year of George III, 1764 ; before the Rev. Sir John Every, Bart., the Rev. 
 John Siinpso)!, Clerk ; Philip Cell, Jolin Twigg, Henry Thornhill, and Joseph 
 Briggs, Esquires, Justices, &c. LEONARD Fosbrooke, Esq. SheriflF. 
 
 *' It is Ordered that the following Fees be taken by the Keeper, and no other. 
 
 For the lodging of every JVisoner iu his house per week - - - 2 C 
 
 For the Discharge of each Prisoner out of Custody - - - - 13 4 
 
 To the Turnkey ---.......__... 020 
 
 For the Copy of ever}' Warrant ---------- 010 
 
 For signing a certificate, in order to obtain a Supersedeas - - 2 
 
 For registering each Declaration ------_-_- 010 
 
 For attending with every Prisoner, in order to give bail, or be 
 
 otherwise discharged ------------ 020 
 
 " And it is further ordered, that the Clerk of the Peace do cause this order to l)e printed, 
 
 and the Keeper of the Gaol do observe the same, upon pain of being prosecuted according 
 
 to Law. By the Court, Heaihcote, Clerk of the Peace. 
 
 " We, the Judges of Assize for the Countv of Derby, have reviewed, and do hereby 
 
 confirui, the above-written Table of Fees. Given under our hands, at Derby, the 1 1th 
 
 day of August, 1764. T. PAKKEit. E. Ci.iVE." 
 
 The Ilouse-of-Correction Prisoners here have one common court-yard with 
 the Debtors. Their day-room is 17 feet 6 inches by 1 6' feet 6, and 11 feet 3 inches 
 high ; with a fire-place, and glazed window. There is also a room on the ground- 
 floor, of 7 feet C by 7 feet, for Deserters ; supplied with wooden bedsteads and 
 bedding, the same as to the other Prisoners. Above-stairs are two sleeping-rooms, 
 17 feetC inches by \6 feet 6, and 11 feet three inches high ; and also a small room, 
 similar to that for Deserters. These have all convenient water-closets, to which 
 there is access in the night time.
 
 156 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Vagrants have a separate court, out of sight, at the farther end of the Gaol, 39 
 feet by 20, with a sewer in it ; but no water laid on, which is carried or sent to 
 them by the Keeper four times a day. 
 
 On the ground-floor are two rooms, 12 feet 6 by 10 feet, and 7 feet 6 inches high, 
 with a fire-place and glazed window ; to which beds and bedding are furnished, as 
 for the other Prisoners : and above these are two others, of the same dimensions. 
 
 The Chapel is 26 feet by 25, and 10 feet high; with four sash windows, and 
 pewed off in sucli a manner, that the women and men are unseen by each other: 
 the Clergyman has a way into it through the Keeper's house. All the Prisoners, 
 (Roman Catholicks excepted,) are required to attend it ; and Bibles, Prayer-Books, 
 and Religious Tracts, are furnished to them by the County. 
 
 Over the Chapel are two Infirmary Rooms, each 35 feet by 11, and g feet 3 inches 
 high, with fire-places and glazed windows. The wall, which has eleven courses of' 
 loose bricks on the stone coping, is 21 feet high. 
 
 Here is a man, Thomas Jenney, who goes round the Country at Christmas-time, 
 with a Book soliciting relief for the Debtors, in which the donors enter their names 
 and subscriptions. The amount of his collection at Christmas l802, was thirty-one 
 Pounds, and the number of Debtors, twenty-three: at Christmas 1804 it was 
 about thirty-two Pounds ; for the trouble of collecting which, he receives one fourth. 
 For the Felons, also, there is a Woman who calls in at Gentlemen's houses three 
 Sundays in the month, for the like purpose, and has a quarter part of the sum col- 
 lected : it is said to amount generally to three or four shillings a Sunday. She 
 carries with her a tin box, which has an aperture for receiving these casual donations; 
 but, at my visit in 1S09, 1 found the custom had been discontinued. 
 
 All descriptions of Prisoners have a hot dinner on Christmas and New- Year's 
 Day, with bread and cheese at supper, and each a pint of ale. 
 
 An exceedingly good cold bath is here provided, and a copper for warm water. 
 No oven, however, for purifying the ofiensive apj)arel of Prisoners, nor is County- 
 clothing statedly allowed ; but, if a Prisoner be very ragged, he is put into better 
 garb at the County's expence. All are humanely discharged in the morning, and 
 have money given to them, according to their distance from home. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against the use of Spirituous 
 Liquors are both hung uj). I'he whole Prison is very clean, and frequently visited 
 by the Magistrates.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 157 
 
 DERBY. Totvn or Borough Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Charles Smith. 
 
 Salary, 50/. for Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, and Felons, 1 2.?. 8^/. No Table. For Transports, the expence 
 
 of conveyance. 
 Garnish, (not abolished,) 1*. 
 
 Chaplain, none, nor any religious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Haden ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Deserters. 
 
 1800, Nov. 16th, --- 1 ---- -J ...__o. 
 
 1S02, Jan. 29th, --- 3 -- - 6 -_._.o. 
 
 1803, Aug. 24th, --- 2 ---- 8 _J---i. 
 
 1805, Oct. 9th, ---- 1 .--- 2 -----1. 
 
 1809, Aug. 24th, --- 1 -.-- 1 __ Vagrants, 4. 
 
 Allowance, for all descriptions, three twelve-penny loaves per week, sent from the 
 Baker's: weight, October 9, iSoj, four pounds each. Two tons of coals are given 
 yearly, for the use of the whole (jaol. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, which is also the Toivn- Brideivell, is situated in Willow Row. 
 The Gaoler's house fronts the Street, and his back room has a full command of the 
 court-yard, which is 33 feet by 24 ; and has a punjp and two sewers in it, with a 
 leaden cistern for a cold bath : Hard and soft water are accessible at all times. The 
 above court is the only one for Prisoners of every descrijition. 
 
 Debtors have a day-room on the ground-floor, 12 feet by 11, which has a fire- 
 place, and an iron-grated window, looking towards the Court. Above-stairs, they 
 have four sleeping-rooms, of about the same size, with glazed windows and fire- 
 places ; and to each room the Corporation allows wooden bedsteads, loose straw, 
 two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 Debtors from the Court of Requests are sent here, and have the same allowance 
 as paupers, from their respective parishes. 
 
 Tlie Felons' day-room is about 10 feet square, with a fire-place, and iron-grated 
 window. Their sleeping-cell, called The Dungeon, is 12 feet by 8, lighted and 
 ventilated by a small iron-grated window, of 11 inches only by 10; with a bar- 
 rack bedstead, straw, three blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The Women's day-room, 10 feet square, has a fire-place, and iron-grated window 
 towards the court. Their room to sleep in is above-stairs, and of the same size as
 
 158 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 that below ; but the window is glazed. Closely adjoining are two rooms for petty 
 offenders. 
 
 All are allowed to work who can procure employment, and they receive the whole 
 of their earnings. When I was last here, in 1805, the single Debtor was cutting 
 Butchers' skewers, at three pence a thousand. 
 
 No room set apart for an Infirmary. The Act for Preservation of Health is hung 
 up, but not the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors. The Prison is white-washed 
 and visited once a year. 
 
 DEVIZES. irUtshire. 
 Tlie Tuwn Gaol, ami County BriJeivelL 
 
 Gaolei-, Joseph Draper. Salary, lOO/. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Leildiard. Salary, 20/. Duty, every Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Gihhu. Salary, \jl. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &e. 
 
 Lunatic. 
 
 1801, Dec. 15th, 
 
 - - 2 - - 
 
 - - 41 - - 
 
 - - 1. 
 
 1S04, July 2:tii, 
 
 - - - - 
 
 - - 29. 
 
 
 180G, Oct. 15th, 
 
 - - 2 - - 
 
 - - 22. 
 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none; unless certificated as Paupers. To Felons, &c. one 
 pound twelve ounces of best wheaten bread, in loaves to that amount from 
 the Baker's, and which I have always found of full weiglit. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tlie Debtors sent to this Prison are committed by the Court of Requests for the 
 adjacent Hundreds of Bradjord, JMelksham, and Ifhorlsdown. The expence 
 attending their commitment sometimes becomes highly aggravated ; frequently it 
 exceeds the original debt, and is such as almost to preclude the possibility of a 
 compromise. 
 
 One of the commitments, which I copied in 1801, was as follows: Debt, \0s.6d. 
 Costs, 1,¥. f)r/. additional Costs, \\d. Further Costs, if the Defendant is carried to 
 Prison, are 10*. (Id. Now, as Debtors of this de>icri/)tion are never enabled to pay the 
 original debt, and costs, and charges, they must suffer confinement for 20 or 40 days, 
 as prescribed by die Act ; — to the injury of health, or the destruction of morals, 
 or both.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 159 
 
 They are not here, as in many Couiitv Gaols, confined amongst otlier Debtors; 
 they ought not therefore to be sent to Lhidewclls ; buw, so long as this system of 
 Imprisonment for Driblets of Debt, is cruelly permitted, they should be sent either 
 to the County Gaols, or to one purposely built, with an allowance of proper society, 
 food, and bedding. But here, there is no separate ward, nor a court-yard for Debtors; 
 who therefore must associate (if at all) with Felons, and other criminal Offenders. 
 
 At my visit in October l8ofj, several, in the Women's ward, appeared to be of 
 the most lewd, profligate, and abandoned sort : yet, confined to such association, I 
 found a poor hard-working If oman- Debtor, and a Man who had been committed 
 hither from tlie Court of Requests, both living in common with the Criminals *. 
 
 In this Prison are six court-yards. The principal, or Felons', is 38 feet by 30: 
 Their day-room, iS feet by 17, and 7 feet high, lighted by one iron-grated window. 
 Over this their slii ping-room, of the same size, 7 feet 6 inches high, with a chimney 
 and ventilator; and good beds and bedding are furnished by the Keeper, at 2.y. and 
 li*. 6d. each per week. 
 
 On a level with the Felons' day-room is a work-room, 26 feet by 14, and 7 feet 
 high, with three iron-grated windows : The floor is excavated, and contains two 
 hemp-blocks. Over this is their night-room, of equal size, 6' feet 9 inches high ; 
 supplied also with three iron-grated windows, inside shutters, and two ventilators, 
 and containing fourteen beds. 
 
 From this court-yard you enter into a lobby, 21 feet by 10, and Q feet 6 inches 
 high ; leading to twelve cells, six on each side of a passage five feet wide. '1 he cells 
 are 10 feet by 7 ; lighted by an iron-grated window, and each fitted up with two 
 ventilators, a crib bedstead, straw-in-eanvas bed, and one blanket. Tiiese cells are 
 encircled by a narrow court-yaid. 
 
 Adjoining the Women-Felon's ward is a court-yard, of 50 feet by 20, with a day- 
 roofn, 21 feet by 16 feet 9 inches, and 7 feet 2 inches high. \n this ward were 
 nine Women and two Ciiildren confined. Above it is their sleeping-room, of the 
 same size, w ith two iron-grated windows, five beds, and a chinuiey-piece. 
 
 The Injlnnarii, 2i feet 6" incites by 16' feet, and 7 feet 4 inches high, consists of 
 two rooms above each other; the higher one, with a boarded floor, appropriated 
 to the Women, the other stone-fioored, assigned for the Men : They have each a 
 fire-place, with two iron-grated glazed windows, and are well-ventilated. In the 
 Men's Infirmary was one poor Lunat'ick. The Infirmary court-yaid is 23 feet by 27. 
 The court-yard belonging to those coMimitted for misdemeanors is 38 feet b\' 32, 
 and has two hemp blocks, placed under the arcades. Their day-room, 38 feet 
 
 * Biidowells and Ilmisos of Correction, being the general receptacles of (he idle, the vicious, find 
 the prolligatc, the cnnlineim-nt of a Debtor lliere constitutes a prineipid source of those mischiefs, 
 which give an unf.ivouralile turn to llie nianniis of the labouring classes. It is here the mind receive* 
 the first impresiions of vice ; and the force of c>il example is powerful.
 
 160 STATE Ot PRISONS 
 
 by 16, is 7 feet 6 inches high: sleeping-room, 25 feet by 16, and of the same 
 height as the former ; each having three iron-grated windows, and two ventilators. 
 
 The Chapel is small and neat. The Women have a separate gallery to themselves, 
 opposite the pulpit. 
 
 There is a day-room in every court-yard, with a fire-place in each ; but no fuel 
 allowed. The sleeping-cells are well-ventilated, and fitted up with a wooden 
 bedstead, straw-in-sacking case, and a blanket each, for every Prisoner, all laid on 
 the boarded floors. 
 
 Notwithstanding the work-rooms and hemp-blocks above enumerated, decipimur 
 specie recti : Appearance is the order of the place. There is seldom any employ- 
 ment in this County Prison of IViltshire : and yet, the Keeper told me, that he had 
 had, at one time, sixty-four Prisoners under his care. If they can procure work, 
 they receive half of their earnings ; and the County has the other half, deducting 
 only one penny in every shilling, which is allotted to the Keeper for his trouble. 
 
 f3° The Corporation provides no bedding for Debtors, nor is there any fuel 
 allowed, even in winter. 
 
 Of the six court-yards, that only which is for the Felons can be viewed by the 
 Keeper from his windows; the area of one of them is nearly occupied by sleeping- 
 cells. Each court-yard has a sewer, and water. 
 
 The Prison is white-washed once a year. Here is a bath of stone, with a boiler 
 for supplying water warm and cold. An oven also is provided, for purifying the 
 Prisoners' clothes ; but, according to the Keeper's account, it has never been used. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. The Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners is printed, 
 not hung up ; but the Clauses against their use of Spirituous Liquors are properly 
 exhibited. 
 
 A palisaded Jence was wanted before the back door of the Keeper's house. If a 
 latticed partition and door were made in the Criminals' court, about six feet from' the 
 Keeper's door, it would prevent Prisoners from rushing out, of which, as he told me, 
 lie was sometimes apprehensive. 
 
 This ill-constructed Prison, however, is expected to be soon taken down ; and as 
 a new one is building, in a better situation, a more ample description of every par- 
 ticular is neediess.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. !61 
 
 D0L(;ELLY. Merionethshire, Xorth U^'ale.s. 
 
 Gaoler, llice Edicni-ds, now Edmund Jones. Salary, 40/. 
 Fees, for Debtors and Felons, &c. V)s. Sd. No Table. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Ifilliam JVilUams ; Salary, 17/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers every Saturday, and sometimes a Sermon. 
 
 Suro-eon, Mr. Evans, now IVIr. Oiren. Salary, for Debtors and Criminals, 10/. 
 
 Number of Prisoner.^, Debtors, Felons, &c. Deserters. 
 
 1800, April -2d, • --- 5 --.- 4 - --. 
 
 1802, Jan. 30tli, --- 5 -.-- ^{ -_.- 
 
 1S03, Sept. 23d, --- 2 ---- 2 ---- 3 
 
 Allowance, Poor Debtors, \s. 6d. or 2s. per week, from the Parish to which 
 they belong. Felons, 2s. a week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This miserable Gaol has one small court-yard for all descriptions of Prisoners, 
 with a mud bottom, and a sewer in it: likewise a pump, with a stone trough under 
 it, to serve for a bath. Nine steps down, are four loathsome cells, or dungeons for 
 Felons, 12 feet 6, bv 6 feet G; two of which have vaulted roofs, 5 feet 10 inches 
 high. Each is supplied with a wooden bedstead and straw, a blanket, and a rug. 
 
 Above-stairs are five dirty rooms for Debtors, one of whom private benevolence 
 enabled me to release. Poor Hugh Robert Evans had been in confinement near 
 twenty years, for a debt of ij;/. 5*. 5^. He was eighty years of age, and his wife, 
 older than himself, was with him. They were carding and spinning, and earned 
 about three pence a day each ; and this, with two shillings weekly allowed him by 
 the Parish, was what tliey had to subsist upon ! 
 
 Here is no distinction of Debtors, and they must find their own beds. The Pas- 
 sage, where Prayers are read, is the common entrance into the Gaol ; I cannot 
 suppose the Service ever to consist of more than a short Prayer ; but the Gaoler told 
 me there was sometimes a Sermon : Possibly it may be so once a month. There 
 are fire-places in all the rooms, but no coals allowed. No room for an Infirmary. 
 The (iaoler has only two for his own use. Neither the Act for Preserving Health, 
 nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are hung up. A new Gaol was begun 
 se'.'eral years since, but is not nearly finished yet. 
 
 DOLGELLY. Bridewell. 
 Gaoler, Robert Owen. Salary, 4/. Two rooms under the Town Hall. No court. 
 No water. Prisoners, 23d Sept. 1803, none. 
 
 Y
 
 162 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 DONCASTER. rorhshire. 
 The Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Joseph Farrington, Sergeant at Mace. Salary, lo/. 10*. Clothes and a 
 laced hat yearly. Fees, Debtors, 2s. 6d.; Felons, Is. 4d. Conveyance of Trans- 
 ports, l,v. per mile. No Chaplain or religious attentions. Surgeon, from the Dis- 
 pensary, when wanted. Prisoneis, 14th August l802, one Debtor, one Felon, both 
 together ! Allowance, fourpence, or sixpence per day, as bread is cheap or dear. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is a detached building in St. Sepulchre's, Gate-street. The Keeper's 
 house overlooks the court. InscriI.ed on its front, in stone, is, " John Whitaker, 
 Esq. Mayor, I779." For all kinds of Prisoners, one small flagged court, with a 
 pump. Felons have two good-sized rooms below ; one totally dark, except a small 
 aperture in the door: the other has an iron-grated window, not glazed. Above 
 stairs are two rooms with iron-grated and glazed windows, for Debtors. The rooms 
 have fire-places. The Borough allows fuel in winter, straw on wooden bedsteads, 
 two blankets, and a rug. Debtors are brought here by process on Borough Writs, to 
 any amount; likewise for smaller sums, from the Court of Requests. No sewer, 
 ■nor means for decent cleanliness ! The Prison most intolerably ofl'ensive. The 
 Gaoler told me " it was usually so. It had been white-washed but twice in ten 
 " years by the Corporation ; but the Prisoners had sometimes bought white-washy 
 " and done it themselves." 
 
 DYMCHURCH. Kent. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Bourne, Sergeant at Mace, and lives distant from the Prison. 
 Salary, none. Fees, 6a-. 8c?. Surgeon, Mr. ff alter ; who makes a Bill. Septem- 
 ber 10th, 1807, One Prisoner. Allowance to Prisoners, sixpence a day. 
 
 This Gaol adjoins to the New-Hall, and was built in 1797. It consists of two 
 rooms; one of which, called " The Gaol," is 15 feet by 10, and 8 feet high, with a 
 boarded floor ; a table and shelf for provisions. No fire-place. The sewer is in one 
 corner. 
 
 The other room is named " The Bridewell," of 11 feet bj^ 10, and 6 feet 3 inches 
 high. Both these have an iron double-grated window, looking into a small court 
 paved with flag-stone, of iC feet 4 inches by 10 feet 6. The rooms have double 
 wooden doors, strongly clamped with iron. Straw and blankets on the floors to 
 sleep on. No water, but what is sent in by the Keeper.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 163 
 
 DORCHESTER. Dorsetshire. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, George Andrews. 
 
 Salary, 21 S/. for himself and two Turnkeys. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, 13.S 4^. which are paid to the Treasurer of the County Stoch. 
 The Under SlierifF demands also 2s. for his Liberate ! Felons pay no Fees, 
 Conveyance of Transports, Is. per mile each. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Bryer. 
 
 Duty, Twice every Sunday, and once on Wednesday. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. /irden. 
 
 Salary, 40/. for both Debtors and Felons. 
 
 A Task-Master, 60I. per annum. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, Mar. 31st, - 7 65 
 
 1801, Dec. 2.9th, 3 ------ 80 
 
 1803. Oct. 21st, ------ 9 _---_- 55. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none, except they work for the County ; in which cas6 
 they receive half of their earnings, and a pound and half of wheaten bread, 
 made with the whole of the bran in it, and a quart of broth per day. Mas- 
 ter's-Side Debtors, who do not work, maintain themselves. All Prisoners 
 committed for trial have the same allowance as the working Debtors, and 
 on the same conditions. After conviction, every Prisoner, whose earnings 
 amount to 5>y. per week, has, in addition to the above allowance, three 
 pounds of meat per week, with a proportionate quantity of potatoes, and 
 one sixth of his earnings. If they do not amount to 55. a week, he has the 
 same allowance, and only one sixth of the profit. The County finds em- 
 ployment for all who chuse to work, and all must work, or maintain them- 
 selves. The last Prisoner committed, (of whatever description,) takes the 
 broom, and sweeps the Court; or else gives seven-pence halfpenny to another 
 Prisoner to do it for him. Criminal Prisoners, during the six Winter 
 months, are allowed a peck of coals per day for their common-room, and 
 half a peck daily durmg the six Summer months. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 In the building now under consideration, are united the County Gaol, Peniten- 
 tiary House, and House of Correction. The situation of this Gaol is most judi- 
 ciously chosen, on the North side of the Town of Dorchesta-, on a piece of ground'
 
 t(54 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 still called " The Castle ;" where formerly was the site of n structure of that 
 description, and at the foot of which flows the river Frame. It is bounded by a wall 
 20 feet high, which, from the Turnkey's Lodge, situate at the Nortli side of it, 
 completely encircles the whole of the buildings. Around die outside wall is a 
 spacious esplanade, laid down in grass ; and on the North side, in front of the 
 Lodge, a handsome slope inclines to the River, with trees jjlanted on its banks. 
 
 The ground on which the Prison is erected, was, in the handsomest manner, 
 given by Francis John Broione, esq. late one of the Members for the County. 
 
 The entrance building consists of a room for the Turnke}'^ and Task-Master to 
 sleep in ; a room containing a mill for grinding corn, with every oiher requisite 
 for dressing the flour, and where all the corn used to supply the Prison with bread 
 is ground ; a Committee-Room, for the Magistrates to transact business; an oflice 
 for the Gaoler; a bake-house and brew-house, with oven, iron boilers, and other 
 conveniences in cooking for the Prisoners. Also a warm and cold bath. 
 
 Above-stairs, in the Lodge, are six Reception Cells, about 9 feet by 4, and 8 feet 
 6 inches high. In these Prisoners are placed immediately on their entrance, till 
 they can be examined by the Surgeon, and thoroughly cleansed by means of the 
 baths above-mentioned. If in a foul or infectious state, thej' remain here, until 
 the Surgeon pronounces them fit for removal into the interior of the Gaol ; and then 
 they are sent to join their proper classes. 
 
 Felons are apparelled in the Gaol uniform ; their own clothes, if worthy of being- 
 preserved, are fumigated in a kiln ; and then, either laid by in the wardrobe, till 
 their liberation, or delivered to the care of their friends. 
 
 There are likewise three work-rooms in this building; and, on the top of the 
 Lodge IS a flat roof, covered with copper, on which Executions take place, in view 
 of all criminal Prisoners, who are brought out of their cells for that purpose, into 
 the different galleries; the Church bell tolling solemnly during the awful trans- 
 action ! 
 
 From the Turnkey's lodge is a passage through the Gaoler's court to the central 
 buildings. On the ground-floor are the Gaoler's parlour, kitchen, and scullerv ; 
 and another passage, which leads to two spacious day-rooms for Men Debtors, 
 6' yards l(mg by 13 feet 6 inches, and 12 feet high. The Men Pebtors have also 
 two airy court-yards, 70 feet each by 30 ; and over the South front of the South- 
 West wing are their ten sleeping-cells, five on either side of the upper stories ; and 
 each cell 8 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 6, and y feet high, to the crown of the arch. 
 
 When the friend of a Debtor comes to see him, he is introduced into a narrow 
 space, or slip, the inner door of which is kept constantly locked, the outer one left 
 open. There are two windows opening from it, one into each Debtor's day-room. 
 These windows are iron grated, but a table goes through each of them, one half being 
 in the Debtor's room, tlie other half in the narrow slip, where the visiting friend is.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. I6i, 
 
 TJjus, though De!)lors are not excluded from the society of tlieir friends and relations, 
 the visitors are not in general allowed to come into their rooms; hy which means 
 irregularities are prevented. In particular cases, the (Jaoler, where he finds it 
 ])roptr, unlocks the inner door, and sutlers the Debtor to take his friend with him 
 into his cell, or court. The friends of Debtors are permitted to stay with them, if 
 they j)lease, from ten o'clock in the morning till four in the afternoon; after which 
 hour no stranger whatever is allowed to remain within the walls. 
 
 In the centre building are also two store-rooms, and a large pair of scales. There 
 are nine airy court-yards, of the average size from 70 to 80 feet long, and 30 to 40 
 feet wide : five of them communicate with the centre building ; viz. one for Male 
 Debtors, and four for Criminal Prisoners, into which open eight single working- 
 cells. 
 
 The first floor contains the Chapel, to which Prisoners have access by different 
 doors, to their respective divisions. Ihey are seated in classes ; and all are required 
 to attend Divine Service, unless prevented by sickness. 
 
 At each corner of the Chapel is a cell for Prisoners under sentence of Death, which 
 are light and airy ; and over these are four cells for refractory Prisoners, perfectly 
 dark, but well ventilated. 
 
 On this floor are two spacious sleeping-rooms for Men Debtors, each containing 
 four beds, to be used in case the number should be greater than can be well accom- 
 modated in what is called " The Debtors Wing." 
 
 Any Debtor, male or female, who is content to sleep in the County-beds, has 
 them free of expence : otherwise, they must provide their own beds and bedding, 
 which they are allowed to do ; or else pay the Gaoler is. 6d. a week for those articles, 
 with one sheet, or 3.?. Gd. for bedding, with a pair of sheets. 
 
 Over the last-mentioned rooms are two others ; one for Female Debtors, the 
 other for Female Fines : these have no communication with the floors above or 
 below; they are furnished with beds, &c. the same as the men; and above them 
 are the two Injinnaries, each 18 feet by 13, and 8 feet 6" inches high, light and 
 airy, with washing-troughs and water-closets; and also a communication to a se- 
 parate flat, on the different sides of the roof, one for each sex of convalescents, for 
 the benefit of the air. Between the Infirmaries, here is a Dispensary for the con- 
 venience of the Surgeon ; and a jjevv, from each opening into the Chapel, for the 
 use of such sick Prisoners as may be able to attend Divine Service. 
 
 Those who are imprisoned until they pay a certain fine, and those for Felony, 
 have each, as the Debtors, but in a different mode of treatment, a small slip or 
 space for their friends to converse with them, in the presence of the Gaoler. The 
 three gates of the slips or small avenues being all locked, the Gaoler, on application, 
 lets the friend into the space between the first and second gates, and stands himself 
 between the second and third, the Prisoner remaining in the court-yard. The
 
 166 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Keeper can thus effectually prevent the introduction of weapons, liquor, or other 
 articles, (the use of which is forbidden in this Gaol,) as well as be a check upon any 
 improper conversation. In the case, however, of souse kuown relation of the party, 
 or other person having real private business with the Prisoner, the Gaoler, after 
 previously searcliing the friend, admits him or her mto the space between the se- 
 cond and third gates, and then himself retires. The friends of Felons, and of those 
 imprisoned for Fines, are allowed to remain but a short time only with them, 
 except in cases of real business, when the Keeper is authorized to indulge them at 
 his discretion. 
 
 The other part of this excellent Prison consists of Four Wings, detached from, 
 but communicating with, the centre building on each story, by means of cast-iron 
 bridges leading to it from the several galleries ; each Wing containing eighteen 
 sleeping-cells. The exemplary distribution of persons here established is such, that 
 not only the Male Prisoners are separated from the Fen)ale, and the Felons from 
 the Debtors, Fines, &c. but those of eacli description are subdivided into classes. 
 For each class also, by means of distinct staircases, separate subdivisions of the build- 
 ing are very accurately appropriated, with court-yards, working-rooms, and other 
 suitable accommodations. 
 
 The two classes of Female Debtors, and Females detained fir Fines, have each a 
 commodious day-room, with every possible convenience, ovtT the Male Debtors' 
 sleeping-rooms, and under the two Infirmaries ,• separate and detached from every 
 other part of the building, except the Keeper's house and court-yard, to which they 
 have access through the Chapel. 
 
 The subdivisions of the Prison, for the accommodation of the respective classes, 
 are distributed as follows : 
 
 Male Debtors. 
 
 Male Felons. 
 
 Male Convicts, classes I, II, and III. 
 
 Male Prisoners for Fines. 
 
 Male Bridewell Prisoners. 
 
 Female Debtors. 
 
 Female Felons, and Bridewell Pri- 
 soners for Trial. 
 
 Female Felons, and Bridewell Pri- 
 soners Convict. 
 
 Female Felons. 
 
 Reception Cells. 
 
 Condemned Cells ; or for King's Evi- 
 dence, when not used for the Con- 
 demned. 
 
 Refractory Cells. 
 
 Infirmary for Males. 
 
 Infirmary for Females. 
 
 In the several departments of this comprehensive building, there are eighty-eight 
 single sleeping-cells, each of 8 feet 6' inches, by 6 feet 6, and g feet high, to the 
 crown of the arch ; to which the County allows a cast-iron bedstead, a paillasse, 
 (or ticking filled with straw,) a pair of blankets, and a coverlet.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 167 
 
 To every ward there are arcades, 16 feet G by lo feet G, as day-rooms for the se- 
 veral classes, and water-closets on every stair-case. Net tuivells, on rollers, are 
 provided for the Prisoners : and, besides the water-cocks and troughs in the different 
 court-yards, here is an engine that throws up water to the several cisterns on the 
 top of each building; from whence every part is plentifully supplied with that 
 essential element; including also the several water-closets, allotted for the use of 
 eiich subdivision of cells. 
 
 There are no sleeping-cells on the ground-floor ; by which arrangement the 
 custody of the Prisoners is rendered more secure, and their health not liable to injury 
 from the rising of damps. By means of air-holes, so constructed at the back of 
 each cell, (except in the upper stories, where they are placed in the arches of the 
 cells,) and so managed as to preclude conversation, wliilst they transmit air, a 
 thorough circulation is preserved. 
 
 The Count}' provides an iron bedstead, a paillasse, two blankets, and a coverlet 
 or rug for each Prisoner. 
 
 Here is no allowance of coals to Debtors, male or female, except in very severe 
 Winter weather, or unless an especial order is made for that purpose by the visiting 
 Magistrates. The coals so ordered are not paid for from the County .Stock, but 
 out of the Gnol Charity Fund. 
 
 In the difierent day-rooms is stuck up the following notice. " If any Prisoner 
 " does any wilful damage to his or her Paillasse, Blankets, or Rugs, he or she shall 
 " be immediately punislied by close confinement in one of the refractory cells; and 
 " there fed on bread and water only, for a space of time, in proportion to the da- 
 " mage done." 
 
 There are several work-rooms in each division of the Gaol ; some, for single per- 
 sons to labour in solitude; others appropriated to two, three, or more Prisoners, 
 for the purpose of employing them in such particular kinds of work as they may best 
 be capable of executing: and these are accompanied with store rooms, and every 
 other convenience to render the apartments complete. 
 
 Prisoners of all descriptions, Debtors as well as Felons, work together in the 
 manufactory : and, although Dorsetshire is not a manufacturing County, yet, 
 through the laudable exertions of its Magistrates, who alternately superintend the 
 concerns of the Prison, employment is found for all. 
 
 A considerable edifice for the manufacture of J/(tts was built here, at the expence 
 of fVilUam Morton Pitt, esq. one of the Members for the County, as a testi- 
 mony of his gratitude for the confidence reposed in him, and for the repeated favours 
 conferred upon him by his Constituents. This manufacture was tried for several 
 years, with great success. In 1803, I saw numbers engaged in it; but was sorry to 
 find it discontinued at my last visit, in 1805 *. Many Prisoners are now employed in 
 
 * Owing, I was infonned, to a combination amongst ihe Hatters to undersell, and make it un- 
 productive.
 
 168 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 shoe-making, tayloriiig, carding, spinning, &c. and these branches go on very 
 successfully. 
 
 Prisoners who work in privacy, or solitude, are employed in the firs^t stages of 
 their respective branch ; and such parts of the works as require the joint laliour of 
 several, are performed by those, who, consistent with the Prison Rules, are subject 
 to a less degree of restriction. The produce of the work done is divided into shares: 
 of which each Prisoner has one half; the Keeper a sixth part, to excite his attention 
 to the object; and the remaining ////rrf /^a?'^ is accounted for to the County, and 
 defrays a considerable pi-oporfio)i oj tlie Prison expences. 
 
 Upon enquiry made into the characters of all the Dorsetshire Prisoners, on charges 
 of Felony, during a period of fourteen years, it has a])peared, that out of 393 
 persons of both sexes, no less than 242 have been so well reclaimed, as to maintain 
 themselves by honest industry: A striking example this, of the beneficial efficacy of 
 Employment in Prison ; and which, it is hoped, will be seriously considered by 
 every County, but more especially by those where manufactories have been intro- 
 duced, and then discontinued on account of their being unproductive of proiit in an 
 infant state ! Surely an expectation of County emolument from the labours of a 
 Prisoner ought never to weigh so forcibly, as the Patriotic credit of restoring to So- 
 ciety a reformed, a worthy, and an useful member. 
 
 It always gives me pleasure, from various considerations, to find Prisoners em- 
 ployed ; because, in the first place, they are then more healthy. It also diverts 
 them amidst the dreariness of confinement : it is an honest and laudable means of 
 procuring them clean linen, or stockings, or a little milk or meat to their bread, or 
 other articles, to which they are very properly limited by the Magistrates, and of 
 which an account should be hung up in every Prison ; such as tea, coffee, butter, 
 cheese, vegetables, &c. And, lastly, it has this further and political advantage 
 over idleness, that it prevents the Prisoners from combining together, to foment 
 disturbance, or eflfect escapes. 
 
 The kind Donation of Edward Morton Pleydell, Esq. who, for many years, 
 sent each Prisoner, at Christmas, sixpence in money, and two pounds of beef, has 
 been discontinued since his death in 1799. Lord Dighy formerly sent at Christ- 
 mas two guineas to this Gaol, and one guinea to the Bridewell, which I was sorrj'- 
 to find has also ceased. 
 
 The Legacy of Mr. John Derby, of twenty shillings a year for bread, to be dis- 
 tributed amongst the Debtors on the four quarter days, is still regularly paid, and 
 applied to the Gaol-Charity Fund ; which is placed in the hands of the Chaplain, 
 but under the direction of the Visiting-Magistrates. It arises from the humane con- 
 tributions of Individuals ; and from it an additional quantity of coals is purchased 
 in extreme hard weather, for the different classes of Prisoners. The Debts also of
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 159 
 
 such as, upon enquiry, appear to be truly objects of compassion, are occasionally 
 rom])oundecl and liquidated out of the same Fund. 
 
 iiiis County, with a hberalitv that reflects upon it the highest honour, rewards 
 those former Prisoners, who, twelve months after their discharge, can produce Ccrti- 
 Hcates, jjroperly attested, of their having faithfully, honestly, soberly, and industri- 
 ously served those who kindly afforded them employment. 
 
 A perusal of these Remarks will amply manifest the great good which may be 
 produced by constant employment, and salutary regulations ; and it is hoped 
 that the example of the Visiting Magistrates of the County of Dorset, in restoring 
 so many Prisoners to usefulness in society, will raise a spirit of emulation throughout 
 the whole Kingdom. 
 
 DO\'ER-CA8TLE. Kent. 
 For the Cinque-Port Debtors only. 
 
 Gaoler, and Bodar *, James Hawher ; now IVilUam Cullison. Salary, 30/. 
 Fees; see the Table. Garnish, (not yet abolished) Is. 6(1. 
 
 Chaplain, None. Surgeon, None. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 
 
 ISOO, May '20th, - - - - 6". 
 
 1802, Jan. 27th, - - - - 2. 
 
 1804, Sept. 24th, - - - - 4. 
 
 1808, Aug. 14th, - - - - 8. 
 i8oy, July 13th, - - - - 9. 
 
 1810, July 11th, - - - - 14. 
 1S06, Aug. 4th, - - - - 6". 1811, Feb. 22d, - - - - 13. 
 
 Allowance ; none whatever. See the Remarks. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is for Debtors within the Cinque-Ports ; viz. Hastings, Dover, Hythe, 
 Romney, and Sandwich. The late Constable was the Right Honourable William 
 Pitt; upon whose decease succeeded Lord Hawkesbury, the present Earl of 
 Liverpool. 
 
 Here are three rooms for Debtors ; one l8 feet by 12, another 13 feet bv 11; and 
 the third, a new room, 15 feet by 12 feet 6. Each Prisoner pays 2a-. 4d. j)er week 
 for a bed ; two sleeping together. I'he court-yard is 50 feet bv 20, and the wall 28 
 feet high ; so that the sun and air are almost excluded. A very small part only of 
 the court is paved: The ground is consequently damp, and the place unhealthy. It 
 is bounded on one side by the Gaoler's house ; on another, by the rock, or cliff; and 
 on a third, by the Military stabling. 
 
 It would be a considerable improvement, if a grated window were opened on the 
 fourth side, which looks toward the South, and the public path ; by which means both 
 
 * Bodar, TOlgarly termed " Boarder," means the Messenger and Bailiff of tlie Cinque-Ports. 
 
 z
 
 170 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 sun and air would be freely admitted, and the Prisoners might see their friends, and 
 passengers, or other visitors of the hill, and occasionally solicit charity. The court- 
 yard also should be wholly paved, both for exercise and comfort * ; and some retired 
 place provided, to deposit the jjutrid vegetables, dirt, and ashes, which I have con- 
 stantly seen thrown there into an oftensive dunghill. 
 
 The Gaoler told me that he sent a boy across to Dover daily, to fetch what was 
 wanted for the Prisoners ; but, as he himself is the acting Bailiffof the Cinque-Ports, 
 and sometimes necessitated to be absent on business, for days together, Debtors 
 are frequently obliged to pay a Man for bringing them the common necessaries of 
 life; which, in consequence, stand them in '20/. percent, above their value: nay, 
 sometimes, even a pail-full of water costs a penny. They are also obliged to pay a 
 Woman for washing out their rooms, as neither mops, pails, brooms, fire, or candle 
 are allowed. It would be an essential mercy to those confined in this very singular 
 kind of Gaol, if the Fees were abolished, or at least, reduced ; for, besides those spe- 
 cified in the following Table, there is one guinea charged for the Lutitat-lFrit ; 
 and, in case the Prisoner is brought from Margate, the expence of a guinea and 
 half is added ; making together, on the first commitment,^Mr pounds nineteen shil- 
 lings and ten-pence. 
 
 " Table of Fees, hung up in Dover-Castle Gaol. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Arrest ----.----_..._.._ iio 
 
 Commitment ----------.-_-_ 0134 
 
 Guard-Money, and Bed for a Night -------- 004 
 
 Discharge --------..-----_- 068 
 
 Yeoman Porter -.-.----_----- 026 
 
 Clerk of Dover Castle -------.-_-. 036 
 
 .£.2 7 4 
 
 Let it be considered, that all this is to be paid, over and above the weekly room-rent, 
 by every Prisoner, on gaining a release from Gaol ; and that not one in ten of them 
 can discharge the sum sued for ; — that the sixpences are not allowed to any Debtor 
 till after the third term from his commitment ; — that regular Sessions of Oyer &; 
 Terminer, or Gaol-Delivery, are held in all (iaols (except such as, like the present, 
 are termed privileged) twice in every year ; but that here no regular or settled times 
 are fixed for such deliveries. Let all these circumstances be considered, and pity 
 and lenity might surely urge a very powerful argument for Relief! 
 
 * Since the drawing up of this Narrative, in 1S08, the Writer has been enabled, by the beneficence of 
 one of the Society of Friends, or people called Quakers, to pave the whole court-yard, and likewise to 
 make a permanent provision for the poor Dcbtor.s here confined, by a transfer, on the '24th of May, IS 10, 
 of 800/. 3 per cent, consolidated annuities, into the names of " The Mayor, Jurats, and Common- 
 Council Menof the Town and Port of Dover." Tlic Dividends whereof are to be for ever applied to their 
 support and relief. A Memorial of this sinjjular instance of Liberality has been recently put up to 
 record it, both in the Castle aiid in the Church of St. Mary's^ Dover.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 171 
 
 At the suit of the Crown, a Prisoner may lay eleven months in the Town Gao 
 of Dorcr, and from ten to twenty months in the Castle Gaol, without a trial, or 
 being' brought before a Court of Justice; and perhaps be discharged, at length, on 
 a petition. Here I could find no instance of any Debtor's having received the bene- 
 jit of the Lords' Act. 
 
 Yet this I did find, and it not a little painfully surprized me; That" Prisoners of 
 this privileged and distinguished CJaol, though ever so much aggrieved by prosecu- 
 tion, are many of them absolutely incapable of sueing for their Habeas Corpus!" 
 How, indeed, can that Man be supposed equal to the expence of procuring so great 
 a blessing, who, after many months', nay, or even weeks' confinement, cannot find 
 himself in daily bread ? A Remedy provided, is no Remedy to him, who fails to 
 obtain the use of it through invincible penury. 
 
 From a Jurisdiction thus irregularly privileged, neither dignity nor emolument can 
 accrue to the Crown, ^\'ould it not, therefore, be a worthy exertion of liberality, 
 if some independent Member of the British Parliament would propose a Bill, for 
 fixing, in such cases as the above, both a time for trial, and also, when found ne- 
 cessary, some allowance to the Prisoner, in order to give him, or her, the same 
 certainty and facility in Gaols of this description, as is granted under the general 
 adniuii^tration of Justice elsewhere? 
 
 (^ne hardly knows how to term ihdtajavour, which seems supported by so strong 
 a claim. Many evils in this life fail of redress, merely from the want of being duly 
 reflected on. The Lord Warden, if clearly apprized of them, might, without 
 doubt, greatly n)itigate such evils as I have here humbly presumed to point out, 
 from a sense of duty, in a verj' peculiar situation. But, when we consider with 
 what important national af!"airs such minds must continually be engrossed, it is not 
 to be wondered at, if a scene, and if circumstances of distress like the before-mentioned 
 should be little or not at all known to him, although so immediately under his 
 very respectable jurisdiction. 
 
 A great and good writer has observed, that " there should be an imiform Code 
 " of Laws framed for the Police of all Gaols. The laws of a kingdom ought to be 
 " general in a well-regulated state." 
 
 §d* As very few Persons who visit Dover Castle can have any idea of there being 
 \\ithin it a Prison for Debtors; in order to arrest attention, and to excite sympathy 
 in the breasts of the opulent, who resort thither in sunmier, an iron begging-box 
 has lately been affixed to a post, near the summit of the hill, where, as a Siste, 
 Viator 1 a snniU ilat space invites the pedestrian to stop awhile for rest : and above 
 it, on a broad iron plate, are inscribed or painted the following lines. 
 
 Oh ye, whose hours exempt from sorrow flow, 
 Bi;hold the seat of Pain, aiul Want, and Woo : 
 Think, while your hands th' eiitroated Alms extend, 
 Tiiat what to Us you give, to Goo vou lend !
 
 172 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 I am informed, that of the produce and distribution of this true charity, an ac- 
 count is kept by the Gaoler in a book ; and that to the wretched Prisoners it has 
 proved of much alleviation, amidst the miseries of dreary solitude. 
 
 Indeed I have been well assured of the great success which has attended the 
 business in question. The Gaoler acquaints me that his number of Prisoners (in 
 Feb. 1811,) is no less than thirteen; that he has not had fewer than /en for many 
 former months, and even^/teen at one period. " Seven of those," says he, " wiio 
 were most in need, now receive one pound and a half of bread per day ; and had it 
 not been for the great goodness shown towards them, 1 am not able to say what 
 would have become of these poor unfortunate Men, who, as being so many in dis- 
 tress, I could not have provided for them, and they must have wanted the common 
 necessaries of life." 
 
 My Readers will participate the pleasure which it gives me, in being enabled to 
 inform them, upon the most respectable authority, that Dover Castle Gaol and its 
 repairs are considered as belonging to the department of the Board of Ordnance : 
 and that orders have been issuedfor putting the rooms in repair, and furnishing them 
 with grates, which were extremely needful in so very bleak a situation, and 
 especially during a very severe winter season. 
 
 DOVER. 
 
 The Toivn Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, William Harris ; now John Mitchell. Salary, 40/. a chaldron of coals, 
 and a suit of apparel. 
 Fees, on Commitment, 8*. 2d. On Discharge, 1*. 6d. No Table. 
 Garnish, (not yet abolished) one shilling. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. King, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors, Felons, &c Debtors. Felons, iii. 
 
 l8oi, Sept. lyth, - - 1 - - 3. 
 1804, Sept, 24th, - - 1 - - 2. 
 1806, Aug. 6'th, - - - - 5- 
 
 1808, Aug. 12th, - - - - 0. 
 1609, July 12th, - - - - 1. 
 1810, July nth, - - - - 8. 
 
 Allowance, to Deljtors, none whatever. To Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, 
 sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This Prison is in a close part of the Town, and has one room for the Bridewell. 
 The Gaol consists of two rooms on the ground- floor, 12 feet by 6 feet g each.
 
 m ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 173 
 
 The iron-grated windows look into a small court-yard ; but the Prisoners have not 
 the use of it. Both the rooms are not only close, in point of situation, but rendered 
 offensive also, by sewers ])l;ioc(l in tlie corner. 
 
 Felons,&c. are supplied witli wooden bedsteads, loose straw, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 For Debtois and AJisdenieanors here are three rooms above stairs; to which, if 
 the Gaoler Furnishes bed and bedding, the charge to the Prisoner is 7*. yter week. 
 
 The Corporation allow yearly four gallons of vinegar, to fumigate the Gaol ; 
 12 lbs. of whitening, and 6 lbs. of soap, together with mops, brooms, and pails for 
 cleaning the Prison ; and straw, whenever the Gaoler requires it. It gave me great 
 pleasure to be informed that the Corporation are going to build a new Gaol. 
 
 At my visit in September 1 801, Isabel la Mode, a Woman who had been here three 
 years, under sentence of transportation, had a young child born in the Prison, of 
 which she asserted that Harris, the late Keeper, was the Father. He is since dead. 
 This hapless Female had an allowance of ten-pence a day during her detention, and 
 one shilling on a Sunday, for the maintenance of herself and Infant. 
 
 The Act for preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, not 
 hung up. No Rules ami Orders. No employment. 
 
 DUMFRIES. Scotland. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Dogherty. Salary, 30/. with coals for his house, oil for the lamps, 
 and allowed an assistant, at 10*. 6d. per week, paid by the County. See 
 Remarks. 
 Fees, for Criminals, none. Debtors who are Burgesses, 2d. per night ; those 
 who are not Burgesses, 4d. a night ; and for payment of which the Debtor's 
 effects are detained till satisfied. 
 
 Chaplain, none, nor any religious attentions, unless voluntarily and gratuitously 
 afforded to those under Sentence of Deatli. 
 
 Surgeon, for Felons only, sent from the Town when wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1st Nov. 1809, Debtors, 4. Felons, 2. 
 
 Vagrant, 1. Deserter, 1. 
 
 Allowance, to Felons 6d. a day. Debtors, as alimented. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The County Courthouse is situate in Buccleugh-street, and the basement story 
 of it forms the Ciaoler's house. The right-wing is the Police (iuard-house; and 
 under it are three cells, each 9 feet by 6. The nnddle cell is dark; the other two 
 have each a glazed, and grated window, with straw on the stone-floor for bedding. 
 No fire-places. The left-wing is the Military Guard-house, and has two small rooms
 
 17 t STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 for the Turnkey. In the basement story of this wing are three cells, similar to those 
 already described, except that two of them are dark. On the flat-roof of this wing 
 is the place of Execution. 
 
 The entrance to the Gaol is by a descent of 17 steps, from the street to the low 
 ground on which the Prison is built; and the Gaol stands detached within a boun- 
 dary-w-all, which encloses about half an acre. It was first inhabited 23(1 February, 
 1807, and has, on the ground-floor, a day-room for Felons, of about 14 feet square, 
 with a fire-place: also a cell, or room of communication, with iron-gratings, to re- 
 ceive provisions, or enable them to receive their friends : But at my visit in 1809, 
 they had never been used. 
 
 Adjoining to the above is a large day-room, of 18 feet square, for the Debtors, 
 with a fire-place and room of communication for tlieir friends. Tliese however I 
 found were converted into a dwelling for the Turnkey's family. 
 
 On the first story is a double range of cells, four on each side of a lobby or pas- 
 sage, 4 feet 6" inches wide. Each cell is 8 feet 4 by 6 feet 9, and S feet high ; and 
 four of them have boarded floors, grated and glazed windows to open, iron -bedsteads, 
 with loose straw, two blankets and a rug, but no Hre-places. The other four cells 
 have stone floors, iron-grated windows, with sloping blinds, and two panes of glass 
 in each. Beds and bedding the same as the others before described. The cells have 
 double-doors, the outward iron-grated, and the inner one of wood. 
 
 The upper, or attic-story, has four sizeable rooms for Debtors, with two grated and 
 glazed windows made to open, of about 3 feet square ; boarded floors, and fire- 
 places ; wooden bedsteads, with straw mattress and bolster ; but no bedding or fur- 
 niture whatever. No coals are allowed to any part of the Prison. 
 
 Here are separate stair-cases, for the Debtors and Felons to go to their respective 
 day-rooms, if permitted the use of them. In the court-yard for Debtors there is a 
 pump and sewer ; but the Felons not being suffered ever to come out of their 
 cells, a glazed pan is made to serve them as a sewer, which is emptied daily ; and 
 water, as wanted, is brought to them by the Gaoler. 
 
 Of the Gaoler's Salary, 20l. is paid by the County, and lol. by the Town of 
 Dumfries. The plan of (his Gaol had originally intended separate buildings for 
 Men Felons, Women Criminals, and Debtors, with court-yards judiciously de- 
 signed for the several classes. But at present (he whole area remains in its rude 
 state, and Debtors orili/ have the liberty of walking in it. Several loads of ashes 
 are laid in one part, and poultry are kept in it, which might better be removed. 
 
 The Keejier has a licence to sell ale, beer, and porter; and as tiie Prisoners re- 
 ceive their allowance in money, he supplies them likewise with other provisions. 
 This is done also in Prisons elsewhere, but I cannot approve of a practice so 
 justly unsatisfactory. 
 
 The Magistrates and Council will be {leased to accept my grateful acknowledge- 
 ments for the honour of their presenting me with the freedom of the Burgh.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 175 
 
 DUNBAR. Scotland. 
 
 Gaoler, John Cans. Salary, 61. lOs. 
 
 Fees, One Shilling ; and four-pence per day during confinement. 
 
 Surgeon, from the Town, if wanted. 
 
 Prisoners, l802, Sept. 10th, None. 180.9, Sept. 21st, None. 
 
 Allowance, eight-pence a day for Felons. Debtors, as alimented by the Magis- 
 trates, which commences 14 days after commitment. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is in the middle of the High Street. The ascent to it is by a 
 flight of fourteen steps, which lead to two rooms about 21 feet square; one for 
 Felons, and the other for Debtors who are not Butgesses. Both have flagged 
 stone floors, and were found in the filthiest state imaginable. The Debtors' room 
 was occupied by the (iaoler and his family. The iron-grated windows look to the 
 street. A little short dirty straw upon the floor was the only bedding. 
 
 Above these is a large room for Debtors who are Burgesses, without furniture or 
 bedding. 
 
 The dark room below is called Thieves- Hole. The Keeper, at my visit in l802, 
 told me it was not used ; but in 1S09, I found a window made in it, and the Gaoler 
 himself lived there. No Prisoners were here at either of my visits. Here is no 
 court-yard ; no water accessible to the Prisoners ; and no sewers. A tub supplies 
 the jjurpose. 
 
 DUNDEE. Scotland. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Christie. Salary, 25/. He is a Town Officer, and lives distant 
 from the Gaol. 
 Fees, on the Commitment of Debtors, one shilling. Caption 5*. ; and four- 
 pence a night during confinement. Felons, &c. pay no fees. 
 
 Chaplain, none. 
 
 Surgeon, none. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 28th Sept. 1809, Debtors, 4. Criminals, 0. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, as generally alimented, one shilling a day : Felons, &c. 
 three pence a day.
 
 176 STATE OK PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is over the Town Hall ; and for Debtors there are three rooms, with 
 grated and glazed casement windows, flagged floors, and fire-places, but no Firing 
 allowed: wooden bedsteads, but no bedding furnished. A sewer is in the passage, 
 to which Debtors have access in the day-time. 
 
 On the same floor is one room, of 20 feet by 7, for Felons; in which are two 
 wooden bedsteads, with short loose straw, for their whole bedding, and a large double- 
 grated and unglazed window. Into this room open the doors of three cells, each 
 6 feet 2 inches by 3 feet 7 ; two of whicli have apertures into the room, about a foot 
 square, for light and ventilation. The third is almost rendered totally dark, by the 
 small apertures having a double iron-grating, and is used for those under sentence 
 of death. Short straw is scantily and loosely scattered on the stone floors of all. 
 
 Adjoining to these apartments is one room with a cistern for water, now used by 
 the Gaoler: But formerly it was a cell for Felons; in which the leg of the Prisoner 
 was secured by a shackle of iron, three inches broad, and a quarter of an inch thick, 
 connected with a strong chain, three feet in length, and fastened to an iron weight 
 of 56lbs. For other Prisoners two bars of iron were fixed into the floor to fasten 
 the feet, and a strong chain drawn across the breast, with another athwart the neck, 
 padlocked to the floor ; and thus they passed the night ! This apparatus, however, 
 I was assured had not been used for many years. 
 
 Below the Town-Hall, and by a descent of sixteen steps, are sunk three loath- 
 some dungeons ; one of which, called " The Thieves" Hole," is almost wholly dark, 
 and measures 8 feet by 7, and 6 feet high, without ventilation, where a little dirty 
 short straw is the only bedding. The Gaoler told me that sometimes four or five 
 vagrants had been here confined for seven days together! The other two dungeons 
 are 18 feet by 10, and 9 feet high. Tiie town engine was deposited in one of them ; 
 the other had a little dunghill kind of straw on the stone floor. The Thieves' Hole is 
 generally used for Prisoners. 
 
 The water brought to this Prison is introduced by a pipe to the cistern before- 
 tnentioned, and would be very useful for the Debtors to wash their rooms, if they 
 could have access to it : but water for drinking must be brought by their friends, or 
 the Keeper, during admission hours. Here is no court-yard.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLANfD, AND WALES. l^ 
 
 DURHAM. 
 
 The County Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John Wolfe ; appointed b}' Patent from the Bishop, durante beneplacito. 
 In the Patent this Prison is called " The Outer Gate." 
 
 Salary, 200/.; also for the Bridewell, 40I. ; and I9/. from the rents of four small 
 houses adjoining. Out of this Salary of 259/. the Gaoler pays Thirty 
 Pounds per annum to a Turnke)' and Assistants, and likewise provides them 
 a house to live in. For removing of Transports, he is allowed the expence 
 attending it. 
 
 Fees and Garnish are abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. James Deason ; now Rev. William Baverslock. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday. Salary, 40/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Green. Salary, 61. 6s. and his Bill for Medicines. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 Bridewell. 
 
 1801, Nov. Sth, - - 
 
 • - 15 - 
 
 - - 18 - 
 
 - - 11. 
 
 1802, Sept. 5th, - - 
 1809, Sept. 15th, - ■ 
 
 - - 18 - 
 - 12 - 
 
 8 - 
 - - 14 - 
 
 \ 1 Lunatick ! 
 - - 36. 
 
 Allowance ; see Remarks. If certified as Paupers, the Debtors have four-pence a 
 day. Felons three-pence a day. Those in the Bridewell liave the same as 
 the Felons. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The High Gaol is the property of the Bishop of Durham. By patent from Bishop 
 Talbot in 1723, Sir Hedworth Williamson, Bart, was appointed Sheriff', with a 
 Salary of lo/. per annum ; and it continueti in the family till 1810, when the 
 present Bishop, Dr. Shute Barrington, appointed Adam Askew, Esquire. 
 
 There is a small room over the North front of the gateway, 12 feet 6 inches by 
 9 feet 10 inches, and 9 feet 9 inches high. I'his formerly was the Felons' day-room, 
 but the active and intelligent Keeper has converted it into a Soup-Kitchen ; the 
 establishment and support of which arises as follows. There are twelve Prebenda- 
 ries of the Diocese, and a Dean. Of the Prebendaries, three have dispensations, and 
 do not keep any residence, nor contribute to the soup-establishment. The Preben- 
 daries, who, for many years past, had sent an abundant dinner to the Prisoners in 
 the Gaol, at the time they severally kept their residence, have, for the four or five 
 last years, given in lieu of such dinners, five Guineas, which is paid to Mr. If'olfe, 
 the Gaoler, who supplies both the Gaol and Bridewell with a good dinner, twice 
 every week throughout the year. 
 
 A A
 
 178 istatf: of prisons 
 
 The benevolent Bishop of Durham also gives ten Guineas yearly at Christmas, 
 and the same at Lammas, for the like purpose ; and the Dean of Durham, (Bishop 
 of Lichfield,) ten Guineas annually. At the time of my last visit, in 1809, there 
 was a surplus in Mr. Wolfe's hands of 28Z. It gave me great pleasure to be informed 
 that this admirable Fund has so increased, as to enable the Gaoler not only to furnish 
 his Prisoners with dinners, as before mentioned, but occasionally to release Persons 
 imprisoned for Small Debts, and assist them often in obtaining their sixpences. 
 
 Here is a court-yard, of 62 feet by 59, the only one for Prisoners of every descrip- 
 tion. It is open all day for the accommodation of Debtors, except whilst the Felons 
 are in it ; which is for an liour or two in the day, when thought fit : and then the 
 door is locked, to prevent any communication between them. 
 
 The Low-Gaol, as it is called, consists of two rooms, 10 feet 4 inches square ; by 
 the gateway under which, out of a door, are now conveyed the dirt, ashes, &c. 
 which formerly lay undisturbed for many months. Both these rooms are Free- 
 Wards. There are likewise three others at the top of the Gaol ; the largest of which 
 contains seven beds, the others one bed each ; and to all of them the County furnishes 
 iron bedsteads and straw matresses ^ra^/*. These rooms are now ceiled and lime- 
 whited : But the Debtors complained of a great nuisance from the bugs, which the 
 straw matresses harbour, so as to preclude a possibility of riddance. 
 
 Two rooms, formerly set apart for Infirmaries, are now appropriated to Women 
 Debtors. The Masters-Side Debtors have six separate rooms, furnished by the 
 Keeper at ^s. 6d. a week ; or, if two sleep together, at 1*. 6d. each. Two of these 
 rooms look towards the street, and open into the Chapel, which, formerly, was 
 the Debtors' Hall. 
 
 The High-Gaol is supplied with water by a double-barrelled •pump, which raises 
 it about seiienty feet. Half a crown per quarter is paid to a Woman, for supplying 
 'with water the Debtors in the Low-Gaol. 
 
 The County, hitherto, has provided no work for the Prisoners : but their humane 
 
 Guardian, the Keeper, told me, " that he constantly procures employment for such as 
 
 " are not of handicraft trades, in spinning, picking of oakum, beating flax, &c. And 
 
 ■ " that every Prisoner, however employed, receives the ivliole of his or her earnings." 
 
 RULES and ORDERS, as settled in the year 1796. 
 
 " Chamber Rents, 
 To ilie Keeper of Durham Gaol, fiom i!ie Prisoners for Debt, weekly. 
 
 s. d. 
 " In an entire Chamber ill tlio High Gaol, without a bedfellow - - - 3 C 
 Ditto, with a bedfellow --------..-..-- le 
 
 III the CoiDinoii Chamber, without a bedfellow, the Gaoler providing 
 ■' bedding, bed-clothes, and sheets ---.-..---- 2 <-
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 179 
 
 In the Common Chamber, the Prisoner pioviding his own bedding, bed- 
 clothes and sheets, and not admitting a bedfclloNV ------ 00 
 
 In the Common Clianiber, the Prisoner pro\iding the bedding, &c. to 
 
 admit a bedfellow who shall pay the Gaoler -.-.-.-_ 13 
 The said Prisoner to pay, himself, to the Gaoler _--.... 4. 
 
 " Visitors to Debtors shall be admitted on week or working-days, from nine in the morn- 
 ing nil twelve at noon, when, on Bell-ringing, all \'isitors and Strangers whatsoever shall 
 leave ihe Prison. 
 
 " All Debtors shall retire to their respective rooms at nine o'clock in the evening, in 
 the Winter, andattenin Summer; when all lights shall be extinguished, and their wards 
 secured : and no visitors shall he admitted on Sundays. 
 
 " No discriplion of Prisoners shall be permitted to go upon the leads. As far as the 
 situation of' the Prison will admit, Felons shall be classed, and separated. Any charity- 
 given to the Prisoners, shall be funded, and distributed to them, in addition to their 
 earnings; and a regular account of such distribution kept by the Governor, which is to be 
 produced when any Magistrate shall require the same. 
 " Durham, to wit. 
 
 " We, his Majesty's Justices of the Peace, present in open Court, at the General 
 Quarter Sessions of the Peace, holden at the City of Durham, in and for the said 
 County, the thirteenth day of July 179G, Do approve and allow of the foregoing 
 Rents and Rules. 
 
 " John Eden. " Ra. Milbanke. 
 
 " C. Spearman. " Hen. Hopper. 
 
 " H. Metholde. «' Cha. Eggerton. 
 
 " R.\lph Orde. " Henry Mills. 
 
 " R. Burdon. " Rob. Green." 
 
 " WE, his Majesty's Justices of Assize for the Northern Circuit, having inspected 
 the above Account of Chamber-Rents and Rules, Do allow, approve, and confirm 
 the same. Dated 23d July, 179C. " G. Rooke. 
 
 " S. Lawrence." 
 
 Debtors in the Low Gaol receive, from a Legacy, Is. 6d. a week in Winter, and 
 Is. a week in Summer: but of this there is no memorial in the Gaol. From the 
 Mayor of Durham's book, however, it appears, that he charged the Corporation of 
 Newcastle with having paid the above sums ; and it also appears, that the Corpora- 
 tion of Newcastle reimbursed him. By an entry in the Common-Council books 
 of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it is recorded as follows ; 
 
 " December 23d, 1699. — 3/. 6s. 8d. is paid out of the Revenues of the Corpora- 
 tion of Newcastle to the Mayor of Durham, for the use of the Prisoners, annually on 
 St. Andrew's Day." — See Brand's History of Newcastle, Vol. U. pp. 193^ 194. 
 It is the donation of a Mr. Fratiklavd.
 
 180 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 How the distribution of this charitable Bequest became changed from St. Andrew's 
 day to a weekly Dole, and tliat payable to Prisoners in the Low Gaol solely, does 
 no where appear : But, if neither of the low rooms within the gateway is occupied, 
 (as has frequently been the case,) the arrears havenever been paid : and, on this ac- 
 count, the Keeper takes care to have one Prisonerat least there, to secure the regular 
 payment. 
 
 There is another donation, of fifteen shillings per annum ; viz. 5.^. at Christmas, 
 5*. at Easter, and 5*-. at Whitsuntide. This is a charge on lands heretofore belonging to 
 Mr. Jackson, of Witton-le-Wear, in this County, llie Estate has been lately pur- 
 chased by Mr. John Wood, of Bishop's-Auckland, subject to the said charge, which 
 is regularly paid to the Gaoler as it becomes due. Of this Legacy there is a memo- 
 rial very properly recorded in the Gaol. 
 
 The " Legacy of Bishop Creive" noticed by Mr. Howard, seems to be mistaken, 
 with respect to the name. It is not in Bishop Crewe's Will, which I have per- 
 used. But a donation similar to that of Bishop ff^ood, hereafter mentioned, is left 
 to the Debtors in Durham Gaol, by Dr. Hartwell ; in the copy of whose Will, 
 (dated March gth, 1724, and now in the possession of Mr. Wolfe, the Keeper,) 
 after several other Bequests, is the following. " Item, I give and bequeath to the 
 " Gaol of Durham, for the use and benefit of Insolvent Debtors there. Twenty 
 '" pounds per annum, to be disposed of under the same restrictions and limitations 
 " with the Charity of tlie like hind hy Bishop JVood ; and that in the application 
 " of it respect be first had to the Parishioners of Stanhope.'" This Bequest, with 
 several others specified in Dr. Hartwell's Will, and amounting to eighty pounds jser 
 annum, are chargeable upon an Estate at Fishbourn in this County. 
 
 The Estate at Fishbourn, out of which this Legacy is paid, as well as several 
 others, is somewhat more than sufficient for the discharge of the ordinary demands 
 made on the Treasurer, according to the Will*. The rents are regularly paid by 
 the Tenant to the Treasurer; and hence there is a yearly surplus in hand. If the 
 demands of the year do not equal in amount the twenty pounds given to Durham 
 Gaol, the Will has not provided for the disposal of the residue ; and of course, it 
 remains in the hands of the Treasurer of the Charity. 
 
 Out of this accuni dating surplus, the Trustees have occasionally relieved very 
 great distress ; as, particularly they did, a few years since, in the case of the Tenant 
 of the very estate in question, whose corn-crops had been destroyed by that tremen- 
 dous hail-storm in the year 179-2, which did so much mischief in the neighbourhood 
 of Sedgcfield. They allowed him sixty pounds, at two different payments, towards 
 repairing the loss of his corn-crop. 
 
 * For the honour done me by the following account of Dr. Hartwell's Legacy, I beg to express my 
 respei tful acknowledgements to the Right Rev. Dr. '!'. Burgess, Lord Bishop of St. David's, one of the 
 immediate Trustees authorized to execute the Will of the benevolent Testator.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 18i 
 
 By tliis charity were released, in \-;()-j,foiir Debtors; in I798, one; in 1800, one ; 
 in lS02,J'our; in l805,and lSo6",^'feeacli; in 1807, three ; in 1808, eig/if ; and up to 
 my visit in l8of), four. The persons to be released are nominated by the Mayor and 
 Corj)oration. If none are released, it is because none are nominated. Tlie Mayor 
 anil Corporation are not the Trustees; but they nominate objects, and recommend 
 them to the Charity, as directed by tlie will ; and their recommendation is always 
 accepted. 
 
 The Trustees in Dr. Hartwell's Will are the Dean and Chapter of Durham, or any 
 three of them. The acting Trustees have been, for many years, the Dean, and four 
 of the Prebendaries. As vacancies happen in the trust by death, other Prebendaries 
 are elected by the Surviving Trustees. 
 
 Besides the Bishop of LicliHeld, who is Dean of Durham, the present elected 
 Trustees (l8oy) are the Bishop of St. David's, the Rev. K. G. Bowyer, and the Rev. 
 George Barrington. 
 
 . It appears that Dr. Hartwell was Rector of Stanhope in this County ; which 
 accounts for that part of his Bequest, enjoining, " That respect be first had to the 
 Parishioners of Stanhope." 
 
 Dr. William Hartwell was formerly Secretary to Lord Crewe, when Bishop of 
 Oxford. In the year iCSl, he held the Rectory of Wickliam, in this County; in 
 1685 was removed to that of Stanhope ; and in l~0<) was made Prebendary of 
 Durham. He died in June 1725, and was interred in the Cathedral Church here. 
 
 The accounts relative to Bishop Hood's Legacy appear very intricate and per- 
 plexed ; but, from the highly respectable characters who are at present engaged in 
 the business, there is no doubt of its being very soon investigated, and attended 
 with ultimate success. Bv his will, made in 1690, the Bishop charged his Kstate 
 or Manor of Ecclescliff", in the Bislioprick of Durham, with the payment of twenty 
 pounds annually, for ever ; " to be applied for the relief and discharge of poor Pri- 
 soners, who then were, or thereafter might be, in Gaol at Durham, for Debt ; each 
 poor person's Debt not exceeding five pounds." And, by the said Will, the Mayor 
 and Aldermen of the City of Durham, for the time being, were appointed Trustees 
 of the Charity in question. 
 
 From the books, now in possession of Mr. Wolfe, it appears, "That the Estate 
 chargeable with this Legacy was, in the year 1750, purchased by Anthony Hall, 
 of Flass, in the County of Durham, Esq. and subject to the above devise. That 
 between the years 1750 and 176'6', there appeared to be arrears due from Mr. 
 Hall to the Charity, to the amount of 54/. 4*. 1 \\d. That a suit in Chancery 
 was instituted by the Bishop's Attorney General against the said Anthony Hall for 
 those arrears, together with a further sum of 16"5/. 154'. which had been paid into 
 the hands of the then Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Durham, as Trustees of
 
 182 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 the Charity, by the said Anthony Hall, according to the Will of the said Bishop 
 Wood, but which had never been duly accounted for to the Charity, by the said 
 Mayor and Aldtrmen ; and that in the year I776, it was decreed by the Court 
 that the said Anthony Hall should pay the whole of the arrears due to the said 
 Charity, together with the Costs. That in the Michaelmas Term following, Mr. 
 Hall filed a Bill in the Court of Exchequer against the Mayor and Aldermen, 
 charging diem with an abuse of the said Charity ; in consequence whereof it was 
 decreed. That the paid Mayor and Aldermen should account for the arrears before 
 stated. In IjGS, the Corporation lost their Charter: other Trustees were tlien 
 duly appointed by the Court of Chancery at Durham, to manage the said Charity : 
 and the said Trustees, from time to time, as any of them died, or declined acting, 
 have been replaced by others, according to the directions of the said Will." 
 
 The present acting Trustees are Sir Ralph Milbanke, Bart. Sir John Eden, Bart. 
 Henry Mills *, Ralph ( )rde*, Rowland Burdon, Charles S])earman, Esqrs. Rev. John 
 Hutton, Rev. W. Nesfield, Arthur Mowbray, F. Johnson, W. Russell, and R. J. Fen- 
 wick, Esqrs. The balance of the Account due to the Charity at Midsummer l802, 
 as appears by the books of the late Treasurer, was Two hundred and Jive pounds ; 
 at Midsummer 1804, it had increased to Two hundred and forty-five pounds; and 
 at Midsummer 1809, it amounted to Three hundred and forty-five pounds. 
 Means, however, I understand, are taking, not only to recover these arrears, but to 
 secure a punctuality in payment for the future ; so that hopes are now enter- 
 taineil of seeing the benevolent intentions of the Donor put into a regular and secure 
 channel. 
 
 Bishop Wood was Chaplain to King Charles I. and in l6.j5. Rector of Wickham ; 
 in iGGO, Prebendary of Durham; in 1663, Dean of Lichfield; and in 1671, con- 
 secrated Bishop of Lichfield, with which he held incommendam the Prebendal Stall 
 at Durham. He died April 18, 1692, and was buried at UfFord in Suffolk. His 
 Will, by which he bequeaths several other charities, as well as that to the Gaol at 
 Durham, is dated Nov. 11, l6yO. 
 
 Having thus stated my Remarks on the Debtors' Side of this Gaol, 1 proceed to 
 that of the Felons. 
 
 L The Men Felons' day-room, large and commodious, is situate at the top of the 
 Prison, 28 feet in length, 18 in breadth, and 9 feet 7 inches high. It has two 
 large windows fronting the South-east, which look also on the River ; and one 
 smaller window on the South-west side, by which means a thorough air is admitted. 
 No other place is assigned for all descriptions of Male Prisoners, 
 
 II. The Women Felons' day-room is immediately under that appropriated to the 
 Men: It has the same aspect, from two large windows looking to the South-east, 
 
 * I understand these two Trustees are dead (1809), and none since elected in their room.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 183 
 
 and is 26 feet 6 inches lono, 18 feet wide, and 8 feet 3 inches high. This, hkewise 
 is the only day-room, both for the Women Felons, and all other Female (Offenders. 
 
 III. I come now to the five cells, in whicli the Felons sleep. They are surely to 
 be numbered amongst the veri/ worst in tlie kingdom ; and the descent to them 
 is by a flight of fort\--one steps from the Men's day-room. 
 
 The lowest and largest of these live cells, called " The Great Hole" is l ", feet 
 
 2 inches by 11 feet 8 inches, and 7 feet J) inches high. It has a flagged stone-floor, 
 with straw and rugs furnished by the Comity. In this dungeon five of the Felons 
 slept every night, when 1 was here in l802; but none are kept there now (1809), 
 being removed to the room where the Women Felons used to sleep in l8o2. 
 
 The second cell, in which tiu'ee Felons sleep, adjoins to the former; it is 11 feet 
 
 3 inches by 7 feet 4, and 7 feet ,9 inches high. This too has a flagged floor, the 
 same as the Great Hole. Both of them are totally dark, and, I may say, without 
 ventilation, although each cell has a wooden tube, 8 inches by 5, which communi- 
 cates, in a zig-zag direction, with the top of the building. But, as it is impossible 
 to clean them, while in that form, I imagine they must long ago have been stopped 
 up ; for, on applying my candle to the mouth of the tube, not a breath of air was 
 discernible. Both were damp and offensive. 
 
 The great attention of Mr. Woljc to his Prisoners is manifest here, as well as in 
 the Soup-Kitchen *, by his frequently having them white-washed, and the doors 
 kept open during the day. They would otherwise be fatal to many. 
 
 The two other Dungeons, in which the Women Felons sleep, are equally dark with 
 those of the Men ; but rendered somewhat less uncomfortable, by having boarded 
 floors. They are immediately over those which I have already described. The 
 largest of them is 16 feet 9 inches by 12 feet, and 11 feet Q inches high: the other 
 11 feet 9 inches by 7 feet 10, and of the same height. Straw and rugs are allowed, 
 as before ; and here is the same obstructed ventilation. 
 
 ^t^" There is a part of this Prison, which seems to have either escaped the 
 vigilance of our excellent Howard, or to have been cautiously concealed from his 
 acute inspection. This is a titird JJitngeon, on the same level with, but, by a 
 passage, divided from the Great Hole. Having heard of it, I expressed a desire to 
 see it, and the Turnkey fetched his keys. 
 
 This Dungeon, totally dark, is 7 feet by G feet 7, and 7 feet <) inches high. In 
 the middle of the flooring is a large, massy, wooden-grated trap door, strongly clouted 
 with iron, and perforated with apertures 4 inches square. The Reader may guess 
 my surprize, when upon this door's being lifted up, another dungeon presented 
 itself! 
 
 I went down four stone steps : To the bottom one I found a ladder fixed ; but not 
 liking to trust myself upon it, turned back, and desired the Turnkey, with his 
 candle, to go first. I followed down the ladder, which consisted of eleven rounds, 
 or staves, and brought me into a vaulted or arched landing-place. Here I was most 
 
 * See page 177.
 
 184 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 miraculously preserved from instant death ; for, retreating at the bottom of the 
 ladder two paces, I fell backwards : my coat pocket caught hold of something, 
 which, with my weight, tore through the strong tape binding, and during the mo- 
 mentary suspension, I fortunately caught hold of the Turnkey ; otherwise I must 
 have precipitated to the bottom, and been dashed in pieces. 
 
 When I had recovered from the fright, and lighted my candle, I descended, by 
 eleven stone steps, into the lowest Dungeon of all, which is 10 feet by 9, and 7 feet 
 hiah to the crown of the arch. There is in the stone wall a niche, or narrow 
 passage, with a privy, and a round hole cut in the seat. 
 
 Though there was no ventilation whatever in this dark Cimmerian Cavern, I 
 found it perfectly dry, and even less disagreeable than the arched landing-place 
 above it. The air was warm, but not oppressively so, nor loaded with vapours. My 
 candle, which I letdown the sewer several feet, to ascertain if there had been any 
 Prisoners there lately, shewed no signs of a feculent, excrementitious, or corrupted 
 atmosphere. 
 
 When the Prison was built, in times now long since past, this place of extreme 
 durance must have i)een intended as an Oubliette. The ruins of some I have seen, 
 in what is called a " Castle-Keep ;" and there is one in excellent preservation at 
 Alnwick Castle, which, by the roof, appeared to be of Saxon architecture*. They 
 are subterraneous caverns, in which such unhappy persons as had incurred the dis- 
 pleasure of a powerful Baron or Chieftain, in feudal times, were, to gratify his 
 malice, let down, with a loaf of bread, and a bottle of wine; and the ladder being 
 then drawn up, were never more heard of, or enquired after, but suffered to perish 
 in solitude, famine, and darkness! 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Nesfield, an active Magistrate of this County, (See p. 1 82,) told 
 me that he remembered a Man's being confined in this Dungeon ; but no sooner did 
 he receive the information, than repairing to the Prison, he ordered him to be 
 immediately taken out. This, probably, was done by that imfeeling wretch, of 
 whom Mr. Howard speaks, as torturing his Prisoners with thumb-screws •\-\ 
 
 * " That Oubliettes were constructed (says my inestimable friend. Dr. Lettsom) for the final exclusion 
 of Man from light and society, is fully confirmed by History. There were several of these in Europe, 
 and particularly in France, in which persons were shut up, who had been condemned to perpetual im- 
 prisonment. Bonfons, in his Antiqidles de Paris, speaking of Hugues Aubriot, Prevost of the City, who 
 was assigned tliis punibhment, says, " qu'il fut prfichi et raitr^ publiquement au parvis Notre-Dame ; 
 et qu' apros cela, ilfutcondamn^ a 6tre en l' oubliette, au painet I'eau." 
 
 f Of such a one, to be for ever forgotten is a benefit. It is a far more grateful task, for we especially, 
 to make known the following Letter, which I find in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1806, p. 115. 
 " Mr. Urban. Jan. Uth, ISOG. 
 
 " I shuddered at Mr. Neild's account of the oubliette in Durham Castle (Vol. lxxv. p. 9S9) ; and 
 earnestly hope that the worthy Bishop, whose proj)erty it is, will lose no time in having it filled up. 
 The present Gaoler may be trusted j but sucli a horrilile dimgeon should not remain. Let it not be said 
 that there is one oubliette in British ground. Melanctiiom."
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. |»J 
 
 It is a fortunate circumstance for humanity, wliere so mucli power is lodged, that 
 the present (laoler, Mr. Wolfe, never treats his Prisoners witli that rigorous seve- 
 rity, which so often liardens tlie Gaoler's heart; an<i that the ear of the learned 
 Prelate, who adorns the Diocese, is ever open to the cries of distress. 
 
 I have often wished that a new Gaol were built at this place. There is a plot of 
 ground behind the Sessions House, seemingly but of little use; and not only well 
 adapted for the purpose of both Prisons, but abundantly su])plied by a spring of 
 water, and with stone and lime almost upon the spot. 
 
 On my visit here in September l802, 1 observed, that out of the iS Debtors, 11 
 only were at Divine Service, but that of the 8 Felons, all attended, except one. 
 Their general behaviour was orderly; and attentive to a very appro])riate discourse 
 from the Chaplain. 
 
 The Count If Bridewell at Durham was built, as appears by the date over the 
 •door, in l6'34. It is situate on the side of a hill near the Bridge. 
 
 On the ground-tioor next the street, which is the upper part of the Prison, is a 
 convenient room I'or the Magistrates, who meet here to do business. The Turnkev's 
 rooms are on the same level, and have a command of the whole Prison. The old 
 "Ciaol consists of two good day-rooms, and several sleeping-apartments. The first 
 ilay-room, now occupied by Women, is three stories from the ground ; and has two 
 windows, which look to the River, 26 feet by 12, and J feet high, with a boarded 
 floor, and good fire-place. 
 
 Underneath are two rooms, which are used as sleeping-rooms for the Women. 
 The first is 17 feet by 12, and 8 feet 6 inches high ; the other 12 feet 6" inches by 
 11 feet, and 6 feet 6 inches high. They have eacli a window, which has the same 
 aspect as the day-room above. They have boarded floors, wooden bedsteads, with 
 straw, and coverlets, and are dry good rooms. Innnediately underneath these two 
 rooms, on the ground-floor, are two others, exactly of the same dicnensions; but 
 which have not been in use, except for lumber, for some years, being very damp and 
 unhealthy. 
 
 The second day-room, also occupied by Women, is on the second story, in the 
 adjoining wing of the Bridewell. It is ly feet by \j, and 7 feet high, and has three 
 windows, tliat look to the North-east, with a boarded floor and a fire-place. Under this 
 are two other rooms on the ground-floor. The first, 13 feet by <), and 7 feet high ; 
 the second, ,9 feet by 7, and 8 feet high: Both of them very damp and unhealthy; 
 but I was informed, that they had not been used since the building of the new 
 apartments. 
 
 From tlie second day-room there is a passage communicating with an arch of the 
 Bridge, which lies at llie back or \V'est side of the Old Prison. Under th'n: Areli
 
 186 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 was an access to two large cells, where, till lately, Prisoners convicted of capital 
 offences were used to sleep. The first cell is 19 feet 5 inches by 13 feet 9, and 9 feet 
 high; the other is 14 feet 3 inches by 13 feet 3, and 14 feet high, with flagged 
 floors; both of them totally dark, and fitter for a deposit of coals, than the reception 
 of any human being. I am now happy to add, that at my last visit, in 1809, the 
 Keeper informed me that these detestable Cells, " under the Arch of a Bridge," 
 had not been used for the preceding twelve months, as the bottom part of the straw 
 upon which the Prisoners slept, was found to have rotted into dung ! 
 
 The new building consists of seven rooms. The upper story, the third from the 
 ground, is divided into three apartments: The first, 13 feet by 9, and 8 feet high ; 
 the second and third nearly of the same dimensions. Each has a good window 
 fronting the North-east, with a fire-place, a wooden bedstead, with straw and cover- 
 lets, and is occupied generally by such Prisoners as can work at any business, Tailors, 
 Shoemakers, Weavers, &c. These are all dry good rooms, and have no communi- 
 cation with each other. 
 
 The second story immediately underneath is the Men's day-room, in which the 
 principal part of the Male Prisoners are kept. It is a very large and good room, 
 31 feet 3 inches by 16 feet 5, and 9 feet higlr; and has four large windows fronting 
 the North-east, a good fire-place, a boarded floor, and ceiled rpof, which make it a 
 very comfortable apartment. 
 
 The story on the ground-floor is divided into three rooms, of the-same dimensions 
 as the upper, or third story. One of them is appropriated to beating of hemp, for 
 vvhich purpose blocks are fixed ; and here the Prisoners from the day-room are 
 alternately taken to their work. 
 
 This Prison is well supplied with water. Each Prisoner has not only the County- 
 allowance of 3f/. per da}', but receives also the whole profit of his or her earnings. 
 People of the Town attend daily with victuals, and each Prisoner purchases for 
 himself what he thinks proper. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor any religious attentions. 
 
 There is an useless piece of ground adjoining the Bridewell, and desirably calculated 
 for a court-yard and workshop, which, as being immediately in view of the Turn- 
 key, would be perfectly secure. I was sorry to observe a very large dung-hill at 
 one end of this ground, just under the Prison windows, so that it is worse than use- 
 less, by becoming a nuisance, which might easily be removed. 
 
 ?j3° a A'ew Gaol, with Courts of Justice adjacent, is now building in a good 
 situation, and a little way out of the Town. 
 
 DYMCnURCH, Kent; See page IG^.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 187 
 
 EDINBURGH. 
 
 The City Tolhoot/i. 
 
 Gaoler or Captain, James If'dch ; now Thomas Sihbald. 
 
 Salary, 150/. in lieu of all Fees or Perquisites whatever, which are to be ac- 
 counted for to the Magistrates. The Gaoler lias a licence for selhng porter 
 and ale : He likewise furnishes the P."isoners with bread and small beer. 
 
 Garnish prohibited. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Porteous. Salary, 15/. 
 
 Duty, once on Sunday, to Debtors only. Criminals are not permitted to 
 attend Divine Service ; but are allowed a Bible each, or a Testament. 
 
 Surgeon ; when wanted, application is made to the Deacon of the Surgeons' Com- 
 pany. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Sept. 13th, ------ 17 26. 
 
 1809, Sept. 2 jth ------ 30 ------ 15. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, according to the discretion of the Magistrates. 
 
 Felons have fourpence per day, till indicted : and afterwards (which is fifteen 
 days before trial) they have sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The entrance into this Prison lies through three doors, the innermost opening 
 iut ) what is named " The Debtors' Hull.'" The first object that here struck my 
 notice was the following Copy of Lines, enclosed in a gilt frame, and painted on a 
 board conspicuously hung up. They have a mixture of wit and truth that meriu 
 £ome consideration : and I therefore make no apology for inserting them. 
 
 " A Prison is a House of Care ; 
 
 A place where none can thrive : 
 A touch-stone sure to try a FricuJ; -t; 
 
 A grave for men alive. 
 Sometimes a House of Right ; 
 
 Sometimes a House of Wrong : 
 Sometimes a House of Whores and Thieves, 
 
 And honest Men among." 
 
 This Gaol, and a large-mass of old buildings which adjoins to it (but since taken 
 down) nearly block up one of the most spacious streets in the City, by being built 
 in the centre. Here is no court-yard, and the Gaoler has no apartments within the 
 Prison.
 
 I.M STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 If a Prisoner for Debt declares, upon oath, that he has not wherewithal to main- 
 tain himself, his Creditor must aliment him, with at least threepence per day, within 
 ten days after notice given for that purpose. By an Act of the first Parliament of 
 King William, 1G96, Sixth Session, Chap. 32, Debtors are to be alimented by their 
 Creditors, at the discretion of the Magistrates. The lowest order to this end,, 
 that I could find on record, was four pence a day, when the Debt was only one guinea : 
 The highest order was eighteen pence. This principally, however, depends on the 
 rank of life in which the Debtor has been accustomed to move. When I was here 
 in the Prison, on the 13th of Sept. l802, the Keeper received ^i'(? pounds from the 
 Creditor of Mrs. Stuart, being one hundred days' aliment, at one shilling per day. 
 The Debt was three pounds ; the Costs three sliillUigs ; and the aliment was to 
 commence from the first of September^ the day of her commitment. 
 
 By the process of Cessio bonormn, a Debtor, after having Iain one month in. 
 Prison, may obtain liberty, and be secured against execution for any previous Debts, 
 upon making a surrender of all his effects, to be divided amongst his Creditors ; 
 though, if afterward he come into belter circumstances, his effects may be attached 
 for the payment of those previous Debts. This truly-compassionate Law precludes 
 a Creditor from putting his Debtor in Prison, unless there be good reason to think 
 that he is acting fraudulently. 
 
 Perjury is not, I believe, frequent in Scotland. The Oath, and form of adminis- 
 tering it there, are very solemn. Tlie Witness, holding up his right-hand, repeats- 
 the following words after the Judge: " By (iod himself, and as 1 shall answer to 
 '•' God at the Great Day of Judgement, I shall declare the Truth, and nothing but 
 " the Truth, in so far as I know, or shall be asked at me." I'he depositions are 
 then read over by the Clerk, and signed by the Witnesses and Judge *. 
 
 Male-Debtors in this Prison have two rooms with glazed windows, and \^'omen- 
 Debtors one, on tlie West-side of the building; in which they are furnished with 
 wooden bedsteads, straw- mattress, two pillows, a blanket and a rug each, for which 
 they pay as per Table. 
 
 Felons also have four rooms on the East-side of the Gaol ; two of which have 
 grated and glazed Vv indows, and the rest are iron-barred. They are supplied with 
 inattres.'^es only on the floors, a blanket and a rug each. 
 
 In all the above rooms there are two tubs ; the smaller one is filled every morning 
 with fresh water, and the other serves the purpose of a sewer. 
 
 From what I saw here, I cannot but think that very little attention is paid to 
 reforming (be Prisoners of the Tolboofh. In the first place, an attendance on Divine 
 service is singularly made optional irllh the Debtors, and not permitted to Felons^ 
 Both descri[)tions. Men and Women, without distinction, mix promiscuously 
 
 * Sre "Principles of tlie Law of Scollaml," 5tli Edit. 8vo. Edinbuiyli, 1777/ P- -IC'i, 463 ; and 
 Loutliian's " Form of Procees before the Court of Justiciary in ycot'-and." Edinb. I'S'Z, j). 100.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. H9 
 
 togctlicr of a morning, when their tubs are lilled with wat:r; and in the sanie room 
 were four VV onien-I'^elons, confined with as many I'emale-DLbtors. E\ery Prisoner 
 viaif have as- much beer as he can pai/Jor! The tap-room, in consequence, was full, 
 and many persons from the Town were drinking indiscriminately with the Prisoners. 
 TheGjiol, indeed, had been white-washed about six months before my visit in lHo-2 ; 
 but it was the only time, I was told, in the space of tirenfi/ years. No emplovnicnt 
 is permitted here; nor any firing allowed, except in the common-hall, or day-room, 
 which is also used as the Chapel. 
 
 The following Tables of Fees and Regulations for the Gaol and Gaoler are 
 worthy of insertion. 
 
 ACT OF COUNCIL ; 
 
 At Edinburgh, theffth dmj of September, in the year Eighteen hundred and ten ; 
 
 Which ilay the Right Honourable The Lord Pkovost, Magistkatls, and Council of the City of 
 Edinburgh, in Council assembled. Rescinded tlie Regulations adopted on the I'tli of July I7'2S for 
 the Goveininent of tiie Gaol ; and Ordered the following Rules and Regulations to be substituted 
 ia their place, and to be strictly observed during the pleaMire of the Council. 
 
 PART L Relati!jg to the Office and Duties or Gaoler, and Clerk to the Gaol. 
 
 Section L — Gaol Dues. 
 The Gaol dues are to be exacted by the Gaoler and Clerk, partly from the Incarcerator, or pei-son 
 interested in the imprisonment, and partly from the Prisoner, whether a Civil Debtor or Delinquent. 
 
 I. Dues rAY\r.LE to the Gaoler. 
 1. — By the Incarcerator, or Person interested in the Imprisonment. 
 
 For cveiy person imprisoned, or arrested in prison, for any ('i\il Deljt, there shall be ^. s. d. 
 paid at imprisoiunent, and when any \\';uTant on wliich he shall be arrested 
 is booked, for each pound Sterling of the Debt for which he is so imprisoned or 
 arrested ----- .--OOG 
 
 For every person imprisoned on any Warrant, as being in medilntione fiigtr, there 
 
 shall be paid at his imprisonment, if the debt is under 10/. - - - - 2 G 
 If above 10?. 050 
 
 For c\ei-y person imprisoned on a Warrant of T,iu\ bui ro« s, if granted by the Court 
 
 of Justiciary - - - - - - - - - - - -0 5 
 
 If granted by any inferior Magistrate - - - - - - - - 'i G 
 
 For evciy person imprisoned for exhibition of papers, or ad factum prtrstandum, 
 
 whether by Wan-ant of the Su))reme or Inferior Court - - - - -020 
 
 For every person imprisoned by any Warrant which does not pay Fees in terms of the 
 
 foregoing regulations, except Criminal Warrants, there shall b? paid - - O "i 
 
 '2. — Dy the Prisoner. 
 
 The Prisoner, whether a Civil Debtor or Delinquent, shall pay for every in'ght of his 
 
 confinement, to the (iaoler, the following dues : 
 If a Burgees of Fdinburgh - - - - - - - - - -002 
 
 If not a EurOTrS - - . - - - - - - - - -004
 
 190 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Any person imprisoned for Civil Debt desiring to have a room by himself, shall pay for the same 
 such Slim as shall be agreed on with the Gaoler, and that in full of all fees j but svich sum shall, m no 
 case, exceed lO*'. weekly. 
 
 II. Dues tayable to the Clerk of the Gaol. 
 
 For e\ery attestation of Commitment, signed by the Gaoler or the Clerk, the party £. s. d. 
 requiring the same shall pay - - - - - - - - -010 
 
 For every Diligence, or Warrant, delivered up by the Gaoler or Clerk, the party re- 
 quiring the same shall, if the requisition be made within eight days of the Pri- 
 soner's liberation, pay - - - - - - - - - -OOG 
 
 And if the requisition be made after that period - - - - - -Oil) 
 
 E\ery person incarcerated upon Letters of Lawburrows, if granted by the Court of 
 
 Justiciaj-y, shall pay at his liberation - - - - - - - - ^ d 
 
 If granted by any inferior Magistrate - - - - - - - -010 
 
 Each person incarcerated by Wanant of the Magistrates of the City, shall, at liis 
 
 liberation, pay - - - - - - - - - - - -0Ot> 
 
 If by Warrant of the Sheriff, or a Justice of Peace of the County - - - - 1 
 
 For each Petition by a Prisoner for the act of gi-ace, and for the Clerk's declaration 
 
 thereto OIG 
 
 All Government Prisoners shall, at their liberation, pay - - - - -U34 
 
 Every person imprisoned for exhibition of papers, or ad factum prcestandum, at their 
 
 liljcration 025 
 
 All persons imprisoned, or arrested in Prison, for any Civil Debt, if amounting to 5/. 
 
 and not exceeding lOl. shall, at their liberat'on, pay 020 
 
 If 10/. and not exceeding 30/. 026 
 
 If 30/. and not exceeding 50/. 034 
 
 If 50/. and upwards O50 
 
 And no Prisoner is to pay any thing to the Servants of the Gaol. 
 
 The Gaoler and Clerk are hereby strictly prohibited and discharged, under the penalty of dismission, or 
 such other punishment as the Magistrates shall judge proper, from demanding or receiving, by himself 
 or any of his servants, directly or indirectly, from any Incarcerator, or Prisoner, or from any jierson in 
 his or her name, at entry duiinghis or her eonliiKuieiit, or at liberation, any sum or sums of money, 
 in name of cnti\ money, or liberation money, or garnish money, or under any other name or pretext 
 \vliatsoc\'er, except the dues and fees abo\e established. 
 
 Section II. — Regulalions regarding the Internal Management of the Gaol. 
 
 I. Both in summer and winter, the Gaol shall be opened at nine o'clock in the morning, for tlie 
 admission of visitants, and shall continue open till three o'clock in the afternoon. Between the horn's 
 of three and half past four o'clock afternoon, the Gaol shall be shut ; at half i):-.st four the Gaol shall be 
 again open, for the admission of visitants, and shall continue open till nine o'clock at night, but no 
 longer. 
 
 II. No person is to have admission, for the purpose of visiting any of the Prisoners, before nine o'clock 
 in the morning, between the hours of three and half past four c'cluck in tlie aftenioo'i, or after nine 
 o'clock at night, excepting Physicians or Surgeons visiting any of the Prisoners as patients, and Lawyers 
 or Agents engaged in the defence of any of tlie Prisoners accused of crimes ; and excepting iil.so any 
 person who shall ha\c recei\ed a written order of admission fiom au) ot the Magistrates : but no person 
 to be admitted to persons committed on Criminal M'arrants for fui'thtr examination, without an order 
 from the Judge by whom such persons are comiui'.ed.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 191 
 
 III The Gaolershall not, at liis peril, admit iiiti) (he Gaol, as a visitant, any person who there is reason 
 to susi)cct hits any illi'gal or improjicr oUjecl in view; and shall search the person of every one cluiining 
 ndniiltiUKP to Criminals, profcssi(m!d gentlemen excepted. 
 
 IV. When the Gaol i.s shut, the whole keys are to be kept by the Gaoler in his own custody, and are 
 not to be entrusted to his servants. When the Gaol is open, he is always to be at hand, to superintend 
 the conduct of his servants. 
 
 V. Prisoners for debt, or any other civil cause, are to have the best rooms, and be kept separate from 
 deiutqueiUs and disorderly persons. Tlie Gaoler is to prevent civil Debtors from associating or con- 
 versing with Delinquents, as far as it is jjossible for him to do so, in the present confined and incommo- 
 dious state of the Gaol. 
 
 VI. The Gaoler shall allow the friends and servants of Debtors, at all convenient times when the Gaol 
 is open, to bripg in victuals ; but no spirituous liquors. 
 
 VII. The present state of the Gaol makes it nccessai-j' for the Magistrates to order that all Prisoners 
 accused or convicted of capital crimes, or condemned to transportation, banishment, pillory, or cor- 
 poral punishment, be at all times locked u|) in their respective rooms, excejjt when a Magistrate, on 
 account of their health, shall permit any of Iheiu, not convicted of capital crimes, to get the liberty of a 
 certain part of the Prison during the day. 
 
 VI II. Prisoners accused or convicted of offences not capital, and not condemned to transportation» 
 banishment, pillory, or corporal punishment, that is, petty DcUnquents, aie to be separated as much 
 as possible from Prisoners for civil debts, and prevented from associating with each other, as far as the 
 present state of the Gaol will permit. Prisoners of this description are to be locked up every night before 
 nine o'clock in their respective apartments. 
 
 IX. The Gaoler shall at all times keep the Male and Female Prisoners separate, and shall prevent all 
 intercourse between them. 
 
 X. If it shall hajjpeu that Prisoners arc at any time imprisoned for delinquencies during the night, 
 or by the verbal order of a Magistrate, the Gaoler shall at all times, on the morning after such imprison- 
 ment takes place, give in to the Sitting Miigi.^lrate a written report of the name of the Delinquent, the 
 crime with which he is charged, and the name of the Magistrate by whose order he is committed. And 
 if there is not lodged with the Gaoler, within four hours after he makes such report, a legal written 
 \\ arrant against the oftender, the Gaoler shall instanti) liberate all such persons from Prison. 
 
 XI. The walls of the w hole apartments in the Gaol are to be washed down twice every jear with strong 
 lime water. The whole stairs are to be swept and scraped twice, and washed once every week. The 
 different rooms and aiiartments are to be swept twice, and washed once every week ; and the windows 
 of each thrown open every morning, for the admission of free air. AU dung, filth, and ashes, &c. is 
 to be removed from every apartment before ten o'clock in the morning ; by which hour a full supply of 
 fresh water is to be carried up to each room. The Gaoler is to employ the persons necessary for all 
 these operations ; but for their regular performance he is himself to he responsible. 
 
 XII. The Gaoler shall every morning after opening, and every evening before shutting the Gaol,, 
 personally visit every room and apartment therein, and make a minue inspection ; in order to discover 
 and prevent the accomplishment of any attempts to cut the iron bars, or break through the walls, roof, 
 joists, or flooi-s of the Prison : and he shall take particular care that no instruments of any kind be 
 conveyed to, or be in the possession of the Prisoners, whereby they may eficct their escape. 
 
 XIII. W hen the Gaoler shall observe any of the Prisoners in a bad state of health, he shall give intima- 
 tion to the Surgeon apiK)inted by the Magistrates and Council, to take charge of those confined in Gaol. 
 
 XIV. The Gaoler shall jjievent the Prisoners from doing each other bodily harm, or committing any 
 riots. And for this puri)o=e he is invested with the power of putting the offender in such ca.ies, in the 
 iron or strong room until next day, when he shall make a report to the .Magistrates; but the Gaoler is 
 ©n no occasion to exercise this power, without reporting to the Magistrates.
 
 152 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 XV. The Gaoler shall not, unrler the penalty of dismission, and such other punishment as the Mu-. 
 gistrates shall think proper, furnish the Prisoners with any spirituous or other liquors ; and he shall, 
 luulcr the same penalty, use every means in his power to prevent spirituous liquors from being brought 
 into the Gaol, and the Prisoners from being furnished therewith. 
 
 XVI. The Gaoler shall not, at his peril, allow any liquor or beverage to be furnished to the Prisoners 
 except ale, beer, or porter ; and he shall at his peril use every means in his power to prevent intoxication 
 and gaming among the Prisoners. 
 
 XVtl, The Gaoler shall not pei-mit the Pi'isoners to make any exaction in money, or otherwise, on any 
 pretext whatever, from their .fellow Prisoners, whether recently incarcerated or not : and to enable him 
 to enforce this rule, he shall have the power of confining the delinquent in the iron or strong room 
 until next day ; when he shall report tlie case to the silting Magistrate. 
 
 XVIII. As it sometimes happens that Delinquents are committed to Gaol in a state of great filth, 
 without any change of clothes, the Gaoler it, authorized to pro\ide, and at all times, to keep a dozen of 
 coarse liiian shirts for the use of the Prisoners in this situation, to be taken from them before ihey are 
 liberated ; and he is authorized to adopt such other measures for ensuring the due attention of the Pri- 
 soners to the cleanliness of their persons, as particular circumstances may require. 
 
 XJX. The (Icrk to the Gaol shall, under the superintendance of the Gaoler, keep a book or books, 
 which shall be open and patent to all the lieges ; and which shall be regularly produced to the Members 
 ■of Council appointed to visit the Gaol, as after-mentioned ; in which book the following particulars shall 
 be carefully inserted : 
 
 1st, The name and designation of the Prisoner, as expressed in the Warrant of Commitment or Dili-. 
 gcnce on which he is incarcerated. 
 
 2d, The name of the incarcerator, with the ground of commitment, as contained in the WaiTant or 
 Diligence, whether for crimes, payment of debt, or otherwise. 
 
 3d, The date of the WaiTant or Diligence, and by what Judge it is issued. 
 
 4tli, The date of Imprisonment, with the name of the officer who executed the Warrant or Diligence. 
 
 5th, The date of the Prisoner's liberation, and by whom, and on what account liberated. 
 
 This book is also to contain an index, with an alphabetical list of the names of the Prisoners, dis- 
 tinguishing Criminals by the letter C after their names, and Debtor.^ by the letter D. 
 
 XX. The Gaoler is, at his peril, to beware of giving up the pereon of any Prisoner upon the verbal 
 order of any Magistrate, or other Judge. He is at all times to require a written order, for whate\ er 
 purpose, or for how shoit time soever such Prisoner may be wanted ; and is to take a proper receipt 
 from the person who receives him : a precaution the more necessary to be observed, as accidents have 
 Jiai)pened, from the loose and vague way in which it has been the practice for Officers to require the de- 
 livery of Priso"ers to be carried to the different offices for examination. 
 
 XXI. Divine Service is to be performed in the Gaol every Sunday : but, as (he piescnt state of the 
 •Gaol is such, as to render it imjiossible to assemble all the Felons on this occasion, a discretionary power 
 is lodged w ith the Gaoler, to j^ermit such only as he shall think proper to attend. 
 
 PART II. Rel.\ting to the Superintfndencf. of the Gaol, on the part of the Magistrates. 
 
 I. A standing Committee, consisting of the Lord Provost and Magistrates, and any other mcn;bers of 
 Council, shall be annually appointed, along with the other annual Conmiitrees and shaji be leruied 
 " The Committee on the Gaol ;" v^ hich Committee shall hold regidar quarterly meetings, and shall like- 
 wise hold .^iich occasional nieelings as may be foiind requisite. 
 
 11 Tlie duty of this Coniuiittee shall be, to take a general supei'intendcnce of every thing connected 
 ivitli the Gaol : to enforce a rigid observance of the Regulaiions ; and to see tliaf the Gaoler and Clerk 
 jjerfonn thefr duty with fidelity and attention : to attend to tlie state of the Gaol in regard to the tuf-
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND W ALK.S. ui 
 
 (Jt'loncy of the building;, and acconiniodation of tlic PrisoiuTS ; and to suggest such repairs %may appear 
 necessary: to obser\c and cornet any ditiiutiv, or abu«t.-i in llie nianagcnunt nf I hi; Gaol, and suggctt 
 improvements on tlie Regulations. 
 
 III. If any Prisoner has reason to complain of the cause of his detention, or the duration of his con- 
 finement, he is to apply to the Clerk of the Gaol, who is to state the case to the (iaol Corouiiltee, free 
 of all exjMjnce to such Prisoner. 
 
 IV. A cojjy of these Regulations is to be hung up in a ( onspicuous part of the Gaol, for the information 
 of all concerned. 
 
 Extracted from the records of Council, 
 
 By C. Cunningham, Conj. Cllc. 
 
 In tliree of the Felons' rooms, within the Tolbooth, are stocks (i.ved on the floors, 
 the upper part of which Hfts up, to receive the leg of the Prisoner, who nuist lie on 
 his back until released; and in these stocks they have been confined night and da}'. 
 
 After sentence of death a Criminal is taken to the Gud, as it is calletl, or Con- 
 demned Cell. Here a blacksmith fixes an iron strap to his leg, fastened again to 
 a ring, which encircles a strong iron bar, running across the room ; so that he cannot 
 lift up that foot from the floor: In this situation the wretched sufferer has been 
 sometimes detained during six weeks, until the execution of his awful sentence. 
 
 The horrid Cage likewise remains in the above Gad-Room: But the Gaoler told 
 me it was no longer used. 
 
 M\' first visit to this Prison, in Sept. l8o,9, was on a Saturday; but the Lord 
 Provost being out of Town, the Gaoler would not jjeiniit me to enter the Prison 
 rooms: therefore I did not gain admission till Monday, the 25th, when I found the 
 place clean, as I expected, and the tubs all emptied : But it did not appear to have 
 been white-washed since my former visit, in l802. 
 
 The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors I found hung up, but not the Act for 
 Preserving the Health of Prisoners. 
 
 A New City Tolbooth is now building, which will communicate with the Jus- 
 ticiary Courts. The spacious street will thus be freed from obstruction ; Prisoners 
 will then enjoy fresh air, that genuine cordial of life ; and the jjresent sad place of 
 confinement, will be hap])ily eflfaced from memory. 
 
 I here beg leave to make my respectful acknowledgements to the Right Hon. the 
 Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Council, for the great Honour conferred upon me, 
 by presenting me with the Freedom of the City. 
 
 James Chulmer, esq. formerly Practitioner of the Court of Session, and a 
 writer to the signet, in his evidence before a Committee of the House of Lords on 
 the 27th of February, iSoy, states the following extract from " The Institute of the 
 Laws of Scotland," by Mr. Erskine, (Book IV, Title HI, Sect. 26, 27, 28,) to be 
 the present practice respecting the Cc.isio Bonorum. 
 
 c c
 
 1.9^ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 '' Our ^w, from a consideration of compassion, has allowed Insolvent Debtors 
 toapply for the liberty of their persons, upon Cesslo Bonorum ; that is, on making 
 a full surrender to their Creditors of their whole estate, real and personal. Before 
 a Debtor has a right to make this demand, he must be under actual Coujinement ; 
 for it is in itself incongruous, and might be of batl example, that any one should 
 claim the privilege of personal Liberty, who is not truly deprived of it. 
 
 " The benefit of Cessh must be insisted in by way of action, in which the Pri- 
 soner must make all his creditors parties to the suit ; and it is cognizable only by 
 the Session. 
 
 "The Pursuer must set forth in his libel the misfortune or accident by which he 
 became insolvent, and bring proper evidence of it. He must produce, with the 
 process, a certificate, under the hand of one of the Magistrates of the Borough where 
 he is imprisoned, bearing, that he hath been a Month in Prison ; without which 
 certificate the Process is not to be sustained. 
 
 " He must exhibit, upon oath, a particular Inventory of his Estate ; and depose, 
 that he has neither heritage nor moveables, other than what is contained in that 
 inventory ; and that he hath made no conveyance of any part thereof since his im- 
 prisonment, to the prejudice of his Creditors. He must also declare upon oath, 
 whether he hath made any such conveyance before his Imprisonment ; and point, 
 out the persons to whom, and the cause of granting it, tliat the Court may judge 
 whether he has, by any fraudulent or collusive practice, forfeited his claim to li- 
 berty : And he must make over to his creditors the whole of his estate, absolutely, 
 and without the least reservation. 
 
 " The Decree ordaining the Prisoner to be set fi-ee, can have no effect as to future 
 Debts contracted by him, nor even as to posterior corroborations of former Debts ; 
 neither can it affect Creditors who were not called as Defenders in the Action upoa 
 which the Decree proceeded : And therefore, if the Debtor shall, after his release, 
 be again imprisoned upon any such Debt, he cannot avail himself of his former 
 Decree, but must raise a new Action of Cessio. 
 
 " The disposition which is granted by a Debtor to his Creditors upon a Cessio 
 Bonorum is not in satisfaction, or Sohitum of the Granters Debts, but merely in 
 further Security. 
 
 " If, therefore, the Debtor shall acquire any Estate after the Decree recovered by 
 him upon the Cessio, such new acquisition may be affected by his Creditors, as if 
 tliere had been no Cessio ; but still he may retain as much of it as is necessary for 
 his own maintenance. 
 
 " This is agreeable to our ancient Law, and likewise to the Roman. 
 " No Debtor, whose debt arises from a crime, or delict, is entitled to this 
 privilege ; which is also conformable both to the Roman Law, from whence we have 
 borrowed it, and to the analogy of the " Act of Grace," to be immediately explained.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALIlS. is5 
 
 Hence it is not competent to fraudulent Bankrupts, nor to Criminals liable in 
 jtissi/t/inient, (that is, in a sum in name of damages or indemnification to the party 
 injured, though the crime itself should be extinguished by a j)ardon,) nor to those 
 debts which have been contracted by fraud, or breach of trust." 
 
 The foregoing course of j^roceeding is stated to have been the constant and uni- 
 form practice in Scoflund, and is also understood to be so still. 
 
 As to its having ever been complained of, as of any material inconvenience to 
 trade in that Country, the Judges of the Court of Session have been heard to com- 
 plain, not of the Principle nf the Law, (for that was universally approved of) but 
 of the Practice under it. 
 
 The Judges observed, that they ought not to grant the Cesxio, but to persons 
 whose Insolvency was owing to misfortune: They complained of the dithcultv of 
 discovering whether the Insolvency was really owing to misfortune, or to im- 
 prudence. 
 
 The Actions of Ces.sio were understood to be conducted by Gentlemen at the Bar, 
 and Solicitors, gra/iiifnitsli/, out of compassion: The Creditors, again, uere 
 obliged to pai/ their Counsel, and their Agents : There was little to be got, generally, 
 by opposing the Ces.sio; and therefore it was remarked, "that there was little 
 ojijjosition, and that the representation and evidence to the Court, was all of one 
 side." 
 
 With respect to the nature of the " ylct nf Grace," the following passage from 
 the above Work of Mr. Erskine is extracted. Section 28. 
 
 " Anciently there was no legal provison for the maintenance of those imprisoned 
 for Debt; and, as they could not be allowed to sUirve, it frequently happened that 
 Royal Boroughs, who iiad received them into their Prisons, were burthened with 
 the expence of their maintenance. 
 
 It was il'.erefore provided by l().9f>, C. 32. usually called The Jet cf Grace, 
 " That whe?e any Prisoner for a Civil Debt shall make oath before a Magistrate of 
 the Jurisdiction, thai he has not wherewith to maintain himself, the Magistrate 
 may require the Creditor, upon whose Diligence he is imprisoned, to provide, and 
 give security for an alimony to him, at a rate not under three-pence a' day ; and if 
 the Creditor refuse or delay, for ten days after, to exhibit the alimony ascertained, 
 it shall be lawful for the Magistrate to set the l^-isoner at Liberty." 
 
 " The Debt, and Diligence upon which the Debtor was imprisoned, are not dis- 
 charged by the Magistrates' setting him free upon this Statute; and therefore the 
 Creditor may again use personal execution against him upon the former Caption : 
 But, if he abuse that power in an oppressive manner, he may be condenuied in a 
 Fine for that abuse, and tlie Debtor will have relief by a susjjension. This obliga- 
 tion upon Creditors to support their indigent Debtors took its rise from tlie Romans, 
 and was not altogether unknown in our Ancient Laic.
 
 1H6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 " If the Magistrates themselves shall, after the Creditor's refusal to exhibit ali- 
 ment to the Prisoner, chuse to be at the expencc of his subsistence, rather than 
 dismiss him from Prison, they may continue his confinement. 
 
 " This Statute is expressly limiteil to the case of Prisoners for civil debts; and 
 therefore, no person imprisoned either for not performing a fact which was in his 
 power, or for the non-payment of a Fine, or of a sum awarded against him, in the 
 mime of damages upon a delict, or penal law, can claim any benefit of it." 
 
 It has been asked, whether the foregoing is an exact statement of the practice 
 upon the Law in question ; or whether, through accident or design, any modifi- 
 cations of that practice have taken place in later years. No material ones seem to 
 have been introduced ; and the practice, in substance, is said to be nearly the 
 same. One circumstance, however, has been mentioned, with I'egard to the process 
 of Cessio Buiiorutn. The Cessio is either refused or granted, according as it 
 appears to the Court (from the proof which has been laid, or from the circumstances 
 of the case) that the Pursuer of the Cessio has a right to it, as having acted ho- 
 nestly and fairly. 
 
 Thus, for instance, if it shall appear that he has not kept regular books, when 
 he is a person in that situation of life who ought to keep regular books ; and, if there 
 be no good reason assigned for such books not having been kept, or not being ex- 
 hibited to the Court ; then the benefit of the Cessio has been often denied to such 
 persons, even although there be no other evidence, direct or presumptive, of 
 fraud. 
 
 Whether this practice is found to answer publick convenience in Scotland, has 
 been matter of enquiry ; to which the following seems a satisfactory answer. 
 It enables those who are confined for Debt, and who are conceived by the Courts 
 not to have been guilty of any fraud, to get out of Prison : And, sometimes, it 
 leads to this, That where proof of fraud cannot be obtained. Debtors, (who, it 
 may be conceived, ought not to be protected from the Diligence of their Creditors, 
 in so far as respects Imprisonment,) do, notwithstanding, obtain the benefit of the 
 Process Cessio. But it does not appear that any great inconvenience or injury 
 arises from such a process being allowed to exist in the practice of the Scotch 
 Courts.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 197 
 
 EDINBUlUill. 
 
 Canonsate Tulbooth. 
 
 Gaoler, JJ'iU'iam Pursell ; now Jolm Goulan. Saiarv, 2^1. Fees, see Table. 
 Licence for porter and beer, (iarnish, prohibited. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Burt, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtor. Felons, &c. 
 
 Sept. 12tli, 1802, - 8 -- 2. 
 
 Sept. 23d, 1809, ------ 4 0. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, as they are alimented. To Criminals, 4t/. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Gaoler of this Prison lives on the opposite side of the street; but he has 
 one room on the first floor for his own use ; and to it adjoins his tap-room, and the 
 day-room assigned for the Debtors. 
 
 The second-Jioor has two rooms for Debtors, which have grated and glazed case- 
 ment windows, table, benches to sit upon, and corner shelves for their provisions. 
 There is also a fire-place in every room, but coals are not allowed. On this second- 
 floor is likewise a room, called " The Gad-Room," of 12 feet by 8, allotted for 
 Felons ; with a strong iron bar running across the middle of the floor, to which 
 they are chained at night. It has a grated arid glazed window, but no fire-place. 
 
 The third-story has one room for Debtors, similar, and fitted up in the same 
 manner with those, below. They are all on the South-side of the Prison ; and 
 furnished by the Keeper with wooden bedstead, straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, 
 and a coverlet, at 4d. per night. 
 
 On the North-side are two small rooms upon the first-floor, for the better sort of 
 Debtors, and furnished by the Keeper with bedding, &c. at 55. per week. 
 
 §iC^ If the Incarcerator does not aliment his Debtor in twelve days after confine- 
 ment, he is discharged ; and one, under this circumstance, was liberated on the very 
 day of my visit, in Sept. 1809. 
 
 No court-yard. Water is laid on by pipes. There is a sewer below. The 
 whole Prison very dirty, 
 
 " Table of Fees. 
 
 " ACT OF COUNCIL, anent the Fbbs and Regulations of the Canongate Prison. 
 
 At Canong ATE, tho Seventeenth day of June, in the Year One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-fi\e, 
 
 The which day William Coulter, Esq. Baron Bailie, Messrs. Daniel Miller and Robert Scott, resident 
 Bailies, and William Murray, Treasurer of Canongate, sitting in Council, Having taken into their con- 
 sideration tlie many complaints and disputes anent the Prison-Fees of Cauoiigiite, owing to there being
 
 J as STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 no public authorized copy of these Fees in use ; And considering that the Right Honourable the Lord 
 Pro\ost^ Magistrates, and Town Council of Edinburgh, as Proprietors of the said Prison, by their Act 
 of Council, dated the 4th November, l/SO, ' authorized the Gaoler of Canongate to evact tlie same 
 ' Fees as are exacted by the Keeper of Edinburgh Prison, and contained in an Act of Couucll, dated the 
 ' 17th July, 17'28 ;■ therefore the said Baron, resident Bailies, and Tieasurer, hereby .statute and ordain 
 the Fees mentioned in the said Act of Council, of date the 17th July, 1728, and no other, to be exacicd 
 by the Keeper of the Tolbooth of Canongate ; and which are as follows, viz. 
 
 Fees payable to the Givoler of Canongate, 
 
 Scots. 
 The I ncarcerator of each Debtor shall pay at incarceration to the Gaoler two and ^. s. d. 
 
 one half per cent, of the sum for which the Prisoner shall be booked. 
 
 Item, The Incarceratorof any person or persons by the Lords Letters of Lawborrows, 
 shall pay at incarceration - ... - . . . . -,3 00 
 
 Item, The I ncarcerator of any person or pwsons, upon Lawborrows by a Magistrate, 
 
 Sheriff, or Justice of the Peace, shall i)ay at incarceration, - - - - 1 10 O 
 
 Item, Tlve Incarcerator of any person for exhibition of papers, or for implementing 
 of writs (captions for re-production of processes before the inferior Couits ex- 
 cepted) shall pay at incarceration - - - - - - - -llOO 
 
 Each person imprisoned for a civil debt, or othei"wise, not being a Burgess, shall pay 
 
 to the Gaoler of House-Dues each night - - - - - - -0G8 
 
 Item, Each Burgees of Canongate or Edinburgh, imprisoned for a civil debt, or 
 otherwise, shall pay to the Gaoler of House- Dues each night - - - - 3 4 
 
 Item, Each Piisoner for Civil Debt shall pay at liberation, over and above the afore- 
 said House-Dues, two and one half per cent, of the sum for wliich he or slie hatli 
 been booked, as relief-money, unless liberated by Decree of the Act of Grace, or 
 Cessio Bonorum. 
 
 Creditors consigning Aliment-money for Prisoners, shall i)ay to the Gaoler five per 
 cent, on the same. 
 
 All Deserters shall be free of Prison-dues to the Gaoler, in terms of the Act of Parlia- 
 ment, called the Mutiny Act, Sect. 51. T 
 
 Any Prisoner, chusing a room for more conveniency, (if such can be spared at the 
 time,) siiall pay for the same, in place of Prison-Fees, accaraing to agi'eemeut 
 with the Gaolci", not exceeding ten shillings .sterling per week. 
 
 Regulations for the Gaoler. 
 
 • Tlie said Tolbooth to be keeped clean, and opened at nine in the morning, and shut at ten at niijht ; 
 and furnished with sufficiency of water. 
 
 All malt liquors sold by the Gaoler shall be good of the kind, and of no higher price than wliat is 
 coxnmonly cliarged for the same in taverns. And he is hereby prohibited from exacting, or allowing 
 to be exacted, what is called Gamish-Jtioney from Prisoners. 
 
 Tlie Gaoler, by ."Vet of Parliament, 24th Geo. II. Cap. 40, is prohibited from selling spirituous liquors, 
 under the penalty of One Hundred Pounds sterling; and also from .allowing spirits to be brouglil into 
 the Prison^ except by way of medicine, ordered by a Physician, or Surgeon, and allowed by a Magistrate. 
 
 Fees payable to the Clerk for keeping the Piison Records. 
 The names and designations of all Prisoners, with tlie diligences or warrants on which they are impri- 
 soned, together with the acts and warrants of liberation, shall be regulajly entered into a b.xik, to be. 
 
 ^
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 19» 
 
 Vopt hy the Cli-ik, or Assistant Clerk of Court, and reported to the Sitting Magistrate eacli Court-day : 
 and for uhich there shall be paid the Fees mentioned in the Clerk of Court's Table of Fees, viz. 
 
 Sterling. 
 
 The Incarcerator of each person shall pay, at incarceration, for booking the dili- sk'. t. d. 
 
 gence, &c. along vi.h the Gaoler's Fees - - - - - - -OlO 
 
 Each Prisoner for a ci\il debt, or otherwise, shall pay, at liberation, for entering the 
 
 order or witfiant uf liberation, &c. - - - - - - - -010 
 
 For eath Certificate of iuiprioniiicnt, to be signed by the Gaoler, or Clerk, in appli- 
 cations for the Acts of Gi-ace, &c. - - - - - - - - -010 
 
 For each Certifit-ato, attested by the Magistrates, in processes of Cessio Bonoruni, 
 and for writing tlie same - - - - - - - - - -02 G 
 
 For Borrowings, and inspection of tlie Warrants of Record - - - - 6 
 
 Ordain this Act of Council to be extracted ; and a printed copy thereof to be affixed on the wall of 
 eveiT room in the Prison, for the inspection of all concerned; and the Gaoler and Clerk to regulate 
 themselves thereby, under tlie penally of Ten Pounds Scots, toties quoties, payable to the Charity Work- 
 house of Canongate. All disputes, relative to the premises, to be determined by the Magistrates for the 
 time being. Extracted by J a.mes Tait." 
 
 EDINBURGH. 
 
 Holyrood House, 
 
 Hereditary Keeper, His Grace the Duke of Hamilton. 
 
 Warden, Ifilllam Peine, Officer of the Ahbey. 
 
 Salary, half a merck, or sixpence three farthings a day, from each Debtor, paid 
 during confinement. 
 
 At my visits, l6th Sept. l802, and 23d Sept. ] 809, there were no Prisoners. 
 
 Allowance. They are alimented, as in the Tolbooth at Edinburgh, at the discre-» 
 tion of the Magistrates. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Royal Palace was originally an Abbey, but converted by King James V. to 
 the purpose of a Mansion-House ; and contains within a Prison, and an Asi^lum. 
 
 Over the door of the Warden's house is painted on a board, " Protection, for the 
 " benefit of the Sanctuary, given out by William Petrie, Shoemaker.", 
 
 The Iwuse has one room above stairs, about 15 feet square, with a fire-place in 
 it, and a window that looks into the court; set apart for the imprisonment of those 
 who contract debts within the Abbey .J 
 
 This antient structure, and its adjacent domain, have also the privilege of exempt- 
 ing from arrest all persons who flee to them for protection from any part of the 
 kingdom ; upon application being made to the Recorder, and paying fifteen shillings 
 each for the registry of their names. The boundaries of security, or f ej-ge of Court, 
 are, on the park side, of considerable extent ; but if any person, thus privileged, 
 contracts a debt here, he may be arrested for the same, and confined in the^ Prison 
 above mentioned.
 
 iOo STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 EDINBURGH. 
 
 The County and City Bridewell. 
 
 Governor, or Keeper, David Murray ; whose Wife officiates as Governess, or 
 Matron. Salary, 120/. with coals and candles. 
 
 Cashier and Clerk, Alexander Cunningham. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Accovc\^td.\\t, David Murray, ']nn. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Turnkey, has 12*. per week, and apartments to live in. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Duncan Forbes, whose Salary was 20/. : now the Rev. James 
 Porteous. Salary, 2^1. 6s. Duty, once every Sunday. 
 
 Precentor, or Clerk ; Salary, 5/. 5*. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. James Law, Salary, 35/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Men. Women. 
 
 1802, Sept. 13th, ----- 5 - 46. 
 
 1809, Sept. 23d, -----24 ------- 40. 
 
 Allowance; the diet in l802 was estimated at 1*. 6d. per week, for each : In l8og, 
 from 2s. to 2s. 4d. See Remarks. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This building, which has a beautiful castellated appearance, was first inhabited in 
 1795- The boundary-wall encloses about two acn?s of ground ; part of which lying 
 round the Prison, is converted into a lairge garden, in which are grown vegetables, 
 sufficient for tliie consumption of 100 Prisoners throughout the year. A small part 
 is also laid down with grass, for the bleaching of clothes, and where the Prisoners 
 walk in the Saturday afternoon, after bathing. 
 
 There is no wood in the whole building, except the doors and roof; the cells and 
 passages being all ardied with stone. A general reservoir on the Castle-Hill sujj- 
 plies two large cisterns on the upper-story of the Prison, from whence water is con- 
 ducted to the different parts. 
 
 At the entrance of the Bridewell, the Governor, or Keqjer, has a convenient 
 liouse, delaclied by a flag-paved court from the Pci?on, which is semicircular. 'I'he 
 gFou«d-floor 1ms a washing-house and bathing-tub ; where every Prisoner is washed, 
 not only at entrance, but on every S-aturday afterwards, previous to receiving their 
 clean linen.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Ml 
 
 The clothes of each Prisoner on being first arhnitted, are taken off, clesmsed, and 
 laid by ; and the house-clothing put o\i. Their hair is also cut off, and two flannel 
 caps substituted for wear. 
 
 Here is a kitchen, with boilers, on Count Rumford's plan, for cooking their soup 
 and other provisions; and two small court-yards adjoin to the wash-house and 
 kitchen, which are well supplied with water. 
 
 The Chapel is semicircular, and on the ground-floor, with benches for the Pri- 
 soners ; and has in it a German stove, which diffuses warmth through the whole 
 Prison. 
 
 Withinside the building there are three observatories, or spy-rooms, whence the 
 Keeper can see how the Prisoners are employed, without being seen himself. 
 
 The Prison consists of four stories, and in each story are thirteen work-rooms ; 
 divided from which, bv a well-ventilated passage, of about four feet wide, are thirty- 
 six sleeping-cells, each furnished with an iron bedstead, a straw-mattress, a binder, 
 two sheets, a blanket, and a rug. The window of each cell, for light and ventilation, 
 is of cast-metal, turning on a pivot ; and over each door is a ventilator opposite the 
 window. 
 
 At the top of the Prison is the Surgeon's room, or dispensary, where every 
 Prisoner is examined. On the attic story are twenty-five rooms ; two of which are 
 spacious, and warmed by a large iron plate in the wall, from a stove fixed up in the 
 passage. 
 
 The following is a statement of the different apartments principally constituting 
 the whole building of the Bridewell : 
 
 On the attic-story, or sick-ward, --------- 25 
 
 Single, or solitary cells, (thirty-six on each flat, or floor) for 
 
 one Prisoner to sleep or work in, -------- 144 
 
 Work-rooms, or cells, in front; thirteen upon each flat or floor, 52 
 
 rii 
 
 Total --------- 221. 
 
 To each room above sjjecified z. Bible is assigned ; and thosi- w]^ caniuit read, 
 are every Sunday detained with those who can read. 
 
 Xo Prisoners here are allowed to go to their slee])ing-cells, atli-r rising in the 
 morning, until bed-time. 
 
 The accounts of this Prison, both with respect to diet and to work, are kept on 
 a plan of singular correctness. The diet of each Prisoner is estimated at l.v. tid. ])er 
 week ; to which is added the expence of clothes during conjinemeni : What the 
 Prisoners' earnings exceed the above disbursements, is entered in a book for the 
 ])urpose: one third is given to them on discharge; another third six months after- ' 
 wards; and the remaining one third twelve months afterwards, upon their producing 
 a certificate of good behaviour, under the hand of a Magistrate, 
 
 n D
 
 202 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Had so very prudential and excellent an arrangement as this been adopted at 
 Glasgow, I should not perhaps have found a recently-enlarged Female Prisoner so 
 soon remanded to her old habitation. To characters indiscreet from iguorance, the 
 exertion of strict ceconomy, at their Liberation from a Gaol is, in fact, the truest 
 charity. 
 
 Justice requires me to observe, that as the construction and judicious accommo- 
 dations of this Prison in particular, reflect a distinguished honour on the County, 
 so do its cleanliness and good government establish the credit of the worthy Keeper. 
 
 ELGIN. Scotland. 
 The Tolbooth. 
 
 Gaolers ; the three Town's Officers, who act in weekly rotation. 
 
 Fees; Felons and Criminals, none. Debtors, 4t?. anight. No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Scott, makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 7th October, 1809, none. 
 
 Allowance, to Felons and Criminals, 6d. a day. Debtors, as alimented; generally 
 1*. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Tolbooth adjoins the court-house, and on the first story is a dismal, black, 
 and smoky place, about 16 feet square, with a low arched roof; so low, that one can 
 stand upright only in the middle of the room. The floor is of very rugged stone, 
 without a bedstead, or even straw to sleep on, for common Debtors. The second story 
 has a room of the same size, for Criminals, without fire-place, bedstead, or bedding. 
 
 The third story has a well-lighted and glazed window, with a fire-place, assigned 
 for Debtors who are Burgesses of the Town; and would be comfortable, if there was 
 a sewer in it: but this defect is supplied by filthy tubs. 
 
 At the back of the court-houi^e, and three steps below the level of the street, is a 
 dungeon, called The Thieves' Hole, about 15 feet square, without one ray of light, 
 or any apparent ventilation whatever ; in which Vagrants are confined, and it 
 is sometimes used by the Military as a Black-Hole. No water, except what is 
 brought in by the Gaolers.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 203 
 
 ELY. Cambridgeshire. 
 The Citi) Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Juhn Leaford ; now Benjamin Barlow, Slieriff's-Oflicer for the Isle 
 of Ely. 
 
 Salary, 40/. Also one guinea to furnish Straw : Twenty shillings for each 
 Prisoner taken to the Assizes at \\'isbeach ; and for conveyance of Trans- 
 ports, 7/. each. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, l6s. 8d. No Table. Felons, no Fees. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Charles Mules. 
 Duty, once a week. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. George Muriel ; \\ho makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1801, Aug. 20th, 1 7. 
 
 1S02, Aug. 8th, 2 ----- 1. 
 
 1805, Aug. 25th, ------ ------ 2. 
 
 1 810, Sept. 4th, 3. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors who are very poor. Felons, and other Prisoners, have each 
 a loaf of wheaten bread, weighing two pounds and a half, every day; and 
 scales and weights are provided to weigh it. , 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is the property of the Bishoj), who is Lord of the Franchise of the Isle 
 of Ely. It was partly rebuilt by Bishop Mawson in 1768, upon a complaint of 
 the cruel method, which, for want of a safe Gaol, the Keeper took to secure his 
 Prisoners. " This" Mr. Howard informs us, " icas done, by chaining them down 
 " on their baclis upon ajioor; across which were several iron bars, with an iron 
 " collar with spikes about their necks, and a heavy iron bar across their legs. 
 " An excellent Magistrate, James Collyer, esq. presented an account of the case, ac- 
 " companied with a Drawing, to the King; with which his Majesty was much 
 " affected, and gave immediate orders for a proper enquiry and remedy." 
 
 This Prison is much improved since my visit in l802: nor can too much praise 
 be given to the Visiting-Magistrates, for causing all unnecessary severity to be dis- 
 continued ; for its better ventilation ; County-clothing, and bath ; for the regular 
 entry of their visits in a book for that important purpose ; and for the great clean- 
 liness and good order in which every part is kept. 
 
 As here is no Chapel, Divine Service is performed in the Keeper's house.
 
 204 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 For Debtors there are three good-sized rooms above-stairs; and another, called the 
 Nursery Room, set apart for the sick, with a fire-place in it ; one iron bedstead, 
 (made a present of to the Gaol by the Bishop's Lady), and one wooden bedstead 
 for the Nursery. If a Debtor has a bed furnished by the Keeper, he pays 2.y., 
 Is. 6d., or 1*. per week, according to his circumstances. Some of the windows are 
 glazed, and have sloping boards before the iron gratings, to prevent Prisoners from 
 looking into the street, and conversing with passengers. 
 
 The Condemned Room is up stairs, 15 feet 6 by I3 feet 6, and 8 feet 10 inches 
 high ; ventilated by an iron-grated window, and an aperture in the door about 6 
 inches square. Across the floor of this room are spread twenty-six iron bars, and 
 two staples fixed in the floor ; to which, formerly, Prisoners were fastened by a 
 strong iron chain, run through the main link of their fetters, which, passing through 
 the side-post of the door, was locked on the outer side. No Prisoners now expe- 
 rience this severity. 
 
 Below stairs is the Felons' day-room, together with their cell, or night-room, of 
 18 feet 6 inches by 10 feet. The latter has a double door ; the outer is iron-grated, 
 the inner, of wood ; lighted and ventilated by a window of 2 feet 4 inches by 2 feet 
 2, and improved by two air-pipes. 
 
 Mr, Leaford, the late Keeper, at one of my visits, told me, that in the year 
 1798 he had twelve Prisoners, in Assize-time, confined within the before-mentioned 
 cell for four nights together ; of whom, upon tna\, six were acquitted ! 
 
 The court-yard is about 45 feet by 39, with a sewer in it; and the whole Prison 
 is well supplied with water, by a pipe judiciously laid on from the pump to the 
 day-rooms. 
 
 Compared with how many Prisons, even in Great Britain, may not these Pri 
 soiiefs say, of such a resource, 
 
 " We thank our Friends, and call it Luxury !" 
 
 As there is but this one court-yard for all descriptions of Prisoners, the Debtor who 
 conducts himself well, is indulged with the range of the Keeper's garden. The two 
 Debtors were comfortably walking in it, at the time of my coming here in Au- 
 gust, 1802. 
 
 The Gaol is now rendered secure. In some of our best regulated Prisons the 
 Irons employed are but from 6 to 8 lbs. weight. Those now occasionally used here, 
 are of 18 or 19 lbs. One pair is still kept, weighing Jbrti/ three pounds, which, in 
 the year 1799, one John Got hard, a Transport, had on for three days successively: 
 But, as his body became greatly swelled in consequence of such a pressure, they 
 were taken off, upon the Surgeon's representation. There was only one iro7i collar 
 with spikes left at my visit in l802 : the last time it had been used was on James 
 Thompson-,- m the year 1798. At my visit in 1805, I had the pleasure to find
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 205 
 
 that not the shadow of one was remaining, to dishonour an English Gaol. Wooden 
 bedsteads, with straw mattresses, are now (iSlO) allowed to each sleeping-room. 
 
 Every Sunday a begging-hox is permitted to be carried about, tiirough the two 
 Parishes of 7 rinitv and St. ^Nfary, for the bL-nefit of the Prisoners. The average 
 collection is about three shillings each Sunday; and when 1 was here in l802, it 
 amounted to nine-pence for each Prisoner. 
 
 Those who find employment (for none is provided,) receive two-thirds of the 
 net profit of their earnings. 
 
 Both the Act for Preserving the Health of Prisoners, and the Clauses against 
 their use of Spirituous Liquors, are conspicuously hung up. Here are also Rules 
 and Orders, but they are not signed, to avouch their Establishment. 
 
 The Assizes in this Isle are held twice a year, viz. in Lent, at Ely ; in Summer, 
 at "Wisbeach. 
 
 §[3= Debtors are sent hither from the Court of Requests, otherwise called of 
 Conscience: And, painful to think ofl the Costs oi prosecution may he six shil- 
 ///?ff.v and one penny, to recover (if it be ever recoverable) a debt of Half' u Guinea. 
 If this be not hunting the flea upon the mountains. Heaven only knows what is. 
 
 ELY. 
 
 Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Benjamin Richmond, now Benjamin Barlow. 
 
 Salary, lo/. No Fees. Twenty shillings for each Prisoner taken to the 
 Assizes at Wisbeach. 
 
 Surgeon, sent by the High Bailiff when wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 1 802, Aug. 8th, one. 1 805, Aug. 26th, two, and a Lunatich. 1 8 1 0, Sept. 4th, one. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. To Bridewell Prisoners it once was sixpence per 
 day, as at the Gaol : But it has since been taken off from the Town Prisoners ; 
 and they have their earnings only to live upon ; except on Sundays, when 
 they receive four-pence. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This ancient Prison, built in the year 1651, consists of four rooms; viz. one 
 below, for men, 16" feet by 15 feet 4 inches, with a sewer: another above, called 
 The Strong-lloom, about the same size, which has 34 iron bars running across 
 the floor, in like manner, and for the same cruel purpose, as those in the Gaol :
 
 206 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 a small room detached, with a sewer, for the men ; and, adjoining to it, an apartment 
 for the Women. These rooms have wooden bedsteads and straw mattresses, to which 
 the Prisoner furnishes his own bed, or hires one from the Gaoler at three-pence a 
 night. 
 
 The employment here is beating of hemp. Prisoners committed to hard labour 
 have the whole of their earnings for their maintenance. The Prison is out of repair; 
 and I do not find that it has been once white-washed these ten or twelve years. 
 No water accessible to the Prisoners. No court-yard, although one might easily 
 be made out of a part of the Keeper's ample garden. No Chaplain, nor religious 
 attendance. 
 
 By an Act " for the more easy and speedy recovery of Small Debts, within the 
 Isle of Ely, in the County of Cambridge," (1778,) Debtors are sent hither by the 
 Court of Requests ; and t]iey have no allowance whatever. 
 
 EXETER. Devonshire. 
 The County High Gaol, for Felons. 
 
 Gaoler, James Brown. 
 
 Salary, 200l. with two fields for his use, of about six acres of ground. 
 For conveyance of Transports, 1*. per mile. Fees and Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. IVilUam Bowness, now Rev. Edward Chave. 
 
 Duty, at the Gaol, Prayers every morning : On Sunday, Prayers and Sermon. 
 
 At the House of Correction, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday, and Prayers 
 
 on Thorsday. 
 Salary, for the Gaol, House of Correction, and Duty at the Quarter Sessions, 
 
 I2G/. \0s. He is a Priest-Vicar of the Cathedral, and to hold no otiier Cure. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. IFalher. Salary, 50/. for the High Gaol and House of Correction. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Feb. 1st, 28. 1803, Oct. 6th, 32. 1806', Sept. 26th, 31. 
 
 Allowance, twenty-two ounces of bread per day, in loaves from the baker. I think 
 it but justice to mention, that I found many of the loaves weighing 23 ounces. 
 Convicts under sentence of Transportation (see Remarks,) have not the 
 County bread, but the King's allowance of 2s. 6d. per week for their support. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is very conspicuously placed in a fine situation, elevated and healthy. 
 The boundary-wall encloses nearly two acres of land ; and, being sixteen feet from 
 the several court-yards, the Keeper has thrown round, within that limit, a convenient 
 garden.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 807 
 
 The Turnkey's lodge, wliirh is in front, has, on the ri<!;ht-han<l, his sitting-room ; 
 and on the left-hand are two batlis, and a eopper. Above stairs is his sleeping-room, 
 and four reception-rooms, for Prisoners, who are either unhealthy, uncleanly, or sent 
 in by night ; and likewise a room, in which some of the Prisoners' own clothes are de- 
 posited, and the Gaol-Uniform put on them instead. 
 
 Above the Turnkey's lodge is a leaded flat-roof, u]x>n which Criminals are exe- 
 cuted ! The Gaoler's house is in the centre of the building; and the approach to 
 it lies through a small garden. 
 
 On the ground-floor are thirty sleeping-cells, which open into a lobby, or pas- 
 sage, five feet wide ; and also twelve otiier cells of the like description, that open 
 into two court-yards, six cells in each. These last, however, being damp in winter, 
 are prudentially unoccupied, except when the (iaol is crowded. 
 
 Tlier^ are two day-rooms for men on the ground-floor, nearly octagon, and 
 about 22 feet in diameter; with glazed windows and two fire-places in each; to 
 which the County liberally allows coals, seats, and tables ; with shelves for putting 
 by provisions. 
 
 To this Prison there are no less th^n fourteen conrt-i/ards. Two of them, 84 feet 
 by Go, are for Men-Felons, both before trial and after conviction ; enclosed by a brick- 
 wall, and each having in it a pump, and arcades, for accommodation in wet weather. 
 
 One court, for the Women-Felons, has oj)en wood palisades, surrounding a 
 grass-plat. Several of the other court-jards, since their first laying out, have been 
 temporarily converted into gardens ; there being, at the time of their destination, 
 no Prisoners of the class for which they were originally intended. 
 
 The Jirst-stori/ has Jurty-eight sleeping-cells, which open into passages 5 feet 
 wide, leading (24 feet on each side,) to the Chapel ; and also two day-rooms, similar 
 to those below. 
 
 The second-story has Jiffy cells; which, twentyfive on each side, are separated 
 by a ] assage, of the same width as the former, and opening toward the Chapel in 
 the same manner as those below. Here are two day-rooms also, of similar construc- 
 tion with the foregoing. 
 
 The third-story has fifty sleeping-cells, and two day-rooms, like those on the 
 second-story. 
 
 The Chapel, a very neat structure, is partitioned off, to separate the ditTerent 
 classes of Prisoners ; and in the gallery there are six cells, made occasionally to open. 
 These are for Prisoners under sentence of death, and generally kept in utter dark- 
 ness; but during Divine service, the inner door (a wooden one,) is thrown open, so 
 that they can hear very well. They are each 8 feet 6 inches by 7 feet, and 10 feet 
 high ; and the Turnkey's sleeping-room is close adjoining. 
 
 The common sleeping-cells are 8 feet 6" by 6 feet 0', and 10 feet hi-h ; with arched 
 roofs and double doors : the outward iron-grated, the inner of wood ; with glazed
 
 208 STATE OF PRISONS ■ 
 
 windows, well-ventilated ; and fitted up, some with wooden crib-bedsteads, others 
 with those of cast-iron, straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, a coarse sheet, pillow, 
 and rug. 
 
 On the attic-story of the Keeper's house are two neat rooms, with conveniences 
 for the sick ; and communicating to the Chapel by a lobby. 
 
 Every Prisoner is required to attend Divine Service, unless prevented by sickness : 
 and only one Prisoner was absent when \ was there. 
 
 Religious books are distributed amongst them, at the Chaplain's discretion. Forty 
 Bibles, with the Common-Prayer and Psalms, were sent by an unknown Lady, just 
 before my visit in September l8o6. 
 
 Those Criminal-Prisoners, who wish to be better accommodated than the rest 
 can afford to be, have feather beds and bedding furnished by the Keeper, at 2*. 6d. 
 per week. 
 
 The Act for preservation of Heahh, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 conspicuously hung up; and excellent Rules and Regulations for the government 
 of the Gaol, signed by the Justices in Session, and confirmed by the Judges of Assize, 
 are duly printed and published. 
 
 Previous to the appointment of the present Keeper, a singular custom had pre- 
 vailed, for a party of the Prisoners, doubly-ironed, to be escorted, and to beg 
 charity every 'Christmas throughout the City. The custom is, now, very judiciously 
 discontinued. 
 
 The only permanent Donation to this Gaol, of which I could get information, 
 is the sum of ten shillings per annum, from the Dean and Chapter of Exeter. 
 
 Here, as in many other County Gaols, Lunatichs are received. Of this description 
 were four, when I was here ; who failed not very much to disturb the quiet of the 
 Prison, as well as to endanger the safety both of the Gaoler and his Turnkeys. It 
 appears a very desirable object, that persons so peculiarly pitiable should be admitted 
 to the blessings of an Hospital; where, by medical aid, tranquillity, and judicious 
 treatment, they might be restored to usefulness in life, or rendered at least more 
 comfortable both to themselves and others, than the circumstances of a Gaol can 
 possibly afford. 
 
 This Prison is very frequently visited by the considerate Magistrates of the 
 County, and every comfort supplied to its inhabitants, consistent with the privation 
 
 of liberty. 
 
 AUhouo^h the situation of the building is excellent, the original plan of it is ex- 
 tremely defective. The Gaoler's house is so jjlaced, as to command the view of but 
 a small part of the whole concern. The twelve cells which open into the court- 
 yards are unfit for any human being to sleep in. It would be a great improvement, 
 if most of those cells, built on the ground-floor, were converted into work-shops; 
 the local situation of this City affording an inexhaustible supply of resources, in
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 20D 
 
 the pickincf of oakum, making of nets, mops, and various other articles for shipping ; 
 and in uiiicli tlie most flagrant Criminals might verv usefully be employed, without 
 availing themselves of any means to facilitate their escape. 
 
 Every Prisoner, on being discharged, receives money to carry him home; and 
 thus prevents the danger of an inimediate recurrence to those practices which 
 brought him hither. 
 
 The Ciaoler is active and intelligent, and the whole Prison very clean. 
 
 I cannot close this narrative without expressing my very grateful acknowledge- 
 ments to the Magistrates of the highly respectable Countv of Devon, for the honour 
 which they have done me, in so conspicuous a manner, by noticing the faithful 
 Remarks I had presumed to make in my several visits to Exeter. The result is 
 truly pleasing. Where the Prisoners heretofore had but loose straw to sleep on, 
 they have now comfortable beds and bedding. Their day-rooms are supplied with 
 every requisite for decency and cleanliness in a Prison. The impediments to health, 
 and the consequent hazards of disease, have been removed. 
 
 EXETER. South-Gate. 
 The City and County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Dodge, now Richard Tarhart. Salary, go/. 10*. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, l6".v. 8</. (No Table.) Besides which, the Under-Sheriff 
 demands '^s. for his Liberate! No Fees for Felons. For the conveyance 
 of Transports, 1*. per mile. 
 Garnish, for Debtors, not yet abolished, 2s. 
 
 Chaplain, none. 
 
 Snrgeon, Mr. H'ulker, for Felons only. 
 Salary, none. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Feb. 1st, -.--_- q ._._._ 0' 
 
 1803, Oct. 6th, - 3 0" 
 
 1806', Sept. 26th, ------ 4 ------ y. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, See the Remarks. To Felons, and Criminal Prisoners, 
 one pound and half of bread per day, sent from tiie Bakers, atid which I 
 have always found of full weight. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is within the South Gate, from which, popularly, it takes its name; 
 and consists, amongst others, of two rooms in the KeeiJer's house, called the Long 
 
 E E
 
 310 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Room, and the Shoe. The latter, it seems, was so first denominated, from a Shoe 
 that was formerly suspended by a string from the iron-grated window towards the 
 street, to solicit the charity of passengers ; but the practice is now discontinued by 
 order of the Magistrates. This room is set apart for such Debtors as bring their 
 own beds, and pay sixpence per week. 
 
 The Long Room is for the Debtors to walk in, here being no court-yard. There 
 are also nine other rooms, to which the Gaoler furnishes beds and bedding, at from 
 3*. to lOs. 6d. per week, according to the ability of his Prisoners. 
 
 It is a singular circumstance, but every week sixty pemii/ loaves, (weighing, 
 Cth Oct. 1803, nine ounces and a half each) are sent to the Debtors of this Gaol. 
 If there be only one Debtor, he has the whole batch ; if more, it is equally divided 
 amongst them. From what source they come was not known in the Gaol, but the 
 Keeper gave me the following account : " Mr. and Mrs. Seldon's legacy, 2*. 6d. Mrs. 
 " Pengelly, 1*. Mrs. Reed, 6d. and the Chamber of Exeter, 1*. Total, 5*." 
 
 On the side of the gateway opposite to the Gaoler's apartments, are the three 
 wards appropriated to the Felons, dark, dirty, and offensive. We went into them 
 with lighted candles. They have no chimney for ventilation. No court-yard be- 
 longing to them, nor water, except what was brought by the Keeper, at his pleasure 
 or convenience. Nothing could exceed the squalid wretchedness of the Prisoners. 
 
 At my visit in 1803, I found the old Gaoler had been dismissed, a new one ap- 
 pointed, and windows were now made through the wall, which gave sufficient light, 
 without the assistance of candles. 
 
 The cell for women (No. 1,) is I6 feet 9 inches by 9 feet 6, and only 6 feet high. 
 It has barrack bedsteads, with two straw-in-sacking beds, and three rugs each ; and 
 is lighted by a window, of 3 feet and an inch by 2 feet 8 inches. 
 
 Cell No. 2, for mein, is 9 feet 6 by 8 feet 9, and 12 feet 6 inches high; fitted up 
 with two wooden bedsteads, straw-in-sacking beds, and rugs. The window of this 
 cell is 2 feet 6 inches by 2 feet. 
 
 No. 3 is also a cell for men, 18 feet 6 by 11, and 12 feet high; fitted up as the 
 former, and lighted by a window, of 3 feet by 2 feet and an inch. 
 
 Over these miserable night-cells are two day-rooms ; the one 17 feet 6" inches by 
 14 feet 9, and 13 feet 6 inches high, with a window, 2 feet 5 by 2 feet; the other 
 16 feet 3 by 9 feet, and only 6 feet 3 inches high, with a window of 3 feet 3 inches 
 by 2 feet 10. Both these day-rooms have fire-places, and coals are allowed for them 
 by the Chamber of Exeter, during the six Winter months. When Prisoners are 
 indulged the use of these day-rooms, a trap door is opened in the floor, and they 
 ascend through it by a ladder from the cell below. 
 
 Besides the foregoing weekly allowance of bread to the Debtors, the Taylors' 
 Company give l.v. 4d. on every Easter Eve. At the same time they also receive 
 from the Chamber thirty-six penny loaves ; and as many more at Christmas.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 8H 
 
 Two painted boards are here put up, containing Memorials of sundry Bequei^< 
 They are not dated ; but one of them seems to be verv anticnt; viz. 
 
 " Legacies. 
 
 " A Memorial of certayne Guyftes, to the yeerhe vahie of Twenty Poundea, 
 geeven by Laurence Seldon, and Elizabeth his Wife, to be distributed by the 
 Maior and Bayliffes of the Citie of Exon for ever ; as followeth : s. d. 
 
 " In bread, weekhe, to the poore Prisoners in the Kinge's (iaole, near 
 the Castell of Exon --------- 06 
 
 [Not paid tliese many j'ears.] 
 
 " Prisoners in tlie Sherive's VVarde Gaole, and Countie of the Citie of Exon a 6." 
 
 The other Memorial, on the second board, is this : 
 
 " Exon, South-Gate. Mrs. Hester Reed gave six-pence a week for ever to this 
 Prison ; to be paid out of a tenement called Ven, in the Parish of Cullumton, and 
 laid out in middling wheat bread, and distributed always to the Prisoners in the 
 Shew. [Shoe]." 
 
 The following Memorial also is framed, and hung up : 
 
 " Francis Pengelly, of this City, Apothecary, by deed, dated the 1st of January 
 1700, gave two pounds twelve shillings a year to be laid out in bread, for the use 
 of the Debtors in this Prison, for ever; issuing out of his estate called the Dolphin 
 Inn, and premises adjoining, situate in the Parish of St. Mary Major, in the said 
 City." 
 
 This estate was sold in 1805, and IO95/. ly.y. 6d. three percent, consolidated 
 annuities purchased with the j)roduce, in the names of W. B. Kennavvay, Thomas 
 Smith, A. Tozer, and (J. Giflbrd. 
 
 Debtors likewise receive ten shillings yearly from the Chamber of Exeter, on the 
 Monday fortnight following St. Michael's day; ten shillings a year from the Church, 
 at the disposal of the Keeper ; and six-pence a year from the Lay-Vicars of the 
 Church, on the day their Court is lield at Jf'ondherj'y. 
 
 There is no memorial in the Prisons at Exeter of the following donations, men- 
 tioned in Richard Izache's ^Alphabetical Register, &c. printed in 1736'. Such 
 valuable registers of persons' last wills, grants, &c. in other cities, would prevent 
 the misapplication of many charities. 
 
 Reynold Ilai/ne, in 1354, bequeathed all his lands and tenements lying in the 
 suburbs of the said City to the Cathedral Church of St. Peter there, for the relief 
 of those imprisoned in the common (Jaol. This legacy a|)pears to be lost. 
 
 IVilUum Rarumore, by will, 22d February, 1")7(), bequeathed to the needy 
 Prisoners of the King's Gaol in Exeter, in the South Gate there, and in the Counters,
 
 212 StATE OF PRISONS 
 
 to every of them ten shillings for ever, yearly, to be paid out of his lands in the 
 Cook Row, in Exeter. 
 
 This is regularly paid to the Prisoners in the South Gate. 
 
 Thomas Br id gman, by will, sd April 1641, gave to the said City the sum of 
 sixty pounds, to be continued as a perpetual stock ; whereof the interest of forty 
 pounds to be bestowed upon the Prisoners in the upper Prison ; and the interest of 
 the other twenty pounds to be bestowed upon the Prisoners in the lower Prison ; 
 and this likewise to continue for ever. This legacy appears to be lost. 
 
 Edivard Young, D. D. Gth June, 1663, by will gave twenty shillings a year to 
 the prisoners of the Castle, to be distributed, by the Dean of Exeter for the time 
 being, on the 29th of May. 
 
 Transports in this Gaol have not the King's allowance of 2*. 6d. per week. Here 
 is no bath nor oven : The Gaol is but seldom visited *. The Act for Preservation 
 of Health is not exhibited ; but the prohibitory Clauses against Spirituous Liquors 
 are written on paper, and stuck up. No Rules and Orders. It is not in the power 
 of repairing to make this a good Prison ; but it is to be hoped that so opulent a City 
 will ere long follow the example of the County, and build a new one in its stead. 
 
 EXETER. Sheriff's Ward. 
 The County Prison for Debtors. 
 
 Gaoler, Richard Rice, now TVilUam Birch. 
 
 Salary, 25/. Fees, as per Table. Garnish, prohibited by the Prison Rules, 
 yet generally exacted by the Prisoners. 
 
 Chaplain, none; nor any religious attentions whatever, notwithstanding the 
 great number of persons here confined. No Surgeon. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 
 
 1800, April 1st, - - - - 33. 
 1802, Jan. 29th, - - - 45. 
 
 1803, Oct. 6th, - - - - 32. 
 l8o6", Sept. 13th, - - - 19. 
 
 Allowance, at my first visits, none : But now, two shillings per week, in cases of 
 extreme poverty, upon application made to the Magistrates. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, called the Sheriff's Ward, is in the parish of Saint Thomas the 
 Apostle. The boundary wall is of mud, with a thatch coping, except a small part, 
 
 * " Visiting Prisons is truly a Christian clioiec : the lot, in which is to be found tlie least of that which 
 selfish nature covets, and most of what it shrinks from."
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 215 
 
 of brick, which fronts the street. It encloses about an acre of (rroond ; and from 
 the Turnkey's L<xl<j;c to tlic Prison is a walk of ()0 yards, sliaded by a (loiible row of 
 large elms, and well supplied with water. 
 
 At the left entrance of the Prison is a room, 19 feet by 18, which still retains the 
 name of Church : the reading desk remains, and on the walls are portions of scrip- 
 ture; but it is now the common day-room. On the right of the passage is a room 
 calk'd the Pin-hole, with a tire-place and glazed window, where Debtors dress their 
 provisions ; and adjoining to it is the Strong-room, which has a fire-place and small 
 glazed-wiiulow, a barrack-bedstead, but no bedding, nor even straw, to sleep upon. 
 This is the only free ward in the Prison. 
 
 For Master's- Side Debtors there are seven rooms, with beds and bedding furnished 
 by the Keeper, for which they j)ay as per following Table : one of the rooms has 
 seven beds, and two slept in each bed. Common-Side Debtors have six rooms ; each 
 pays 6(1. a week ; but they have neither bedding nor straw. Two were sick in bed ; 
 another had the jaundice ; and a fourth was in the last stage of a consumption at 
 my visit in 1803, without any medical assistance. 
 
 This Building is very old ; the rooms were dirty, and swarming with bugs. It is a 
 fortunate circumstance, in so crowded a Prison, that the court is spacious and airy. 
 Here are Rules and Orders, signed by the Untler-Siieriff only, and no attention is 
 paid to them : There were constant broils between the late Keeper and his Guests, 
 and it was difficult to determine where the fault most lay. The (Jaoler said, no Magis- 
 trate ever came there without being sent for ; but any one visiting this Prison must 
 see the necessity of Rules and Orders, both for Prisoners and Keepers, being fixed 
 bv the Legislature. The Gaoler added, that his salary was small, so that his chief 
 dependance rested on the hire of his beds, and Prison-Fees. It is difficult to conceive 
 the extreme wretchedness and misery here exhibited. The Debtors, for the most part 
 mechanics and labourers, seem to be more unfortunate than criminal, and have an 
 abundant claim to pity and relief. No employment ; nor rooms to work in, if it 
 were procured. One Prisoner (Anne Fisher, committed for contempt, 13th Nov. 
 1791,) I saw here in 1S03 ; but, at my last visit, she was dischai^ed. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 Settled and established at the Greneral Quarter Sessions of the Peace, 
 
 held 14th April, 1801. 
 
 " For the Commitment-Fees of every Prisoner for Debt, Damages, JE. s. d. 
 
 and Contempt, thoiigli it be for several actions or processes only, - 13 4 
 
 For every Liberate, -.--..__.--.-_. 2 
 
 For the I'urnkey, ------.-..--._. 010 
 
 For the use of a bed in a single room, for one person per week, - - 3 
 For the use of a bed in a room wherein are two or more beds, and two 
 
 lodge in each bed ; then, for each Prisoner, 013
 
 214 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 For the use of a bed in a room wherein are two or more beds, and one £■ s. d. 
 
 only in each bed, -.-._--.._..__ 026 
 For the use of the Commoii-Room, if the Keeper finds bedding ; each 
 
 person per week, ------_----_.-- oio 
 
 If the Prisoner finds bedding, ------------ 006 
 
 " Devon, Easter Sessions, 1801. We allow and approve of the above Table of Fees, to 
 be taken at the Sheriff's Ward of the said County, [ 
 
 " J. B. Cholwick, Chairman. 
 " W. F. Hall. 
 " J. Newcombe." 
 
 " Lammas Assizes, 1801. We do allow and confirm the above Table of Fees, 
 
 S. Le Blanc. 
 Rob. Graham." 
 
 EXETER. Devonshire. 
 The County House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, WiUiam Ford. 
 
 Salary, I50/. and a considerable portion of the Prisoners' earnings. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Edward Chave; who is also Chaplain to the Gaol, and to the 
 Magistrates at their Quarter Sessions. 
 Duty, on Thursday, Prayers : on Sunday, Prayers and a Sermon. 
 Salary, for the whole duty, 126/. 10^. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Benjamin Walker. 
 
 Salary, for the Gaol and House of Correction, 50/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 18IG, June 21st, 68. Every one of whom is employed 
 in some kind of labour. 
 
 Allowance, to each, twenty-two ounces of good wheaten bread per day, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This extensive and noble structure, now compleated, is equally admired for the 
 solidity of its construction, the excellence of its masonry, and its handsome ap- 
 pearance, which will remain a lasting honour to the County of Devon. It stands 
 on somewhat more than an acre and a half of ground, and is situate in a field on a 
 fine eminence adjoining to the County Gaol.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 21T 
 
 Its foundation was laid near four years since, and underneath it is jjlaced a tin 
 plate, witli the followintr Inscription : 
 
 " The Foundation-Stone of tliis House of Correction was laid by Samuel-Fre- 
 " DERiCK MiLFOun, esq. Chairman of a Committee of Magistrates of the County of 
 " Devon, in the presence of tlie said Committee, on the 22d day of August, in the 
 " year 1807. 
 
 " Geo. Moneypenny, Architect" 
 
 The Prison is encircled by a boundary wall, 22 feet higli ; in the front of which 
 is the Turnkey's lodge, a handsome stone building, rendered very conspicuous by a 
 noble gate of entrance, \G feet higli, and S feet wide, adorned with rustic cinctures, 
 and arch-stones of uncommon grandeur ; adopted from a design of the Earl of Bur- 
 lington, as executed in the flanks of Burlington-IIouse, Piccadilly. 
 
 Above the gate is a stone cornice, crowned with a tablet ; on which is inscribed, 
 
 " The House of Correction for the County of Devon : 
 " Erected in the Year 1809." 
 
 On passing the Lodge, in which are the Turnkey's apartments, amply fitted up 
 with every accommodation, a spacious flag-stone pavement leads through a neat shrub- 
 bery to the Keeper's house, an octagon building, situate in the centre of the Prison; 
 on the ground-floor of which are a Committee-room for the Magistrates, a parlour 
 for the Keeper, an office room, and a kitchen : and underneath, in the basement 
 story, are large vaulted apartments for dornestick purposes. 
 
 The Houne of Correction consists of three wings, detached from the Keeper's 
 house by an area 12 feet wide; each wing containing two Prisons, totally distinct; 
 so that there are six divisions, for as many classes of Prisoners, with a spacious 
 court-yard appropriated to each, surrounded by wrought-iron railing, 6 feet high, 
 which prevents access to the boundary wall, and preserves a free communication, of 
 12 feet in breadth, betwixt the wall and the court-yards. 
 
 The entrances to all the court-yards and Prison apartments open from the area 
 round tlie Keeper's house, through wrought-iron grated gates, opposite the several 
 windows of his apartments. 
 
 There are also iron-grated apertures in the arcades of the ground-floor, which 
 open into the area; so that the whole Prison is completely inspected, and the dif- 
 ferent classes attended to, without the necessity of passing or entering the court- 
 yards ; the Keeper, from the windows of his own dwelling, having a view into the 
 airing-grounds and work-shops of all the divisions. 
 
 In each court-yard, on the ground floor, are spacious vaulted arcades, fitted up 
 as workshops Jhr light employment, and in which a number of Prisoners are occu- 
 pied in weaving, picking and sorting wool, beating hemp, cutting bark, &c. Ad- 
 joining to the arcade in each division is a day-room, lighted by two large sash
 
 ii6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 windows, and fitted up with a patent kitchen-stove, which answers every purpose 
 of domestic cookery. Between the stone piers that support the vaulted ceiling of 
 the day-rooms are wooden dressers, and benches of wood are jilaced round the 
 rooms. The Prisoners have access to the day-rooms only during their meals, and 
 previously to their being locked up. 
 
 On the first floor of each division, to which the ascent is by stone stair-cases, are 
 six cells, and on the second floor six others, making in all, seventy-two ; each 
 7 feet by 10, and 10 feet 6 inches high, to the crown of the arch; lighted and 
 ventilated by iron-grated apertures ovtr the doors, of 2 feet 6 inches by 1 foot, 
 without glass. Each cell is fitted up with one, and some with two wooden bed- 
 steads, formed like those in the Royal Hospital at liaslar, and to be used in case 
 of necessity. All the cells open into spacious and lofty arcades, guarded by 
 iron rails; and thus a free circulation of air is preserved, which cannot fail to render 
 this Prison always more healthful than it could be with close confined passages, 
 into which the cells and rooms of other Prisons too generally open. The floors of 
 all the cells and arcades are paved with large flag-stones, and the cell-doors lined 
 with iron jjlates. 
 
 On the upper floor, at the back of the right and left wing, are two rooms, each 
 13 feet 6 inches by 10 feet, and 10 feet 6 inches high, to the crown of the arch, set 
 apart for faulty Apprentices. These rooms are lighted by sash windows, and have 
 a fire-place in each : the floors are paved with flag-stones, and each room is fitted up 
 with wooden bedsteads, in the same manner as the cells. 
 
 On the first floor of the Keejier's house is the Chapel ; an irregular octagon, 38 
 feet in diameter, and 14 feet high, lighted by eight large sash windows, and neatly 
 divided by framed partition-pevvE, which are so heightened by crimson blinds, as 
 to prevent the classes seeing each other. The Prisoners have a communication with 
 the Chapel, from the first floor of the arcades, into the difli^rent divisions set apart 
 for each class of the Prisoners, which they enter and quit, without mixing with, 
 or being in sight of each other. 
 
 This Prison is sup|}lied with fine water from a reservoir, (placed on an arcade 
 in the area, between the back wing of the Prison and the Keeper's house,) which is 
 filled from a well underneath, by an hydraulic pump of excellent contrivance, that 
 is worked bj' the Prisoners every morning. From the reservoir pipes are laid into 
 all the day-rooms of the Prison, the Turnkey's lodge, and the kitchen of the 
 Keeper's house; and in each of the rooms, eight in number, is fixed a stone trough, 
 with a pipe and cock. 
 
 The sewers of this Prison are judiciously placed at the ends of the difltrent wings: 
 they are spacious, lofty, well ventilated, and the vaults are 30 feet deep. 
 
 All the areas and walks round the Prison, and the arcades and day-rooms, are 
 paved with krge flag-stones, and the six court-yards with fine gravel. The roofs
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND \VALF,.->. 21T 
 
 of the whole building are so constructed, as to sheUer the walls and the foot-paths 
 round the Prison in wet weather. They project 5 feet beyond the walls, and the 
 Soliit of the projection is relieved by Cautilivers, in the manner of the Grecian 
 Temples; of which the church of St. I'aul Covent Garden, is an example. 
 
 At the back of the Prison, and communicating therewith, is a spacious work- 
 yard, in which are some extensive working-shops, for the purposes of more la- 
 borious emj)loymeut than is carried on immediately within the Prison ; such as 
 hewing and polishing stone, sawing timber, cutting bark, &,c. In this work-yard are 
 two sewers, and a pumj) which aHords a supply of very fine water. 
 
 It is in contemplation to erect a Hospital for the use of the Gaol and Bridewtll ; 
 which will be a detached building, and contain airy wards for Male and Female 
 Invalids, with hot and cold baths. 
 
 The Rules and Regulations for the (iovernment of this Prison are excellent. 
 Their principal tendency is to enforce cleanliness, morality, and habits of industry. 
 The greatest stress is also laid on the constant separation of the Prisoners into dis- 
 tinct classes, arranged according to the respective nature of their ofiences ; so that 
 the more criminal may no longer corrupt those who have been committed for slight 
 oflences, and thus render them far more depraved than before their Imprisonment; 
 which was inevitably the case in the Old Bridewell, and of which I have given a full 
 description in the Gentleman's Magazine for May 1808, p. 414. 
 
 EVESHA M . If'orcestershire. 
 The Borough Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, /. Knowles, Sergeant at Mace. Salary, none. 
 Prisoners, none, 27th August, 1803. 
 Allowance, one pound of bread per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This Prison consists of two rooms under the Town-Hall ; one on the ground- 
 floor, and one above it, with straw on the floor. 
 
 No court-yard, nor water. The Recorder of Evesham acts as Judge. 
 
 FALMOUTH. Cornwall. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 Keeper, the Town Sergeant. Salary, none. Fees 6s. Sd. No Table. 
 Prisoners, 1803, Oct. 12th, One. 180G, Oct. 2d, None. 
 Allowance, sixpence per day. 
 
 Here are two rooms, under the back part of the Keeper's house ; the largest is 
 10 feet 8 inches by 9 feet 8, with loose straw on an earthen floor, and each has a 
 small iron-grated window. No Court. No water, 
 
 F F
 
 ins. STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 FLEET PRISON. London. 
 For Debtors, and Contempt of Court. 
 
 Warden, John Eyles, Esq. 
 
 Deputy Warden, and Clerk of the Papers, Mr. Nicholas Nixon. 
 
 Fees, on Commitment, to the Warden, \l. 6s. Sd. to the Turnkey, 2*. 
 
 on Discharge, to tl>e Warden, 7*. 4d. and to the Clerk of the Papers, for 
 every Discharge of every Action, 2s. 6d. 
 Garnish abolished. Licence for Beer and Wine to Robert Richmrds, who is 
 Tapster to the Warden. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Manley Wood, M. A. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday ; and on Christmas Day and Good 
 
 Friday the Sacrament is administered. 
 Salary, 30/. paid by the Warden. 
 
 Surgeon, none. No medical assistance in case of sickness. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 
 Within the Walls. In the Rules. Within the Walls. In the Rules. 
 
 1800, June 14th, - - 192 - - 
 
 60 
 
 1806, May 24th, - 
 
 - 256 - - 
 
 75 
 
 1801, April 27th, - - 250 - - 
 
 70 
 
 1807, March 22d, - 
 
 - 178 - - 
 
 53 
 
 1802, Jan. nth, - - 230 - - 
 
 75 
 
 1808, June 21st, - 
 
 - 246 - - 
 
 70 
 
 1803, Dec. 10th, - - 229 - - 
 
 67 
 
 1809, June 16th, - 
 
 - 309 - - 
 
 83 
 
 1804, Feb. loth, - - 256 - - 
 
 58 
 
 1810, Oct. 17th, - 
 
 - 221 - - 
 
 48 
 
 1 805, April 22d, - - 171 - - 
 
 50 
 
 1811, Feb. 20th, - 
 
 - 305 - - 
 
 100 
 
 Allowance. See Remarks. 
 
 
 
 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Fleet became a Prison for Debtors, and for Persons charged with contempt 
 of the Courts of Chancery, Exchequer, and Common Pleas, in the l6th of Charles L 
 after the abolition of the Star Chamber. 
 
 In 1729 an enquiry was made into the state of the public Gaols ; and it appearing 
 that great cruelties had been practised, particularly on Sir William Rich, Bart, 
 who was found in the Fleet Prison loaded with irons, Thomas Bamhridge, the 
 then Warden, with John Hiiggin, his Predecessor, were committed close Prisoners 
 to Newgate, and many useful regulations were enacted. 
 
 In the front of this Prison is a narrow court^yard, and at each end of the building 
 a small projfcction, or wing. There are four floors, called Galleries; besides 
 which is the cellar-floor, called Bartholomew Fair.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALFS ¥f^ 
 
 Each fifnllery consists of a passage in tlio middle, the whble lertgth of the Prikon, 
 66 v'iirds; and of rooms on each side of it, about 14-J- feet by l^-i-, and 9 feet 
 6' inches high. A cliiinney and window in every room, except throe, which are 
 called Slip Iiooms, and without a chimney. The passages are narrow, not 7 feet 
 wide; and dark, having only oiie window at ieach end. 
 
 On the Hrst-flbor, tlic Half (iiiUehj, to which the ascent is by eight steps, are a 
 tap-room, a room called the CfelUr-Head, another for btie of the Turnkeys, and 
 nineteen rooms for the Prisonet-s ; ai the North-end of which is the Chapbl. 
 
 When I was there in March 1807, I was surprized to find eleven Debtors only 
 attended Divine Service; the excuse being that the Chapel was daiiip artd cold. 
 A fire-placfr in' it, with coals allowed, \vould be a veiy great improvembrit ; arid I 
 hnVe no douht the Chaj>el \Votild then bfe vieW filled, to hear the excellent Preacher. 
 
 The Cellar-Floor is sixteen steps beloiv the Hall Gallery. It consists of the 
 public kitchen, four large beer and wine cellars, sixteen rooms for Prisonei-s, and one 
 for another of the Turnkeys. 
 
 In the Cojf'ee-tioom Gulleri/, which is the next above the Hall, are the Cofiee- 
 Room, made oiit of two; thie Slrong-Room, for cbnflnetnent of the Refractory, and 
 twenty-t»vo more fof- other Prisoners. 
 
 In the f/iird Galleri/, above the Cottee-Room, are twenty-six dthers, and a room 
 at the North-end. Over the Chapel is an Infirmary. 
 
 In the Top Galleri/ are also tiventy-seveh rooms ; Soriie of vVhicIi, being over the 
 Chapel, are larger than the rest. 
 
 All the rooms I have here mentioned are fo^ the: Master s-Slde Debtors, taken 
 Qnfurnished, at the weekly rent of is.^d. They fall to the Prisoners in succession, 
 (except those called Bartliohmcw Fair, which are in the entire disposal of the 
 Warden ;) that is to say, when a room becomes vacant, the first Prisoner upon the 
 list of such as havfe paid their Commitmeht-Fees, succeeds to it. When the Prison' 
 was built, the Wardfen gave each Prisoner his choice of a room, according to his 
 seniority. 
 
 If all the rooms be occupied, a new-comer, upon the payment of his Commitment- 
 Fees, is chumnid, as they term it, on the next room in rotation, beginning at No. I. 
 in the Hall Gallery. 
 
 The apartments for Common-Side Debtors are only part of the right wing of th6 
 Prison. Besides the cellar, (which was once intended for the kitchen, but now 
 occupied with lumber, and shut up,) there are four floors. On each floor is a room 
 near twenty-five feet square, with a fire-place ; and on the sides seven closets, or 
 cabins, to sleep in. 
 
 Such of the Prisoners as swear in Court, or before a Commissioner, that they are 
 not worth five pounds, and cannot subsist without charity, partake of the casual
 
 220 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 donations which are sent to the Prison, and the Begging-Grate. Of this description 
 there are generally about eight or ten Prisoners. 
 
 In the Report of the Committee of the House of Commons, in 1728, there is a 
 Table given of some Charities ; and it was ordered by the Judges, Eyre, Price, Page, 
 and Denton, that a Table of Gifts and BfiauESTS made for the Prisoners in the 
 Fleet, expressing the particular purposes for which they were given, should be pre- 
 pared by the Warden, and hung up in the Hall of the said Prison." (See Table of 
 Fees, Trin. Term, I727, in the Report of the Gaol-Committee, jiage 16.) It is 
 hung up, indeed, but hung up in the Begging-Grate, instead of the Hall, which is 
 the roper place prescribed by order of the Judges. 
 
 Here is plenty of water, both from the river and pumps ; and a spacious yard 
 behind the Prison, in which the Prisoners play at skittles, fives, and tennis, &c. 
 And not only the Prisoners, but Strangers also are admitted here, as to any other 
 public place of amusement! 
 
 On Monday and Thursday nights here is a Wine and Beer Club, which some- 
 times lasts till two or three o'clock in the morning ; but those who frequent them, 
 that are not Prisoners, must depart at eleven o'clock, or remain all night. 
 
 ^J' This voluntary frequenting a Prison seems but too likely to lessen the 
 dread of being confined in one. 
 
 Seeing the Prison always crowded with Women and Children, I procured an 
 accurate list of them ; and found, that in February, 1801, there were 230 Prisoners. 
 Their Wives (including Women of not so honourable an appellation,) and Children 
 were about two hundred: And on the 10th of December, 1803, the number of 
 Prisoners being 229, their Wives, &c. were 148, and Children, 391 ; — in all, seven 
 hundred and sixty-eight Men, Women, and Children, living in the Prison. One 
 poor Man had his Wife and Five Children with him there. On every visit to this 
 place, I found the stair-cases and lobbies very dirty ; and that every one preserved 
 that degree of cleanliness in his own room which satisfied himself. 
 
 In the Office, (but not hung up in the Prison,) is tlie following Table of Fees, to 
 be received by the Clerk of the Papers, and Clerk of Enquiries. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 
 To be taken by the Clerk of the Papers, and Clerk of Enquiries of the Fleet 
 Prison, pursuant to the Resolution of the Honourable Court of Common Pleas,^ 
 in the Easter and Trinity Terms, 13 George I. 1727. 
 
 Resolution, 
 That there is due, and ouglit to be paid, to the Clerk of the Papers, for every £. s. d. 
 
 Discharge of every Action, - - . . -02C 
 
 And for the Cojiy of every Cause, not exceeding three, - - - . -010
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTI.ANfD, AND WALES. 221 
 
 And for each anil every Cause, excec«ling three Causes, besides the one shilling a £. t. d. 
 piece for each of llie said lirst tlirc<,' Causes, - - - - - - -004 
 
 [That there is due, and ought to be paid, to the Clerk of the Papers, for his Certi- 
 ficate of the Prisoner's Discharge, deliverc<i to the Prisoner himself, without any 
 regard to the number of Causes he stood charged with, - - - - -02t> 
 
 And for his Ccrtilicate to the Warden, of such Discliarge, - - - - -026 
 
 That there is due, and ought to be paid, to the Clerk of Enquiries, on the Discharge 
 
 of a Prisoner by the Creditor, and not by Supersedeas, - - - - -026*] 
 
 That there is a Fee of hs. Ad. due to the (. lerk of the Papers, for the allowance of 
 every Writ of Habeas Corpus ; and 4s. for the return of the first Cause, and 2s. 
 for every other Cause, and no more." 
 
 The Warden's duty and that of his Officers are specified in the Rules and Orders 
 of Hilary Term, 3 George II. 1729. They consist of twenty-nine .Articles, signed 
 R. Eyre, Robert Price, Alexiinder Denton, J. Fortescue : and are hung up in the 
 coffee-rooiTi and tap-room of the Prison. 
 
 The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are hung up on the large door, entering 
 into the Prison. 
 
 The following Table of Fees is correct, and hung up also in the Prison. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 
 " To be taken by the Warden of the Prison of the Fleet, for any Prisoner or Pri- 
 ners' Commitment, or coming into Gaol, or Chamber-rent there, or Discharge 
 from thence, in any Civil Action ; settled and established the 19th day of January, 
 in the third year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Second, a. d. 1729, 
 pursuant to an Act lately made, intituled, ' An Act for the Relief of Debtors, 
 in respect to the Imprisonment of their Persons.' 
 
 " Every Prisoner, charged with one or more Actions, who, at hio own desire, shall j^. s. d. 
 
 go on the Master's Side, to pay to the Warden, for a Commitment Fee - - 1 6 8 
 Every Prisoner, charged with one or more Actions, who shall go on the Common 
 
 Side, not being entitled to partake of the Poor's Box, to pay - - - - 13 4 
 
 Every person entitled to partake of the Poor's Box - - - - - -GOO 
 
 Every Prisoner to pay at his Discharge - - - - - - - -07** 
 
 Every such Priscjner, on the Master's Side, who, at his own desire, shall have a 
 
 bed to himself, to pay for a chamber-room, tise of bed, bedding, and sheets, to 
 
 the Warden \>er week - - - - - - - - - -026 
 
 If two in a bed, and no more, for chamber-room, use of bed, bedding, and sheets, 
 
 each to pay to the Warden per week - - - - - - - -013 
 
 If the Prisoner finds his own bed, bedding, and sheets, (which the Warden is in no 
 
 sort to liinder him of,) then he shall pay, for his chamber-room, to the Warden 
 
 per week .-...-.-----013 
 
 * Of the three Fees here enclosed in [ ], none are now taken ; the Clerk of the Papers considering 
 them as imreasonable and unnecessary. The rest in the above Table are taken.
 
 222 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 If there be two Prisoners in one bed, finding tlieir own bed, bedding, and sheets, £. t. i. 
 
 then each of thena to pay to the Warden per week - - - - - -00 7t 
 
 Evei-y ft-isoner, not being entitled to partake of the Poor's Box, to pay to the Porter 
 
 and Gaoler, now called TWnkeys, on his appointment - - - - -020 
 Every Prisoner, on a Commitment upon a Surrender, at a Judges Chamber, to i)ay 
 
 to the Tipstaff 068 
 
 Every Prisoner, on a Commitment upon a Habeas Corpus, at a Judge's Chamber, to 
 
 pay to the Tipstaff ... - i ^ )•• u 042 
 
 Every Prisoner, on a Commitment in Court, to pay to the Tipstaff - - -076 
 
 No other Fees for any Prisoner, for the use of chamber, bed, bedding, or sheets, or upon Commitment 
 or Discharge of any Prisoner, in any Civil Action ; nor any Conmiitment-Fee to be taken of any Prisoner 
 intitled to partake of the Poor's Box ; nor any chamber-rent to be taken of any Prisoner on the Com- 
 mon-Side. 
 
 " R. RAYMOND. " Ed. Bellamy. 
 
 " R. EYRE. " John Thompson. 
 
 " THO. PENGELLY." " Rob. Alsop. 
 
 " John Barnard. 
 
 " A List of Donations, 
 Paid to Prisoners on the Begging-Grate of the Common-Side of the Fleet Prison; 
 
 as copied from the Board hung up. 
 
 "1. From the Court of Chancery, Hilary, Trinity, and Michaelmas Terms, 5^.55. s£. s. d. 
 each Term. - - - -- - - - «.. -1.5 IS O 
 
 2. From the Comt of Common Pleas, SI. every Terra - - - - -13oa 
 
 3. From, the Court of E.vchequer, 6s. 8(f. every Term - - - - -168 
 
 4. From the Company of Drapers, annually at Christmas - - - - -110 
 
 5. Fiom the Company of Leather-sellers, at Lad} -day. Midsummer, and Michael- 
 
 mas (Quarters, 4s. each, and at Christmas, 6s. and bread, Hs. 6d. each *. 
 
 6. Fiom the Company of Merchant Taylors, at Christmas - - - - - 1 10 
 
 7. From the Company of Saddlers, 24\ 6d. each Quarter - - - - -0 10 
 
 8. From the Archbishop of C;anterbnry, at Christmas - - - - -10 
 
 9. From St. Bartholomew's Hospital, at ditto - - - - - -113 
 
 10. From St. Ethelburga's Pai-ish, at ditto 090 
 
 11. From a Person unknown, every Easter Monday, from the Grange Inn, Cary-Streetf 2 O O 
 
 12. The Gift of Mr. Thomas Stretchly, every three years 200 
 
 13. Executrix of Mrs. Misson, annually, about Christmas J - - - - -6O0 
 
 14. Warden of the Fleet, at Christmas 110 
 
 * Two shillings and eightpence is received in bread. f This \* paid in January. 
 
 X Mrs. Misson, by her Will, dated the 23d of May, 1770, and proved at London, 9th March, 1774, 
 leaves the produce of 'ZOOl. India Annuities to the Debtors of Ludgate Prison ; likewise the produce of 
 2001. of the same .Annuities, to the Debtors only of the Fleet Prison ; and also of tOOl. to the Debtors 
 only of Newgate Prison.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. MS 
 
 FLINT. North Males. 
 The Coientif Gaol, and Hou^e of Correction. 
 
 Ciaoler, Robert Tf'illiams. Salary, 45/. Fees, see Table. 
 Garnish abolisheil. 
 
 Chaplain, Uev, George Davies. Salary, 2qI. 
 Duty, Prayers once only in every week!! 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Inglebi/, now Mr. Jones. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons r 
 
 Bridewell. 
 
 1800, April 3d, - - 
 
 2 - - 
 
 - 3 - 
 
 - - 0. 
 
 1802, Oct. .^s^\, - - 
 
 - ' 3 - ■ 
 
 ■ - 5 - 
 
 - - 0. 
 
 1809, Nov. 17th, - ■ 
 
 ■ - 4 - ■ 
 
 - - 7 - 
 
 - - 1. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors and Felons, 4^". per week each; out of which Is. is paid 
 for a bed. Now six-pence per day in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This County Gaol, which is also the Bridewell, stands on a fine spot, near the 
 Old Castle. The Keeper's apartments are in front, on the ground-floor, and the 
 entrance is through an iron-palisaded door. One Court, about 15 yards square, 
 with a pump and sewer in it, is for Debtors. Those on the Common-Side have a 
 Jree-ff'ard on the ground-floor, about 24 feet by I5, whicFi is also their day-room. 
 The Master's-Side Debtors have live spacious rooms, light and airy, np-stairs, 
 which are divided by a lobby 6 feet wide, and in four of them there are tire- 
 places. An Infirmary up stairs is set apart for the sick ; and a warm and cold bath 
 are provided. 
 
 For Felons there are five sleeping-cells, divided by a passage 3 feet wide. One of 
 them is totally dark ; the others are lighted and ventilated by an iron-grated aper- 
 ture in the wall, about 24 inches by 6. Each cell is about 9 feet by 6, with arched 
 roof, and fitted up with a wooden bedstead, straw, two blankets, and a rug. They 
 have likewise a day-room, with a fire-place, about 15 feet square ; and a court with 
 a pump in it, about I5 yanl's square. 
 
 Alen and Women Criminals associate promiscuously during the day. The Rules 
 and Orders, settl(;d by the Magistrates in 17S7, are hung up, as also the Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors ; but not the Act for preserving Health. The Prison is 
 clean.
 
 224 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 " Table of Fees. 
 " Flintshire, to wit. At the Court of Great Session held at Flint on the 22d of August, 
 Fifth of Geo. III. 1765, before the Hon. John Morton, esq. Chief Justice of Chester, 
 Flint, Denbigh, and Montgomery ; and Taylor White, esq. his Majesty's other 
 Justice there assigned, &c. It is ordered that the Gaoler, for the time being, do 
 take no more than the Fees and Allowances hereafter mentioned, which the Court 
 conceive to be sufficient and reasonable : that is to say, 
 
 A Table of Fees to be taken by the Gaoler of this County. 
 
 .5. d. 
 
 " For the receipt of every Prisoner for Debt -- .-----26 
 For the use of bedstead and chamber by the week, the Prisoner finding 
 
 his own bedding --------------- 10 
 
 If the bedding found by the Gaoler, per week, then ------20 
 
 For a Copy of every Commitment -----------16 
 
 Attending every Prisoner brought by rule of Court . - - - - 10 
 
 Fee on Prisoner's Discharge - - - ---------26 
 
 Turnkey's Fee on Prisoner's Discharge - - -------10 
 
 " The above Table of Fees is ratified and confirmed by John Morton." 
 
 The House of Correction, which adjoins the Gaol, has two small rooms up-stairs, 
 one for Men, the other for Women ; both dark, and ill ventilated, with low ceil- 
 ings, about 6 feet high only. The bedstead in one is of iron, the other of wood. 
 Each room had a small court in l802; but at my visit in 1809, I found the walls 
 taken down, in consequence of having facilitated escapes. No employment is here fur- 
 nished. 
 
 In front of the Prison, on a black and white marble, is this Inscription : 
 
 " In the 
 Twenty-fifth year of his Majesty Geo. III. 
 in the Sheriffalty of 
 Sir Thomas Hanmer, bart. 
 this Prison was erected, 
 instead of the antient loathsome 
 Place of Confinement ; 
 in Pity 
 to the Misery of even the most Guilty ; 
 to alleviate the sufferings of lesser offenders ; 
 or of the Innocent themselves, 
 whom the Chances 
 of human Life may bring within these walls.
 
 Ii> ENGLAND, SCO'l'LAND, AND WALKS. ,395 
 
 Done at the Expence of the County, \ < 
 
 aided by Subscriptions 
 of several of the CJentry, 
 
 who, . 
 
 in the midst of most (Hstressful days, 
 
 voluntarily took on themselves > 
 
 Part of the Burthen; 
 
 in Compassion to sucli of their Countrymen, 
 
 on whom 
 
 Fortune had been less bounteous of her 
 
 Favours." 
 
 " Joseph Turner, Architect." ' 
 
 On the inside of the building aj)pears a list, on white marble, of the names of the 
 Subscribers to it, with the sums they gave, beginning with 
 
 " Sir Roger Mostyn, Bart. -------- ^.loo." 
 
 FOLKIN(;iIAM. Lincolnshire. * 
 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, John Speight. Salary, 50/. Fees, none. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, iSog, Sept. 4th, 16 Men. 6 Women. 
 
 Allowance. Two shillings and six pence per week in bread ; one shilling in 
 oatmeal and salt, and one shilling in meat, each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Old Gaol, with its liorrid Dungeon, now done away, are fully described in 
 the Gentleman's Magazine for January l805j p. 5- 
 
 This Xew Prison was first inhabited on the 2d of June 1809. It is built on the 
 site of the antient Castle, and the boundary wall forms an oblong octagon. The 
 entrance gate ojjens into an area, that detaches the buildings and the court-yards 
 from the boundary wall; close to which here is an inspecting walk, 5 feet wide, 
 encircling the whole Prison. 
 
 A flagged foot-path, 8 feet in breadth, leads to the Keeper's house, which occu- 
 pies the centre of the building, and has a wing on each side of it for the Prisoners ; 
 the whole presenting a front 94 feet in length : and a lobby or passage, of S ft^^t, 
 divides the house in the middle. 
 
 G G
 
 226 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Here are four court-yards, distinctly and equally assigned for the Male and Female 
 Prisoners ; to each of which is allotted a day-room, about 12 feet square, and a work- 
 room of 12 feet by 6 feet 6. The courts are well supplied with water ; the sewers 
 conveniently placed: open iron palisades transmit a thorough air; and a small 
 garden adjacent furnishes the Keejier with vegetables. 
 
 On the chamber-story are seven sleeping-cells for Men, and six for Women 
 Prisoners, with vaulted roofs. Some of them have two bedsteads, which are sup- 
 plied with straw-in-ticking beds ; and two blankets, a pair of sheets, a bolster, and 
 a rug to each. 
 
 A circular room, 14 feet in diameter, is appropriated for a C'liapel, with two 
 distinct pews for the Prisoners : Adjoining to it is a solitary cell, with a ventilator 
 fixed in the crown of the arch ; and the glimmering light which it enjoys is bor- 
 rowed from the Chapel. 
 
 The iron-grated and glazed windows have each an inside shutter, and the cell 
 doors an inspecting wicket, favourable also for the admission of fresh air. 
 
 No Turnkey's lodge is provided, nor any assistant for the Keeper : and as two of 
 the court-yards have a view of the entrance-door, it not only seems to render the 
 Prison insecure, but hazardous also to the Keeper. 
 
 Here is a good bath ; but neither the Act for Preserving Health, nor the Clause? 
 against Spirituous Liquors, are hung up. 
 
 FORRES. Scotland. 
 The Tolbooth. 
 
 Gaolers, the three Town's Officers, in weekly rotation. 
 
 Fees, for Felons and other Criminals, none. Debtors pay ^d. per night. 
 
 No Religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, from the Town, when wanted. 
 
 Prisoners, Oct. 7, 1809, None. 
 
 Allowance; Felons, &c. 6c?. a day. Debtors, as alimentjed. . 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison adjoins to the Council-room, and has ort the first story a room for 
 Debtors, with a fire-place and boarded floor ; but no coals, no bedstead, bedding, 
 or even straw are allowed. 
 
 The second story has one room for Criminals, of the same size, with a clay-floor, 
 but neither bedstead, bedding, nor straw. No water, but as brought in by the 
 Keepers. No sewer ; but a half tub supplies its place.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 227 
 
 Ten steps down, here is a Dungeon called the Black Hole, about 15 feet square ; 
 which has a small aperture to the street, and is occasionally used for Vagrants, and 
 the refractory amongst the Military. It has a mud-floor ; no bedding; no water 
 accessible ; with a filthy tub as a sewer. 
 
 ^|- Forres is tiie place, or town, to which .ILicheth was travelling, when he 
 met (he Weird Sisters upon the Healh. It reminded me of what Dr. Johnson says, 
 in his Tour to the Hebrides; " This, to an Englishman, is classick ground." On 
 this road Macbeth heard the fatal prediction, which the magic pen of Shakspeare 
 has immortalized. From hence I went to Nairne, near which stands the Castle of 
 C'awdor, that gave Macbeth his second Title, previous to his usurpation of the 
 Throne. 
 
 GREENWICH. Keiit. 
 
 Gaoler, Robert Chant Hope. 
 
 Salary, lO/. and has also Fees of office, as Beadle to the Court of Requests. 
 
 Allowance to Debtors, none. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 'Diis Prison is behind the Court of Requests, and called the Stone Kitchen, from 
 its being flagged with stone, and on the ground-floor. It has one small room, l6 
 feet 6 inches in length, by 9 feet wide, with a scanty fire-place ; but the chimney's 
 smoaking renders it often useless, when Prisoners have a few coals given them, 
 for none are allowed them by the Town. 
 
 The lower part of the Court of Requests is inhabited by the Gaoler. Women- 
 Debtors are confined in a small upper room, near the Court, of about 8 feet square, 
 which has a fire-place, and an uncovered sewer in it. 
 
 When this Prison was first inhal>ited, there was no bed, bedding, nor even straw 
 allowed; but in May 1810, I found two wooden bedstea<ls raised about 18 inches 
 from the floor, in one corner, and fixed angle-wise, with loose straw to each, for 
 one person to sleep on; but the head of one of the bedsteads is within about 18 
 inches of an uncovered sewer, which must be very offensive. I was told that five 
 Prisoners have been confined here at one time, so that three must necessarily sleep 
 upon the floor. The room cannot but be suffocatingly hot in Summer, and as 
 piercingly cold in Winter. 
 
 A small court-yard might be made in the passage leading down to the above 
 room, and a cistern also, filled with water for the use of the Prisoners. At present 
 there is none supplied, but what is brought by the Gaoler, whose business ou cap- 
 tions must frequently take him from home.
 
 22S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 GILTSPUR-STREET COMPTER. London. 
 
 Gaoler, John Addison Newman ; now John Teague. 
 
 Salary, heretofore was 150/. ; now 250/. are paid by the Court of Aldermen, and 
 30/. by the Common Council. 
 
 Garnish abolished. 
 
 Fees, as per Table following, kept in the Prison ; viz. 
 
 " Every Debtor, who, at his own request, shall go on the Master's- s. d. 
 
 Side, to pay to the Keeper, ----------- 30 
 
 To the Turnkeys, ditto, - ..- 20 
 
 And for the use of bed, bedding, and sheets, each per week, - - 2 6 
 
 Every Debtor, on his Discharge, to pay to the Keeper - . - - 6 O 
 
 To the Turnkeys ---- 20 
 
 To the Secondary .-----------_.- 60 
 
 To the Clerk-sitter of the Poultry Compter ------- la 
 
 To ditto, of the Giltspur-street Compter -------- 48 
 
 To the Secondary, for every other Action, " if more than one" - 3 4 
 
 To the Messenger .--.----.---_- lo 
 
 Masters'-Side Debtor to pay extra on his Discharge ----- 10 
 
 " Every Night-Charge, or other Criminal, upon criminal process, 
 who, at his own desire, shall be accommodated with bed and 
 
 bedding, to pay, for the first night --------- 20 
 
 And for every other night ------------ 10 
 
 If formally admitted on the Master's-Side, to pay on entrance - - 10 6 
 
 And for the use of bed, bedding, and sheets, per week - - - . 3 6 
 
 For every Night-charge, who shall be discharged before a Magistrate 3 6 
 
 For every Commitment after the first examination discharged, or bailed 1 4 8 
 
 To the Turnkey, for the Copy of every Commitment, or Detainer - 2 0.' 
 
 ^3° If there be more actions than one, the expence varies, according to the num- 
 ber and nature of the Writs ; which, if in execution, entitle the Secondaries to 
 one shilling for every pound under the sum of lOO/. and to sixpence for every pound 
 above that sum : and this is called " Sherijf^s Poundage *." 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Edmonds ; now Rev. Mr, Davis. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday. 
 
 Salary, 50/. and a Freedom of the City, voted annually by the Court of Alder- 
 men, and valued at 25/. 
 
 ■* An iustaace of ninety-seven pounds ten shillings being paid for poundage is in my possession.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 72'j 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hodgson, for the two Compters, and Ludgiite. 
 
 Salary, lOO/. and for medicines, 20/. a complete chest fur which has been 
 placed in the Inlinnary, by the Committee for City Lands. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 Debtors. Felons, &c. Debtors. Felons, &(^ 
 
 lSo6, May 26th, -- 45 -- 26 ' 
 
 1807, Feb. I6th, - - 37 - - 21 ' 
 
 1 80S, June 28th, -s - 87 - - 26 ' 
 
 1809, May 22d, I * 80 - - 7 ' 
 
 lSlO,Oct. Sth, J - 7;-, - - 25 • 
 
 1811, April igth, - - 82 - - 3. 
 
 1800, April l-,tli, - - 28 - - 31 
 
 1801, Sept. 16th, - - 26 - - 38 
 
 1802, Feb. 27th, - - 30 - - 34 
 
 1803, July 10th, - - 54 - - 40 
 
 1804, Aug. 31st, - - 30 - - 39 
 1803, April 13th, - - 35 - - 30 
 
 Allowance, a loaf of wheaten bread every other day, weight twenty ounces, ta 
 Prisoners of all descrij)tions, and 1 lb. of rice, 3 lbs. of beef, and 5 lbs. of 
 potatoes, to each weekly. IJut see the Remarks. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The origin of this Prison is somewhat enveloped in obscurity: but, (according to- 
 Stow'sSurvey of London, wherein the following record, made in the reign of Edward 
 the First, is recited, viz, " Rex vie. I^ndoti. sahttem : ex gruvi qitereld B. capt. 
 " et detent, in prisond nostra de Criplesgute pro xl. quas coram Radalpho de Sand- 
 " wico, tunc citstod. Civitatis nostra' London, et I. de Blackwell civis recognit. 
 debit. &c.") it appears that Cripplegate, which was one of the four original gates of 
 this city, was then a Prison, as the Compter now is, for citizens and others, for debt 
 or trespass; and was rebuilt in the year 1244, and again in 149I ; and was last 
 repaired in the year l6Y)3. In the mean time, and in the 13th century, a Prison 
 was built for the reception of night-walkers, and otiier suspicions persons; which, 
 from its shape, was called the Tun, and was situated upon Cornhill, Afterwards 
 there was a Prison in Bread-street, pertaining to the Sheriffs, which was called 
 " The Compter;" and, in the year 1518, seems to have been recognized by the 
 Act for establishing the Court of Conscience, which empowered its Commissioners 
 to commit to one of the Compters, for Debts not exceeding forty shillings ; but 
 now, by subsequent acts, extended to five pounds. In this Compter Prisoners were 
 received until the year 1552; when, by reason of the Keeper's misconduct, they 
 were removed to a new Compter in Wood-street, provided by the City, and built for 
 that purpose. This was burned in the general conflagration of 1660, and being rebuilt 
 
 ♦ N. R. The Poultry Compter having been deemej unfit to receive Debtors, forty-five were sent to 
 this Prison in IBu8, thirty-three in lb09, thirty-eight in 1810, and twenty-four in 1811, who must 
 otherwise have been confined in the Poultry Compter.
 
 230 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 more com inodiously than before, continued to receive Prisoners until April 2d, I791, 
 when they were transferred to the present Compter in Giltspur-street. 
 
 It appears necessary here to remark, that the Sheriffs of London have each a Court 
 of Record, as well as a Compter, where each Sheriff, in his respective Court, pre- 
 sides. These Courts are now held at Guildhall, every Wednesday and Friday, 
 for actions, &c. entered at this Compter; and 011 everj Thursday and Saturday, 
 for actions entered at the Poultry, excepting holidays, and a vacation in the month 
 of August ; and each Sheriff has his office at liis respective Compter, where his 
 Clerk-sitter attends for entering actions, &c. and also to discharge such Debtors 
 as become entitled to their release. 
 
 This Compter is now appropriated for the reception of Debtors; of Felons, and 
 other Offenders ; and also of Vagrants and night-charges (the watch-houses in this 
 city not being jiermitted to retain Prisoners there) : But the Constable of the night 
 must forthwith commit them to thq Compter in his district ; from whence a list of 
 the night-cliarges so committed, is, the next morning, returned to the Lord Mayor, 
 or one of the Aldermen ; in order that they may be examined touching the cause of 
 their commitment, and be either discharged, bailed, or re-committed, to answer for 
 their respective offences, according to due course of law. 
 
 The Prisoners are divided into four classes : viz. Debtors, Felons, Misdemeanors 
 and Assaults, and Vagrants ; and the Prison into nine separate and distinct yards : 
 that is to say, The Master's Side, South-yard, 28 feet by 20, containing a pump, 
 affording soft water from the river Thames, and from whence a staircase leads to two 
 galleries, having each a sink and a cock su])plying Thames-water ; which is thrown 
 by a forcing-pump from a reservoir in the main yard to a large cistern on the top 
 of that part of the Prison, and descends from thence to the galleries : But here a 
 difficulty sometimes occurs, from the forciug-pumj) being out of the reach of the 
 persons to be benefited thereby. These galleries lead to six rooms (exclusive of the 
 Turnkey"s-room on the ground-floor,) having fire-places, capable of conveniently 
 accommodating two persons in each, male or female, as it may happen, provided 
 that a Man-prisoner is not lodged in the same apartment with a Woman-prisoner : 
 and these apartments are at present occupied by Master-Side Debtors, who pay for 
 the same according to tlie Table of Fees before mentioned. 
 
 2d. The Master's-Side, North-yard, 30 feet by 18, is similar to the South in its 
 construction and accommodations, but contains only five rooms with fire-places, 
 (exclusive of another Turnkey's room on the ground-floor;) and is at present occupied 
 by persons under commitment for assaults, or trivial offences ; as also, occasionally, 
 by the better sort of night-charges. 
 
 3d. The Common-Side, Men- Debtors' Yard, 75 feet by 18, contains two pumps, 
 the one supplying spring-water from a well in this yard, and the other affording soft 
 vrater from the river Thames. It has a room at each end ; one of them occupied
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALFS. 23 j 
 
 by a Turnkey, for the better security of the Prison, and the other by the Steward 
 of the Charity-wards. The wards appertaining to this yard are built upon arches, 
 and divide the same into two parts; having roniuiunication by arcades under one 
 ])art, and a room, in which is a large table fixed, whereon the Prisoners be- 
 longing to these wards divide such provisions as they receive by charitable donation. 
 From this yard is a stone staircase, closed with doors at the bottom, and leading to 
 four wards ; two on the first story, and two on the second. The two upper wards 
 are used as bed-rooms, and are fitted up vvitli iG low stump-bedstoads in each, 
 (which lay upon barrack-forms, easily removed for the purpose of cleanliness,) and a 
 supply of rugs for the use of the Prisoners. The other two wards are used as sitting- 
 rooms, from eight in the morning until ten at night; when strangers are excluded, 
 and the Prisoners are locked up for the night. I'he Sleeping-wards would be much 
 improved, if all the beds were separated by dwarf partitions, having a door to each, 
 but not reaching to the ceiling. 'I'hus a free circulation of air would not be impeded, 
 and the quiet Prisoners would be protected from the insults of the disorderly, in the 
 night-time ; an evil which has sometimes occurred, but the offenders are seldom dis- 
 covered. The Sitting-wards are fitted up with tables and benches. 
 
 These wards, together with that of the Women-Debtors, are denominated the 
 Charity-wards ; to which each Prisoner, at his or her entrance, pays five shillings, 
 to be applied to the common stock, eight-pence to the Steward, and six-pence to 
 the Scavenger; after which the Prisoner partakes of all the benefits appertaining to 
 the Charity-wards *. 
 
 $3* From the best account I could extract from the books of this Compter, it is 
 evident, that, during a period of eleven years, yb«r hundred and ninefy-Jive Debtors 
 were committed hither from the " Court of Requests," (or, as it is now better 
 known, the Court of Conscience ;J and that out of this large number, the several 
 creditors, or plaintiffs, who actually received their Debt and Costs, in consequence of 
 such incarceration, were absolutely no more than sixty-seven ! that is to say, not 
 one Creditor in seven, of all the number, gained the object of his animosity. The 
 fact is very striking ; and, so far as human liberty is concerned in it, must produce 
 an electrical effect upon every ingenuous heart. My own feelings on this head have 
 been often agitated : I have sometimes expressed them : and now (very probably 
 for the last time,) I sincerely wish to give them their proper influence. 
 
 The very small sums, for which many of these poor miserable creatures, — these 
 outcasts, as it were, of British freedom, — are imprisoned, seem to preclude the 
 distant possibility of the ])ayment of, perhaps, even a just Debt, more especially 
 when loadi (1 by an enormous aggravation of legal Costs. I remember, that on the 
 27th April, 1805, 1 found here one fFiUiam Grant, detained for so trivial a Debt 
 
 ♦ Those Debtors who cannot pay their fees, sleep in rooms assigned for the reception of Xight-Charget ; 
 aud their allowance of beef 1:1 &uld, until the dcUciency is luade up.
 
 232 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 as 1^. gd.—The Costs then amounted to five shillings ; and on the l8th of December, 
 of the same year, John Lancaster was imprisoned for a Debt of ttventi/ pence, the 
 Costs in pursuit of which arose to seven shillings and sixpence ! " These, surely, 
 I thought, were bad enough :" But it was not so. The following extraordinary case, 
 therefore, I recite at large ; and hope it will, at length, produce some salutary effect, 
 to appease the manes of injured humanity. 
 
 The following Warrant of Commitment is copied verbatim from its original in the 
 proper office. 
 
 " Court of Requests, London. 
 
 To the Officers of this Court, or any customary Serjeant at Mace of London. 
 
 By Order of the Commissioners of the Court of Requests in 
 f J London, you are to commit to Prison, in one of the Compters of the 
 
 Debt, 4. same City, John Bird, for tu^enty days, unless the full sum oi four-pence 
 Costs. 7 6. J)ebt, and seven shillings and sixpence Costs, due to Lawrence Newman, 
 ,£.0 7 10. be all paid, according to an order set down b}' the Commissioners of the 
 Lew the whole same Court, the ninth d?y of July, one thousand eight hundred and eight. 
 Hereof fail not. Dated at the Guildhall the ninth day of July, one thou- 
 sand eiffht hundred and eight. Holmes." 
 
 The Defendant was arrested on the 1 1th day of May, iSlO, and discharged on the 
 14th May, iSlO, by a subscription of the Prisoners. The Plaintiff' was a publican, 
 and the Defendant a porter in the market. 
 
 Now, if this be not the crushing of a moth with a sledge-hammer, it is hard to 
 say what is. What a pity, that the worst passions of mankind should thus, by the 
 solemn sanction of Law, be countenanced in their exertions, equally against common 
 sense and the decorum of Christian urbanity! 
 
 4th. The Main Yard, 35 feet square, leads to all the rest, except the Master's- 
 Side, and Women Debtors, into which all persons in the adjoining yards (except 
 Debtors) are occasionally admitted in the day-time, at their own request ; and upon 
 behaving themselves orderly, but not otherwise. This yard contains two pumps, 
 one of spring-water, the other from the Thames ; also two forcing pumps, for the 
 service of the Master's-Side, and a cock supplied with Thames-water upon the Main ; 
 to which, by means of a screw, can be applied a long leathern hose, and thereby 
 plenty of water is conveyed to all the yards, to wash both them and the cells. For 
 this purpose mops and brooms are regularly allowed by the benevolence of the 
 Committee of City Lands, &c. On the North and South sides are two large rooms 
 facing each other, and having communication with the arched passage before men- 
 tioned ; which rooms are occupied in the day-time by those who desire it, and at 
 night are the common receptacles for night-charges*. They are fitted up with 
 
 * These two rooms are now (1810) appropriated to Debtors ; and Night-charges and Female Criminals 
 sent to the Poultry, till a new Prison is built.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 213 
 
 benches all round, and a large German slove in both. They have detached privies, 
 and are capable of containing about twenty persons each, for one night only ; such 
 night-i'harges being afterwards classed as aforesaid, having first undergone their 
 examination before a magistrate. These rooms liave stone floors ; they are spacious, 
 and very airy ; and have a number of rugs laid on the benches, for the use of such 
 persons as unfortunately may become inhabitants in the night-time. Under another 
 arched passage leading from this yard, is the Inner Turnkey's Lodge, and a staircase 
 leading to a very convenient Chapel ; over which are four good rooms, for the use 
 of the sick Prisoners, fitted up with iron bedsteads, good tickings, blankets, rugs, and 
 also canvass cases, ready to be stuffed for making beds, as occasion may require. 
 
 Fr,)m this yard are two other staircases; each leading to tliree small bed-rooms, 
 fitted up at the Keeper's expence, for the use of such night-charges, or others, as 
 may desire to occupy them ; having one bed in each room. 
 
 The above passage communicates with five other yards, separate and distinct 
 from each other : one being a small yard, with a pump of Thames-water, and con- 
 taining three scanty rooms, or cells, capable of lodging six persons. Another small 
 yard, equally supplied from the Thames, contains five rooms or cells of the same 
 dimensions. At the back of four of these rooms is a passage, with a fire-place at 
 the end ; which, communicating by means of an iron-grating to each cell, thereby 
 renders them dry and warm. 
 
 The next yard, furnished in like manner with water, has a room with a fire-place, 
 and four cells of the same dimensions ; and near to this are two larger yards, having 
 six cells of the like size, together with similar passages, and fire-places to keep them 
 comfortably warm. The cells are all fitted up with barrack bedsteads, raised about 
 three feet horn the ground ; each j)rovided with a canvass case stuffed with straw, 
 and two or three rugs, or blankets, allowed by the City. 
 
 These last five yards are for the reception of all Prisoners, except Debtors. Here 
 are also very convenient cold and hot baths, to which all Prisoners have free access, 
 as necessity requires, and at convenient seasons. There are two rooms set apart for 
 the sick, one l8 feet by 14, the other 14 feet by 12, and 12 feet high; and two 
 other rooms of the same size, which can easily be converted into Sick wards, if 
 necessary. 
 
 The following Gifts from the City Companies, &c. are specifically appropriated 
 to the discharge, or relief, of Debtors, in this and other Prisons of London ; viz. 
 
 The Merchant -Taylors' Company give annually 3;")/. to each of the four follow- 
 ing Prisons, Newgate, Ludgate, and the Poultry and Giltspur-street Compters, to 
 assist in the discharge of poor Debtors, at 3/. each. 
 
 H H
 
 23+ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Drapers' Company give annually, in December, lOO/. to release poor 
 Debtors from the before-mentioned Prisons, in aid of Sir John Kendrick's Legacy. 
 
 The Grocers' Company give annually 8/. to each of the following Prisons, Lud- 
 gate, the Poultry, and Giltspur-street Compter, for the discharge of Debtors, whose 
 petitions are recommended by two housekeepers. 
 
 The Cloth-icurkers Company give annually the same sum, at \l. 19s. 6d. for 
 each Debtor, on petition. 
 
 Christ's Hospital allows g/. to each of the four first-mentioned Prisons to dis- 
 charge poor Debtors, by payment of their Fees : Those in Ludgate are to be recom- 
 mended by an Alderman, and those in the other three Prisons by their respective 
 Keepers. 
 
 The Mercers' Company allow 12/. annually for the discharge of four Prisoners, 
 at 3/. each. 
 
 Mr. Ralph Carter by Deed, dated 22d October, 1576, conveyed a house and 
 garden, then called the Half-Moon, in East Smithfield, near the Tower of London, 
 to Trustees for the parishes of St. Andrew Undershaft, and St. Allhallows, Lombard- 
 street, to the end that the rent thereof should be equally divided between the said 
 parishes, and disposed of as follows : — To the Poor in bread every Sunday one shil- 
 ling. In coals, to be delivered yearly, between the feasts of All Saints and Christ- 
 mas, for ever, 30*. The overplus of the moiety received by the parish of St. Andrew 
 Undershaft to be given, if the Tenement shall not need it for repairs, amongst the 
 poor Prisoners in the two Compters and Newgate, the King's Bench, Marshalsea, 
 and White Lion in Southwark. These Premises now let for 20l. per annum, of 
 which the Parish of St. Andrew Undershaft receives half; and it is usually given 
 in meat about Christmas. 
 
 Beside the above instances of liberality, coals, and other gifts are bestowed every 
 year, by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, and Sheriff's ; and broken 
 victuals are often received from the great London Taverns. 
 
 Paupers, brought to this Compter as such, (in order to be removed to their 
 parishes, or otherwise relieved,) are especially subsisted, and frequently clothed. 
 
 The gifts by tlie Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, at Christmas, New-year's day, Easter, 
 and some uncertain day after, are the same as mentioned in my subsequent 
 description of " Ludgate." 
 
 Here are also some permanent Donations of bread and meat at stated periods ; 
 which, together witli tiie Sheriffs' seven stone of meat weekly, belong to the Charity- 
 wards only ; and are distributed among such Prisoners in the said wards as have 
 attended, and properly den)eaned themselves in the Chapel, during Divine Service 
 on the preceding Sunday. These, in the way of ridicule, are called Beef-eaters, by 
 the profligate few who absent themselves : But nearly the whole attended Divine
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 235 
 
 Service when I was here in March, 1807, and their behaviour was orderly, and 
 attentive to a very appro|)riate discourse. Tlie Chapel Clerk is Mr. Thoiiias Cooper, 
 who receives half a crown every Sunday, for assisting the Chaplain, and setting the 
 psalm, by order of the Court of Aldermen. 
 
 Money is paid by several of the City Companies, by the Common Council of 
 Farringdon Within *, and by others, towards the release of Debtors in this and 
 other Prisons ; and is apjjlied as stated in the account of Ludgate. 
 
 (iiltspur-Street Compter Donations. 
 Christmas Quarter. 
 
 When jjaid. 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Quarterly - - 
 
 Yeaily - - 
 
 .Quarterly - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Half- Yearly - 
 
 Quarterly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Every 3 years 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sir John Kendrick, Knt. - - 
 Sundry Pereons I- - - - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Mr. IMeridith ------ 
 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - - - 
 
 Mr. Pesik ------- 
 
 Mr. Chapman . . . . . 
 
 Mr. John AVooller - - - - 
 
 Mr William Parker - - - 
 Mrs. Holligrave ----- 
 
 Mr. Shields 
 
 Mr. Clarke ------ 
 
 Mr. James Hodgson - - - 
 Sir William .Middleton - - - 
 Sir Thomas (iiesham - - - 
 Archbp. of Canterbury - - - 
 
 Mr. Thomas Dawson - - - 
 
 Mr. Thomas Stretchly - - - - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Drapci-s Company - - - - - 
 Leathersellers Company - - - 
 Ditto -.----'---. 
 
 Skinners Company 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Mr. Dunnage ------ 
 
 St. Pancras Parish - - - - - 
 
 Merehant Taylors Company - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Clothworkers Company - . . 
 Cooks Company ------ 
 
 Mr. Hodgson §------ 
 
 St. Sepulchre's Parish - - - - 
 
 Chamberkiin's Office - - . . 
 
 Ditto 
 
 At Lambeth Palace - - - - - 
 
 {Churchwardens of St. Ethel- ") 
 burgh ------ J 
 
 Christ's Hospital - - - - . 
 
 Amount. 
 
 2 
 
 4 10 
 
 O 6 
 
 O 5 6 
 
 10 O 
 
 1 4 O 
 5 
 
 O 
 O 
 
 1 
 
 <i 
 .o 
 
 'i O 
 
 1 
 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 
 
 10 O 
 
 1 11 3 
 
 2 10 
 
 1 O O 
 
 9 O 
 
 2 
 
 4^.19 7 
 
 Annually, Nov. 5. Of Bread, Mrs. Margaret Dane. One quarter of Beef and five dozen Penny Loaves. 
 
 Quarterly, Leathersellers Company, Ninety-one Penny Loaves. 
 
 Every eight weeks, Mrs. Margaret Synieott, Eleanor Gwynn's gift, Si.\ty Penny Loaves. 
 
 * A Memorial, to the following effect, is hung up in the Vestry-room of Christ Church Newgate - 
 Street ; viz. 
 
 " Mr. Ed«-ard Robinson, by his Will, dated 30th April 1712, left a yeaily Rent-Charge of Four Pounds 
 for ever, payable out of a house (No. 4.) Warwick-Lane, Newgate-street : and likewise the dividends on 
 199Z. hs. 7d. 3 per cent. Consolidated Annuities, amounting to 5/. 19s. 6d. per annum, forever, to be 
 applied in liberating poor Inhabitants of the parish of Christ Church, London, imprisoned for Small 
 Debts." Both these legacies are \csted in the Four Common Council Men of that parish. 
 
 t Taylor, Gros\enor, Firebras, &c. 
 
 § Mr. CI 11 ke's L<>gacy is now paid by Messrs. Bleasdailc and Alexander, Attornies in Lyon's Inn, as 
 Agents to Mr. Rhodes of Chichester.
 
 230 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 Lady-Day Quarter. 
 
 When paiil. 
 
 Quarterly - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Yearly - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Half-yearly - 
 Yearly - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Half-Yearly - 
 Yearly - - 
 Half-Yearly 
 Yearly - - 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sundry Persons * . . . . . 
 
 Mr. Peter Blundell 
 
 Mr. Meridith 
 
 Mr. Peak - 
 
 Robert Martin and John March - 
 Alderman John Hoydon - - - 
 Robert Martin and John March - 
 Richard Jacob ------ 
 
 Mrs. Joan Sanback - - - - - 
 
 Mr. Peter Blundell 
 
 Sir Thomas Gresham - - - - 
 
 Lady Ramsey ------ 
 
 Mr. John Loards - - - - - 
 
 Mr. John Corbett - - - - - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 Leathersellers Company 
 Skinners Company - - 
 Ditto ----'-- 
 Mr. Dunnage - - - 
 Mercers Company - - 
 Ditto ------ 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Mrs. Ann Starling f- - 
 Parish of St. Bride's 
 Goldsmiths ('ompany - 
 Chamberlain's Office 
 Christ's Hospital - - 
 
 Ditto - 
 
 Cook's Company - - - 
 
 O 4 10 
 
 10 O 
 
 5 
 
 1 4 
 
 1 7 
 
 6 
 o 
 1 
 
 o 
 2 G 
 
 1 12 O 
 10 
 10 
 
 2 10 O 
 15 
 
 1 10 
 
 2 O 
 
 s£. l<> 10 11 
 
 Midsummer Quarter. 
 
 Wlien paid. 
 
 Quarterly 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto - . 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Half- Yearly 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sundry Persons* . . . 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - - 
 
 Mr. Meridith 
 
 Mr. Peak 
 
 Sir Thomas Gresham - - 
 Sir William IMiddleton - - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 I^eathersellers Company 
 Skinners Company - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Mr. Dimnage - - - 
 Chamberlain's Office 
 Ditto - 
 
 Amount. 
 
 O 4 10 
 10 
 
 .5 6 
 
 1 4 O 
 
 2 10 O 
 1 11 3 
 
 o^.6 5 7 
 
 Michaelmas Quarter. 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 Quarterly - - - 
 Ditto - . - - 
 Ditto - - - - 
 Half-Yearly - - 
 Ditto - . - - 
 Quarterly . - - 
 Half-Yearly - - 
 Quarterly - - - 
 
 Sundry Persons * 
 
 Mr. Peter Blundell ----- 
 
 Mr. Meridith 
 
 Robeit M;u-tin and John March - 
 Mr. Peter Biundell ----- 
 Sir Thomas Gresham - - - - 
 
 Ladv Ramsey - 
 
 Mr. "Peak - ' 
 
 Leathersellers Company . - - 
 Skinners Company ----- 
 
 Ditto --- 
 
 Mercers Comjiany - - - - - 
 Goldsmiths Coni]iany - - - - 
 Chamberlain's Office - - - - 
 
 Christ's Hospital 
 
 Mr. Dunnage § 
 
 4 10 
 10 
 
 5 G 
 
 1 2 6 
 
 1 
 
 2 10 
 1 5 
 1 4 
 
 £.s i 10 
 
 All the Donations belonging to the Charity-wards are delivered to one of (he 
 Prisoners, who acts as Steward ; in whose name, witnessed by the Keeper, all the 
 receipts are signed, and given under the common seal of the Prison. This Steward 
 
 * Taylor, Grosvenor, Firebras, &c. f Of Carey-street, Chancery-lane. 
 
 § Of Gloucester-street, Ho.\.ton ; and all arising from the ground-rent of houses there.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 237 
 
 receives also the Subscriptions before-mentioned : He advances money upon the 
 credit of the donations, out of wliich lie reimburses himself as they become due ; 
 pays five per cent, to a collector; furnishes the Charity-wards with a constant supply 
 of coals, wood, salt, candles, &c. besides jraying a weekly allowance to a basket- 
 woman, to collect broken-victuals at the taverns ; and for other messages, on ac- 
 count of the wards. He likewise contributes to the support of such Common-side 
 Debtors, as may, bv the Surgeon's order, be placed in the Sick-ward : pays also a 
 weekly allowance to the scavenger, and his assistant, called " the Twelver;" and is 
 of real use to the Prison at large. This plan for the application of the donations 
 was first adopted by Mr. Kirby, when Keeper of Wood-street Compter; and ap- 
 pears to be most beneficial to the unfortunate, as every comfort to be procured by 
 the donations is thereby equally and impartially afforded. No disputes can arise 
 from the (Quarterly division of money ; nor can the Prison be defrauded, as the 
 Steward is obliged to submit his accounts to be audited by four of the senior 
 Prisoners : and, though elected by the general suffrages of the Charity- wards, can- 
 not be dispossessed, so long as he shall act soberly and honestly, for the general 
 advantage, and not be guilty of breach of the trust reposed in him by the Keeper. 
 
 The Rules and Orders for the Government of this Prison were signed the 27th 
 of November, 1 79 2, by Lords Kenyon and Loughborough, and by Aldermen Crosby, 
 Anderson, and Combe. They relate principally to Debtors; the execution thereof is 
 vested in the Keeper and his Turnkeys ; and they are as follows, that is to say : Direc- 
 tions concerning the payment of six-pence to the Scavenger, or to assist him six days, 
 and eight pence to the Steward : directions for dividing ])rovisions ; for jiersons 
 under judgment of fine and imprisonment to partake, in certain cases, with the 
 Debtors: to promote cleanliness ; for duo attendance on Divine Service ; for clean- 
 liness of Prisoners' persons; against opprobrious language; against profaneness and 
 drunkenness ; against molesting visitors, and to prevent visitors from molesting 
 Prisoners; to prevent women from lodging in men's apartments, and vice versd : 
 against keeping dogs ; to determine who shall not partake of donations ; to prevent 
 tippling; time of retiring to rest, and rising in the morning ; against striking the 
 Steward, or defacing orders : more concerning performance of 1 )ivinc Service ; against 
 disposal of Prison rugs ; Master's-side Prisoners to clean their stairs, passages, and 
 rooms ; not to quarrel, or use opprobrious language ; concerning the placing of 
 Master's-side Prisoners in their rooms; to prohibit the admission of wine, or beer, 
 after eight o'clock in the evening, &c. 
 
 The mode directed by the foregoing Rules and Orders to enforce obedience 
 thereto, is by fining, or by confinement in a cell for any time not more than twelve 
 hours, nor less than three, for one offence, at the discretion of the Keeper.
 
 23« STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 GLASGOW. Scotlaml 
 The Tolbooth. 
 
 Gaoler, Robert Hamilton, now James Gardner. 
 
 Salary, 6o/. Fees, see Table. He has a licence to sell porter, ale, and beer ; 
 and supplies the Prisoners with Bread. 
 
 Garnish. From Prisoners confined in the upper flat (or story) 5*. each ; and 
 from those in the lower flat 2*. which goes to the General Fund for pur- 
 chasing coals, candles, &c. But see the Remarks. 
 
 No Chaplain ; nor religious attentions, except to those under Sentence of Death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Burns. 
 
 Salary, 70/. for the Town Hospital, Tolbooth, and Bridewell ; and Medicines 
 found. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Sept. 18th, ------ 28 ------ 127. 
 
 l80(), Oct. 25th, ------ 20 --43. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, according to the discretion of the Magistrates, from lod. 
 to 2*. 6d. per day, which is paid by the Creditor ; and on failure of which 
 the Debtor is discharged. To Felons, four-pence per day, in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This loathsome Prison is nearly in the centre of a magnificent City, and the 
 Gaoler's apartments communicate with the Court of Session. On the ground-floor 
 are the Turnkey's lodge, and the Gaoler's office. 
 
 The first flat (or floor) contains nine sleeping-cells, the average size about 7 feet 
 square ; four of which are totally dark, and without ventilation, except what is 
 admitted through a very small apertuie in the door, and a fire-place in one of them. 
 The other four have each a small iron-grated window, and one of them has a fire- 
 place. The ninth sleeping-cell is called the Iron Room ; to which the Prisoner, 
 after sentence of Death, is immediately conducted. There, a blacksmith fixes an 
 iron strap round his leg, again fastened by a ring, which encircles a strong iron 
 bar, called the Goad ; and this, running across, is rivetted down to the stone floor, 
 so that he cannot raise that foot one inch from it. In this situation I beheld two 
 wretched criminals, who had been condemned at the Justiciary Court in September 
 1809, and were to suffer on the 8th of November, on a platform in front of the 
 Prison, which has a door conveniently adapted for the decent performance of that 
 awful ceremony. In many parts of England such poor wretches are dragged,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 23D 
 
 through the Town, to a place a mile distant, to the preposterous gratification of 
 unfeeling curiosity, and to the disgrace of civilized Society ! Tiiese unhappy men 
 of the Tolbooth had been attended by Ministers of the Establislied Kirk, and 
 others devoutly disposed : The Magistrates, in addition to the fourpence a day paid 
 in money, had humanely ordered them a hot dinner, to be sent from a tavern every 
 day, and each had a wooden stool to sit upon. The Criminals appeared sensible of 
 the kindness, and resigned to their tremendous doom. 
 
 The second flat (or story) has one room for Criminals, 13 feet by 11, with a 
 fire-place; and three rooms for Debtors, two of which are 10 feet by 8, the other 
 18 feet by 11; with fire-jilaces, and a window in each. To this flat there is a 
 water-closet attached, in a room 13 feet by 6 feet 4; but having a sink in it, into 
 which the Felons' tubs are emptied, the good effects are sadly defeated ; for I found 
 it almost unbearably offensive, although there is a window in the room 3 feet 
 square. 
 
 On a level with this second flat is the Tap-Room, 22 feet 6 by 13 feet 9, and 10 
 feet 3 inches high, having two windows, 6 feet by 3 each, and a fire-place. To 
 supply this room with coals and candle, I apprehend it is, that the Garnish money 
 is exacted. It is generally filled both with Prisoners and Towns-people ; so that 
 the Tap is constantly kept running, and proves, indeed, a main source of Prison- 
 finance, as will be demonstrated in the sequel. 
 
 Having mentioned the Gaoler's Salary to be only Sixty Pounds, to which the 
 Fees can make but a trifling addition, I shall proceed to state his expences : viz. 
 
 To a Clerk, per week, 7*. 6d. _-_-_. 
 
 To the Inner Turnkey, ditto, l~s. 6d. _ _ _ - 
 
 To the Outer Turnkey, ditto, 7*. 6d. _ . _ . 
 
 To a Woman for cleaning the Gaol, and going on messages, ditto, 6s. 
 
 Total 100 2 0. 
 
 The Salary of a Gaoler should ever Ix' proportioned to the trust and trouble 
 incident to his important charge. He should draw no ICmohinunt whatever from 
 Misery, nor have any concern in, nor profit from the sale of bread, or other 
 food : and what is a licensed Tap, but the certain means of introducing drunken- 
 ness and profligacy ? 
 
 The third flat has six rooms for Debtors, the average size of which is j) feet 
 square : there are wmdows in each, and four of them have fire-places. Here is like- 
 wise a common kitchen, 17 feet by 9, with a fire-place. 
 
 On the 4th flat, or attic story, are four rooms for Women, 15 feet by 10, with 
 windows and fire-places ; but the ceilings are too scanty, being only 7 feet high. 
 To this story there is a water-closet. 
 
 <=g. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 19 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 45 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 12 
 

 
 24t) STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Iron bedsteads are furnished to Criminals ; and Felons are allowed a mattress, 
 two blankets, and a rug. Debtors furnish their own bedding. No coals are allowed 
 to any part of the Prison. Water is now laid on to the two flats, or stories, occa- 
 pied by the Debtors. 
 
 " Fees and Regulations, 
 To be exacted and observed in the Tolbooth at (ilasgow ; as appointed by Act of 
 
 the Magistrates and Town Council of Glasgow, dated the 31st of August, 176"g. 
 
 "to" 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Sierling. 
 
 J. Every Burgess incarcerated, shall, during his confinement, pay for 
 
 Jaylor-fee, for eacli night, at tlie rate of------ 002 
 
 And every person not a Burgess, shall pay for Jaylor-fee, during 
 
 his or her confinement, each night, at the rate of - - - - 4 
 
 2. Every person imprisoned by virtue of an act of warning, shall pay- 
 to the Jaylor, exclusive of the dues in 1st article . - - - 1 4j: 
 And every person incarcerated by virtue of a written warrant from 
 
 a Magistrate, a Justice of Peace, or a Sheriff, shall pay - - 1 S 
 S. Every person incarcerated by virtue of a caption, or a justiciary or 
 admiral warrant, shall, exclusive of the dues in 1st article, if a 
 Burgess, pay --------------- 02 91 
 
 If au unfreeman, - - ------------ 05 64 
 
 4. The Jaylor, on signing an attestation of a commitment, shall receive 10 
 And on the delivery up of diligence to persons neglecting to re- 
 quire the same, within eight days after the Prisoner's liberation, 
 he shall receive -------------- 010 
 
 Rules to be observed by the Jaylor and his servants. 
 
 1. The Jaylor shall not, by himself or any of his servants, directly or indirectly, demand 
 or receive from any Prisoner, or from any person in his or her name, at entry, or during 
 his or her confinement, any sums of money, under the name of entry-money, garnishing, 
 or any other denomination, separate from, and over and above the fees stipulated as above. 
 Further, the Jailor shall )iot svjf'er any of the Prisonei's to make demands of money or drink 
 
 from persons newly incarcerated, 071 any pretence 'whatsoever. 
 
 2. The Jaylor shall, all the year, open each day, the Prison at nine, and shut it at three 
 in the afternoon ; then open at five, and shut it at nine for the night : only, on Sundays, 
 the Prison shall be shut during public worship, any thing in this rule to the contrary. 
 And the Jaylor is always to keep the whole keys of the Prison in his own custody, while it 
 is shut up, and not entrust them with any of his servants. 
 
 3. The Jaylor, every morning and evening, at the opening of, and before shutthig up 
 the Prison, shall personally visit every room and place therein, carefully insi)ect the 
 windows, chimnies, and walls thereof, in order to prevent and discover all attempts to 
 cut the iron slanchers, or to break through the stonewalls, joists, and floors of the Prison j 
 and he shall take particular care that no instruments be conveyed to, or be in the possession
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. ant 
 
 of, any of tlie Prisoners, wiicrehy ilicy may cllccUiatc tlic-ir cst-iipc, or hurt one another: 
 Anil in case the Jaylor shall, through indisposition, be pre\cnted from tlic execution of 
 liis duty, he shall take care to employ some faithful person in his absence. 
 
 4. The Jaylor and his servants are expressly prohibited, on any account, to sell, or 
 suflTer to be brouglit in to any of the Prisoners, sjjirits or strong litjuor, whereby they may 
 be in danger of being intoxicated ; and to use their utmost endeavours to promote sobriety 
 amongst tiiose under their charge. 
 
 5. The Jaylor shall keep the Prisoners for debt in the best rooms, and separate from 
 criminals and disorderly persons ; and prevent, as much as possible, their associating and 
 conversing together : and the friends and servants of debtors shall be allowed, at all con- 
 venient times, to bring in vivers* for their sup])ort. 
 
 6. In order to make the Prison more healthy and clean, the Jaylor shall, at his own 
 expencc, cause pare and dean lite stairs, sweep the rooms, and remove and cany away all 
 
 Jillli and nasliness, at least three limes in the Tceek. 
 
 7. The Jaylor, in the event of his exacting, by himself, or his servants, more fees than 
 stipulated as above, or in the event of transgressing any of the Rules or Instructions fore- 
 said, shall be dismissed from his office ; or, otherwise punished, as the Matrjstratcs for 
 the time being, and council shall judge proper. 
 
 It is recommended to the Magistrates, frequently to examine and enquire into the fidelity 
 of the Jaylor and his servants ; and the Council hereby ordains these dues and reoulations 
 to be printed and published, that none may pretend ignorance ; and ordains John Rowan, 
 Jaylor, and his successors in office, to affix a copy hereof in the most public part of the 
 Tolbooth, under the penalty often pounds Scots." 
 
 There are no court-yards to the (JIuols in Scothtnd where Debtors are confined. 
 The original cause of this seems to have been the following very severe maxim in 
 the Scotch law : " yVfter a Debtor is imprisoned, he ought not to be Indulged uifh 
 the benefit oj' the air, not even under a guard ; for Creditors have an interest, that 
 their Debtors be kej)t under close confinement; that, by the squalor carceris they 
 may be brought to pay their debt!" Act Sess. 14 June, 1G71. See The Principles 
 nfthe Law nf Scot land, 5th edit. p. 4P1. 
 
 The humane and public-spirited gentlemen of this opulent and highly respectable 
 City, are about to erect a new Prison, on a plan which will embrace Security, 
 Health, and Morals : and Nature herself, as it were, has designated the spot. 
 
 I cannot help taking this opportunit}' of paying my tribute of respect to the Right 
 Honourable James Black, esq. Lord Provost, and James Cleland, esq. Convener 
 of Trades, who personally have visited various Prisons of England, in order to 
 furnish the most approved j)lans, and under w hose auspices this monument of na- 
 tional liberality is soon to be erected. 
 
 Nor must I here omit to add my grateful acknowledgements to his Lordshij), the 
 rest of the Magistrates, and Council of Glasgow, for the Honour they have done 
 me, in presenting me w ith the Freedom of their City ; and likewise to the Trades 
 House, for the highly gratifying manner in which they were pleased to vote and 
 transmit me their Thanks. 
 
 * Provisions, victuals. 
 ll
 
 243 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 GLASGOW. 
 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, George Andrews. Salary-, 8o/. with coals and candles. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. PFUUumsoH, whose present ill health obliges him to officiate 
 by deputy. Salary, 25/. 
 Duty, once a Sunday. 
 
 §3= Mr. Reld, School-Master; who acts as Precentor, or Clerk, and attends 
 three times a week, to instruct such Prisoners as cannot read. A bible 
 and catechism are furnished to those who are religiously disposed. 
 
 Surgeon, heretofore Mr, Cowan, now Mr. Burns. Salary, 70/. for the Town- 
 Hospital, Tolbooth, and Bridewell, with Medicines found him. 
 
 r 1802, Sept. 17th, ----------- 90. 
 
 ^"^''"^'■^'Il809, Oct. 24th, 87. 
 
 Of the latter, six were in the Infirmary. 
 
 Allowance. Lowest class, per week, 2*. id. 
 
 Second 2*. 4d. weekly, and a half-penny each on Sunday. 
 Third, 2.*. gd. weekly, and a penny each on Sunday. 
 Fourth, ditto 3*. id. a week, and a jjenny on Sunday. 
 The last-mentioned class are employed in working the mills, and their diet 
 is regulated in proportion to the work done. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell, situated in Duke-street, on an eminence at the North end of 
 the Town, was finished and first inhabited in May, 1798. It is surrounded by a 
 boundary wall, within which is a small space, intended for a garden originally ; but 
 it is too much confined for the growth of vegetables. 
 
 The Prison consists of a centre building, and two wings. The centre is appro- 
 priated to Prisoners ; the East wing is used as a warehouse ; and the Keeper resides 
 in the West wing, where also are the Kitchen and the Infirmary. 
 
 On the ground-floor are 20 cells, of y feet 6 inches each, by 7 feet, with arched 
 roofs, and stone floors ; lighted and ventilated by glazed and iron-grated casement 
 windows, 4() inches by 12. The Prisoners sleep on boards raised four inches from 
 the floor, supplied with loose straw, two blankets, and a rug. An uncovered tub 
 in each cell serves the purpose of a sewer. The cells are divided, ten on each side, 
 by a passage or lobby, 4 feet 2 inches wide ; which is ventilated at each end by an 
 iron-grated window. 
 
 These cells are used for Convicts under Sentence of Transportation, and are called. 
 •* The Legal Prison."
 
 IM F.NGLAM), SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 243 
 
 Tlie 1st, 2d, 3d, ami 4th stories have each 31 cells, all of the same size ; divided 
 in the same manner as the preceding, and fitted up with niistd hoards for bedsteads, 
 straw mattress, throe hlaiikets, and a ni<:j. 
 
 At the top of the huildin<j is the Chapel, where Divine Service is performed 
 every Sunda}-. 
 
 The Infirmary has a boarded floor, a fire-place, and glazed casement windows, 
 with six wooden bedsteads ; and adjoining to it are two small rooms for single 
 persons, and a convenient a])artment for the nurse, who is paid a yearly salary. 
 The bedding here is the same as in the other parts of the Prison ; but a discretionary 
 power is lodged with the Surgeon, to order additional bedding, diet, or wine, as he 
 judges proper. 
 
 Coals are furnished for this wing of the Prison : but it is ill-supplied with water ; 
 and there being no regular drain, and the receptacle for the foulest deposits of the 
 Prison being injudiciously constructed near the windows of the Kitchen and In- 
 firmary, sometimes causes both of them to be very otiensive. 
 
 Two Women-Prisoners generally work in each cell, and are employed in weaving, 
 tambouring, picking of cotton, and the fabrication of sprig-muslin. 
 
 A book is kept, with a regular entry of the work and behaviour of the Prisoners ; 
 and whatever their earnings exceed the cost of clothes and maintenance, they re- 
 ceive it upon being discharged. 
 
 During my visit in lS02, an account was given me of one Margaret Raymond, 
 who at her discharge received no less \.\\?l\\ Jif'teen founds ten shillings and eleven 
 pence : Another Prisoner had eleven pounds five shillings ; and a third, five pounds 
 nine shillings. Poor Margaret, however, became too rich to be prudent : she unluckily 
 took the w hole of her money at one payment ; and being ineffectually lectured by 
 past trials, the consequence was, that want of sobriety, and riotous behaviour, soon 
 sent her back to her old habitation. 
 
 At my second visit, in 1S09, I was informed of one James Blair, a weaver's 
 having been sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, who had received no less 
 than twenty four pounds, as the balance due to him for Prison-work : and 31ari/ 
 Boi/d, sentenced also to two years confinement, had received fifteen jjounds, after 
 deducting the cost nf her clothing and maintenance. 
 
 The Keeper carries on a manufactory of linen and cotton thread, on his own 
 account ; to wiiich a poor person out of employ may be admitted on petition, and 
 receive an allowance of sixjience per day. The Keeper told me that a poor girl so 
 admitted, had received eight pounds four shillings and nine pence halfpenn}' 
 on the day previous to my visit ; being the overplus of her earnings, after pa^■ment 
 for clothes, &c. during a period of about six months. 
 
 A Corporal's guard is kept in the court-yard every night, and a centinel during 
 the day.
 
 244 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 GLOUCESTER. 
 
 Jlie CourJij Gaul, and PniUciitlari/ Ilnuxe annexed. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Cunningham. 
 
 Salary, 300/. for Gaol and Penitentiary House. Also allowed a Clerk, wliose 
 
 Salary is 50/. paid by the County-. 
 Fees, for Debtors, as per Table. Tlie Under-SherifFdemands Gs. 8d. for his libe- 
 
 rate ; which is paid by the Committee of Prison Charity in all cases of distress. 
 Fees for Felons, Fines, and Criminals, none. The expence of conveying 
 
 Transports is paid by the County. 
 Garnishj abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Edivard Jones. 
 
 Duty, Prayeis Wednesday and Friday morning; and a Sermon every Sunday, 
 Christmas day, and Good Friday. Salary 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. IVilton. Salary, 47/. for all descriptions. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, and Crlminak 
 
 1802, Nov. 29th, ---- 29 ------- 50 
 
 1806, Sept. 3d, ---- 28 ------- 47 
 
 And Two French Captives. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, Fines, and Felons, one pound and a half of good house- 
 hold bread, and one penny in money per day. The allowance of diet to 
 Prisoners in the Penitentiary House is as follows : 
 
 Every morning a loaf of bread, of one pound and a half, to each ; with an 
 ounce and half of oatmeal, and a quarter of an ounce of salt, made into gruel. 
 
 Dinner, Sunday and Thursday, three quarters of a pound of beef, without 
 bone, and one pound of potatoes. 
 
 Monday and Friday, three quarters of a pint of pease, made into soup with 
 the liquor of the preceding days. 
 
 Tuesday, two pounds of potatoes, or one quarter of a pound of cheese. 
 
 Wednesday, one ounce and a half of rice, and one ounce and a half of oatmeal. 
 
 Saturday, a quarter of a pound of cheese. 
 
 The Women have one ounce of tea, and two ounces of sugar per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The situation of this Prison is judiciously chosen, a little way out of the Town. 
 The boundary wall encloses nearly three acres of ground; and the buildings consist 
 of the Gaol, and the Penitentiary House, calculated for separate and distinct 
 purposes.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOFLAXD, AND WALKS. 24.5 
 
 In the front is tlie Turnkey's lodge; on the ground-floor of which is a fumigating 
 room, a guard-room, porter's-room, and pantry ; a bako-liouse, and warm and cold 
 baths. IJp-stairs, two rooms for flour and wlieat, and four Lazurctto cells, each 
 7 feet 6 inches by 6" feet. Two rooms for Prisoners' clotlies; one for irons, locks, 
 holts, &c. a>id a porter's sleeping-room. 
 
 On the flat roof above is the place of execution; and between the two chimnies 
 is placed an alarm-bell, which is tolled during the awful ceremony. 
 
 In the outward gate are two boxes, to receive the donations of benefactors : One 
 inscribed, 
 
 " To encourage Penitence and 
 Orderly Behaviour in Criminal Prisoners." 
 
 The other, " For the Rehef of Poor Debtors." 
 
 A small court-yard leads to the Gaoler's house, in which, on the ground-floor, is 
 the Magistrates' Coinaiittee Room, the kitchen, pantries, and brewhouse, with 
 cellars underneath. 
 
 Above stairs is a sitting-room, and two bed-rooms on the second story ; a Dis- 
 pensary, two Infirmaries, and a general Hospital-room, with a fire-j)lace at each 
 end. On the upper story is the Foul-Waid, containing three cells for Prisoners 
 w ho have any infectious disorder ; the leaden roof, serving for convalescents to take 
 the air, is one story higher than the rest of the buildings. 
 
 The Prisons are surrounded by eleven separate courts, of an irregular polygon 
 shape ; and betwixt each is a small plat of garden-ground, to prevent conversation 
 between the different classes. They have open wood palisades, by which a tho- 
 rough air is admitted ; and the ground, i)eing an inclined plane, is constantly dry. 
 The distance of about 15 feet from the boundary wallaiibrdsa convenient garden for 
 the growth of vegxetables. 
 
 The Debtors liave a spacious airy court, of 70 yards in length, and I9 yards 
 wide, with a colonnade at each end, iG yards by 10 feet 6; and two smaller courts. 
 A day-room. If) yards by \2, with two tire-places, is fitted up with every accommo- 
 dation for frugal cookery ; and two large commodious work-rooms, wherein to carry 
 on any trade for the sole benefit of those Prisoners who can procure employment 
 from without : If not, they are supplied with work, on application to the xManu- 
 facturer, and receive two thirds of the estimated value of their daily earnings. The 
 risk of sale for the articles so wrought up remains with the County. 
 
 Prisoners for Debt are here distributed into two divisions, or classes. The first 
 is under the Magistrates' protection : to which all have admission on their com- 
 mitment ; but in which no one is suffered to remain, except on conforming to 
 rules calculated for the preservation of health and morals, and to promote that 
 decency and good order, which are so essential to the common benefit of all.
 
 246 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The second division \s caWed " The Sheriff's ff^'ardT with Prisoners in which 
 class the Magistrates no otherwise interfere, than to protect them against every 
 jjossible means of extortion. The Debtors in this division are liable to all such 
 claims and consequences as the CJaoler may, by Law or Usage, have authority to 
 impose. 
 
 Each Debtor, desirous to live under the Magistrates' Protection, (or First Class,) 
 has a separate bed-room, fire-proof, fitted up with an iron bedstead, hair mattress, 
 blankets, sheets, and quilt, at the County cost: those confined in the Sheriff's Ward 
 have the like accommodation, on paying the regulated room-rent. 
 
 Such Prisoners as are far removed from tiieir friends, or totally destitute of any, 
 and without the power to procure their sixj.ences ; or who are not able to work ; 
 or, being able, cannot procure employment sufficient to provide themselves necessary 
 sustenance; Sticli, and such o»///, are relieved from the publick stock, " on pro- 
 ducing a certificate from the Minister, and some other respectable inhabitants of 
 the Debtor's place of residence, that he is not only destitute of friends, but a de- 
 serving object also of the publick bountj\" 
 
 An unrestrained and unlimited construction of that Clause in the Lords' Act, 
 which allows Debtors, at their will and pleasure, " to send for, or to have brought 
 unto them, any ale, beer, &c." is what I have been ever taught to consider as the 
 source of riot and disorder amongst Prisoners ; and as, probably, a principal cause 
 of their distress. Now, by the Gloucester Bye-Laws, the power to send for victuals 
 and small beer, is not only unrestricted, but a messenger is paid by the publick to 
 procure it for them at all liours in the dai/-time. With respect to strong liquor, 
 Jiowever, no Prisoner is allowed to have, or receive, for his own use, more than a 
 pint of wine, or a quart of strong beer, in any one day. 
 
 Here are thirtyfour single sleeping-cells, 8 feet by 6', with arched roofs, furnished 
 with iron bedsteads, hair mattress, blankets, sheets, and quilt, like the fire-proof 
 bed-rooms before described, at the expence of the County; together with two 
 ]arge five bedded rooms, in case the number of Prisoners should exceed what the 
 cells can accommodate. 
 
 The following is " The Table of Fees to be paid by the Debtors, being revised 
 and regulated as directed by the Acts of 32d Geo. II. and 25th Geo. III." 
 
 jC. s. d. 
 " For entering an Action, whereon each Prisoner is I)rouglit into 
 
 Custody, either on Process, Capias, Latitat, or Execution - 10 
 For entering and discharging every second or othei- action, upon 
 
 Process, Capias, Latitat, or Execution -- - ..-- 0134 
 For the Certificate of the Want of a Declaration, in order to 
 
 sue out a Writ of Supersedeas ---------- OfiS 
 
 N. B. The above demandable of the Prisoner.
 
 FM ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 247 
 
 £. s. d. 
 for receiving and entering every Declaration against a Prisoner 
 
 in Custody --------------- 020 
 
 For each Copy of a Warrant against a Prisoner ----- 034 
 
 N. B. To be paid by Persons making the Declaration, or de- 
 mancHng the ^V'a^•ant. 
 Attcn<ling ui)on every Prisoner, to give Bail, Special Bail, Habeas, 
 or other necessary attendance, out of the Gaol, as directed by 
 Statute, per mile -------------- 010 
 
 That all the above Eces (except for the Keeper's attendance out of Gaol.) when paid by 
 any Prisoner to the Keeper, shall be accounted for by him to the public Fund, in aid of 
 the Debtor's maintenance. 
 
 Ever}- Debtor, who, during his confinement, has behaved orderly in Prison, and sub- 
 mitted to ilie regulations with decent respect and attention, on his discharge is entitled 
 to a ceriiiicate of siicii good bc-haviour, from the Chaplain and a Visiting Justice, or Chaplaia 
 and Governor: And tliis certificate is a complete acquittal from all and every Fee payable 
 to the Keeper."^ 
 
 ^fCJ' By the Police of this Prison respecting Debtors, it is considered as the best 
 expedient " to guide them to good deportment by the prospect of benefits ; and no 
 otherwise to punish their irregularities, than by removing them from a participation 
 of those benetits. Had the exemption from Fees been uncendifionaUtf given, they 
 would soon have claimed it as their right, and forgotten it as a benefaction ; and this 
 negative influence on their conduct would have been lost." 
 
 Besifles the 34 sleeping-cells before-noticed, there are three sleeping-rooms for 
 the Male Debtors, in the Keeper s house ; for which they pay as per following 
 Table: 
 
 " T.ABLE OF Taxed Charges allowed for 
 Lodging, Bedding, &c. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 •' Every Person confined in the Sheriff''s JVard,. finding his own 
 
 bedding, per week, ------------- 010 
 
 Ditto, with bedding allowed by the Count v ------ 02t» 
 
 [The Certificate of Good Behaviour is a Discharge from all de- 
 mands on account of the two preceding articles.] 
 E\ery Person occupying a room in the Keepefs house shall pay 
 
 per week ---------------- 026 
 
 Furnished ------ -- 07 6."
 
 248 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Women Debtors have a large room on the first story, with five beds ; and Sherili''s 
 Ward Debtors have two of the same size on the second story. 
 
 The sleeping-cells, of 8 feet by 6, with arched roofs, are well ventilated. 
 
 Here is a court where coals are deposited ; in which is a large wheel for forcing 
 water into 4 reservoirs; and from them every part of the Prison is well supplied wih 
 water. 
 
 The goods manufactured here are stockings, girth-web, bottle-stands, boots, 
 shoes, slippers, articles fur weaving, &c. 
 
 The Chapel is a neat building. Each class of Prisoners enters by a separate door 
 to the place assigned them ; which is out of view of the others. Their names are 
 called over before Divine Service begins ; and none are permitted to absent them- 
 selves, except on some special occasion, or sickness. I was much pleased with 
 the suitable discourse of the worthy Chaplain, which he very forcibly addressed 
 to the several classes of his audience. Beside the service heretofore noted in its 
 place, I learned that Prayers are read on t/ie other four iveek-dai/s by the Gaoler ; 
 who then distributes the daily allowance of bread and money to every Prisoner that 
 appears clean, and has behaved decently in Chapel. 
 
 The several court-yards for Felons, &c. in the interior of the Prison, are spa- 
 cious and airy ; with arcades, and day-rooms to each class, fitted up with every con- 
 venience for simple cookery. There is a wash-house and common cooking-room 
 in the Penitentiary House. The washing of linen is done by the Female Convicts, 
 who have a drying-ground, and three rooms also, to answer the purpose of drying 
 in bad weather. 
 
 Here is a Task-Master, or Manufacturer, who has a Salary, and a share of the 
 Prisoners' earnings, and acts likewise as assistant to Mr. Cunningham, the Gaoler. 
 A sale-shop is provided for the finished goods ; a large room where the bedding is 
 manufactured ; another for weaving, and a third for picking the hair made use of in 
 mattresses : a taylor's shop ; and a store-room for pease, clothing, pots, paint, &c. 
 
 The penitentiary Prisoners have three courts, into which open sixteen work-cells. 
 There are two passages, or lobbies, 5 feet wide, and communicating with these 
 courts, each containing Jive work-cells; in all twenty-six. These are heated by 
 brick flues, and have a Thermometer to regulate the warmth. 
 
 The ground floor, and the first and second-story, have each of them a day-room 
 for State Prisoners, about sixteen feet square, with fire-places and glazed windows. 
 This Prison contains 178 sleeping-cells, and two others for the refractory; dark 
 indeed, but, like the rest, well-ventilated. 
 
 Criminals sleep single. They have iron bedsteads, a straw mattress, a hair ditto, 
 with 16 lbs. of hair each ; two blankets, a pair of sheets, a night-cap, and a coverlet 
 lined with flannel. Slieets and night-caps clean every month.
 
 IN KNGI.AND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 249 
 
 At my visit in November l802, I copied the followint,' Uemarks : 
 
 "From the time the County Gaol was opened, in .Inly I791, until iSoo, 
 Pmower.v committed, about otic thousand three hundred! and constantly confined 
 in it, on an average, one hundred. In the nine years deutha thirteen : of these, 
 four sunk under the eflects of disease, brought into Prison with them. The hi<sht- 
 cells, budt with brick, rest on an arch, and are arched over ; so that no air can enter 
 them, but through the opening near the crown of the arch provided for it; and by 
 the sides of the wooden-shutter being imperfectly fitted, they are necessarily dry, 
 as air is constantly passing innnediately under and round them on every side. 
 Fahrenheit's Thermometer, placed in the middle region of one of these cells, where a 
 Prisoner was sleeping, has never, in the severest night, been observed to be 
 below 33; and no complaint, of old or young, male or female, has been made, of 
 sufJerins by cold in them." 
 
 The power delegated to the Magistrates, for public benefit in the police of 
 Prisons, appears to have been exercised here with great care and discernment. The 
 qualities of each Man concerned in the internal management of these conjoint 
 Prisons, from the Head (iaoler to the lowest officer, seem to have fitted him for the 
 situation in which he is j)Iaced. The excellent Rules, Orders, and Reguhttions 
 are literally obeyed ; and deservedly so, as they are worthy of the Magistrate * who 
 formed them, and whose zeal for public good is fully equalled by his powers of 
 judgment in execution. Silence and obedience reign throughout the whole : Regu- 
 larity and decorum pervade every department : Every comfort is secured which 
 can attend the privation of liberty ; and satisfaction is visibly demonstrated in the 
 countenance of every Prisoner. In a word, these Prisons exhibit the highest 
 pitch of perfection in polity I ever witnessed. To humane treatment, in the articles 
 of food, lodging, &c. are joined strict provisions to prevent dissipation and riotous 
 amusement. Confinement, sufficiently irksome to the idle and profligate, is here 
 destructive neither to health nor morals. 
 
 It is nujch to be regretted that some precise orders are not, in every Prison, 
 established for the conduct of Debtors ; whose irregularities frequently embarrass 
 their Keepers, merely from the want of knowing how to treat them. 
 
 * i^u' George Oncsiphorus Paul, Bart. 
 
 KK
 
 250 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 GLOUCESTER. 
 
 Tlie City Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, U^ilUam Dunn ; now John Russell. Salary, 31/. 105. 
 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 13*. Ad. Conveyance of Transports, 6l. •ach. 
 Garnish abolished. 
 Chaplain, none. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Wilton, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors, Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Nov. 20th, ----- 3 ----0 
 1 806, Sept. 3d, ----- 5 -(j--,^:.- 1 Woman Convict. 
 
 Also a Boy, for leaving his work. 
 Allowance, for Debtors in common, three shillings per week, paid by Jie 
 City, and divided among them, be the number great or small. If only one 
 Debtor, he has the whole. To certificated Paupers, sixpence a day each in 
 bread. Felons, &c. have sixpence daily. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This Gaol, which is likewise the City Bridewell, was first occupied 24th Nov. I784, 
 and is situate in South-gate Street. 
 
 The Keeper's apartments front the street, and his kitchen commands a view of 
 the court-yard, which is flagged, and of an oval shape, 36 feet by 24 feet 6; sup- 
 plied with two sewers and two pumps ; and this is the only court-yard for Prisoners 
 of all descriptions. 
 
 The Master's-Side Debtors have a day-room up stairs, and one bed-room, for 
 which they pay 2s. per week each. 
 
 The Poor or Common-Side Debtors have what is called the Straw- Room; 
 which is ^free-ward, over the Felons' day-room, and of the same size, with a fire- 
 place and glazed window. 
 
 The ground-floor contains a day-room, 12 feet square, for the Felons ; and three 
 sleeping-cells, furnished with barrack bedsteads, loose straw, and a rug to sleep on, 
 lighted and ventilated by iron-gratings over the doors. Also a condemned cell, 
 about 6 feet 3 inches square, totall3' dark, except what light can reach it through 
 an iron-grated aperture in the door, 9 inches wide by 8. Deserters are sometimes 
 confined here. 
 
 The Bridewell- Room is above stairs, 15 feet by 12; and has a fire-place, glass 
 window, sky-light, a barrack-bed, and the whij)ping-post. The place of execution 
 is at the end of the Gaol. 
 
 On the 13th of December annually, the Prisoners here have ten shillings worth 
 of bread given them, arising from an estate in Hem-stead, near the City of Gloucester. 
 It is sent in twopenny loaves ; but no Memorial of them is recorded in the Gaol.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 251 
 
 A Table of the Chamber Rent, anfi Fees, belonging to the Gaol and Prison for the 
 City of (Jloucester, and County of the same Citv^ 
 Chamber Rknts. 
 No. 2. The Debtors' Rooms, for each man, two shillings per week. 
 No. 3. The Straw Debtors' Rooms, nothing to be paid. 
 
 Fees. sS. s. d. 
 
 For every Debtor dischargefi by liberate from the -SherifT, - - - - 13 4 
 
 Everj- Prisoner discharged by //Afrrt^e from a Justice of the Peace, - 13 4 
 Every certificate of Debtor, signed by the Gaoler, ------068 
 
 Every copy of Warrant, ----.------..034 
 
 " City of Gloucester, and County of the same City, to wit. 
 
 " At the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace, holden at the Tolsey for the said City of 
 Gloucester, by adjournment, the 15tlx day of January, 1790. 
 
 " \V hcreas by an act made in the second year of the reign of his Majesty King George 
 the Second, intituled, ' \n Act for the Relief of Insolvent Debtors, with respect to the 
 Imprisonment of their Persons,' amongst other things it is enacted, that no Fees shall be 
 taken for Prisoners' commitment, chamber-rent, or discharge, except what are allowed by 
 law, till such fees shall be settled by three or more Justices attending at the settling of 
 the Fees at the Quarter-Sessions, and shall be reviewed, confirmed, or moderated, and then 
 signed by the Judge of the Assize, with three or more Justices. And whereas, upon the 
 examination of the Gaoler of the Prison of this City, and County of the same Cit^', it 
 appearing to us that the abovementioned Table of Fees are the ancient and accustomed 
 Fees of the Gaoler of the said Prison ; and we, having reviewed and moderated the said 
 Table of Fees in some articles. Do hereby allow and confirm the same, as they are- now 
 settled. Signed by us, James Sadler, Mayor. Abraham Saunders. G. Gree.naway. 
 
 Allowed and confirmed this 33th March, 1790, by us, J. Heath. J. Wilson,'* 
 
 GOSPORT. Hampshire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Edward Hunt, now William Barber. Salary, 52A 10*. Fees, 6s. 8d. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. /far^e/-. Salarj', none; but ntakes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, March 3d, — 14- 1807, Sept. l8th, — 29. 
 
 Allowance, seventeen ounces and half of best wheaten bread per day ; sent from 
 the Baker's in loaves, and which I found to be of full weight. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 Here are two court-yards ; one for the Men-Prisoners, 30 feet square ; the otiier 
 for the Women, about 12 feet square. They are separated from each other by a
 
 252 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 single wooden palisade fence only, and thus exposed to continual intercourse, which 
 might easily be prevented. 
 
 The Men's day-room opens into their court-yard, and is 20 feet by 13, with a 
 fire-place ; but, to go to their lodging-room, they must come into the other court- 
 yard, assigned for the Females. 
 
 There are also two upper rooms, in one of which is included a single sleeping- 
 cell, and a most offensive privy : the otlier room contains five sleeping-cells, about 
 9 feet by 4 each, and g feet high, supplied with loose straw on the boards, and 
 a single blanket. The better sort of Prisoners, who sleep in the Keepers house, 
 pay one shilling the first niglit, and sixpence every night after. 
 
 The Women's day-room below is likewise a sleeping-room, and at my visit in 
 1807, had in it four crib bedsteads, with a flock bed and blanket each, pestered 
 by nauseous vermin ; but, with the bed clothes, were then put out in the Court to 
 air, — a severe reproof to the inattentive, for bestowing so little exertion to remove 
 them. Such inconveniences as are voluntary, are culpable too. 
 
 Here is an oven to purify the clothes of Prisoners at coming in, and a pump 
 in the Women's court-yard. The Keeper's house, which commands a view of 
 both court-yards, was in a very ruinous state, as well as the floors of the Prison ; 
 yet I found the whole very clean. Coals are allowed to poor Prisoners in case of 
 sickness, upon application to the Magistrates. 
 
 No Employment for the Prisoners in this House of Correction. How ean we 
 expect grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles ; or decency of manners from in- 
 dolence and sloth, amidst evil associations ! A new Bridewell is nearly finished. 
 
 GRANTHAM. Lincolnshire. 
 Gaol and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, William Cooper, Keeper of the Town-Hall, who officiates by a Deputy, 
 Edward Elston. Fees, 6s. 8d. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, when one is wanted, he is sent by the Town. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 3d Sept, 1 8o<), Two. 
 
 Allowance, to Felons, 8d. per day ; to Petty Offenders, 4d. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is situated in Old Shop Lane, and has apartments in the chamber- 
 gtory, for the Keeper, whose windows command the only court-yard. It is for all
 
 rN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 !l69k 
 
 description of Prisoners, and about 30 feet square, with a sewer and a dust-pen. No 
 pump. The water is fetched from the court-house, which adjoins. 
 
 On tlie ground-floor liere is a day-room, about 12 fi^et square, a glazed window, 
 and a fire-place, to which the Town finds coals in tlie Winter : there is a hemp block 
 in it, but no employment furnished. Tiie seven sleeping-cells are all on the ground- 
 floor, and open into the court-yard ; they have boarded floors, with loose straw, and 
 two rugs each for bedding. 
 
 There is a door in the wall of this coint, which opens into the yard of the court- 
 house; in which, and uiuler arcades, tliere are three sleeping-cells and a small day- 
 room : But the sight of the Prisoners being disagreeable to the (Gentlemen, they 
 have not been used these eight years, and at my visit were filled with lumber. 
 Neither Act nor Clauses hung up. The whole Prison very dirty. 
 
 (iREENLAW. Berukhhire, Scotland. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Young. Salary, 20/. ., 
 
 Fees, Felons, and Misdemeaners, none. Debtors, is. Gd. on caption, paid 
 by the Messenger or Plaintiff. 
 
 No religious attentions. No Surgeon. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 20th Sept. 1809, One Petty Offender. 
 
 Allowance, Felons, Sd. per daj'. Debtors, as alimented by the Magistrates. 
 The Prisoner here, at my visit, was alimented at iod. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, as appears by an inscription on the stone in front, was built I>y the 
 first Earl of Marchmont, in I712. He allowed to the Town the use of it, upon 
 the condition of keeping it in repair. The Sheriff and the Baron Bailiff both hold 
 their Courts here three times in the year. 
 
 The Prison stands within the church-yard, and the entrance door opens into it, 
 as do likewise the grated windows. In the front and centre of the building there 
 are apartments intended for the Keeper; but, having damp nuul-floors, they are not 
 occupied. He lives, therefore, in a house near at haixi. 
 
 To the left of the above apartments, and upon the ground-floor, is a room for 
 Debtors, of 16' feet by I4, with a glazetl and grated lift-up sash window, two wooden 
 bedsteads, a fire-place, two chairs, a table, and cupboard for their jjrovisions; and 
 a conveniently-placed sewer. No bedding, nor even straw is allowed. No coals. 
 
 On the right of the Keeper's intended house, and on the ground-floor, is a place 
 called " The Thieves' Hole" 9 feet square, and 6 feet 9 inches liigh, to the crown of
 
 254 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 the arch; with a mud floor, and short loose straw laid upon it, two blankets, and a 
 pillow. It is entirely dark, and without ventilation ; but has two doors, the inner 
 one of wood, the other iron-grated ; and, to admit air and light, the wooden door 
 is occasionally opened during part of the day. To prevent communication, how- 
 ever, from without, an iron palisaded gate is fixed at about 5 feet distant, which 
 opens into the church-yard, and is constantly kept locked. 
 
 Above stairs, and immediately over Thieves' Hole, is another room for Debtors, 
 12 feet square, which has a small grated and glazed window, looking to the church- 
 yard, but no useful fire-place. Both the Debtors' rooms have boarded floors ; but 
 in this last mentioned apartment there is no bedstead or other furniture. 
 
 Over the Debtors' small room just described, is the belfry staircase ; which, by 
 an ascent of 14 steps, leads on to a room for Men Felons, 1^ feet square; with a 
 wooden bedstead, supplied with straw and two blankets, and a small iron-grated 
 window on both sides. 
 
 Thirteen steps above the preceding room is one of equal dimensions, for Women- 
 Felons ; and 13 steps still higher, a smaller room for ringing the Church bell, and 
 winding up the clock, which is done every day by the Keeper, 
 
 The single Prisoner I met with was a run-away apprentice, and had been for 
 several months the only inhabitant of the Gaol. He was a decent-looking, well- 
 behaved young man, of about 18 ; but preferred remaining therj in solitude, rather 
 than return back to his Master. 
 
 GREENWICH, Kent. See Page 227. 
 
 GUILDFORD. Surrei/. 
 The Brideivell. 
 
 Keeper, John King. Salary, 45/. Fees, 45. 2d. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeons, Messrs. Merriman and Jachson. Salary, 15/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1805, June SOth, thirteen. 1807, Sept. 17th, nine. 
 
 Allowance, a one pound loaf of bread per day, and water : It formerly was one 
 pound and a half. The Magistrates allow winter firing, when applied to by 
 the Keeper. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The court-yard is 40 feet by 23, with a pump in it. The day-room for the 
 Men Prisoners is 7 feet by 9 feet 6, and has a fire-place. The Women's ward
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 255 
 
 opens into the Men's court, and is 14 feet by y, and 8 feet high. The Infirmary 
 room, hkewise, communicating witli the court, is l8 feet, by 9 feet 6, and 8 feet 
 high ; and has a fire-place, with a glazed window of three hghts, made to take out 
 occasionally. 
 
 Here are two cells, v. ith solid iron doors, and an iron-grated window to each. 
 One of them, 14 feet by 9 feet 6, and 10 feet high, has an iron-grated lattice, 
 of about 3 feet by 2, and an open turret above. '1 he other is l8 feet by J) feet 6, 
 with vaulted roof, an iron-grated lattice, 5 feet by 4 ; and, like the former, has an 
 open turret above. 
 
 No sewer, but half tubs instead of them. The straw on the floor was bad, and no 
 other covering supplied. 
 
 Women's Side. The door of their court-yard opens into that assigned for the 
 men. Their day-room is 10 feet by 9 feet 6, and has a fire-place. 
 
 Up-stairs is a lumber-room, in which fuel is put; and two rooms with beds, 
 furnished by the Keeper at six-pence each bed per week: One of them 16 feet by 
 10, and 7 feet high ; the other 14 by 10, of the same height. No fire-places : the 
 glass windows are made to take out in warm weather. 
 
 When the Assizes are held here, the Gaol is much crouded. The Summer 
 Assize is alternately held here and at Croydon ; the Lent Assize at Kingston. 
 Prison white-washed once a year. Not visited by the Magistrates for two years 
 previous to my being here in June 1805. No employment for the Prisoners. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health is hung up ; but not the Clauses against Spi- 
 rituous Liquors. 
 
 HITCHIN. Hcrtfordshb-e. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, John Luck. Salary, 24/. No Fees. 
 Prisoners, 1S03, July 15, None. 1S07, Sept. 2d, One. 
 Allowance, one pound of bread per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 In the Work-house yard, a large room on the ground floor for Men, 20^^ feet 
 by 10 feet 6, with two iron-grated windows, and loose straw upon the floor. Over 
 it are two rooms for Women, who ascend to them by a ladder. No chinuiey in 
 either of the rooms. No court-yard. No water, but as fetched in by the Keeper.
 
 256 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 HADDINGTON. East LotJnan, Scotland. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Peter Coates ; now John Lowrie ; a Tovvn-OiHcer, or Bailiff, who /if e* 
 at a distance. 
 Salary, heretofore six pounds; but now 20/. : viz. ten from the Town, and ten 
 from the County. No Fees. 
 
 Surgeon, sent in, when needful, by order of the Provost. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Criminals. 
 
 1802, Sept. 12th, - ------ 1. 
 
 1809, Sept. 22d, ------ ------ 3. 
 
 Allowance, to Criminals sixpence a day. Debtors, after fifteen days' commit- 
 ment, are alimented at the discretion of the Magistrates. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is partly built over the Assembly Hall. It has two dark r(x>ms 
 bdow, for Felons, called Dungeons, each I5 feet by 8 ; with vaulted roofs, 
 and two small apertures in the wall, l6 inches by 7, for light and ventilation, which 
 open towards the street. One of the rooms has a wooden bedstead, the other 
 none ; but both have loose straw, and a rug. 
 
 The lesser Criminals here have one miserable room above stairs, of 11 feet by 8, 
 with an iron bedstead, and a small iron-grated aperture for ventilation, 18 inches 
 by 12, looking to the street. The straw on the floors was short, dirty, and worn 
 to dust. 
 
 Adjoining to the above room is one for common Debtors, 9 feet by 8 ; which has 
 a wooden bedstead, fire-place, and glazed window. 
 
 There are two other dark rooms below, in which Felons, till of late, have been 
 occasionally confined : but they are now used by the militaiy, as a Black-Hole 
 for Deserters. 
 
 At the top of the building is a very good room, 19 feet by 13, for Debtors who 
 »re Burgesses: it has a sash-window, but only straw provided for bedding. I found 
 it dirty, and it seemed never to have been white-washed. 
 
 Here is no court-yard fur air and exercise. No coals are allowed to any part of 
 the Prison. No water accessible, except as brought by the Keeper once a day. No 
 sewers provided ; and the nasty tubs substituted for them, are only emptied about 
 once a week or fortnight. 
 
 The executioner, Peter Carrs, has a suit of clothes yearly, with a house to live in, 
 and 4/. gratuity for clearing the tubs, and keeping the Prison clean. He became^
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 257 
 
 however, so neglioent of his dntv, that upon rejieated complaints made by the 
 Gaoler, the Magistrates committed liim to Prison. Little appears to have been the 
 effect of so just a chastisement ; for even now, the complainant says, he cannot get 
 him to empty the tubs more frequently than once a week. 
 
 ^3* The Gaolers of most Prisons in Scotland have no apartments there; which, 
 added to the natural gloominess of Confinement, must surely aggravate the uncom- 
 fortable ideas of Neglect and Desertion. 
 
 HALIFAX. I'orkshire, West-Riding, 
 The Low, or Town Gaol : for Debtors only. 
 
 Gaoler, Joseph Scott ; who keeps a Publick-I louse. 
 
 Salary, none. He pays a Rent to his Grace the Duke of Leeds, of 24/. per 
 
 annum ; and also Window Tax for the Gaol. 
 Fees, on commitment, Gs. 4d. on discharge, I'^s. 4d. and 1*. to the Turnkey. 
 Garnish, (not yet abolished,) 3«. bW. 
 
 Chaplain, none. Surgeon, none. 
 
 
 
 Number of Debtors. 
 
 
 1800, March 31st, - - - - 13, 
 
 1805, Oct. 20th, - - 
 
 - - J, 
 
 1802, Feb. 4th, - - - - 17. 
 
 1807, May 12th, - - 
 
 - - 14. 
 
 Allowance, a Legacy of forty shillings worth of bread jier annum, be the number 
 of Debtors great or small ; one twelfth part of which is regularly sent in 
 every month. (See the Remarks.) If a Debtor be very poor, and cannot 
 support himself, the parish to which he belongs orders him a weekly pittance. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This ancient Gaol, which seems to have been built in the year 1662, is for the 
 Manor of Wakefield, and the property of the Duke of Leeds. 
 
 The Gaolers house is the sign of the Ducal Arms ; and under it is, singularly 
 enough, inscribed, 
 
 " Neat Wines : The Jail House." 
 
 Masters-Side Debtors are assigned the use of four rooms in the Gaoler's house, 
 for which they pay according to their respective accommodations : viz. If a single 
 bed, 3,v. 6d. per week ; or, if two sleep together, 2s. J^d. each Debtor. 
 
 Through the house lies a passage to the court-yard, which is 42 feet by 21 ; and 
 at the farther end of it is a good-sized room, upon the ground-floor of the Prison. 
 
 L L
 
 258 STATK OF PRISONS 
 
 for Common-side Debtors. This they call " The Low Gaol T and from it is an 
 aperture to the street, of about a foot square, for the rtceiviug of provisions. 
 
 Over that room is another, 28 feet by 19, and 8 feet high, named the " Low Gaol 
 Chamber;' which has afire-place, and an iron-grated glazed window: Also six 
 sleeping-rooms, paid for at 2s. 4d. per week, each Common-Side Debtor sleeping 
 singly in a bed provided by the Gaoler ; or, if two sleep together, at \s.Qd. each, 
 weekly. Persons bringing their own bed and bedding, must pay half what they 
 would have done, if they used the beds furnished by the (iaoler. 
 
 The distribution of legacy-bread, before mentioned, to the Prisoners, is by ^s. and 
 4(/. worth on the first Saturday in every month ; and arises from the exemplary 
 bounty of Mr. Jonathan Turner of Halifax, a butcher; who, by his will, left 
 forty shillings yearly to the poor Prisoners in the Town Gaol, to be given them 
 in bread. I'his annuity is charged upon certain houses in Cheapside, Halifax, now 
 in the possession of Miss H'aterhonse, who constantly pays the legacy *. 
 
 On looking over the Regalations for the government of this Gaol, which fbllow 
 the Table of Orders and Fees, allowed by the Justices at the Bradford Sessions, 
 in July ISOO, I could not help being struck with the singularity of the two fol- 
 lowinsc items : 
 
 " That every Person, who shall be suspected to break the Gaol, and make escape, 
 and all others in the Gaol with such Prisoner, who shall be suspected to be aiding 
 and assisting therein, shall be by the Gaoler ironed, to secure them from making 
 their escapes." 
 
 " And, That if the Prisoners in the Low Gaol shall at any time mutiny 
 against or upon the Gaoler, or his Deputies, or Servants, going amongst them to 
 regulate abuses, or am/ wat/ disturb him or them ; he or they shall, for every such 
 offence, be kept in close confinement, at the discretion of' the said Gaoler." 
 
 Surely, every stranger that visits this Prison, and reads these Rules and Orders, 
 must be astonished to find, that in the year iSoo, such powers were delegated to a 
 Gaoler, (and a Publican,) over the person of a Debtor : Powers, which, in a course 
 of thirty years exper.c nee, I have never elsewhere seen so sanctioned or allowed ; 
 and which, if exercised any where about the Metropolis, or, indeed, in any Gaol 
 much visited, might be productive of unpleasant consequences. I very much doubt 
 the power, even of Magistrates, to order the trial of such expedients, unless the party 
 suspected (or as a neighbouring State, in its iron-age, used to term it, soupronn^ 
 d'i'trc suspect, " supposed to be of a suspicious character,") were taken in the 
 actual attempt to break Prison; nor am I certain of its correctness even then. A 
 Debtor is a Sheriff's Prisoner ; and I am fully persuaded that He would not presume 
 to do it. 
 
 * See Watson's Histoiy oi Halifax.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND \V.\Lli<^. i-,9 
 
 As heretofore, and under the Mosaic Law, places nj refuge were appointed for 
 certain offenders and others io Jlce unto; so in hke manner, at Ilalijax, tlie follow- 
 ing appears to have been established as a legal custom. It may seem a digression, 
 but I trust its curiosity will be my apology for inserting it here. 
 
 " If a Felon, after his aj)prehension, or in his going to execution, hajjpen to make 
 liis escape out of the Forest of Ilurchchhe, (which liberty, on the East end of the 
 Town of Halifax, doth not extend above the breadth of a small river, — on the Aorfh, 
 about 6'()() paces, — on the South, above a mile, — but on the JJ'cst, above ten miles,) 
 the liailiff of Halifax hath no power to apprehend him out of his liberty: But, 
 if ever the Felon come again into the liberty of Hardwicke, and be taken, he is 
 certainly executed. An example whereof," says my author, " is continued in 
 memory, of one Iaici/, who made his escape, and lived seven years out of the liberty : 
 but, after that time, coming boldly within the liberty of Hardwicke, was taken, 
 and executed upon his former verdict of condemnation." 
 
 In this Town, anciently, the Barons, and after them various other proprietors, 
 had capital jurisdiction, or the power of life and death. The method of executing 
 it was beheading the Offender by an axe in an engine, very similar to the (htiUothtC 
 in France. The last who suffered by it were Abraham Wilkinson, John Wilkinson, 
 and Anthony Mitchell, in May 1650. I have seen the axe; and it is still preserved 
 in the Gaol. 
 
 When any Felon was here found guilty, the Bailiff immediately returned him 
 back to Prison, for about the space of a week. On every intervening market-day, 
 of which tlkMC arc three in a week, the Felon was set in the public stocks ; and 
 cither on his back, if the thing stolen were portable, or, otherwise, before his face, 
 the goods were so placed, that they might be noted by all passengers. 
 
 The manner of execution was thus : The Prisoner being brought to the scaffold 
 by the Bailiff, and the axe being drawn up by a pulley, fastened by a pin to the 
 side of the scaflbld ; if the article taken with the Prisoner were a horse, an ox, or 
 cow, &c. it was brought along with him to the spot, and fastened with a cord to the 
 pin that stayed the block ; so that when the fatal moment came, (which was an- 
 nounced by one of the Juror's holding up one of their hands,) the Bailiff, or his 
 servant, wliipping the beast, the pin was plucked out, and execution done. But, if 
 there were no beast in the Felon's case, then the Bailiff, or his servant, cut the rope. 
 This engine continued in use at Halifax till the year 16Y)0, and was then removed: 
 but the basis, upon which it originally stood, is still remaining. See " Halifax; and 
 its Gibbet-Law ;" also Camden's Britanvia, Gibsons edition, 1695, pp. 72G, 727, 
 where a print is exhibited of the instrument ; which seems much like that called 
 " The .Maiden," used heretofore in Scotland, for the same purpose. It is a broad 
 plate of iron, about a foot square, very sharp on the lower side, and loaded above 
 with a massy weight of lead. At the time of execution this was drawn up to the
 
 260 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 top of a narrow wooden frame, about 10 feet high, and as broad as the engine ; witli 
 mouldino-s on each side, for the IMaiden to slide in. A receptacle was constructed, 
 about 4 feet from the ground, for ll>e Prisoner to lay his neck^ with a kind of bar so 
 fastened as to prevent his moving. Thus secured, and the sign given, the engine 
 was let loose, which, in a moment, closed his sufferings. See Otvenn Dictionary of 
 Arts and Sciences. 
 
 It is a singular circumstance, with regard to the instrument in question, that 
 James Earl of Morton, and Regent of Scotland, having seen an execution performed 
 by it, as he passed through Halifax on his way home, had a model of it taken, and 
 carried it with him, for the intended removal of some who opposed his administra- 
 tion. After several years of inapplication and harmless privacy, during which it was 
 called The Maiden, his Lordship's own head was the first cut off" by it; and although 
 after his, many others experienced the like, it still retained the name. " The Earl's 
 government," says Mr. Granger, (Biographical Hist. Vol. I. p. igP,) " had been, 
 very justly censured, as oppressive and rapacious : while he held the Regency he 
 was secure; but upon his resignation in 1578-9, he was abandoned to the fury of 
 his enemies. Accordingly, in 1581, he was adjudged guilty of high-treason, for 
 the murder of Lord Darnley ; and on the 2d of June, executed at Edinburgh, for a 
 matter, in which he is said to have been no otherwise concerned, than as being- 
 privy to the atrocious deed." 
 
 The " Gibbet-Law of Halifax" was originally ordained in the reign of Henry 
 the Seventh, in order to put an effectual end to the then prevailing practice of 
 stealing cloth in the night-time from the Tenter Grounds. " The value of the 
 thing stolen," says Camden, " must amount to above thirteen pence halfpenny" 
 [a Scotch Merk ;] " for, if only so much, and no more, by this custom he should 
 not die for it." 
 
 The above Prison, like what it was in my great Predecessor Mr. Howard's 
 time, above 30 years ago, is much out of repair : yet the rooms are clean. No 
 firing is here allowed. 
 
 Circumstanced as Halifax Gaol is, it will occasion no surprise, that neither is the 
 Act hung up for the preservation of the Health of the Prisoners, nor the Clauses 
 against the use of Spirituous Liquors. 
 
 r 
 
 HALIFAX. Town Gaol. 
 Is a building called the Black Hole, or Dungeon ; which adjoins to the engine- 
 house, and consists of two dark sleeping-cells, about 7 feet 6 inches square, with 
 loose straw laid on the floors, which open into a narrow passage. The Town Con- 
 stable is the Keeper. Prisoners are never confinetl here for more than a night or 
 two. There were none at my visit, October 20th, 1805.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 261 
 
 HALSTEI). Essex. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Kee[)er, Oglethorpe ffakelin; now Robert ff'hliii/eates. Salary, 40/. No Fees. 
 Cliaplain, Rev. John Houghton. Duty, once a week. Salary', 20l. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Gilson. Salary, lol. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1801, Oct. 17th, 17; iSlO, Sept. 24tli, 12. 
 Allowance, one pound and half of bread, and a quart of small beer per day.. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The court-yard of this Prison, 30 feet by 20, and paved with flag-stones, is used 
 by the Men one part of the day, by the Women in the other ; and has a pump 
 in it, with a sewer in one corner. 
 
 Here is a day-room of 24 feet by 12, and an apartment, boarded, on the ground- 
 floor, used as an Infirmary. The five sleeping- rooms, which also have boarded 
 floors, are I4 feet by 7 feet 6 inches, and contain each two baiTack bedsteads, 
 with straw-in-sacking beds, one blanket, and a rug. There is a cast-iron sewer in 
 each room ; and over every door an iron grating for light and ventilation, with 
 an inside shutter to each grating. 
 
 The employment here is to pick oakum ; but no Prisoner has any part of his 
 earnings. 
 
 The Women's work-room (in which Prayers are read) is 24 feet by 12: Their 
 sleeping-room, of the same size as those for the men, has three barrack-bedsteads, 
 straw-in-sacking beds, a blanket, and a rug. 'I'here are four crib-bedsteads with 
 bedding for sick Prisoners. 
 
 The Gaol is clean, and white-washed every year. The cells are well ventilated;, 
 and it was with pleasure I observed a religious book in each of them. 
 
 HARWICH. Essex.. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Martin. Salary, 2/. Ss. Fees, Debtors, 6s. Sd. Surgeon, 
 if wanted, sent from the Town. Number of Prisoners, 1805, Sept. l8th. None, 
 1810, Sept. 23d, One. Allowance, Debtors si.vpence a day. Felons, four-pence ; 
 now (1810) one shilling per day to Prisoners of all descriptions. No Debtor had 
 been confined here since my visit in 1805.
 
 262 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is under the Town Hall. 
 
 Here are two Dungeons, to which the descent is down ten steps ; the one l6 feet 
 hy 9, and 7 feet high; the other 16 feet by 10, and of the same lieight: They 
 have an iron-grated window each, towards the street, but no fire-place: floors 
 damp, with straw scantily laid on them ; and tubs, instead of sewers. 
 
 On the ground floor are two rooms, with double iron-grated windows to the front ; 
 each of them 17 feet by 9, and 9 feet high, with a fire-place. Tliey have also 
 inner windows, nearly 4 feet square, and straw is laid on the floors. 
 
 Behind these rooms is a third, of 35 feet by 10 feet 8, and 8 feet high, with a 
 wooden bedstead, and a large fire-place. Tubs, instead of sewers, are emptied 
 when half full ; for which the Keeper is allowed six-pence a time. Three Deserters, 
 who were confined here for as many months, had been released about three weeks 
 before I came ; and to them the allowance given was nine-pence a day. 
 
 The Keeper's house has a large room, which he supplies with bedding, &c. at 8*. 
 per week, to such as can pay. In 1803, Capt. William Reid, committed for em- 
 bezzling stores, was confined here two months, tried at Chelmsford, and transported. 
 No water accessible : it is brought, when wanted, by the Keeper. 
 
 HARWICH. Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Freeman, the Bell-man, or Town Crier. 
 Salary, none. Fees, Is. both at coming in, and going out. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1805, Sept. 18, One. 1810, Sept. 23, One. 
 
 Allowance, six-pence per day ; and whatever they can earn. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 On the ground floor is a large room, 5 feet by 10, and 7 feet 4 inches high, with a 
 double iron-barred and glazed window. Above stairs, two rooms, each holding 
 two wooden bedsteads, with loose straw only to sleep on. No fire-place. No 
 sewer, but tubs. No water accessible; but brought, when wanted, by the Keeper. 
 
 The employment is picking of oakum, and making nets ; but the Prisoner being 
 a Shoe-maker, was working at his own trade. The straw he had to sleep on was 
 worn to dust.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 263 
 
 HAVERFORD-WEST. Pemhroheslure -, South IVales. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Ciaoler, Samuel Howell. Salary, 30/. Fees, for Debtors and Felons, 1 2s. 4(1. 
 No Table. 
 
 For the removal of Transports lie is allowed the expence attending it. 
 Garnish, not yet aboli lied. Is. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. f/'illiain Tliomax. 
 
 Duty, Prayers on Wednesday and Friday. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Thomas. Salary, 15/. for Criminals only. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, && 
 
 iSOO, May 4th, ------- 3 --_._. g 
 
 1803, Sept. iiOth ------- 1 - - - . - _ 11. 
 
 And Three Lunatics. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none whatever. To Felons, and other Criminals, 2 lbs. 
 of bread per day each, sent by the Baker, on Mondays and Thursdays, 
 in loaves of 7 lbs. each. Convicts under sentence of Transportation, have 
 not the King's allowance of 2s. Qd. per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is built within the walls of the Old Castle, and has a spacious and airy 
 court-yard, about 108 feet square, in which Men and Women, Debtors and 
 Felons, are indiscriminately associated during the day time. It has a Chapel, but 
 no Infirmary, nor a bath. 
 
 Here are five cells and a kitchen for Felons, with a Bridewell room for the 
 men : and, above these, five rooms for Debtors, who are allowed straw, on wooden 
 bedsteads ; Also a room called the Women s Bridewell, and a store-room, where 
 the straw for bedding is deposited. 
 
 The Felons' sleeping-cells, each 12 feet by G feet 9, open into a passage 4 feet 
 wide. Their being sunk three steps under ground rendered it absolutely necessary 
 they should have bedsteads : But at ray visit in 1803, there was nothing but straw, 
 laid on the brick floors ; and the Gaoler told me, that, for a month together, eiaht 
 or ten Prisoners had been crowded evert/ night info each cell ! 
 
 ^^ Formerly a six-penm/ loaf was given, weekly, to each poor Debtor con- 
 fined here, — the produce, in part, of a pious and charitable donation; and the 
 remainder of it was distributed, in two-penny loaves, to the poor in the Town of 
 Haverford-West. It appears, (though not from any Memorial found here,) that
 
 ^64 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 *' Mrs. Martha Bowen declared in her Will, that one hundred pounds had been 
 deposited in her hands by an unknown person, about the year 1751, for the benefit 
 of Insolvent Debtors, and the Poor; which said sum of lOOl. was invested in 
 New South-Sea Annuities, in Trust to the Rectors of St. Mary's, Haverford-West." 
 I found the Rector, Mr. Ai/lewny, at the time of my visit, quite superannuated, 
 so as to be incapable of giving me any account of its distribution ; but, undoubtedly, 
 his papers on the subject must be such, as to throw a beneficial light upon it, in fa- 
 vour of the humble Claimants. The Gaoler told me, that no Debtor had received 
 the bread from the l6th of August, l802, till the month of January, 1803, when 
 tivo six-penm/ loaves were sent ; and he afterwards informed me by letter, (for which 
 I thank him,) that he had received the bread so lately as in December 1804. 
 Matters of a nature so recent may easily be traced ; or else the lapse of time may 
 as easily obliterate them from the memory of others, and thus defeat the exemplary 
 purpose of many a benevolent Donation. 
 
 The County allows a common fire for all the Prisoners in this Gaol, during the 
 Winter months, from Michaelmas to Lady-Day. In the great dearth of provisions, 
 (1800, 1801,) the sufferings of the Debtors induced Lord Caicdor to order the 
 surplus of soup distributed on that occasion to be sent to the Prison ; which 
 proved a great relief. 
 
 There is a fine well of water in the centre of the court-yard. No employment 
 furnished for the Prisoners. Neither the Act for Preservation of their Health, nor 
 the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are hung up. 
 
 HAVERFORD-WEST. 
 
 Tlie Town Gaol and Brideivell. 
 
 Keeper, Patrick Banner ; a Shoe-maker. Salary, 2/. 10*. 
 Allowance, to Prisoners, two-pence each, per day ! 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This miserable Gaol stands near the Court-House, and has one room below, for 
 Felons, with two above it : one of which is for the use of Debtors ; the other, about 
 13 feet square, is the Bridewell. These last, however, are occupied accordingly as 
 the Keeper and his Prisoners determine their option. 
 
 Straw is allowed them, upon wooden bedsteads. No court-yard. No water ac- 
 cessible. 29th Sept. 1S03, no Prisoners.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. «65 
 
 HELSTON. Cornwall. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 Keeper, the Town Sergeant. No Salary. Prisoners' Allowance, sixpence a day. 
 
 RKMAHKS. 
 This Prison stands up a flight of steps, at the end of the Old Cuinage Hall, 
 where, (as at other places in Cornwall, according to the ancient Stannary Laws,) 
 tin is apj)ointed to be stamped into pigs, or ingots. It consists of a narrow slip, or 
 room, of .9 feet by 3 feet 6; and another of about 12 feet square, opening into it, 
 which has straw upon the floor. No court-yard. J803, Oct. Uth, and lSo6, 
 Oct. ad, no Prisoners. 
 
 HENLEY. Oxfordshire. 
 
 Keeper, Charles Stokes, the Town Sergeant. Salary, 5/. 
 Fees, 1*. the first night, and 6d. every night after. 
 
 Allowance, eightpence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Under the Town-Hall are two rooms, or cages, of 11 feet by 4 feet 10, with lofty 
 arched roofs, and straw for sleeping on the boarded floors : a sewer in one comer. 
 The rooms ventilated by iron gratings over the doors, which open to the corn- 
 market. No court-yard. August iSth, 1803, no Prisoners. 
 
 HITHE. Kent. 
 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Sampson ; now James Higham. Salary, twenty shillings, and 
 half a chaldron of coals. 
 
 Prisoners, 1 804, Sept. 23d, 2. 1S06, Aug. 12th, 0. 1809, July 10th, 1 Woman 
 
 Felon. 
 Allowance, threepence a day each, in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 To this Gaol there is a small court-yard, of 16 feet by 14 feet 4 ; and two rooms, 
 about 9 feet 6 by 7 feet 5, and 7 feet 6 inches high. One of them has a fire-place; 
 the other straw only on the floor, and two blankets ; with iron-grated windows, 
 about two feet two inches square. No pump. The Keeper fetches the water that 
 is wanted from the town. A tub serves as a sewer, though one might be built in the 
 court-yard. At my visit, in August 1808, I found that the former Keeper was 
 dismissed, on account of a Prisoner's having made his escape. 
 
 M ^r
 
 ^J66 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 HEREFORD. 
 
 The County Gaol, and House of Currcction. 
 
 Gaoler, James Gray ; now John Preece. Salary, 182Z. out of which he provides 
 a Turnkey. 
 Fees, Debtors, \Ss. lod.; besides which the Under-Sheriff demands 4s. Sd. 
 for his Liberate ! Felons, lS^-4d. as per Table ; and for the Conveyance 
 of Transports, the expence. Garnish abohshed. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Underwood. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday, on Christmas Day, and Good 
 
 Friday : and Prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays. 
 Salary, 50/. of which twenty pounds are a Legacy, from William Bridges, Esq. 
 
 of Tiberton, in this County. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Cam. Salary, 42I. for Debtors, Felons, &c. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, and other Criminals. 
 
 1800, March 30th, -----10 ------- 27. 
 
 1802, Nov. 10th, ----- 8 ------- 23. 
 
 1803, Aug. 28th, ----- 6 ------- 24. 
 
 1806, Nov. 28th, ----- 8 ------- 34. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, one pound of bread each per day. See Remarks. 
 
 To Felons, &c. and Bridewell Prisoners, the same, and some allotment from 
 the Charity Box. Transports have the King's allowance of 2s. 6d. per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, which is also the House of Correction, or Bridewell, is built upon 
 the site of the Old Priory. The Turnkey's lodge in front has, on each side, tv/o 
 reception-cells for the confinement of Prisoners, till examined by the Surgeon, 
 previous to their being admitted into the interior of the Gaol ; and two small court- 
 yards for the Prisoners. Here are also a warm and cold bath ; with an oven to 
 fumigate and purify either infected or offensive clothing ; and the flat roof above is 
 the place for executions. 
 
 The principal court-yard is flagged, and in it are the engine-house, and a well, 
 by which the whole Prison is supplied with excellent water. Adjoining is a house 
 for the Manufacturer, or I'ask-Master, and a very neat shop for the articles manu- 
 factured in the Prison; consisting of shoes, slippers, gaiters, stockings, gloves, gar- 
 ters, flaxen-yarn, and nets of all sorts ; the sale of which is promoted by advertise-
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 26U 
 
 ment, at the County expence *. Tlie Rules ami Orders of tlie Gaol, which are 
 painted on a board, and hung up in every lobby, recite, amongst other things, that 
 " Any person wishing to work, may have raw materials from the Keeper ; who will 
 dispose of the work on the best terms he can ; and, after deducting the prime coat 
 of the raw materials, pay the remainder to the Prisoner who has performed the 
 work ; except one fourth thereof, which is to be reserved for the County. Any 
 person, to whom work is refused, or whose money is kept back, or has sufi'ered any 
 imposition from the Keeper, or his servants, is particularly enjoined to make com- 
 plaint thereof to the Magistrate, at his next visitation." 
 
 At the uj)j)er end of the principal court is the Gaoler's house : on the ground-floor 
 of which is the Magistrates' Committee-room ; and a j)assage leading to the great 
 Hall, or Inspection-room, which is nearly circular, and about 54 feet in diameter; 
 with windows opening into every court-yard, so as to have a complete command 
 of the whole Prison. 
 
 Men and Women Debtors have each a separate and spacious court-yard, and a 
 day- room. The Men have twenty sleeping-rooms, ten below, and ten above stairs, 
 12 feet each by 9, and furnished with beds and bedding by the CJaoler ; for which 
 they pay as per Table hereafter subjoined. The Women Debtors have eight rooms 
 of equal size, four below, and as many above ; and these are all J'ree-poards. If a 
 Debtor is too poor to provide his own bed, the County humanely furnishes him 
 an iron bedstead, with sacking bottom, a straw bed, two blankets, and a coverlet 
 gratis. There is a tire-place in every room, but no fuel allowed. 
 
 Of the six ample court-yards in this Prison, those for Men Debtors, and Men 
 Bridewell Prisoners, are 114 feet by 78; those for Women Debtors, and Women 
 Bridewell Prisoners, 108 feet by 102; and those for Male and Female Felons are 
 15 feet square. Each court has a sewer in it, and is well supplied with water. 
 
 In several of the court yards vegetables are raised for the use of the Prisoners, in 
 addition to the Gaol allowance above stated. 
 
 Here are four excellent Infirmary-rooms, and the sick appear to be as well 
 attended as in an hospital. The humane Surgeon having a discretionary power to 
 order all things necessary, every page of the Prison books bears ample witness to 
 his great attention. 
 
 The Chapel is a very neat building, in which the Prisoners are seated according 
 to their different classes. All are required to attend Divine Service, which is most 
 devoutly and in)pressively performed by the excellent and exemplary Chaplain: By 
 whose serious discourses I was much edified at my several visits, and with pleasure 
 remarked the number of Communicants when the Sacrament was administered. 
 
 * A letter from the Keeper, just received, diitcd 14th February, 1S08, has given me equal surprize 
 and concern ; by informing me " that tlie working system is almost totally discontinued."
 
 268 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Every ward of this well-constructed Prison has a lobby, or passage, four feet 
 wide; with an iron gate, that opens into the great Hall, or Inspection-room. 
 
 Men and Women Felons have each their day-room, with a tire-place, and twelve 
 sleeping-cells, six below, and the rest above ; all 8 feet by 7 ; and titled up with 
 wooden bedsteads, raised about two feet from the floor, straw bed, two blankets, and 
 a coverlet. They have also the County clothing on admission, and their own ap- 
 parel is returned to them when discharged. 
 
 The Male and Female Bridewell Prisoners have nine work-rooms below, and as 
 many sleeping-rooms above; all of 9 feet 3 inches by 9 feet; and fitted up with 
 beds and bedding, the same as the Felons. The Men Bridewell Prisoners have 
 likewise a day-room, with a fire-place ; but the Women of that class are obliged to 
 be with the Female Felons in cold weather, having no day-room or fire-place allotted 
 them. When the building was first constructed, stoves were placed to warm the 
 several wards, but they did not answer. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 
 To be taken by the Gaoler ; as settled at the General Quarter Sessions for the County 
 
 of Hereford, by the Justices, 15th January, 179O, pursuant to the Statute. 
 
 " It is ordered, that the several sum and sums hereinafter mcntioneil, and no more, shall 
 from henceforth be taken : that is to say, 
 
 " For the entering of every Action or Process, whereon a Prisoner shall or s. d. 
 may be charged -.-----..---.---36 
 
 To the Turnkey, or Under Turnkey, on each Action -_----io 
 
 For the entering of a Discharge, and for the Discliarge of ever}' Prisoner 13 4 
 To the Turnkey, on the Discharge of every Prisoner ----- 10 
 
 For the receiving and entering every Declaration, delivered against the 
 
 Prisoner in Custody ----.. _-_.-___--20 
 
 To the Turnkey, upon every Declaration -.----.--06 
 
 For a Certificate, for want of a Declaration, in order to take out a W\\t of 
 
 Supersedeas -------- ...-.----sg 
 
 For Copy of Warrant or Commitment against each Prisoner - - - - 2 6 
 
 Lodgings. 
 Every Prisoner, who lies in the Keeper's lodgings, in the Sheriff's Ward, 
 
 on a single bed, per week ----.---.-. ---jg 
 
 For two, in a single pair of sheets, per week, each ------- 1 6 
 
 Signed, Ja. Phillips. H.Morgan. \V. Paukv. 
 
 March 21st, 1791'. Approved by us, Justices of Assize and Gaol-Delivery for the said 
 
 County, G. RooKE. S. Lawri:ncl." 
 
 PFilliam Bridges, Esq. bequeathed eight pounds a year to poor Prisoners : and, 
 on St. Thomas's day, one shilling is given to each pcor Debtor, and one shilling to 
 each Felon, by a Legacy of Sir Thomas If 'lute. But no Table of Bequests is kept 
 iathe Prison.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 269 
 
 $3* The Act of Parliament, for prescrvin<2; tlic Health of I'risoners, with the 
 Clauses against their use of Spirituous Liquors, are conspicuously hung up: And in 
 the lobby of every irard, the Rules and Orders for the government of the Gaol 
 are painted on boards, and properly displayed to general view. 
 
 HEREFORD. 
 
 The City Gaul and lirideicell. 
 
 Gaoler, Jolin Thomas. Salary, 13/. 
 
 Fees, 6s. Sd. No Table. Garnish, not abolished, 2*. 6d. 
 
 Surgeon, none : when wanted, he is sent by the Mayor. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Nov. lOth, --- ----- 4. 
 1S03, Aug. 28th, --- 1 ----- 2, and 1 Lunatick. 
 
 Allowance, formerly none : Now fourpence a day in bread, to the Prisoners of 
 every description. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is the Bye-street Gate, in which one room is called the Bridewell. It 
 has a small court, with a sewer in it, and the whipping-post. 
 
 For Common-Side Debtors here is a free ward, to which the Corporation 
 allow straw. They have a little court, about 15 feet square, with a sewer; audit 
 is well supplied with water. 
 
 Master's-Side Debtors have two rooms in the Keeper's house, for which they pay 
 25. 6d. per week each, single bed ; or, if two sleep together, l*. 6d. each. 
 
 For Felons here are two small court-yards, about 15 feet square, with a sewer ia 
 each, and well supplied with water. In one of the courts, down eleven steps, are 
 two horrid dungeons, totally dark. The keeper, indeed, says they are never used ; 
 yet, though they did not appear to have had any inhabitant in them for many 
 years, I should have been better pleased at seeing them bricked up. 
 
 The Felons have also three close oilensive sleepiug-rooms, which I found scattered 
 over with loose straw on the floor, dirty, and worn to dust. Here is likewise one 
 room, justly denominated The Black-IIole, which, if not impenetrably dark, has no 
 light nor ventilation, save what is faintly admitted through a small aperture in the 
 door. It is suj)plied with a barrack bedstead and loose straw ; and in this wretched 
 sink-hole was found a poor deranged Man, in the most tiltliy and pitiable state 
 that it is possible to conceive.
 
 270 .' STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Upon my telling the Keeper, that in case he did not hiimediately remove the 
 straw and filth out of the several courts, I would apply to the Magistrates, I had 
 the pleasure of findinj^ the old straw burnt, and the court-yards cleaned the next day. 
 
 Debtors committed to this Gaol are by process issuing out of the Mayor's Court. 
 One shilling is given to each Prisoner at every Quarter Session by the Chamberlain. 
 Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, hung 
 up. The whole Prison is very dirty. The commitments to it, in iSOi!, were one 
 hundred and fhirh/six. 
 
 A letter from Hereford, dated l8th Feb. 1808, informed me that this Gaol was 
 undergoing great alterations ; and indeed it very much wanted improvement. 
 
 HERTFORD. 
 
 The County Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Charlotte JFilson, widow of the late Keeper. 
 
 Salary, 180/. and for the Bridewell, 52/. 10*. 
 
 Fees, Felons and Debtors, 15,9. ^d. Besides which, the Under-Sheriff de- 
 mands 6s. Sd. of each Debtor for his Liberate! For the conveyance of 
 Transports, 1*. per mile. 
 
 Garnish, prohibited. On a painted board is affixed up " No Garnish to be 
 taken." See Remarks. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. James Moore. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday, Salary, 40/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Bradley. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felonj, and Bridewell. 
 
 1801, Aug. 14th, ------ 7 __----- 26 
 
 1802, Jan. 31st, ------ 2 -------22 
 
 1803, June 2f)th, ------ n -------19 
 
 1804, Sept. 9th, ------12 ------- e 
 
 1806, July loth, ------ 8 -------26 
 
 1807, July 31st, ------11 -__--_- 29 
 
 1808, Sept. 20th, ------ 9 _._---- 17 
 
 1810, April 9th, ------ 7 _-_..-- 15. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none whatever. To Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, 
 one pound and half of bread daily, cut from the Gaolers loaf. Convicts 
 under Sentence of Transportation have the King's allowance for their sup- 
 portj 2a. 6d. per week.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 271 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, which is also the County Hridewell, is situated just out of the Town 
 and surrounded hy a boundary wall, 15 feet high ; which, being at a considerable 
 distance from the building, admits a free circulation of air; and the Gaoler has 
 within it a convenient garden. 
 
 For Men and Women Debtors here is only one court-yard, 60 feet by 36. Their 
 Infirmary room is on the ground floor, spacious and lofty, but destitute of furniture; 
 and they have no day-room. 
 
 For Common-Side Debtors there are ten sleeping-rooms, of 16 feet 8 inches by 
 11 feet 7, which are Free Wards: but the County allows neither bedding nor 
 straw ; so that if a Debtor cannot provide himself with a bed, he must sleep on the 
 bare boards. 
 
 The lobby which leads to these rooms is only four feet wide ; and the pillars, 
 being square, and of brick, make them both dark and close. The door-ways are 
 but twenty-two inches wide ! so that no crib bedsteads can be introduced into them. 
 There are two other rooms, of 12 feet by 10, which are furnished for such as can 
 pay seven shillings each per week, and two sleej) together. No firing is allowed 
 them. 
 
 The Men Felons have two court-yards, each of them about the same size as that 
 for the Debtors. One of them, called " The Further Yard," has six cells, and a 
 day-room about 15 feet square, on the ground-floor. I'lie other, called " The 
 Middle Yard," has eight sleeping-cells, built over those in the Further Yard ; and 
 on the ground-floor is a large day-room, and an Infirmary. The Felons' cells are 
 about If) feet 8 inches each by 1 1 feet 7, with straw on the floors, scantily supplied 
 by the Gaoler out of her Salary. 
 
 ^d' In the Debtors' and Felons' courts are boards fixed up ; on which, as I be- 
 fore remarked, is painted " No Garnish to be taken in this Gaol." But, at my 
 visit in 1 808, the word " No" was obliterated in the Felons' court-yard ; and a 
 gallon of beer is now exacted, as Garnish, from every new comer. 
 
 The court for Women Felons is 45 feet by 16, with a sewer in it, and two 
 sleeping-eel is, each 1(7 feet 6 inches by 12 feet; both of which have fire-places, and 
 grated windows towards the court. Two sleep in a cell, upon the floor, which has 
 a partition about 4 inches high, to keep the straw together ; and that is the only 
 bedding allowed them. 
 
 The Bridewell Men's court is 33 yards by 24, and has twelve sleeping-cells on 
 the ground-floor, with as many above them, all opening to the court-yard. The aper- 
 ture over each door has sloping boards before it, to prevent their view of the court ; 
 and at the farther end of each cell is a casement. Twelve of these cells have a 
 fire-place.
 
 272 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Bridewell Women's court is also 33 yards by 24, with a gravel-walk sur- 
 rounding a grass-plat. They have eight sleeping-cells, four at each end of the court, 
 on the ground-floor, with a fire-place in each cell. 
 
 There is a pump in these, and in every other court-yard of this Gaol. The rooms 
 for the Bridewell Prisoners have vaulted roofs, and are 12 feet each by 0. 
 
 The Men's Bridewell has a spacious and lofty room on the ground floor, paved, 
 like the others, with flag-stones, and intended as an Infirmary, witli a small room 
 for the Suroeon ; but it has never been used as such. It has no furniture, and is 
 occupied by Vagrants, w ho sleep upon loose straw laid on the floor. The warm 
 and cold baths adjoin to it; of which th-e former has never been used, and the latter 
 only twice I Between the two baths is an oven, to purify infected clothes. 
 
 Here is also a small rourt-yard, and a convenient sewer, intended for the sick. 
 
 The Chapel of this (iaol has no cupola, and is very close. The Debtors appeared 
 to me not only negligent in their attendance on Divine Service, but even frequently 
 interrupted it by misbehaviour. At my visit in 1803, only three of them out of 
 eleven were present ; and in 1804, eight only attended Chapel, out of the twelve. 
 
 Of the twelve House-of-Correction Prisoners, at one of my visits (in 1804) four 
 were sentenced to twelve months imj)risonment, without any employment what- 
 ever, although they much wished for it; and bitterly did they complain, " at not 
 beino- allowed more than one hour of enlargement out of the twenty-four, to get a 
 little fresh air; at no firing being supplied to them in cold weather; and at being 
 denied the indulgence of either soap or towels, for jjersonal or prison cleanliness." 
 At my visit also in 1808, I found four other Prisoners of the above description com- 
 mitted for a twelvemonth ; and the whole number, as before, destitute of the blessings 
 of that employment, which they earnestly desired to obtain. Their cells, however, 
 are not now oflfensive, as heretofore; because they are permitted the use of a court- 
 yard, and the loathsome pails, or buckets, seldom required. This indulgence, the 
 Keeper's son informed me, was in consequence of my Remarks at former Visits. 
 
 It has been exceedingly painful for me to observe, though Truth and the Duty 
 of Humanity call me to it. That those Prisoners committed to the Felons' Gaol, 
 (and some of them even for comparatively trivial offences, and before a trial) are 
 here immediately ptit in irons; and at night are fastened (two together) down to the 
 flooring of their cells, by a chain passed through the main link of each man's fetter, 
 and padlocked to a strong iron staple in the floor ; and with this additional aggra- 
 vation of their daily misery, are left to j)ass the hours destined by Nature to ease 
 and refreshment, upon loose straw only, scattered on the floor. A man may thus 
 suffer six months imprisonment under the bare suspicion of a crime, from which, 
 at the end of that dreary term, his Country may, perhaps, honourably acquit him. 
 Under circumstances of this kind I saw four Prisoners litre, on the 20th of Sept. 1 808.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 273 
 
 The severities which may be practised umfcr liiiprisoiiiiKrit, arejustlv reckoned 
 by Judge Blacksioiie as most dangerous, " because the least public, and the least 
 striking engine of arbitrary Government : lor" (to use that enlightened author's own 
 words,) " it is there that the Prisoner's suflerings zivej'orgotten, ur unknoivn." 
 
 I saw no County furniture here, either in the Injinnaries, or in any part of the 
 Prison, except one rug in the Felons' (uiol, one in the Men's Hiidewell, and 
 one in the Women's Bridewell : Neither is any County clothing allowtd to the 
 Prisoners. 
 
 Mr. Wilson, the widowed Keeper's son, who occasionally assists his mother in 
 her arduous task, is a farmer in the neighbourhood of the Gaol : And he told me, 
 that if a chaff-cutting machine were provided, and a shed erected over it, he could 
 keep" the Prisoners constantly employed. 
 
 But, no Emplovment is now regularly furnished. The County did heretofore 
 attempt to establish a manufactory ; but tlie expence having been found to exceed 
 the Prisoners' earnings, it was soon discontinued. That Employment, however, 
 (under due Regulations and a patient superintendence) may be rendered pro- 
 ductive, has been already, and amply evinced at Dorchester, Gloucester, &c. * 
 and it will be so evinced elsewhere, in various other Prisons, noticed ia the course 
 of this publication. 
 
 It has always struck me, that wherever the Bread Allou-nuce to Prisoners is 
 not judiciously distributed in distinct loaves, but cut off from the Gaoler's or 
 Keeper's loaf, (as is the case both here, and in other Prisons of this County of 
 Hertford,) there ought to be scales antl weights provided, and kept apart, not f(jr 
 that purpose only, but for whatever relates to Provisions ; in order that the Prisoners 
 may always see that their respective doles stre fairly and fully dealt out to them. 
 The complaints which have occurred upon this subject may thus be eftectually 
 prevented in future. 
 
 I found the Gaol, of late, much cleaner than at my former visits ; and straw 
 being cheaper, a more liberal supply has been issued, which is now changed ohce 
 in six weeks. 
 
 There is still, however, a want of regularity and cleanliness in the management 
 
 of the present Ciaol. The Keeper's house commands but a very small part of it. 
 
 .Uncovered pails, buckets, &,c. are most loathsomely made to serve the purpose of 
 
 sewers. Here are no Rules and Orders. The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors 
 
 are hung up; but the Act for Preserving the Health of Prisoners is omitted, 
 
 * See Dorchester, p. 168, and Gloucester, p. 245, 8, 9. 
 
 N N
 
 274 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 HIGH-WYCOMB. Buchivghamshire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Snell. Salary, 61. out of which he provides straw for the Prisoners. 
 
 Prisoners, 1S05, Nov. l8th, 2. 1806, June 21st, 1. 1807, Aug. 28th, 0. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a day to each, in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell, situate in St. Mary's-street, stands within the back court of the 
 Keeper s house, and consists of two cells, 8 feet by 6, and 6 feet high ; witii an 
 ajierture of 8 inches square in each door ; loose straw spread on the floor, and two 
 blankets. Also a day-room, 12 feet by 8, with a fire-place, and two iron-grated 
 windows. No fuel allowed. 
 
 H INCKLE Y. Leicestershire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Joseph Bolesworth, now Richard Nutt ; who keeps " The Chicken*^ 
 Publick House. Salary, 4/. Fees, one shilling. 
 
 Prisoners, 1803, Aug. 23d, 1. 1807, July 2gth, 3. 1809, Aug. 21st, 0. 
 
 Allowance, fourpence per day, in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison has a work-room, in which are fixed the wliipping stocks. Two 
 sleeping-cells, one for the Men, the other for Women ; each 10 feet by 8, with 
 two wooden bedsteads in each, loose straw, and a rug. The doors open into a 
 narrow passage. Both these rooms are dark, close, and offensive, being ventilated 
 only by a small iron-grated aperture: damp brick floors. No water accessible to the 
 Prisoners. 
 
 The only Prisoner, at my visit in 1803, was a boy in irons, employed in weaving 
 stockings; and the Keeper told me he could earn l8(/. a day. I found none of the 
 three in 1807 employed. 
 
 UrniK. k'cil. Sec Page 263. IIITCHIX, Ilnffordshirc. See Page 255-
 
 IN KNGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 275 
 
 IIOUSI'XEY. Gloucestershire. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, If'iUiain Stokes. Salary, 50/. and one third uf the Prisoners" earninj^s. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Anthony Keck. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon : also on Good Friday, and Christmas Day. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. William Fry. Salary 10/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1806, Sept. l8th. Eleven. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and halF of best wheaten bread per day, sent in loaves of 
 that weight from the Baker's. Also one ounce and half of oatmeal, and one 
 quarter of an ounce of salt, made into a quart of gruel, for breakfast. 
 
 On Sunday, Dinner, one pound of meat, and a pound of potatoes. 
 Weights and Scales are provided by the County ; and every Prisoner weighs 
 his own loaf, if he chooses. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tliis Bridewell was erected in 1788; and its boundary-wall encloses about an 
 acre of ground. The space between the open palisades is \6 yards in front, eighteen 
 feet deep ; and the remainder is judiciously converted into a convenient garden, for 
 the growth of vegetables. 
 
 Debtors, from the Court of Requests for the Manor and Seven Hundreds of 
 Cirencester, are sent hither for sums not exceeding forty shillings ; and the Creditor 
 is hound to allow the Prisoner threepence a day during conjinement. 
 
 There are six court-yards to this house ; two in front ; at each end one smaller, 
 and two behind. The entrance-gate to the Prison is th« Turnkey's lodge. On the 
 right hand is the reccptiun-rcom, and above it a room for depositing the Prisoners' 
 apparel, till their discharge ; also a warm and a cold bath. Every Prisoner, on com- 
 mitment, is undressed and washed : a complete suit of County clothing is then 
 substituted for their own ; with two caps added, of black worsted, for the day, and a 
 woollen one for the night. 
 
 In the house are two Injirmary rooms. On the left-hand of the entrance is the 
 Turnkey's sitting-room, and over it his sleeping apartment. The apj)roach to the 
 Prison is by a flight of steps, on each side of which is a little gardenplot. The 
 Keeper's house is in the centre, and projects about two yards from each wing of the 
 building. 
 
 On the ground-floor, in front, are the Magistrates' Committee-Room, and the 
 Keeper's otKce ; and behind them two kitchens, a pantry, and a store-room.
 
 276 ■''■ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Chapel n in the centre of the building; and here the several classes and 
 sexes are very properly kept separate. 
 
 Tiiere are two day-rooms also on the gronnd-floor. for the several classes of Male 
 Prisoneis, with a small stove in each, and stone seats : each room has a well, su])plied 
 ■v\ith a hand-bason, and a cup of cast-iron, attached to the wall by a chain. 
 Net-towels, soap, and combs are very decently provided for the use of the Prisoners. 
 
 Here are likewise, on the ground-floor, twelve u'nrh'ing-cells in each wing, of 
 7 feet by 6, and 9 feet high to the crown of the arch. On the first story, eight sleep- 
 ing, and four solifuri/, cells to each wing; and on the second story, twelve sleeping- 
 cells, two solitarv, and two for the- refractor}', in both wings. Each sleeping-cell is 
 fitted up with a perforated cast-iron bedstead, straw mattress, a hair-in-sacking bed, 
 a, pair of sheets changed monthly, two blankets, a rug, a woollen night-cap, small 
 shelf, and clothes-peg. 'I"he size of the cells, each 8 feet 5 inches by 6' feet, and 
 9 feet high. 
 
 ■ Besides the cells before described, there are also, in each wing, four other sleeping- 
 cells, to which the ascent is by a ladder from a day-cell below. The day-room 
 or hall for Males, is about 30 feet square, with a large sky-light at top. The 
 sleeping-eel is above oj)en into a stone gallery, 2 feet 6 inches wide. All the cells 
 liave a double door ; the inner, of v/ood, the outer one, iron-grated. 
 -■The number of lodging-cells for Prisoners is sixty ; and the greatest number 
 confined at one time, thirty-seven. 
 
 •; Each class of Prisoners is allowed a ])eck of coals per dav, in cold weather. Their 
 chief emjjloyment is cutting of /oi'vaW and fu.stlch across the grain, for the use of 
 dyers ; and they have one third of their earnings. 
 
 • §r3^ The sewers of this well-arranged Prison are judiciously placed. It is worthy 
 of remark, \.\\Ai of twelve hundred Prisoners, committed within the course of (/j/z/ee/J 
 ifcars, no one has died here: nor has there been in it any specitic or contagious 
 disease.
 
 ebton 
 
 '. 
 
 
 
 Felons, 
 
 &c. 
 
 
 
 
 Lunaticks, 
 
 7 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 12 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1. 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 23 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1. 
 
 28 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 14 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1. 
 
 10 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 27 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 1. 
 
 22 
 
 _ 
 
 - 
 
 _ 
 
 - 11 
 
 _ 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 0. 
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND W ALF.S. 277 
 
 HOKSIIAM. Sussex. 
 The Coufifi/ Gaol and liridcuelt. 
 
 CiAoler, Satii Kef Smart ; now John Sinatf. Salaiy, 120/. Three Turnkeys alijo 
 are assigned him, to whom the County J)ays l^s. per week. 
 Fees, of every kind, anci Garnish, are very laudably abohshed. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. IVilliam Jameson. 
 
 Duty, Prayers every Day, and a weekly Sermon. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Duhhhis : For the Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners. 
 
 Salarv, 20/. ^^ As medical assistance does not yet extend here to poor 
 Debtors, this humane practitioner has hitherto attended them gratuitously. 
 Hie f'ir, hie Homo est ; alibi videte, Chirurgi. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Sept. 3d, - - - 
 
 1802, Feb. 4th, - - - 
 iSoG, July 19th, - - 
 1807, ]May 24th, - - - 
 1811, Jan. 31st, - - - 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, none ; except to Paupers, who, upon application, have one 
 pound of bread per day, sent in loaves iVom the Baker's, and weighed by the 
 Ciaoler. Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, two pounds of bread, in loaves, 
 which I have always found to be of full weight. Transports have the King's 
 allowance of 2*. 6d. a week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The situation of this Prison, judiciously chosen, is a little way out of the town. In 
 the door of the Keejjer's house is ])laced a " Poor's Box," for obtaining small or other 
 donations, in aid of the Prisoners' Sixpences. A small garden extends along the 
 front of the building. 
 
 Here are two spacious court-yards, of about half an acre each, with gravel walks, 
 surrounding a fine grass-plat : Both courts are well supplied with excellent water; 
 and the wall which encircles them encloses the whole Prison. 
 
 ■ It has two floors built over arcades ; and the ascent to each is by a stone staircase, 
 vkirti'd with iron-roils. On each floor, both on the Debtors' and Felons' Side, are 
 distributed ten rooms, five on each side ; a passage 5 feet wide ; a day room also 
 to each, of 28 feet by 12 feet 3 inches ; and a lodging-room for the Turnkey. Each 
 Debtor and Felon has a separate room of 10 feet by 7, and .9 feet high to the crown 
 of the arch. They are all arched over with brick, to prevent danger and confusion in 
 case of fire ; and each room has two doors, one of wood, the other iron-latticed ;
 
 278 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 a shutter for the window, with a pane of knobbed glass in it, a wooden bedstead, 
 a straw-in-canvas bed, and two blankets. Tiie County, likewise, is so considerate 
 as to allow each common-room, of both descriptions, half a bushel of coals per day, 
 during the six winter months, two tin kettles, and a wooden scuttle. 
 
 A Turnkey, paid by the County, goes twice a day to purchase provisions and 
 liquors for the Debtors ; and it is very properly fixed that none of them shall exceed 
 a pint of wine, or a quart of strong beer per day. The Magistrates have supplied 
 the Prison with scales and weights, for the use of its inhabitants ; and I have always 
 found the loaves of full weight as sent in from the Baker's. 
 
 Here is no regular Infirmary ; but two apartments, with fire-places, are set apart 
 distinctly for the respective sick. 
 
 The Chanel, which is in the Keeper's house, has a gallery for the Gaoler and his 
 family. The pulpit is on the same level : The area below is 17 feet by 15, and has 
 parallel benches for the Prisoners ; so that Debtors and Felons of both sexes sit 
 opposite each other, but almost close together. Every Prisoner, absent from Divine 
 Service, without a proper cause, is punisiied either by close confinement, or short 
 allowance. Religious books, at the County expence, are distributed by the worthy 
 Chai)lain; and when I was there in July iSoG, not only all the Prisoners attended 
 Chapel, but their deportment was orderly and attentive. 
 
 The Gaoler's house does not seem to command a proper view of the court-yards: 
 This mio-ht be remedied, however, by a window made in his kitchen, towards the 
 Debtor's court, and in his parlour, next to that of the Felons. Sitting-benches also 
 in the day-rooms would be very convenient, and shelves for depositing the Debtors' 
 plates and provisions ; instead of which, at present, they have only the naked walls. 
 
 Felons, at their entrance, are washed with warm water, and each Man is clothed 
 with the Gaol-uniforn» coat, waistcoat, and breeches; also two shirts, two pair of 
 stockings, a pair of shoes, a hat, and a woollen cap. Here is likewise an oven to 
 purify offensive clothes, and a place to hang them up, till the Prisoner is discharged. 
 
 At my two or three former visits the County allowed those Debtors to work, who 
 could procure employment ; by which many not only supported themselves com- 
 fortably, but gave some assistance to their poor families. I was sorry to be informed, 
 in 1806, that this salutary indulgence was withheld, and the whole number (.iS) in 
 a state of idleness ; no work whatever being permiited in the Gaol. 
 
 In many of niir best-governed Prisons (such, for instance, as Gloucester, Dorches- 
 ter, Sec. &.C. already noticed in this work,) it is a maxim, that every attention pos- 
 sible should be paid to the means and the encouragement of labour. Sir George 
 Paul very justly observes, that " Debtors, and the unconvicted should, doubtless, 
 be allowed to employ the wages of their own industry, to make life more comfort- 
 able; but, muhr such rest rht'ions as the good government of the Prison renders 
 indispensuble. What is it less than a palpable absuidity, to commit a peimiless
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. a79 
 
 offender, //// he pai/s a fine, and deny him llic exercise of his art and industry, to 
 enable him to redeem his hberty ?" 
 
 Since writing the above, however, candour obhges me to add, that I have been 
 informed some Debtors in Horsham (Jaol had heretofore attempted to escape; and 
 that some others would not conform to the Rules and Restrictions of the house; 
 which caused the above prohibition of work, as tlie most efTcctual mode of cor- 
 rection. Yet, might not some happier medium be adopted ? 
 
 Every Christmas a Man goes about the County to collect donations for the rehef 
 of poor Debtors here confined. The money thus procured is distributed amongst 
 them, at 2*. each per week, till the whole net produce is expended. In 1805, the 
 contribution amounted to 67/. 2s. ; and in 1806, to 84/. ll.y. llr/. out of which the 
 Collector had one fourth allowed him for his expences, time, and trouble. 
 
 At my several visits here, I recollect to have seen one Simon Southward, a Debtor, 
 who is said to have been committed to Horsham Gaol so long since as the 22d 
 of February, one thousand seven hundred and sixty-seven. He styled himself 
 *' Simon, Earl of Derby, King in Mati ;" and was very orderly and inoffensive, 
 though evidently deranged. He was allowed 6s. a week by the parish of Boxgrove*. 
 
 There are excellent Rules and Orders for the government of this Gaol, printed 
 and hung up ; as are the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, but not the Act for 
 Preservation of Health. The sewers throughout are very judiciously placed. 
 
 The Lent Assizes for Sussex are held at Horsham, and the Summer at Lewes. 
 
 HULL. Vorhshire. 
 The Town and County Gaol. 
 
 (laoler, Francis Coates, now Robert Buines. 
 
 Salary, lOO/. out of which he provides a Turnkey. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors and Felons, 7*. 6d. For conveying Transports, \s. per mile. 
 The Under-SherifT demands \s. for iiis liherute. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, none: but the Rev. Mr. Bromley, Mcar of Holy Trinity, frequentic 
 and gratuitously attends. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Clarke, now Mr. Hayes. Salary, 8/. Sv. for Felons only. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Aug. 2.-,th, ------ 15 .-__-_-]-. 
 
 1805, May 7th, ------ 11 __----. ig, 
 
 1809, Sept. 7th, ------ 10 - ----- ao. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors certificated as Paupers, and Felons, have 4d. a day each. 
 
 * Tliis poor man died in Horsham Gaol the 20th June, ISIO, agciUtfi, after an iuiprisonment of 
 Ibvty-thrce ycass, four months, and eight day*.
 
 2S0 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 o. REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is in a fine situation, just out of the Town, and refreshed by the Sea- 
 breezes. It would be a "-ood one, if the Turnkey's lodge were rebuilt in front of the 
 Prison, and if the boundary wall, which at present is only 13 feet 6 inches in 
 elevation, were raised 5 feet higher. 
 
 Under the same roof with tiie Turnkey's apartments, are an oven, a bath, and a 
 work-room for Debtors. These, however, are most injudiciously built in the 
 court-yard, and near the Prison wall ; thereby obstructing the Gaoler's command 
 of view, and seeming, as it were, to invite escapes. Four, incKed, have been 
 effected within these 14 or 15 j'ears; and therefore Felons are forbidden the use of it. 
 
 The ground floor of the Gaol is occupied by the Keeper, except one room for the 
 IVomen Convicts, o? 21 feet by 14, which looks towards the garden. It is furnished 
 with beds and bedding, and fitted up with tables, cupboards for provisions, benches 
 to sit on, and a fire-place. The windows were heretofore too much exposed, but 
 have now blinds, as I recommended in 1805 ; which prevent the Prisoners here from 
 seeing or conversing with the Debtors when walking in the garden. 
 
 Here is one s]5acious court, of Go yards by 20, for Debtors, Male and Female. 
 
 In the second story these have a day-room, 22 feet 8 inches by 14 feet 4, with 
 a fire-place, and three large grated and glazed sash windows, commandmg an ex- 
 tensive view. It is fitted up with a settle, or screen seat, two benches to sit upon, 
 a large table, cupboards to secure tlieir provisions, and a place for coals. They 
 have likewise tliree sleeping -rooms on the same story, of the average size of I4 feet 
 6 by 12 feet 0" ; each of which has a large grated and glazed window, and fire-place, 
 with a table and chairs, cup-boards, and covered coal-box, bedstead, bed, and 
 bedding ; for which they pay Kv. 6d. per week for a single bed, or if two sleep 
 together, 1*. ^d. each. ' 
 
 The third story has three rooms, in every respect similar to those just described. 
 Here is also a large room, 24 feet 6 by 16" feet 6, for poOT or Common-side Debtors ; 
 with tsvo large sash windows, and conveniences, the same as the others, for which 
 they pay sixpence per week, and furnish their own bedding. Two Stocking-Frames, 
 with numy accommodations for working at their own trades, are provided by the 
 County ; and looms suited to the manufactory of garters, laces, &c. for those Debtors 
 who are of no trade, but willing to work. 
 
 Dn the East side of the building is a court-\'ard, 42 feet "bv I7, with arcades; 
 wlu'ie the Men Felons are employed in jjounding of Tile-sherds; and, on their 
 discharge, if they have behaved well, tliey receive a proportion of their earnings, 
 which is regularly entered in a book for that purpose. I'lie Women Felons spin, 
 and receive the whole of what they can earn. 
 
 '. The /?r*^ //(.'or has a day-room for Felons, 22 feet by \6, with afire-place, and 
 two large iron-grated and glazed sash windows, . commanding a fine view of ths river
 
 IN' i:XGLANI), SCOTLAND, AND \\ALi:8. 28 1 
 
 Ilumber; ii table, and benclies to sit on, and a place for coals. Their five sleeping- 
 cells, whicli are 14 feet by 6", have each a grated and glazed casement v\indow, 
 22 inches by 14, with arched roofs, lofty, well ventilated, and wanned occa- 
 sionally, by the tube of a German stove passing through each cell ; and in every 
 door is placed an inspecting-wicket. 
 
 In the centre of the building is a square room, with a reading-desk in one corner, 
 which is used as a Chapel : but it is too small for the solemn purpose of Devotion ; 
 and all the Prisoners, of whatever class or description, are here promiscuously 
 huddled, without distinction or order, wlien Divine Service is performed ; which 
 certainly cannot have a good effect. 
 
 The second stori/, on the East, has a day-room for Male Felons bej'ore friul, 14 
 feet and a half square, with five sleeping-cells, of the same size as those below. 
 And in the centre is another day-room, of i; feet j) inches by 1,3 feet 6; where 
 those committed for assaults are frequently confined, to prevent their mixing with 
 common Felons. This story has also a room for If omen Felons bej'ore trial, 14 
 feet by 12, with two large grated and glazed sash windows, commanding an ex- 
 tensive view ; a fire-place, shelves, and cupboard. They sleep singly in cabins, as 
 on board ship, which double doors conceal in the day-time. 
 
 Kverv Criminal is allowed a wooden bedstead, straw mattress, two blankets, and 
 a rug. County clothing is not now provided, as heretofore, for Prisoners before 
 trial : But if a Prisoner be ragged, he is clothed upon petition ; and every such 
 Prisoner is washed in the bath the day before trial comes on. 
 
 Water here, is at all times accessible to the Debtors. Felons have the tubs or 
 buckets filled with fresh water twice or three times a da\- ; not only for their drinkiu", 
 but occasionally to cleanse the covered tubs, which serve the jjurpose of a sewer. 
 
 In the depth of Winter the Magistrates humanely order a bushel and half of coals 
 per week, to every room that is occupied, and has a fire-place. I found the whole 
 Prison clean in every part, well ventilated, and healthy. The Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, and the .'\ct for Preserving the Health of Prisoners, were conspi- 
 cuously hung up. 
 
 When a Prisoner is discharged, he has money given him for safe and comfortable 
 accommodation, according to his distance from home. 
 
 A Bible and Testament are allowed to every room in the Prison. 
 
 ^^3" From thequantity of Junk I .saw in this busy maritime town, it is evident 
 that constant employment, in j)icking oakum, might be supplied to every Prisoner, 
 if convenient work-rooms were liuill; which inav easiU be done. 
 
 o o
 
 282 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 HULL. I'orkshire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 ■ Gaoler, John Dunn. Salary, 40l. a chaldron of coals, and a stone-weight, 
 or 8 pounds of soap. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Clarke, now Mr. Ilai/es. He makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Criminal?. 
 
 1802, Aug. 25th, ---- .-------11 
 
 l8og, Sept. 7th, ---- 2 -------- 8. 
 
 Allowance. Fourpence per day each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 To this Prison there is no court-yard ; which, however, might easily be made 
 from the adjoining waste ground. 
 
 By the Act 2 Geo. HL Cap. 38. Debtors, from the Court of Conscience are 
 sent hither, or to the common Gaol, for three calendar months. 
 
 Here are three cells below ground. Two of them are dark, and ill-ventilated by 
 a small iron grating, which looks into a narrow passage : the third has an iron- 
 grated window toward the open air. In this last, at my visit in l802, were four 
 boys pounding tile-sherds, for which they received fourpence per bushel. Each 
 cell is about 10 feet by 9 ; and the Corporation allows to each a wooden bedstead, 
 Btraw mattress, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The first floor has three cells, of the same size as the former. 
 
 The upper story has one dark cell, with two beds in it : also a room for Women, 
 17 feet by 14, in which four Prisoners worked and slept; another, of the same 
 size, with spinning-wheels ; and a third room, for Debtors, 15 feet by 12. They 
 have grated and glazed sash windows ; and they might be healthy, were it not that 
 the large tubs in each, made use of as sewers, were generally full before their being 
 emptied. At my visit in 1809, upon enquiring into the cause of so cruel a neglect, 
 the Gaoler told me " there was no drain to the building; so that they must remain 
 in that nauseous state, until the scavenger came ; and hence were sometimes so 
 intolerably offensive to the neighbours during the operation of emptying, that they 
 drove him away at times before he had finished." 1 felt myself almost suffocated. 
 
 The whole Prison is very dirty, and no water accessible to the Prisoners. But 
 the Act for Preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are con- 
 spicuously hung up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 2S3 
 
 HUNTINGDON. 
 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James J)rage ; now inU'tam Aveling. 
 
 Salary, 105/. from the County, and 4/. from the Corporation. Also allowed 
 67. per annum, to supply the Criminals with straw for bedding. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, \2s. 6d. Felons, &c. 15*. lorf. See the Table. Besides 
 which tlie Under-Sheriff demands of each Debtor four shillings for his li- 
 berate! For conveyance of Transports, if only one, twelve pounds; if more, 
 nine pounds each. See Remarks. 
 
 Garnish, two shillings and sixpence each, by Order of the Magistrates : a 
 most singular regulation. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Isaac Nicholson ; now, Rev. Daniel IVilliams. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Wednesday. 
 
 Salarj-, 20l. for the Gaol, and lol. for the Bridewell. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Desborotigh ; for Felons only. 
 Salary, 15/. 15*. for Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, March 30th, ------ 5 ___---_ 4 
 
 1801, Aug. 20th, ------12 ----_._ 7 
 
 1802, Feb. 1st, - 8 ------- 6 
 
 1806, Aug. 2d, ------ 3 .--..-_ 2 
 
 1807, Aug. 31st, - 4 ------- 6 
 
 1810, Aug. 30th, ------ 5 -_-_... 2. 
 
 Allowance. To Debtors, nine pounds of bread weekly : To Felons, and other 
 Criminal Prisoners, three quartern loaves, ditto. • 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 'I'he Gaoler's house, which is situate in the High-street, has no appearance of an 
 appendage to a Prison. The Gaol is behind it, to which the access is through a 
 passage leading immediately to the Felons' day-room. This is about \6 feet square, 
 and 10 feet high. It has a fire-place, with two iron-grated windows ; and here, 
 (as there is no Chajiel) Divine Service is performed ! 
 
 A place set apart for Divine Worship, should seem to carry some resj)ect with 
 it. I wish the present were not a glaring exception. The attendance of Del)tors, I un- 
 derstand to be optional ; and indeed it is scarce likely that a .smoMA- Debtor, who had 
 his Prayer-Book, and could read, would come into a room where it is impossible
 
 284 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 he could be devout. What a close and motley mixture must it exhibit I Clergyman, 
 (Jaoler, Felons, Misdemeaners, — to say nothing of Debtors, (most oF whom 
 I suppose, never attend,) within a ^r.ice of l6' square feet; all upon one Hoor. 
 No reading desk, nor forms; to say nothing likewise of this House of Prayer's 
 being made also the kitchen, day-room, and constant resort of an avowed 
 Group of Thieves: In short, this is one of the worst constructed Prisons in the 
 kingdom. 
 
 Adjoining to the Felons' daj'-room is another, about 14 feet square ; in the flooring 
 of which a trap-door is made, and through it a descent of eleven steps leads to their 
 sleeping-room, of the same size as their day-room, having an arched roof, and two 
 iron-grated windows. This last contains three bedsteads, for three persons each ; 
 to which straw-in-sacking only is allowed them to sleejj on. 
 
 The Dungeon, or " Hole," formerly used for Convicts under Sentence of Death, 
 adjoins to the sleephng-room before-mentioned ; and is 10 feet by 4 only, 6" feet high, 
 with an oak bedstead, and straw bedding as above. Tiie Keeper, however, assured 
 me that no Prisoners were ever put there noto ; yet, why continue its furniture, if 
 never used ? From what I thought, therefore, on seeing such a receptacle, I could 
 not help wishing that it had been inaccessiblt/ brlched up. 
 
 The court-yard to this part of the Gaol is about 21 feet square. In very severe 
 weather the Prisoners are allowed two bushels of coals per week. For Deserters there 
 are assigned two sleeping-cells, which both together are 14 feet by 11, and 10 feet 
 high, with straw only on the floor to sleep on : also a day-room of 1 1 feet by 
 4 feet 6. 
 
 The sleeping room for the lesser Criminals is over the Felon's day-room, and 
 of the same size. The common court-yard above-described is for the indiscriminate 
 use of all. 
 
 The Women Felons have a court-yard 28 feet 6 inches by 17 feet 6, and a day- 
 room and sleeping-room adjoining to it on the ground-floor; each about 1,3 feet by 
 10, with a bedstead. 
 
 The Hospital, or Infirmary-Room, has four good windows, and is I.9 feet 6" 
 inches by J 2 feet 6 ; but the ceiling is too confined, being only 7 feet G inches high. 
 Here is likewise a small room for the nurse. The bedsteads throughout the whole 
 Prison are of strong oak, 6' feet long by 5 feet wide; with no other bedding ujjon 
 them than straw, put into what they here call " Coarse Pickling." 
 
 Men Debtors have a court-yard also, 53 I'eet by 26, and a day-room 30 feet by 14, 
 with a fire-place. Their sleeping-room above is about 26 feet by 14 feet 6, and has 
 four bedsteads, for two persons each. 
 
 At my Summer visits, the Debtors complained to me of excessive heat, from a 
 want of ventilation; the two small iron-grated apertures made to admit a thorough 
 air being nearly stopped up on the outside. The County allows straw only, so that
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. I'S.i 
 
 Debtors in general brinor their own beds, or else the Keeper fnrnishes a single bed 
 at 2s. 4<l. per week ; or, if two sleep together, at l.v. yd. each : and for those who 
 can artord it, there are two other rooms in the honse, at 3s. 6d. per week. 
 
 Women Debtors have a sejiarate conrt-yard, 33 feet by 19 ; a day-room 21 feet 
 by 16, with a fire-place; and over it their sleeping-room, nearly of the same size, 
 with four bedsteads, for two each, like those for the Men Debtors. They furnish 
 their own bedding. The windows of this room formerly commanded a fine view of 
 the Country, which niude it both pleasant and healthy; but, at my last visit, the 
 wall of the court-yard had been so raised as to i\itcrcept the scenery. 
 
 Mops, brooms, pails, &c. are allowed to keep the Prison clean. Convicts under 
 Sentence of Transportation have not the King's allowance of 2s. 6d. per week. For 
 the conveyance of one Transport only to Woolwich, the Gaoler is paid 12/.; if 
 more than one, 9/. for each ; and to Portsmouth, for each, 12/. 
 
 The following Table of Rates and Fees, approved by the Magistrates, is framed 
 and hung up in the Prison. 
 
 " Huntingdonshire. A Tahi.e of Fees, Demanded and Taken by the Gaoler, 
 for the time being, of his Majesty's (iaol for the Town and County of Hun- 
 tingdon ; as well for Civil Prisoners as Criminal Prisoners. Established at 
 an Adjourned Session, October 27th, 1785. 
 
 " As to Civil Prisoners, commonly called Debtors. £. s. d. 
 
 For the Dismission- Fee, for each Debtor ; to the Keeper - - - - 10 
 
 For the like, to the Turnkey ----- 026 
 
 For the Debtor's bed per week ----------- 024 
 
 For the bed per week, if two Debtors lie together - ---- 03C 
 
 Garnish, at coming in, for the benefit of the other Debtors - - - 2 6 
 
 If they find their own bed, &c. ----------- 000 
 
 For the Copy of a Warrant ------------ 010 
 
 Fiiinir a Declaration .-.----------- 010* 
 
 .Si<'-uing a Certificate for Supersedeas ---------- 010 
 
 As to Criminal Prisoners. 
 
 For the Dismission- Fee of each Criminal Prisoner out of Custody, g£. s. d. 
 
 either by the Magistrates, or i)v llie Courts of Assize, or Session 13 4 
 
 For the like, to the Turnkey ------------ 02G 
 
 For the bed, jier week, to each Fine, Trespass, or Felon - . - 3 6 
 
 For the bed, per week, if two lie together -------- 48 
 
 For a Copy of a Warrant ------------- 01 o." 
 
 From the foregoing Table it appears, tliat the sum of 2s. 6d. for Garnish, is ab- 
 solutely ordered bi/ the Magistrates to be taken of every Prisoner. It is to be 
 hoped this respectable County will follow the general, and almost universal exam])le 
 of all others, and cause it to be abolished-
 
 286 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 No allowance of money to Prisoners on discharge is ordered, unless the (Jaoler 
 sees it needful ; but when so, he informed me, it is given by him, and charged to 
 the County. 
 
 No firing is here allowed, except to Felons in very severe weather ; Nor any em- 
 ployment furnished by the County. Such Debtors, however, as are of handicraft 
 trades, and can procure it from without, are permitted to work, and receive all 
 
 they earn. 
 
 There is a pump in every court-yard ; but no bath, nor oven, which are much 
 wanted. I found the whole of this ill-arranged Prison well supplied with water, 
 and very clean. The Act for the Preservation of Health, and Clauses against 
 the use of Spirituous Liquors, are conspicuously hung up. 
 
 HUNTINGDON. 
 
 The County Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, iViUiam Nichols. Salary, 28/. from the County, and 2/. from the Borough. 
 
 Chaplain, (a new appointment since my visit in 1807,) the Rev. Daniel IFilUums. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Wednesday. Salary, 10^. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Deshorough. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 31st Aug. 1807, Fourteen. 30th Aug. 1810, Twelve. 
 
 Allowance, 1*. C<i. per week ; and half their earnings. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison would have been better situated on the rising ground at the back of 
 it. The site on which it is built was the gift of his Grace the Duke of Manchester. 
 At the edge of the Common its situation is low. 
 
 Here are four court-yards ; two of them spacious and airy, and well supplied 
 
 with water. 
 
 On the ground-floor are four work-rooms; two for men, the others for women. 
 Also a day-room, or kitchen ; and fire-places to each room. 
 
 Above stairs are eight sleeping-rooms, four of each for Men and Women, with 
 straw-in-sacking to sleep on, which is furnished by the Keeper : and two dark 
 rooms, set apart for the solitary confinement of two Prisoners in each. 
 
 No Infirmary, or other room appropriated to the sick. 
 
 The employment here consists in beating hemp, dressing flax, and spinning ; 
 and is furnished by the Keeper, who receives one half of the Prisoners' earnings. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. Neither the Act for Preserving Health, nor the Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors, hung up. The Prison is clean.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 287 
 
 ILCIIESTER. Somersetshire. 
 The Countif Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gdio\er, Edward Scadding : now Ifllllam Bridle. Salar}', 125/. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, Felons, and Bridewell, 14*. 4d. Besides which the Under- 
 Sheriff demands from every Debtor, 6s. %d. for his liberate: Conveyance 
 of Transports, one shilling each per mile. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Clia})lain, Rev. Thomas Bees. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Poole. Salary, none. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, April 7th, - ----- 28 ------- 36. 
 
 1801, Dec. 27th, ----- 29 ------- 34. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors and Felons, a sixpenny loaf each per day. Its weight, Dec. 
 1801, was two pounds seven ounces. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Gaol of Ivelchester, now Ilchester, which is likewise the County Bridewell, 
 stands near the river Ivel, whence the Town derives its name ; and a great part of 
 it is encircled by a boundary-wall, about 16 feet high, which, whilst it adds to its 
 security, affords the Keeper a convenient garden for the growth of vegetables. 
 
 The Turnkey's lodge fronts the river, on the left-side of the gate of entrance ; 
 and on the right are a warm and cold bath. Over these and the gateway are three 
 sleeping-rooms. 
 
 A small garden leads to the Gaolers house ; which, although placed in the centre 
 of the building, commands but a very small part of the Prison. It has a cupola on 
 the top, with a bell, which serves either for the Chapel, or for alarm, if needful. 
 
 The court-yards are five ; of which the first, on the right-hand, is for those 
 Prisoners who are committed for petty oflences, or until they pay a fine ; and 
 through which all who enter must pass to the Debtor's apartments. The pump, 
 which stands in a small adjoining area, and supplies the whole Prison with excellent 
 water, is another means of intercourse. 
 
 On the ground-floor are arcades, for the accommodation of Prisoners in wet wea- 
 ther. Over these rise two stories, to which the ascent is by a stone stair-case ; each 
 story containing five cells, 9 feet by 6, and 8 feet 6 inches high, fitted up with per- 
 forated iron bedsteads, and straw, changed either monthly or oftener, as needful ; a 
 blanket, and a coverlet, or rug. Each cell has a double door; the outer iron-grated,
 
 288^ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 the inner of wood, which opens into a passage 4 feet wide ; the windows of it, 
 which are four, looking into the court-yard. The cells have each a semicircular 
 window, half glazed, half open, with sloping boards, and have a view into the 
 Keeper's garden. Here is likewise an aperture in the wall, of l8 inches by 9, for 
 light and ventilation in every cell, except two, which are dark, and destined for the 
 refractory. In this part of the Prison Common-Side Debtors sleep, and pay as per 
 Table : in the day-time they are allowed the use of the Master's-Side Debtors' 
 court, as well as of the mess-room and fire. 
 
 Adjoining to the arcades before mentioned is the Keeper's cellar; and over it are 
 two stories, containing six cells, fitted up with semicircular windows, &c. like those 
 before described. These are appropriated to Prisoners for tines and petty offences. 
 
 The Master's-Side Debtors have a day-room and mess-room, of about 20 feet 
 each by 12, with seventeen lodging-rooms above, capable of accommodating thirty 
 persons, and for which tliey pay as per Table. Behind this part of the building is a 
 spacious court-yard, where the Prisoners play at fives, skittles, tennis, &c. 
 
 On the left entrance from the Turnkey's lodge, is the Male Felons' court-yard, 
 with iron palisades towards the small gartlen in front of the Keeper's house. On 
 the ground-floor is a place for coals ; and a large day-room, to which the County 
 allows fuel in severe weather, having arcades to walk under when it is rainy. Over 
 these are two stories, each containing eight cells, of the same size, and fitted up as 
 counterparts, in the same manner as those on the right entrance already mentioned : 
 and each cell is furnished with ten pounds of clean wheat-straw every week. 
 
 The /fhmen Debtors court is 18 3'ards by 6, and was originally intended for the 
 use of sick Prisoners. It is separated from the 3fen Felons' court by a dwarf wall, 
 and single iron palisade only, through which they can see and converse with each 
 other. They have arcades also, under which they walk in wet weather ; and 
 over these are their two sleeping-rooms, and two Infirmaries. 
 
 On the upper- story are five cells, which, with six others over tlie Chapel, are 
 appropriated to the most orderly of the Criminal Prisoners, and have boarded floors. 
 
 The Chapel, to which the access is through the Keeper's house, stands on the 
 Felons'-Side of the Gaol, and the \^'omen Convicts are jjlaced out of sight of the 
 other Prisoners. The Women Debtors, and Criminals, are seated in the gallery. 
 The Men-Debtors sit underneath ; and the rest of the ground-floor is occupied by 
 Prisoners of all descri])tions. On the whole, it seems not well partitioned off. 
 
 td" The Debtors, I found, were not obliged to go to Chapel ; and only eigiit out 
 of the twenty-nine attended Divine Service, when I was there in December iSoi. 
 
 Women Felons. The court-yard appropriated for them is larger than that for 
 the Men-Felons, and completely separated from it. There is a pump in it, but the 
 water not being very good, it is seldom used. On the ground-floor are fourteen cellsv 
 of 10 feet by 7 feet G, and 8 feet 6 inches high, together with a day-room.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALRS. 389 
 
 On the uppcr-storv is the same number of cells, and a lodj^e for a JVoman 
 Turnkey, who attends on the Female Felons, and is paid a weekly salary by the 
 County. All the upper cells open into an iron-railed gallery, and have wooden bed- 
 steads, with straw and blanketing, according to the season. 
 
 In the garden is the engine-house, from which reservoirs are filled, and the whole 
 Prison supplied with soft water, through j/ipes conveyed into the several courts. 
 
 Men-Frisoners are washed rtgnlarly, and shaved, and have a clean dowlas shirt 
 every week. The County clothing is provided for them, with brown and yellow 
 stripes ; but, not being compelled to wear it, they contrive by every means to do 
 without ; and very few of them had it on when I made my visits. 
 
 The sewers are judiciously placed, and not offensive. The whole Prison is 
 white-washed once a year, or twice, according as occasion requires, or the cells are 
 occupied. 
 
 Six only have died during the last seven years, out of seventy-eight, the average 
 number of Prisoners here confined. Convicts have the King's allowance of 2*. 6d. 
 per week. 
 
 The Act for the Preservation of Health, is duly hung up, as well as the Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors. 
 
 Here is no employment provided for by the County ; but at my visit there were 
 three Debtors at work, who were of handicraft trades. 
 
 The fifty shillings, formerly paid from a Legacy of Mr. Kelson, of Norton, to the 
 poorest Debtors at Midsummer, has, from some unknown cause, been long discon- 
 tinued. No Memorial of it being hung up in the Gaol, I could gain no better infor- 
 mation concerning it. 
 
 " SOMERStTSHlRE tO wit. 
 
 "At the General Qnarier Sessions held the 31st day of March, at Ivelchester, 1761, 
 Ixefore Edwanl Phelips, Ksq. &c. 
 
 " A Tahlk of Rates and Fees, 
 
 Settled, established, and allowed to be taken by the Keeper of the Common Gaol, in and 
 for the said County, by virtue of an Act of 32d Geo. IL 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 " For the Discharge of every Debtor --------- 0134 
 
 To the Turnkey -----..-.---..- Olo 
 
 For every Debtor lodging singly, weekly, including tiie use of bed and 
 
 bedding -.--.--____ 016 
 
 But, if two Debtors lodge together, both weekly ------ 00 J* 
 
 The Gaoler is not lo compel any Debtor lo lodge single.
 
 290 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ^. s. d. 
 If a Debtor has a bed and bedding of his own, then ... - - 010 
 If he lodges in the outside ward, then weekly only --.._ 006 
 If a bed of his own, then notliing for it. 
 
 " Edward Phelips. William Rodraud. 
 " Thomas Camplin. Gills SxRANravAV. 
 
 " JOIIH BUICKDALE. 
 
 " 29th July 1761. We do hereby approve and ratify the Table of Fees above written, 
 
 pursuant to the said Statute^ 
 
 " Eardley Wilmot. 
 
 " William Noel." 
 
 At my visit in December iSoi, I paid the Fees of a poor Debtor, whose Plaintiff 
 had Jar given him his debt. But there was another demand, of six shiUings and 
 ei'^ht-pence, by the Under-sheriff of the County of 'Somerset, for his liberate ; which 
 I was obliged to discharge, before the Prisoner could be set at Uberty '. 
 
 Sir Geo. Paul justly observes, that, " as no Man is the voluntary iniiabitant of 
 a Prison, and as Fees are no part of the sentence of the law, Fees, of all kinds, 
 either from Debtors, or persons accused of crimes, are absurd ui their institution, 
 and oppressive in their practice." 
 
 Situate as Ilchester is, in a remote corner of the county, on the banks of the 
 river Ivel, (anciently I'eovil,) this Prison subjects its inhabitants, and particularly 
 Debtors, and those detained for fines, to many and great inconveniencies. Too far 
 removed from their friends to receive occasional gratuities, and there being no 
 manufactory in the town to afford them regular employment, they offer an abun- 
 dant cUiim to pity. Mr. Gye, the humane printer of the Bath Paper, frequently 
 represents their distressed situation, and receives casual benefactions for their relief. 
 
 The Assizes are never held at Ilchester. The Spring Assize is always at Taunton ; 
 the Summer Assize at Bridgewater and Wells alternately. At Taunton the Keepers, 
 lodge their Prisoners at separate inns. At Bridgewater the Prison is only one room, 
 under the Town-Ifall, with straw upon the flooi- ; and where, as I was informed, 
 fifty Prisoners had been confined for six days together ! 
 
 This County ('aol of Ilchester is the only Prison in the County of Somerset, 
 except Bristol, in which there is now (l8oi,) a Chaplain. Formerly there was one 
 both at Taunton and Shepton-MaUet ; and the County had generously gone to the 
 limit of the Act, by assigning a Salary of Fifty Pounds to each Chaplain. But the 
 Chaplains having neglected their duty, tlie Justices, first, re-limited the Act,, by 
 reducing the Salaries, and afterwards took off the whole.
 
 IX ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 291 
 
 INVERNESS. Scotland. 
 The Tolhnnth. 
 
 Gaolers; tlie four Town-Oflicers, in weekly rotation. 
 
 Salaries, to the Head-Ciaoler, 1.",/. to the other tiiree, 14/. each. .«.,•• 
 
 Fees; for Criminals, none. Debtors, 2s. 6d. to the Gaoler, and 2s. Gd. to the 
 Town-Clerk, for entering the Action ; both which are paid by the Creditor. 
 
 No religious attentions, except to those under sentence of death ; and then once 
 a week *. 
 
 Medical attendant, James Robertson, M. I), who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 9th Oct. 1809, Debtors, Two. Felons, Four. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, as alimented, from ten-pence to two shillings per day, ac- 
 cording to their rank in life : but generally one shilling per day. Felons, &c, 
 sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Tolbooth adjoins the Justiciary Court ; and has, on the ground-floor, a 
 dark cell for the tciniK)rary confinement of Vagrants, about 12 feet square. No fire- 
 place, bedstead, or bedding, but a little loose straw, scattered on the stone floor. 
 
 On the Jirsf s for I/, and on the same level with tiie Justiciary Court, are five 
 sleeping-cells for Felons, of 10 teet by S. One of them is dark, and assigned to the 
 refractory : three have a gr.ited aperture, about a foot square, for ventilaticjn ; with 
 loose straw upon the stone floors lor bedding, and iilthy uncovered tubs serve the 
 purpose of sewers. 
 
 The fifth cell, for Women, which is somewhat larger, has a boarded floor, and a 
 fire-place, but no fuel is allowed ; also a grated and glazed sash-window, loose straw 
 for bedding, and an uncovered substitute for a sewer. 
 
 The dooi-s of all the above cells open into a stone lobl)y, about 4 feet wid?, whicJi 
 has three very large grated windows looking to the street; and Prisoners liave some- 
 times the liberty of walking in it in tiie dav time. 
 
 The second stort/ has two long rooms for l)eI)tors, about 20 feet by 10, ^Itli 
 flag-stone floors, grated and glazed lift-up sash windows, and fire-places, but no 
 coals; a wooden bedstead, but no bedding. In each of these rooms a Hkhy un- 
 covered tub as a sewer. The doors of these two apartments open into a lobby, like 
 that above described ; and Debtors have the j)rivilege of walking there occasionally. 
 
 The upper, or attic k-sto'ri/, has one very spacious room for Debtors who are 
 Burgesses, which has two large lilt-up sash windows, with two fire-places ; a boarded 
 
 - * It is wortliy of ivniiuk, that although the Assizes for Eight Cuunlies are htlil at Inverness, only one 
 Person has suffered death these sixteen vears.
 
 292 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 floor, but no bedstead, bedding, or furniture whatever. The pipe of a German-stove 
 introduces some warmth, during the meeting of the different courts below, which 
 are held once or twice a week. No water is supphed, but what is brought by the 
 Gaoler. 
 
 William Taylor, the Executioner, cleans the cells and empties the tubs every 
 two days ; for which, and for executing the sentences of the Court, he receives a 
 Salary of 67. per anninn ; a house to live in, and other perquisites. I cannot say 
 any thing in jjraise of his diligence : The Gaol throughout was very dirty, and had 
 scarcely the aj)pearance of having ever been white-washed. 
 
 Before I finish my account of Inverness, I must mention a Dungeon, or curious 
 place of confinement, not lately used. It is buried betwixt two arches of the Town- 
 Bridge over the river Ness. There is a trap-door in the pavement, 22 inches square, 
 which being lifted up, exhibits a hole of the same size, square, and three feet deep. 
 On one side of this narrow hole there is a grated iron door, 27 inches wide, and 30 
 inches high, which, upon being opened, can admit the Prisoner, by his crawling 
 backwards, down three steps into the Dungeon below, which is 10 feet 4 inches 
 long, 7 feet 6 inches wide, and 6 feet high, furnished with a sewer that communi- 
 cates with the river. Here is also a stone seat all round it, which is covered with 
 wood. The only light, or ventilation, which this miserable place can receive, is from 
 an iron-grating toward the river, of 16 inches by 15 ; and it has a little loose straw 
 for sleeping on. As this tremendous " Living Sepulchre" is rendered so very difficult 
 of access, it should seem that the wretched inhabitant must dip for water, and have 
 his provisions let down for him over the balustrade of the bridge, so as to receive 
 them through the gratings of his window. This dungeon is said to have been 
 constructed in 1C84, when the bridge was built. I was informed that several 
 Highlanders were thrust down here, after the battle of Culloden ; and that a very 
 troublesome, deranged Man, called Hollow-Cheek, from a wound he received by a 
 musket ball, in the Ainericau war, had been occasionally confined here. 
 
 IPSWICH. Sifffolk. 
 The Town and Borough Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Edward U'ada. Salary, not fixed. 
 Allowance, a sixpenny loaf per day. 
 
 BKMAIIKS. 
 
 'J he old Town and Borough Bridewell, (which I fully described in the Gentle- 
 man's Magazine for December IS08,) having been pulled down, this New Gaol was 
 first inhabited on the 30th of July 1810. It is situate near the Shire-Hall, and 
 iWHtb at the back of the Spinning-School, the Master of which is the present Keeper..
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 293 
 
 On the ground-floor are a day-room, of If, feet by 12, having a fire-placo, with a 
 large grated and glazed sash window, looking toward the c(jnrt-yard, (about 6S feet 
 square) and made to open; and also five sleejjing-cells, of 12 feet by 8, with similar 
 whidqws, and an aperture over each door for better ventilation, furnished with iron 
 bedsteads, straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, and a coverlet. The doors of all 
 these cells, like that of the day-room, open into a spacious lobby, 7 feet wide, which 
 extends to the whole length of the building, and is separated from the court-yard of 
 the Spinning-School by open wood palisades; thus affording an excellent space for 
 air and exercise, when the weather will not permit the use of the Prison court-yard, 
 into which the windows of the day-room and of the sleeping-cells open. 
 
 The chamber-story consists of a lobby, a day-room, and the same numl)cr of 
 sleeping-cells, in every respect similar to those already described ; except that two of 
 them, having blinds fixed before their windows, are called solitary cells. 
 
 Sept. 21st, 1810, no Prisoners. The number of Commitments hither, from the 
 first opening of the Bridewell to the time of my visit above mentioned, had amounted 
 to Seven. The sevyers are judiciously placed, and the Prison clean» 
 
 IPSWICir. Sujul/c. 
 The Town and Boroiis:ii Gaol. 
 
 o 
 
 Gaoler, If'illiam Brame. Salary, 50/. Also two chaldrons and a half of coals, 
 and eight dozen pounds of candles. 
 Fees, Debtors, on discharge, 6s. Sd. Felons pay no Fees. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain (a recent appointment,) Rev. IFiWuni Hinvorth. 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Scchamp. Salary, none: makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1801, Oct. isth, ------ 3 __.---_ 5 
 
 1805, Sept. 14th, - 4 ------- 6 
 
 1810, Sept. 21st, ------ 3 --_-_.- 8 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, poor and unable to sujiport themselves, one pound and 
 half of bread per day : And fronj Pcmherton's Cliarlfi/ a twopenny loaf, 
 one shilling's worth of meat, and a pint of strong beer on a Sunday, once ia 
 three weeks. To Felons, &c. one pound and half of best wheatcn bread, am! 
 one penny in money per day.
 
 94 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is situate in St. MatthevvVstreet, and since my visits in 1801 and 
 
 1805, is become so much improved, that I can now give some account of it with 
 
 pleasure. 
 
 The Gaoler's house fronts the street ; and in it are rooms for Master's-Side 
 
 Debtors, to which he furnishes beds at two shillings per week each. Behind the 
 
 house is the Debtors' court-yard, 90 feet by 27, w ith a gravel walk ; and at the end 
 
 of it is a small area, in which to converse with their friends. 
 
 Women Debtors have separate apartments. The Infirmary- room is 17 feet by 
 12, and 7 feet 9 inches high, with a fire-place and glazed window. 
 
 Comhion-Side Debtors have a day-room, iC feet square, with afire-place; and 
 also four rooms above stairs, to which the Corporation furnishes bedsteads and 
 bedding. 
 
 Men and Women Felons have each their separate ward, distinct and apart one 
 from t1ie other, with an airy court-yard to each ; in wiiich the sewers are judiciously 
 placed, and unofFensive. Their sleeping-rooms are well ventdated, and furnished by 
 the Corporation with bedsteads, a bed, two blankets, two sheets, clean once a 
 month, and a coverlet each. They are obliged to make their beds, and sweep their 
 wards every morning, before they receive their allowance of bread. 
 
 At the West-end of the Prison is a little neat Chapel, 22 feet by 18, where the 
 Prisoners are properly seated in their respective classes, but in sight of each other 
 during Divine Service. 
 
 At my visits some of them were employed in cutting skewers, at 2.v. a thousand ; 
 others spinning or making garters. They have all they earn ; and the considerate 
 Magistrates allow fire, soap, and towels for their use. 
 
 Debtors are confined here upon Writs of Capias, issuing out of the Court of Small 
 Pleas, holden for the Town and Borough evejy fortnight, on a Monday. No Debtor 
 in execution confined in this Gaol, had ever reaped the benefit of the Lords' Act, 
 \mtil the 30th of December, 1805, when Mr. Pulham, a very worthy and respect- 
 able Solicitor, at Woodbridge, obtained the Sixpences for them at his own expence, 
 after an application had been made by him to the Court of King's Bench, for a 
 Mandamus to have them allowed. 
 
 Every Debtor here is permitted to purchase one quart of strong beer per day, but 
 not more. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are hung 
 up in the Chapel. The Prison is well supplied with water, and kept very clean.
 
 Debtors. 
 
 
 
 Fel( 
 
 :)ns, &c. 
 
 
 State-Prisoners. 
 
 - 11 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 17 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 0. 
 
 - 20 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 14 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 3- 
 
 - 21 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 10 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 0. 
 
 - 8 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 8 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 0. 
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 295 
 
 IPSWICH. Suffolk. 
 Cornifij Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Johnson *. 
 
 Salary, 20o/. ;uvl roal.- aiul candle for liis own use. 
 
 Fees and Garnish, abolislied. Conveyance of Transports, one shilling per 
 mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Lee, now Rev. IFi/liam Aldrhh. 
 
 Duty, Prayers on Wednesday, and on Sunday, Prayers and Sermon. Sa- 
 lary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Sfehb'iiig. 
 
 Salary, 50/. for Prisoners of all descriptions. Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 ISOO, Oct. 13th, - - 
 
 1S03, Sept. 14th - - 
 
 1808, Nov. 20th, - - 
 
 iSlO, Sept. 21st, - - 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, each 2lbs. of beef per week. And on Sundays a jiint of 
 porter and a two-penny loaf-}-. If very ])oor, and unable to sujiport himself, 
 he is allowed by the County, in adtlition, four loaves, each l^lb. ; and half 
 a pound of cheese per week. 
 
 Felons, l^lb. of best bread per day, sent in from the Baker, in loaves of 
 that weight; and three quarters of a pound of cheese weekly. I weighed the 
 loaves; and found them both just in quantity, and of good wheaten bread. 
 
 N. B. Coals, mops, brooms, pails, and towels are allowed by the County 
 for the use of the Prisoners. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The boundary wall of this Prison encloses about an acre and half of ground, and 
 is twenty feet high, with a sunk fence, about ', feet deep, 10 feet wide, and 12 
 feet distant from the open palisade fences of the difTerent court-yards. 
 
 The Turnkey's lodge is in front ; and on the ground floor is the day-room, and 
 another, in which the irons for Prisoners are dej)osited. In the lodge are a 
 warm and cold bath, with an oven to purify their clothes, on being received. 
 
 * He seems of weak intellect, and much under tlie controul of an ignorant and bnitl--h Turnkey, 
 t Sec the account of " IVmbcrtou's Charity," given under tlit- IKad Uiiry St. Edmunds, p. S6, and. 
 also noticed in p. 293.
 
 096 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Above stairs are two reception-cells, where the Prisoner is detained till examined 
 by the Surgeon, previous to his admission into the interior. Also a room where 
 the cleansed clothes are ticketed and hung up, and the County clothing put on ; and 
 close by is the Turnkey's sleeping-room. 
 
 The lead roof above tiie lodge is the place for execution of Criminals. 
 
 From the lodge extends an avenue, of g8 feet by l8, which leads to the Keeper's 
 house, in the centre of the Prison, and from which the several court-yards are 
 completely inspected. 
 
 The Prison consists of four wings, to which are attached eight spacious and airy 
 courts, of 7") feet by 45 ; and three smaller ones, about 44 feet square, in one of 
 which is the engine house, as a provision against fire. 
 
 The Men Debtors have the use of two of the larger court-yards, having water- 
 closets in them ; and both hard and soft water are laid on. Upon the ground floor 
 is their day-room, 22 feet by 14, v/ith a fire-place, and utensils for frugal cookery; 
 a pantry, also, for their provisions, and four work-rooms. 
 
 To the refractory Debtors are appropriated one of the smaller courts, and two 
 work-cells, of 8 feet by 6, and 10 feet high, on the ground floor. 
 
 The first and second story have each eleven sleeping-cells ; which are severally 
 divided by lobbies 46 feet long, and 5 feet wide. 
 
 The Women Debtors have a court-yard to themselves, of the larger size, and se- 
 parated from the Men's by the avenue before-noticed, as leading from the Turnkey's 
 lodge to the house of the Keeper. Their day-room, 14 feet by 8 feet 6 inches, is 
 fitted up just like that for the Men Debtors. Above this, on the first story, is a 
 lobby 46 feet by 5, leading to 10 sleeping-cells, five of them on one side, for Fe- 
 male Debtors, and the rest, on the other side, for Female Convicts. 
 
 On the second story are eleven other sleeping-cells, exactly similar to the former, 
 and divided by a lobby in the same manner : And all communication betwixt Female 
 Debtors and Female Felons is most judiciously prevented, by means of a grated 
 door thrown across the lobby or passage. 
 
 Each cell has two doors; the outer iron-gn.ted, and the inner of wood, opening 
 into the lobby. I'hey are all 8 feet 6' inches by 6" feet 6, and about 9 feet 6 inches 
 high; lighted and ventilated by an iron-grated and glazed sash window, 3 feet 6" 
 inches by -2 feet 4 ; and by an aperture also near the door, of 15 inches by 3; all 
 alike fitted up with a wooden bedstead, flock mattress, two sheets, two blankets, 
 a bolster, and coverlet, which are provided at the County expence. 
 
 Every J)ebtor has a single bed, and all are supplied both with fuel, Winter and 
 Summer, to cook their provisions ; and with a cupboard, nunibered like the sleeping- 
 room, under lock and key, to secure them. Each Debtor has permission also to 
 purchase one quart of strong beer per day, but no more.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 297 
 
 Male Felons, before Trial, have a day-room 14 feet square, fitted up like those 
 of the Debtors, for cookery, and every other accommodation. I'hey, too, have a 
 court-yard, with excellent pump water laid on ; a sewer, which is a water-closet, 
 and seven work-cells. Above these, on the first story, are ren sleeping-cells, divided 
 by a lobby 46 feet long, and 5 feet wide ; and on the second story are eleven other 
 cells, divided in the same manner. 
 
 The Female Felons, previous to trial, have a day-room 14 feet by S feet G, fitted 
 up for cookery in the same manner as the Men's. Their sleeping-cells also are 
 exactly similar to the preceding; and they have a court-yard, like that appropriated 
 to the Male Felons. 
 
 Convicts for Transportation have their day-room of the same dimensions with 
 that last-mentioned : and on the upper story are eleven sleeping-cells for their class, 
 who have also the use of a sej)arate court-yard. 
 
 Convicts sentenced to imprisonment have likewise a court-yard ; a day-room of 
 14 feet square ; on the ground floor seven work-cells ; and on the first story eleven 
 sleeping-cells, circumstanced and accommodated in all respects like those already 
 described. 
 
 The Chapel of this excellent Prison is in the centre of the Gaoler's house, up one 
 pair of stairs, and distinguishable by a turret-top, and an alarm-bell. 'I'he former 
 was once somewhat open, for better ventilation ; but being found to admit too much 
 air, the sides have been nearly canvassed up. This very neat structure is well 
 contrived, and easy of access from the several lobbies. The Prisoners, during Divine 
 Service, are seated according to their respective classes : the sexes, by means of 
 several partitions, are kept out of sight of each other, but all in full view both of. 
 their Minister and Keeper. 
 
 On this first story there are also three bed chambers for the Gaoler ; and on the 
 second story four neat Infirmary Rooms, ly feet square, with fire-places, sash 
 windows iron-grated, water-closets, &c. and above them is the lead flat of the 
 building, appropriated to the use of convalescents, for the benefits of air and exer- 
 cise. The Infirmaries have iron-framed and latticed wooden bedsteads, with a mat- 
 tress to each, two blankets, two sheets, and a coverlet ; and the sick are well 
 supplied with suitable food, and wine, if necessary, at the discretion of the Surgeon. 
 
 On the 17th of July, 1780, at a meeting of the Trustees of Mr. John Pem- 
 herton's Charity, it was Ordered, 
 
 " That the Treasurer should provide, as the Trustees shall see fit, for the Debtors 
 imprisoned in any of the Gaols in the County of Suffolk, (either for tlieir relief 
 therein, by a proportion of bread, meat, and beer, as he shall think necessary, or 
 for the delivering them out of Prison,) until the Treasurer shall receive further, 
 orders. Nevertheless, such Debtors in Ipswich Gaol as do not regularly attend Divine
 
 298 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Service, — unless prevented by sickness, or some reasonable cause, to be allowed of 
 by the Chaplain, and behave decently and reverently, — shall not have any benefit or 
 
 allowance from this Charity. Trustees / ^'^°' ^'^^'^"^'- ^"- ^- Brooke. 
 
 ' 1 Lorr Knight. Edw. Hasell," 
 
 The visiting Magistrates frequently attend their important charge, and have their 
 Committee Room in the Keeper's house ; the windows of which room, and of the 
 Keeper's kitchen and parlour, are so placed, as to command the several court-yards. 
 
 Recapitulation of the various departments of the Gaol. 
 
 Four wings : court-yards, 1 1 ; day-rooms, " ; work-cells, 27 ; sleeping- 
 cells, 86 ; solitary cells, 2. 
 
 The County dresses, before Conviction, are red and grey striped duffell ; and after 
 Conviction, blue and yellow, for distinction. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are con- 
 spicuously hung up. 
 
 IPSWICH. 
 
 Hoti.se of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, George Clubhe. Salary, 42/. and coals, candles, soap, mops, brooms, and 
 
 pails, for the use of the Prison. 
 Fees, none. 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Tunney. Salary, 20l. Duty, Sunday and Wednesday. 
 Surgeon, Mr. St ebbing. Salary, see County-Gaol. 
 
 Prisoners, 1805, 14th Sep. Three. 180S, 20th Nov. Five. 1810, 21st Sep, Nine. 
 Allowance, one pound and half of bread per day, sent in loaves of that weight 
 
 from the Baker's; which, upon weighing, I found to be just. They have 
 
 also what they can earn by spinning. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison stands near the County Gaol, in an airy situation, and is surrounded 
 by a boundary wall, 17 feet high, with an inside sunk fence, 2 feet 6 inches deep, 
 and 7 feet wide. 
 
 On the ground-floor of the Keeper's house are the visiting Magistrates' room, the 
 Keeper's parlour and kitchen, which command a view of the three different court- 
 yards, each 60 feet by 30, and enclosed by open palisades. Here is a forcing- 
 pump, for supplying the Prison ; and soft water also is laid on from the main to 
 the Keeper's kitchen. 
 
 On the left side of the ground floor is a day-room, 18 feet by 10, with fire-place, 
 and glazed windows ; and five cells for the Women, which open into a lobby, 24 feet 
 by 5, well ventilated.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 29§ 
 
 Above these are five other cells, of the same size, with a lobby ; and three In- 
 firmary-rooms, 14 feet by 11, with glazed windows, fire-places, and boarded floors. 
 Near the Infirmary-rooms is a lead flat, assigned to the convalescents, for the^. 
 benefit of air and exercise. 
 
 On the right hand of the ground floor is another day-room for the Men, with 
 cells and lobbies, sick-rooms, and other accommodations, of the same size and na- 
 ture as those on the Women's side. 
 
 In the first floor of the Keeper's house is the Chapel, 20 feet by lO ; into which 
 the respective lobbies open, and all the classes are seated on benches, in si'i-ht 
 of each other. 
 
 The court-yards are all on an inclined })lane, with brick gutters. Water is 
 judiciously conveyed through the sewers, and the Courts are always clean. 
 
 Each cell in this Prison is 10 feet by 7, and 9 feet 6 inches high, with arched 
 roofs, and ventilated by an iron-grated and glazed window, 3 feet 3 inches by 3 feet. 
 They have iron bedsteads, straw beds in sacking, two blankets, and a coverlet ; and 
 are furnished with spinning-wheels. 
 
 The ventilation of the cells might be improved by a circular aperture over the 
 door, of 6 inches diameter ; or one in any other suitable situation, of 10 inclies by 2. 
 Each door has now an opening of 6 inches by 4. 
 
 CleaYi linen once a week is provided by the County, Here are no Rules and 
 Orders hung up, nor the Act for Preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors. The Prison is kept very clean. 
 
 IRVEN. Scotland. 
 The Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Keepers, the Town's Ofllicers, who have no Salary. 
 
 Fees, on Caption, 2a-. Gd. paid by the Incarcerator to the Town-Clerk ; and 
 fourpence a night to the Gaoler. No religious attentions. 
 Surgeon, from the Town, when wanted. 
 Number of Prisoners, 30th Oct. 1809, Seven Debtors. 
 Allowance, Alimented as ordered, generally one shilling per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This Gaol for Debtors is in the High Street, about the middle of the Town. 
 A flight of about 20 steps leads to the Guard-room and Court-house; and adjoining 
 are two rooms for Debtors. Each has a glazed window, boarded floor, and fire- 
 place, with a wooden bedstead, but no bedding. Above, is a large room, with 
 sash windows, a bedstead, and fire-place ; set apart for such Debtors as can give 
 security against escape. No coals allowed. A tub, in place of a sewer. No water, 
 but what is brought in by the Gaoler,
 
 300 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 JEDBURGH. Roxburghshire, Scotland. 
 The County Gaol, 
 
 tjlaoler, Andrew Henderson. Salary, 5^- 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, on Caption, 2s. 6d. ; none for Felons, &c. 
 
 No religious duties ; except that a Minister regularly attends those under Sen- 
 tence of Death. No Surgeon. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 21st September 1809, Debtors, 2. Capital Convicts, 2. 
 Transport, 1. — ^l^otal, 5. 
 
 Allowance. Debtors, as alimented by the Magistrates. Felons, ^c. M. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This County Gaol was built in 1755- It fronts the Town, and the back part of 
 the Church-yard ; and on each side of the arched entrance is a vault : but these 
 vaults are never used for imprisonment. 
 
 The first story consists of three rooms, which comprise the Gaol for Felons. Two 
 of them are about I5 feet square; and the third 12 feet by 10, with grated and 
 glazed casement windows, and fire-places in two. They have boarded floors, with 
 straw-in-ticking for beds, two blankets, and a coverlet. 
 
 The next story has an apartment for the Gaoler, another room for Debtors, and 
 a small room in what is called " The Steeple" where the bells are rung. 
 
 The Debtors' room, 16 feet square, has grated and glazed casement windows, a 
 boarded floor, a wooden bedstead, with bedding furnished by the Town. Also 
 a fire-place; but no coals are allowed. 
 
 Here is no water, except what is brought in by the Keeper. No court-yard. 
 In every room a covered close-stool instead of a sewer, for general use. 
 
 JEDBURGH. County Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, William Dunlop. Salary, 20/. Surgeon, il/r. Watson, who makes a Bill. 
 Prisoners, 21st Sept. 1809, Oflfender, 1. Insane Persons, 2. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell, which was built about 20 years ago, is wholly on the ground 
 floor. It has a court-yard, of about 30 feet square, for the Men ; and a similar one 
 for Women. In each court-yard are three apartments ; one spacious, and two 
 smaller ones, to work and sleep in. 
 
 The Chamber Story is occupied by the Keeper. 
 
 The glazed windows of the above rooms open toward the several court-yards. No 
 fire-places ; and, of course, no coals are allowed. Nor is any water supplied, except 
 what is fetched in by the Keeper of this County Prison. 
 
 The employment of the Prisoners consists in pounding of sand for scouring.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. SOI 
 
 KENDAL. IVestmorcland. 
 The Town Gaol and Brideivell. 
 
 Gaoler, Miles Hai/ton ; now Jo/m Shepherd. Salary, 8o/. 
 Fees, none. Conveyance of Transports, one shilling per mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Briggs ; now Rev. Mr. Satnpson. Salary, 15/. 
 Duty, on Sundays, in the afternoon. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, is sent from the Dispensary. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons. &c. Lunaticks 
 
 1801, Nov. 3d, --- 2 --™- 7 - --- 2- 
 
 1802, Sept. 25tli, -- 3 ---- 7 ._-_ 1. 
 1S09, Nov. 4th, --- 1 ---- 2 ---_ 2. 
 
 Also Bastardy, 1. Vagrant, 1. Runaway Apprentice, 1. 
 
 Allowance, To Debtors, none: But every Debtor, arrested by process out of the 
 Borough Court, was heretofore allowed sixpence per day, after three Court- 
 days ; and a Court w as then held every third week. That regularity, how- 
 ever, is now|discontinued ; and a Debtor may be confined three months, with- 
 out any allowance, except from casual earnings, in case he can procure work. 
 Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, are allowed sixpence a day ; but if 
 they work, that allowance is discontinued. If the produce of labour amounts 
 to seven shillings or more per week, the Gaoler receives one fifth of the whole 
 of his or her earnings. §;3' This may operate to discourage industry, by 
 inducing Prisoners to limit their earnings to 6s. 6d. per week ; from which 
 there could be no deduction. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is judiciously situated on an eminence, a little way out of the Town. 
 Debtors have a spacious airy court-yard, 69 feet by 36, supplied with pump water; 
 and six sizeable rooms, with boarded floors, sash windows, and fire-places in four of 
 them. They are well ventilated and clean, and open into a lobby 3 feet 6 inches wide. 
 
 For the use of these rooms, with wooden bedsteads, the Debtor pays nothing ; 
 but he must supply his own bedding, or hire it from the Town. 
 
 The Men Felons' court-yard, which opens into that of the Debtors, is 30 feet by 
 21 ; and has in it a day and work-room, about 13 feet square, with two hemp blocks, 
 a fire-place, and a large iron-grated and glazed window. 
 
 On the ground floor are two sleeping-cells, of 11 feet each by 10, with vaulted 
 roofs, stone floors, wooden bedsteads, two blankets, and a rug to each. The only 
 light or ventilation they receive, is from a wicket in the door, about 9 inches square.
 
 303 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Women Felons have a separate courtj in front of the building, 1 2 yards by 1 ; 
 also four sleeping-rooms, about 8 feet square ; and two work-rooms ; in one of which 
 was a Woman weaving, in the other a Woman spinning: and likewise a room, with a 
 single loom in it, at which a Man was weaving. Looms for the use of the Prisoners, 
 during their confinement, were heretofore sent in from the Workhouse. They are 
 allowed three fourths of their earnings for maintenance, and the remaining quarter 
 goes to the Keeper. 
 
 Wheels and Swifts for the Prisoners are furnished by the County gratis ; and 
 there is one loom, the prime cost of which having been made good, by hiririg it to 
 Prisoners at 6d. per week, I learned that it was intended to be allotted for their 
 gratuitous use in future. 
 
 At my former visits, looms, as I just observed, were supplied from the Work- 
 house ; first it was a charge of sixpence per week, and afterwards of fourpence. The 
 two Men I saw weaving, at times, had their looms from the Manufacturers who em- 
 ployed them. 
 
 Some of the Prisoners have work from a quarry of grey marble, about four miles 
 distant from Kendall; and others from one of black marble, about 12 miles off; 
 while some also beat hemp, or are engaged in taylor's work, or shoemaking. 
 
 Here was one Woman in solitary confinement, whose employment and support 
 depended wholly on her friends. 
 
 An enclosed part of the Debtors' court affords another small yard for the use of 
 Criminals ; into which the doors of two sleeping-cells open ; the one 11 feet by 10, 
 the other 15 feet by 9 ; supplied with such bedding as before described. 
 
 Here is a very neat Chapel, which has two distinct doors of entrance, and a fold- 
 ing screen in the middle ; so that the Female Prisoners can neither see nor be seen 
 by the men. All of them, except one poor Lunatick, attended Divine Service, on 
 Sunday, 5th of November, l8og, and their behaviour was orderly and attentive. 
 
 In the Keeper's house, there is one common day-room, about 14 feet square, 
 with a fire-place : and here I found all the Prisoners congregated at my last visit, 
 save the pitiable Maniac, as above, who had been confined seven years. 
 
 The Gaoler is allowed 10*. Gd. weekly for the maintenance of each Lunatick: 
 one shilling per mile for the conveyance of Prisoners to Appleby ; and the same, if 
 he brings t'nem back. 
 
 It would be an act of kind humanity, if a Messenger were publickly employed and 
 paid here, to procure for the Prisoners victuals and small beer from the Town ; which 
 they sometimes stand greatly in need of. The opening of the door of the Felons' 
 court-yard into that of the Debtors requires attention, to prevent injurious intercourse. 
 
 Here is no bath, nor oven to wash the New-Comers, or purify their offensive or 
 infected clothes. No County clothing is yet allowed.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 303 
 
 The Act for preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 conspicuously hung up. Every part of the Gaol is well supplied with water, and 
 the whole is kept very clean. 
 
 KIDDEKM IXSTER. H'orcestershire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 For short occasional Conjinement. 
 
 One of the greatest singularities met with in my various and wide excursions, 
 occurred to me in a former visit to this Gaol. 
 
 From my notes, I recollect it was in August, (the 27th) 1S03. The Town Crier 
 at that time was the Keeper. The (iaol itself stood in a very respectable and well- 
 known Town of England : It has long been, and long may it be, justly celebrated, 
 from practical experience of the best judges, for Manufactures in the ffoollen and 
 Mixed Line of considerable importance. It once contained above a thousand houses ; 
 and the families, we are told, could amass near six thousand inhabitants. 
 
 How is it now ? I saw, examined, and considered it ; and I found, 'I'hat the 
 /// accommodations for Prisoners was a strong and pleasing proof, that, in this 
 Town, Prisons were not considered as the absolute necessaries of life. 
 
 I was shewn here two Dungeons, of about 10 feet long by 8 feet wide. But, to 
 get at them, a Criminal, an Offender, and perhaps even a Debtor, must descend 
 six steps below the World's eye ; and be thus concealed from it, beneath the Market 
 Place of the Town ! 
 
 No court-yard could be provided here. No water. No sewer ; and loose straw 
 only scattered, in case harrassed and weary Nature should wish to rest from her 
 labours, both of mind and body. It was a comfortable reflexion, however, to learn, 
 that Prisoners are never locked up here for above a night or two; and at my call in 
 1803, not a single Prisoner was to be found. 
 
 KILMARNOCK, Scotland. 
 
 Keepers, The Town's Officers. No Salary. Prisoners, 30th Oct. 1S09, None. 
 Allowance, to Criminals, Sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol consists of one vaulted dark cell, for persons committed at night ; and 
 has dirty loose straw laid on the floor. Also a dark cell near the stairs of the Town 
 Hall, and one very large vaulted cell adjoining, with a fire-place, and an aperture 
 in the wall, about 3 feet long, and 8 inches wide. Straw only is allowed to sleep 
 on. A tub serves as a sewer, and water is brought in by the Keepers. 
 
 Criminals are confined here only a day or two before they are sent to Ayr. 
 Debtors are sent to Irven, seven miles distant.
 
 ,04 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 KING'S BENCH PRISON. 
 
 Marshal, PfllUam Jones, Esq. the Fees and Emokiments of whose office, from 
 the Report made in July 1 809, appear to be 2660I. * 
 
 Deputy, Mr. Hughes; whose income is stated to be 210/. This office may be 
 considered as a sinecure ; for I am informed that the duties of it are executed 
 by Mr. Brooshoof, as Clerk of the Day-Rules^, as well as Clerk of the Papers. 
 
 Licence, Beer and Wine. Tap lett. (See Remarks.) 
 
 Allowance, none whatever. 
 
 Prisoners, within the walls, on an avei'age of ten years, are from 500 to 700 '^. • 
 
 Prisoners in the Rules, on an average, 100 to I50. 
 
 Surgeon, none;};. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Evatis ; whose Salary arises from proceedings in suits against 
 Prisoners, which are taken for, and paid to him, by the several Judges' clerks 
 at their chambers. I am told the amount is about 1 00/. per annum. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday ; and Sacrament once a month. 
 
 N. B. Attendance at Chapel being optional, but few attended when I have been 
 there ; and devotion was extremely interrupted, by the continual noise of 
 opening and shutting the Chapel-door during Divine Service. 
 
 The office of Marshal of this Prison was heretofore hereditary in a private family, 
 by grant from the Crown : But in 27th George II. it was suggested as improper for 
 a private family to hold such an office ; and that it would be the means of more 
 effectually preventing extortion and impositions on the Prisoners, if the appointment 
 were vested in the Crown, subject to removal for neglect of duty, non-residence, or 
 improper conduct. A Bill therefore passed, to enable his Majesty to purchase the 
 future appointment of Marshal of the King's Bench Prison, and 10,500/. was voted 
 for that purpose. By this Act the King appoints that officer to hold his place 
 tjiiamdiu se bene gesserit. Constant residence seems required, either within the 
 IValls, or within the Rules. 
 
 * If the account of Fees and Emoluments of the Marshal's Office, ■which has been sent to me, is 
 coiTect, they appear to be upwards of 7900i. per annum. 
 
 ■[ The Prison will not accommodate more than 220. They are generally chummed together, two, 
 and sometimes three, upon a room. 
 
 X When sickness attacks poor Prisoners in this place, their sufferings must be extreme, from the 
 want of medical aid ; for sickness, accompanied with poverty, finds here neither pity nor relief.
 
 IN FNGLAND, SCOTLAND, AM) WALKS. 30.5 
 
 The Marshal is to keep the Prison in repair, and pay his servants out of the fee? 
 and emoluments. The jjower of continuance and removal is vested in the Chief 
 Justice, and the other three Judges of tlie Court of King's Bench. 
 
 By tl)e Act 32 George II. the courts were required to meet, and to settle a Table 
 of Fees, &c. to be tiikcit of all j)risoners for debt ; and the prisoners were protected 
 by that Act from the imposition and extortion of Gaolers, The Court of King's 
 Bench settled the following Table or Fees, to be taken of all prisoners for debt, &c. ; 
 and by the said Act they are directed to send, at certain times in the year, to see 
 ihat this Table of Fees, as well as a List of all Bequests, are hung up in some con- 
 spicuous part of the Prison, and that the said Act is in every other respect complied 
 with ; and that eight days' public notice should be given of this visitation. Any vio- 
 lation of die Clauses iji this Act subjects Ciaolers and sei-vants to a penalty of 50/. 
 The linjiti and boundaries, or, as they are commonly called, " Rules" of the 
 Prison, are very extensive, forming a circle of nearly three miles round the walls of 
 the Prison. The purchase of tliese Rules ap^iears to be seven guineas and a half, 
 foi- the first fifty jWKinds every Prisoner is charged with, and ten guineas, if one hun- 
 dred *; and such security is given to the Marshal as he approves of: But all taverns, 
 ale-houses, and piaces of public amusement, are e.\.cluded. 
 
 Day Rules 
 Are allowed, to the number of three days in every term, unless the Prisoner can 
 shew good cause, to the Court, why a greater number of days should be granted him* 
 Those in the Rules, who have given to the Marshal two sufficient securities, pay for 
 the fh-st day-rule 4*. 2d. and 3.S. lOd. for every other day. The exjjence attending 
 an application for a greater number is about a guinea and a half. Those who are 
 within the walls, and are too poor to purchase the Rules, and unable, from the 
 general desertion of their friends, to find security, cannot obtain this indulgence of 
 the day-rules, without paying a Judge's tipstaff 1 Oa'. 6d. to attend them ; and a further 
 sum of 16*. Sd. to induce the tipstaff to become security to the Marshal, in case of 
 an escape. As the tipstaffs give to the INIarshal security to the amount of 5C0/. 
 only, those who are charged with demands, or debts, for more than that sum, can 
 have no indulgence of this kind. 
 
 Ok the Prison itself. 
 
 It is situated at the top of Blackman-street, in the Borough of Soutliwark. The 
 entrance to it, from St. George's Fields, is by a handsome court-yard, « here there are 
 three gootl houses. The largest of them is the proper residence of the Marshal ; one 
 for the Ckrk of the |wpers, with his office on the ground-floor ; and the thinl is 
 generally let to jjersons of rank and fortune, who are committed by the Court for 
 
 * Bryant's evidence, WSl. 
 R R
 
 30S STATE OF PRISOKS 
 
 challenges, libels, or other misdemeaBors. From this court-yard the ascent is by a 
 kw stone steps into a lobby, which has a good room on the right-hand, and over it 
 several good apartments, wliich, I was informed, usually let at five guineas a week ; 
 also two rooms, called Sfrniig Rooms, to secure those who have attempted to escape. 
 These Strong Rooms are about 1 2 feet by 8 : one of them has a flagged floor, and 
 is occasionally used as a coal-hole ; the other has a boarded floor. No fire-place in 
 either ; no casements, or shutters, to keep out the weather. 
 
 From the lobby is a descent, by a few stone steps, into a small square yard, where 
 there is a pair of great gates, and a small door, with a lodge for the Turnkeys, and a 
 room over it, generally let at one guinea a week. On the right-hand of this gate, 
 upon entering the inner part of the Prison, is a brick building, called " the State 
 House," containing eight large handsome rooms, let at 2s. Gd. each per week to those 
 who have interest to procure one. Opposite to the State House is the Tap-room, 
 where from 12 to 24 butts of beer are drawn weekly. In this tap-room is a bar y 
 and on one side is a very neat small parlour, belonging to the person who keeps the 
 tap. On the other side is a room on a larger scale, called the Wine-room, where 
 Prisoners and their friends occasionally resort. The residence of the Prisoners is in 
 a large brick building, about 120 yards long, with a wing at each end, and a neat 
 \miform Chapel in the centre. There is a space of ground in front of the building, 
 of about forty yards, including a parade of about three yards, paved with broad flag- 
 stones. In the space between the building and the wall are three pumps, well 
 supplied with spring and river water ; also another pump, at the side of the further 
 wing, with a spring of very fine water. Part of the ground next the wall is appro- 
 priated for playing at rackets and fives ; and there are also, in different parts, frames 
 of wood, with nine holes in each frame, called Bumble-puppy grounds ; where the 
 Prisoners amuse themselves with trying to bowl small iron balls into the holes 
 marked with the highest numbers. 
 
 The building is divided into sixteen staircases, with stone steps and iron railings. 
 J^Jo. 1, at the further wing, contains 21 rooms ; and on each staircase the ranges of 
 rooms are divided by a passage, or gallery, about two yards wide. In the staircases 
 No. 2, 3, 4, and 5, there are four rooms on each floor, making l6 in each staircase, 
 separated from each other by a passage, of about a yard wide. The staircase, No. 6, 
 contains 12 rooms, besides two small cabins. No. 7, 8, and j), contain eight rooms 
 each. No. 10, contains 30 rooms, separated from each other by a passage, about 
 20 yards long and two wide. The staircases No. 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, have eight 
 rooms each, and are at the back of the building, but separated from the wall by a 
 space of about eight yards. Each staircase has eight rooms, with a passage of about 
 a 3'ard wide. No. 16 is also in the fmther wing, at the back of the building ; has a 
 spacious wide staircase, with passages or galleries on each floor, four yards wide; 
 and contains, in (he whole, '20 rooms.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 307 
 
 Tlie whole number of rooms, including the eight state rooms, is 2'i4 ; the size of 
 them, in general, is 15 to I6 feet by 12 or 13 feet : some few are on a little larger 
 Scale. In each room is a strong iron range, and on each side a recess, either for a 
 bed or cupboard. All the rooms that were destroyed by the fire, some vears ago, 
 are now arched with brick, to j)revent in future any fire from extending beyond a 
 single room. In the passage from the entrance to the back of the building is a 
 CoH'ee House *, where formerly there was an ordinary every day, at 2.v. jier head, 
 with a pint of porter included. The Marshal, I am told, receives an annual rent of 
 105/. from the person who keeps it. 
 
 Beyond the cofl'ee-room is a Bake-house, which jKiys also a rent of 36 guineas 
 per annum. And on the opposite side of the way is the Public Kitchen, where the 
 Prisoners may have their meat roasted and boiled gratis, before one o'clock. After 
 that time the cook charges 2d. or ^d. for each joint, according to the size of it. 
 ♦Between the coffee-house and the public kitchen, there are generally two or three 
 butcher's stalls, a green-market, and persons selling fish : and in the further wing is 
 a large tap-room, called the Brace, from its having once been kept by two brothers, 
 whose names were Partridge. Over this tap-room is another room of the same 
 size, occupied by a Prisoner; where the newspapers may be read, and tea, coffee, &c. 
 may be had : but the man having been detected in selling spirituous liquors, the 
 Marshal turned him out, and gave the room to another Prisoner. The lower rooms 
 on the parade are, many of them, converted into chandlers shops, kept by Prisoners-}-. 
 , The superintendence and government of this Prison rest with the Marshal ; 
 who has under him a Deputy Marshal, a Clerk of the Papers, several otherClerks, three 
 Turnkeys, and their Assistants. As the Marshal, Deputy Marshal, and Clerk of the 
 Papers, I am informed, seldom come into the Prison, every complaint must be made 
 by letter, or by a personal application at the office of the Clerk of the Papers. If it 
 relates to any quarrel or tlisturbance, it is generally settled in a suniniarv way. The 
 Marshal is a Magistrate, and also armed with a Rule of Court, authorizing him to 
 commit any person to the New Gaol for riotous or disorderly conduct; one month 
 for the first offence, and three months for a second : But, the Prisoner may a])peal 
 either to the Court, or to a Judge out of term. 
 
 No spirituous liquors are allowed to be sold within the Prison : and, bv a Hnle of 
 Court, no Women or Children ought to stay in the Prison after ten o'clock. At half 
 past nine, therefore, a Man goes round, with a bell, and at certain places calls out, 
 " Strangers, ff^omen, and Children, out !" 'Ihe immber of Prisoners, before tlie 
 
 * Here a prisoner may be accoaimoduttJ with li bad by the niglit, or week, (as he can a^Tcc,) till he 
 gets chuvivmge, or a room. 
 
 t I was infomicd by a prisoner, in January 1804, that there were fifteen uhiatk-shops in the prison, 
 where debtois euuld buy gin, uhich was sold under \arious names ; \iz. Moonshine^ SK)-bluej Mexico, &c. 
 and that a hogshead of gin was consumed weekly iti it!
 
 30S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Act of Insolvency in 1/97, '*^^s upwards of 600 ; about 200 of whom were excluded, 
 bv the limitations of the sum, and time. After the Act of iSoi, about 1 50 were left 
 in Prison: many, of those who had been a great number of j^ears conHned, wei-e 
 excluded from the benefit, on account of the limitation of the sum ; and others, who 
 were not within the term specified by the Act. Not more than three or four weve 
 remanded under the Act, for fraud, &c. March 10th, lS02, tlie numbers within the 
 walls were 315, and 57 within the Rules : Jan. 13th, 1804, within the walls and 
 Rules, 520. 
 
 When a Debtor is first committed to this Prison, >he is entitled toliav« what is 
 called a Chummage, as soon as he has paid his fees. This Chummage is a ticket 
 given him by the Clerk of the Papers, to go to such a room ; and whether it be to a 
 whole room, the ha/f, or the third of a room, must entirely depend on the numbei- 
 of Prisoners within the walls. But, as it is more convenient for persons, wlien tliey 
 first come to this Prison, to hire a bed for a week or two, there are always great 
 numbers of distressed persons willing to hire out their beds, on "being paid two «r 
 three shillings per night. Others, who are distressed, let their right to half' a room 
 •at 5*. per week, and sleep in the tap-room, on the benches, in hannnocks, or on. 
 niatresses. The Clerk ef the Papers has the entire management and disposition of 
 the rooms. He is assisted by the eldest Turnkey, who goes round every Monday 
 morning, and receives the weekly rent of one shilling. 
 
 The Poor Side of the Prison nmv consists of sixteen rooms, at the back of the 
 building. The number of their inhabitants seldom exceeds 30 ; and they are go- 
 verned by a set of Rules of Court, made in the year 17 29, as follows* 
 
 "■ Rules and Orders, 
 For the better Government, &c. made and signed the 25th November, 1729. 
 
 llj' The stocks to be kept up, for punishment of blasphemers, swearers, .rioters, &c. 
 <2. Ai;-ainst illtgal niclhoUs of confinement. None to be confined in an unusual place, or inannes, 
 unless fin- attempting to esc;>j)e. And such may appeal to the Court, or a Judge. 
 
 3. Marshal not to remove any to the Fleet by writ of Habeas Corpus. 
 
 4. Marshal not to remove any one from the Common-side, and its benefits, without three days notice ■ 
 
 during which time tlie Prisoner may appeal to a Judge. 
 
 5. Coroner's Inquest upon the dead. 
 
 (J. Against Garnish, ;'.ij(l partial distribution of dividends. 
 
 7. I'riboners to send out for necessaries; and to bring in their, own bedding, Rlc. 
 
 8. Table of Fees, these Rules, and a List of Charities, to be hung up in a public roon). 
 y. Marsha! and f^ervants to behine with the ulmosttendemess. 
 
 .10. Tuvukcy always to attend at the door. 
 
 11. No servants to partake df, or even diKtribute,the'Charity. 
 
 12. Chapel to be kept in rej)air. Chaplain duly to perforni. 
 
 13. The abusive to tlie stocks. 
 
 11. Dining-room to be kept iarepair, for devotion, or conversation ; with a fuc. Two rooms for- the
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 209 
 
 15. Those who make oath bef«re, &c. Uiat thcyUavc npt >/. .&c-. to J)e ajjuittej Ip the ch;iri.tie9, «%c9 
 
 iii tht lU'Liou, iJtc. 
 
 16. No iK'rson committed for any criminal matter to Aote for Steward, &c. or to purtukc of any 
 
 charity, but the bnskets. 
 
 17. Lodging in a cabin of any ward, gratis. 
 
 lii. Any ■pcisuner may be- chosen Assistant, and enjoy the benefit of that station. 
 
 19. The seal of the Common-side to be kept by the Master of the JVM'S's IJencli office; and j(wt put to 
 
 any deed, wjtliout the approbation of Marshal, Steward, aijd A^j>istaiits. 
 20- One axipersedable <iolion may be superseded with (omnion-Mde tmoney : more tlian one, not 
 
 without application to tlie Comt, or a Judge. No Judge's Clerk to take a fee on tlie occasion. 
 21. The sick to be tpiken cvepf b^ tfee Steward and As^t^nts, who jire to be reimbursed out of the 
 
 first county-money. 
 Q2. Dobts contrtieted by the Steward and Assistants, with the Marsltal's and Mastqr's.«:ouaent,^or<aup- 
 
 port.of'thc jiour, to ite paid out ;of tibe xieKt dividend. 
 E3. -Steward and Aaaistaats to have no pay for common business, or adjusting differences. 
 «24. JPrisonejs entered after the firat day of Eastet-term, ito have but one quarter of the Midsimimer- 
 
 ciivifleiid. 
 
 25. All money brought in by the basket-men, oriirought in at Christmas, faster, and Wtntmuitide, ta 
 be divitled immediately, aftei' paying the basket-men for their trouble. 
 
 26. If the Marshal advance money for a supersedeas, he is to be reimbursed out of the next county- 
 money. 
 
 .iT- .CuauBpn-^idp piissnersiumy ekotanaimualStewat^ii who is uot-to Ije.dt^ppspct^bnt.aiii^p^ca- 
 .tiop t,o.tUe Caurt, qi- » Jlvilge. No prisoner ip the Jivi^ .pjay vote. 
 
 28. The Stewsuii toent^r in books the Table of fees, these ^ules, and a .Ljst Qf the Charities. All, 
 .together with his Accounts, for inspection of the Prisoners. 
 
 29. A 'Prisoner, w«onged by "the Steward and Assistants, on applying to theOourt or a Judge, shall be 
 'paid hi,sdamjjgus out(\f the uecct dividend of the Steward and A^istants. Ifihc cg^nplnins unjustly, 
 :l»;^l»U.make.^atisfc»ctjonfrQSi,^)is,o»vp nevt dividend- 
 
 30. If the Stewai'd or Assistants embezzle the money, successors may call them to account ^ and stop 
 
 their dividends of the grate-moueyj &c. for reparation of the ipjury. 
 
 31. These orders to be read publicly every tliird Monday. 
 
 32. ^I^^sbal, servants, and prisoners, to observe these Kples, under pain of t;he utmost puoishment 
 
 of law. 
 S3. No clerk or servant of a Judge to take an^' fee, on occasion of a jiotition foun<lcd on these Orders. 
 
 (Sigpcd) R. Rav.mond. Ja.mes Reynolds. E. Pkobyn. 
 
 Further Rules and Orders for the Government, &c. made and fjigned the lOth day 
 
 pf.May, J75y. 
 
 1. 'Ntvpecson totbeijjg ftiif weapon. 
 
 2. rrhpse pn the Master's-side who demand Garnish, to be turned to Conimpn-side for a time, not 
 
 longer th^n «;tuonth. Tlwse on the Common-side arc, ftn- the like oflence, to, be excluded, not 
 Iqnger than a fortnight, from all profits, except shjue of the liaskets. 
 
 3. iDoors.of the great garden to be shut at dark: doors qf the w^-ds at nine. 
 
 4. The chambers at tlie disposal of the Marshijl, &c. 
 
 5. ilf a 'Master!s-side prisoner neglect for a nionth to ijiay his (jhamber-rent, he piay be tmmed over to 
 
 the Common-side till he jws. HLs^oods to be delivered to him by a wHnessed inventory, jlf dis- 
 charged by tlic Plaintifl', be may yet be detained. for fees, and a montli's chamber-rent.
 
 310 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 6. None to sell in the prison victuals or drink, wthout consent of Maj'slial. A prisoner thus ofFendinj; 
 
 may be turned over to the Common-side for a month. IMarshal to take care that those who sell 
 do keep good order, &c. 
 
 7. Confirms the 14th Rule preceding ; i. e. the great room for exercise, and the two rooms for the 
 
 sick. 
 
 8. Prisoners turned to Common-side, for offending, or non-payment, to have no profit, but share of 
 
 the baskets : to bear no office ; nor vote for officers. 
 
 9. These Rules to be fi.\ed in the most public places, for inspection. 
 
 (Signed) Mansfield. T. Dennison. M. Forstek, E. Wilmot. 
 
 A further Rule and Order, &c. made igth May, 17G0. 
 
 Those who attempt or assist an escape ; who sell or promote the sale of victuals or liquors, without 
 leave of the Marshal ; who assault another ; who blaspheme the name of God ; swear, or make a 
 riot ; may be sent by the Marshal to any one of the following prisons in Southwark ; riz. the 
 County Gaol for Surrey, the Bridewell for that County, or to the Marshalsea ; and there confined, 
 for the first offence, not exceeding one month ; for a second offence, not exceeding three months. 
 
 Tliis Rule to be hung up. (Signed) Mansfield. M. Forstek. 
 
 T. Dennison. E. Wilmot. 
 
 On the same sheet is, 
 A Table of Fees, to be taken by the Marshal of the King's Bench Prison, in the 
 County of Surry, for any Prisoner or Prisoners' Commitment, or coming into Gaol, 
 or Chamber-Rent there, or Discharge from thence in any Civil Action. Settled 
 and established the l6th day of June, in the 33d year of the reign of his Majesty 
 King George the Second, [and in the year of our Lord I760, pursuant to an Act 
 for the relief of Debtors, with respect to the imprisonment of their persons ; viz. 
 
 1. To the Marshal, for every Prisoner committed on any Civil Action 
 
 2. To the Turnkey on the Master's-side _.....- 
 
 3. To the Marshal, on the discharge of every such prisoner .... 
 
 4. To the Deputy Marshal, upon the discharge of one or more actions, executions, 
 or other charge ; and no further fee, though there be ever so many actions 
 
 5. To the Clerk of the Papers, for the first action, upon the discharge 
 
 6. To the Clerk of the Papers, for every action, execution, or other charge, to be 
 paid on the discharge ... ......oo4 
 
 7. To the Deputy IMarshal, upon a commitment of a Prisoner in Court, or at 
 a Judge's Chambers, in any Civil Action, if carried to the King's Bench Prison 
 
 8. To the Cl'-rk of the Papers for the same .---... 
 
 9. To the said Deputy Marshal, for a surrender in discharge of bail, be there ever 
 so many actions ....-----.- 
 
 10. To the Clerk of the Papers, for each action, upon such surrender 
 
 11. To each of the four Ti|)t,taffs, 3i. 6</. for each Prisoner's commitment by tlie 
 Court, and carried to the Kins's Bencli Prison, in tl>e whole - - - 10 O 
 
 D 
 
 Vi. i"r tlic Tipstaff that carries any prisoner commiited at a Judge's Chambers to 
 the said Prison - - - - - - - - - --060 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 311 
 
 13. To the Marshal, for the use of chamber, be<l, bedding, and sheets, for eacli Pri- i£. s. d. 
 soner, if p^(>^•idcd by tlic (Jaoler at the Prisoner's request, for the first night, in 
 
 the Common-side of the said Prison - - - - - - - -OOft 
 
 14. For the like use, every night tl>e Prisoner remains in custody, after the first - O O H 
 
 15. And if two lie in a bed, Ifl. each - - - - - - - -004 
 
 16. Fortholikeuse, of every Prisoner that goes on the Masters-side, for the first night O 5 
 
 17. For the like u.<e, ever)' night after tlie first, - - - - - -003 
 
 18. And if two lie in a bed, id. each - - - - - - - -00 4 
 
 19. And if tlie prisoner finds his own bed, bedding, and sheets (which the Marshal 
 is in no sort to hinder him of), then he shall pay for chamber-rent to the Marshal 
 
 per week ............oio 
 
 No other Fee for the use of Chamber, Bed, Bedding, and Sheets, or upon Commitment 
 or Discharge of any Pristner on arty Civil Action. 
 
 Thomas Howakd, Maksfielr. 
 
 Anthony Thomas Abdy. T. Pakker. 
 
 William Hammond. 
 
 I copied the following List of Benefactions, on the 6th of March, 1 802, from the 
 Book kept on the Common Side of the Prison. It is intituled, " An Account of 
 " Gifts and Donations to the poor Prisoners, on the Common Side of the King's 
 " Bench Prison." 
 
 County-money*, paid quarterly by the Clerk to the Chief Justice of the Court of £, s. d. 
 
 King's Bench, at 15/. per quarter - - - - - - - -6O0O 
 
 The Gift of Sir Thomas Gresham, paid by the Chamberlain of London, at ZLlOs. 
 
 per quarter - - - - - - - - - - - -lOOO 
 
 Lady Bertie, at Lady-day yearly, deducting Land-Tax - - - - -200 
 
 Mr. John March, \l. and interest of Old South Sea Annuities, 12i. 5(J. paid at 
 
 Michaelmas i>y the Mercers' Company - - - - - - - -112 5 
 
 Mrs. Smitii, at Christmas yearly, paid by Fishmongers' Company - - -034 
 
 Mrs. Hackett, ditto, by ditto - - - - - - - - - 13 4 
 
 Arthur Mouse, Esq. by ditto - - - - -- - - - -034 
 
 Parish of St. Sepulchre, yearly - - - - - - - - -OlOO 
 
 Sir Joim Peachy, Christmas, yearly, by Grocers' Company - - - -050 
 
 Mr. Garrett, by Salters' Company, ditto, annually - - - - - -068 
 
 Mr. Home, ditto, by ditto - - -,- - - - - -050 
 
 Robert Rampston, Esq. called Brass Money f, deduct Land Tax, 4s. - - -10 
 Lady Osborne, quarterly, 10*. - - - - - - - - -200- 
 
 Lady Ramsey, every Christmas, lOOlb. of beef, sent by AUliallows and St. Andrew's 
 
 Undershaft, alternately. 
 Mrs. Margaret D-ane, nine and a half stone of beef, and five dozen of bread yearly, 
 
 by Ironmongers' Company. 
 Mrs. Margaret Symcott, (Eleanor's Gwyn'») sixty-five penny loaves every eight weeks. 
 
 » By the 43d Elizabeth, Chap. IL Sect. 15. 
 
 t So called, from a memorial engraved on a brass plate, and fixed in the wall of the prison, by order 
 of the do;ior, to jwrpetuatc his gift : But since the wall has been rebuilt, it is taken away.
 
 si. s. 
 
 d. 
 
 1 2 
 
 o 
 
 i 1 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 6 9 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 la 
 
 
 
 1 1 
 
 o 
 
 the I.catherSfellei'S' Coriipany, in bfeatl, <Js. 8rf. quatwrty ; in cash, At Lady-day, CS. ; 
 
 at Midsumcrtei', 4s. ; at MichaelnidS, 4s. ; arid at Christmas, Si. - - . 
 §t. UunStan in the East, a fore quaiter of beef, weight 'i? stohe, <? ft. attd a pec* 
 
 of oatftieal, yearly, at Midsunftincr. Legacy of fhomas Cottle, Se6 Ludgate. 
 Coiiipaily of Parish Clerks, yearly, on the 1st of November - - - . 
 
 t'he Conlpatvy of Drapers, sixty penny loaves annually, in Dedembet - - . 
 "the- Cothpariy of Cutlers, annually, in December, the Gift Of Mr. Gaythof rie 
 "the Gift of Thomas Dawson, Esq. paid annually by the parish of SL Ethelb'uTg - 
 His Grace the Ai'thbishop of Cajiterbury usually gives at Christmas - . - 
 The Sadlers' CahVpUny, a free doiiatlon of ts. 6d. pet quarter . . - - 
 Ifhe City of Norwich, annually ..------- 
 
 When once Prisoners are admitted on the Poor-side, they become entitled to their 
 share of all charities, bequests, gifts, and donations : A list of them ought to be put 
 up in Sbfnfe cdnspicuoas pat-t of the Prison ; but, for some reasons, it is not com- 
 plied with. Every person, as soon as he is admitted on this charity, must also take 
 his turn to hold the begging-box at the door; which prevents many, who have lived 
 in respectable Situations, from applying for relief in this Way. Nay, ther6 are 
 instances, of men that have held situations in the army and navy, respectable mer- 
 chants, and tradesmen, who, (sunk in misfortune, and abandoned by their former 
 friends,) rather than submit to this degradation, have shut themselves up for months 
 in their rooms ; ftfid become So emaciated, from the Wailt of v^'holesome and necessary 
 food, aS to lay the foundation of those disorders, which ended in theif death ! 
 
 The staircases and lobbies are in the most ftlthy state imaginable. With respect 
 to the Prisoners' rooms, some are very dirty, others tolerably clean ; but, each pre- 
 serving that degree of cleanliness */*w?A satisfies the individual himself! 
 
 ^ KINGSTON UPON THAMES. Surrej/. 
 Tlie Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, B. Sergeant ; now IVilliatn Waller. 
 
 Saslary, None. Fees, for Debtors, or Felons, 4*. 2d. Nd Tahle. 
 
 Swrgeon, Mr. Taylor, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Debtors, l802, Jan. 19th, One. 1S05, JuiVe 50th, Ofie; a raving 
 Lunatick, Oeo. limoson. i8(y6. May Hth, None. 1807, Sept. iCth 
 One. 1810, June 23d, None. I have not met <vith 6ne Criminal here at 
 my several visits. 
 
 Allowance, None. The late Keeper inforirted ttte that he had frequently made 
 application to the Bailiff of ttie ftorough, for a daili/ altowance, but Was 
 always told " there was none for them."
 
 IX ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALF.S. 313 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Hundred Court of Kingston is a Court oi Ancient Demesne, Iioldin before 
 the Bailiffs ami Suitors, on Saturday, once in three weeks. This, in the old Court 
 Books, is called " Curia cum Hundredo," to distinguish it from the Court of 
 Pleas, which is holden every Saturday. 
 
 The Town Hall stands in the Market-Place, detached from ail other buildings. 
 The lower part is chiefly open, and used for the purpose of the Markets. I'he part 
 at the South end is closed in at the time of the Assizes, and used by the Judge on 
 the Crown Side. The room over it, up stairs, is appropriated to the Judge who 
 sits at Nisi Prius : and the North end of this is the Grand-Jury Roonj ; which, at 
 other times, is used by the Corporation. 
 
 The Judges, who always hold the Lent Assizes here, have frequently complained 
 of the badness and inconvenience of these Courts ; and, it must be confessed, not 
 without cause : for they make but a bad figure, when compared with the magnifi- 
 cent buildings of this nature, which have been erected, both in this and some other 
 Counties. 
 
 The present Town Gaol, belongs to the Bailiff' and Corporation ; and Debtors 
 are committed by process issuing out of the Court of Record. 
 
 A Court is held here every Saturday ; but application for the Sixpences, or a 
 Supersedeas, can only be made at a Court in Term time, upon a fourteen days' 
 notice. The Prisoner, on application, obtains a Rule for the Plaintiff'-Creditor to 
 appear at the next Court ; who may then object to the Prisoners' Schedule, and 
 will have till the next Court to make his objections, which if not satisfactor}', the 
 Prisoner will be ordered his sixpences, or superseded. 
 
 For poor Debtors here is one room on the groond-floor, l8 feet by 14, and 6 feet 
 6 inches high: adjoining to which is a narrow slip, or lobby passage, 14 feet long 
 by 3 feet wide ; with an iron-grated window looking towards the Street, where the 
 Prisoner solicits Ilelief from casual Chariti/. 
 
 In this Town-Gaol I found in January 1802, one Richard Holt, confined for a 
 flebt of ,v/.i' Guineas, for rent : and the costs incurred against him had amountctl to 
 three pounds, three shillings, and ninepence. Tiiis poor man told me that "he 
 had maintained a wife, and brought up ten children, without Parochial assistance ; 
 but, having been in confinement eleven weeks, his wife, and the three youngest 
 children were then in the Work-house." 
 
 Is it not to Ije regretted, that where our Laws ordain a loss of Liberty, there 
 should be no respect shewn to Merit, in the conduct of a Debtor ? This victim to 
 misfortune had surely an abundant claim to the attentions of pity ; for here was no 
 Allowance whatever, to provide him needful food, nor even water accessible to the 
 Prisoner. 
 
 s s
 
 314 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 In the narrow passage above-mentioned, (the " Sf rails of Misery," as I might 
 well term it,) was this Prisoner standing to beg; and, but for the casual interference 
 of sympathy in others, could no longer have existed than human nature can do 
 without food. 
 
 The Corporation of Kingston supplies neither sustenance nor bedding. The 
 Keeper, however, had humanely supplied the solitary Debtor with a bedstead and 
 mattress, a blanket, and a rug ; in return for w liich the Prisoner did any such little 
 jobs as the nature of his confinement would admit of. 
 
 Above-stairs here are four rooms; one of which is well furnished, for those Pri- 
 soners who can j)ay 7*. Gd. per week ; another, with inferior accommodation, at 
 2s. Gd. and a third for a Turnkey to lodge in, and guard the Felons, who, during 
 the County Assize, are lodged in the fourth room, and sleep on the floor. The 
 Keeper informed me, that for two or three days together, four and twenty Felons 
 had been crowded here, like sheep in a Market-pen, into a room of ig feet long by 
 ,9 feet wide. It must have been judged iieedful to secure them there; and accord- 
 ingly, they were fastened down to staples fixed in the floor, by a ponderous iron 
 chain, run through the main link of their fetters ; one blanket being allowed to each 
 Felon for his bedding. 
 
 The Gaoler at Kingston is a Sheriflt"'s Ofl[icer *, and keeps a Publick House, the 
 sign of The Hand and Mace. He told me he would gladly give up the Publick 
 House, if the Corporation would allow him a fixed Salary. He appears to be a hu- 
 mane man, and sensible of the impropriety of a Gaolers keeping a house of that 
 description. Considering, however, that here is no allowance, it must operate to 
 the advantage of the poor Debtor, by exciting commiseration from those who fre- 
 quent it. A licenced Beerhouse should never be made a prudential article in any 
 Prison-establishment, nor rendered an Ingredient of its Finance. 
 
 In the Town-Hall is the following ancient and very curious 
 
 " Table of Fees. 
 It is dated the 10th of December, 1603, and confirmed by Charles, Lord 
 Howard, &c. High Steward of the said Town ; Sir EDWAr..D Coke, Attorney- 
 General, and learned Steward of the Court of the said Town ; the two Bailiffs ; the 
 Recorder, with the Assent of the Freemen. 
 
 "These are. the several Fees of the Bailifts, Towu-Clerks, Attorneys, Sergeants, 
 
 Gaolers, Cryers, Chamber-Fees ; and, at last, Orders to be observed. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Yox every one arrested, wanting Sureties, and sent to Gaol - - 2 
 
 For every one sent to Ward, upon Commandment, or aiTested for a 
 
 Trifle, or being very poor, not above ------- -oos 
 
 * Sec under the head " Bath City Gaol," Page 28.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 31j 
 
 For the Fee of the Irons of every one Committed for Felony, or £. s. d. 
 
 Suspicion of Felony, or for any other heinous crime - - - - 2 
 For arresting any Freeman of this Town, inhabitant within the 
 
 watch - ---00 6 
 
 For the Attorney's Fee upon Evidence delivering to a Jury, when 
 
 there is no other Counsel - - - --------026 
 
 Every Counsellor's Fee in this Court ---------06 8." 
 
 The above Items are now scarcely legible ; and it was with some dilficulty I 
 transcribed them for this publication. 
 
 No court-yard. No water accessible. Tbc whole Prison not white-washed, but 
 out of repair, and dirty. The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are hung up; but 
 not the Act of Parliament for preserving the Health of Prisoners. 
 
 A New Town Gaol is building, and Sessions House to adjoin, which are in great 
 forwardness at this time — l8lO. 
 
 KINGSTON UPON THAMES. 
 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, JVdliam Matthews, now Thomas Fricker. Salary, 85/. 
 Fees, Felons, 3.V. 4r/. IMlsdemeuners, Gs. Sd. 
 
 Chaplain, none, nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hemming, now Mr. IFilliam Roots. 
 
 Salary, lo/. 10*'. and also 61. 6s. for travelling charges, to make liis Report 
 at the Quarter Sessions, of the state of the Prisoners. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, June ic)th, - - - - 22 I 1807, Sept. 1 6th, - - - - 1 
 1805, June 30th, - - - - 14 I 1810, June 23d, - - - - 14 
 
 Allowance, by the County, one Pound of Bread each per day, sent in from the 
 Baker's, in loaves of that weight. 
 
 ■ijCf' The above seems too scanty a Prison Dole, where no nutritious 
 liquid is allowed but water. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 Here is a house for the Keeper, and distinct Wards for Men and Women, with 
 separate court-yards also, work-sheds, and pumps. Each Ward has two lower 
 rooms, standing three steps above the ground, and two other rooms over them.
 
 3j(; STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The 3Ien's court-yard is 59 feet by 50. The Women's 46 feet by 36 ; with a 
 bathing-tub in each. 
 
 The Men's room is 16 feet by 14, and J) feet high ; the Women's about 15 feet 
 square. Every room planked round ; one chimney in each, and two windows, 
 with shutters, and iron bars ; but no glass, except in two apartments assigned for 
 
 the Sick. 
 
 Here is also a room (very properly separated from all the rest) for J'aultt/ Appren- 
 
 ikes or Servants; which has a fire-place, and is about 8 feet by 11, and 8 feet high. 
 
 The County allows straw only for the Prisoners to sleep on. The present Keeper 
 
 furnishes beds at 2s. each per week, for the first fortnight, and \s. 6d. per week 
 
 afterwards ; and two sleep together. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are 
 conspicuously hung up. And the Prison is clean. 
 
 Of the twenty-two Prisoners in the Kingston Bridewell, at my visit in l802, 
 eleven had been committed to hard labour. For this good purpose there is provided 
 in every court-yard a convenient work-shed : yet, not one of them was employed, 
 nor am/ appearance of attention paid to the means of Industry ! "Thus it is," 
 as Sir George Paul observes, " that the operation of the Law seems rather to resent 
 the Injury, than to correct the Offender. There is little hope of amendment, 
 where there is no possibility of industry : The pennyless Offender, committed^/// 
 he pays a Fine, is denied the exercise of his art and industry, to enable him to regain 
 his Liberty. Of this Class are those for the smallest offences against the Crown, Ex- 
 cise, Ecclesiastical, or Game Laws." I have met with it even for Angling in a River. 
 By 14 Eliz. Cap. 5, and 1^ Geo. W. it is enacted, That "Prisoners shall 
 be provided by the County Rate, &c." By 19 Cha. H. atid 12 Geo. H. Cap. 29, 
 " Justices, in their Sessions, may provide a Stock of Materials for setting the poor 
 to work." 
 
 The Vagrant Act, 17 Geo. H. requires " That two Justices visit the Houses of 
 Correction twice, or oftener, if need be, in every year; and examine into the estate 
 and management thereof; and report, &c. And that the Justices, at Quarter 
 Sessions, impose Fines and Penalties on the Governors or Masters who do not keep 
 their Prisoners to hard labour, and punish and correct them, according to the 
 directions of the Warrants, &c." 
 
 The work-shed in the Men's court-yard has been recently enclosed, and converted 
 into a kitchen or day-room, with a fire-place, and proper cooking utensils. 
 
 Of the fourteen Prisoners in June 1810, twelve were sentenced to hard labour; 
 but no employment provided for any. 
 
 Of the four Women Prisoners, two, viz. Elizabeth Smith, aged 26, and Cathe- 
 therine Burke, aged 25, were chained together, by a horse-lock round the leg of 
 each, with three feet length of chain ; and fastened by another chain, at night, to
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 317 
 
 two iron staples fixed in the floor, at 6 feet distance. These Women, it seems, 
 had been detected in an attempt to break through the Prison wall, for which their 
 only implements were a knife and fork. One of their fellow Prisoners, however, 
 gave notice of it by a letter to the Keeper, w hich I read ; and they were thus pre- 
 vented. They had been in this state of jiunishment a month, and begged hard to 
 be released, or to be ironed singly. Their fetters were taken off; and I think their 
 sufferings will prevent any cause for a like infliction. 
 
 It is scarcely necessary to add, that this House of Correction is seldom, if ever, 
 visited by the Magistrates. 
 
 Before I dismiss the subject, let me observe, that the door which heretofore 
 opened from the Men's court into that of the Women is now bricked up ; and the 
 Women's rooms have blinds, which effectually prevent their overlooking the Men's 
 court, as formerly. 
 
 Withinside the gate is painted, and put up as follows : 
 
 " No Admittance in Church-time. 
 " No Garnish to be taken. 
 " If any Prisoner shall be guilty of profane cursing or swearing, or any indecent 
 behaviour, complain to the Keeper. 
 
 " Whoever defaces this Board will be prosecuted. 
 
 " By Order of the Magistrates." 
 
 I found the Prison very clean ; but no firing is allowed for the Winter. 
 
 |]C^ The Corporation have lately purchased a large commodious \\ell-built 
 mansion, called Clat ton- House, with spacious premises and garden-ground ad- 
 joining ; on the site of which they are now erecting two convenient Courts for the 
 Assize ; which, communicating with the centre building, gives every prospect of 
 accommodation and comfort to the Judges, the Gentlemen of the County on the 
 Grand .Jury, the Professional Advocates and Gentlemen of the Bar ; the Witnesses, 
 and all the attendants on such occasions. 
 
 The improvements, it is hoped, will be further extended to the building of a \ew 
 Gaol contiguous, in the room of the loathsome place of. confinement now used by 
 the Corporation.
 
 3'is STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 KIRCUDBRIGHT. Scotland. 
 
 Ciaoler, Giirney TucJc. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Fees ; for Felons, none. For Debtors, 5^. on Caption, paid by the Incar- 
 oevator, an<l 2d. a night from a Burgess. Non Burgess, 4d. a night. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor any religious attentions. No Surgeori. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors, Two. Felons, None. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, as alimented. Criminals, 6d. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 It is intended to convert part of the Old Castle into a Prison, and the walls 
 of it still remain entire. The present Gaol has two rooms for Debtors, and as 
 many for Criminals ; to which there are fire-places, and coals are allowed. Wooden 
 bedsteads, with chatF beds, two blankets and a rug, are supplied to Criminals ; but 
 Debtors find their own bedding. 
 
 Felons ai'e confined here for a night or two only, till removed to Dumfries, 27 
 miles distant, for Trial. 
 
 No court-yard. A half-tub serves as a sewer. Water is daily brought in by the 
 Keeper. 
 
 KIRTON. Lincolnshire. 
 The Brideioell. 
 
 Keeper, John Parkin, now Samuel Lee. Salary, 70/. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Stochdale. 
 
 Duty, Prayers once a week. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. George Foster. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, iSuQ, Sept. 6th, — 2.9; and 3 Children. 
 
 Allowance, formerly, was four-pence a day ; but now 3^. lOd. per week each, in 
 bread, meat, oatmeal, salt, and potatoes. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Keeper's house fronts the West ; and on the right of the entrance is the 
 visiting Magistrates' room, the windows of which command the Men's court, of 27 
 feet by 2i, where there are two work-rooms, each 26 feet by 12, furnished with 
 looms, twist-mills, and spinning-machines. On the left is a court-yard, and two
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Sl9 
 
 work-rooms, of a similar description, which are inspected by the windows of the 
 Keejjer's kitchen ; and adjoining is an oven and bake-house. 
 
 Here are eight solitary courts, 16 feet by ,9, with a cell in each, about 8 feet 
 square, and a hemp-block. The cells are lighted and ventilated by a grated window, 
 2 feet 6 inches square; and in every door there is one inspecting-wicket. Also 
 three other court-yards, with day-rooms and fire-places, to which coals are allowed 
 during the six Winter months ; and furnished with benches to sit upon, and shelves 
 for putting bv provisions. 
 
 On the ( hctmber Story are twenty eight sleeping-cells, S feet 6' each by 7 feet 6, 
 and 10 feet high, furnished with wood bedsteads, straw, a blanket, and a rug each. 
 Two large rooms, with fire-places and glazed windows, are here set apart as In- 
 Jirmar'ics. 
 
 The bath room is nearly 16 feet square, with a cistern for water, and a copper 
 in it. There is no water laid on to any of the courts]: it is brought daily to the 
 Prisoners by the Keeper. The sewers are conveniently placed, and not offensive. 
 
 A flagged lobby, or passage, 53 yards long and 8 feet wide, runs from the Wo- 
 men's court-yard, the whole length of the Prison, and separates the work-rooms 
 from the Solitary Courts, &c. A door likewise opens into it, through which 
 Prisoners are brought to the bar for trial, without bustle or inconvenience. 
 
 Here is no Chapel ; but the Session.s House, a very handsome building, under 
 the same roof, is appropriated for Divine Service. Prisoners are supplied with 
 religious books, and the Surgeon has a discretionary power to order them a change 
 of diet, in case of sickness. 
 
 The Prisoners are em])loyed in combing and spinning wool, and the ])ortion 
 which they receive of their earnings varies according to their deportment. In 
 1803, the amount of them was 26/. O.v. 61I. of which sum the Prisoners had one 
 third, and the County the other two. An alteration in the working system then 
 took place. In 1804, the earnings were 22/. ifo. 6rf. in 1805, ^ll. 2s. 6d. in 1806, 
 46/. 18*. 3(f. in 1807, 43/. 10^. During this period, the Prisoners received no 
 part of their earnings, except in clothes given them occasionally by the Magis- 
 trates. 
 
 At an adjourned Session, held 8th June, 1S08, it was ordered. That every well- 
 behaved Prisoner should receive one half of his earnings on discharge ; and the 
 earnings up to Epiphany Sessions, 1809, amounted to 51/. 7*. \^d. 
 
 I could not help remarking, that though the large store-room was filled with 
 wool, none of the Prisoners were at work upon it. 
 
 The present Keeper was to quit his situation at Lady Day 1810, and to be suc- 
 ceeded by Samuel Lee. The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, both hung up ; and the Prison clean.
 
 S^0. STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 KNARESBOROUGH. Yorkshire. 
 Castle Gaol for Debtors. 
 
 Gaoler, If'iUiam Ellison ; who officiates by a Deputy, Edivard Jeffery. Sa- 
 lary, none. Fees, 6s. Sd. No Table. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 1800, May 17th, 1. l802, Jan. 28th, 2. l802, Sept 2d, 0. 
 
 Allowance, none. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is in the honour or forest of Knaresborough ; and the Liberty includes 
 nineteen Townships, &c. It is the property of the Duke of Devonshire, lessee to 
 his Majesty, and almost the only remains of a castle granted by King Edward III. 
 to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. It formerly consisted of one room, 12 feet 
 square, with a chimney, and glazed window; and an inner room 8 feet square, 
 which had no window. A new gaol was built in 1794, within the castle-yard. 
 
 This Prison now consists of two sleeping-rooms, each about 15 feet by 8, with lofty 
 and arched cielings, in one of which there is a fire-place, and a sewer in one corner. 
 The doors have each an iron cylinder, to admit the Debtors' provisions. The win- 
 dow, placed very high, is of a semi-circular shape, close glazed, and without a case- 
 ment ; so that I did not wonder to find the Prisoners had broken the glass, to 
 prevent suflTocation. The only place for the admission of air is an aperture in the 
 wall, 9 inches by 2^, and even that is almost stopped up by an iron bar one inch 
 thick, placed lengthwise. Ventilation might be introduced by an iron-grated window 
 in the wall towards the castle ; and it would have this farther convenience, that the 
 Debtor might see his friends, and receive victuals, without the trouble of taking 
 the Gaoler from his work-shop, and passing through six doors to gain admittance. 
 
 A begging-box, suspended from this iron-grated window, would in all probability 
 compensate for No Allowance; by soliciting the notice of the numerous Gentry, who 
 resort hither, to see the ruins of this once-famous Castle. At present it bears 
 no appearance of a Prison, and thousands may go away, without knowing it to be a 
 place of confinement. Here is a small flagged court, 1 7 feet by 8, and enclosed by 
 a very high wall ; but of which, the woman told me, the Prisoners had seldom the 
 use, on account of its not being under the Keeper's view. No water, but what is 
 fetched from the Town. When the Prison was built, a door opened into the Castle 
 Yard; but this I found bricked up. 
 
 Tnere is something so aftccting in the following detail, that I cannot help tran- 
 scribing it here, though published in the third edition of my " Account of Debtors :" 
 By a letter to me, dated 29th June, 1800, the only Prisoner here was William
 
 IN ENGLAKib, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 321 
 
 Elmsley, (committed for Debt 30th June, 1799) ; vvho says " Any person wishing 
 to see him, upon the Gaoler's leave, must pass through sijc doors. He has only 
 the yard above-described to walk in ; the window and wall so high, that he has very 
 little light or air. 'J'hat, since he came in, he had a fellow Prisoner; but he only 
 lived ten weeks. He himself had been ill for seven weeks ; and the preservation 
 of his life was owing to the gratuitous attendance of Mr. Day, Surgeon at Harrow- 
 gate, and Mr. Dent, Surgeon at Knaresborough." Elmsley's debt was I7/. 5*. and 
 the Costs amounted to 111. js. l^d. 
 
 Neither the Act for Preservation of Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors, were hung up in l802 ; but I found the Gaol both light and clean. 
 
 KNARESBOROUGH. 
 
 The Prison Jar Town Debtors. 
 
 This Prison is vulgarly called A7/je Holes, from as many spaces betwixt the nine 
 bars in the window, which give it all the light it can receive. 
 
 It stands under the Town Hall, and consists of one wretched room, 12 feet square, 
 and 6 feet high; with the above-mentioned window, of I7 inches by 6. 
 
 Here is no court-yard. No allowance. No water! In so sad a place as this, 
 some years ago, two Debtors, named Harrison and IVetherhall, were confined 
 six months. 
 
 " Formerly," says Mr. Howard, " the common sewer of the Town ran through 
 this Prison, uncovered ; and an Officer, who was confined in it for a few days only, 
 in the spirit of precaution, took with iiim a dog, to defend himself from the vermin. 
 The dog was soon destroyed, and the Prisoner's face much disfigured by them. The 
 floor, however, is now paved, and the drain is covered." 
 
 The Prison very dirty. At my visit, 2d of September, l802, there were no 
 Prisoners. 
 
 KNARESBOROUGH 
 
 Town Gaol, for Felons. 
 
 The Town-Constable is the Keeper of this Prison, which is also denominated 
 " Small Ears." 
 
 It stands under the landing-place of a flight of stone steps, leading up to the Town 
 Hall; and is comprised in one room only, of 13 feet 8 inches by 5 feet, with a 
 brick-arched roof. This, like the former Gaol, is nasty. No court-yard, no water. 
 
 I was informed, that at the Quarter Sessions there are sometimes five or six 
 Prisoners, Men and Women, confined in this place for a night or two. There were 
 no Prisoners, however, at my visit here on the 2d of Sept. lS02. 
 
 T T
 
 322 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 LANCASTER CASILE. 
 
 The County Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John Higgin. 
 
 Salary, 500/. and 250/. lo the Turnkeys under him. For Conveyance of 
 Transports to Portsmouth, or Woolwich, one shilling per mile. 
 Fees and Garnish laudably abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John JVoodrow ; now Rev. Joseph Rowley. 
 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon ; Wednesday and Friday, Prayers. 
 
 Salary, 50/. and in addition to it, 30/. per annum, as Auditor of Accounts. 
 From the Dutchy, 4/. and also from the Sheriff" 155. for his attendance 
 upon every Protestant Malefactor who suffers Death. Roman Catholicks 
 are attended by a Priest of their own Persuasion, who receives the like sum 
 from the Sheriff. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Baxendale. 
 
 Salary, 84/. and Medicines furnished by the County. 
 
 amber of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 Limaticks. 
 
 1802, Sept. 22d, - - 
 
 76 - - - 
 
 - - - 90 - - 
 
 - - - 
 
 1805, Oct. 24th, - - 
 
 - - 74 - - • 
 
 - - - 58 - - 
 
 - - - 4 
 
 1809, Nov. 7th, - - 
 
 - - 116 - - - 
 
 - - - 97 - - 
 
 - - - 5. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, one shilling per week in bread, and ten pounds of potatoes. 
 To Felons, &c. six pounds of good wheaten bread, ten pounds of potatoes, 
 2i pounds of oatmeal per week, and one pennyworth of butter daily. On 
 Sunday, half a pound of boiled beef, and a quart of broth. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Castle *, first built for a place of defence by the Romans, afterwards be- 
 came the Palace, or feudal residence of the Dukes of Lancaster ; and at an early 
 period, was converted into a Cotmty Gaol. 
 
 The situation is elevated and healthy. The Gaoler's house, which is a handsome 
 building, and well situate for commanding a view of the spacious court-yard, fills 
 up the space between the gate-way and the Well-Tower to the right. The Female 
 Debtors' Prison is a room within the gate-way, and their court-yard is occupied in 
 common with the Men Debtors. 
 
 * Its ancient British name was Caerwirdd, i. e. Caslra viiidia, or " Green Fortress," fi'oni the ver- 
 dure of the Hill on which the Castle stands. Its present appellation is from Lon, or Loyn, the name of 
 the River adjacent^ and Castra, ftom an encampment. Some have inclined to derive it fi-om the British 
 UflB, a Chtirch, ^nd Castra; the Chiuch and Castle forming one groupe of buildings.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 52S 
 
 The area of that part of the Castle-Yard which is appropriated to Debtors only, 
 contains about 2792 square yards. f)n the West Side is a large arcade, for exercise 
 in wet weather, or air in Summer; and over it are six day-rooms, each 14 feet .9 
 inches by 12 feet 3. In a wing adjoining are three rooms, each 40 feet by 14: 
 that on the ground-floor is used as a workshop for Debtors. 
 
 In the VVell-Tower are four rooms; one of which is 20 feet square, and the 
 average size of the others, 23 feet by 1 1 . 
 
 In the Gate-way Tower are eight rooms, and an apartment for the Turnkeys: 
 over whicli is a room for Debtors, called the Pigeon Box, 33 feet 8 inches by 12 feet 
 10; and two very spacious Reception -Rooms, where diseased Prisoners are put, 
 until examined by tiie Surgeon. 
 
 Above the entrance is the ancient Court-Room, now occupied by the Female 
 Debtors, in size 25 feet 8 inches by 15 feet 3; also a narrow winding stair-case to 
 the attick story, on which are three ample rooms, of about 33 feet each by 16. 
 
 Every Debtor, on his Commitment, pays 7*. 6d. towards a stock of coals, and 2s. 
 for pots and pans. Formerly the Magistrates allowed a mop for each room ; but 
 from the insolence and extravagance of some of the Debtors, that indulgence is now 
 discontinued. When a poor Debtor cannot pay for coals, he generally does the 
 domcstick work of the room instead of it ; and if he cannot immediately pay for a 
 bed, he obtains half a bed on credit, which is occasionally paid for by the Keeper, 
 out of the Charity Fund. 
 
 When the number of Debtors dees not exceed seventy or eighty, many sleep in 
 single beds ; but when more, they are under the necessity of assigning a bed for 
 two persons. At my visit there were only three single beds in the whole of the 
 Debtors' apartments. 
 
 All the Wards are free ; and poor Debtors, who hire beds from the Town, pay 
 from six pence to eighteen pence a week for the use of one. 
 
 The Male Felons' part of the Prison consists of four airy and well-paved courts, 
 each containing about 238 square yards, for different classes. Each of these has a 
 shed, and a day-room about 21 feet by 12, with sixteen cells to each, in two noble 
 towers, making in the whole, sixty-four; every cell S feet 8 by 6 feet 8, and 8 
 feet high. 
 
 The Prison department for Female Felons occupies the space from the gate-way 
 to the Dungeon-Tower on the left ; and corresponds with the Gaoler's house towards 
 the Castle- Yard. It contains two night-rooms in the Dungeon Tower, each 2S feet 
 9 by 15 feet; a day-room under the Infirmary; a wash-house adjoining; three 
 night-cells also, under the Infirmary, of 8 feet by 6 feet 6 ; six smaller ditto, be- 
 hind the new work-shops ; six working-rooms, 15 feet 9 by 11 feet; and, betwixt 
 the gateway and the Dungeon Tower, two well-ventilated rooms for the sick, of 
 30 feet by 21.
 
 324 STATE OF PRISONS. 
 
 Between the outer wall of the Prison, and day-wards, there is a solitary day-room 
 for refractory Prisoners, of 21 feet by 12; and three solitary cells, which being 
 rather damp, are seldom used. Also a warm and cold bath. 
 
 The boundary walls of the four court-yards converge to a point, where the 
 Turnkey's lodge is very judiciously placed, so as to have a complete command of 
 the whole. The Prisoners may thus converse with their Friends under full inspec- 
 tion, without being admitted into the interior of the Gaol ; and strangers may 
 likewise see the Prisoners without being incommoded. 
 
 Every Prisoner on the Criminal Side is allowed a straw mat, a straw or hair bed, 
 three blankets, a quilt or coverlet, and receives also one third of his earnings : The 
 profits on their labour are sometimes equal to the expence of their maintenance. 
 
 I cannot find a better place than the present, for the following Statement of 
 Annual Earnings of the Crown-Prisoners, clear of every expence attending the 
 System of their Labour. 
 
 1799, 168/. 13*. 4ld. iSoo, 267/. 8*. 6^d. 1801, 238/. 14s. O^d. 
 1802, 287/. is.gld. 1803, 343/- 15*- lie?- 1804, 274/. 6s. 2d. 
 1805, 184/. 10s. 4d. 1806, 151/- 3*- lOirf. 1807, 175/. iSs. id. 
 1808, 229/. is. 4|rf. 1809, 262/. iSs. 3d. 
 
 Total, Paid to the Treasurer of the County, ^^2583. 11. 10. 
 
 The Bridewell Prisoners, and some of the Felons, are kept in the Great Tower, 
 which has a small open court adjoining. In this Tower there are two large apart- 
 ments, used as day and sleeping-rooms ; the first of tiiem, 55 feet by 2G, is over 
 the Chapel ; the other, 43 feet by 25, is called " the Quakers Room,'' because, as 
 it is said, when these people were so cruelly persecuted in the Seventeenth Century, 
 vast numbers of them were confined in it: Also three sleeping-cells, 10 feet each 
 by 7. The work shops adjoining to this court are, the Old Shire-Hall, for carding 
 and spinning, 43 feet by 25 ; three shops for weaving, 40 feet each by 14; seven 
 small ones, about 9 feet square ; and the Task-Master's day and ware-room. 
 
 That jjart of the Great Tower, or Citadel, formerly called the Lungess, is now 
 the Chapel, 55 feet long by 26 ; in which there is a commodious gallery for the 
 Debtors, with seven separate divisions in the area below, for Felons, &c. who are 
 placed according to their classes, and out of sight of each other. 
 
 I remarked with pleasure, that the Men and Women Felons were particularly 
 clean at Chapel, when I attended Divine Service on Wednesday 22d September 
 1802, and was informed that they were obliged to wash their hands and face every 
 morning, before they can receive their allowance. The whole number (ninety) 
 were present at Prayers, except two or three, employed on necessary business. 
 Their behaviour was silently attentive, and the countenances of all clearly shewed
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 3,25^ 
 
 tlieir love and respect for Mr. Higgin, the Gaoler; who, to great humanity and 
 firmness of character, adds those religious regards which do him honour. 
 
 Of the Debtors, on the above day, I was sorry to observe, that only two out of 
 seventy-six attended Prayers; althongh the following ( )rder is stuck up in various 
 parts of the Prison. I'he re-publication of it in this manner, and in a work like 
 this, may have its good effect in other Districts, which it would not be difficult to 
 mention. 
 
 " At the General Quarter-Sessions of the Peace, helil at Lancaster, in and for 
 the County Palatine of Lancaster, the 15th day of July, [1777] in the 17tli 
 year of Geo. III. 
 
 *' \\'here.as it appears to this Court, on the representation of the Keeper of the Gaol of 
 the Castle of Lancaster, that several Prisoners in liis Custody, being Members of the 
 Church of England, and having no lawful excuse, make a common practice of absenting 
 themselves from Divine Service, performed in the said Gaol, and misbehaving themselves 
 during SeiTice : 
 
 It is therefore Ordered by this Court, that if any Prisoner or Prisoners confined in the 
 said Castle, (except Roman Catholicks and Quakers) and having no lawful excuse, shall 
 absent him, her, or themselves from attending Divine Service within the said Castle, or 
 sliall in any way misbehave ; such Prisoner or Prisoners shall immediately be deprived of the 
 County Allowance, until further orders to the contrary. 
 
 And it is further Ordered, That the Treasurer of the said County Stock shall, imme- 
 diately upon receiving a complaint from tliesaid Keeper, against any Prisoner or Prisoners, 
 strike his, her, or their name or names out of his book ; and forbear to pay such Prisoner 
 or Prisoners any uvore money, until further Order, 
 
 Kenyon, Clerk of the Peace. 
 
 N. B. Whei-cas, many of the Debtors, of late, have absented themselves from at- 
 tending Divine Service ; This is therefore to give them Notice, that for the future, the 
 above Rule of Court will be strictly put in execution." 
 
 List of CuAniTABLE Legacies 
 To the Debtors Imprisoned in Lajzcaster Castle. 
 
 " From Mrs. Jlenrielta Higbys Executor, to twelve of tiie most ne- £. s. d. 
 
 ccssitous and well-behaved Prisoners, five shillings each ; paid by 
 
 the Mayor of Lancaster, on the first day of March every year, - 3 
 From Mrs. Langton, paid by Lawrence Rawsthorn, Esq. at each 
 
 Assize ------..--- -_---. -200 
 
 From Sir Thomas Gerrard, of Gartswood, paid by Mr. Pinsick, 
 
 Steward to the present Family ; due about 1st August - - - 8
 
 326 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Paid, under a Decree of the Court of Chancery of this County, out £. s. d. 
 of an Estate in Skermisdale called Sand, late belonging to Peter 
 Latham, deceased ; distributed every August Assize, by the Trustees 
 of the said Peter Latham, or their order ; paid by Messrs. Greaves 
 and Co. of Preston - 60 (> 
 
 By the Will of William Edmondson, of Outhwaite, half the rent of a 
 field in Scotforth, purchased by the money left for such purpose 
 by the said Will ; paid by the County Treasurer in bread. N. B. This 
 field is now, (October 1805), in the tenure or occupation of Mr. 
 G. Marshall, at the yearly rent of five pounds ; and the other half 
 of the rent is paid to the Prisoners at Pn'j/ow ,------2 10 
 
 From Mrs. Abigail. Rigbys Executors, paid by the Mayor of Lancaster 
 
 every St. Thomas's Day 2 0." 
 
 A spirit of restlessness had at one period introduced itself into this, as well as 
 many other Prisons, by forming Committees of Association, or Secrecy, as they 
 termed it ; and by correspondence with others, equally misadvised ; by which they 
 were led to believe that a Gaoler had no controul, and might even be set at defiance. 
 It was unfortunate to be thus unwise, and even, for a time, occasioned an abridge- 
 ment to the Debtors, of some of those comforts, which the liberality of the County 
 liad provided for them ; and which their errors and distresses failed not to claim, 
 from the humanity of the virtuous and more fortunate part of mankind. 
 
 In the excellent management of this Prison, which, from its situation in a very 
 populous and maritime County, is seldom without atrocious offenders, there is the 
 most clear and demonstrative proof how much more Humanity and Firmness 
 oj5erate to promote penitence and reformation, than Harshness and. Severity ; which 
 last, as I have often witnessed, make the Criminal only more desperate, and tend 
 rather to harden the heart, than reform the manners. Of the po Felons, &.c. at my visit 
 here in l802, not one was in irons; although amongst them was one committed 
 for a double Murder, but of which he was afterwards acquitted. At my next call, in 
 October 1S05, not one of the 58 was in irons. The\' were all usefully and peace- 
 ably at work. In short, no Criminal was ever fettered at any time when I have 
 been here. There are irons indeed, provided for the refractory, in terrorem, but I 
 never saw any used. Such is the force of well-tempered authority, the influence of 
 example, and the impressive weight of steady, calm, and active attention to duty. 
 
 The buildings for the convenience of this Gaol, have added much to the appear- 
 ance of the Castle, and in some parts are singularly constructed, without either 
 wood, plaister, or arches ; the whole, both inside and out, being finished with 
 hewn stone. I'he Architect, Mr. Harrison, (of whose professional abilities the 
 Castle -of ('hesfer will stand a lasting monument) has here availed himself with 
 much judgment of that fine material, which Nature has so plentifully provided in
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 327 
 
 the neighbourhood ; and of which is thus formed one of the strongest and most 
 durable Felon^ (Jaols in this Country. 
 
 Tlie halls and County offices at the West end of the Castle, in the hi vie and utihty 
 of building, do credit to the taste of those (Jentlenien \vho j)roinoted them ; and it 
 is an addition, both to the convenience and safety of the Ciaol, that the approach 
 to them is now removed out of the Castle-Yard. 
 
 The front of these buildings is a beautiful and regular piece of Gothick Architec- 
 ture; comprehending a County and Crown-Hall; Grand and Petty Jury, and 
 Record Rooms, with otHces for I'rothonotary, Clerk of the Crown, &c. all covered 
 by connected roofs ; and so (;ontrived, that from them water is conveyed into the 
 general reservoir in the Castle Yard, for the use of all the Prisoners. 
 
 In both Halls, the Bench, the Bar, and the Audience, are placed in full view of 
 each other, as in every other Court of Justice they ought to be. This is effected 
 by leaving an area behind the bar, and raising the Auditors one above another, upon 
 broad steps, in the manner of the Greek and Roman Theatres : thus at once pro- 
 ducing a general accommodation, and exempt, in a great degree, from that pressure 
 of crowds, so constantly experienced in other Courts, where the bar and the floor 
 are on the same level. This, I presume, likewise, in a great measure checks or 
 prevents the noise and disturbance arising from the conversation too often carried 
 on by those, who can neither see the Courts, nor hear the business of them ; but 
 are concealed from the view of the Bench, as in the old Halls, and most other 
 Courts of Justice. 
 
 The County Hall is a hemi-polygon, ornamented with light handsome Gothick 
 Columns, that support a groined roof; and capable of containing near sixteen 
 hun;lred persons. The Crown Hall is a spacious oblong, likewise in the Gothick 
 taste; and has a commodious gallery for the accommodation of Ladies. Great 
 attention has been paid in both, to the conveniencies of light and air; and, as far as 
 possible, to prevent any echo from confounding the voice. The Grand Jury Room 
 is circular, large and convenient; and its windows command a fine view of that 
 stupendous range of Westmoreland and Cumberland Mountains, which surround 
 the Lakes. The New Terrace, also, while it forms one of the approaches to the 
 Halls, affords the same grand and delightful prospect. 
 
 The County Hall is supported by massy pillars, forming a noble arcade; the 
 foundations of which are l8 or 20 feet deep, where the moat anciently was, that 
 surrounded the Castle. This arcade, especially in bad weather, at Assize-time, will 
 be a very useful promenade for the many, who are then generally drawn together by 
 curiosity, and not unfrequently crowd and disturb the Courts, which afford no other 
 place of shelter than the Halls. 
 
 Within the arcade is an arched room, that may be made good use of as a guard- 
 room, &c. for the County or other Militia. At present, both it and the room adja- 
 cent are occupied by the Joiners.
 
 yii, STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 These excellent edifices, together with the New Chapel, in the Great Tower, ren- 
 der this one of the most complete and healthy of our County Gaols, as well as the 
 finest groupe of Castle-building in the Kingdom. The style of the modern erec- 
 tions is very carefully adapted to the old parts of the structure, and to the manner 
 of building at the period in which they were supposed to be done. And they have 
 this advantage, likewise, over many of the same kind, that from the solidity of 
 their construction without timbei", they will be little liable to injury from fire or 
 time, the most rapidly or surely destructive of all agents. 
 
 The ground in front of the New Halls being laid open, very much improves this 
 side of the Castle ; and since the judicious liberality of the Magistrates has so far 
 improved tlie venerable pile, it is most ardently to be wished that it may be ex- 
 tended to a removal of those old houses and unsightly cottages, which so much block 
 up and disgrace that niagniticent specimen of Gothick Architecture, the Gate-way 
 Tower, as well as other parts both of the old and new buildings. 
 
 Since my visit in October 1S05, a new Tower has been built here, between the 
 Well -Tower and the Felons' Wards. It has on the ground-floor an excellent 
 kitchen, fitted up with suitable conveniences, and a set of boilers on a new con- 
 struction. Over it is a spacious day-room, with a fire-place, a pump, and water- 
 closet; and above this room are ten airy and well-ventilated sleeping-cells, each 9 
 feet by 6, and Q feet high. This last-mentioned compartment of the Prison is 
 intended and used as a place of separation for those Criminals, who are committed 
 and detained as King's evidence: But at my last visit, in 1809, it was occupied by 
 two of the most unruly of the five Lunatkks, wlio had been here for some time ; 
 and concerning whom I shall presently add a few observations, not unworthy, I 
 hope, of attention, from their evident importance. 
 
 The Rules and Regulations for the government of the Criminal Side of this 
 Prison do great credit to their composers, and are printed and stuck up in dif- 
 ferent parts of the Gaol. Convicts for Transportation liave not here the King's 
 allowance of "-Zs. 6d. per week. 
 
 ^^ I cannot omit to mention, that at the request of the INIagistrates of the 
 County of Lancaster, and with the ready consent of the Sheriff, in the year 1784, 
 Fees for Debtors were abolished, and a more adequate Salary was liberally granted 
 to the Keeper in their stead. 
 
 Of the 116 Debtors that were here at my last visit, six I found had been com- 
 mitted by the Manchester Court of Requests ; and Manchester being 55 miles 
 distant from Lancaster, the Court allows the Serjeant escorting them 2I. 15*- con- 
 duct money for each. This expence, together with the Costs, are payable by the 
 Creditor; so that, in some instances, the amount of the original Debt is exceeded in 
 a triple degree. In the case of one Nancy Evans, whose Debt was but twelve 
 shiliings, I learnt that the Costs, &c. were 3/. ^s. 2d. A more than five-fold 
 exceeding of the original demand !
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 319 
 
 The worthy Chaplain is empowered, at the expence of the County, to purchase 
 Bibles and Common Prayer Books, and distribute them at his discretion for the 
 instruction of the Prisoners. 
 
 Mr. Baxendale, the humane Surgeon, is frequent in his visits, and particularly 
 attentive to the sick. He makes a regular entry of the state of his patients, in a book 
 kept for that very useful purpose. 
 
 The Act for the Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 are conspicuously hung up ; and the Prison is kept exceedingly clean. 
 
 Excellent, however, as this Gaol is, there cannot but occur some alterations to 
 the attentive eye, which would considerably imjirove it ; and w hich I beg leave 
 therefore respectfully to suggest. 
 
 I. A private avenue for the Gaoler, into his seat at Chapel, would be much better^ 
 for obvious reasons, than through the common door of entrance. This might easily 
 be managed, by a slight change in the present distribution of the seats. 
 
 H. The place in the room under the Shire-Hall, where the boiler now stands, is 
 dark and inconvenient. There is a large space of ground unoccupied, near the first 
 Ward, which would admit of a good kitchen ; with a few rooms for Liinatkhs, or 
 for work-shops, that might be aired by the kitchen flue. By this small addition, 
 a greater degree of separation might also be obtained, for the work-folks, during 
 their hours of labour. 
 
 HI. And, though last, not of least importance, there is no suitable recess yet 
 provided, where a person deranged in mind can be kept separate from other, self- 
 created Prisoners. At my visit Oct. iSoj, there were no less than^te ManiacSy 
 two of whom were furiously frantick. From the want of proper places to keep them 
 retired, I could conceive that the personal safety of the Keeper and his Turnkeys 
 may, at some time or other, be greatly endangered. 
 
 I am anxious to leave it on record. That to my mind it appears very desirable, 
 that Beings of this most pitiable description should be kept either in «« Hospital, or 
 as similar to it as possible : I uuan, in some retired seclusion ; where, by medical aid, 
 and a continuation of suitable treatment, they might be rendered far more comfort- 
 able than the best Regulations, even of Lancaster C.'V.stle, can afford. 
 
 u u
 
 330 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 LANCASTER. 
 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, the Town Sergeant. 
 
 There were no Prisoners at my visits, 22d Sept. l802, Oct. 24th, 1805, ami 
 Nov. 7th, 1809. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This temporary place of confinement is a room under the stair-case of the Town 
 Hall, in size, 15 feet 8 inches by 11 feet 5, and 8 feet 10 inches high. It has a 
 fire-place, with a window about 3 feet square, and contains two barrack bedsteads. 
 
 The door has an aperture 12 inches square: and over it, on a stone Tablet, is 
 inscribed, 
 
 " Executio Juris nuUifacit Injuriam. 
 1669." 
 
 Prisoners are sent hither before examination. When a Debtor is taken in cus- 
 tody on a Borough Process, the Officer is under the necessity of keeping liis Pri- 
 soner in the Town Sergeant's house, until the business is settled. 
 
 LAUNCESTON. Cormvall. 
 The County Gaol for Felons. 
 
 Gaoler, John Mules, now Christopher Mules. Salary, 16/. 
 Fees, \^s.4d. Conveyance of Transports, l.s. per mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Charles Lethhridge ; now Rev. John Row. 
 
 Duty, only once a week, yet sometimes omitted. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Roe. Salary, 16/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Oct. l8th, 1803, One. Sept. 27th 1S06, Three. 
 
 Allowance, twenty ounces of brown bread daily, (one gallon of bran only being 
 taken out of a bushel of wheat,) cut from the Keeper's loaf. Half a pound 
 of meat on Sundays, and every morning a pint of skimmed milk, which 
 costs a half-jienny. The Mayor sends weekly to the Prisoners one shilling's 
 worth of best vvheaten bread; the weight of which, in October 1803, was 
 six pounds and a half. The County humanely allow coals for the common 
 day-room.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. SSl 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, for Felons only, belonged formerly to the Constable of the Castle of 
 Launceston: But it has since been j)urchased by the County ; and in the year 1779, 
 the sum of 500/. was, by the King's bounty, appropriated to it. 
 
 The building is small, the area within the boundary wall being only 100 feet by 
 50. On the left of the entrance are the Gaoler's apartments ; on tiie right is a room 
 about 37 feet square, with a fire-place, and two glazed windows. This is called the 
 Old Gaol, and is assigned for Women Prisoners; who have in it three sleeping- 
 cells, the largest 7 feet 6 inches square, the two others of the same length, by 4 
 feet 6, and 7 feet 6 inches high. Divine Service, when performed, is in a room 
 in the Keeper's house. 
 
 The Men's Gaol is down eleven steps: their day-room, 17 feet square, has a 
 flagged floor, with benches to sit on, a large iron-grated window, and a fire-place, 
 to which the County considerately allow coals ; but it is, notwithstanding, very 
 damp. 
 
 A passage, 27 feet long, and 5 feet 6 inches wide, opens into the day-room, and 
 contains four sleeping-cells, of 8 feet by 6 feet 6, and 8 feet 4 inches high. All 
 the cells have boarded floors, laid with straw, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 Close to, and communicating with the above day-room, is the court-yard, 50 feet 
 by 30, laid down in grass, with a pump, and sewer. 
 
 The Women Prisoners have also a court-yard, about 37 feet square, with a sewer; 
 but, having a mud bottom only, and unsupplied with water, this court-yard is 
 seldom, if ever used. 
 
 Ducks and fowls were kept in both courts, at my visit in September 1806; an 
 accompaniment, which, in a Prison, might always much better be avoided : It 
 occasions dirt and negligence, as I have experienced, and sometimes noticed, in 
 several other Gaols. 
 
 The Dungeons of the Old Gaol were filled with lumber when I made my visits; 
 and there was no appearance of their having ever been used since the new cells 
 were built. 
 
 No Memorial in the Gaol, of the Gift of Bread allotted weekly, and sent in regu- 
 larly by the Mayor. 
 
 .The Prison is kejit clean. A woman is always hired to wash the Prisoners* 
 linen. Transports here have the King's Allowance of 2s. 6d. per week. The Act 
 for Preserving the Health of Prisoners is not hung up ; nor the Clauses against their 
 use of Spirituous Li(]uors. 
 
 {jd' Although Chapel Duty here is but once a week, I was concerned to hear 
 that in repeated instances it had been passed by, not for weeks only, but for several 
 months together. That there were only three Prisoners in l8o6j was not, surely.
 
 332 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 a ground for omission ; and as the Gaoler also, and his family, were ever present, 
 and could not quit the Gaol, they ought at least to have had the Prayers read, for 
 which a due consideration is allowed. I neither make, nor can make any apology 
 for noticing a remissness, which a sense of duty forbids me to conceal. 
 
 LAUNCESTON. Cornwall. 
 The Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, the Town Sergeant. No Salary. No Fees. I have not met with any Debtors 
 
 here at my several visits ; and in 1806 the three Criminals were out upon Bail, 
 
 Allowance, two-pence a day ! 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, called very appropriately " The Dark House," stands over the South 
 Gate ; and the ascent to it is by a flight of steps-. 
 
 Debtors are sent hither by process issuing out of the Borough Court, for sums 
 to any amount: a Court is held every three weeks. 
 
 The Prison is in a most filthy and dilapidated state. About a fortnight before 
 my visit in 1803, a Debtor had made his escape very judiciously ; and none have 
 have been sent there since. Upon asking the Keeper when it had been cleaned and 
 white-washed, I well remember his telling me " that he had frequently applied to 
 the Mayor of Launceston to have it done ; but the answer was, ' The blacker it is, 
 ' the better : It has more the appearance of a Gaol'." 
 
 The room over the gateway. If* feet by 11, for Criminnls, has an iron-grated 
 window towards the street, with an inside shutter ; and two sleeping-cells, which 
 open into the room, each about 7 feet square, and 8 feet high ; the doors only four 
 foet high, and fifteen inches wide. 
 
 Over this room is another, 22 feet by 18, assigned as a Gaol for Debtors ! the only 
 light it can possibly receive is from two opposite apertures in the wall, of about 3 
 feet by 9 inches. And that light, as if envied the quondam inhabitants, almost totally 
 annihilated, by an iron bar placed lengthwise ; just enough to tantalize the insol- 
 vent victim of such obscurity! Straw lies scattered over the floor; and here is a 
 fire-place, but^no fuel is alloived. To recompense such denial of luxury, how- 
 ever, a half tub effectually supplies the place of a necessary. 
 
 No court-yard. No water! but the Constable brings it, when wanted, thrice a day. 
 
 LAUNCESTON. BrideivelL 
 
 Keeper, the Master of the Work-house. Salary, 67. 
 
 It stands in the Work-house Yard ; and consists of one room, and two sleeping- 
 cells, for Women, and for Men ; with straw on the boarded floors. 
 
 The Allowance for Prisoners here is the same as for the poor. They are not per- 
 jnitted the use of the court-yard. No water accessible. The Prison very dirty.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 333 
 
 LEEDS. VorhsJiire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 The Keeper is the Town Constable, and lives distant. Salary, ^l. 55. 
 
 1802, Aug. 17th, Prisoners, Three. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is for temporary confinement. It stands nearly in the centre of the 
 Town ; and consists of four rooms, about 12 feet long by 9 ; and a small one, witli 
 barrack beds, and iron-grated windows, which front the street. 
 
 No fire-places : No court-yard : No water : No sewer. 
 
 LEICESTER. 
 
 The County GaoL 
 
 Gaoler, John Simons; afterwards James Staples; now (1811) Christopher 
 Musson. Salary, 130/. 
 
 Fees, as per Table. Besides which the Under-Sheriff demands 6s. Sd. for his 
 liberate! Felons' Fee of 13*. 4rf. each is paid by the County. For Con- 
 veyance of Transports, 8/. each. 
 
 Garnish, though prohibited, is generally exacted from a new comer. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Anderson. Salary, 6qI. 
 
 Duty, Prayers four days in the week ; Sermon on Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Maule, now Mr. Liidlam. 
 
 Salary, for Debtors and Felons, both in the Gaol and Bridewell, 25/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, March 28th, -18 -------13 
 
 1802, Jan. 20th, 4 ------- I5 
 
 1803, Aug. 23d, ------ 12 ------- 17 
 
 a805, Sept. 26th, 8 -------12 
 
 1807, July 30th, ------11 -- 8 
 
 1809, Aug. 22d, ------13 -.--_-_ 17. 
 
 Allowance. One pound six ounces of bread, sent from the Baker's everj' other 
 day, in loaves of two pounds twelve ounces each ; and one quart of «malL 
 beer daily.
 
 33*: STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This COUNTY GAOL looks as it should do. It has a Prison-like appearance. 
 The ingenious architect, Mr. Moneypenny, has shewn his knowledge of grand design, 
 bordering on the terrifick. 
 
 The noble stone face of the building extends 120 feet in front of the street, and 
 near to it is the Free-School. The Gaoler's house is at one corner ; and the Turn- 
 key's lodge, which adjoins it, leads both to the Men-Felons' court-yard, and like- 
 wise, by a passage, to that of the Debtors. 
 
 It was first inhabited in 1793, and has four airy court -yards, with water in all ; 
 and a day-room to each. The court for Debtors is 74 feet by ^"-Z, and the day-room 
 29 feet by 13 feet 6* inches. For those on the Master's-side there are ten rooms, 
 which the Keeper sujiplies with beds at 2*. 4</. weekly for a single bed ; and if two 
 sleep together, 1*. 6d. a week each. Common-side Debtors have a Free Ward, 
 with ten good-sized sleeping-rooms over the Men-Felons' cells, to which they fur- 
 nish their own beds. One room is set apart for an Infirmary, 30 feet by 16, with 
 opposite windows, and a fire-place. 
 
 The Men-Felons' court-yard is 59 feet by 30, with a day, or common mess-room, 
 23 feet by 13, which has a fire-place, a large table, and benches to sit on. They 
 have also four sleeping-cells on the ground JIuor, each 8 feet by 4 feet 11 ; one cell 
 of double the size, for Convicts under Sentence of Death, which is likewise occa- 
 sionally used for refractory Prisoners ; and, at the back of these, and separated by 
 a narrow passage, are five other cells, of equal dimensions. The cells upon the 
 ground floor are boarded, but much out of repair, and dirty. Several of them had 
 ashes heaped up in the corners. The Felons, for bedding, have two straw mats 
 and two blankets each. 
 
 One side of the court-yard is occujjied by a room with a cold bath ; and another 
 adjoining, for Prisoners to undress in, with a boiler for warm water. 
 
 BeiiiiKJ these buildings is another court-yard for less-atrocious Felons, 3S 
 feet square; a day or mess-room (fitted up as above) 18 feet 4 inches by 11 feet 9 ; 
 an Infirmary-room \G feet square over it; and on the ground floor are five sleeping- 
 cells, exactly similar to those already mentioned. 
 
 Women Felons have a court-yard, a day-room, an Infirmary, and three sleeping- 
 cells ; another room having a cold bath, and one adjoining it, with a boiler, like 
 those before described. The Women's bath had not been used, nor is there any 
 water to supply it. 
 
 The Chapel is a square building in' the centre of the Prison ; and has at each 
 corner a door of entrance for the respective classes, who are seated in the area, se- 
 parated from each other by partitions 6 feet G inches high. 
 
 Over the rooms that contain the baths are two spacious Lifirmaries, 30 feet each 
 by 16, with large opposite casement windows, and fire-places: But some of
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 33:5 
 
 the Infirmary windows have been injudiciously stopped up. These rooms open 
 into the gallery of the Chapel, which is partitioned off for the sicL The Cha])tl 
 is open to the top, with a large sky-light, and fan sash-window. 
 
 The cells of this Gaol have boarded floors, with arched roofs, and are fitted up 
 with three mats and two blankets each. The door-ways, being only 2xJ inches 
 wide, are both too narrow to admit the introduction of a bedstead, and too few in 
 number for so populous a Prison ; so that two Prisoners are generally locked up in 
 each cell, affording a sjjace of 2 feet 5 indies only for each Prisoner. The court- 
 yards here are not kept clean : I found grass growing between the flag-stones : 
 But they are well supplied with water, and the sewers are not oft'ensive. The 
 Keeper appears humane ; and the Prison is as clean as its present construction will 
 admit. It is much to he regretted, however, that the plan originally proposed by 
 so able an Architect was not adoj)ted. There would then have been 7io cells on a 
 ground-floor, which are incommodious, unliealtlij', and insecure. 
 
 Those Prisoners who work receive all their earnings, but no County Allowance 
 of bread. It has always given me pleasure, at my several visits, to find some o£ 
 them weaving stockings, others making shoes, &c. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 To be taken by the Keeper of this Gaol. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 " For lod-ging of every Prisoner, per week --------024 
 
 For Gaol-Fees on Discharge of every Prisoner .-_--. oiSl- 
 For the Turnkey ----------------02 
 
 For the Copy of eveiy Warrant or Commitment ------oio 
 
 Tor signing the Certificate, in order to obtain a Supersedeas - - l o 
 
 Thomas a Becket Sessions. — lOtb July, 1759. 
 
 " We, his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Leicester, do hereby 
 allow of the above Fees. 
 
 W. Wright. J. Danvers. 
 
 Ch. Hutchinson. W. Cant. 
 
 " We, the Judges of Assize, liave reviewed, and do confirm the above Table of 
 Fees, this 17 tU day of August, 1159. 
 
 T. Parker. Ja. Hewitt." 
 
 Formeily there used to be an annual collection for the Prisoners, by a kind of 
 voluntary brief. The Gentlemen of the Grand Jury recommended it to the Clergy, 
 who promoted the good work in their respective parishes. A Table was kept, of the 
 §um received from each parish; a list of Debtors clothed or discharged; and an 
 account of the expenditure of the remainder, in feeding and warming all the Pri-
 
 356 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 soners, during the inclement season. The collection in 1774 amounted to 74/. 
 In 1779, only to 12/. 5a: 6d. In 1780, to 6Z. Is. gd.; and in 1781, to 3/. 18*, 
 Mr. Gregory informed me, by letter, dated 28th August 1803, that no collection 
 iiad been made for several years ; that from 1795 to 1803, the whole amount was 
 but 5I. is. 6d. and that the balance then in his hands was 32/. 6*. lid. 
 
 No firing is allowed by the County. Neither soap nor towels for Prison cleanli- 
 ness. No Rules and Orders ! Here, as in too many other Gaols, is an tiseless 
 tub ; and two cold baths, that are never used. 
 
 Prisoners are discharged from hence in a morning ; but without money, or the 
 allowance of bread. For eight of them, therefore, (who were 20 miles distant from 
 ^ome,) a stranger, present at-the time, left one shilling each. 
 
 The Clauses against the use of Spirituous Liquors are properly painted on the 
 same board as the foregoing Table of Fees. But the Act for Preserving the Health 
 ■x>f Prisoners was not hung up. 
 
 LEICESTER, 
 
 The County Bridewell, 
 
 Keeper, Daniel Lambert; now If'Uliani Phillips. 
 
 Salary, 52/. 10*. He is also allowed mops, brooms, pails, soap, and every 
 requisite for Prison cleanliness. 
 
 Chaplain, none: But at my visit in 1807, the Keeper told me his Prisoners 
 regularly attended Prayers three times a week ; and also Prayers and Sermon 
 on Sundays, in the Chapel of the County Gaol. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr, Maule ; now Mr, Ludlam. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1803, Aug. 23d, - - - - 7. I 1807, July 30th, - - - - 17. 
 
 1805, Sept. 26tb, - -. - 15. I 1S09, Aug. 22d, - - - I7. 
 
 Allowance, one pound six ounces of bread per day, sent in loaves of 2 lbs. 12oz. 
 every other day from the Baker's ; and one pint of small beer daily. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This New Bridewell, first inhabited in 1804, is situate in)Free-School Lane, and 
 adjoins to the County Gaol ; in the wall of which there is a door of communication 
 for the Prisoners, who go thither, as above noticed, to Chapel ; where the sexes 
 are properly placed in separate divisions, out of sight of each other.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S37 
 
 Here are two court-yards, for the Men and Women, with dust-pens to receive 
 ashes, which in the County Gaol are much wanted. To each court-yard there is a 
 day-room. 
 
 A Reception-room is provided, for Prisoners to be examined by the Surgeon, 
 previous to their admission into the interior of the Prison. In the centre of the 
 Men's court is a small detached building, which contains a batli. Their sleeping- 
 cells are nine, all on the ground-floor; and each 8 feet by 5, with arched roofs and 
 boarded floors. They are all suj)plied with two straw matresses ; lighted by an iron 
 grating above each door, having an inside shutter; and all opening into the court- 
 yard, in which there are two convenient sewers. 
 
 The Women's court is of the same size as the former, and has four sleeping-cells 
 attached to it on the ground floor, fitted up in the same manner as those for the 
 Men. Three other such cells are also building (iSoy) on the Women's side, and over 
 them a large work-room. The sewers are all judiciously placed, and not offensive. 
 
 Above stairs are two rooms, set apart as Injirmaries, which have each a large 
 iron-grated and glazed window, with a fire-place. Also two large work-rooms, with 
 similar windows, spinning-wheels, stocking-frames, &c. 
 
 Those Prisoners who work for themselves, and are not committed for hard labour, 
 pay to the Keeper 2s. Gd. in the pound out of their earnings ; and such have no 
 County allowance of food. Those committed for hard labour, and who can earn 
 more than ten shillings per week, have the overplus for themselves. 
 
 Prisoners discharged from hence are sent away penniless. At least, therefore, it 
 is hoped, that they are dismissed in a mot^ning. 
 
 Here are no books provided, for the visiting Magistrates to enter their remarks ; 
 a deficiency, which it would be highly useful to supply. 
 
 Neither the Act for Preserving the Health of Prisoners, nor the Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, are hung up. QC^" The Keeper shewed me a bottle of Gin, 
 which he had taken from a person, who was bringing it into the Prison. 
 
 At my visit to the Old County Brideicell, in 1803, the Keeper of it was the 
 celebrated Mr. JDa/i/WLaw&er^, who afterwards exhibited himself for the gratification 
 of the metropolis. He is said to have weighed in 1S05, forty nine stone, twelve 
 pounds (or G98 lbs) which exceeds, by nearly ninety pounds, the corpulency of 
 Mr. Edward Bright, of IMaldon, in the County of Essex *. Some few years 
 since, Lambert is said to have been very active ; and, considering his bulk, was of 
 singular vivacity in the year 1807. 
 
 * From the well-known print of Mr. Blight, (cngi'aved by M'ArdcU, after a piiinting by Osborne) it 
 appears that he died on the 10th of November, 1750, aged 29 years : and weighed, while living, 
 ibrty three stoue, seven pounds, which amount to 60f) pounds. 
 
 X X
 
 338 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 In 1805, I found at Leicester both a new Prison and a new Keeper. 'I'lie se- 
 dentary habits of Mr. Lambert, we are told, had rendered him so much attached to 
 his late employ, that it was with reluctance he heard tlie business of the Brhkicell 
 was to be transferred to the Connty Gaol ; and himself, obliged, like some other 
 great men, to retire upon a pension. 
 
 Mr. Lambert, it seems, had an invincible objection to have his weight ascertained. 
 It was at length, however, effected by the following contrivance: Going one day to 
 Louo-hborough, the carriage that conveyed him was designedly drawn over a 
 weighing engine ; and thus, to his great vexation, he was informed of the fact, which 
 he had so assiduously wished to avoid. 
 
 His brief historian, in a vein of irony observes, that " had this fat man studied a 
 thousand years, he could not have thought of a profession better calculated to suit 
 his constitutional propensity to ease." 
 
 It is hoped that the wit and humour of the above shrewd remark outweigh its 
 scrupulous conformity to matter of fact ; and yet, even Gaolers, possibly, like the 
 Pilot PaUmirus of ancient times, may now and then be found nodding on the 
 post of duty. To name instances might be deemed sarcastic, or insidious. 
 
 A tolerably executed etching of Mr. Lambert has been in circulation. He died 
 in June 1809, Ohndt mole siid ; and his weight then was fifty two stone, eleven 
 pounds, (or 739 Ibs.f) He is spoken of as a humane, benevolent man. 
 
 LEICESTER. 
 
 The Toiim Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, ffelborn Otvston. Salary, 37/. \0s. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, 15*. 4rf. ; besides which the Under-Sheriff demands 6s. %d. 
 for his Liberate! Felons, 13*. 4d. Bridewell Prisoners, -2s. 6d. For 
 Conveyance of Transports, 10/. each. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Robiyison. Salary, lol. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon once a month. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Maule ; now Mr. Ludlum. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons. &c. Assaults. Deserters. 
 
 1803, Aug. 2.3d, ---5--- 12... 0---3 
 1805, Sept. 26th, ---4--- 11--- 2.._o 
 1807, July 30th, - . - 2 - - ' 12--- 0---"0 
 l8oy, Aug. 22d, ---4--- g--_o---i. 
 
 Allowance, one pound six ounces of bread, sent from the Baker's every other day, 
 in loaves of 2 lbs 12 ounces.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 33y 
 
 RICMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol was built in I'JO.l, and has on each side a narrow slip of ground, 
 jKirtitioncd oft' by oj)eii iron palisades, and divided into court-yards for the different 
 classes of Prisoners. 
 
 The court-yard fur Dchtors, is 32 feet by 16', with a day-room of I3 feet by 12 ; 
 And up stairs are eight lodging rooms, to which the Debtor who brings his or her 
 own bed, pa3s sixpence j)er week. If the Keeper furnishes a single bed, he is paid 
 is. 4(1. a week ; and if two sleep together, 1*. Qd. each. One room is set apart for 
 the sick Women on the Debtors' side ; and all the apartments above stairs are ap- 
 propriated to Debtors. 
 
 In tlie centre of the Prison is the Chapel ; very small, and the Prisoners are not 
 properly separated. 
 
 The Felons' court-yard, on the Debtors' side of the Gaol, is 40 feet by 10 ; and 
 to prevent conversation with the Debtors, a vacancy, 8 feet wide, is left between 
 the palisades of tlie two court-yards. 
 
 Tlie other slip is divided into three court-yards by similar iron palisades. 
 
 The bottom court, assigned for If omen Felons, is 34 feet by 20, and has a day- 
 room, and five sleeping-cells. ^^ In this Female Felons' court-yard is stationed 
 a coop to fatten foivb in ' Such protectors, in such a place, are indeed the 
 most eligible; but such an accommodation is very unsuitable, and must be at- 
 tende<l with dirt, and other inconveniencies. Poultry should never be admitted 
 amongst Prisoners. 
 
 The 77iid(lle court, for Deserters, is 21 feet square, and has three sleeping-rooms. 
 The iipjier, or top court, assigned to Men Felons, 4I feet long by 12, has six 
 sleeping-cells. All criminals sleep here upon the ground floor. 
 
 Every cell is 12 feet long, by 6 feet 2 inches, and 9 feet 4 inches high, to the 
 crown of the arch ; and has a crib bedstead, with two sedge-mats to sleep on. 
 At my visit in 1803, each cell contained a cast-iron privy: but in 1805 I had 
 the satisfaction to find them removed, and instead of them, sewers were dis- 
 tributed in the court-yards. These cells are all on the ground floor; but above 
 stairs there are sleeping-rooms, for those Prisoners who can pay for beds. 
 
 One room belonging to this side of the (iaol is set apart for an hifinnary. Such 
 <:are and humane attention towards the sick is surely ever laudable, and a bounden 
 duty. But the matter should not rest here. The healthy and the diligent also 
 equally require some consideration. 
 
 Yet, really, instead of encouraging Industry, the very disposition to it seems here 
 to be most unaccountably repressed, by a curious mode of pains and penalties. 
 Every Prisoner, Debtor or Criminal, that procures for himself the means of la- 
 bour, in the Town Gaol of Leicester, has not only his County allowance of bread
 
 340 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 stopped, and withheld, but is even obUged to pay the Gaoler one shilling, and some- 
 times two shillings per week, for permission to work ! A novelty of this kind is 
 undoubtedly severe ; and such as I have only once met with elsewhere, in my wide 
 perambulation of the Gaols. 
 
 The number of commitments for Trial, from Aug. iSoo, to Aug. 1809, was 423. 
 
 A bath was heretofore provided, as an excellent accommodation for every place 
 of incarceration, whether previous to admission, or during the state of confinement : 
 But I am informed it has never been used here; and at my visit in 1809, IJuitnd 
 the bathing room converted into a stable for the Keepers horse. 
 
 The Prison is seldom visited, but it is kept clean, and water plentifully supplied. 
 No Rules and Orders. Formerly there was a Table of Fees, signed by the Magistrates, 
 and confirmed by the Judges of Assizes ; but none has been exhibited in the Gaol 
 for many years. Neither the Act for Preserving Health, nor the Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, are hung up. 
 
 LEITH. Scotland. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James M'^Kenzie ; Town-officer. No Salary. 
 Fees, none. No religious attentions. No Surgeon. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 24th Sept. 1809, Three Debtors. Two Criminals. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors as alimented ; generally 1*. per day. Felons, &c. 6d. a. day- 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is above the Council Chamber, and on the first story is a room for 
 Criminals, about 12 feet square, with one small grated window. No fire-place ; a 
 wooden bedstead, straw-in-ticking bed, a blanket, and a rug. 
 
 The next floor in ascent has one room of the like dimensions with that described, 
 and has bedding of the same quality, with a fire-place, but no coals allowed. Nearly 
 adjoining to it is a large room for Debtors, with two windows, and a fire-place. 
 
 Between the two rooms last noticed is a place called the Black Hole, which has 
 no bedding, and is totally dark, being appropriated for temporary confinement. 
 
 Tubs, which are emptied every three days, supply the place of sewers. No 
 court-yard. Water, as wanted, is brought by the Keeper, from a pump in the 
 Street.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S41 
 
 LENTOX, late BASFORD. Nutthighamshire. 
 
 Gaoler, George Womhwell. No Salary. lias a Licence for Wine, Beer, and 
 Spirituous IJqitors. 
 Fees, I3,v. 4^. by tlie Court-Roll. No Table, 
 (iarnisli, one shilling, spent in Liquor. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 1805, July 20th, 1. 1809, Aug. 2(>th, 0. 
 
 Allowance, formerly none ; but now three pence a day, in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This is his Majesty's Gaol of the Court of Record for his Honour of Peverel^ 
 and additional limits of the same, in the Counties of Nottingham and Derby» 
 Henry Lord Middleton, by Grant from Queen Anne to his Ancestor, Sir Thomas 
 Willoughby, in Fee, is the High Steward of this Honour and its limits. 
 
 The Prison, formerly at Basford, in this County, was afterwards removed to 
 Lenton : but, being in a decayed state, a new Gaol was built in the back yard of 
 the Keeper's publick house, and first inhabited in 1805. It consists of a court-yard 
 30 feet by 16 feet 6 inches, paved with broad flag-stones; and in it area pump, and 
 a sewer. 
 
 There are two sleeping-rooms below, and two above, each 14 feet 6 inches by 12 
 feet 6, and 7 feet 3 inches high ; with a fire-place, and an iron-grated glazed win- 
 dow in each. To these the Keeper furnishes beds at 2s. per week, or at 1*. 6d. 
 each, if two sleep together. Here is also a work-room, of 12 feet 6 inches by 9 feet 6, 
 with a window the whole length of the room.. 
 
 The Judicial practice of this Court of Record is Trial before Judge and Jury, 
 similar to the superior Courts in Westminster Hall, but most resembling the Com- 
 mon Pleas ; proceeding by Capias, &c. and the suits are, in like manner, carried 
 on to judgment and execution, except that every Tueeday throughout the year is a 
 Court Day, or Term ; so that the proceedings are quickly dispatched, unless the 
 Defendant files a Plea, or Demurrer; in which case the business is argued before 
 Mr. Balguy, Barrister, the Steward and Judge, and a respectable Jury, at two 
 General Courts in the year, which Mr. Balguy appoints to be held about Mi- 
 chaelmas and Easter. The Debt and Costs are from forty shillings up to fifty 
 pounds. .
 
 348 STATE OF PRISONS ',1; 
 
 LEOMINSTER. Herefordshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James Morgan, the Town Crier. Salary, 6l. Fees, none. 
 
 Prisoners, 3d June, l802, and 24th Aug. 1803, None. 
 
 Allowance. Debtors, if poor, have three shillings per week, on application made 
 to the Magistrates. Criminals, Sixpence a day, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison consists of two upper rooms, about 20 feet by 14; one of which is 
 for Debtors, the other for Criminals. Here is a small court, about 14 yards 
 square ; but Prisoners have no use of it, except by the indulgence of their Keeper. 
 
 LEWES. Sussex. 
 
 House of Correction, 
 
 For the Eastern Division of the County * . 
 
 Keeper, William Cramp. 
 
 Salary, 60L and allowed 14*. per week for a Turnkey. Fees, none. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Dale. 
 
 Duty, on Sunday, Prayers ; on Wednesday, Prayers and Sermon. Salary, 25/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Crochford. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1804, Sept. 20th, 35. 
 
 Allowance, two pounds of best wheaten bread daily. For the Sick, better or 
 other nourishment is ordered by the Surgeon, at his discretion. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The boundary wall encloses above an acre of ground, in the centre of which are 
 the Gaolers house, and the Chapel. Here are four spacious court-yards; in one of 
 which is a forcing pump, that amply supplies every part of the Prison with excel- 
 lent water. 
 
 The two wings of the building are over arcades, and two stories high. On each 
 story are sixteen cells, 9 feet 2 by 6 feet 4, and 9 feet 9 inches high, to the crown 
 of the arch. Each cell has a wooden bedstead, straw-in-sacking bed, two blankets, 
 and a rug. They have double doors, the outer one iron-grated, and a glazed win- 
 dow, with a casement. 
 
 The lobbies are 5 feet wide, and well ventilated, with water-closets at the end. 
 A kitchen, supplied with leaden sink to wash in ; and a day-room, to which the 
 
 ■* For the Western Division, see Petworth.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S4S 
 
 County now humanely allows coals, as it had been sometimes the practice for the 
 Prisoners even to sell their bread, in order to purchase so necessary an article. 
 
 On the ground-floor are four solitary cells, of the same size with those before 
 mentioned ; but to each of these is a water-closet, with a eink to wash in, well 
 supplied with water. In one of them it is customary to confine a foul Prisoner till 
 the occasion is removed, and the County clothing put on ; when he is admitted into 
 the interior part of the Prison. In these cells are likewise confined the refractory, 
 till ffiet/ have submitted to proper Govermnent, which a seclusion from Society 
 soon effects. They seldom continue above 24 hours before promises of amendment 
 procure a release, that again restores them to the f for Id! 
 
 Their employment consists in the compounding of whiting, carding wool, and 
 beating hemp. In the first branch of work each Prisoner can earn eight pence a 
 day, over and above the divisional shares of the County and the Keeper, which are 
 five shillings in the pound upon the nett proceeds : this, however, can only be done 
 in the seven Summer months. In carding of wool, the Prisoner receives a half- 
 penny per pound, and the County has the same. Beating of hemp is charged 4*. 6d. 
 for four dozen of Fannies, (about Slbs. weight ;) half of which goes to the County, 
 and the Prisoner receives the other half. 
 
 Here is a cold batl), with a bathing-tub, and an oven for purifying the Prisoners' 
 clothes at their first admission. 
 
 LUDLOW. Shropshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler. The Corporation appoint three persons, as Sergeants at Mace; who 
 attend them to execute Processes, and are alternate Gaolers, to whom a 
 Salary is allowed by the Corporation. Fees, on discharge, l^s. 4d. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, from the Parish. 
 
 Prisoners, 3d June l802. None. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol stands in the street named "August Fee," and is usually called Gauvet's 
 Tower. It consists of one room, 24 feet by 18, and three others, l8 feet square. 
 No bedding ])rovided. Straw was found by the then Gaoler, Joseph Scott. 
 
 The persons committed hither are chiefly for small offences, and take their Trial 
 at the Quarter Sessions held in the Town.
 
 314 . ■ -. STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 LICHFIELD. Staffordshire. 
 The City and County Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Joint Prichct. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 13*. Ad. each. And the Under-SheriflF demands 
 
 2s. 6d. from every Debtor for his Liberate ! 
 Garnish, not yet abolished, 1*. 
 
 Chaplain, none statedly appointed ; but the Rev. Mr. Prohy attends when one 
 is desired. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, from the Corporation. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1803, Aug. 24th, - - 2 - - - 2. l80j, Oct. 31st, - - 0. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, none ; unless Paupers, who, have 6d. a day. Felons, the 
 same, in bread. Bridewell Prisoners, a three penny loaf; but if they earn 
 3^. by their labour, it is allowed them additionally in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here is one court-yard only for all descriptions of Prisoners, 42 feet by 30, with 
 a pump of excellent water in it, and a sewer. Above stairs are two rooms for 
 Debtors, to which the City supplies bedsteads, but no bedding. If a Debtor brings 
 his own bed and bedding, he pays nothing ; if the Keeper furnishes a bed, and two 
 sleep together, they pay \s. per week each. Debtors are allowed the use of the 
 Keeper's kitchen, or else find their own coals in their apartments. 
 
 Those Bridewell Prisoners who are not committed to hard labour, receive two 
 pence out of every shilling they earn. 
 
 For Felons here are three cells, which open into a passage or lobby 3 feet 4 inches 
 wide, near the Keeper's kitchen. Each cell has an iron grating, of 24 inches by 
 4, over the door, and is 1 1 feet by 5, and 6 feet G inches high, with wooden bed- 
 stead, straw-chafi" beds, two blankets, and a rug. One cell for Vagrants, and one 
 for Deserters. 
 
 Here are likewise two Dungeons, totally dark, 7 feet by 6, and 8 feet high ; 
 planked with oak on the bottom, top, and sides. The bedding, like that in the 
 cells. The three parishes of Lichfield allow thirty shillings a year, at 10s. each, for 
 coals, and the Corporation grants twenty shillings per annum for straw. 
 
 Neither the Act nor Clauses hung up. The Gaol whitewashed once in two or 
 three years.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 345 
 
 LINCOLN CASTLE. 
 
 The County Gaol. 
 Gaoler, John Merri/iveather. 
 
 Salary, 300/. out of which he provides three Turnkeys ; and a Caterer, who 
 attends daily at nine o'clock, and three, to purchase in the City whatever 
 the Prisoners may want, liquors excepted. He also supplies eight chaldrons 
 of coals yearly, together with straw, mops, tubs, buckets, &c. for the use 
 of the Prison ; and is allowed one shilling a mile for the removal of Trans- 
 ports, and other Convicts. 
 
 Fees, abolished. But the Under Sheriff demands 6s. 8d. for his Liberate, 
 from every Debtor, except those discharged by Proclamation, or under the 
 Lord's Act ; who pay no Fee. 
 
 Garnish, also abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. George-Davles Kent. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays ; Prayers twice a week ; and to attend 
 those daily, who are under Sentence of Death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Charles Franhlipi ; who is required to attend all the Felons and 
 certificated Debtors. 
 Salary, 30/. for both Debtors and Felons. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons. 
 
 1800, March 26th, -----14 --_.---i2 
 
 1801, Nov. 20th, 16 -------13 
 
 iSOii, Aug. 12th, -----11 ------- 9 
 
 1805, Jan. 17th, - - ---36 - -19 
 
 1809, Sept. 5th, - ----24 ------- 8. 
 
 Allowance. Debtors, obtaining a Certificate of their having no visible estate or 
 effects (given under the hands of the Minister, Church- Wardens, and Over- 
 seers of the Parish in which they last lived,) are allowed by the County a 
 pound and half of good household bread per day, and one pound of good beef, 
 without bone, per week. The bread is delivered three times in the week, 
 in loaves of three pounds and a half each ; the whole furnished by contract. 
 Also four chaldrons of coals every year, which are distributed half-quarterly. 
 ®2^ Those Debtors who receive their sixpences, have no County Allow- 
 ance of food. To Felons, the same Allowance as to Certificated Debtors, 
 and an equal quantity of coals. In cases of illness, the Surgeon, when it is 
 necessary, takes off the County Allowance; and orders, at the charge of the 
 County, such diet and nursing as he thinks proper. 
 
 y Y
 
 346 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This excellent Gaol, lor the County of Lincoln, is situate in the Castle- Yard, 
 which contains about seven acres of land, enclosed by a high wall. Here, previous 
 to proceeding in my usual narrative, I shall throw in some historical matter ; 
 which is not only curious, but may prove a relief to the Reader of the subsequent 
 ample delineation. 
 
 Of the Castle of Lincoln, which was built by the Conqueror, little now survives 
 the devastations of Time. The few remaining vestiges convey a similar idea of 
 original Norman Architecture to that of York Castle, erected nearly at the same 
 period. 
 
 The entrance to it is on the Eastern side, through an arched gateway, under a 
 large square Tower. In the North-East angle of the wall is a curious small edifice, 
 appearing from without the walls like a round Tower. It is called Cobb's Hall, 
 and is believed to have been originally used as a Chapel ; having a fine old vaulted 
 roof, richly ornamented, and supported by pillars, with a crypt underneath, and 
 adjoining to it a small Chapel. The pillars are so placed against the loop-holes, 
 that they are said to have proved a defence against missile weapons. 
 
 Before the erection of The New Prison, this building was occasionally made use of 
 by the Military, for the confinement of Deserters ; but since that time, has very 
 properly been discontinued. The first part of it is now, with tlie leave of the Gaoler, 
 used by such joiners, cabinet-makers, &c. as can procure work from the Town ; and 
 this has proved a very considerable aid to many poor families. A Debtor of that 
 description was working here, at my last visit, in lSo<). 
 
 Near the North-Western angle are the reliques of an elevated turret, erected over 
 the ancient arch of the Sally-Port, which has a groove adapted for a Portcullis. 
 This part, being within the line of an old Roman wall, might have belonged to a 
 still more ancient building, or been occupied as a gateway to the old Roman City, 
 which lay on that side of the Castle. 
 
 About the middle of the South wall is the large Keep, or Tower, raised on a very 
 high mound of earth, and standing half within, and half without the Castle walls, 
 which ascend up the sides of the Hill, and join to the Great Tower. The form 
 of the Keep is nearly circular ; covering the summit of the Mount, and thereby ren- 
 dered tenable with or without the Castle. 
 
 At the South-Eastern angle there is a lesser Keep, or Tower, placed also upon 
 an artificial Mount; and thus a communication was kept up between the two Towers, 
 by a covered-way on the wall ; a part of which yet remains. 
 
 The Well, for supplying the Great Tower with water, stands on the top of the wall 
 adjoining to it; but is now nearly filled up with rubbish. The whole of the walls, 
 upon an average, arc 10 feet thick at the top, about 14 feet at the bottom, and 25 feet
 
 IN F.NGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. i tT 
 
 Iiigli. The j)ren)ises here attempted to be described, are held by lease from the Dulchif 
 Court of Laticasfer, for a term of thirty years, at the annual rent of Ten S/iillings. 
 The JVeiv Gaol luis been t;rected about two and twenty years, and is a good brick 
 building, with stone facings. The front of it, containing the (iaoler's and the 
 Debtors' apartments, is about 46 yards long ; having nearly two acres of grass-plat 
 lying before it, fenced ofFfoi' the use of the Debtors, who enjoy the happy privilege 
 of walking there during the day-time. It is supplied with a well of good water. 
 
 One lialf of the building is occupied by the Alale Debtors, and has three day- 
 rooms for those of the Master's-side, of the average size 20 feet by 15 feet G, and 
 12 feet i) inches high: also one room for Common-side Debtors, 21 feet by iG, and 
 of the same height as the former. 
 
 On the Jirst floor are five lodging-rooms, of about 17 feet by 1 5 feet 6, and 1 1 feet 
 high ; with an airy passage communicating to them. On the second Jioor five other 
 lodging-rooms, of the same dimensions, with a similar passage ; and one of them 
 is set apari for the Common-side Debtors. 
 
 N. B. In this Prison no communication whatever is at any time permitted be- 
 tween /)ci^or* and i^e/o».y,- and the Sexes are completely separated both by day 
 and night. 
 
 The other half of this building is occupied by the Gaoler's house, excepting two 
 attick rooms for Female Debtors ; one a day-room, the other a night-room, in size 
 \G feet 9 inches by 16' feet, and each 10 feet high. In this story are also two large 
 Infirmary-rooms, 20 feet each by 10, and 12 feet high. 
 
 The Chapel, 31 feet by 28, is neatly pewed. The Debtors and Felons are pro- 
 perly separated by a high framing, and the Women, during Divine Service, placed 
 out of view of the Men. All the Prisoners, Debtors or Felons, are obliged to 
 attend Chapel ; and one Prisoner from time to time officiates there as Clerk ; of 
 which he receives a double allowance of provisions. 
 
 The Common Prison is so built, from the centre of the whole edifice on 
 the South side, as to enjoy the benefit of sun and air in the court-yards. The 
 passage down it lies in a line with the front-entrance door; and is arched above, 
 10 feet high by 5 feet wide. The lower end of it is laid open, with an iron grating; 
 by which means the ventilation can never be obstructed. 
 
 This C<;inmon Prison comprizes, on the ground-fioor, first, a " Strong Roo)n," 
 for refractory Debtors ; another room opposite, containing a bath and oven; and 
 next to these, three night-cells, of 10 feet by 8 feet 6, and 11 feet high, each set 
 apart for two Prisoners, with wooden bedsteads, fastened to the floors. 
 
 Four day-rooms, with fire-places, are here also assigned to Prisoners of different 
 descriptions; viz. No. 1, of 20 feet by 11, and 11 feet high, for Male Prisoners 
 before Trial. No. 2, of 11 feet by 10, and 11 feet high, for Females in the same 
 circumstance. No. 3, of 17 feet by 9, and 11 feet liigb, has Male Convicts under
 
 ^48 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Sentence of Transportation : and No. 4, of 12 feet by 10, and the same height, is 
 for those who are convicted for smaller offences. These day-rooms have each a 
 court-yard, 45 feet by 3 0, communicating to them ; and are all private with re- 
 spect to each other; being separated by walls twenty-four feet high. The court- 
 yard of No. 2 has pumps, from which a supply of excellent water, both hard and 
 soft, is at all times accessible to the Prisoners. And in the centre of the yard is a 
 wash-house, with copper, tubs, &c. 
 
 Next to the above rooms are six night-cells, for single men, each 9 feet by 5 feet 9, 
 and 11 feet high; with bedsteads as mentioned before. The night-cells on the 
 ground floor are arched above, with strong oak boarding to the walls and fiuors ; and 
 the windows, looking into the court-yai-ds, and double barred, have wooden shutters, 
 to keep them close and warm at night. Every Felon in this Prison has straw-in- 
 ticking for his bed, with three blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The upper stori/ contains seven other night-cells, and also the Turnkey's sleeping- 
 room ; the average size of them 10 feet square, and 12 feet high. Here are likewise 
 two larger apartments, of 20 feet each by 10 feet, and the same height as the 
 former, for Male and Female Infirmaries. All the cells above stairs have glass 
 windows, and arched roofs. 
 
 Adjoining to the building already described there have since been added four other 
 solitary cells ; two on each side of the passage, with fire-places and glass windows. 
 Each cell is 13 feet 8'inchesby 8 feet 9, and 11 feet high, and communicates respect- 
 ively with separate court-yards, of 23 feet by 12. Over these four cells is the 
 Chapel, before-mentioned. 
 
 The worthy Magistrates of this County are not only in a very humane degree, 
 but also very religiousli/ attentive to the comforts of the Prisoners. They have 
 accordingly directed, that any sum, not exceeding Five Pounds per annum, shall be 
 laid out, at the discretion of the Chaplain, in the purchase of Religious Tracts, for the 
 common use of all. These, carefully numbered, and entered into a book as delivered 
 out, are called in once a week, and then re-delivered in the same manner : by which 
 means they have a change of readers ; and their being lost or destroyed is prevented, 
 by the regularity with which it is done. 
 
 By long practice I consider myself as able to form some tolerably good judge- 
 ment of a Gaoler, from the countenance of his Prisoners. Complacency, sub- 
 mission, and good order, were visible in every part of this well-regulated Gaol ; a 
 sure proof that the Keeper is intelligent, active, and humane. 
 
 The County does not allow bedding to the poor, or certificated Debtors ; but two 
 large apartments, a day and a night-room, are set apart, free of rent, or any charge 
 yvhatever, for the use of those Debtors who choose to find their own bedding.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 849 
 
 Mastei's-side Debtors, or such as can afford it, may go into rooms furnished By 
 the Gaoler; for wliiih, if two sleep together, they pay 1*. 6d. per week each. But 
 if a Debtor has a bed to liimself, it is 2a-. 6d. weekly. 
 
 The A'umher of Dchfors committid to Lincoln Castle in the last ten years, uj) to 
 the 31st of December, 180.9, was 5 J 8. The Number of Actions against them was 
 577 ; of which 212 were for Sums from Ten to Twenty pounds ; 197 from Twenty 
 to Fifty Pounds ; and 16'8 for Fifty Pounds and upwards. Strange as it may 
 appear, out of the whole number so imprisoned, tico hundred and. f'lxty two Debtors 
 vvere absolutely discharged, without their Phiintijf's obtaining one Farthing, either 
 of Debt or O^sts ; a proof of the extreme folly of being so stimulated by their pas- 
 sions, as to gu to Law with fellow Creatures, too poor and miserable to afford 
 them any prospect of jiayment ; for such, surely, those must be, who ure certi^cated 
 as Paupers ! Of the remaining 256 otherwise variously discharged, here, as in every 
 Prison for Debt, a very great proportion obtain their Liberty from Plaintiffs, 7iot 
 by ])ai/ing them the Debt, but by giving 7iew undertakings for discharging it and 
 Costs, by Instalments; from which, very seldom, if ever, is any thing obtained. 
 Second Actions thereon are very rarely brought ; the Plaintiffs having suffered suf- 
 ficiently by the first experiment, from the immense addition of Costs, so frequently 
 transcending the original Debt. 
 
 The County, as yet, furnishes wo Employment within the Gaol; but Prisoners 
 of handicraft trades have permission to obtain it on their own account, and gene- 
 rally procure work by an application to the Town. 
 
 Several houses of Correction where work is furnished, are to be found in each 
 District and Division of the County of Lincoln. That established at Kirton for 
 the Division of Lindsay (comprizing half the County) is a newly-erected and con- 
 venient building, under good Regulation, and the employment there is in the 
 woollen line. Another House of Correction is also begun at Louth, for the same 
 Division of Lindsay ; but I understand it is undergoing many alterations and 
 additions. The rest are at Folhingham, for the Parts of Kesteven; at Spalding, for 
 the Holland Division, &c. 
 
 The Male Convicts of this Gaol wear a County Uniform, of blue and drab-co- 
 loured cloth. Assize Convicts, under sentence of Transportation, have the King's 
 allowance of 2s. 6d. per week, instead of the usual County Allowance. 
 
 From hence, two tiuineas are annually paid by the Clerk of the Peace to poor 
 Prisoners, both in the King's Bench and Marshalsea. 
 
 This Prison is perfectly dry. The whole is white-washed twice a year, and the 
 day-rooms oftener, as they may happen to require it.
 
 5,jo STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Of Legacies and Benefactions to Lincoln Castle Gaol, the following is the 
 best statement I am enabled to give : 
 
 1. Mrs. Rebecca llussey, by licr Will, proved in London, lOtli of May, 1715, baqnealbcd 
 the Interest of One Thousand Pounds, to release poor Debtors from this Castle. Bnt, 
 g3=- No Debtors have received the benefit for many years past. I could get no farther 
 account of this Legacy ; and by some singular occurrence, or want of attention, it seems to 
 
 be entirely lost. 
 
 2. Mr. Thomas Tleselden, by his Will, proved the 21st of September, 1720, bound hW 
 Estate called Works- Chantry (being a house in Lincoln, now in the occupation of Mrs. 
 Mary Cullen) with the payment of Three Founds a Year, for the better maintenance of the 
 poor Prisoners in the Castle ; and this Legacy is regularly paid half yearly, at Lady-Day 
 and Michaelmas. 
 
 3. In the Will of Thomas-Robert Jenldnson, late of the City of Lincoln, Esq. deceased, 
 dated the 23d of October, 1770, and proved at Lincoln, the 13th of February 1772, there is 
 contained the following Clause :— " Also I give and bequeath to the said Ahrander Hunter^ 
 and George Deallry, the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds, to be paid within twelve 
 Months after my decease ; upon this special Trust and Confidence, that the}', the said Alex- 
 ander Hunter and George Dealtry, or the survivor of tliem, or the Executors or Adminis- 
 trators of such Survivor, do and shall place the said sum of One Hundred and Twenty 
 Pounds upon some publick or |)rivate security or securiiies ; and call in and re-invest the 
 same at interest as often as there shall be occasion, in order to fulfil the trusts hereinafter 
 declared concerning the same. And upon this further trust, that they, the said Alexander 
 Hunter and George Dealtry, or the Survivor of thorn, or the Executors or Administrators 
 of such Survivor, do and shall irom time to time forever hereafter, pay the Interest and 
 yearly Proceed of the said Sum of One Hundred and Twenty Pounds, as the same shall 
 arise, on Easier Monday in every year, to and amongst sucii Prisoners who shall be con- 
 fined for Debt in the Common Gaol in and for the County of Lincoln, and who shall be 
 willino- to accept their proportion thereof. Provided, and I do hereby Will and Direct, 
 that if there shall be, on any such yearly day of payment, any one Prisoner, who can, within 
 fourteen days then next ensuing, procure his Discharge out of Custody for ail the Interest 
 that is on such yearly day directed to be distributed as aforesaid, that then, and in such case, 
 the same shall that year be paid and applied for the procuring the Discharge of any such 
 Prisoner, at the discretion of my said Trustees, or the Survivor of them, or the Executors or 
 Administrators of such Survivor." 
 
 The Trustees under the Will were Dr. Hunter, and Mr. Dealtry, of York. From 
 the above Bequest, five pounds a year is payable out of a Farm at Riphani, in the 
 neighbourhood of Lincoln, (now in the tenure of William Glossoj)) left by Mr. 
 Jenkinson, the Testator, to John Harrison, Esq. of Norton-Place, in this County ; 
 and the Legacy is paid by Mr. Harrison, who came into possession of the bulk of 
 the property of the said 'I'homas-Robert Jenkinson, esq.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. %$i 
 
 LINCOLN. 
 
 The Citif Gaol, and IIuusc. of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Drear i/. Salary, 40/. Fees, Debtors & Felons, 6s. Sd. on discharge. 
 
 Chaplain, none yet appointed. 
 
 Surgeon, Mi. Swan. Salary, none. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1809, Sept. jth. Debtors, 0. Felons, &e. y. 
 
 Allowance, four-pence halfpenny each per day, in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 A handsome new-built Sessions House fronts the Road ; and the Gaol, (first 
 inhabited in 1808,) is immediately behind it. The Keeper's house is at the South- 
 West corner; and his windows command a view of the Debtors' court only, which 
 is 27 feet by 21, and has their day-room, of 18 feet by 11, opening into it. 
 
 On the Chamber Storij are two sleeping-rooms, with fire-places, and grated 
 glazed windows. One of these rooms holds two beds, the other holds five ; and 
 they are supplied with feather-beds, bedding, and suitable furniture. 
 
 Close to the boundary wall is an inspecting walk, 5 feet wide, which encircles 
 the whole Prison ; and the several court-yards are separated from it by an open 
 wood palisade, 12 feet high. A flagged passage. Go feet long and G feet wide, runs 
 through the centre of the Gaol, and has three iron-palisaded doors of separation. 
 
 On the Ground Floor are two day-rooms, of 18 feet by 11 each, with separate 
 court-yards, 27 feet square, for Male and Female Felons ; and two others, of the 
 same size, for Petty Offenders. 
 
 For f'agrants here is a room of 1 1 feet by 8 ; with a court 27 feet by Q. Also 
 one solitarj' cell of H feet by 8, to which a small court is attached, of about the 
 same size as the former. 
 
 Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, have nine sleeping-cells, 10 feet each by 8 ; 
 and are allowed a wooden bedstead for two, with straw-in-ticking bed, two blankets, 
 a bolster, and a rug. The windows of these cells are double-grated, and have 
 inside shutters. 
 
 I'he six day-rooms, and two Infirmaries, are 17 feet 6 by 10 feet, and have fire- 
 places. The court-yards are all gravel-bottomed, and have gratings in the centre, 
 to carry off rain and wet. Every court is supplied with spring water ; and there is 
 a reservoir provided, from which the whole Prison has soft water, laid on by pipes. 
 
 The loathsome Prison at the Stone Bow Gate, and the House of Correction, that 
 so long disgraced this City, were fully described by me, and truly, in the Gentle- 
 man's Magazine for March 1805, p. 198. I am glad to find they have been dis- 
 continued as Prisons, since the building of the above New Gaol.
 
 352 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 LIVERPOOL. Lancashire. 
 The Borough Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Edward Frodsham ; now ff'illiam Frodsham. Salary, 130/. For Con- 
 veyance of Transports, one shilling per mile. 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, on discharge, 4*. 6d. But see Table. 
 Garnish, 4s. 6d. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. George Monk. Salary, 31/. 10*. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays, and Prayers on Wednesday. ^C^- No- 
 thing can exceed the slovenly manner in which Divine Service was performed, 
 when I was here present on Smiday 12th Nov. l809; a short Prayer, and 
 Sermon, to which no attention was paid by 24 Prisoners, out o^ fifty seven, 
 who stood up all in one corner. They have a short Prayer only on Wed- 
 nesdays, with no forms or benches to sit on, or to kneel at. 
 
 Surgeon, as wanted, is sent from the Dispensary ; and I2l. per annum paid by 
 the Corporation, who furnish Medicines. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Oct. nth, ------ 71 ------- 38. 
 
 1805, Oct. 24th, ------ 34 ------- 4, 
 
 1809, Nov. 12th, ------ 35 ------- 19. 
 
 And Five Deserters. 
 
 Allowance, to very poor Debtors, a threepenny loaf per day, weighing only 
 13;i oz. Nov. 1809. Also a dinner from the Mayor every Christmas Day. 
 See " Legacy," in the Remarks. To Felons, &c. a threepenny loaf daily. 
 Convicts have 6d. a day in money and bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Castle of Liverpool, built by Roger de Poictiers, was pulled down in the 
 reign of George the Second. But the Earl of Derby's castellated mansion has been 
 for many years used as the Borough Gaol, and stands at the bottom of Water 
 Street. Here is only one court-yard, of 60 feet by 30, for all descriptions of 
 Prisoners, Men and Women ; it is paved with brick, and has in it a pump 
 of excellent water, and two sewers. In the court-yard are kept fowls, ducks, 
 &c. suffered to run about ; and a large dunghill, that cannot but be of- 
 fensive, and is only cleared away once a month. Attached to it are 
 five day-rooms, three of which were originally intended for the Men Debtors, 
 one for the Women, and the fifth for the Criminal Prisoners ; but they
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND W \LES. 353 
 
 are now used indiscriminately by all. Firing is allowed to every day-room by tlif 
 Corj)oration. Here is also one small room set apart for the sick. 
 
 Common-side Debtors have seven rooms in one of the Towers sejjarately ])ar- 
 titioncd ofT, and these are Free ff'ards, to which the Corporation allows straw for 
 bedding. In the other Tower are three rooms for Debtors on the Master's-side. 
 furnished with beds by the Keeper at one shilling jier week each ; and two sleep 
 together. 
 
 At my visit in l8()',, there was a narrow passage, or gallery, built in the Chapel, 
 into which the tloors of five new sleeping-cells opened, each 7 feet 6hy G feet, and 
 7 feet 6' inches high; these were intended for Men Debtors, and snj)plied with beds 
 by the Keej)cr, at \s. per week each. They had no light or ventilation, but what was 
 received through the grated apertures over the doors, and I w as obliged to have lighted 
 candles at noon-day to inspect them. Also three new rooms, over what is called the 
 Pilot's OJfice, for Women Debtors, two of them holding three beds each ; the other 
 a single bed, with fire-places and glazed windows. To these rooms Prisoners fur- 
 nish their own bedding, or hire it from the Town. 
 
 Table of Fees. 
 For the Debtors in Liverpool Borough Gaol. 
 
 « Debts from 10/. to 20/. 7^. 6rf. 20/. to 30/. VOs. 30l. to 40/. 124-. 6d. 40/. to 50/. I5j. 
 from 50/. to 60/. 175. 6rf. 60/. to 100/. l/. 100/. to 200/. l/. 5s. 200/. and up- 
 wards, 1/. 105." 
 
 To this Gaol are taken all persons arrested for Debt, by process issued out of the 
 Borough Court of Liverpool. 
 
 The Felons Gaol: Down ten steps under ground are seven gloomy cells, or more 
 properly Dungeons, within a passage of 11 feet wide, each of them 6' feet 6 inches 
 by 5 feet 9, and six feet only high. The grated vent-holes in these doors are of 11 
 inches only by 6 inches, and so barred, as almost to shut out every ray of light. When 
 I was here in l802, no less than 28 Prisoners were locked up at night, four in 
 each of these wretched receptacles, which could not allow more than firenti/-tioo 
 inches sp-Ace for each Prisoner; and in a larger one adjacent, 2^ feet by 16', and 
 13 feet high, were lodged the Ten other Criminals. This last is chiefly set apart 
 for Deserters; of whom, I was informed, that Forty at a time had been there 
 immured for three or four days together, and without being suffocated! It is ven- 
 tilated and lighted by a treble iron-barred and grated window, that looks towards 
 tlie Street, 
 
 At my visit on the 1 2th of November, 1 S09, eight Felons slept in two of the cells 
 or dungeons, and nine in the three other dungeons. Two Women slept in another, 
 and one was empty. Not Laving been changed for four montlis, the straw was 
 
 z z
 
 354 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 short and dirty ; and the brick floors being very damp, the Prisoners complained 
 sadly about it, for they were neither stocks nor stones. Flesh and blood should me- 
 ditate on these things ! 
 
 From the promiscuous association and licentious intercourse between the Sexes 
 in this Gaol, I could not but imagine that little attention was paid to the oHiciating 
 Minister ; and having therefore requested Mr. Stamforth, an able and active Magis- 
 trate of the Borough, to accompany me to the Chapel, I found that on the 14th of 
 October l802, six Prisoners onlt/, out of the 10.9, attended Divine Service. 
 
 'I'he probable great importance of the following document will be my best apology 
 for giving it ; as obligingly communicated to me by Mr. Brounker, the worthy 
 Mayor of this respectable Borough. 
 
 " Abstract of a Deed, 
 In the Old Church at Liverfiool, 
 
 Respecting the Distribution of certain Legacies of 200/. and 300/. left by Mrs. 
 Ann Molyneux, in the year 17'i7, to poor Prisoners for Debt, &c. in the 
 Borough Gaol ; and also to poor Sailors and Sailors' Widows, especially those 
 in the Alms-houses. 
 
 "This Iiidentini', quadripartite, &c. made the 9th day of October, in the year 1732, 
 between lialph JVtllianiSini, of Liverpool, &c. Merchant, and Robert Whiltlc, of Knowsiey, 
 &c. Gentleman, executors of the last will, &.c. of Ann Molj/neu.r, late of Liverpool, &,c. 
 widow, of the first part ; George Tt/rer, of Liverpool, &c. iVlerchant, of the second part ; 
 Hattnah Tyrcr, of Low Hill, &c. widow, of tiie tiiird part ; and Richurd Gilclart, Mayor 
 for tiie time being, John Staiilej/, and Thomas Ealdvoin, llectoi's of the Parish, &c. of the 
 fourth part. Whereas the said Aim Molyneux, being charitably disposed, by her last Wilf,. 
 &,c. dated tlic 1 Dih day of January, in the year 1727, gave, devised, and bequeatheti, to 
 the said Mayor and Rectors, Hie sum of 200/. fur the sujiport and maintenance of poor 
 Prisoners for Debt (or otherwise) in the Gaol or Prison for the Borough of Liverpool ; and 
 it was also declared to be her will and mind, that tiie said Mayor and Rectors should place 
 the said sum of 200/. out at interest, upon land security, if such could be had, and dispose 
 of the said interest yearly, for the support and maintenance of tlie said Prisoners." 
 
 In a subsequent part of her Will, as referred to in the said Indenture, she also 
 beciueathed to the said Bectors for the tinie being, the sum of 300/. the interest of 
 >\hich was directed to be distributed by the said Rectors to poor Sailors and Sailors*^ 
 Widows, especially tliose in the Almshouses. 
 
 It is afterwards mentioned, in the said Indenture, that with the said sums of 
 aoo/. and 300/. were purchased three closes of land in Mosslake, containing severi 
 acres of land, of the large measure ; w hich were subjected to the payment of two 
 fifth parts of the rents and produce to the said Mayor and Rectors, fur the support 
 and u\ainteiiance of the said poor Prisoners for Debt (or otherwise) in the Borough
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. SSS 
 
 (laol ; and the remaining three fifth parts of the rent and produce were to be paid 
 to the Rectors, and lUstributed yearly to the saifl poor Sailors and Sailors' Widows, 
 especially those in the Alms-houses, by the said Hectors. 
 
 The foreiroin'r statement was faithfullv abridsred and extracted from the oriijinal 
 Deetl, kept in the vestry of St. Nicholas's Church, in Liverpool, the 5th day of 
 .July, in the year 17.98, by R. H. Rouglisedge. 
 
 Amount of the produce of the Poor's Fields in Mosslake, Liverpool, in l802. 
 
 ^. 
 
 From Mr. Carson, as Tenant, 7^* 
 
 From Mr. ff 'hit low, as Tenant, 41. 
 
 Clear Rent, per annum, ^.117 
 The above Legacies appear to have been most judiciously laid out, so as best to 
 answer the pious intentions of the Donor ; and from the local situation of the land, 
 so contiguous to the Town of Liverpool, it will, in all probability, be soon built 
 upon, and produce an immense revenue. 
 
 Debtors of the Borough Gaol receive also the benefit of a Legacy of Forty Pounds 
 a year from some other source ; which is paid into the hands of the Mayor and 
 Bailiffs of the Corporation, and by them applied yearly at Christmas to the discharge 
 of Insolvent Debtors. But no Memorial of it appears on record in the Prison. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health, and the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 both hung up. I am informed that the Gaol built by Mr. Blackburn is now fitted 
 up, and nearly ready, for the reception of Prisoners ; and that the wretched Prison 
 just described, and the old House of Correction, are no longer to be continued as 
 places of confinement. 
 
 LIVERPOOL. Lancashire. 
 The New Borough Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Amos. Salary, ,<500/. and four Turnkeys, (Jo/, each. 
 Fees, of ever}'^ kind, very laudably prohibited. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. George Monk. Salary, not fixed. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sundav. 
 
 •Surgeon, from the Dispensary ; to whom a Salary is paid for attendance, and 
 Medicines furnished by the Corporation. 
 
 Allowance. See the Borough Gaol. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, built by Mr. Blackburn 1787, is in a fine situation, a little way out 
 of the Town, on which the Corporation have spared no exjience. It is formed
 
 356 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 upon a very large scale, with a proper separation of the different classes and sexes ; 
 and for security, health, reformation, and convenience, appears to be one of the 
 best Gaols in the Kingdom. Unluckily, however, it was let to Government many 
 years, and used as a place of confinement for French Prisoners ; who wantonly and 
 deliberately damaged the building, to so shameful a degree, that it was not repaired 
 and fitted up for the reception of Prisoners before 181I. 
 
 It is surrounded by a boundary wall, 20 feet high. In the front is the Turnkey's 
 lodge, with suitable apartments for his residence. A wash-house, and baths, and 
 reception-rooms for Prisoners, until they are examined by the Surgeon, previous to 
 their admission into the interior. A bell at the top serves equally for the Chapel, 
 and in case of any alarm. 
 
 The Gaoler's house is detached from the six wings of the Prison, and 50 feet 
 distant from the Turnkey' s-lodge. 
 
 On the ground floor it has a convenient room for the Visiting Magistrates, and 
 several others for the Keeper. At the back part is a very large room, nearly cir- 
 cular, and 23 feet in diameter, intended as a General Inspection-Room ; the win- 
 dows having, very properly, a command of the several court-yards. 
 
 The First Jloor has three rooms for the Gaoler, and a large Chapel, 23 feet in 
 diameter; to which there is a communication by means of stone bridges, from the 
 diflerent Prisons, into their several divisions or classes. 
 
 On the Second, or Attick Story, is a large room, well calculated for a General 
 Infirmary ; and three other rooms, for the Surgeon's Dispensary, the nurse, and 
 convalescents ; with the leaden roof, prepared and set apart for their taking air and 
 exercise. 
 
 The wing, No. 1, has, on the ground-floor, 17 single working-cells ; of which two 
 are dark, assigned for refractory Prisoners. The lobby or passage is 5 feet wide, 
 with arcades in the middle, for Prisoners to take the air in wet weather ; and at 
 each end is a day, or work-room, 25 feet by 22, w ith fire-places, and glazed grated 
 windows. 
 
 Every single work-room or sleeping-cell in this Prison is 8 feet by 6 feet 6, and 
 ;» feet high, to the crown of the arch ; lighted and ventilated by a grated and glazed 
 window made to open, and also by a circular aperture, 12 inches in diameter, over 
 the door; with this only exception, that the grated windows of the Male Felons or 
 Criminals are not glazed, like thoseof the other Prisoners. 
 
 The first story contains twenty-two sleeping-cells, with a day-room at the end of 
 the lobby, which is of the sanie size as those below ; and the second or attick story- 
 is in every respect similar. 
 
 The wing No. 2, has on the ground-floor I4 single working-cells, and one large 
 work or day-room. And of the first and second story of this wing, each contains 
 eigliteen sleeping-cells, and a large work-room.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Of 
 
 The wing No. 3, is similar on the ground-floor to No. 2. I'he first story of it 
 has seventeen sleeping-cells, and two large work-rooms, of 42 feet by 21, and 24 feet 
 by 22 ; with two fire-jjlaces in each. 
 
 The wing No. 4, has on the ground-floor twenty single working-cells, and a day 
 or work-room, 2', feet by 22, with two fire-places. On tlie first floor of this wing 
 there are 30 cells, and a day or work-room ; and the attick story has eighteen 
 sleeping-cells, and two day or work-rooms, of 25 feet by 22, with two fire-places in 
 each of them. 
 
 No. ;1, the wing intended for Debtors, has on the ground-floor twenty working- 
 cells, and a day-room 2.j feet by 22, with two tire-places. The second, or attick 
 story, is exactly similar. 
 
 The wing No. 6 is also intended for Debtors ; and has seventeen single working- 
 cells on the ground-floor, witli a day-room at each end, of 25 feet by 22. The 
 first story contains twenty-two sleeping-cells, and two large day-rooms. The se- 
 cond or attick story is similar. 
 
 In each of the above six wings, and of which two are appropriated for House of 
 Correction Prisoners, here is a leaden sink, with conveniencies for washing ; and 
 water is laid on by a pipe and cock, from cisterns at the top of the building, which 
 are filled by a forcing pump, and thus supply the whole Prison. , . , . 
 
 l^he six court-vards appro]jriated to the wings are irregular polygons, enclosed 
 with an open wood paling ; which, being distant about 3G feet from the boundary 
 wall, affords a convenient garden for the growth of vegetables ; and the sewers are 
 judiciously jilaced. 
 
 In each wing there are two dark cells for the refractory. The sleeping-cells of 
 the two wings intended for the Debtors, and that which is assigned for the Women 
 Criminals, have boarded floors ; but all the rest are of stone. Each wing has ar- 
 cades, for the use and exercise of the respective Prisoners in wet weather. 
 
 All the da\-rooms are fitted up with benches, tables, and utensils for frugal 
 cookery. Coals are allowed by the Corporation, and cupboards to secure provisio-s. 
 The Debtors' sleeping-cells are furnished with iron frame bedsteads, sacking bottoms, 
 two blankets, two sheets, and a quilt: those for Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, 
 have wood plank bedsteads, a paillasse, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The following is a Summary of the various Apartments comprehended in the new 
 Gaol of Liverpool : 
 
 Single Work-Rooms -----------102 
 
 Very large ditto -----______- g 
 
 Sleeping-Cells ------------- 249 
 
 And of very spacious Day, or Work-Rooms - - - - iS 
 
 Total, 377.
 
 S6S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 LIVERPOOL. Lancashire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Robert JValton ; now John Hart. 
 
 Salary, 57/. 14s. and two Turnkeys, at 155. per week each. Fees, None. 
 
 No Chaplain, nor rehgious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, as wanted, sent from the Dispensary. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Oct. nth, 28. 1805, Oct. 25th, S. 1809, Nov. 13th, 13. 
 
 Allowance, three-pence each per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The ancient Bridewell was formerly a Magazine, belonging to the Old Castle, and 
 consisted of two cells, one of them 12 feet by 7 feet 6, the other 18 feet by 12; 
 both eight steps under ground, and damp; lighted and ventilated by one iron-barred 
 and grated window in each, with fire-places. Also two rooms above stairs, the one 
 18 feet by 10, the other 10 feet by 9; and two other cells, totally dark, of only 
 5 feet by 3 each, and 6 feet high ! No straw, or other bedding whatsoever, was 
 allowed. No employment provided. No court-yard. No water accessible to the 
 Prisoners; and the Corporation only allowed them firing. In short, it laboured 
 not merely under the infirmities of deserted ag», but had several great and radical 
 defects, which time and skill only could remove. 
 
 It was pulled down, accordingly, at my visit in 1805 ; and the present building, 
 as a place of temporary confinement, having been got ready, was first inhabited 
 26 Dec. 1804. 
 
 This new Bridewell nearly adjoins the Town-Hall, or Sessions House. From the 
 basement story there is a subterraneous passage, through which the Prisoners are 
 conducted, either for examination or trial. It opens by a trap-door into the bar of 
 the Sessions House ; and thus the Prisoners are remanded, when necessary, without 
 being exposed to public view. It also prevents occasional crowds, and disorderly 
 conduct, during the removal of the Prisoners. 
 
 The front entrance, or first floor, consists of the Porter's Lodge, 21 feet by 14, 
 and 11 feet high. This room has a fire-place, and glazed windows, and is fitted 
 up with chairs and benches for the Turnkey, and Assistant Constables of the night. 
 A lock-up room, intended for disorderly Females, 23 feet by 15, and 11 feet high, 
 with a fire-place, is fitted up with wooden benches, and a sewer attached to it. 
 Here are also two other cells, for Prisoners to be kept separate ; each 9 feet by 8,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 359 
 
 and 10 feet high, fitted up with cast-iron bedsteads; to each of which the Town 
 furnislies straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, a bolster, and a rug. 
 
 The remainder of this floor is occupied by the K-eeper. 
 
 The basement story before-mentioned, (to which the descent is by 17 steps,) is 
 surrounded by an open area, from which the rooms are ventilated ; and consists of 
 one room, 23 feet by 15, and 10 feet high, with a fire-place, and wooden benches. 
 Here are also two sleeping-cells, of the same size, and fitted up like those above de- 
 scribed, with a convenient sewer attached. These rooms are set apart for the re- 
 ception of refractory Prisoners, or those who are under charge for offences of a more 
 serious nature. The stair-cases are of stone; and all the rooms in which Prisoners 
 are confined, are arched with brick, and have flag-stone floors. 
 
 The second story, ascended by 22 steps, is appropriated for the reception of 
 Prisoners of a more decent appearance, committed for slight offences ; and contains 
 a large room, and two sleeping-cells, of the same dimensions, and fitted up in like 
 manner as the former. 
 
 The remainder of this story, also, is occupied by the Keeper, except one room 
 over the Porter's lodge, which is reserved for Prisoners of respectable connections. 
 Should there be more Prisoners than the cells will accommodate, they must sleep in 
 their clothes, upon benches 2 feet wide. 
 
 The sexes are separated. Coals and candles are furnished by the Corporation. 
 But here is no allowance for food, which must be purchased by the Prisoners, or 
 supplied them by their friends. The Prison is well accommodated with excellent 
 water, l)rought in by pipes. No employment is }'et provided ; nor any room set 
 apart for the sick. The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors, not hung up. 
 
 LIVERPOOL. 
 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, Hetirtj Jfuldowes. Salary, 84/. with firing and candle; and a Tuni- 
 ke\', at 10*. per week, who also has fuel for his apartment. 
 
 Chaplain, none; nor any religious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, sent from the Dispensary. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Oct. 14th, 76. 1805, Oct. 25th, 39. 1809, Nov. 13th, 62. 
 
 Allowance, to Convicts, sixpence per day: to other Prisoners, a three-penny 
 loaf, and one pennyworth of potatoes.
 
 360 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was built in I776, on an eminence adjoining to the Work-house. 
 The Men and Women have separate rooms and court-yards. 
 
 For the Men, here are four ix)onis below, and four above ; for the Women, six 
 rooms, both below and above. They are each 12 feet by 10, and nearly 9 feet high; 
 all supplied with three bedsteads, straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, and cover- 
 lets. They are all, however, too close ; having no windows, but only an aperture 
 in the doors, about <) inches square, and an iron plate near the ceiling, perforated 
 with five small holes. At the end of the passage is a room for the refractory, of 
 7 feet by 4 feet 10, which is totally dark, and without ventilation. 
 
 In the Men's court-yard is a work-shop, which originally was of 20 feet by 
 17 feet 9, but since divided into two; where Men and Boys were employed in 
 picking oakum. Their average earnings were two-pence half jienny per day ; but 
 now there is seldom any employment, and Prisoners are allowed no share of their 
 earnings. 
 
 At a subsequent visit I found that one room from the Men's-side, and another 
 from the Women's, had been taken away, and added to the Work-house. The Act 
 and Clauses both properly hung up. 
 
 LOSTWITHYELL, or LESTWITHIEL. Cornwall. 
 Gaol for Debtors. 
 
 Keeper, Barnard Westlahe; now lf"dliam BloivUt, Blacksmith, and Town 
 Sergeant. Salary, none. Fees, 13*. 4d. No Table. 
 
 Prisoners, 1803, Oct. gth, 0. 180C, Sept. 29th 0. Allowance, None. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tins is a Stannary or Tin-miner's Prison for Debtors ; the property of His 
 Royal Highness the Prince, Duke of Cornwall, and Lord of the Stannaries, It is a 
 Prison for Debtors only. Adjoining to it are two court-yards, not supplied with 
 water, which the Prisoners have from the Keeper's house. 
 
 The room which is now denominated " The Prison," is spacious, 42 feet by iS, 
 and 7 feet 6 inches high; and has four iron-grated windows looking to the street, 
 with inside shutters, a fire-place, and straw on a tarras-floor, for men. Above it are 
 three rooms for Women Debtors. Besides these there are several small sleeping 
 rooms, to which the Keeper furnishes beds, at Is. per week. They were used one 
 year as a " Sheriflf's ward," for the County: Some of them have been since inha- 
 bited by the Keeper, and others are a deposit for wine. Over the old Prison is a 
 board, on which is painted, " Dealer in Sjnrititous Liquors .'"
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 361 
 
 A large vaulted room below is called The Dungeon, and has two iron-grated 
 windows toward the street. At my visit in l8oC, it was filkd with lumber ; and 
 over it is a large room, in which Prisoners for the Midsunnner and Christmas Session 
 are detained for trial. 
 
 Five sleeping-rooms are in the upper part of the Prison; of which one is furni.shed 
 with a wooden bedstead, and an old chaff" bed, left by the late Keeper. 
 
 Tlie last Debtor confined here was Salafh'ud Harris; committed the I6"th of 
 July iSof), and liberated the 14th November following, in consequence of his 
 PlaintifTs being non-suited. During the period of his four months confinement, 
 his Wife and Children were thrown for subsistence on his parish, of St. Agnes ; 
 and as no allowance whatever is granted to the Prison, this poor Man received the 
 indulgence of being brought down from his room to an iron-grated window next 
 the street; there to solicit the casual charity of passengers, by means of a shoe, sus- 
 pended by a cord, which the Keeper had humanely provided for him I 
 
 There formerly were, and I believe still are, certain Rules, or free boundaries to 
 this Prison, somewhat like those of the King's Bench and Fleet ; which are said to 
 extend over the whole Borough, and a Prisoner was indulged with them, on 
 giving security. 
 
 The Lord Warden of the Stannaries holds bis Court here four times a vear, and 
 has his Office of Cuiiiiige ; explained to me, as signifying the Process of making up 
 the Tin into Pigs or Blocks. See under Helstuu, page 265. 
 
 This Prison is very dirty, not having been white-washed for near 20 years. 
 
 LOUTH. Lincolnshire. 
 The House of' Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, Richard Cox. Salary, lOO/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Benson. Salary, 20/. Duty, Prayers once a week. 
 
 Surgeon, iNIr. JFilUam King. Salary, none. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1810, Jan. 1st, .32. 181I, May 5th, I7. 
 
 Allowance, eight pence per day, paid to the Keeper. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This I'rison, at Louth, for the Eastern Division of Lindsay, is an old buildino, 
 which has been lately repaired and considerably improved. It consists of a com- 
 fortable dwelling-house for the Keeper, and four Wards for Prisoners. No. I, 
 for Felons and Vagrants, has a court-yard, 32 feet by 21, and a day-room, 1 4 feet 
 
 3 A
 
 362 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 by 10, the floors of which are paved with Yorkshire flagging. On the ground-floor 
 are two sleeping-cells, 10 feet by 9, with two beds each, and two others, 10 feet 
 by 6, with one bed each : they are raised 2 feet from the ground, to keep them 
 dry ; and above stairs are two others, of the same size, for Felons. Ward No. 2, 
 is for Prisoners convicted of small offences, and Debtors from the Court of Con- 
 science : they have a court-yard 36 feet by 21, and a day-room 14 feet square, with 
 flagged floors. Above stairs are three sleeping-rooms, two of which are 14 feet 
 square, and the other 22 feet by 12. Ward No. 3, for Women Felons and Vagrants, 
 and Ward No. 4, for Women convicted of small ofl'ences, have day-rooms, court-yards, 
 and sleeping-rooms, nearly similar to those before described; and in the attick story are 
 rooms set apart for the sick. The sleeping-rooms have boarded floors, and all have 
 glazed windows, except the four cells on the ground-floor of No. 1, which have 
 wooden shutters. There is a sewer and pump in every court, to which the Prisoners 
 have access in the day-time. Each Class is kept separate, and they never see each 
 other, except at Divine Service, which is performed in the(iaoler's house. A strike, 
 or bushel, of coals is allowed weekly to each day-room. Those sentenced to hard 
 labour are allowed one third of their earnings : the remainder is equally divided be- 
 tween the Keeper and the County ; but a full supply of work cannot be obtained. 
 
 LYDD. Kent. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, John Leper, Town Serjeant. Salary, none. Fees, 6s. Sd. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, sent from the Town. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1804, Aug. 27th, 1806, Aug. 9th, l807,Sept. llth, — None. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, built in 1792, is under the Town-Hall; and has a court-yard, 20 feet 
 by 12, surrounded by a wall about 15 feet high, with a sewer in the corner. Two 
 rooms, or sleeping-cells, 10 feet by 9 each, and 8 feet 6 inches high; with wooden 
 bedsteads and loose straw to lie on : an iron-grated window to each, of about 2 feet 
 square, with inside shutters opening to the court-yard. No water: the Keeper 
 carries it three times a day. The Gaol has never been whitewashed.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. |6% 
 
 LUDGATE. London. 
 Gaoler, John Teague. Salary, lool. 
 
 t. d. 
 Fees. To the Keeper, on entrance ..._.----- lo 
 
 To the Clerk of the Papers of one of tlie Compters, for making out 
 
 a Duci facias (as it is called) if in execution _.---. 26 
 
 To ditto, if on Mesne Process ----------- 14 
 
 To the Officer for his Conduct Fee --------- ,?o 
 
 Every Debtor, on his entrance, pavs to the Steward of the Prison - 6 
 Which is disposed of as follows ; viz. to the Secretary, for entering 
 his name, &c. in the book, Bd. ; and the remaining 5^. 6d. is ap- 
 plied to the Fund for supplying the Prison with coals, candles, 
 oil for the lamps, &c. * 
 
 Every Debtor contributes weekly, during confinement, to the said Fund 1 
 
 Every Debtor pays the Keeper, on discharge - - - - 
 
 To the Turnkey --..---.----- 
 
 To the Keeper, every week during confinement - - - 
 
 To the Clerk of the Papers of Giltspur-street Compter - 
 
 To ditto of the Poultry Compter ------- 
 
 To the Secondaries of London -------- 
 
 To ditto, for every other Action, (if more than one) - - 
 
 To the Messenfjcr ----------- 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Rose. Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays. Salary 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hodgson. 
 
 Salary, lool. and 9.oL for medicines to Ludgate, and the two Compters. 
 
 Number of Debtor?. 
 
 1S04, Sept. Cth, - - 9 
 
 1805, Nov. 13th, - - 26 
 
 1S06, May 2.3d, - - 26 
 
 1807, Feb. 16th, - - 23 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1800, April 15th, - 28 
 
 1801, Sept. l6"th, - 12 
 
 1802, March 14th, 22 
 
 1803, Nov. 12th, - 25 
 
 1808, June 28th, - - 26 
 
 1809, May 22d, - - 30 
 
 1810, April 19th, - - 14 
 
 1811, April 15th,- - 27. 
 
 Allowance. A loaf of bread, weight 20 oz. every other day to each Prisoner, and 
 1 lb. of rice, 3 lbs of beef, and 5 lbs of potatoes weekly, to each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was formerly one of the Gates of the City of London, and then 
 situated on Ludgate-hill, near the spot where the London Coffee-house now stands. 
 
 * Those Debtore who are too poor to pay the Cs. on entrance have to that amount of their dole 
 stopped, out of the first Quarterly disU-ibution of Charily Money,
 
 364 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 It is at present appropriated for the reception of Debtors, being Freemen of London ; 
 Clergymen, Proctors, Attornies, or such other Persons as the Court of Lord Mayor 
 and Aldermen shall from time to time think fit to be removed hither. It is believed 
 to have formerly had the privilege of permitting Prisoners to go out (with a Keeper) 
 for the purpose of calling upon their several creditors, to compromise their debts, 
 or otherwise obtain their discharge : But that custom, whatever might have been 
 its orio^in, was many years since discontinued, and cannot now be traced. 
 
 About fifty years ago, when old Ludgate (to which the Table of Fees, and Rules 
 and Orders for its Government, were adapted) was pulled down, the Prisoners were 
 removed to the London Work-house, in Bishopsgate-street ; apart whereof was 
 fitted up for that purpose, and Ludgate Prisoners continued to be received there, 
 until the year 1794; when they were removed to the present Prison of Ludgate, 
 adjoining to, and partly encircled by, the Compter in Giltspur-street. 
 
 Ludgate has one small yard, 23 feet by 10; containing a pump, which supplies 
 spring-water from a well in the Compter ; another, affording soft water from the 
 river Thames ; and a shed, under which is a bathing tub. 
 
 The yard leads to eight rooms ; viz. the Hall, fitted up with benches and tables, 
 for the general accommodation of all the Prisoners, as a sitting-room in the day-time, 
 and until they usually retire to rest. It is the custom of this Gaol for tlie Prisoners 
 to have access to the yard at all times, either by day or night. The Hall has one 
 fire-place, which is supplied by a Subscription from the Prisoners, of six shillings at 
 their entrance, and seven pence weekly afterwards ; aided by charitable donations, 
 the surplus of which, after payment of certain salaries hereafter described, is divided 
 quarterly among such Prisoners, as have been in custody for the space of one month 
 before the same became due. 
 
 The next is a long room over the Hall, which will conveniently contain six per- 
 sons, as a bed-room. The room over the long room will contain two persons, 
 exclusive of two little rooms, partitioned from it, for the use of the sick. 
 
 There is a small room over the Chajiel (which is on the ground-floor ;) and this, 
 together with another room over it in the second story, are convenient bed-rooms 
 for three persons each. Here are also two closets, which are used as bed-rooms for 
 one person each. 
 
 Two other rooms are upon the ground-floor on the other side of the yard ; one of 
 which is the bed-room of the steward and secretary, and the other a chamber for 
 three Prisoners. The Women's ward, over the Steward's room, will contain three 
 persons. There are fire-places in the rooms, to which two chaldrons of coals a 
 year are given by the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs. 
 
 j4ll the Prisoners herejind their own beds, and bedding, except one rug yearly, 
 which the City allows to such as need it. 
 
 At Christmas every Debtor receives one pound of beef, onejpint of porter, and one 
 loaf, value tliree halfpence, or potatoes in lieu of it. On New Year's day, at Easter,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 365 
 
 and on some uncertain day after, the same gift is made by the Lord Maj^or and 
 Siicriffs, who also occasionally give coals, according to their discretion. Michael 
 Angelo Taylor, Esq. M. P. on Christmas-eve gives eight pounds of beef, a half- 
 peck loaf, and a sack of coals, to each Prisoner; and the same to the Turnkey. 
 
 There are also certain established donations, of bread and meat, at stated periods, 
 besides some private gifts. Money is likewise paid by several of the City compa- 
 nies, and others, for the release of Debtors from this and other Prisons ; which is 
 most frequently applied towards the discharge of such Prisoners, as cannot obtain 
 the same without uiidertdkiiig to pat/ some further .sum *, in addition to the money 
 raised by such donations ; and who are thereby prevented from availing themselves 
 of the Bounty of the Honourable and Benevolent Society for Relief of Debtors, held 
 in Craven Street in the Strand : Of which description are, the legacies of Mr. 
 Humble, (paid by the Leathersellers' Company to the amount of eight pounds per 
 annum,) and others. The legacy of Lady Rich is usually applied in aid of the 
 legacies of Mr. Humble, or any other benevolent Donor, for the release of Prisoners, 
 atone moiety by each legacy; and if the sum of twenty-four pounds has not been 
 advanced for such release, before the payment of Lady Rich's legacy, then the 
 remainder is divided among those Prisoners who were in Gaol on the Christmas-day 
 preceding, and still remain in custody. 
 
 A List of Benefactions to Ludgate Prison. 
 Christmas Quarter. 
 
 Wlien paid. 
 
 Yt^rly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 Ouartcily 
 
 Half- Yearly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 Half-Yearly 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Quarterly - - 
 
 Half- Yearly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Qiiarioly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 Quarterly 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Quarterly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Fislinioiigers Conipanv - - - 
 Sir Thoiiras Knecswoitli 
 Mrs. jxttice Smith - - - - 
 Sir '1'hoiiia.s (jie.sham, Knt. 
 
 Mr. Midillcton 
 
 Sir .lohii Kcrulrick, Knt. - - 
 Sir Stei)lien Peacock, Kiit. 
 
 Mr. W. Parker 
 
 Mr. John Wooler - - . . 
 Lady Maurice and Mr. Bennett 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - - - 
 
 Sir William Home, Knt. - - 
 Mrs. Cook ------ 
 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - - - 
 
 Mr. James Hodgson - . . 
 
 Mr. Meridith 
 
 Mr. John Drajx-r - . . - 
 Mr. Thomas Dawson - . . 
 Mrs. Holligrave - - - - - 
 .Sadlers Company - . . . 
 A rchbp. of Canterbury - - - 
 
 By whom |)aid. 
 
 Fishmongers Company - - ■ 
 
 Ditto - 
 
 Dilto 
 
 Cliamberlain of London - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Drapers Comjiany - - - . . 
 Haberdashers ditto - - - - . 
 Merchant Taylors Company - - 
 Diito --'----■-.. 
 .^iinourers ami Braziers Company 
 Salters Company - - - - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ironmongers ditto - - - - . 
 Churchwardens of St. Sepulchre's 
 Skinners Company - - - - . 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Churchwardens of St. Ethelburg 
 Cloth workers Company - .. - 
 Sadlers Company - - - . - 
 At Lambeth Palace - . - - - 
 
 Amount. 
 
 4 O O 
 
 loo 
 
 3 4 
 
 9. lo o 
 
 J 11 3 
 
 1 10 o 
 4 
 O 15 O 
 O 10 
 O 15 O 
 O 10 O 
 
 2 6 
 2 6 
 10 O 
 10 O 
 5 
 3 
 O 9 O 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 1 O 
 
 6 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 
 £. 20 14 11. 
 
 * The Society for the Relief and Dischai-gc of Persons confined for Small Debts admit of no such 
 undertaking, but always require a receipt ia full from the Creditor.
 
 366 
 
 Wien paid. 
 
 Yearly - ■ 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto - • 
 Ditto 
 Quarterly 
 Yearly - • 
 
 Ditto - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Half-yeai'ly 
 Yearly - • 
 Half-Yearly 
 Quarterly ■ 
 Ditto - ■ 
 Ditto - . 
 Ditto - ■ 
 Yearly - ■ 
 Quarterly ■ 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Quarterly 
 Half- Yearly - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Quarterly 
 Half-Yeaily - 
 Quarterly 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 Lady-Day Quarter. 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sir Thomas Cullum, Knt. 
 
 Mr. Alderman Hoydon - - - 
 
 Sir lloger Martin, Knt. - - 
 
 Mr. John Marsh - - - - 
 Sir Thomas Gresham, Knt. 
 
 Mr. John Corbett - - - - 
 
 Mr. Richard Jacob - - - - 
 
 Mercers Company * - - - 
 Lady Ramsey - . - - - 
 Mrs. Joan Sanback - - - - 
 Lady Maurice and John Bennett 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - - - 
 
 Ditto - 
 
 Mr. Meridith 
 
 Mr. John Draper . - . . 
 Sir John Peachey, Knt. - - 
 Sadlers Company - - - - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Drapers Company - - - . - 
 Mercers Company - - - - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Chamberlain of London - - - 
 Cooks Company ------ 
 
 f Mrs. Starling, Carey-street, ") 
 \ Chancery-lane - - - - J 
 
 Mercers Coinpany - - - - - 
 
 Christ's Hospital . . . - - 
 Churchwardens of St. Bride's - - 
 Armourers and Braziers Company 
 Ironmongers Company . - - 
 Salters ditto - - - - - - - 
 
 Skinners ditto ------ 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Grocers Company - - - - - 
 Sadlers Company - - - . - 
 
 Amount. 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 O 
 
 2 
 
 O 
 
 5 
 
 O 
 
 2 10 
 
 
 
 2 10 
 
 
 
 1 12 
 
 
 
 1 7 
 
 1 
 
 1 5 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 o 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 c 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 g.21 
 
 5. 
 
 Midsummer Quarter. 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sir Tho, Gresham, Knt. 
 Mr. Middleton - - - 
 Mr. William Parker 
 Mr. John Wooler - - 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - 
 Sir Wiliiimi Home, Knt 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - 
 Mr. Meridith - - - 
 Mr. John Draper - - 
 I Sadkrs Company - - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Chamberlain of London 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Merchant Taylors Company 
 
 Ditto - - " 
 
 Salters Company - - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ironmongers Company - - 
 Skinners Company - - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 ':)adlcrs Company - - - 
 
 Amount. 
 
 10 
 11 
 
 15 
 O 10 
 
 10 
 2 
 
 lo 
 5 
 3 
 2 
 
 O 
 3 
 
 
 
 6 
 o 
 G 
 4 
 6 
 
 s€.7 1. 
 
 Michaelmas Quarter. 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Quarterly 
 Half- Yearly 
 Yearly - 
 Quarterly 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Yearly - 
 Quarterly 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sir Tho. Gresham, Knt. 
 Lady Ramsey - - - 
 Mr. William R()a])cr 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Mr. Meridith - - - - 
 Mr. John Dra])cr - - 
 Mr. Thomas Chapman - 
 Sadlers Company - - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Chamberlain of London 
 Chri.^t's Hospital - - 
 Parish Clerks Company 
 Ironmongers Company 
 Salters ('onipany 
 Skinners Company - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Parish of St. Pancras - 
 Sadlers Company - - 
 
 Amount. 
 
 2 10 
 
 
 
 1 5 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 lo 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 o 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 .5 
 
 o 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 £.6 U 
 
 4. 
 
 Being the produce, or interest, of 45i. 4». Id. Old South Sea Annuities.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 367 
 
 Extract of the Will of Thomas Cottle, dated March 17, 1 556. — " My very Will and Mind is, 
 thiit immediately after m\' decease, at or about tlie end of every ijiiarter of the year for 
 evermore, wiili sixteen shillings, parcel of the same Rents and Profits, arising, coming, 
 growing, and to be received of the same Messuages or Tenements, with the Appur- 
 tenances, the Churchwardens, for the time being, of the Parish of Saint Dunstan, [iii 
 the East,] shall buy and pro\itlc one quarter of good beef, and one peck of oatmeal ; and 
 the same quarter of beef and peck of oatmeal, so by them bought and provided, they 
 shall give and distribute, or see to be given and distributed, truly and faithfull3-, at or 
 about every quarter's end as aforesaid, to and among the poor Prisoners in the Prison 
 Houses of Newgate and Ludgate in London, the King's Bench, and the Marshalsea in 
 Southwark, according to this my Mind, Intent, and Will, in that behalf; that is, to wit, 
 That the poor Prisoners, in every of the same four Prison Houses, shall have given and 
 distributed amongst them yearly for ever, after my decease, of my Gift and Bequest, 
 one quarter of good beef, and one peck of oatmeal as aforesaid ; that is to say, a quarter 
 of beef and one peck of oatmeal to the one Prison House, at one quarter of the year's end ; 
 and at the next quarter's end, another quarter of beef, and another peck of oatmeal, to 
 another of the said four Prison Houses, to the Prisoners in the same being ; and so at 
 every quarter's end to change, to the intent that the Prisoners in every of the same 
 Prisons, once in the year, for ever, be relieved by my said Gift and Bequest*." 
 
 Sh Stephen Peacock, Knt. by his Will, dated 3d November 1535, gave the Haberdashers' 
 Company certain Lands in the Parish of St. Sepulchre without Newgate, London, on 
 
 . condition of bestowing (inter alia) " Two loads of charcoal, for the Prisoners of 
 Newgate and Ludgate, of \2s. more or less, at the Warden's direction, to be delivered 
 three or four days yearly." For many years 1/. XQs. each was paid to the Prisoners in 
 Newgate and Ludgate ; but, on a recent investigation of this and other Charities, the 
 Company thought that two loads of Charcoal might be fairly computed at 4/. and 
 therefore directed that each of the Prisons should receive that sum yearly, commencing 
 from Christmas 1809. 
 
 Lady North gave yearly, in bread, thirteen pence eveiy Friday for ever, out of the King's 
 Head Tavern, near Newgate ; and twelve loaves every quarter. This is sent from the 
 bakers, in threepenny loaves, every fortnight. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret Dane, widow, gave yearly for ever eighteen stone of beef, and five dozen of 
 bread, value one pound, by the Ironmongers' Company, to be paid at AUhallows-tide, 
 Michaelmas quarter. 
 
 Mr. Robert Rogers, Leatherseller, gave yearly, by the Leathersellers' Company, twenty 
 shillings, to be paid quarterly in bread. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret Si/mcott, every eighth week for ever, by the Chamber of London, sixty-five 
 penny loaves. This is Eleanor Gwj/mi's Gift, under that name. 
 
 Mrs, Frances Ashton, by will, dated 30th March 1727, gave one Annual Rent Charge of 
 One Hundred Pounds /)*•/■ annum "To be issuing aiul payable to them my said Trustees 
 and their heirs, by and out of all and singular my lands, tenements, and hereditaments, 
 situate and being in the county of Bedford, Bucks, and Hertford, or any of them, other 
 
 * The nett Receipt of St, Dimstan's Parish for the yeai- i809, from the Premises whence the Legacy 
 ifi payable, was 59i,
 
 368 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 4Jian such as are hereinbefore given or limited for charity; Upon the trusts, and to and 
 for the uses, intents, and purposes hereinafter mentioned, (that is to say,) As for and con- 
 cernin;j; Ninety-five Pounds per a>inum, part of the said One Hundred Pounds per an>itim, 
 to be by my said Trustees last-mentioned, and the survivor of them, and the heirs of 
 such survivor annually, in the month of January in every year, paid, applied, and 
 disposed of for and towards the discharging out of Prison such or so many poor Prisoners, 
 as then shall be Prisoners in the Prisons of Ludgate, and the Compters in London, and 
 the Marshalsea in Southwark, wiiose respective sums, for and towards such respective 
 discharges of such respective Prisoners, shall not amount to more than the sum of Five 
 Pounds a-piece." Probate granted in London, 27th April, 1809. 
 
 Mr. Richard Jacob, Vintner, gave yearly for 257 years, by Joseph Howell and Susannah his 
 wife, their heirs, executors, and assigns, out of five tenements situate in Lincoln's-Inn- 
 Fields, two pounds, payable at Easter. Will dated Oct. 13th 1612. This is subject to 
 land-tax. See the foregoing List of Benefactions, in page 36G. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Stretchlctj, by his Will dated August 6, 1678, gave for ever forty shillings, 
 to be paid every three years, by the Treasurer of Christ's Hospital. This is regularly 
 paid. 
 
 The Chamber nf London, in lieu of 250/. being the gift of Mr. Middhton, payable at Christ- 
 mas and Midsummer, 3/. 2*. dd. See List of Benefactions, pp. 365, 366. 
 
 George Humble Esq. gave to the Company of Leathersellers " the Sum of Two Hundred 
 Pounds in nione}', to he laid out and bestowed by them (with what convenient speed may 
 be), in the purchasing of so much freehold lands and tenements, as far as the same wili 
 extend; To this intent and purpose, that out of the rents and profits arising of such lands 
 and tenements so to be bought as afijresaid, there may yearly and every year for ever be 
 acquitted and released out of the Prison of Ludgate, London, three, four, or five poor 
 Men who shall lie in there for Debt, (those that be free of the said Company of Leather- 
 sellers being preferred befoi-e others in this my Gift.)" The money does not appear to 
 have ever been laid out; but 8/. per annum is paid to discharge Prisoners, by the Leather- 
 sellers' Company. Mr. Humble's Will is dated 20th Sept. 1638. 
 
 Jjidjj Rich gave yearly, for ever, towards the relief and release of the Prisoners, thirty 
 pounds, payable at Christmas : this is subject to land-tax, six pounds. If the monej' has not 
 wholly or in part been appropriated to release Prisoners, the remainder is divided among 
 as many Debtors as were in confinement at Christmas, and not discharged on Lady-day. 
 Twenty-four pounds were divided the 6th April 1807 among ten Prisoners, 2/. 85. each, 
 who had remained in custody since the preceding Christmas ; no person having, in the 
 course of tvvelve months prior to the payment thereof, been released thereby. This 
 legacy is paid on Lady-day old style, by Mi: John Roberts oi 0^k\n^\\Am, Berks, attorney 
 at law. 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Misnon, gave by Will dated 23d May, 1770, the produce of Fourteen Hun- 
 dred Pounds, in three per Cent. India Anniuties, in the manner therein directed; that is, the 
 produce ot 200/. of the same Annuities, for the use of the sick and lame in the Middlesex: 
 Hospital ; likewise the produce of 200/. for the sick and lame in the Westminster Infir- 
 mary, and the produce of 200/. for the use of the sick and lame at Mile End ; likewise 
 the produce of lOo/. to the Asylum for poor deserted Children: Also for the use of 
 the Charity Children of Saint Mary-Ie-bone, she gave 50/. j aud to fifty poor famihes in
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ^iS* 
 
 Saint Mary -le-bone, I leave 50/. ; twenty shillings to each. I also g^ive, of the produce 
 of the same Anmiities, to the J)ebiors ofLudgate Rrison Two Hundred Pounds, and also -die 
 Uroduce of 200/. to the Debtors only of tlie Fleet Prison, and also 200/. to the Dob tor.* 
 
 only of Newgate Prison. There has lately been some irregularity and great reluctance 
 
 in the payment of this Jegac}-. 
 
 Legacies not received. 
 
 Jfugh 0£ley 5s. John Sj/monds 4-s. Lady Carew AOs. John Jackson 10s. Sir Ralph Freeman 
 5l. John Hobbj/, Esq. 22/. annually, for ever, for the release of eleven poor prisoners, at 40*. 
 oaoh. 
 
 Excellent Rules and Orders, for the government of this Prison, were made on 
 tiie Gth November lSo8, signed by the Lord Mayor and Sherift's, and approved by 
 Lord Ellenborough and Sir Archibald Macdonald, 5th March l8lO. 
 
 The accounts of Receipts and Disbursements of this Prison are kept with great 
 accuracy ; and the order and decorum observed in it do much credit to Mr. Teague, 
 the Keeper. 
 
 LUDLOW. See page 243. LYDD. Seepage 362. 
 
 LYNN REGIS. Norfolk. 
 The Town Gaol, and Hous^ of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, ff'llliam Haices. Salary, 35/. for both. 
 Fees, Debtors, 6s. 8d. Felons, &c. 5.V. 6d. 
 
 Chaplain, none. Surgeon, from the Workhou.se, if wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Jan. 2Sth, ------ 3 ------- 1 
 
 1805, Aug. 30th, ------ 1 ------- 4 
 
 1810, Sept. 5 th, ------ 1 ------- 1 assault. 
 
 Allowance, none, except to Paupers; and that varies, according to the price of 
 provisions. In August, 1805, it was eight-pence a day each. In Septem- 
 ber 1810, nine-pence a day each, in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Town Gaol is nearly opposite to St. Margaret's Church, and was built in 1784, 
 as appears by the Inscription in front. The ground-floor is occupied by the Keeper j 
 and the Gaol is separated by two iron-grated doors, within a passage 4 feet wide. 
 
 3B
 
 370 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Gaoler's kitchen commands a view of the court-yard, which is 82 feet by 
 15, for the common use of all descriptions of Prisoners. On the left-hand is the 
 only day-room in the Prison, 1.9 feet by 13, with a fire-place, and stone sink. 
 
 At the end of the court-yard, and under arcades, are two sleeping-cells, about 
 8 feet square, arch-roofed ; lighted and ventilated by two iron-grated windows in 
 each, and furnished with crib-bedsteads, straw, and two, three, or four coverlets, as 
 the weather may require. Poor Debtors and petty Offenders sleep in these cells, 
 and if they bring their own bedding, pay sixpence a week. 
 
 At the end of the day-room is a staircase, leading to two Infirmary rooms, which 
 have each a fire-place, and two glazed windows, with crib-bedsteads, straw, and 
 coverlets. 
 
 On the attic-story, and in front of the Keepers house, are three good sized rooms, 
 about 16 feet by 11, and 9 feet high, for Master's-Side Debtors, with glazed sash 
 windows, and fire-places in two of them. To these the Gaoler furnishes a single bed 
 at 2s. per week ; or if two sleep together, 1*. 6d. each. 
 
 Over the day-room is the Women-Felons' apartment, 26 feet by 14, and 8 feet 
 high, which has two beds in it, a fire-place, and three glazed windows. The 
 dungeon yard here is a passage of 18 feet by 4 feet wide, in which are three dun- 
 geons; two of them about 12 feet square, with arched roofs, crib bedsteads, straw, 
 and coverlets; the third, called the Long Dungeon, is about 10 feet by 4, with a 
 crib-bedstead and straw: The only light and ventilation which they receive is from 
 a small iron-grated aperture, nearly over each door. The Long Dungeon has no 
 light, but through an opening of 1-0 inches by 4 ; and being now stopped up, is 
 converted into a military depot. 
 
 Debtors from the Courts of Conscience are sent hither, and have the same allow- 
 ance as the other Prisoners. It decreases, however, on a second commitment of this 
 class ; and a watch-maker, who had been confined here before, received only si^x"- 
 pence a day. 
 
 I found the Act and Clauses both hung up. Here is a pump of excellent spring- 
 water ; and soft water also is laid on by a pipe. 
 
 The House of Correction adjoins to the Town Gaol, and has four large iron-grated 
 windows fronting the street, with inside shutters; and two rooms with arched roofs, 
 27 feet by 11, and 10 feet high. Into one of these, Prisoners were heretofon- jjer- 
 mitted to come: but, in consequence of disorderly behaviour, it is now denied them; 
 and the apartments are used only as store-rooms. 
 
 The Prison consists of four rooms: the first is 12 feet square ; the next has been 
 partitioned off into two ; in one of which is a sewer. That which they call the Large ■. 
 Room, is 22 feet by 13, and furnished with three crib-bedsteads ; and the Dungeon,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S7l 
 
 wliich formerly opened into it, as well as the place called Little Ease, are now 
 stopped up. The iron-grated windows to these last-mentioned rooms have outside 
 shutters, and are all of them under the Town-Hall. Here are hemp blocks, and 
 beetles for jjounding of tile sherds, and brick-dust was lying pounded in one corner. 
 
 Debtors from the Court of Conscience are sent hither for any sum less than forty 
 shillings. Offenders are also sent here, for trial at the Quarter Sessions, from SwafF- 
 ham. Felons are tried at this Borough by the Recorder, at the Sessions, four times 
 in the year ; and the Court here has the power of life and death. Prisoners of this 
 Bridewell have the accommodation of going hence into Court for trial, without the 
 painful circumstance of coming through the street. 
 
 An ol<l Table of Fees, and Rules and Orders, dated 1st Mach I729, signed John 
 Goodivyn, Mayor, and Robert Underwood, Town Clerk, are kept here ; and both 
 the Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, arc projwrly 
 hung up. 
 
 MACCLESFIELD. Cheshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Maurice Jones ; now James Stott. Salary, none. 
 
 Fees, ~[s.6d. No Table. Garnish, not yet abolished, 2s. 6d. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 
 
 1800, March 30th, - - - - 1. 
 1802, Feb. 17th, - - - - 1. 
 1805, Sept. 15th, - - - - 1. 
 
 1808, Jan. 4th, - - - ^\, 
 
 1809, Feb. 24th, - - - - 4. 
 
 Allowance, none whatever. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, for the Liberty of the Hundred, Manor, and Forest of Macclesfield, 
 in the PinJ'old, or Pound, of that Hundred, is the property of the Earl of Derby, 
 who holds a Court twice in the year ; viz. in Jpril and October. 
 
 Debtors are committed hither for indefinite sums, from one shilling up to any 
 amount: and as they cannot obtain their Sixpences, by virtue of the Statute, called 
 " The Lord's Act," before the holding of the Court next after their commitment, it 
 may be their hard lot to be immured in this dreary abodte for several months toge- 
 ther, without a chance of spe.?dier deliverance. 
 
 Here is a court-yard, or area, of 24 feet by 18. The Prison consists of four rooms, 
 two on the ground-floor, about 1 1 feet square, and two of about 6 feet square.
 
 373 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 No bedding: not even straw is allowed. The Keeper furnishes those Prisoners, 
 who can pay, with a day-room, bed-cliamber, and fire, at three shillings and six- 
 pence per week each. 
 
 The old Dungeon, which is seven steps down, in size 11 feet by 9, and lighted 
 by a window only 6' inches square, was formerly used for the continement of De- 
 serters ; but at my visit in 1805, it was, happily, in a state of total ruin, and 
 6' inches deep in mud. 
 
 The Gaoler, who is a Bailiff, or Sheriff's Officer, keeps the Eagle-and-Child (the 
 Derhf Anns) Publick House, and pays 26V. annual rent, with all taxes. He told 
 me that one Isaac Wylde was confined here six months, for a Debt of Jive shillings 
 and three pence ! 
 
 Of the three Debtors, (all Women,) who have been here confined subsequent to 
 the first of October, 1807, the names and circumstances areas follow: 
 
 1. Elizabeth Gosling, widow, aged 48, a Washerwoman, who ^. s. d. 
 has two Children under 14 years of age. Her Debt was tor 
 
 Linen and Cotton Goods ----------- IIO6 
 
 Costs, glss.sd, Prison Fees, ll.l^s. IO183 
 
 Total, ^.12 8 9 
 Committed to Macclesfield Gaol, 2dOct. 1S07. 
 
 2. 3fan/ Marsland, widow, aged 65, and incapable of gaining 
 
 a livelihood. Debt, for Linen and Cotton Goods - - - 7 
 Costs, 9/. 15*. lU/. Prison Fees, l/. 15*. - - - - - 11 10 11 
 
 Total, ^.11 17 11 
 Committed to Macclesfield Gaol, 23d December, 1807. 
 
 3. Margaret Ashton, widow, aged 56, a Cotton-Weaver, Debt, 
 
 for Flour, Cheese, and Butter --------- 074 
 
 Costs, 9/. 15 V. lit/. Prison Fees, 2/. 10*. ----- 12 ,'i 11 
 
 Total, ^. 12 13 3 
 Committed to Macclesfield Gaol, 21st Nov. 1S07. 
 
 The three Debts together, 2l. 4*. \0d. Costs and Prison Fees, 34^. 14*. id. 
 Total, ^61. i8a-. lid! 
 
 ITiese are facts verified, which need no comment. 
 
 How desirable then must it be, in such very extreme cases of Poverty and Woe, 
 of Female Poverty, and Female Woe, if the Legal Exeeution of British Law
 
 IN ENGLAND; SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 373 
 
 could so operate, as to attach upon the Goods on\y, not on the Person, of helpless 
 widowed Debtors * ! 
 
 I should have mentioned, that Elizabeth Gosling's Debt, l/. lO.v. (ul. was accepted 
 from the Society for Discharge and Relief of Persons imprisoned for small Debts, 
 and she was soon dischargetl, after presenting her Petition at the Office in Craven 
 Street. Mary Marsland, and Margaret Ashton, were ordered two shillings and 
 sixpence per week, for their support in Prison, till the Committee should hold their 
 next monthly meeting. 
 
 All these poor Women had excellent characters given of them respectively ; which 
 renders the consideration of their distresses doubly painful. Marsland has a son, 
 who should have been her greatest helper, " To rock the cradle of declining age:" 
 But he enlisted for a soldier Her goods had been seized and sold for rent ; and, 
 having no allowahce in (iaol, misery must have sunk her there, but for the incidental 
 charity of some well-disposed persons, (of whom one was a gentleman actually in 
 the Gaol, as a fellow Prisoner at the time,) who felt for her accumulated Trials. 
 
 From one of the PlaintiH's (a Woman also,) the Society received a Letter, dated 
 the 17th of March 1809, which is pointedly expressive. " I could not,'' says the 
 writer, " make up my payments ; therefore was obliged to sue some, to make others 
 pay me; but lltfle thought what the expence uoiild be. I have since been told 
 the Macclesfield Court are allowed very liberal Fees. When I went to Maccles- 
 field, on Gosling's account, I saw this Woman [Marsland], and was verj^ much 
 shocked at her appearance. The weather being extremely cold, and having little 
 to eat, she had been very ill ; but some of her- neighbours had subscribed 8a-. and 
 sent her; and Mr. Jones (the Gaoler) has been very humane to her, iti giving 
 her a little broth now and then ; for there is no allowance, not even fire, nor so 
 much as straw for a bed-^." 
 
 ^Cif" There is every reason to hope, as it is sincerely to be wished, that a ra- 
 dical and very beneficial change will ere long take place in the Town Gaol of 
 Macclesfield. 
 
 Neither the Act nor Clauses hung up. The Prison-rooms are dirty, and out of 
 repair. 
 
 * Sec my Tlemarl<3 on Peniancb Prison, in a following page; which is now humanely done away'by 
 Lord Arundel, and the wretched plate turned into an innocent niilk-ceDar. 
 
 t Mary Marsland -was dischaff^td the 4tli May KSOb, by a Rule of Court, under the IvOrd'sAct, without 
 payment of Debt or Costs. Margaret Ashton was discharged the 12tli May. The Plaint ifl's Attorney, on 
 being served with notice of Petition, and Schedule for Relief, under the Lord's Act, consented to^lischai^ 
 Jicr without putting her to the expence of prcbcnting a Petition to the Court.
 
 37* STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 MAIDSTONE. Kent. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Watson ; now IVilliam Cittbush. Salary, 3 00/. 
 
 Fees, see Table; and for Conveyance of Transports one shilling per mile each. 
 Garnish, 2*. %d. exacted by the Prisoners. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Lloyd ; afterwards Rev. Mr. Evans : now Rev. Mr. Shelton. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon to Debtors, Felons, &c. and that, heretofore, only on 
 
 alternate Sundays. But see Remarks, and the Note in page 376. 
 Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Coleman. 
 
 Salary, 75/. for this Gaol, (Debtors included,) and for the Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. 
 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c 
 
 1801, Sept. 22d, 
 
 - - 30 
 
 - - 70 
 
 1808, July 14th, 
 
 - - 51 
 
 - - 57 
 
 1804, Sept. 26th, 
 
 - - 2^ 
 
 - - 35 
 
 1809, July 19th, 
 
 - - 39 
 
 - - 56 
 
 1806, Aug. 14th, 
 
 - - 26 
 
 - - 54 
 
 1810, Aug. 22d, 
 
 - - 23 
 
 - - 53 
 
 1807, Sept. 8th, 
 
 - - 29 
 
 -- 38 
 
 1811, May 23d, 
 
 - - 51 
 
 - - 50. 
 
 Allowance, a half-quartern loaf every other day, and one quart of small beer 
 daily, for Prisoners of all descriptions. Whatever the Baker's bill amounts to 
 weekly for bread, one half of that sum is allowed for table beer : But, when 
 a Debtor has obtained his Sixpences, the allowance of bread is discontinued. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 From the Inscription, " C. Sloane, Architect," on a stone in front, it appears that 
 this Gaol was erected in I746. The Keeper's house separates the Debtors' Prison 
 from that of the Felons ; but he has no proper view of the Prison at large. 
 
 At the top of the Gaol is an alarm-bell. 
 
 For Men Debtors here are two court-yards. The upper one, 43 feet by 38, is 
 paved with flag-stones : the lower, which is q6 feet by 48, has a hard gravelled 
 bottom. They have likewise a common day-room, of 26 feet by 19. 
 
 The Women Debtors have no court-yard, and only one room, 13 feet by 10. 
 
 On the first floor are eight spacious rooms for Debtors, opening into a lobby, 
 6 feet 2 inches wide. Masters'-Side Debtors pay l*. 2rf. per week : Those who have 
 a room to themselves pay 2s. (id. and here is one handsomely furnished, for which a 
 Prisoner has paid five shillings per week. 
 
 The Common-Side Debtors have two rooms, of 26 feet by 19 each, called, by a 
 singular fancy, the " Pennyless lizards," because each poor Debtor who sleeps there 
 pays one penny per week.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 373 
 
 The Debtors are allowed by the County three chaldrons of coals a year; and 
 child-bed-linen is also provided at the County exjX'nce. 
 
 The Injirnuny has two rooms; one 20 feet by 18, the other 15 feet by 12; which 
 are, very improperly, built in the Common-Felons' coitrt-i/nrd, in the centre of the 
 Prison. The lower room had a barrack bedstead ; the upp-r was used as a store- 
 room for bedding, &c. and both have glazed windows, and fire-places. 
 
 At my visit, in 1809, I found that the following alterations had taken j)lace in the 
 Infirmary. The lower part is now converted into a reception-room for unclean 
 Prisoners, and supplied with a copper for warm water, and a tin slijjper-bath : The 
 upper room is furnished with beds and bedding, proper for sick persons; and both 
 apartments are well lighted and ventilated by three large windows. 
 
 Here is no regular Chapel; for want of which, the Debtors have Divine Service 
 performed to them in a lobby room. Of the Felons I shall speak presently. 
 
 Master' s-Side Felons have a court-yard, 42 feet by 18, and a day-room of \6 feet 
 by 13; with eight sleeping-rooms, nearly the same size; two of which front the 
 street. They are furnished with wooden bedsteads without curtains, feather-beds, 
 and bedding, at 2*. 6d. per week, and have two or more beds in each room. But, 
 if a Prisoner has a room to himself, the charge is five shillings per week. 
 
 §lCf' The wall being three feet thick, tiie light and air are still further obstructed 
 at the windows, both of Debtors and Felons, by wooden bars, three inches and a half 
 broad, instead of single iron bars. 
 
 The Common-Side Felons' court-yard is 47 feet by 29. They have also a day- 
 room, 15 feet 6 inches by 12 feet 6. Their sleeping-wards, on the ground-floor, are 
 six rooms, of the average size of 14 feet by 1 2 ; and each contains a barrack bedstead, 
 for five Prisoners, which are judicio\isIy made to turn uj), as is done every morning; 
 not only to give a fresher circulation of air, but for the purj)ose of sweeping and 
 washing the rooms. These Prisoners are allowed a straw-in-sacking bed each, with 
 two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The Women-Felons have a court-yard, of about 18 feet by 12, with a pump, and 
 a sewer in one corner ; and arc;ides for air and exercise. Also a day-room, 20 feet 
 by 16, and two lodging rooms, about the same size. The bedding here is like that 
 on the Male-Felons' Side, for such as pay 2v. 6d. per week. 'J'hose who cannot 
 pay for beds have straw-in-sacking, with two blankets and a rug each. 
 
 Felons are allowed by the County thirteen chaldrons of coals yearly. Convicts, 
 under sentence of transportation, in addition to the County Dole, have the King's 
 Allowance of 2.s. (ut. per week, till their removal. 
 
 In this Gaol there are two horrid Dungeons, of 12 feet square, and totally dark, 
 assigned for the Condenmed Prisoners ; the descent to which is by eleven steps : 
 And here it was, that in almost all my visits, (not likely to be soon forgotten,) I 
 found men confined, for robbing their Fellow-prisoners in the Gaol ! At my last visit 
 there were two, of this very depraved description, shut up together ; nor do I indeed
 
 570 ^JA7Ff 9J^ PRISONS 
 
 recollect to have ever been liere without seeing some one so detained. Surely this must 
 seein to argue some reprehensible degree of neglect, as to mjitters of .religious attention. 
 The duty of Divine Service, for many years past, hiis , been generally performed 
 to Debtors and Felons on alternate Sundays, i ha,ve been infprmed that at some 
 times, previous to the appointment of Mr. Evans, the late Chajjlain, no such 
 service, no mental guardianship vvliatsoever, had taken place for six weeks or two 
 months together. 
 
 And, even now, in what a manner, and where is the .solemn business performed? 
 Prayers are read, and a Sermon delivered by the Cliajjlain qf this County Gaol, 
 upon the landing of the stair-case, to the Criminals, who are stationed ivithin the 
 Iron Gate; but scarce one-third of them can either see the Minister, or hear the Ser- 
 vice. The Women Felons have long had no religious attentions of any kind paid to 
 them, nor any opportunity of joining in the service, although some are confined here 
 for years together. Nay, even those Convicts, who lie un.der sentence of death, are 
 brought forth into a small open court-yard, and the Minister prays by them 
 from the Keeper s back-room. Yet, this is the populous Prison of a most respectable 
 ^nd opulent County ; — and thus I exonerate my mind upon the subject *. 
 
 The Common-Side Felons, &c. of this Gaol are some of the most miserable beings 
 imaginable, squalid, dirty, and in rags. No discrimination of turpitude is duly 
 observed. The Prisoners here frequently rob each other; and particularly those 
 Deserters, who occasionally stay but a few days, are sure to lose any money they may 
 have about them. One of this description lost ten pounds, and another had a pair 
 of new shoes taken from him. Young Novices in transgression, and notorious 
 Offenders, are blended in a nrass of mutual and inevitable injury to each other. In 
 short, the Prison in question is a discredit to the County; and I hope I am assured 
 upon good grounds, that a New Gaol is intended to be soon built ; which, like that 
 just finished at Canterbury, may obliterate the remembrance of its Predecessor, and 
 do honour to all who shall be concerned in so beneficial an improvement. 
 
 The following is a copy of the old Table of Fees, hung up in the Gaol. 
 Kent, to wit, 
 A Table of Fees, to be taken by the Gaoler at Maiihtone ; settled at the General 
 Ouarter Sessions, holden on Thursday the 12th day of July, in the 22d Year of 
 George II. and in the year I750, pursuant to the direction of the statute in that 
 behalf provided. 
 
 For ihe discharge from the said Gaol of every Prisoner committed for s. d. 
 treason, felony, or any offence against his Majesty's Peace, to the Gaoler 
 or Keeper --- ----- ------- -.-134 
 
 * Since the drawing up of my short /statement of Maidstone Gaol for the last edition, in 1808, of my 
 " Account of Prisons for Deblurs," I have recently been informed, by a letter from the Gaoler, tl»at 
 Divine Service is at present performed eveiy Sunday morning at nine o'clock, to the Criminals, in which 
 the Woni(?n have an opportunity of joining ; and likewise, that to the Debtors it is performed eveiy 
 Sunday evening, at seven o'clock ; so that the Sacred Duty is now regularly attended to in the Gaol 
 twice on every Lord's day.
 
 TN ENGLAND, SCO! I. WD, AND WALLS. jfi'j^ 
 
 s. d. 
 To the Turnkey, on Commitment of every such Prisoner ----- 1 o 
 To ditto, on the Discharge of every sucli Prisoner ---_.-. jq 
 On the Commitment, or coming into Gatil, of evejy Prisoner in any Civil 
 
 Action, to the said Gaoler or Keeper - - -,-- - - - - ^ o 
 
 On the Discharge of every such Prisoner, to the said Gaoler or Keeper - 7 lo 
 And to the Turnkey ------------ .-__ifi 
 
 For liie use of bed, bedding, and sheets, for each of the said last-mentioned 
 
 Piisoners, on the Master's-Side of the said Prison, for the first night, 
 
 to tlie said Gaoler or Keeper ------_----_06 
 
 And for every night after the first ------------ o 3 
 
 And if two such Prisoners lie together in one bed, then each - - - - 'J 
 
 For every such Prisoner, as shall chiise to be on the Master's-side, for the 
 
 use of the bed, bedding, and sheets, the first night --_--., 06 
 For every night after the first ---.---_-. _..o3 
 But, if two such Prisoners lie together, then two-pence each - - - o 4 
 
 If any such Prisoner, through poverty, can oidy provide a couch, then 
 
 to the said Gaoler or Keeper for chamber-rent, per week * - - - - o i 
 
 July 12th, 1750, Seen and allowed by us, 
 
 Wm. Turner. P. Botelek. Ed. Austen. 
 
 Hkrb'. Palmer. Ja^. Calder. W .m. Champness. 
 
 Here were, till l8oj), no Rules and Orders. No employment is now furnished : 
 no Regulations as to the quantity of liquors, which Prisoners may receive by sinister 
 means. No books were heretofore provided for the Visiting Magistrates, Chaplain 
 and Surgeon to enter their Remarks in, for the better ordering of tlieir important 
 concern ; but, in my last visit, I found this deficiency properly supplied. 'I'he Sur- 
 geon now regularly sets down the name and disease of every sick Prisoner, together 
 with what medicines, extra diet or clothing, are necessarily administered, accordinof 
 to his discretion. 
 
 Cupboards have lately been put up in the Debtor.s' rooms, to secure their pro- 
 visions; and an alarm-bell is fixed in the Women's Ward, in case of sudden illness, 
 or fire. A night-chair also is placed in each of the Debtors' <vards, and one room is 
 now set apart for their Infirmary. 
 
 Weights, scales, and measures, have been recently provideil ; so that each Prisoner 
 may see that the allowance of bread, beer, &c. is f;iirl\- tk-ali out to them. 
 
 To this Gaol, the Earl of Ronmey and his family have annually, for thirty years 
 past, given five guineas at Christmas, for the benefit of the Prisoners in general. 
 
 The High Sheriff also gives two guineas, and his Under-Sheriff one guinea^, 
 at each Assize. 
 
 * Called the Pennyless Ward. 
 
 3 t:
 
 37S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Prisoners are discharged from hence in a morning ; but have no money, to carry 
 them home, and thus prevent an immediate recurrence to such acts of depredation, 
 as may speedily consign tliem back to their late abode. 
 
 The Gaoler appears to be a humane Man ; and every beneficial tendency to an 
 improved arrangement, cannot but render the execution of his arduous office more 
 respectable in itself, and infinitely more comfortable to the many under his care. 
 
 The Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners is not hung up: but the Clauses 
 against their use of Spirituous Liquors are duly exhibited, in the entrance of the Gaol. 
 
 It is with pleasure I can inform my Readers, that since these pages were written, 
 it has been determined upon to build a New Gaol, House of Correction, and Courts 
 of Justice, upon a very large plan, every way worthy of so opulent and respectable a 
 County : and that Fees and Garnish are then to be abolished. 
 
 MAIDSTONE. 
 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, John Downe ; afterwards Daniel Kingsnorth ; now Thomas Ohitl. 
 Salary, 50/. and five chaldrons of coals yearly for the Keeper's house, and 
 
 the Prison. 
 Fees, Felons, 13*. 4<f. Misdemeanors, 6*. 8r?. Faulty Servants, 4*.S(f. No Table. 
 Garnish, not yet abolished, 2a'. 
 
 Chaplain, none. Divine Service never performed here, nor any religious atten- 
 tions paid whatever; although Prisoners are sometimes committed hither for 
 so long a term as two years. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Coleman. 
 
 Salary, for this Prison, and the County Gaol, 75/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, 22d Sept. 32. 1804, 2Gth Sept. :^o. 1807, 8th Sept. 14. 
 1808, J4thJuly, 29. 1809, igth July, 35. 1810, 22d Aug. 52. 
 
 Allowance, a half quartern loaf each, in two days, to those who do not work ; aotj 
 to those who work, five half quartern loaves per week. Np beer.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 37<» 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Men's court-yard in this nriclcwell is ;-,4 feet by 42, ])avecl with fla<T-stone9 ; 
 ami lias a pump in it, with a sewer in one corner. Their day or niess-rooni is 
 12 feet by 8; with afire-place, benches to sit upon, and shelves for provisions. 
 
 They have also two sleeping-rooms on the ground floor: ore, called the I'pper 
 Ward, 22 feet by l6, has straw-in-sacking beds on the floor; no bedding whatever; 
 and two iron-grated windows, which look into the court. F-leven Prisoners slept 
 in this room. 
 
 The Lower Ward, I'j feet by l6', has barrack beds, with straw-in-sacking, but 
 no bedding. The iron-grated windows look into a narrow passage, f) feet wide, 
 and 21 feet long. In this t\velve Prisoners slept. 
 
 The Men's Infirmary, which is likewise on the ground floor, and in size 15 feet 
 by 12, has two wooden turn-up bedsteads, with flock beds, two blankets, two 
 sheets, and a rug each. 
 
 The Women have a court-yard, paved with flag-stones, 42 feet by 36 ; the door 
 of which has a cylinder, and opens into the narrow passage above described. Their 
 day or mess-room is 8 feet by 7, with a fire-place and copper. Their sleeping-room, 
 21 feet by 16, has straw-in-sacking laid on the floor, but no bedding. Six Women 
 slept here. 
 
 Their Infirmary room is up stairs, above the Men's Infirmary, and of tlie same 
 size, with'two grated and glazed windows, and afire-place. When this room is not 
 occupied by the sick, the barrack beds are furnished by the Keeper with bedding, 
 for those who can pay him 2*. 4rf. a week. 
 
 If a Prisoner is sick, the Surgeon has a discretionary power to order a better re- 
 gimen, or clothing, as he deems needful ; which is humanely allowed by tiie 
 County. 
 
 In tlie Women's court-yard, (and seven steps under ground,) are two loathsome 
 Vungcuns, 15 feet by 10, and 6 feet 6' inches high, totally dark, for confining the 
 refractory. Thev give, indeed, no inadequate idea of Peiiiteufiari/ Retirement. 
 
 Nine Prisoners, and a little boy just sent in, were heuvlli/ ironed, at onetime 
 when I was here. Upon my enquiring the cause of such unusual rigour, the Keeper 
 informed me " that he made it a constant practice to put every new-comer into irons ; 
 whicVi, if they behaved well for some time, he took ofl." At my visit in 1804, 
 few were either manacled or fettered: but in 1807 I found they were all again in 
 irons ; and amongst them, I recollect, was one man committed for bastard}'. 
 
 The Gaoler's house, till lately, commanded no view of any part of the Prison. 
 If this were the cause of his official rigour, it is hoped that a remedy has been
 
 380 Sl'ATE OF PR1.>50N,S 
 
 provided; for in l8u8, I found a window made, through which the Keeper has a 
 command of the Men's court. Indeed, the whole Prison is now put under better 
 regulation ; and lenity, in some degree, has su])plied the place of severit)^ 
 
 For manv years a great part of this Prison has been rented of the Keeper by 
 Mr. Blundell, a Weaver in the Town, at lO/. per annum ; and here he has a work 
 I'oom, of 28 feet by iG, the three windows of which look into the Men Criniinals' 
 court. In this room are nine hemj)-blocks, and the Prisoners are occasionally 
 employed in beating hemp, making sacks, and picking oakum; but they receive 
 no part of their earnings. Above stairs are store-rooms, the whole length of the 
 Prison, in which Mr. Blundell deposits the rough materials used in his business. 
 
 This Bridewell is white-washed twice a year; and the whole Prison kept clean. 
 
 Prisoners are discharged in a morning, but have no money issued, to carry tiiem 
 safely home. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of health is not hung up; but the prohibitory Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors are placed in the Keeper's house. 
 
 ^:3' Since writing the above account, the Keeper by letter acquaints me. That 
 " a iieiv Chapel is taken from what is here called the Lmig IFcirehoiise, where the 
 Rev. Mr. Skelton attends Service once a week. A new sleeping-ward, and likewise 
 an hospital is provided for the Women. The Men's work-room is now divided into 
 two sleeping-wards; and the walls of the court-yards have been white-washed." 
 
 MALT()N. Vorkshire,. 
 The Town GaoL 
 
 Keeper, the Constable. No Salarv. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, called by some " 77/e Black Hole,'' is a small, narrow-arched place, 
 of about J 7 feet by G leet 3 inches. 
 
 'I'he Men and Women are kept separate during confinement here, and are brought 
 from the North-Riding House of Correction to the Sessions in this Town, which 
 are held once in two years. The Keeper furnishes his Prisoners with victuals from 
 the Publick house adjoining. 
 
 The only ventilation which the rooms of this Gaol can receive, is through an iron 
 grating in each door, about 7 inches square. They have barrack bedsteads, which 
 are supplied with straw every three or four months. On the 31st August, l802, 
 I found no Prisoners here.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALFS. §§n 
 
 MANCHESTER. Laiicashire. 
 The New-BaUeif. 
 
 Gaoler, Jf'lUiam Diinsfav. Salary, 300/. with coals and candles. 
 
 T;isk-Master, Thomas Ilutton. Salary, 50/. and a-sixthof the Prisoners' earnings. 
 
 Turnkeys, three ; at one guinea each per week. 
 
 §,CI° These Salaries to the different Officers are j)ai(l by the Hundred of 
 Salford. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr, Cheek ; now Rev. Mr. DalUs. Salary, 30/. 
 Duty, Prayers and a Lecture on Tuesdays, and Fridays. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Richard Naufan. Salary, 40/. and Medicines provided by the 
 Hundred of Salford. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Oct. 4th, 164. iSoSr Oct. 2:th, 71. 1809, Nov. 9th, 79. And 
 
 One Lunatick. 
 
 Allowance, Every day. Breakfast and Supper, a quart of oatmeal porridge, and 
 
 lialf a pound of bread each at meal to every Prisoner. 
 Sunday, Dinner, half a j)ound of boiled beef, half a pound of bread, 
 
 and one pound of potatoes, or other vegetables. 
 Monday, Ditto, a quart of vegetable, or pease soup, from the beef 
 
 of Sundaj'. 
 Tuesday, four ounces of cheese, and half a pound of bread. 
 Wednesday, a <]uart of rice and oatmeal porridge, and half a pound 
 
 of bread. 
 Thursday, the same as Sunday. 
 Friday, the same as Monday. 
 Saturday, ox-head, and shin-bones, made into a stew. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Xew-Bailey Prison was first inhabited in the year 17S8. It is properly sur- 
 rounded by a boundary wall, 100 yards square; which stands at such a distance, as 
 to afford a convenient Kitchen Garden, to supply the Prison with vegetables. 
 
 The 'J'urnkey's lodge, in front, has four reception-rooms for Prisoners, and 
 another room, with a warm and cold bath ; in which they are washed, the County 
 clothing put on, and their own clothes purified, ticketed, and hung up. Over tlris 
 lodge in front, is the Examining-Magistrates' room, which opens into a very neat
 
 382 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Sessions-house, or New-Bailey Court-house; in the front pannel of which is 
 " The Magistrates' Oath," painted in golden letters. 
 
 The Reverend If\ R. Hai/ is the appointed Chairman of the Quarter Sessions, 
 with a Salary of 400/. per annum. 
 
 In the centre of the Prison is the Gaoler's house. There are nine airy court- 
 yards : viz. two for Men Felons before their Trial ; two for Men Felons after Trial ; 
 two for Male Bridewell Prisoners ; one for Women Felons ; one for Female Bride- 
 well Prisoners ; and one for convicted Female Felons. 
 
 On the fvround-Hoor are fourteen solitary cells, 8 feet by 6, and 7 feet 10 inches 
 high; each having a small aperture over the door, for the admission of a glim- 
 mering light, and air. At each end, and down 10 steps, is a Dungeon, 8 feet by 
 6 feet 8, and 7 feet IG inches high : These have each an iron-grating over the door, 
 of 21 inches by 14 ; and double doors, the outer one iron-grated, the inner of wood. 
 This range of cells is separated from the court-yard by a lobby 4 feet wide, and 
 they have a warming flue running through them. 
 
 In the different court-yards are sixty-six fJ^orhshops ; where all the Prisoners are 
 employed in weaving, batting of cotton, carding, &c. &c. 
 
 On the first story of the building, the Chapel is in the centre: into which four 
 Wards respectively open ; so that the sexes are completely separated, and out of 
 sight of each other. 
 
 In each ward are eleven sleeping-cells, 8 feet by 6, well ventilated, and divided 
 each from the others by a passage or lobby 5 feet wide: at the end of which there is 
 a plentiful supply of water, with soap and towels for the use of the Prisoners, who 
 are required to wash themselves before each meal ; and, if they come dirty, are sent 
 away without it. 
 
 On the second story are four wards, with eleven cells in each, the same as those 
 below them, already noticed. Three rooms also are set apart for the sick, of 24 feet 
 by 18, with three beds in each, and a Dispensary furnish.ed with Medicines. Each 
 Prisoner has a separate bed ; the frame of which is iron, with a wooden frame upon 
 it, a hair mattress, a sheet, (changed every other week,) two or three blankets, and 
 a rug. 
 
 On a detached part of the New Bailey there are fourteen work-cells, added since 
 the Prison was first built. The total number of sleeping-cells is one hundred and 
 thirty. 
 
 The hours of work are from six in the morning to six in the evening, during the 
 Sunmier, antl from eight to eight in the Winter ; allowing half an hour to breakfast, 
 and one hour for dinner. Each Prisoner has one-third of the earnings gained, 
 upon producing a certificate of his or her good behaviour to the Magistrates, signed 
 by the Keeper and Chnplain : and some of them have received from ten to fifteen 
 pounds each ; part of which is laid out in purchasing such articles of wearing ap- 
 parel as the Prisoner stands in need of.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 383 
 
 The amount of earnings is, uj)on an average, nine pence per day : their diet 
 stands in about six pence halfpenny a day, and the overplus is accounted for to the 
 Treasurer. The expence of maintenance, and of earnings, from the 27th of April 
 to the 19th of July, 1803, was as follows: 
 
 Expence of Maintenance. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Butcher's Bill --- ___38l9 1I 
 
 Baker's Ditto - - - _ 
 Meal, Peas, and Salt - - 
 Rice, Soap, &c. - - - 
 Cloth, for Clothing 
 Vegetables from the Garden 
 
 163 
 Cl 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 9 
 
 18 18 
 6 7 
 
 Exceeds in Earnings ----------91 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 ^•394 14 7. 
 
 Earnings. 
 Produce of Work - - - - - 
 Sundry Provisions on hand - - 
 By Deserters' Subsistence 
 
 3S2 
 
 7 16 7 
 4 18 
 
 ^•394 14 7- 
 
 The earnings in 1801, amounted to 
 And in 18043 to - - - - - - 
 
 81^ 
 991 13 4 
 
 The Statement for 1805, is added, to introduce the explanation given of it. 
 
 1>. by Maintenance. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 C'. by Earnings. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 1805, January Quarter 2S0 2 6 
 
 Aj)ril Ditto - - 144 H 
 
 July Ditto - - 181 11 6 
 
 October Ditto - -203 I 
 
 Total, ^.810 15 11 
 Deficient - - - 108 4 10 
 
 1805, January Quarter - 237 10 
 
 April Ditto - - - 247 8 3 
 
 r- July Ditto - - - 213 16' 2 
 
 October Ditto - - 220 (i 4 
 
 Total, .^.919 9. 
 
 ^•919 9. 
 
 The reason assigned by Mr. Dunstan, the Gaoler, for the earnings being less 
 than the maintenance, was tji^ ;stngDBtioR \xi the CoUon. Manufactory at that time.
 
 384 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Here is an excellent kitchen, fitted up and furnished with every article for simple 
 frugal cookery. A Man Cook dresses the provisions, and serves out each Prisoner's 
 allowance. There is water over the three boilers, and in each court-yard, to which 
 every Prisoner has access. The sewers communicate with the common drain. 
 
 The Act for the Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 are conspicuouslv hung up. The whole Prison is white-washed twice a year, or 
 oftener, if required; and the Gaoler seems very attentive to promote cleanliness, 
 industry, and good order. 
 
 The humanity and liberality of tlie gentlemen in the opulent and respectable 
 Hundred of Sal ford, is conspicuous in every department of the Prison Police. 
 
 And here, (perhaps for the last ojiportunity in my very uncertain life,) let me 
 repeat, that I beg the Magis-trates of Manchester and its vicinity will please to accept 
 my grateful acknowledgements for the honour done me, in paying such attention to 
 my former Remarks on the Workhouse, and Lunaticks there ; and for the great im- 
 provements which, in consequence, have been so liberally and humanely ordered. 
 
 MUSSELBURGH. Scotland. 
 
 Gaoler, William Robertson ; keeps a Publick-House. 
 
 Salary, 5*'. per week, from the Town. Fees, 4c?. per night. No Table. 
 
 Surgeon, from the Town, when wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Criminals. 
 
 l802, Sept. 17th, -_----o-------l. 
 
 1809, Sept. 23d, - -----1-------1. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, gd. to 1*. 6d. a day. Criminals, 6d. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is over the guard-house, and has on the first floor a large room for 
 Debtors, with two iron-barred windows towards the Street. At the end is a room 
 for Criminals, about 9 feet by 6, with straw on the floor, and lighted by a pane of 
 glass in the roof. Over these is a room the length of the building ; the boarded floor 
 very rotten and unsafe. It has four iron-grated windows, and an offensive sewer. 
 
 No court-yard. No water. Very dirty; never whitewashed. The Act and 
 Clauses not hung up. 
 
 Over the door of the Magistrates' room is this Inscription : 
 
 " Magistrates! do Justice in the Fear of Godr. 
 He that God doth fear. 
 Will not to Falseliood lend an Ear."
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. M5 
 
 MARLBOROUGH. IViltshire. 
 The County Bridewell, and Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, fVilliam Alexander. Salary, 70/. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Tucher. Salary, 20I. Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays. 
 
 Surgeons, Messrs. Pinghenny and Morris. Salary, 10/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 180I, Dec. 13tli, 19. 1806, Oct. l6tli, 16. 
 
 Allowance, one pound twelve ounces of best bread per day each, in loaves sent 
 from the Bakers; which I have regularly found to be of full weight. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was first inhabited in 1787. 
 
 For men here is a court-yard, of 72 feet by 36; and two day-rooms on tlie 
 ground floor, about 21 feet by 9, with a fire-place in each, and two iron-grated 
 windows; and two sleeping-rooms above them, of the same size. One of these is 
 used as a Chapel, and has two beds in it ; the other has six beds laid on the floor, 
 with straw-in-sacking cases, and one blanket each. 
 
 For Women here is also a court-yard, 29 feet square; a day-room, 29 feet by 
 15, with fire-place, &c. and a room above, of the same size, divided into two, for 
 sleeping-rooms, supplied with straw-in-sacking beds, and a blanket. 
 
 In 1791, a new court-yard was added, and six cells were built over arcades, in 
 the area of it; each cell 10 feet by 6, and 8 feet 9 inches high, with an iron- 
 grated window, of 30 inches by 18, and an aperture in each door, 6 inches by 4; 
 ventilated also by a circular grating in the floor, and another in the cieling of each. 
 These cells have iron-framed bedsteads, with straw-in-ticking bed, and a blanket 
 to each. A small stone trough is in one corner of each cell, to which water is laid 
 on by a pipe and cock. 
 
 At my visit in 1801, three Men-Prisoners were in the above cells, very ill of a 
 typhus fever ; and, what I could not but think improper, two of them were in one 
 cell, although several of the other cells had no Prisoners at the time. 
 
 The arcades underneath are very convenient for them in wet weather. A large 
 tub, for a bath, had been usually placed there; but, on my visit in 1S06, I found 
 it very judiciously removed to a room over the Women's day-room. 
 
 There is a sewer in every court yard, and the whole Prison is well supplial with 
 water, and kept very clean. 
 
 The Act for Preserving Health was not hung up; and the Clauses against Spi- 
 rituous Liquors were so defaced, as to be scarcely legible. 
 
 No employment is provided ; but when any can be procured, the Prisoners whp 
 work receive one Imlf of their earnings. ' 
 
 3 D
 
 386 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 MARSHALSEA. Southwarh, London. 
 
 Knight-Marshal, Sir James-Bland Burgess, Bart. Salary, 500Z, 
 
 Substitute, Mr. pniUam Jenkins. Salary, 60/. Fees, 10*. \od. See Table. 
 
 Licence for beer, ale, and tobacco. Sjnrituous Liquors are prohibited, and an 
 
 Order to that effect is painted on the door. The Tap is let. 
 Garnish, called " Ward Dues," for coals, &c. 1*. 4</. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Arthur WilUam Trollope, A, M. who officiates by his 
 
 Deputy, Rev. Mr. Webster. 
 
 Duty, Prayers only, once every Sunday. 
 
 Salary, Mr. Webster receives one shilling from every Debtor, on discharge. 
 See Table. The amount of his stipend, for the last three years, has only 
 been 34/. 7«. Admiralty Prisoners pay nothing. 
 
 Surgeons, Messrs. Saumarez and Dixon ; now Mr. Phillips. 
 
 Salary, one shilling on the discharge of every Debtor. See Table. Admiralty 
 Prisoners pay nothing. 
 
 (;, Number of Prisoners, 
 
 ,^ Debtors. Adiu. I'lisoners. Debtors. Adin. Prisoners. 
 
 1806, March 28th, - - 56 - - 7. 
 
 1800, April 15tb, - - .^0 - - 8. 
 
 1801, Dec. 7th, 36" - - 4. 
 
 1802, Dec. 2d, 34 - - 4. 
 
 1803, May 28th, - - 47 - - 7. 
 
 1804, Jan. 7th, - - 50 - - 0- 
 
 1805, March iGth, - - ^q - - y. 
 
 1807, July 2d, 57 - - 8- 
 
 180S, Feb. 26th, 68 - - 10. 
 
 1809, June 16th, - - 74 - - 12. 
 
 ISIO, July 16th, 6-0 - - 16. 
 
 1811, April nth, - - 67 - - 17. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none whatever. But see Remarks on Legacies, &c. 
 Admiralty Prisoners, if Officers, have one shilling a day : Foremast Men, six- 
 pence a day, paid in money, on petition to the Admiralty ; and likewise 
 clothing, if wanted. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 To this very ancient Prison of the Court of the Marshalsea, and of the King's 
 Palace-Court of Westminster, are brought Debtors, arrested for the lowest sums, any 
 where within twelve miles of the Palace, except in the City of London. 
 
 King Charles L in the sixth year of his Reign, by his Letters Patent, erected a 
 New Court of Record, called the Curia Palatii, or " Palace-Court," to be held 
 before the Steward of the Household, the Knight-Marshal, and the Steward of the 
 Court, or his Deputy ; with Jurisdiction to hold Plea of all manner of Personal 
 Actions whatsoever, which may arise between parties within the above-said 
 distance from his Majesty's Palace at Whitehall.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. aWT 
 
 This Court, together with the ancient Court of Admiralty, is now held once a 
 wetk ; namely, on every Friday, in King-street, within the Borough of Southwark. 
 And, as the nature of it cannot be matter of general notoriety, I avail myself of 
 the following detail, which has been given me by a well-informed friend. 
 
 " These Courts are chiefly useful, as affording a ready and expeditious 
 Jurisdiction for the recovery of Debts under ten pounds; But they may hold 
 plea of Actions above that sum, to any amount, and liave jurisdiction in all per- 
 sonal Actions, as Debt, Trespass, Assault, &c. They are both of them Courts of 
 Record, and were formerly held separate; but are now united, and the Process from 
 them issues in the name of the Palace. 
 
 Actions from this Court are generally brought in the following Cases : 
 
 1. When the Debt or Damages to be recovered are not thought considerable 
 enough to warrant the parties incurring the expence of bringing them in the sujie- 
 rior Courts ; as in actions not amounting to Jive pounds. 
 
 2. Where the Plaintiff wishes to avoid delay, particularly during the vacations 
 of the superior Courts : for here, the continuances are from week to week, witliout 
 any vacations ; and judgment is generally had in three or four weeks. 
 
 3. In Actions of Trespass, or Assault, where the Plaintiff" wishes to avoid the 
 risk of paying Costs, for in this Court he is entitled to his Costs, upon obtaining 
 a verdict even for the smallest sum. The Statute of 22d and i^d Car. II. Ch.J). 
 which takes away Costs in those Actions, unless the Jury shall give forty sliillings 
 damages, does not extend to inferior Courts, and was enacted for the purpose, of 
 confining small actions to those inferior Courts. 
 
 4. When it is apprehended that several other writs may have been issued against 
 a Defendant, which altogether he may not be able to pay or bail ; as a Defendant, 
 arrested by process from this Court, may be discharged, on paying or bailing the 
 Debt for which he is arrested, without being subject to other detainers. 
 
 The proceedings in this Court are, in other respects, nearly the same with those 
 in the Court of King's Bench. The Jurisdiction, however, does not extend beyond 
 twelve miles from Whitehall, nor into the City of London ; but comprehends West- 
 minster and Southwark, and actions may be brought for sums to any amount. 
 If the Debt or Damages laid in the Declaration, be above ten pounds, the Defen- 
 dant may, if he thinks proper, remove the Record into any of the superior Courts ; 
 which, however, is seldom done, unless in cases of importance, as the removal is 
 attended with considerable expence to the Defendant. But if the Debt or Damages 
 be under ten pounds, the cause cannot be removed, unless the Defendant shall 
 become bound, with two sufficient Sureties, by a recognizance *\f Jiftij pounds 
 each, (in the nature of bail in error,) to pay the Debt and Costs recovered ; nor 
 are the Bail at liberty to surrender the Defendant in their discharge, but must 
 absolutely pay the money, on judgment being obtained ; and where the Debt
 
 8«« STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 or Damages in the Declaration do not exceed Jive pounds, the cause cannot by 
 any means be removed from this Court. 
 
 In ordinary cases, the Taxed-Costs allowed to the parties in this Court, are the 
 full Costs incurred : And if an Action be commenced here, and then removed 
 by Habeas Corpus or Certiorari into the Courts of Westminster, the Plaintiff 
 shall have full Costs, although the Damages are under forty shillings. 
 
 If a cause should proceed to trial, the common Costs, (on verdict for the Plaintiff, 
 where the Defendant has been served with a Copy of Process, and the General Issue 
 pleaded,) are about Jive or six pounds. 
 
 The Juries in this Court are selected from Westminster, and the four adjoining 
 Coimties, viz. Middlesex, Essex, Kent, and Surrey ; and are changed every fort- 
 night. 
 
 The Counsel and Attornies hold their places for life, and practice in the Courts 
 of Westminster ; in which it is necessary they should be admitted, before their 
 admission into the Marshalsea and Palace Court. 
 
 Actions are not tried in this Court^br Debts under Jorty shillings ; and a Writ 
 of Error lies from hence to the Court of King's Bench. 
 
 But, if the cause be of any considerable consequence, it is usually removed (on 
 its first commencement, together with the custody of the Defendant,) either into 
 the King's Bench or Common Pleas, by a Writ of Habeas Corpus, cum causd. 
 
 The inferior business also of this Court has of late years been much reduced, by 
 the introduction of the New Courts of Conscience, erected within the environs of 
 London : In consideration of which, the four Counsellors belonging to the united 
 Marshalsea and Palace Court had Salaries granted to them for their lives, by the 
 Statute of 23 Geo. II. Cap. 27." 
 
 This Prison is under the particular custody of a " Suhstitute" whose appointment 
 is from the Knight-Marshal of the King's household for the time being. The great 
 abuses practised under a Predecessor of this vicarious Officer, were reported to 
 Parliament by the well-remembered " Gaol Committee," in 1729 *. 
 
 * " The Generous Band, 
 
 Who, touch'd with Iniman woe, rediessive search'd 
 
 Into the Horrors of the gloomy Gaol ! 
 
 Unpitied, and unheard, where Misery moans, 
 
 Where Sickness pines ; where Thirst and Hunger bnrn, 
 
 And poor Misfortune feels the task of Vice! 
 
 O great Design ! if executed well, 
 
 With patient care, and wisdom-temper'd zeal. 
 
 Ye sons of Mercy ! yet resume the search : 
 
 Drag forth the legal Monsters into light : 
 
 Wrench from their hands oppression's iron rod, 
 
 And bid the crad feel the pains they give .'" THOMSON, Winter.
 
 I\ KNGI.AND, SCOTLAND, AND WA1,E><. 389- 
 
 FoF some time llie Marshalsea was held iiiuler lease by Mr. Cracklow, a Surveyor. 
 ^\lreatly one half of the structure had fallen into riiins ; and of the remainder it 
 might he almost said, with our great Bard, that 
 
 " Tlie Castle toppled o'er the Warder's Head." 
 
 It is not now let on lease, having been sold to Mr. Davis, a Back-maker; from 
 whom it is rented, until the new Prison is built. 
 
 The court-yard is spacious, and contains near fifty rooms, six of which only are 
 for Common-Side Debtors. If more of this description are here than the six rooms 
 can receive, at three in a room, others are allowed to accommodate them, from the 
 Master's-Side. There are two or three rooms for Women ; but, as here is only 
 one court-yard, Men and Women mix together in the day-time. 
 
 No Pirates liave been committed to this Prison since the year I789 ; but several 
 persons have been and still are committed in execution, under sentence of Courts- 
 Marshal, to sufier imi)risonment for a limited time ; and they are sent hither by 
 the Lords of the Admiralty, pursuant to such sentence. Of this description I have 
 found ivon\foitr to seventeen, at my several visits within the last twelve years. 
 
 Here is no Infirmary. The court-yard is well supplied with water. The Prisoners 
 sometimes employ themselves in cutting pegs for the Brewers, and are paid two 
 slnllings per thousand. 
 
 The Tap within the Prison, which heretofore was let to IFiUiam Matthews, a 
 Prisoner, at forty shillings per week, is now let at two guineas per week to 
 Ilezeluah Dcnhi/. 
 
 There are twenty new rooms, about 11 feet by 10, and Ji feet high, built in the 
 centre of the Prison, and also three somewhat larger, under the Court-IIouse. For 
 refractory Prisoners here are three strong cells, the middle one 10 feet lO by 8 feet 4; 
 and the two others, 8 feet 4 by 4 feet 10, with wooden bedsteads, raised about 
 2 feet C) inches from the floor. To these cells is attached a small court-yard, 
 28 feet f) inches by lO' feet, and separated from the Debtors by a brick-wall. 
 
 The average number of Prisoners, about thi'rty years ago, was 200, as appears by 
 the books : But since the Act of Ij) Geo. 111. Cap. 70, it has been reduced to 50. 
 
 The object of the Act for restraining Arrests under lO/. is, " That no person shall 
 be held to bail, or taken to Prison in the first instance, unless his Debt amount to 
 ten pounds." But a Creditor may still sue out a Writ for any sum above two 
 pounds, prosecute his action against the Debtor to a Judgment, and then take him 
 in execution for Debt and Costs, be that sum under or above ten pounds. 
 
 It IS not necessary, where there is a Judgment obtained, that the sum should 
 exceed lO/. : If it were so, a person having five or six pounds due to him would be 
 without a remedy. 
 
 If an action be originally brought in the Marshalsea Court, and removed to any 
 other by the Debtor, (for the C/w/<7or cannot remove it,) the. Plaintiff must ful-
 
 i96 STATE OF PRISON^ 
 
 low the removal, or lose his Debt: and when the said Creditor, or Plaintiff, has 
 obtained Judgment, the Debtor cannot be imprisoned in the Marshalsea, but in 
 the Prison of that Court where the Judgment was obtained. 
 
 §3^ '^^'■- Henry Allnutt, who was many years since a Prisoner here, had, 
 during his confinement, a large estate bequeathed to him. He learned sympathy 
 from his sufferings ; and left One Hundred pounds a year to discharge such poor 
 Debtors from hence, the payment or the com.position of whose debts does not exceed 
 Jour pounds. As he bound his Manor of Goring, in Oxfordshire, for charitable uses, 
 this is called " The Odford Charih/:' 
 
 In,17S6', there was a delay in the distribution of this Charity. The Court of 
 Chancery, on application marie, gave its directions. The arrears were paid up*; and 
 I have not heard of any complaint since. The present Trustees are Henry Hard- 
 ing, Esq. of Abingdon, and Mr. Henry Morland. 
 
 List of Legacies 
 To the Prison of the Marshalsea and Palace Courts. per Annum. 
 
 1 . The legacy of Henry Allnutt, Esq. for the release of Debtors, whose g£. s. d. 
 
 respective Plaintiff's will accept of a small sum, in full satisflic- 
 
 Uon (or Debt 2int\ Costs ---- 100 00 
 
 2. There is paid by the Treasurer of every County-town and Place 
 
 Corporate hi England and Wales, the sum of 20s. on the first day 
 of Trinity Term ; which is advanced monthly, at bl. per month : 
 out of which 105 per month are deducted by the receiver, as a 
 remuneration for his trouble - ---------65 00 
 
 •3. The legacy oi Frederick Ashjield, Esq. to provide 2 lbs. of meat per 
 week, for from ten to twenty Prisoners, is paid by Mr. W. Railton, 
 of Clifford's Inn. The meat is sent regularly every Saturday ; 
 and if there be any overplus of money at the end of the year, it 
 is laid out in coals .._-_-.--.--- 50 00 
 
 4. The leo-acy of Mrs. Frances Jsliton is 95/. per annum. (See the 
 
 Extract of her Will, " Ludgate Prison," page 367.) 
 
 5. The legacy of Dr. John. Felling is regularly paid by Messrs. Hoare, 
 
 Fleet-street .-..-900 
 
 6. The legacy of Sir Thomas Gresham, paid quarterly, by the Cham- 
 
 berlain of London, at per quarter, 2/. 10^. ------- ID 00 
 
 7. The legacj' of Mrs. Margaret Symcott, paid by the Chamberlain 
 
 of London, is 65 penny loaves every eight weeks, (Eleanor 
 Gwynn's gift). 
 
 i. The legacy of Mr. Jacob, left in 1C09, is paid yearly, by the pro- 
 prietors of the Grainge Inn, Carey-street, at Easter - - - - 2 
 
 9. The legacy of Mr. John Marks is, per annum, \l. and the interest 
 
 of 21/. 185. lOrf, S, S, Stock, paid by the Company of Mercers - 1 13 »
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 SjS| 
 
 10. The quantity of bread at^d vionei/ seitt by the Company of Lea- 
 
 thcrsellers, is, at the rate of Gs. Hd. quarterly ------ 
 
 1 1 . The legacy of Robert Rampston, Esq. is paid at Christmas Ijy Mr. 
 
 Buckeridge, Orchard-street, Portman-square ------ 
 
 12. The gift of JV. Roper, Esq. paid by the Company of Parish Clerks, 
 
 yearly ----------------- 
 
 13. The legacy of Mr. John Gaythornc, by the Company of Cutlers, 
 
 at Christmas ---------------o 
 
 14. The legacy of Mr. T. Dawson, paid by the Churchwardens of St. 
 
 Ethelburgh, Bishopsgate ----------- i 
 
 15. The legacies of Mrs. Lett ice Smith and Mr. Arthur Mouse, by the 
 
 Company of Fishmongers ■---------. ( 
 
 lo. The Company of Salters send annually -------- i 
 
 V7. The Gift of Mr. Thomas Cottle, paid by the Churchwardens of St. 
 
 Dunstan in the East, at Lady-day, yearly, is a quarter of beef, and 
 
 a peck of oatmeal. (See an Extract of the Will, " Ludgate 
 
 Prison," page 367.) 
 
 1807, 48 stone, 4 lbs. and a peck of oatmeal, 
 
 1808, 48 stone, and ditto. 
 
 1809, 39 stone, 4 lbs. and ditto. 
 
 1810, 20 stone, and ditto. 
 
 18. The Company of J3rapers send yearly sixty three penny loaves, 
 
 (Legacy of Mr. John Stokes.) 
 
 19. The Gift of Mr. Ralph Carter, is a quantity of l)eef, at Christmas, 
 
 paid by the Churchwardens of St. Andrew Undershaft. But 
 see an Extract of the Deed, " Giltspur-street," page 234, 
 line 23 — 25. 
 
 Per Annum. 
 £. s. d. 
 1 6 8 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 15 
 
 1801, 80 lbs. 
 
 1802, 84 lbs. 
 
 1803, 90 lbs. 
 
 1804, 46 1 lbs. 
 
 1805, 102 lbs. 1809, 100 lbs. 
 
 1806, 72 lbs. 1810, 100 lbs. 
 
 1807, 100 lbs 
 
 1808, 50 lbs. 
 20. The Company of Ironmongers send yearly, on the 1 5th November, 
 
 a quantity of beef and bread, the Gift of Mrs. Dane. 
 
 Beef. Bread. 
 
 1806, 2 St. 1 lb. 11 2d. loaves. 
 
 1807, 2 St. 1 lb. ditto. 
 
 1808, 2 St. 4 lbs. 14 6d. ditto. 
 
 1809, 2 St. 1 lb. 13 ditto. 
 
 1810, 1 St. 7 lb. 12 ditto. 
 
 The Petition is signed by the Prisoners, and beef and bread are sent 
 in propor iou to the number. 
 
 Beef. 
 
 Bread. 
 
 1801, 18 lbs. 
 
 14 2d. loaves 
 
 1802, ditto, 
 
 ditto. 
 
 1803, 17 lbs. 
 
 ditto. 
 
 1804, I4ilbs. 
 
 13 ditto. 
 
 1805, 21 lbs. 
 
 17 ditto. 
 
 8 
 S
 
 .$9.2 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 THE following Voluntary Donations bave generally been paid yearly. 
 
 Her late Royal Highness the Ducbess of Gloucester used to send at j:. s. J. 
 
 Christmas, yearly, two chaldrons of Coals : now discontinued, or 
 
 forgot. 
 His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose Donation is sent for 
 
 to Lambeth, a( Christvias ...--------- lOO 
 
 The Lord Steward of his Majesty's Household, per fl?iHZim, regularly 
 
 paid by Mr. Coster, at St. James's ---------- 550 
 
 The Steward, Deputy Prothonotary, Council, and Attornies of his 
 
 Majesty's Palace Court ------------- 53(5 
 
 Henry Thornton, Esq. M. P. for the Borough of Southwark - - - 3 3 
 
 Table of Fees to be taken at the Marshalsea Prison, on any Civil Action. 
 
 Settled 17th May, 1765. 
 
 To the Knight-Marshal, upon the discharge of every Prisoner charged s. d. 
 with one or more Actions -------------- 1 8 
 
 To the Keeper, for his care and safe custody of every Prisoner, upon the 
 
 discharge of such Prisoner, on the first Action -------48 
 
 To the Keeper, upon the discharge of such Prisoner, charged with one or 
 
 more Actions, after the first -------------3 8 
 
 To the Surgeon, or Apothecary, on discharge of every Prisoner, charged 
 
 with one or more Actions --------------10 
 
 To the Chaplain, on the like discharge ----------10 
 
 To the Turnkey, upon the discharge of every Prisoner, on the first Action 1 G 
 To the Turnkey, upon the discharge of every Prisoner, charged with one or 
 
 more Actions after the first ------------- I 
 
 To the Clerk, for entering the discharge of a Prisoner, on one or more 
 
 Actions ------------------- 10 
 
 To the Keeper, for the use of a bed, bedding, and sheets, for every Pri- 
 soner, if found by the Gaoler at the Prisoner's request, for the first 
 nio-ht, on the Master's-side of the said Prison --------06 
 
 And every night after the first night ---,.--.-03 
 And if two lie in a bed, 2<Z. each ------------04 
 
 No other fee for the use of chamber, bed, bedding, or upon the discharge 
 or commitment of any Prisoner on any Civil Action. 
 W. Richardson. MANSFIELD. 
 
 Elliot Bishop. C. PRATT. 
 
 Leonard Howard. T. PARKER.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 393 
 
 THE NEW MARSHALSEA PRISON, 
 
 Is situate in High-street, in the Borough of Southwark, near St. George's Church, 
 and was formerly the Gaol for the County of Surrey. I'he entrance-gate fronts the 
 street, and a small area leads to the Keeper's house. Behind it is a brick building, 
 the ground-floor of which contains fourteen rooms in a double row, and the three 
 upper-stories the same number; making in the whole 56 rooms, about 104- feet 
 square, and 8-i- feet high, with boarded floors, a glazed window and fire-place in 
 each, intended for Male Debtors. Nearly adjoining to this is a detached building 
 called the Tap, which has, on the ground-floor, a Beer Room, and another called 
 the Wine Room, for prisoners' and their friends' occasional resort. 
 
 The first floor is intended for the Tapster, and one Turnkey, from whose room 
 the window looks into the court-yard of tlie Admiralty Prisoners. The upper-story 
 has three rooms for Female Debtors, similar to those for the men. 
 
 Between this building and the Admiralty Prison there are two solitary cells, 
 J) feet by 6 feet 6, and 7 feet high, for refractory Debtors; and the iron gratings in 
 the doors look into a small court-yard. 
 
 Admiralty Prisoners are here separated from the ]3ebtors : they have a court -yard, 
 28 feet by 23, with sewers conveniently placed ; and two large rooms are to be made 
 into sleeping-cells. Here is a very good bath, with a large copper for warm -.vater. 
 
 At the extremity of this long range of building is a neat Chapel, with peWs and 
 forms for Debtors, separate from the Admiralty Prisoners. -, 
 
 The Prison is well supplied with water, but the Debtors' court-yard is too small 
 for the numbers generally confined here ; the whole area being only 177 feet by 56, 
 and the centre of it occupied by the Debtors' Prison and the Tap, so as to leave no 
 more than a narrow slip on each side, for air and exercise. It is in contemplation, 
 however, to make an addition to it, by the purchase of some land adjoining, 
 
 MELTON MOWBRAY. Leicestershire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper. Robert Gould. Salary, 4/. Fees, 1*. 
 
 Allowance, a threepenny loaf to each per day. 
 
 The Keeper has a small house, consisting of a room, a kitchen, pantry, and 
 three sleeping-rooms above; of which two are over the Bridewell. This contains 
 two small rooms, of 1 1 feet by 9 feet Q, and 7 feet 6' inches high. They have no 
 fire-place, but crib bedsteads, straw mat, and a rug each ; and are lighted and vcn- 
 tilattd by an iron-grated window, 2 feet 10 inches by 2 feet, with a hemp-block 
 fixed in them. The court-yard, or slip, isof ^l feet by 5, 
 
 There were no Prisoners at my visit in 1S05, Sept. 28th. 
 
 3E
 
 Z9^ STATE OF PRIS'ONS 
 
 MIDDLEWICH. Cheshire. 
 The County House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, WiUiarn Harrison ; now Samuel IVhitaker. 
 Salary, I50/. Fees, none. 
 
 Cliaplain, Rev. George Leigh. 
 
 Duty, Sermon on Sunday ; Prayers on Wednesday, and Friday. Salary, 25/. 
 
 Surgeons, Messrs. Beckett and Son. They make a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1801, Nov. 20th, 21. 1805, Oct. 13th, 26. 
 
 Allowance, six pounds of best wheaten bread, sent from the Baker's in loaves of 
 that weight every Thursday ; and one sixth of the value in bread to be given 
 each week in potatoes. Also 18/. per annum in coals, amongst the Pri- 
 soners, which in 1805 would purchase 29 tons. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The entrance to this Prison is from a narrow street, called Dog-Lane ; and the 
 small court in front, about 64 feet by 21, is well flagged with broad stones. 
 
 The Keeper s house is placed in the centre of the area, between the court-yards 
 No. 1, and 2 ; having a window pointing to each yard, by which means he com- 
 mands a full view, not only of all the Male Prisoners, but also of the cells, and of 
 the Women's court-yard. No. 4, which is destined for old offenders. 
 
 I shall here describe them in their order. 
 
 No. I. On the North- West side of the Keeper's house is a yard for Mule Prisoners, 
 about 47 feet by 40, well flagged, on an inclined plane ; in which are two working 
 or day-rooms, with fire-places and glazed windows, and in one of them are four 
 looms for the Prisoners to work at. Over these are two sleeping-rooms, with iron 
 bedsteads, straw -in-sacking, a bolster, and three blankets, the upper one brown. 
 In the centre of the yard is a pump, supplied from a spring. 
 
 No. II. On the South-East side of the Keeper's house is another yard, likewise 
 for Male Prisoners, of 72 feet by 36 ; with three sleeping-rooms on the ground floor, 
 which is paved with flag stone, and furnished with oaken barrack bedsteads, raised 
 about 2 feet from the floor, and with loose straw, and four blankets for two persons. 
 Each room is well ventilated by an iron grating, about 2 feet square, with inside 
 shutters, and adapted to contain nine Prisoners. Over these sleeping-rooms is the 
 Infirmary, lofty and airy, with opposite windows, for giving a free circulation. 
 
 At the upper end of the yard, near the Keeper's house, is a day or work-room, 
 about 30 feet by 21 ; at the bottom of which is a Shop, or Store-room ; and above
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND M'ALKS. 3«5 
 
 these a JocJgiDg-xopni, fur such Prisoners as jare allowed a bed ; and for >vhich they 
 pay two sliiUings jier week each. 
 
 At the lower end of the saiije yard is an ajiartmeiit, formerly used as the Chapel, 
 .but now a work-room ; over which is a laundry for the Keeper's domestick use. 
 There is also in this yard a leaden cistern, which is not only too small, but fre- 
 quently without water in dry weather; and a pump near it, supplied, from a well of 
 excellent water in Dog-Lane. 
 
 This last-mentioned yard is, about two thirds of it, jjartitioned off by a brick wall 
 7 feet high, with cast-metal palisades () feet long; at the top of which are iron 
 , spikes, projecting about 3 feet inwards, gid" This is a judicious and well-executed 
 contrivance, for keejiing the court-yard and house both airy and healthy. The other 
 part of the fence is of brick, 15 feet high, coped with stone, and surmounted v/ith 
 iron spikes. 
 
 No. III. On the other side of the last-mentioned yard are six suUlary cells, with 
 a well-flagged court, 43 feet by 21, and an excellent bath, lined with lead, 6" feet 
 in length, 3 feet 6 inches wide, and 5 feet deep, supplied from the cistern. Each 
 cell has a small area, of 15 feet by 7, and is itself 7 feet 10 by 6 feet 8, and 8 feet 
 high ; lined with strong oak planks 2 inches thick ; and, by the same means, each 
 bedstead is raised 18 inches from the floor. 
 
 No. IV. At the upper end of the court, and adjoin'.ng Nos. 2 and 3, is a yard for 
 female veteran offenders, about 56 feet long by 18, with a day or work-room, 
 24 feet by 18; at the end of which is a Dungeon, or sleeping-cell, on the ground- 
 floor, with an iron-grated window and inside shutter. This contains three bed- 
 steads, and will, upon occasion, accommodate nine Prisoners. Over these are 
 three rooms, generally occupied by sick Women, with fire-places and glazed win- 
 dows. In the court are a pump and sewer. 
 
 No. V. On the South side of the Prison is a court-yard for Women, 6l feet 
 by 44, and a large working or day-room, over which are two sleeping-rooms 
 with glazed windows ; and in the centre of the court a pump, supplied with spring 
 water by pipes, or wooden layers. 
 
 At the end of this court-yard is the Chapel, of about 14 feet by 22; with a 
 gallery for the Women, very neat and airy. The Men sit at the bottom of the 
 Chapel on forms or benches ; but the sexes are not out of sight of each other 
 during Divine Service, 
 
 The Chapel is likewise made use of at the Petty Sessions for the Hundred of 
 Northwich. 
 
 The Ejnploymcnt of the Prisoners conshts of wea\\ng, shoemaking, picking of 
 oakum, batting cotton, and spinning jersey ; and all of them, who formerly had
 
 396 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 but one third, have now one half of their earnings ; and the other half is accounted 
 for to the County. 
 
 When a Prisoner comes in ragged and dirty, he is stripped, and undergoes ablu- 
 tion in the bath ; the County clothing is then put on, his own clothes washed, 
 boiled in alum and water, mended, and laid by for him till he goes out. 
 
 The whole Prison is whitewashed at least twice a year ; the sleeping and day- 
 rooms, oftener ; and good water is accessible at all times. Every part of the building 
 is consequently very clean : Scales and weights are provided by the County ; and 
 I found the loaves supplied to the Prison of full weight. 
 
 All the court-yards here are well paved with flag-stone ; and being on an inclined 
 plane, soon become dry after wet weather, and are easily kept clean. 
 
 ^:3= The humane and very attentive Constable of Chester Castle was for many 
 years the Keeper of this Gaol. His faithful conduct, at length, has raised him to the 
 important trust which he now meritoriously discharges, as an excellent example to 
 his successors. Its influence here remains. The present Keeper of this County 
 Bridewell is both intelligent and active, and appears in all respects well calculated 
 for his situation. 
 
 Every attention is here paid by the considerate Magistrates, which the sorrows 
 and sufferings of wholesome confinement can require. 
 
 The average number of annual commitments to this Gaol appears to have been. 
 From 1785 to 17<)5, 137- 
 
 MONMOUTH. Toimi Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James Walkman ; afterwards irilUam Jarratt ; now TFilliam Jones ; a 
 SheriflT's Officer, and Serjeant at Mace. Salary, 9L No Fees. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Nov. 15th, 0. 1 803, Sept. 4th, 2. 1806, Sept. llth,0. 
 
 Allowance, four-pence a day in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol consists of two small rooms on the first floor, and a large one above, 
 very dirty : the straw on the floor worn to dust : an offensive sewer in one corner, 
 which the Keeper told me was emptied once a quarter. 'I'he whole Prison quite 
 filthy.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 397 
 
 MONMOUTH. 
 
 The County Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, T/i07??rt,« P/i/////w ; now his Widow. Salary, lOj/. 
 
 Fees, none; but the Under-Sheriff demands from every Debtor lO.v. Gd. for 
 
 his Liberate ! 
 For the Conveyance of Transports, jl. each. Garnish abohshed. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Powell. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Wednesday ; and Prayers on Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. William Puivell. Salary, 20^. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Debtor.^. Felons, &c. 
 
 ISOI, Nov. nth, - - 7 - - 6' 
 1802, Nov. 15th, - - 3 - - 11 
 
 1803, Sept. 5th, - - 1 - - 12 
 1806, Sept. nth, - - 3 - - 12. 
 Lunatick, 1 . 
 Allowance, to Debtors, who are paupers, one pound and a half of bread per day, 
 and one penny per day in money. 
 To Felons, the same allowance. 
 
 To House of Correction Prisoners, the like proportion of bread daily, and 
 one fourth of their earnings. 
 
 Those who are imprisoned for a term have the one pound and half of 
 bread per day only. The bread is sent in from the Baker's every other day, 
 in loaves of 3 lbs. weight. 
 
 Convicts under Sentence of Transportation have the King's allowance 
 of 2s. 6d. which is given to them in a three-penny loaf every day, and nine 
 pence a week in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This two-fold Prison has much the appearance of a Castle. It is situated on a fine 
 eminence. The boundary wall incloses about an acre of ground, given by the Duke 
 of Beaufort. The outer gate has on one side the Turnkey's lodge, and a small 
 room. On the other side are the wasli-house and oven, and cistern for soft water. 
 Up stairs are three cells, used as day-rooms for Prisoners under Sentence of 
 Death, 7 feet 6 inches each by 6 feet 6, and 9 feet high, well lighted and ventilated ; 
 and a room for the Turnkey to sleep in. Over these is a flat roof, where Criminals 
 are executed. The Gaol is in the centre of the area, and the Keeper's court-yard 
 and house front the Turnkey's lodge. 
 
 On the ground-floor are the Visiting Magistrates' room, two rooms for the Keeper, 
 and twelve sleeping-cells, 8 feet 9 by 6 feet, with glazed windows : five of these 
 cells are for Common-side Debtors ; to whom, as also to Criminal Prisoners, the 
 County allows a wooden bedstead, a straw-in-sacking bed, a pair of clean sheets
 
 .3fi^ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 once a month, a blanket, and a rug; aad in the Winter an additional blanket, or 
 rug. Five other cells are for solitary confinement ; and two, totally dark, for the 
 refractory. 
 
 The Masters'-side Debtors have a court-yard, 57 feet by 45 ; a day-room, 28 feet 
 by 19 ; and above, a sleeping-room of tlie same size, with four wooden bedsteads ; 
 to which, if the Debtor brings his own bed, he pays pne shilling per week ; or else 
 the Keeper furnishes the beds at 2s. 6d. per week each, for two sleeping together. 
 If any Debtor has a bed in the Keeper's house, he pays five shillings per week. 
 
 Mr. James Gabriel, a most worthy character in this town, (who died 26th 
 March, 1754, at the age of 75) had been very kind to the Prisoners in his life-time; 
 and at his death left them lOO/. which is vested in the Turnpike Security, and from 
 which each Prisoner, every quarter-day, receives a sixpenny loaf. A memorial of 
 this legacy is fixed up in St. Mary's church. 
 
 Here are four court-yards for Criminal Prisoners, eacii 57 feet by 45, all well 
 supplied with water, and a sewer ; and four very small circular day-rooms, one at 
 the bottom of each Tower, for such it seems to be. The court-yards, not being 
 paved nor bottomed with gravel, are, from the nature of the soil, very damp, dirty, 
 and at times rendered almost useless. 
 
 In the centre of the building is the Chapel, to which the Prisoners come from 
 their respective divisions to the seats approjjriated for them ; and all are required to 
 attend Divine Service. On the first story are twelve sleeping-cells, three on each 
 side the passages or lobbies, of '> feet wide. Each cell is 8 feet 9 inches by 6 feet^ 
 with arched roofs, plank bedsteads, and double doors, the outer ones of wood, the 
 inner iron-grated ; and all well ventilated, with a window half glazed, and inside 
 shutters to every cell. 
 
 At the end of each lobby or passage is a circular room, intended for Prisoners to 
 undress in, on going to bed ; and above these are twelve other sleeping-cells, exactly 
 similar to those above described, with iron-grated windows, inside shutters, and 
 .^loping blinds. In the attick story are two good-sized Infirmaries, one for Men, 
 the other for Women ; and on the top four circular rooms, one in each Tower, of 
 12 feet diametei-, and 7 feet high, totally dark, with straw on the floor, for refrac- 
 tory Prisoners. 
 
 Ihe space between the court-yards and boundary wall is from 15 to 30 feet, and 
 afiords the Keeper a garden ; but the soil appears unfavourable for the growth of 
 vtgetables. 
 
 Rules and Orders printed, but not exhibited ; nor are the Act for Preservation of 
 Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, hung up. 
 
 The Prisoners in the House of Correction, and Female Felons, are sometimes 
 employed in spinning of coarse cloth, and making tobacco-pipes ; and receive one
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 395 
 
 half of their earnings : but materials can seldom be procured. The Men Felons 
 have no employment. 
 
 Here is a cold bath, and County clothing for tlie use of tlie Prisoners : They 
 have monthly, fresh straw, with a change of sheets, and clean linen once a week. 
 
 Prayer Books are supplied to those who can read. 
 
 The Magistrates now visit frequently, as appears by their entries in the book. 
 The County allows firing to all parts of the Prison, when used with discretion. 
 
 The Gaol is kept very clean. I weighed the bread sent in, and found every 
 loaf full weight. 
 
 At my visit in Sept. 1805, I was informed that the Gaoler was dead. The 
 Magistrates continued his Widow in that situation, with an Assistant, at 50/. per 
 annum, and likewise allowed 9s. weekly to a Turnkey ; to which Mrs. Phillips 
 had added ^s. per week. 
 
 MONTROSE. Scotland.. 
 
 Gaolers, The four Town's-officers ; who officiate weekly in turn, but have no 
 Salary as Gaolers. 
 Fees ; for Felons, none. Debtors pay fourpence a night. 
 
 No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, w hen one is wanted, ordered by the Magistrates. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 29th Sept. 1 8 09, Criminals, 0. Debtors, 2. 
 
 Allowance, to Felons, &c. fourpence in bread per day, and the same in beer. 
 Debtors are alimented at the discretion of the Magistrates. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol occupies one end of the old Town-Hall ; and on the first story, (to 
 which the ascent from the Street is by 12 steps,) there are two large rooms for 
 Debtors, with boarded floors, lighted and ventilated by a large grated window, that 
 has an inside shutter ; a fire-place, but no coals are allowed, nor is any bedding 
 whatever provided. No water, but what is fetched by the Keepers. No sewer, but 
 a tub instead, requiring a more clo.-^e attention, for health and comfort. 
 
 For Criminals here is a large room, of 21 feet by 12, on the ground-floor, 
 having grated windows facing the Street : for bedding, loose straw scantily thrown 
 upon the mud floor. 
 
 Debtors here are not allowed to work, even if they can procure it of themselves. 
 No court-yard. The Keepers live at a distance. The whole Prison very dirty.
 
 400^ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 MONTGOMERY. North IVales. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Davles. Salary, 35/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, 8s. 4d. Besides which the Uuder-Sheriff deoiands 7*. 6d. for 
 his liberate ! Felons pay no Fees. For conveyance of Transports, one 
 shilling per mile. 
 Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Charles Williams. , Salary, 20l. 
 
 Duty, every Sunday, Prayers and Sermon ; and daily visits those vpho are 
 under Sentence of Death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Stejjhens ; now Mr. Jones ; tor Felons only. Salary, 8/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 JjUnaticks. 
 
 1800, Apr. 5th, - - 
 
 - - J - _ . 
 
 - - - 6 - - 
 
 - - - 
 
 1802, Jan. 30th, - - 
 
 - - 6 - - ■ 
 
 - - - 10 - - 
 
 - - - 1 
 
 1803, Sept. 8th, - - 
 
 - - 3 - - - 
 
 - - - 10 - - 
 
 - - - 3- 
 
 Of the latter, three Lunaticks, one was Aaron Byivater, committed for 
 murder ; but acquitted on the ground of insanity. He had killed a Fellow- 
 Prisoner here. See Remarks. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence per day each in bread. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is finely situated, on a rising ground. Here is one court-yard for 
 Men and Women Debtors, 44 feet by 32, with a sewer in it; a day-room, 14 feet 
 square, and a small room adjoining, fitted up with a bath, and boiler. 
 
 Above stairs they have also eight good-sized rooms, three of which are Free 
 ff'ards. The County allows no bedding, except straw on the floor. The Keeper 
 furnishes beds, at ls.6d. per week the single bed ; but 2*. a week, if two sleep 
 together. 
 
 The Men Felons have a small court-yard, and a day-room, with six sleeping-cells 
 on the ground-floor, the average size about 8 feet 6 inches by 7 feet, and ,9 feet 
 6 inches high. Also up stairs two sleeping-rooms or cells. The Women Felons 
 have likewise a small court-yard; a day-room, with one sleeping-cell on the ground 
 floor, and two rooms above-stairs : to all which the County allows wooden bed- 
 steads, with straw, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 A large room, over the entrance door of the Gaol, is used as a Chapel, but not 
 partitioned off so, as to keep the classes, Male and Female, distinct from each other.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND VVALE.S. -Hi 
 
 The three Lunaficks, at the time of my visit in l><o,j, utre in the Polons" court- 
 yard. One of tliem seemed melancholy, and made me no roply. This man was 
 not tethered. The second liad shewn marks of insanity, uliiih was assisjned to 
 me as the reason for his confinement. He was young and hale, ami conversed with 
 me so very rationally, that I was iiuliiced to examine his brea>-t-bone, (which he 
 shewed me) by opening his shirt-neck: it was red, and appeared to have been 
 galled by the iron collar which encircled it, and was attached to a strontj chain, 
 about eight yards long. The next morning, after breakfasting with Mr. Lloi/d, an 
 active Magistrate, he accom})anied me back to the (iaol, when the above collar 
 was ordered to be taken off; and fur this the poor young man was most warmly 
 thankful. 
 
 'Ihe third maniac, Aaron Bywater, kept walking quickly about, backwards and 
 forwards, as far as his chain-tether would permit: But there was something in his 
 eyes so highly ferocious, that, being alone, I did not like to speak to him, or come 
 within the length of his tether; bearing in mind the situation I once brought my- 
 self into at Glasgow, in the year \%0Z. This pitiable man, I was next day informed, 
 had been heretofore committed on a charge of Murder, but was acquitted at the 
 Great Session, as being insane; and since his confinement here, had killed a Fellow 
 Prisoner, who was a Convict for Transportation : But, having received the King's 
 ])ardon, was dressing himself to leave the Gaol, when Bywater came behind, struck 
 him a violent blow, and then dispatched him. 
 
 In my late visit to Scotland I was informed that a M'oman Lunatick in tlie 
 Gaol at Banff, had formerly nmrdered one of her own Children ; but afterwards 
 recovering her senses, was permitted to return home to her husband. After 
 living twelve years with him, she became again insane, and destroyed another of 
 her progeny ; for which she was then in confinement. 
 
 Another instance I met with at York Castle, in l802, of a gentleman of very 
 large fortune, ( W. Medhurst, esq.) who in a fit of phrenzy murdered his wife. He was 
 tried at York in July iSoo, and found Insane. Soon after I saw him at the Castle 
 in lS02: The Gaoler had removed him to Brooke House, Upjier Clapton, under the 
 care of Dr. Monro, where 1 believe he now remains, in iSll. 
 
 I have dwelt the more fully on the circumstance of Bi/ivatcr, from a clear con- 
 viction of the absurdity, the danger, and the cruelty, of admitting suci> uidiaj)i)y 
 objects into the association of a Gaol. It is hazardous to all, and capable of l>e- 
 ing made very injurious to the poor frantick wretch, exposed, as he or she must be, 
 to various inconveniencies. I sincerely hope this narrative may tend to do away 
 entirely the sad Practice — I might call it justly the inhuman Custom, of seixding 
 Maniacs to common Gaols ; where they have the worst chance of becoming, not 
 
 3 r
 
 402 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 furiously only, but incurably m: d ; of endangering the Keepers, and destroying all 
 order and decorum. If they prove simple and idiotick, they but too often become 
 the butt and sport of the unfeeling Criminals around them ; and thus furnish a most 
 affecting proof, how much lower than the lowest of all created Beings is Man, de- 
 void of reason ! 
 
 One Wing in the House of hiditstn/, near this Town, might, I apprehend, be 
 well appropriated for the comfort, the safety, and the only probable restoration of 
 Lnnaticks. 
 
 A small room is set apart for an Infirmary. The well for the Prisoners wsts 
 out of repair ; and no water accessible. 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Powell, formerly Chaplain to this Prison, left by his Will 
 the Interest of Twenty Poinids, to be laid out every Winter in coals, for the use of 
 the Gaol Prisoners. 
 
 A Memorial of this deserves to be kept in remembrance, but I did not find it 
 recorded in the Gaol. 
 
 MONTGOMERY. 
 
 The House of Correction^ 
 
 Keeper, Henry Lloyd. Salary, 12/. 135. 4d. 
 
 Fees, 2s. 6d. Garnish, not yet abolished, is one shillings 
 
 Surgeon, if wanted,, is sent from the Town, 
 
 Prisoners, 8th Sept 1803, Two. 
 Allowance, fourpence a day in breads 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here is only one court-yard for all descriptions of Prisoners ; with a dungeon 
 13 feet by 9 feet 3 inches, to which the descent is by nine steps, and within it is 
 fixed a whipping-post. 
 
 On the ground-floor are two middle-sized rooms, with four wooden bedsteads, 
 and loose straw. Seven persons at a time had been confined in the Dungeon, and 
 as many also in the two rooms. 
 
 The employment for the Prisoners is spinm'ng.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ♦** 
 
 MORPETH. Northumberland. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Blahe. Salary, .90/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 13*. 4'/- each. (No Table.) Besides which the 
 
 Under-Sherifl" demands of every ]3ebtor a Fee of 2s. Gd. for his liberate; 
 
 and if uj)on a Supersedeas, 6s. %d. Transports, the expence of conveyance. 
 Garnish, (not yet abolished,) is a gallon of ale, or porter, from Debtors upon 
 
 coming in, and another on being discharged iVom Prison. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Edward Nicholson. Salary, 40/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and a Sermon every Sunday afternoon ; and daily attendance 
 on persons under Sentence of death. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Douglas Sands. Salary, none ; but makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 180.', Sept. f)th, ---- Ji --------2 
 
 1809, Sept. 17th, ---- iS --------8. 
 
 Allowance. Those Debtors who are poor, and petition the Magistrates, obtain the 
 same allowance as the Felons, of fourpence per day in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 In the centre of this building is a small court, about 25 feet square, with a 
 pump in it, which is principally used for the Debtors to wash themselves; and is 
 hkewise a passage to the Keeper's large garden, of which the Debtors have the 
 daily use. In this court are five sleeping-cells, two below, (which, on account of 
 their dampness are not used,) and three above ; each Q feet by 6 feet 7 inches, with 
 arched roofs. On the leji entrance to the house is the Debtors' day-room, 23 feet 
 by 19, and 12 feet high. This is also the Chapel. 
 
 The middle Tower, over the Dungeou hereafter described, is about 33 feet square, 
 and occasionally used both by Debtors and Felons, but not at the same time. It 
 iias a fire-place in it, and a sewer. The two windows, glazed and iron-grated, are of 
 3 feet 7 inches by 3 feet; and in tlje door is an aperture about 8 inches square. 
 
 On the Debtors' side of the Prison there is, on the first floor, one room for Wo- 
 men, about 14 feet square, and another of 18 feet by 15. The second stor\' has 
 five rooms, to which the Keeper furnishes beds, at from two shillings to one shilling 
 per week. The upper story fias two rooms; the largest of which, 18 feet square, 
 is used as a free Ward, whenever the middle Tower is occupied by Felons. The 
 other room, used as an Infirmary, is 14 feet by JO, having a large closet, wcH 
 lighted and ventilated.
 
 40+ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 On the right hand entrance to the house, two steps below ground, lies " the 
 Black Hole," or Dungeon for Felons, 21 feet 4 inches by I9 feet 2, with a boarded 
 floor ; straw, two blankets and two rugs for each Prisoner : an offensive sewer in it^ 
 and the windows are only 18 inches by 9. 
 
 Over the Middle Tower is that called the High Tower, which is divided into two 
 apartments: the one 24 feet 10 inches by 15 feet 8, having two grated windows; 
 the other of 14 feet by 6 feet 10, with one window : a fire-place and a sewer in each. 
 
 Water is accessible at all times to the Debtors; and it is carried, as wanted, 
 to the Felons, who have a day-room, 21 feet by 12. 
 
 Here is no Uniform Clothing; but the County, where requisite, allows what is 
 suitable to the poor and needy. 
 
 It was intended, at the next General Quarter Sessions, to represent the want of a 
 proper Infirmary, with a bath and oven, for the Prisoners. 
 
 I found this Gaol kept as clean as the bad construction of it would permit. 
 
 MORPETH. Northumberland. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John Doxford ; now Nicholas Henderson. Salary, 30/. 
 Fees, 13*. 4d. ; for Misdemeaners, 3*. 4^. No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Sands ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Sept. 9th, 1S02, Four. Sept. iSth, 1809, Five. 
 
 Allowance, four-pence a day. At my visit, in l802, those who were committed 
 to hard labour, and in health, had only their earnings to subsist on : But, in 
 1809, the workshop was sold, and there had been no employment since. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, near the South-end of the Bridge, is at the back of the Keeper's 
 house ; and a covered passage, 16 yards long, and 6 feet 3 inches wide, leads to the 
 Bridewell, which has twelve sleej)ing-cells on the ground-floor, divided by a passage 
 6 feet wide. 
 
 Each cell is 8 feet by 6', and 8 feet high, to the crown of the arch, and fitted up 
 with crib-bedsteads for a single person, loose straw, and 3 blankets or coverlets ; 
 a stool to sit on, and lighted and ventilated by an iron-grated and glazed window, 
 17 inches by 15. A small tub, used as a sewer, is emptied every morning. An 
 inspecting wicket in each cell door, about 9 inches square. 
 
 Above stairs is a day and working-room for the Men, and another for Women, 
 each 17 feet by I5, with flagged stone floors, fire-places, and grated and glazed
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 40J 
 
 casement windows in each : And into these rooms open four cells; one of which is 
 used as an Infirmarv, of 13 feet by 8, with fire-place, beds and bedding: The otliers 
 are sleeping-cells. 
 
 The Women's court-yard, 45 feet by 18, and laid down in grass, has a sewer in 
 the centre. That for the Men is about the same size in front, witli a pump to sup- 
 j)ly the Prison, and a dust-pen. The lower cells are damp; and, to render them 
 less unhealthy, might be warmed by the tube of a German stove running through 
 them. 
 
 The Prisoners have no employment assigned them ; nor, if ])rocurcd, do they 
 obtain any part of their earnings. When discharged, they are allowed mone}', from 
 one shi!lin<r to ten shillin>;s, accordino to their distance from home. 
 
 MUSSELBURGH; See page $94. 
 
 NAIRNE. Scoff and. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaolers, the two Town-Officers, who act in rotation. 
 Fees, for Criminals, none. Debtors, 4d. a night. 
 
 Surgeon, from the Town, if wanted. No religious attentions. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 7th October, 1809, Debtor, 1, Felon, 1. Tiie latter was 
 a Woman, with her infant Child ! Both the Prisoners looked very squalid ; 
 and but too exactly exhibited that genuine " Squalor Carceris" already 
 noticed with Horror, in Page 241. 
 
 Allowance, Felons, &c. 6d. a day. Debtors, as alimented. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Tolbooth adjoins the Town-Hall. For Criminals here is a black, dirty 
 room, about 16 feet by 10, with a fire-place, and a grated glazed window. A 
 wooden bedstead nearly filled up the whole apartment; and upon it was spread a 
 ragged blanket, in which slept the Woman Crimmal and her Child. Over this i^ 
 the room for Debtors, which had a fire-place, but no grate. The Debtor here con- 
 fined was in the Woman Felon's room, warming himself by a small fire, which 
 somebody had charitably afforded her, the weather being very cold. 
 
 No bedding: not even straw allowed. No coals : no water, but as brought in by 
 the Keepers.
 
 406 ' STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 NANTWICH. Cheshire. 
 Pi-ison for Debtors. 
 
 Keeper, Humphreif Topham ; a Sheriff's Officer. 
 
 Salary, none. He pays rent, six pounds, and all Taxes. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, for the Manor or Barony of M^\ch-3Ialbank, otherwise Nantvvich, 
 is the property of the Earl of Cholmondeley ; and consists of four rooms in the 
 Keeper's house, with a work-shop. The court-yard here is insecure, but has a 
 pump in it of excellent water. At my visit on the 30th of October l802, here were 
 three Lunatichs ; one of them, a poor Woman, frantick, and chained to her bed! 
 On the 2f)th of October 1805, I found two Lunaticks. 
 
 The Keeper informed me that no Debtor had been confined here these twenty years. 
 
 NANTWICH Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Henry Robinson. Salary, 8^. a suit of clothes, hat, shoes, and a load 
 of coals. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Oct. 2i)th One. 1805, Oct. 29th, Two. Allowance, none. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This " Round House," as it is usually called, was built by the County in 1782. 
 It consists of two rooms and a kitchen for the Gaoler. Here is a room for Prisoners, 
 of 12 feet 3 inches by 10 feet 2 inches, arched with brick, which has an iron-grated 
 window, and is supplied with a barrack bedstead, and straw ; but no fire-place. 
 
 Down eleven steps are two Dungeons ; the largest 17 feet by 10, the other 12 
 feet by 10, with iron-grated apertures, 12 inches by 9 ; brick-floored, and damp. 
 Only one f re-place, and that in the Gaoler's kitchen. Here is an adjacent court- 
 yard, about 34 feet square ; but of which the Prisoners have no use. It is occupied 
 by the Gaoler, and in one comer of it is a sewer. No water laid on. 
 
 The (ientlemen hereabout, and in the adjacent Counties, seem to have over- 
 looked a Clause in the Act of 14 Geo. HI. cap. 43, " To prevent Prisoners being 
 kept under-ground, whenever they can do it conveniently ;" for amongst those 
 PrisoHS which have been lately built, 1 observe very few that have not a Dungeon. 
 
 Since my visit in l802, I find that water is now prevented from getting into the 
 Dungeons, which rendered them uncomfortable, and even dangerous to their pitiable 
 inhabitants. — ^Whatever is both needless and injurious, may well be laid aside.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 407 
 
 NEWARK-UPON-TKENT. Nottlnghamshirp. 
 The Town Gaul, and lindewell. 
 
 Gaoler, ff'iUiam Cropper. Salary, lo/. out of which he is to provide straw for the. 
 Prisoners. 
 Fees, Debtors, 4-v. Felons, 13.9. Ad. No Table. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, from tlie Workhouse. 
 
 Allowance, three-pence a day ! 
 
 Number of Prisoners 1803, l8th August, One. 1809, 2d Sept. One. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This House of Correction adjoins the Workhouse. It has two rooms above, and 
 one below, of about '22 feet by 12; with arched roofs, flagged floors, a fire-place, 
 and one double-bar iron-grated and glazed window to each, for light and ventilation. 
 Here is a small court-yard, 26 feet by 10, with a pump in it, but no sewer; a half- 
 tub in each room being substituted. 
 
 Without the prison-wall is one room, about 15 feet by 8, in which Women Pri- 
 soners are occasionally confined ; and for the admission to it of light and air, there is 
 a circular grating over the door. The Corporation allows to every Prisoner two 
 blankets and a rug. 
 
 Below, Mitiiin the Gaol, is a horrid Dungeon, of about 22 feet by 12. The de- 
 scent to it is by fourteen steps: totally dark. The only possible light or ventilation 
 it can ever receive, is from a wicket in the door, of about 6 inches by 4, which here- 
 tofore was opened — to give the Prisoner his Food f The flooring is of damp mud. 
 On enquiry, I learned from the Keeper, that sometimes, in Winter, the water 
 in this subterranean cavern had been sixteen incites deep I N. B. The vile old dun- 
 geon is now happily turned into an oil-cellar. 
 
 No employment. The rooms and staircases very dirty ; not having been white- 
 washed for five years (1805), The only Prisoner, at my visit in 1809, was a Man 
 for Bastardy, who had been here^ue months ! 
 
 ^^ Above thirty years ago, my illustrious Predecessor, Mr. Howard was here, 
 and, in consequence of what he saw^ altered the following Ejaculation : " Among the 
 " various Improvements that are making in this town, I hope the Corporation 
 " icill think of a better Prison." Whav might he not have said now ?
 
 'lOS STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 NEWBURY, nerhshhe. 
 The Corporation Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Allen. Salary, 5/. Fees, 6s. %d. No Table. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, sent by the Parish. 
 
 Prisoners, 1801, Dec. I4th, none. 1806, Oct. iGth, one. Allowance, ^d. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison consists properly of two rooms, in a Public-house, the Town-Arms, 
 kept by JohnTownsend, a Sergeant at Mace. Tiie Keeper informed me that he 
 had had thirty Prisoners in them at one time. The first is 13 feet by 9, and 8 feet 
 high ; lighted by two iron-grated windows, with a chafl-bed on the floor, a blanket 
 over it, a piece of uld sacking, two blankets and a rug, supplied by the County : The 
 second room, 15 feet square, 10 feet high, with 3 iron-bar grated windows, and a fire- 
 place, but no grate. Adjoining to this is a small room opening in it, which has a 
 good sized bedstead, with sacking bottom, a feather bed, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 NEWBURY. 
 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Frederick Arrowsmith ; now fVilUam Hudson. 
 
 Salary, as Keeper of the Bridewell, none ; but for the Workhouse which 
 adjoins it, 25/. No Fees. 
 Prisoners, 1801, Dec. 13th, One. l%06, Oct. iGth, Two. 
 Allowance, as at the Workhouse. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Bridewell contains four rooms. The first, 8 feet square, lighted by a small 
 iron-grating, and an aperture in the door, of 6 inches by 4. The second room is 
 16" feet f) inches by 8 feet, and 8 feet high, lighted by a glazed window. In it was 
 a Woman Prisoner, ill in bed. The third, of nearly the same dimensions, is lighted 
 by two large glazed windows. To these rooms the Corporation allows a bedstead, 
 flock-bed, a coarse sheet, bolster, two blankets, and a rug. The fourth, is for the 
 refractory, totally dark ; size 10 feet by 8, and 8 feet high. 
 
 Men and Women Prisoners are here kept separate. 
 
 Like the Corporation Gaol, this has its privations. No water accessible. No 
 firing allowed. No court-yard. The Prisoners constantly locked up. The whole 
 Bridewell filthy, and very ill ventilated. Divine Service never read. No employ- 
 ment provided. The Act and Clauses not hung up !
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 40» 
 
 NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. Northumhcrland. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Gale; now Robert Gee ; who lives near the Prison. Salary, lOO/. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors and Felons, 1 49. 4^. each, of which one s^hillinj^ is paid to the 
 Turnkey. The Under-Sheriff demands 2.s-. 6d. on dischar-rc of a Writ from 
 the Court of King's Bench, or Common Pleas ; and five shillings on a Su- 
 persedeas ! No Table. For Conveyance of Transports, the expence. 
 
 Garnish, abolished. See Remarks. 
 
 Chaplains, Rev. Mr. Perhlns, and Rev. Mr. Ileartley. 
 
 Salary, lO/. from the Corporation, and lo/. from Sir Walter BlacUclt. 
 Duty, on Sundays, none; but on Wednesdays and Frida\ s, Prayers; and a 
 Sermon monthly. The Chaplains officiate month and month alternately. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. IfllUam Fife. Salary, none. He makes a Rill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. 
 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 Bastardy, 
 
 l802, Feb. 7th, - - 
 
 - 
 
 - 13 - 
 
 - - - 12 
 
 - - - 0. 
 
 Sept. 6"th, - - 
 
 - 
 
 - 12 - 
 
 - - - 10 
 
 - - - 0. 
 
 1809, Sept. I6"th, 
 
 - 
 
 - 5 - 
 
 - - - 6 - 
 
 — — . '» 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, two-pence a day, on Petition to the Mayor of Newcastle. 
 Felons, five-pence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is conspicuous, being the Gate at the upper end of the Town, and in 
 times past was a fortified Gateway. Here is no court-yard; but one might easily 
 be made out of the vacant ground, which lies west of the Gaol, as the Town 
 Wall stands on one side of it. It was once in contemplation to build six new 
 rooms, and an Infirmary at the West-end of the Prison, and to enclose the oj)eu 
 spot alluded to, for a Debtors' court-yard, which must be a great improvement. 
 
 At my visit, in lS02, the vacant space above noticed had a j)ig-stye in it, with 
 swine, ducks, &c. The offence, however, was in 180C removed ; and there is now a 
 cold bath constructed, which has a constant run of water ; and where the Felons, 
 one at a time, enjoy the fresh air, accompanied by the Turnkey. 
 
 On the right-hand of the stair-case, leading to the Debtors' Prison, is a miserable 
 place, called " The Black- Hole,'''' measuring 24 feet by S ; with a vaulted roof, 
 lighted and ventilated by a small grating under the gate, loose straw to sleep on, 
 and a coverlet. 
 
 The lej't-side of the gateway is the Gaol for Debtors ; On the stair-case leading 
 to whose apartments, is placed up the following Inscription, framed and glazed : 
 
 3 G
 
 410 STATE OF PRISONS ' 
 
 " Friends visiting the Debtors in this Prison are to take notice, that the following^ 
 are the hours of admission ; which cannot be departed from^ except on very particular 
 occasions, viz. 
 
 " From eight to nine in the morning.: 
 
 *' From twelve to one at noon: 
 
 " From four to five in the evening. 
 
 " Those who neglect to come out at the appointed hour, must remain till the next 
 opening." 
 
 The Debtors have no court-yard, but walk on the battery at the top of the Gaol ; 
 which is a space of about 34 feet square, with a flagged floor, and a sewer in one 
 corner ; or else, on the flat leads, 40 feet square. To these two outlets for air and 
 exercise they have access at all hours. Here is no distinction of Debtors. 
 
 The Corporation allow an iron bedstead, a ticking bed, filled with new chaff every 
 three months, one under blanket, two upper ones, and two coverlets, (which are 
 scoured quarterly) to Debtors, Felons, and all descriptions of Prisoners alike. The 
 former have eight lodging-rooms assigned them, and each Debtor sleeps single, in 
 case the Prison will admit of it. They succeed to the best rooms by seniority of 
 confinement; and every one is required to attend Divine Service, unless prevented 
 by illness, or professing himself to be of a different religious persuasion. 
 
 All the Prisoners are allowed as nuich fuel as they can expend without waste, 
 together \\'\{\\ mops, brooms, pails, &c. to keep the Prison clean. Any one who 
 misbehaves is tried by a court held amongst themselves, at which the senior Debtor 
 presides. The culprit, on conviction, is fined according to Rules laid down for pre- 
 serving good behaviour in the Prison ; and all communication with him is inter- 
 dicted till the Fine is paid. If he conceives himself hardly judged, his appeal is to 
 the Keej)er; who examines into tlie matter, and settles it accordingly. This only 
 relates to petty offences, committed against the peace of the Prison. 
 
 The present is one of those very few Gaols that have, what in London are termed 
 "■ The Rules." They here extend, South of the Prison, to a running water arched 
 over, called Execution-Dock ; and on the East of the Prison down High Fryer-street, 
 about two hundred yards, to a rivulet called Lork Burn *, now arched over with 
 stone. As the Keeper cannot find by what authority these Rules were granted, no 
 Debtors are indulged in the use of them, but those of good character, and who are 
 confined for small sums. 
 
 The Debtors' day-room, — and in which Divine Service is performed, — is 27 feet 
 by 21 : but being on the other side of the Gateway, the Felons cannot attend. Here, 
 
 ■* " Ijiik Burn, up which, for a considerable way, the tide flowed formerly, made a division anciently 
 in the lower part of the ' Side' — a street so called. This runnel of water was covered with stone, 
 A. D. 169G." Sec Hiitchinson's //isr 0/ Z)«r/iaHi.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4.11 
 
 painted on aboard, is conspicuously luinf^ up the following exemplary advertisement: 
 
 " Be it understood, that no Debtor on his entrance into, or departure from this 
 " Prison, shall be liable to the payment of any sum of money for the purchase of 
 " beer, heretofore exacted under the title of Guinis/i.'' 
 
 " No mone}', under anj' pretence whatever, can be levied on the relations and 
 " friends of Debtors visiting them in this Prison." 
 
 Every Debtor committed by process issuing out of the Mayor's or Sheriff's Court, 
 for a Debt excec(liii<r ten pounds, is entitled to his Sixpence.^ in about six months; 
 but, as he must employ an Attorney of the Court for this end, wliDse charge \s Jhitr 
 guineas, the benefit is seldom obtained. It is a pity, that in so respectable and 
 opulent a town as Newcastle, there is not a Fund established for the purpose, like 
 that at Winchester, Gloucester, &.c. &c. If the Debt be uiulcr ten pounds, by 
 serving the PlaintilT with fourteen days notice, he becomes entitled to his Sixpences 
 at the first Sheriff^s Court, which is held twice a week. 
 
 Debtors are sent hither from the Court of Conscience. 
 
 On the right side of the Gateway leading into the G lol, opens a passage, of 
 about 8 yards by 24^, in which there is a water-cock to supply that part of the 
 Prison; and adjoining to this is the Condemned-Room, the only one upon the 
 ground-floor: all tlie others are up stairs, and both clean and airy. This Con- 
 demned-Room is about 6 j'ards by 4^, having a fire-place, and an iron-grated 
 window that looks toward the street ; but, to check conversation with passengers, 
 and prevent files, or other mischievous utensils, being conveyed to them, a wall 
 is erected at a little distance from the Felons' window. It is also called the 
 Cap- Room. 
 
 I'here are four rooms within the Felons* Gaol ; and no Prisoners here have fetters, 
 unless they prove riotous or refractory. 
 
 Over the Condemned- Uoom is another of the same size, which also looks to the 
 street. Just by is a small court, of 54 feet by 17, with a bathing tub in it; but 
 the court not being deemed secure, the Felons have not the use of it. 
 
 The Act for the preservation of Health, and the Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors, are conspicuously hung up in this Prison ; and the whole is kept very 
 clean.
 
 412 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. Northumberland. 
 The Castle-Garth. 
 
 A Place of temporary confinement for Prisoners from Morpeth only. See page 405 
 for the Officers and other particulars of " Morpeth County Gaol." 
 
 Gaoler, ylnn Hardij. Salary, 4/. 4*. 
 
 1802, Sept. 7th, iSoy, Sej)t. 17th, no Prisoners. 
 
 REMAPvKS. 
 
 In the very centre of Newcastle (dignified by Camden, as " the Glory of all the 
 Towns of this Country,") is the curious Prison of Caatle-Gartli, or Castle-Keep, 
 as the phrase is elsewhere used ; so denominated, probably, in old time, from the 
 close, area, or court-yard, by which it was formerly surrounded. 
 
 The Gaol Delivery for Morpeth, (about sixteen miles distant from Newcastle,) 
 takes place once a year. The Assizes are held at Newcastle ; and hither tlie Mor- 
 peth Prisoners are brought for trial. In the interim, however, the Felons, &c. of 
 Morpeth are confined, Men and Women promiscuously, — and sometimes, we are 
 told, for a whole week toijether, — in tlie Castle-Garth. This anciently formed, it 
 seems, a part of the Castle ; but is now merely a wretched, damp, dirty Dun- 
 geon, to which the descent is six. stejjs below the level of the street. 
 
 Of this place, and its appendages, we have the following Records; which I 
 recite, as being somewhat connected with the subject. 
 
 In a survey of the Castle, taken 2.'}th October, 1^49, the following item occurs. 
 " There is an auncient building within the inner-wall of the Castle-Gurtli, which is 
 " commonly called or known by the name of ' The Moote Hall,' which is now 
 " [vested] in the State ; and is used by the Justices of the Assize Sessions and (iaole 
 " Delivery, for the keeping of their Assize and Session for the County of Northuin- 
 •' berland." 
 
 July 3d, 173G, The King granted the Castle and Castle-Garth, 'iox Jiftif years, 
 to George Liddell, Esq. at 100 chaldrons of coals annually to Ciielsea Hospital, and 
 keeping all the buildings, as well as those excepted in the lease, as granted, in good 
 repair. 
 
 The exceptions are, " That strong building, used for a connnon Gaol for the 
 County of Northumberland ; and also the Hall, commonly called the Moot Hall ; 
 and all other buildings appertaining." 
 
 Nov. 19th, 1777. The King granted to Lord Ravensworth, for forty years and a 
 half, to commence in July I786, a lease of the Castle and Castle-Garth, with the 
 like exceptions. 
 
 May 19th, 1779, the above lease was purchased by John Critchloe Turner, Esq. 
 (now Sir John) at auction ; and by the said lease to Lord Ravensworth, the Lessee,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND; AND WALES.. 413 
 
 for the time being, is bound to repair the Old Castle, Out-walU and Stairs, Moot- 
 Hall, Grand-Jury Hoom, and (Jaoler's House. 
 
 When I applied for admission to Ann Hardy, the Keeper of Castle-Garth, (wlio 
 lives at a distant part of Newcastle,) a Man was directed to attend me, with a shovel, 
 to clear away the dirt and tilthy rubbish about it; and at length I tta* admitted ! 
 
 This " Durance vile" has neither light nor ventilation, but what is introduced' 
 through a small iron-grated window, that looks toward the pavement. There are 
 iron rings fixed into the wall, to whicii the Men Felons are chained, and a small 
 part of the Dungeon is partitioned off for the Women. These, however, (perhaps 
 from motives of delicacy!) are even placed in a worse situation than the Males; 
 being tinis in utter darkness, and without any apparent means of ventilation that I 
 could discover. The wet came pouring down the walls in every part, and the floor- 
 ing was several inches deep in water; so that I could not find either patience or 
 resolution to measure the dimensions. My visit was in the month of September, 1 802. 
 
 In this horrid cavern are Prisoners confined for seven, and sometimes for eight 
 nights together. The Man who accompanied me said he had known it two feet 
 deep in water ; and hence, at such times, the poor wretches must be obliged to take 
 their station upon the inside-steps. The necessity for this seems, indeed, to 
 have been foreseen by the Guardians of the place, as there is a flight of steps, on 
 the inside of the Dungeon, as high as the street ; so that whether the Prisoners could 
 sit down, or must stand upon the steps, depended on the number thrust into it! 
 
 At the Assizes held 'Jgth July, 180.9, seven Prisoners were here for three nights. 
 
 A New Prison is now building; and this wretched place will be no longer con- 
 tinued as a living sepulchre for human misery. 
 
 NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYXE. Xorthumherhmd. 
 The Sessions Prison. 
 
 Keci)cr, Richard Hill ; now James Sapicith, Tov. n Marshal. 
 Salary, 15/. and for the liridewell, f,/. 
 Fees, one sliilling on entrance, and the same on discharge. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Sept. Gth, Four. 1809, Sept. L7th, none. 
 
 Allowance, three-pence a day, and coals. 
 
 RF.MARKS. 
 
 This Old House of Correction consists of two rooms; one of them for Men, the 
 other for Women ; and its dungeon is now used as a cellar. Straw on barrack 
 bedsteads, with three blankets, and a coverlet each. 
 
 No court-yard. No water. No employment. Criminals are sent hither for trial 
 at the Quarter Sessions.
 
 41 J. STATE OF PPilSONS 
 
 NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE. The Bndewctf. 
 
 Keeper, Edward 3/ainiers, as Deputy to R'lcliard Hill. 
 Salary, 5/. and the profit of the Prisoners' work. 
 
 Chaplain, none. Surgeon, when wanted, sent from the Dispensary, 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1802, Sept. Gth, 10. 1S09, Sept. i;th, l8. 
 
 Allowance, three-pence a day, and coals. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here is a room below for the Keeper ; and one adjoining for the Women, whom 
 I found employed in spinning. 
 
 In the New Buildinss are four rooms with chimnies : three of them on the 
 ground-floor, are 17 feet by 12, and arched with brick. In one room the Men, by 
 a machine, beat hemp and flax; but none of those materials being to be procured 
 when I was there, all the eleven were unemployed. There are two upper rooms; 
 one for the Men, the other for Women. 
 
 The walls of the court not being secure, the Prisoners have no access to it ; nor 
 is any use made of the five small rooms that occupy it. 
 
 Water is laid on to the house by a pipe ; but so ill supplied, that the Keeper told 
 me he was frequently obliged to fetch it for his own domestick use. 
 
 Neither the Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners, nor the Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, hung up. 
 
 NEWPORT. Isle of IFight. 
 The Bridewell, and Town Gaol. 
 
 in\o\er, James Reipiuld.s ; Sergeant at Mace. Salary, 40/. Fees, none. Surgeon, 
 Mr. JJ'uter.swartli, who makes a Bill. Number of Prisoners, ] 802, March iSth, 
 Debtors, One; Felons, &.c. none. 1S07, Sept. igth, Debtor, One; Felons, &c. Two. 
 
 Allowance, to all, sixpence per day, in bread or money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 In this Prison Debtors are confined by process issuing out of the Borough Court, 
 and their allowance is granted them after two Court-days, which are generally held 
 in a fortnight. Here is no court-yard, nor water accessible to the Prisoners. The 
 Gaol consists of six rooms, about 14 feet each by 8 ; two of which are appropriated 
 to Debtors, who pay 6d. per night ; and the other four are for Felons or Petty Offen- 
 ders, Their bed<ling, Iiidls of oats in sacking, changed once a year, with two or 
 three blankets, and a rng. The floors are boarded, windows glazed, and urinals 
 enqjtied as required daily. All have the same bedding. The Prisoners here are 
 chiefly Debtors from the Courts of Conscience ; and the proceedings for five pounds, 
 the same as in London. Neither the Act nor Clauses hung up.
 
 o
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ilS 
 
 NEWGATE. London. 
 
 Gaoler, John Kirhy ; now John Addison Newman. Salary, 450/. 
 Fees, for Debtors and Felons, &c. as per following Tables. 
 
 Table I. Debtors. 
 
 London, sc. 
 •' ATahuj of Fees, to be taken by the (iaoler or Keeper of the Prison of Newgate, 
 within the said City of London, for any Prisoner or Prisoners committed or 
 coming into Gaol, or Chamber-Rent there, or discharged from thence, in any 
 Civil Action: Settled and established the 19th day of December, 17 20. 
 
 Every Prisoner, on the Master's-Side, shall pay to the Keeper, for his En- s. d. 
 trance Fee ------------------SCr 
 
 Every Prisoner, on the Master's-Sidc, shall pay for chamber-room, use of 
 bed, bedding, and sheets, to the Keeper, there being two in a bed, and 
 no more, each per week _..----------- 13 
 
 Every Prisoner, on the said Master's-Side, who, at his own desire, shall 
 have a bed to himself, shall pay to the Keeper for chamber-rooin, use 
 of bed, bedding, and sheets, per week ----------26* 
 
 Every Debtor shall pay to the Keeper, for his discharging Fee - - - 6 10 
 
 And to all the Turnkeys, 2.i. and no more ---------2 0. 
 
 No other Fee for the use of chamber, bed, bedding, or sheets ; or upon the commitment 
 or discharge of any Prisoner on any Civil Action. 
 
 Edw. BFcnER. HOB. RAYMOND. 
 
 Rob. Alsop. R- EYRE. 
 
 John B.U!.nard. THO. PEN'GELLY. 
 
 The Fee to the Middlesex ShcriiTs Office, for every Debtor s discharge, s. d. 
 for one Action, is ---------------- "'■^ 
 
 And for every additional Action, more - - - . -----■• 2 6. 
 
 But Messrs. BIRCHELJ., the present huniane Deputy Sheriff, sometimes remit 
 this Fee, upon the Keeper's Certificate of the Debtor's being poor, and unable to pay 
 it. The Warrant of such discharge is given under the Hand aiul Sjal of the 
 Sheriff of Middlesex, and is called " The Red Seal. Y The Fee for a Loitddii 
 Debtor's Discharge from the Sheriffs, is the same as before stated in my .Vccount of 
 Lud^ate Prison. See Page 363. 
 
 'O'"^ ' •""■'• o- 
 
 * Or, to any price, according to tbe quality of the Prisoner, and the nalinc of his or her accom- 
 modation. 
 
 t A Seal, iiT «hicli--ire quartered the ,\nns of hf)th theGcntlenien iqipolnteil hy the City to be SlierifTs, 
 'v\ho, tcjgether, make one Sheriff of Middlesex. The impress of it is always placed after tlie names of the 
 Sheriff upop the Warrant of Dibdrargc m red iiar, and hence it obtained the name.
 
 4i« STATE OF PRISON'S 
 
 Table II. Feloiu, %c. 
 Ilung up, in several places, on the Criminal Side of Newgate. 
 
 ^. *. d. 
 *' For every Felon's discbarge -------_... -01810 
 
 For every Misdemeanour --------____. 01410 
 
 For every Felon's Entrance on the Master's-Side -_-_.-0 10 6 
 For every Person admitted into the Prcss-r/ard ---.-..330 
 For every Transport's discharge ---.---___. oi410 
 For every Bailable Warrant -- ------__.. 3 ^g, 
 
 Robert Wilmott. ROB^ LADBROKE. 
 
 W« Barnard. SAMUEL PENNENT. 
 
 " And to the Clerk of the Peace, or Clerk in Court of the Session of Gaol Delivery of 
 Newgate. £. $. d. 
 
 For every Felon's Discharge --------_. ._0G2 
 
 For every Petty Larceny --_-.---_____0410 
 
 For every Misdeamcanour ---.----____. oiO 0." 
 
 Garnish, Debtors ; cm the Cahin-Side, a subscription of one Guinea, for coals, 
 candles, ir^ops, brooms, &c. at entrance, and a gallon of ale on quitting the 
 Prison. 
 
 On the Master's-Side, a subscription of thirteen shillings and four-pence, 
 for coals, &c. and a gallon of beer at entrance. 
 
 On the Common-Side a subscription of eight shillings and ten-pence for 
 <^oals, &c. and a gallon of beer. 
 
 Those, who, from their poverty, cannot pay this last-mentioned sum, are 
 to wash and clean the wanls. 
 
 Felons, on the Master s-Side, pay about thirteen shillings Garnish, and 
 those on the Common-Side, about eight shillings, according to the price 
 of coals and candles ; and those who, from their poverty, cannot pay the 
 ^ame, are required to afford a greater share of labour, in washing and-cleansirig 
 the Felon-wards. 
 
 The above several sums are paid to the Stewards of the Wards on the 
 Dehtors'-Side ; and to the Gatesmen and Wardsmen on the Felons'-Side ; 
 and laid out towards purchasing coals, wood, candles, mops, brooms, and 
 other necessary articles. 
 
 The Stewards, Gatesmen, and Wardsmen entrusted with these respective 
 rharges, have each a double allowance of bread.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 ur 
 
 In a room, formerly the Tap, ^nne Sell, a. free Vintner, suj)plies the Criminal 
 Prisoners with wine ; and serves out the beer w hich is sent to the Prison 
 from the Pu!>lic Houses ; for which she is allowed two-pence jjer gallon. 
 
 Chaplain, or Ordinary ; The Rev. Dr. Forde. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday Mornint;, and Prayers in the After- 
 noon: also Prayers every Wednes<lay and Friday Morning; and private 
 Prayers, on Tuesday aiul Saturday, to those under Sentence of Death. After 
 the Recorder's Report, he attends those Convicts who are to suficr, twice 
 a day, and on the Morning of Execution ; as does likewise a Catholic Priest, 
 with those who are of the Romish Church. 
 Salary, 200/. and a House adjoining to the Gaol. Also 61. per nuntnn, from 
 Lady Bariiardiston^s Legacy, and lo/. a year, from an old Legacy, paid by 
 the Governors of St. Bartholomew's Hospital. Over and above which, sun- 
 dry sums have been occasionally presented to the Ordinary by the Court of 
 Aldermen. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. JF'illUim Box, who visits the Prison daily. 
 
 Salary, lOO/. and Medicines, for IJebtors as well as Criminals, paid for by 
 the City. 
 
 Tliere is no Surgeon's Book kept in Newgate. But I am informed he 
 makes a regular Return to the Court of Aldermen, and another Return 
 to the Court every day, during the Sessions at the Old Bailey, of the state of 
 Health in the Gaol ; together with a Certificate, that the several jjersons to 
 be called on, are fit and able t<» take their trials, or otherwise. No 
 Prisoner is ever brought to the Bar of the Old Bailey withtnit such 
 Certificate. 
 
 The Surgeon also attends the removal of Convicts, and others ; who are 
 never sent to any other place of confinement, without his Certificate of their 
 being free from putrid or infectious fevers, and tit to be removed. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. 
 
 1806;, May 24th, - 
 1807, March iGth, 
 180S, March 12th, - - 197 
 
 1809, June 16th, - 
 
 1810, April 19th - 
 
 1811, Jan. iGth, - 
 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, June 14th, 
 
 - - 199 - 
 
 - 289. 
 
 1801, April 27th, 
 
 - - 275 - 
 
 - 375- 
 
 1802, April 3d, - 
 
 - - 221 - 
 
 - 418. 
 
 1803, July 2d, - 
 
 - - 191 - 
 
 - 519. 
 
 1804, Feb. 10th, 
 
 - - 204 - 
 
 - 317. 
 
 1805, April 22d, - 
 
 - - 149 - 
 
 -287. 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 FpIous, &c 
 
 - I9S - 
 
 - 205. 
 
 - 175 - 
 
 - 204. 
 
 - 197 - 
 
 - 182. 
 
 - 252 - 
 
 - 234. 
 
 - 184 - 
 
 - 347. 
 
 - 233 - 
 
 - 39G.* 
 
 * Of tliese, S4 wei^e under Sentence of Death ; and £i^ht Lunaticka. 
 
 3H
 
 \\n 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 There were in . — ^ 
 Debtors, 
 
 1794, 20.9 
 
 1797, 182 
 
 1801, 273 
 
 45 
 143 
 
 137. 
 130- 
 
 Newgate, at the following periods of passing the Insolvent Bill, 
 Discharged. Left, Debtors. Discliarged. Left. 
 
 78 131. 1804, 180 42 138. 
 
 1806, 184 63 121. 
 
 1809, 23S 76 162.* 
 
 Allowance, to every Debtor foufteen ounces of the hest wheaten bread, daily-|-. 
 The Debtors on the Poor and IVornens-Side have eight stone (or sixty-four 
 pounds) of beef, divided weekly amongst them, without bone, such as clods 
 and stickings ; which is paid for by the Sheriffs. 
 
 To the poor Criminals, ten stone of beef every Saturday ; four stone every 
 Tuesday, and four stone every Thursday ; besides an allowance of mutton for 
 the sick, and ten ounces of the best bread daily to each Criminal : Together 
 also with a weekly allotment of rice, or potatoes, — and sometimes of coals, to 
 the amount of about fourpence each Criminal ; or (as nearly as may be) 
 according to the then value of twenty-eight ounces of bread. The meat is 
 paid for by the Sheriifs, and the bread, rice, &c. by the Court of Aldermen. 
 
 There are also sundry Donations to the poor Men and Women Debtors^ 
 payable at different periods ; some of which are regularly paid, and others 
 discontinued ; as will appear by the following Lists. 
 A List of Donations to the Poor Debtors confined in Newgate. 
 
 Lady-Day (Quarter. 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Quarterly - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Half-Yearly 
 Ditto - - 
 Yearly - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 Half-yearly - 
 Quarterly - 
 i3ilto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 End of Term 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sundry Persons X - - - 
 Mr. John Meridith - - - 
 Mr. John Draper - - - 
 Sir Thomas Gresham, Knt. 
 Lady Ramsay . - - - 
 Lady Maurice . - - . 
 Alderman Sir John Heydon 
 Sir Roger Martin, Knt. 
 South Sea Annuity - - - 
 Mr. John March - - - 
 Mr. John Wooller - - - 
 Mr. Peter lUundell - - - 
 Mr. Peter Hlundell - - - 
 Sadlers Company - - - 
 Barojis of the Exchequer - 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 Leathersellers Company - - 
 Skinners Company - - . - 
 
 Ditto --- 
 
 I'hamberlain of London - - 
 Christ's Hospital - - - - 
 Armourers and Braziers Company 
 Mercers Company - - - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Merchant Taylors Company - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Haberdashers Company - - 
 Sadlers Company - . - - 
 E.\chequer Office, Temple - - 
 
 o 
 
 6 
 4 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 3 
 2 10 O 
 
 1 5 O 
 
 15 O 
 5 O O 
 200 
 
 1 10 2 
 10 O 
 O 10 O 
 10 O 
 10 
 2 6 
 O 6 S 
 
 \(i 2 2. 
 
 * In Middlesex alone, between six and seven thousand persons are annually arrested on mesne 
 process, and about half of them for debts under twenty pounds. The total number, in the kingdom, may 
 be reckoned at 80,000/. And if all do not go immediately to the Common Gatds, they are, for a time, 
 in the custody of Bailiffs, and in lock-up houses. 
 
 f There is a want of regularity and correctness in making the loaves of bread; many of which 1 have 
 found, when weighed singly, to be deficient two ounces, and some to be over-weight. There are, like- 
 wise, persons within the prison, who sell green-groceiy and meat, with measures, weights, and scales, 
 jiiot stamped. { Taylor, Grosvenor, &c. § And eight dozen of bread. || And five dozen of bread.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 Midsummer (2'-''*'^''"'^'^- 
 
 419 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 — 
 
 Amount. 
 
 Quarterly - - - 
 Ditto '- - . . 
 Ditto - - • 
 
 Sundry Persona * - - - . - 
 
 Mr. John Meridith 
 
 Mr. .lolin Draper - . - . . 
 Sir'I'homas (Jieshiin, Knt. - - 
 
 .Mr. IVler niim.lell 
 
 Mr. Peter Blumlell 
 
 Sadleis Company - - - - - 
 Ikirons of the Exchequer - • - 
 
 Leathersellers Company - - - 
 Slcinner.s Company - - - - - 
 T'l'iHd ......... 
 
 t 4 O 
 5 6 
 3 4 
 3 10 O 
 •o 10 O 
 O lO 
 a 6 
 1.1 4 
 
 Ditto - - . . 
 Ditto . - - . 
 Ditto - . . . 
 Ditto - . - - 
 Two Terms - - - 
 
 ChamheiLVm of London ,- .■- .- 
 Merchant Taylors Comi>any - - 
 Haberdashers Comjiany - - . . 
 .Sadlers Company . . . . . 
 ExchetjuerOlRcc, Temple - - . 
 
 £. 4 KS t>. 
 
 Michaelmas Quarter. 
 
 When paiil. 
 
 Quarterly - 
 
 JMito - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Dit;o . . 
 
 Half- Yearly - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 Quarterly 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto . - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sundry Persons { - - - 
 .Mr. .John Draper ... 
 Mr. John Meridith ... 
 Sir Thomas tiresham, knisrht 
 Liuly Ramsay .... 
 I«idy Maurice . - . - 
 Mr. John Wmiller ... 
 
 By whom ji.aid. 
 
 I.«athersellers Company . - - 
 
 Skinners Company - . - - . 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Chamberlain of i^oiidon - . . 
 
 j Christ's Hospital - . . - - 
 
 -j Armourers and Braziers Comi)any 
 
 -I Merchant Taylors Company - - 
 
 Mr IVter Uhindell [Ditto 
 
 Mr. Peter Blimdell .... - Haberdashers Company 
 Sadlers Company .... . | Sadlers Company - . 
 
 Amount. 
 
 4 
 
 3 
 
 .'i 
 
 10 
 
 .5 
 
 1.5 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 O 
 4 
 6 
 
 (♦ 
 O 
 O 
 
 o 
 o 
 6 
 
 i£.Q 15 4.- 
 
 Christmas Quarter. 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Yearly . - - 
 Ditto - - - 
 Ditto - . - 
 End of Term - 
 Yearly ... 
 Quarterly - - 
 Ditto - - - 
 Ditto ... 
 Yearly . . - 
 Ditto ... 
 Ditto ... 
 Ditto ... 
 Quarterly - - 
 Ditto - - . 
 Yearly ... 
 Ditto - - - 
 Ditto ... 
 Ditto - - - 
 Ditto ... 
 Ditto ... 
 Ditto ... 
 Ditto - - - 
 Ditto ... 
 Quarterly - - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Company of Parish Clerks - . . 
 Receiver General of Land-Tax 
 
 Sir John Kendrick . . - . - 
 
 Bar(>ris of Exchequer . . . - 
 
 Sundry Persons * . . . . . 
 
 Mr. Jolin Meridith - . . - . 
 
 Mr. John Dra|)er . - . . . 
 
 Sir Tho. Gresham, Knt. . . - 
 
 Fishuuingers Extra Bounty - - 
 
 Mr Thomas Kneesworth - . - 
 
 Mrs. Letitia Smith . . - . . 
 
 Sir Stephen Peacock - . . . 
 
 Mr. Peter Bliuidell 
 
 Mr. Peter Bhmdell 
 
 Mr. William Paiker . . . . 
 
 -Mrs. Margaret Ciawthojn . - - 
 
 Mrs. Margjarel Hargrave . . . 
 
 Arclibi-hop of Canlcrbiu'y . - . 
 
 Mr. John Cierraid . . - . . 
 
 Sir William Home . - . . . 
 
 Sir John Peachey - - . . . 
 
 1 Mr. Thomas Dauson . - - . 
 
 |Mr. llolxit Raniston - . . - 
 
 jSadleib Company . . . . . 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 Brought to Prison, Nov. 1 - - 
 .\udiloi's Office, Palace-Yard - 
 Drajiers Com|)anv . - - - 
 Exchequer OIHce, Temple - 
 lj."athersi'llers Company - - 
 Skinners ditto ..... 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Chamberlain of London - - 
 Fislmumgers Company - - 
 
 Ditto ' . . . 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Haberdashers Company - - 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Merchant TaUors ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - ' 
 
 Cutlers Company .... 
 Clothxiorkers Company 
 .\t Liuiibeth Palace .... 
 ■Salters Company .... 
 
 Ditto 
 
 Grocers Company .... 
 Chtirchwarilens of St Ethelbursrii 
 31. Orchard Street, Portinaii-Sqi f ! 
 Sadlers Comjiany ..... j 
 
 
 *»0 
 
 o 
 
 o o 
 
 G S 
 
 II o 
 
 5 6 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 ^ 
 
 lo 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 (> 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 •■I 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 !•■) 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 (i 
 
 'i 
 
 o 
 
 U 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 <) 
 
 (1 
 
 1 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 u 
 
 'I 
 
 « 
 
 ^£^ '>5 14 It). 
 
 * Taylor, Grosvenor, &c. 
 § And eight dozen of Bread. 
 *• And eight dozen of Bread. 
 
 % Taylor, Daniel, &c. 
 
 t And eight dozen of Bread. 
 II Anil five dozen of Bread. 
 
 ft Mr. Vinicombe, 31, Oirhard Street, Portman-Square,
 
 420 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Provisions, with fKlclitional Donations, and to what purpose they are applied. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret Dane, from tlie Ironmongers Company, 18 stone 6 lbs. of beef, and five 
 dozen penny ioaves, sent for to the Hall on the 5th of November. 
 
 The {rarisli of St. Dunstan in the East, 20 stone of beef, and a peck of oatmeal, sent to 
 the Prison on Christmas-eve by the Churchwardens.. Legacy of Thomas Cottle; — see 
 Ludgate, page 367. 
 
 Allhallows, Lombard-street, 17 J. laid out in beef every two years. Brought to prison. 
 
 St. Andrew Undershaft, 175. laid out in beef every two years. Brought to prison. 
 
 St. Ethelburga, Vs. laid out in beef eveiy two years. Brought to prison. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret Simcott, 65 penny loaves, to be delivered every 56 days. Brought to prison. 
 
 Mrs. Fisher, executrix of Mrs. Eliz. Misson, 6/. yearly, in February, being the produce 
 of 200/. India (Vnnuities. Will, dated 23d M^.y, 1770, proved at London, 9th March, 
 1774.. — See Ludgate, page 369. This legacy is reluctantly and irregularly paid. 
 
 ^jCf" Through the exertions of the attentive Keeper of this Gaol, a very excellent 
 arrangement took place in 1807, for the distribution of the Prison-Charities: By 
 which all the Prisoners are equally benefited, and the monies arising therefrom 
 laid out in necessaries Jar their use, instead of the quarterly distribution, as hereto- 
 fore, in money; which, but too frequently, was spent in liquor, by those only who 
 happened to be in Prison at the time the said Charities became jjayable. 
 
 The Debtors are also especially relieved by the humanity of the Society, held at 
 No. 7, Craven-street in the Strand, who monthly vote large sums towards procur- 
 ing their Discharge, and paying their Fees. For the same merciful purpose, money 
 is likewise issued by some of the City Companies ; by a liberal Society at Mile End; 
 and, for unfortunate Inhabitants of Christ-Church Parish, by the Common-Coun- 
 cilmen there *. 
 
 Twice in a year, the Debtors have, moreover, a share of one hundred pounds ; 
 laid out, first, by the Lord Mayor, and, secondly, by the Sheriffs, in the jiurchase of 
 provisions and coals; and distributed to all the Prisoners in Newgate, Ludgate, and 
 the two Compters, according to the number of persons in each oftho.se Prisons. 
 
 Broken victuals are often sent by the Master of the London Cofl'ee-house, 
 by Mr. Alderman Birch in Cornhill, and by the Masters of the City of London 
 Tavern : Of the two former of which the more distressed Debtors sometimes 
 partake ; and of the latter they have lately appointed a Collector, to attend daily, 
 and receive them. 
 
 I should now proceed to my Remarks-, but that the following Document seems 
 previously to demand the present, as the most suitable place for its insertion. It is 
 a List, very different indeed from those which have just j)receded it: — a painful List, 
 of what are called " Courts (>/' Conscience Debtors ;" of the Debts thoy had iii- 
 
 f See before, page 535.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES, 4aJ 
 
 curred: of the times of their commitment to Newgate; and of the charges accu- 
 mulated against them for Costs, upon such very inconsiderable demands ♦. It were 
 easy to extend the melancholy detail ; but I forbear : — 
 Reverence for existing law precludes the saying more, than 
 
 " Pity it is, 'tis trueT 
 
 J)ate of Jl'arranls. Defendant' Names. Debts, Costs. 
 
 1797. s. d. s. d. 
 
 February 7, John Allen 3 5 8 8 
 
 Mayll, ....William Gough 3 10 8 10 
 
 October 15, Tliomas Blackburn 2 Of 6 10 
 
 Ditto 1 5 6 10 
 
 December 14-, Ann Jones 2 3 8 10 
 
 1798. 
 
 April 12, Charles Burnet 3 10 8 10 
 
 September 20, ; Thomas Blackburn 2 C 8 la 
 
 November £», Elizabeth Irvine 3 9 8 8 
 
 1799. 
 
 August 15, CulebOnly 3 9 S lO 
 
 £5, Thomas Dobson 1 S 10 
 
 September 1, John Ilyder 3 10 8 S 
 
 October!, Susannah E\ans 2 2 fi 8 
 
 17, William Owen 3 S S 
 
 1 SOO. 
 
 March 13, Abraham Slater 3 4 6 10 
 
 July 24, John Jones „ 3 G 10. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Newgate, formerly one of the gates of the City of London, was first erected irr 
 the reign of Henry the First, or of Stephen, his successor, for the conveniency of 
 such, as had occasion to pass from the North East part of the Citi/ to Holboni; the 
 passage at that period being much obstructed by the enclosing of ground fur tiie 
 building of St. Paul's Cathedral: so that the way became very circuitous and dan- 
 gerous i'roui thence through lAulgate, which had originally bten the usual tho- 
 roughfare. 
 
 This New-Gate, after having, for upwards of six himdred years, been used as a 
 Prison for Felons and other offenders, was, about 40 years ago, pulled down, and 
 
 * From the best accounts I could extract from the Books, there were One Thousand Three Huiuljtil 
 and Twelve Dei/or« committed to Newgate by the Court of Conscience, fnini the 1st of Januaiy 1797, 
 to the 1st of January 1808. And the number of Creditors, who recovered Debt and Costs in conse- 
 quence of such imiirisonnient, auioiuitcd to Ohc Hundred and Ninetij-seven. Wretched hanest, fi-»)m.- 
 barren soil !
 
 ♦22 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 tlie present Gaol erected ; which, having been destroyed by the Rioters in I780, has 
 since been rebuilt, and appropriated, as before, fur the reception of persons charged 
 witli offences committed in London and Middlesex ; and also for the custody of all 
 manner of persons committed by either House of Parliament, by the Secretary of 
 State, by the Court of King's f ench, or either of the Judges thereof: by his Ma- 
 jesty's Judges of Assize; by the several Commissioners of Bankrupts, Customs, 
 Excise, &c. and by the Magistrates in and for the City of London and County of 
 Middlesex; as also of Deb fors arrested by the Siieriffof Middlesex: no London 
 Debtor being ever brought hither, without being likewise charged with some 
 offence cognizable by a Court or Magistrate having Criminal Jurisdiction, or unless 
 sent by the SherifTs of London, from the Compters, or Ludgate, by Diivi facias. 
 
 The Mayor and Commonalty of London, or their Deputies, may also arrest and 
 take Felons, Thieves, &c. who are found in the Borough of Southwark, and coni- 
 jnit them to this G<iol of Newgate. 
 
 The Prisoners in this strong-hold are divided into two general classes ; viz. 
 Debtors, and Criminals; and those of the latter description into four other classes: 
 
 L Capital Convicts, under Sentence of Death. 
 
 IL Transports, and Respited Convicts. 
 
 IIL Persons under Sentence of Imprisonment, for certain determinate periods 
 •of time ; or until they shall have paid certain Fines or Amercements : And 
 
 IV. Prisoners detained for Trial; not so much distinguishing between the mag- 
 mtude of the particular Crimes wherewith they stand charged, or of which they 
 may be convicted, as between the Habits of Life of the individuals ; many of 
 whom are well known in Courts of Justice; and who, although at times they maj' 
 be committed for crimes apjjarently or comparatively small, are yet of manners 
 more likely to corrupt the morals of young offenders, than some of those Convicts 
 who are under Sentence of Transportation, or Fine, or Imprisonment. The Males, 
 too, of all the above criminal classes are kept separate from the Females of their 
 class ; and so, likewise, are the Capital Convicts from other Criminals. 
 
 This Gaol of Newgate is accordingly divided into eiglit separate and distinct 
 court-yards ; of which, two on the North-West angle are appropriated for 
 Debtors, viz. 
 
 N". I. The Men Deb-tors' court, 49 feet long, by alx)ut 31 feet wide, leading to 
 three Wards, called " The Cabin-Side ;" each Ward being 37 feet long by 14^ 
 wide, and having four cabins or small rooms in each, of about 7 feet and a half 
 square, and ca})able of containing twenty-four persons within the three Wards, 
 reckoning two to each cabin : also leading to two other Wards, called the Masters 
 Side, being each 23 feet long by 14^ wide, capable of containing about twenty 
 persons ; and to a day-room of the same dimensions, fitted up with benches and 
 settles, after the manner of a tap-room in a public house; and also leading to eight
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4^ 
 
 other wards, called the CommonSiile, one of vvhicli is 36 feet; six others, about 
 23 feet; and the one otlier 18 feet in length; all of these are about 15 feet wide, 
 and together capable of containing about yo persons. 
 
 No. 2. The Women-Debtors' court-yaril, about 49 feet long by \6 feet wide, 
 leads to two Wards; one of which is 3C feet long by 15 feet wide, and the other 
 18 feet long by 1", wide; and these are calculated to contain about 22 persons. 
 
 All the before-mentioned Wards are about 1 1 feet high. These yards are sepa- 
 rated from each other by a stone wall \', feet liigh, and both well supplied with 
 water. The Debtors, who are enabled, all find their own beds and bedding ; but 
 the poor, as well Debtors as Criminals, are sometimes supplied with rugs by 
 the City. 
 
 No. 3. The Capital Convicts' court-yard ; which is also called the " Press-] 'aril,'' 
 on account of a press having been, of old time, kept there, for the punishment of 
 persons who stood mute through obstinacy, and refused to plead to the indictments 
 found against them. The manner was this: the culprit being laid upon his back, 
 a board was placed over him, on which was put a succession of heavy weights, un- 
 til he either pleaded (Juilty or Not Guilty to the indictment, or died through the 
 extremity of pressure. This barbarous custom, however, has been justly abolished 
 for nearly a century ; nor is it now customary (as heretofore) for the Executioner to 
 put a whip-cord round the thumbs of condemned I'risoners, when brouglit ui) to 
 receive Judgment of Death ; nor for the Bellman of St. Sepulchres parish to go 
 into the passage leading to the cells, to pronounce two exhortations to such con- 
 demned persons on the solemn night before their execution ; their time, it is hoped, 
 being much better employed in prayer, and preparation for so awful an event, as- 
 sisted hy some pious Christians, tcho frequently come from various parts of the 
 Metropolis, and pray ivith them the whole oj' that night, and until the Ordinal^ 
 arrives in the morning, to attend them in their last moments, having administered 
 to them the Sacrament the day before. 
 
 This court-yard is about 85 feet long, by 20 wide at one end, and about I', at tli€ 
 other end, leading to the Condennicd Room, This is a day-room for the Cajiital 
 Convicts, and is about 35 feet by 18; behind which is the cold bath, and over it 
 the Men's Infirmary, of the same dimensions, having five sash windows, and a 
 fire-place. It is about 1 1 feet high, (like the former apartments) and furnished with 
 eleven iron bedsteads, sacking bottoms, flock bed and bolster, tliree blankets, two 
 sheets, and a rug to each. 
 
 The Press-Yard also leads to the Condemned Cells, fifteen in number; which 
 are all vaulted, and ntarly Q feet high, to the crown of the arch. Those upon the 
 ground-floor measure full 9 feet by 6: those on the first story are a little larger, 
 about 9 feet Cinches by 6 feet, on account of a set-ofFin the wall; and the five 
 uppermost are a little larger still, for the same reason. In the upper j)art of each
 
 424 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 of these coiKlemnotl cells is a window, double grated, of 2 feet Q inches wide, by 
 14 inches high. The doors are 4 inches thick; through each of which a circular 
 a))erture, of 2f inches diameter, was made by Mr. Kirbi/, the late worthy Keejjer of 
 this Ciaol, for the purpose of admitting a free current of air ; and in each cell is a 
 barrack bedstead on the floor, without bedding. 
 
 The strong stone-wall is lined all round each cell with jjlanks, studded with 
 broad-headed nails. 
 
 No. 4. The C'luipel-Vard is about 43 feet long by 25 ; in which, as nearly as 
 may be, are confined the Men Transports, and oldest offenders. It leads to Hve 
 wards, of 20 feet by 15 each, and to one other ward of 15 feet square ; all of them 
 fitted ujj with barrack bedsteads on the floor, w ithout bedding, and capable of con- 
 taining about Co Prisoners. This yard, also, as its name indicates, leads on to the 
 body of the Chapel ; on the stair-case to which are two rooms, each 1 ■> feet square, 
 and used for the confinement of those accomplices in crimes, who are usually tern)ed 
 " Kings Evidence^' and admitted to give testimony on the part of the Prosecution. 
 Here, therefore, they are kept retired, and separate from the reach of the other 
 joint oflenders, who might otherwise be inclined to ill treat, or perhaps to murder 
 them. 
 
 There are two other stair-cases to the galleries of the Chapel ; one leading from a 
 lodge on the Debtors' Side, the other from a lodge on the Felon Side of the Gaol. 
 
 No. 5. The Middle Yard, about 50 feet by 25, in which the less profligate are 
 confined, leads on to five wards, each 38 feet long by 15; fitted up with barrack 
 bedsteads on the floor, without bedding, and capable of containing about 120 ]>er- 
 sons. In this middle yard there is also an arcade under the Chapel, in which are 
 three cells, for the temporary confinement of very refractory Prisoners. 
 
 No. G. The Men Felons' Master-Side yard, which also is about 50 feet by 25, 
 and contains the more decent and better-behaved Prisoners, leads on to a room, in 
 which are lodged those Prisoners called " Gatesmen ;" w hose business it is to 
 (!irect the friends of the others in this Ciaol to the different wards in which they are 
 confined. It leads, likewise, to seven wards; one 3S feet long, four of about 20 
 feet, the other two of about 15 feet, and all of them nearly 15 feet wide. These 
 are capable of containing about go persons ; and are supplied with barrack-beds, 
 and bedding on the floor, furnished by the Gaoler, at 2*. 6d. per week each. 
 
 No. 7. The Women Felons' two court-yards, laid into one, adjoin each other at 
 right angles; the one 40 feet, the other 20 feet long; and both about 10 feet wide. 
 These lead to nine warels, three of which are about 30 feet by 15; the other six 
 about 15 feet by 10 ; and all fitted up with barrack-bedsteads laid on tlie floor, ex- 
 cept one large ward on the attiek story, which is set apart for the Female Infirmary. 
 This cajjacious apartment has four casement windows, and two fire-places ; and, like 
 all the other wards, is about 11 feet high. It is furnished with ten iron bedsteads,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 425 
 
 sacking bottoms, flock bed, bolster, &c. to each, rxardv the same as in the Men 
 Felons' Infirmary, already described under No. 3. The other eight wards can ac- 
 commodate al)out ,90 persons; and in this range all sorts oF Female Criminals arc 
 confined, there being no other suital)le nieans of keeping them distinct in their 
 respective classes. 
 
 ^^ The Women's wards are generally, indeed, so crowded, as ho/ to admit a 
 space of twenty inches for each to sleep, on the bare boards, and without any bedding 
 whatevcT ! 
 
 No. Sth, and last, is the court-vard called the Stdte-Shlr, about 40 feet long 
 by 30; where such Prisoners are saftly associated, whose manners and conduct evince 
 a more liberal style of education, and who therefore are lodged apart from all other 
 districts of the Gaol. This yard leads to twelve rooms ; three of them about 21 feet 
 by 15, the next three about 18 feet by 15 ; three others nearly 1 5 square, and the 
 rest about 1 1 feet square. These rooms are calculated to receive 30 persons, and 
 furnished by the Keeper with bedsteads, bedding, &c. at seven shillings each 
 per week. 
 
 All the several floors throughout this ample Prison have sewers, or water-closets, 
 properly disposed. The eight courts abeve enumerated are well supplied with 
 water; and dust-bins of stone are suitably distributed, to receive all the ashes and 
 other dirt, which are taken away every week by the City Scavenger. 
 
 The two lodges, or first entrances to the Debtors' and Felons' Sides of Newgate, 
 have each a small room adjoining, where one or more of the Turnkeys, like the 
 «yes of Argus, keep watch and ward day and night. They have, likewise, stair- 
 cases leading to the Chapel (Jalleries, like those before noticed ; and also to two 
 rooms, with two cells iu each, wliicli are set ajjart either for the temporary confine- 
 ment of refractory Debtors, or for Female Convicts unhappily ordered for execution; 
 no Woman Convict being ever, otherwise, confined in a cell. The same stair- 
 cases lead also to the apartments of the servants belonging to the Prison. 
 
 On the Debtors' Side, and beyond the lodge, is a convenient room for the Turn- 
 keys ; and near it a grating, through which the Debtors receive their beer from the 
 neighbouring publick houses. The Felons' Side has a similar accommodation ; and 
 this mode of introducing their beverage is adopted, because no publican, as such, 
 can be permitted to enter the interior of this Prison *. 
 
 * The Bar, new ly made, by wliich ilic quantity of liquor daily consumed is aicertained, proves to be 
 a verj' good alteration, and, under j)roi)er restrictions, may prevent excess. Thus, also was prevented 
 the fiT<iucncy of Clubs, resorted to in consequence of cards sent out to persons who were not Prisoners. 
 For instance : " Mr. Such-a-one's Public. Free and Easy Society, at No. 
 " Mrs. So-and-so's Route. A Dance at No. ." 
 
 These took place geneiully twice, and sometimes three times in a week. 
 
 .3 I
 
 426 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 .There is, likewise, a convenient room beyond the Felons' Side lodge, to acconn- 
 
 .modate the servants of the Gaol. This, formerly, (when tlie Keeper had permission 
 to sell beer,) was the tap-room ; and, near to it is another apartment, heretofore 
 
 ■called the " fVine Room" with a copper, &c. fixed up, in order to cook the pro- 
 visions humanely sent in by the Lord Mayor, tiie Sheriffs, and other friends. Into 
 this apartment persons accused of Felony are now occasionally admitted ; either to 
 
 •consult with their legal advisers, or to see such of their relatives or acquaintance, as 
 may not be allowed to visit them in their own wards. 
 
 On the top of the Gaol are a watch-house, and a sentry-box; where two or more 
 
 ;guards, with dogs and fire-arms, in addition to the Turnkeys below, watch all 
 
 •night. 
 
 Adjoining to the Felons' Side lodge is also the Keeper's office, where the Prison 
 Books are kept; and his Clerk, called the Clerk of the Papers, attends daily, 
 (Sundays excepted,) from ten in the morning till two in the afternoon, and from four 
 till eight in the evening. 
 
 Here are also communications, from the Men Felons' Master Side Yard, and from 
 that of the Female Felons, with the Sessions-House in the Old Bailey, by means 
 ofan arclied passage, through which the Prisoners are led into Court to take their 
 Trials. 
 
 This Prison, though comparatively vast, is generally crowded. Newgate will 
 conveniently accommodate ninetij-four Men, and sixteen Women Debtors ; also 
 three hundred Men, and eighty Women Criminals ; making a total of 490 persons. 
 It might be rendered capable of containing about 750 persons in the whole, al- 
 lowing a space of 7 feet 6 inches by 3 feet for every Criminal, and rather more for 
 every Debtor, according to the size and shape of the room. The greatest number 
 of Debtors ever confined here at one time, has been 2S5 Men, and 40 Women : 
 and, astonishing as it may appear, I have been informed that there have been in it 
 nearly nine hundred Criminals at the same time ; making, in all, upwards of twelve 
 hundred Prisoners ! 
 
 ^j3= An excellent opportunity was oft'ered to the City, of building a detached 
 Prison for Debtors on the side where Surgeon's Hall once stood : And, indeed, 
 unless the Debtors be removed, to give room for a more effectual separation of Cri- 
 minal Prisoners, I fear it will be very difficult to restrain that licentious intercourse, 
 which every where presents itself in this peculiar region of Enormity ; and which 
 the utmost vigilance of the worthy Keeper cannot prevent, so long as an audacious 
 spirit of prophaneness and vice shall continue to prevail in the lower classes of the 
 people. 
 
 From the frequency of my visits to this much-interesting Gaol, I have so often 
 witnessed the very distressful state of apparel, and filthy appearance of the poorer
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND W \LE.«^. <49i 
 
 Females, particularly Convicts, crowded togellier in lew rooms, like sheep in a 
 pen, that it was matter ol;<ur|)ii/e there should be, comparativeiv, so small a num- 
 ber on the sick list, or that the (iaul Tcvcr did not prevail ! ( )nf iialt' of the I'risoners, 
 especially the //bwfw, are miserably poor ; and, having pawned or sold their ap. 
 parel, are covered, and scarcely covered, «itli rags. To ])rcvcnt a circumstance so 
 very offensive, every Criminal, at least, should be clad in some Uniform, that could 
 not be disposed of; and their own clothes tied up in a bundle, laid aside during 
 their stay, and then exchanged, upon their quitting the Prison. I'his, also, might 
 be very beneficial to the mure indigent Deblors, who, in any Prison, are with great 
 difficulty to be kept in a state of cleanliness. 
 
 There were already two rooms set apart for the sick Felons, Male and Female : 
 and lately a room, on the attick story, with four iron bedsteads and bedding, has 
 been fitted uj) for the use of the Debtors ; who, before, had no such accommodation, 
 and were therefore necessarily obliged to be put into the Fcloiis' Injirnntri/. There 
 was something shocking in the idea; and ujjon this subject 1 had a conference with 
 that truly philanthroj)ick character, Dr. Lcitsom. lie accordingly accompanied 
 me several times to Newgate; humanely visited the sick ; examined every part of 
 the Gaol ; and gave it as his opinion, that an additional convalescent-room was abso- 
 lutely necessary. 
 
 The want of a sufficiently fhnrougJi air is a very great inconvenience to this Prison: 
 and although, from its structure, the evil niav in some measure be irremediable, yet, at 
 the back part of the building, towards the East, there is a yard, or area, belonging 
 to the Roi/al College, of Physicians, which, if that learned and benevolent Body 
 could be induced to part with, would be a great acquisition to Newgate. A space 
 mio-ht thus be obtained for making a very practicable improvement to this important 
 edifice. A wall, about 20 or JO feet di:*tant from that part of the Prison, might then 
 be built; back windows might also be made in those Eastern Wards ; and if some 
 adjacent premises in Warwick Lane were likewise attainable, it would allow space 
 sufficient for more ample Infirmaries, together with warm baths, and another cold 
 hath. The present one is certainly very incommodious ; since no person cau use it, 
 without first coming into the press-yard, amongst the Capital Convicts *. 
 
 There are no established UuLEs and ORDiiKs hung up in this Prison for its go- 
 vernment ; the whole as it were resting with the Keeper. But 1 understand that 
 the Worshipful Court of Aldermen have recently appointed a Committee, for the 
 purpose of framing some Rules to be observed by the Debtors. In the mean time, 
 
 * An additional cold-bath iiiiglit be made under the stairs of the South ^\ ing of the Prison, where 
 there is a space 10 feet by 8 ; and about 10 feet distant from a well, now flaj^ged over, in wliicli the 
 water is feet deep : or it may be supplied IVoni a cock close by, which has New-Ili\er water laid on 
 three days in the Mfeek. 
 
 3 I -i
 
 428 S'l'ATE OF PRISONS 
 
 several regulations have been judiciously adopted ; and attended with such salutary 
 effects, that the wortliy Keeper says he has not now any complaint to make against 
 the Debtors. 
 
 The Chapel is plain and neat; the Prisoners silently attentive : No noise in the 
 court-yard ; nor devotion interrupted or destroyed by opening and shutting the door 
 during Divine Service, as too often happens in the King's Bench Prison. 
 
 Below is a pew belonging to the Chaplain ; and adjoining to it a larger one for 
 Meti Criminals ; opposite to which are three benches, enclosed with an iron 
 railing, set apart also for men of that class, — Capital Convicts excepted, who sit in a 
 pew about the middle of the Chajjel, with a large table in it; whereon a coffin is 
 placed, whenever any persons but Murderers are ordered for execution. Those 
 sentenced for murder are always kept on bread and water, within their cells, where 
 the Ordinary or other Minister attends them. 
 
 Facing the Communion Table are the reading-desk and pulpit. On the Soutli 
 side is a gallery for Debtors : on the North side another for Female Criminals ; in 
 which last-mentioned gallery, at the West end, and over the Chaplain's pew, is an 
 enclosed seat for the Sheriffs. 
 
 The Chapel not being large enough to contain all the Prisoners in the Gaol, they 
 are often left to their own option : those, however, who do not attend Divine Ser- 
 vice on Sunday, are generally detained in their several Wards, to avoid hindering 
 the edification of such as are sincerely and better disposed. 
 
 There seems to be a deficiency in the manner of conducting the sacred Ser- 
 vice, from the want of a discreet and steady person, capable of leading the Re- 
 sponses, and setting and joining in the Psalm. This I should conceive to be a 
 very essential business, and especially to be observed in all Gaols ; inasmuch as the 
 neglect of religious duties, both in principle and in manner, is generally the first 
 fatal step towards a reprobate and dishonest course of life. Criminals in Gaols, 
 being for the most part ignorant of their duty to their Creator, are often at a loss 
 'liow to conduct themselves in Chapel, without having some person in the Lay-Clerk's 
 desk, to whom they may look up as a guide for their proper demeanour ; For want 
 of which, they either irreverently sit down, when they ought to stand up or kneel; 
 or else employ themselves in scribbling on the benches, or have their eyes, and of 
 course their thoughts, wandering from their duty. This, indeed, I am informed, 
 is a frequent cause of complaint by the Ordinary against them ; whereas it is to be 
 hoped, that a good pattern set them from the desk before-mentioned, might in a great 
 measure be the means of bringing many to a sense, both of the sacredness of the 
 place, and of what they all alike owe to the God and Saviour of all. 
 
 The danger, in point of Health, to the Prisoners, and to the City, has at times 
 been very imminent, from the great number of persons crowded together in a space 
 comparatively small. The number of Prisoners here in May l802, was eight
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALTS. ,4f&9 
 
 hundred and sixty seven ; and the average number of some years previous, had been 
 from six to seven liundred. 
 
 Tiie number of deatlis, bctsveen the first of January and the first of May, in the 
 year 1803, \\a» f'orfi/-nine ; many of whom we may reasonably suppose to have 
 died of putrid disorders, as I have been informed that some very hale and robust 
 men, who had been removed from the Poultry Compter in a perfect state of health, 
 but a few days before, were among the number just mentioned. Since, however, 
 a more frequent removal of Convicts has taken place, the deaths have happened 
 more amongst the Debtors than the Criminals ; possibly, because the average num- 
 ber of their description his not been so much reduced (except immediately after the 
 passing of an Insolvent Act) as that cf the Felons ; whose average has been reduced 
 by nearly one half, and of whom two only appear to have died within the last two 
 years; and of the whole Gaol-List, whether Debtors or Felons, not one died of 
 putrid or infectious fever within the same period. Let me here also observe, that 
 if all the Sheriff"s Debtors in the vicinity of London were taken (as formerly) by 
 habeas corpus, before a Judge, to be charged in execution, their average number 
 in the common Gaols would be much reduced; as there would then remain none 
 but those upon Mesne-Process, together with the Court of Conscience Debtors; 
 and a still greater security from the danger of contagion might be expected. 
 
 Heretofore, the Gaol was not sufficiently supplied with soft water, to cleanse the 
 court-yards, and the well of the pump frequently became dry : But the City have 
 now (1807) caused the supply of water to be daily renewed, instead of three times 
 a week ; and have also erected an Engine, by which the water can easily be forced, 
 through leaden hose, into every part of the Prison. 
 
 The Act and Clauses are conspicuously hung up ; and the Gaoler is intelligent 
 and humane. 
 
 Prisoners discharged from hence bt/ Proclamation, are liberated in a morning, 
 and have one shilling each given them. Others are dismissed as acquitted o?i Trial, 
 in the day-time, or in the evening, without any money being given. This is the 
 more to be regretted, as I am credibly informed that an instance has occurred, of a 
 Woman's having been discharged penniless on one day, and brought in again on 
 the next ! 
 
 The number of Prisoners on Mesne-Process, for want of Bail, in Newgate, on 
 the 4th May, 1807, for Debts under 20/. was forty-eight, having 85* Children. 
 
 The number, of the same tlescription, for Debts above 2o/. was, at the same 
 time tiventy-Jive, having '^l Children. 
 
 And the number for Debts above 30/. and under 40/. at the same period, was 
 thirteen, having 25 Children. 
 
 The number of Prisoners on Mesne-Process for want of Bail in Newgate, on the 
 28th June, iSoy, fur Debts under 20l. was 66, having 43 Wives, and 127 Children.
 
 43t) STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The number of the same description, for Debts alove 20/. and under 30/; was at 
 the same time forty-four, having 27 Wives and 69 Children. 
 
 And the number, for Debts above 30/. and under 40/. at the same period, thirty- 
 two, having 21 Wives, and 63 Children. 
 
 §i3= Since writing the above narrative of Newgate, I liave been informed that 
 the College of Physicians have determined to dispose of the whole of their premises 
 in Warwick-lane. It is much therefore to be hoped, that so unlooked-for, and so 
 excellent an opportunity, may not be lost by the City of London ; as thus every 
 means will be happily afforded, to build a separate Gaol for the Debtors; and 
 thereby render that for the Felons far more commodious, unoffensive, wholesome, 
 and secure. 
 
 NEWPORT. Essex. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Robert Baker. Salary, 60I. No Fees. 
 Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Bell. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon ; and Prayers oh Thursday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Fish. IMakes a Bill. 
 
 Prisoners, 21st Aug. 1805, Three. 23d Aug. 1807, Five. 29th Aug. 1810, One, 
 Allowance, a pound and half of bread per day ; and a quart of small beer, or 
 one penny in money. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was erected in I775, and has a front both elegant and simple. In it 
 are the Keeper's apartments, and a Committee Room for the Magistrates. Behind 
 is the Men's court-yard, about 3G feet square ; with a pump in the middle, of ex- 
 cellent water. 
 
 Before the Keeper's door is a latticed partition from the court-yard, of 5 feet by 
 4 feet C) ; with iron spikes, to prevent the Prisoners from rushing out. On tlie 
 farther side is a room, in which straw is kept for the use of the Prison. Also a large 
 work-room on the ground-floor, 45 feet by 18, and 9 feet high, with a fire-place, 
 and four large iron-grated and unglazed windows. In this latter, as the substitute 
 for a Cliapel, Divine Service is performed ; and on my visit in Aug. 1S07, it was 
 jmjjressively performed, antl the Prisoners all very attentive and orderly. 
 
 Over the above are three lodging-rooms, well ventilated, which are supplied with 
 wooden bedsteads, straw, and two blankets. Of the court-yard the Keeper has a 
 o-ood view from two of his back windows. 
 
 o
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLANJ3, AND WALKS!. :^ti 
 
 The Women's compartment is separajtetl from that oF the .Men Prisoners by a 
 waW. The access to it is tiirough the Keej)er's Brevvhouse, tlie window of whicli 
 overlooks the Women's court ; and in this is a pump, from whicli that compart- 
 ment is well supplied with water. They have also a small court-yard, of 21 feet 
 by 6, well arranged ; a day-room, with a fire-place, on the ground-floor ; and above 
 stairs, two sleeping-rooms, about 13 feet by lu, and S feet high, winch have semi- 
 circular iron-grated windows, unglazed, but with shutters to keep them occasionally 
 warm. 
 
 Adjoining to the Women's Prison is a room set apart for faulty Boys, with a 
 small lattice-partitioned court-yard. 
 
 Here is no Infirmary room. Firing is allowed in Winter. The Prison is white- 
 washed once a year, and kept very clean. The sewers should have lime now and 
 then thrown down them. 
 
 I could not learn that the Prisoners had any Employment whatever provided for 
 them ; and yet, in the Women's room I saw some ^pinning-wlieels. At my visit 
 in 1810, the Prisoner was picking oakum. 
 
 Here are scales for weighing the bread : But, in every Prison, I could jirefer its 
 being sent in from the Baker's, rather than cut from the Gaoler's loaf, however con- 
 scientious he may and ought to be. 
 
 Neither the Act hung up for Preserving Health, nor the Clauses against the use 
 of Spirituous Liquors. 
 
 NEWPORT, Isle of IFight ; See page ^u. 
 
 N( )R TH A LLERTON. Vorhshire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Shepherd. Salary, 1 00/. Fees, 2s. each ; and for the removal 
 of Transports, one shilling per mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. IFilhlnson. Salary, 20/. Duty, Prayers and Sermon on 
 
 Sundays. 
 Surgeon, Mr. D'lghton. Salary, none. Makes a Bill. 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Sept. 4tli, iC. 1809, Sept. 12th, 19; and one poor Lunatich, who 
 
 had been here ever since the year 1 782 ! 
 Allowance, seven-pence a day each, paid to the Keeper,
 
 432 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, for the North Riding of the County of York, is removed hither 
 from Tltirsk ; and has been built about twenty years. 
 
 The Sessions House, under which are the Gaoler's apartments, adjoins to this struc- 
 ture; the whole of which is nearly enclosed by a boundary wall ; and the doors of 
 entrance to it have each a small space, enclosed with iron palisades, to prevent 
 Prisoners from rushing out. 
 
 The Bridetvell has a double front ; and facing each is a very spacious and airy 
 court-yard, so that the sexes are completely separate. The front court, for Misde- 
 meaners, is 114 feet long by 69, and now planted with vegetables. The back 
 court, which is of the same size, is divided in the centre by a wall, for the above 
 separation of Male and Female Criminals : that on the Men's side is paved ; and 
 the other, for the Women, is thrown into grass-plat. 
 
 At one end of the Prison is a small court-yard, having a wash-house and bath ; 
 and a door for Men and Women alternately. There is a convenient sewer in every 
 court-yard. 
 
 On the ground-floor are twelve cells for the Men, each about 12 feet square; 
 and two of them are solitary, with a cylinder in each door. They are severed 
 from each other by a passage 6 feet wide, which has a window at one end. At the 
 other end is a large work-room, used on Sundays as a Chapel, where the Rules and 
 Orders for the Government of the Prison are conspicuously hung up. Here is 
 likewise another work-room, 24 feet square. Most of the cells have fire-places, 
 and in one corner a covered sewer. Firing is allowed throughout the year : a Ger- 
 man stove in the jjassage, or lobby, conveys warmth to this part of the Prison ; but, 
 many years since, the stove had been out of repair, and was not mended at my 
 second visit in 1809. 
 
 The windows of the cells are semicircular, with casements for ventilation. 
 
 On the upper story are two spacious rooms : the one to work in ; the other, called 
 the hell-room, is for the accommodation of the Turnkey. Here, also the Women 
 Prisoners have five sleeping-cells, with a work-room, of the same size as those for 
 the Men, and divided by a similar passage, C feet wide. These cells have arched 
 roofs, and are but badly ventilated. 
 
 Here is a bathing-tub, and a stove also for purifying foul or infected clothes. If 
 the Prisoners, on admission, are ragged, the County clothing is assigned them. The 
 North Riding allows plank bedsteads, with straw-in-ticking beds, two blankets, and 
 a coverlet. 
 
 The Employment here is combing and spinning wool, weaving serge, &c. Those 
 •who work receive one half of the nett produce of their earnings at their discharge. 
 This, in the year 180.9, ending at Midsummer, amounted to 24/. 13*- ^'/• 
 I found this Prison very clean, and the whole is well supplied with water.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. «3- 
 
 NORTIIAMFrON. 
 
 The County Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John f'f''right. Salary, 200/. for both Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Fees, Debtors pay one shilling for a copy of Commitment to the Gaoler, and 
 two shillings for signing a Certificate in order to obtain the Sixpences. Be- 
 sides which the Under-SherifT demands eight sliillings and eight pence of 
 every Debtor for his liberate ! Felons pay no Fees. For the conveyance of 
 Transports, 1*. per mile, if only three; but if exceeding that number, 
 6d. a mile each. 
 
 Garnish is prohibited, but not yet abolished. If the Prisoner has money,. 
 2*. 6d. is generally exacted by his " Brothers" 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Joh?i fJ'atts. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers twice a week, and Sermon on Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hardin. Salary, 26I. for all. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Debtore. Felons, &e. 
 
 1801, Aug. 18th, - - 10 - - 31 1808, July 29th, - - 14 - - 25 
 
 1802, Jan. 31st, - - 10 - - 38 
 1805, Sept. 26th, - - 6 - - 24 
 1807, July 24th, - - 13 - - 21 
 
 1809, Aug. 17th, - - 6 - - 24 
 
 1810, Aug. 13th, - - 7 - - 28 
 
 Allowance. To Debtors, none whatever, till lately ; but, in cases of very great 
 distress, the Magistrates now allow one pound and half of bread per day. 
 
 To Felons, 3*. 2d. each ; viz. Three pence in bread daily ; in meat, eight 
 pence per week ; the remainder in soup, potatoes, &c. Convicts for Trans- 
 jiortation have the King's allowance of 2*. 6d. a week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is also The County Bridewell. It adjoins to the Town Hall. Tiie 
 Turnkey's lodge is in front, and the Grand-Jury Room on the fust floor: also 
 three rooms, each about 23 feet by 14, for Men-Debtors, on the second floor, and 
 a smaller one for the Women Debtors. To these the Keeper furnishes beds and 
 bedding, at 2.v. per week, two sleeping together. If the Debtor finds his own bed 
 and bedding, he jiays Is. per week. Common-side Debtors, if very poor, are 
 sometimes allowed by the County a straw bed, a sheet, and a rug each. 
 
 Every Criminal Prisoner who comes in ragged, or dirty, is put into one of the 
 reception-rooms. Their own apparel is then hung up, after being fumigated or 
 
 3 K
 
 434- STATE OF PRLSONS 
 
 purified in a most excellent stove, and the County clothing is put on. They have 
 clean linen once a week, and all are directed to wash tliemselves daily, before tliey 
 receive their bread. Here is fine water in every court-yai*d ; and mops, brgoms, 
 pails, and soap are allowed, to keep the Prison clean. 
 
 On the ground-Soor is a day-room for the Debtors, of about 2S feet by 2)0 ; and 
 a work-room 15 feet by 10^ The court-yard, for both Men and Women JEfebtors, 
 is 51 feet by 42, and well supplied with water carefully laid on. 
 
 To the honour of this Gaol, and for the great benefit of all its inhabitants, 
 Debtors and Felons aire constantly kept separate. 
 
 The Felons' Gaol and Bridevcell, is. enclosed by a boundary wall, 15 feet distant 
 from the court-yards. 
 
 The Keeper's house is stationed in the middle of the Prison ; and has, on the 
 first floor, the Chapel, of 31 feet by 25. But it is not i^vo^erXy partiiioned off, 
 according to the respective classes of Prisoners, so that they are here seated, in 
 sight of each other. 
 
 In the Chapel there is a gallery provided for the Town's People, and another for 
 the Gaoler and his family. The Debtors and Felons sit opposite each other, on 
 benches in the area below ; and some of the Town's People are frequently placed in 
 the centre. The Women have a small space pewed off, so high as to be entirely 
 out of view of the Minister, but they are in sight of the Gaoler. 
 
 Over the Chapel are three small Infirmary-Rooms, supplied with iron bedsteads, 
 that have screws in their construction, (which is very considerate and humane,) 
 to raise occasionally the head of the sick Prisoner ; and in two of these rooms is 
 a fire-place. Also an excellent warm bath, a tub for a cold bath, and an alarm-bell 
 in the centre of the building. 
 
 In this ample Gaol there are many peculiar advantages ; viz. A spacious court- 
 yard, with a cookery and wash-house, boilers, 3cc. A yard adjoining is for the 
 drying of clothes ; and nine others are appropriated for the due separation of the 
 several classes of Prisoners, of the average size of 25 feet by iG; five day-rooms, 
 of about 17 feet by 10 feet 6 inches; three working-rooms, about 28 feet each 
 by 22; and seventy single sleeping-cells. Of these latter, Male Felons have twenty 
 upon the first floor, and the same number on the second story, divided by lobbies 
 or passages, nearly 6 feet wide. 
 
 The Female Felons have five cells on the first floor, and five on the secoud, which 
 open into an iron-railetl gallery, 4 feet wide. The other cells are for Bridewell- 
 Prisoners, excepting twelve upon the ground-floor, which are set apart either as 
 recej)tion-roonis, or for separate confinement; and two dark cells for the refractory. 
 
 Each of the numerous cells before noticed, is 10 feet long by 7 wide, and 8 feet 
 10 inches high. They are alike fitted up with a plank bedstead, flock-bed, one 
 blanket, and a riig each ; and all well ventilated and lighted, by an iron-grated
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 435 
 
 window, about 2 feet square, with a pemicircular iron grating over each door; 
 and in each door is a grated a})erture, about 4 inches square. 
 
 Tliat awefiil part of this Prison which is appropriated to Convicts under Sentence 
 of Death, and left for execution, consists of three cells, or dav-rooms, of a similar 
 size with those already described: thej' are airy, well ventilated, and to each of 
 them is attached a small court-yard. It is a singular circumstance, and verv 
 striking, that when locked up for the night, the Prisoner ascends, by a ladder of 
 fourteen steps, through a grated trap-door made in the cieling of his day-room, uji 
 to his sleeping-cell, which is of the same size. 
 
 I found, to my no small concern, that in this capital County Gaol, no Employ- 
 ment was provided cither for Debtors or Felons. In some of the rooms, indeed, at 
 my visit in l8oi, I saw looms, uith their work, like Penelope's Webb, half 
 iuiished. It had an odd appearance to a stranger ; but the lesson it inculcated was 
 ])ainfully instructive. Our Hogarth might have improved upon it. 
 
 It seems that tiie profits of an infant manufacture were found to be less than its 
 expenditure ; and then-fore the County of Northampton was necessitated, or in- 
 duced, to discontinue the only visible means of checking idleness, and of adding the 
 comforts of diligence to the sad privations of imprisonment. 
 
 In a case like this, how was it possible not to ask, " And have they, in Xorthamp- 
 tonshire, no domestick, no publick nurseries of human infant debility? and do they 
 there look for Profit only, whilst aiming at the attainment of Health, at the se- 
 curity of Life, and the consequent increase of Vigour and of Happiness ?" My 
 own ideas could have suggested an answer ; but it might be deemed intrusive to 
 proclaim it. To my mind, however, its meaning has long since been fully summed 
 up in that one comprehensive line of Doctor Young: 
 " Do Good ; and let Heaven answer for the Rest." 
 
 For the beneficial effects of Regular Emploipnent in Prisons, let me again refer my 
 Reader to Z)orc//e.v/er, (j). l6"3); to Glaucester, (p. 250); and various other Prisons, 
 noticed, to their honour, in the prosecution of this work. 
 
 The Duvgeons an<l Condemned Room, sunk to the depth of eleven steps under 
 f round, were not stopped up at some of my former visits, neither are they 71010 ; 
 but Mr. If 'right, the Gaoler, has assured me that they have never of late been 
 made use of This however is no security, that, under some less lenient Adminis- 
 tration, they may not again be aj)plied to aggravate the panis of incarceration. 
 
 I found very few of the Prisoners ironed ; and the irons so used were comparatively 
 light ones. 
 
 The Gaol is regularly visited every Saturday by the Magistrates, and the Surgeon; 
 vho enter their several remarks in books kept for so very useful a purpose. They 
 would prove wholesome memoranda ia every other Prison.
 
 436 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 This is whitewashed once a year. No Prisoner in it ever received the Benefit of 
 the Lord's Act, or sixpences, till lately ; and the good office was effected through 
 the exertions of our Society for the Discharge and Relief of Debtors. 
 
 I do not find that there are any Legacies or Donations to these Prisons ; and no 
 money is given to Prisoners, at the time of their being discharged, to carry them 
 safely home. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 neither hung up here, nor at the Town Gaol. 
 
 NORTHAMPTON. 
 
 The Town Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Robert Roberts. A Sheriff's Officer, and Bellman of the Town. 
 Salary, 1 ol. 
 Fees, for Debtors, 10*. 6d. on Commitment, and I'^s. 4d. on Discharge. But 
 if too poor to pay the Fees, they are humanely settled by the Corporation. 
 For Felons, 13*. 4^?. paid by the Corporation. No Table. 
 
 Chaplain, none. See the Remarks. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Blissard ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 amber of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors, 
 
 Felons^ 
 
 &c. 
 
 Lunaticks. 
 
 l80l, Aug. l8th, - - 
 
 - - - - 
 
 - - 2 
 
 _ - _ 
 
 0. 
 
 1805, Sept. 26th, - - 
 
 - - - - 
 
 - - 4 
 
 _ - _ 
 
 1. 
 
 1807, July 24t.h, - - 
 
 - - - - 
 
 - - 3 
 
 _ - _ 
 
 0. 
 
 1808, July 29th, - - 
 
 - - 1 - - 
 
 - - 2 
 
 - _ . 
 
 1. 
 
 1809, Aug. 17th, - - 
 
 - - - - 
 
 - - 
 
 _ _ - 
 
 1. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. To Felons and Bridewell Prisoners, fourpence a 
 day each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is situate in Fish Lane, and was built in 1792. The Keeper is a 
 Tobacco-Pipe Maker. His house fronts the Street, and his windows command a 
 view of the two court-yards for Criminal Prisoners, which are both 21 feet by 16, 
 with cisterns for pump water, and a sewer in each. 
 
 Debtors are sent hither by Process issuing out of the Borough Court. They have 
 no court-yard, but are sometimes indulged by the Keeper with the use of his garden. 
 The single Debtor was walking in it, when I came hither in 1808.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. I|* 
 
 Tlie Bridewell Room is 15 feet by 7 ; and the Keeper furnishes beds at one shil- 
 liiijf per week each, two sleeping in a bed. 
 
 Debtors and Criminals are here very properly placed, so as to be kept separate. 
 The former, deprived of a court-yard, have only one room above stairs, of 14 feet 
 by 11, and 9 feet high, adjoining to the Bridewell part: these have both fire-places, 
 two iron-grated windows in each, and a sewer in the corners. 
 
 Poor Debtors are allowed by the Town a wooden bedstead, with straw laid on it, 
 and one blanket. 
 
 Each of the Felons' court-yar<ls before mentioned has two cells attached to it, of 
 10 feet by 7, and 9 feet high ; which are fitted up with wooden bedsteads, loose 
 straw, and a blanket for each Prisoner. They are lighted and ventilated by an 
 iron-grated window over the doors, 3 feet high, 18 inches wide ; antl by a grated 
 aperture in each door, of 6 inches by 5. 
 
 The Bridewell Prisoners have but the one room above noticed ; which is nearly 
 of the same size with that for the Debtors, and fitted up in the same manner. 
 
 Here is no Infirmary, or Sick Room. The Gaol is white-washed once a year. 
 As mops, brooms, or pails are not allowed to keep it clean, it can be no wonder 
 that the cells are extremely ofTensive, being in want of proper drains. 
 
 Divine Service, heretofore, was occasionally and gratuitously performed by the 
 Rev. John Stoddarf ; but that Gentleman falling blind, no religious attentions 
 whatever have been paid to the poor Prisoners for several years. 
 
 The Keeper does not remember that any Debtor here has ever received the Be- 
 nefit of the Lords' Act (or Sixpences) during the nine or ten years of his beinc 
 in Office. 
 
 No Employment is provided ; but those Prisoners who are of handicraft trades 
 may procure work for themselves, iftheycaxi. No water accessible to the Debtors 
 or Bridewell Class: it must be brought to them. 
 
 Prisoners are discharged from hence at all hours, without aaoney being given to 
 carry them home. 
 
 Neither the Act for preser\'ing Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Li- 
 <juors are hung up.
 
 43$ STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 NORTHLECH. Gloucestershire. 
 The House of Correction, 
 
 Keeper, Samuel M'Dowell. Salary, 50/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Allen. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday, and Prayers on Wednesday. Also 
 enters in a book his attendances, and the number of Prisoners wlio attend 
 Chapel. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Thomas Child. Salary, 10/. He visits the Prisoners twice a 
 week ; and, by entry in the book, reports the state of their Health. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1S02, 22d Nov. Five. 1806, 31st Aug. Four. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of bread per day, and a quart of pease soup for 
 dinner on Mondays and Fridays. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, in the Parish of Hanipnel, is surrounded by a boundary wall, within 
 side of which vegetables are raised for the use of the Prisoners. 
 
 The Keepers house, in front, has a convenient kitchen and office below, two 
 rooms above, and one for the Turnkey, which command every part of the Prison. 
 The Magistrates have here also their Committee Room, in which the Sessions are 
 held four times a year. 
 
 This excellent House of Correction is semicircular; and encloses seven court- 
 yards, divided from each other by open wood palisades, with a stream of excellent 
 water running through them. 
 
 On the ground-floor are seven working-cells, of about 7 feet by 6, arch-roofed, 
 which open into a lobby 20 yards long, and 3 yards wide, where the Prisoners 
 were employed in jiicking wool ; and above these are seven sleeping-cells, of the 
 same size. 
 
 On the upper story is a large store-room for the goods manufactured, and also 
 as a deposit for the Prisoners' clothes, &c. 
 
 On each side of the centre building are ten day-cells, upon the ground-floor ; and 
 above them as many sleeping-cells, opening into a stone gallery, skirted with an 
 iron railing. Each sleeping-cell has a double door; the outer of iron, the inner 
 one of wood ; furnished each with an iron bedstead, straw mattress, liair-stutTed 
 and quilted bed, two sheets, two blankets, a coverlet, and a night-cap.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND W ALES. 41*^ 
 
 The Women's wing of the Prison adjoins to one end of the last-mentioned cells, 
 and has a kitchen and mish-house on the gi'ountl-floor'. On the first story six 
 sleeping-cells, three on each side of a passage, about 6 feet wide ; and on the upper 
 story is a large work-room. 
 
 The Men's wing is on the left, and has on the ground-floor a laj']^e day-room. 
 Above, six sleeping-cells, divided by a passage, the same at ort the W'oinen's 
 side. On the upper story are two Hospital-Rooms, and a sHnall one used as the 
 Dispensary for Medicines. There are, in the whole,, thirty seven lodging-cells, 
 and the greatest number of Prisoners confined at one time lias been 30. 
 
 Adjoining to the Men's wing are a cooking and provision room, twb warm baths. 
 a cold bath, and a fumigating-room. 
 
 The Chapel is on the second floor of the Keeper's house ; to w liiclv the several 
 classes of Prisoners enter, by diflerent doors, to the seats set apart for them • 
 where they are excluded from seeing each other, by a wooden screen in the centre 
 of the arch. 
 
 The Prison is \ery compact, clean, and regularly visited by the Magistrates, 
 Surgeon, and Chaplain. 
 
 The goods here wrought up for sale are garters, gloves, and bottle stands. Em- 
 ployment also comes from a Fell-monger in Northlech, who sends in wool, and 
 pays two pence per pound for spinning, picking, and caixling it. Prisoners before 
 Trial have one half of tlu^ir earnings; but if ihey can procure employment of them- 
 selves, they receive the whole })rofit. 
 
 At my visit in iSoG, it unluckily so happened, that there was no Employment. 
 The pavement of some of the cells was loose, and the court-yards wanted paving. 
 The back part of the Keeper's house seemed to aflbrd a too easy means of escape at 
 the two corners, by the projecting stone work. This might be j)reventcd, either by 
 a chevaux-de-frize, or an extended coping. I found the Gaol well ventilated ; j)lenty 
 of excellent water in every court-yard. The sewers were all water-closets. 
 
 The plan of this Prison may justly be reckoned as one of the best in the whole 
 Kingdom. Its situation, dry and elevated, has the singular advantage of a copious 
 stream of excellent water, running through the centre ; and its salubrity must be 
 imquestionable : for it apjiears that during a period of eighteen years, not one Pri- 
 soner has died, though the Connnitnients exceeded eight hundred, nor has there 
 been any specific or contagious disease within it. Such are the incalculable benefits 
 resulting from cleanliness, and a free circulation of vital air: yet, in many Prisons, 
 how seldom and how little are they thought of!
 
 440 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 NORWICH CASTLE. Norfolk. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Johnson. 
 
 Salary, 200/. He is also allowed two Turnkeys, to whom the County pays 
 lOs.Sd. each per week; and for Conveyance of Transports, one shilling 
 per mile. Fees and Garnish are abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Peter Hansell. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday ; and Prayers on Tuesday and Friday. 
 Salary, 50Z. 
 
 Surgeon, Edward Righy, Esq. Mayor of Norwich in the year 1805. Salary, 40/. 
 for Debtors and Felons. And here let me seize the occasion of paying my 
 respectful acknowledgments to the then worthy Chief Magistrate, for his 
 politeness in accompanying me to the Prisons, Hospitals, and Workhouses 
 of this City. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, April 1st, - - - - 30 - . - - - 34. 
 
 1805, Sept. 6th, - - - - 12 - - - - - 12. 
 
 1810, Sept. 7th, - - - - 15 - _ _ _ . 17^ and 1 Lunatick. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, one pound and half of bread per day, and half a pound 
 of cheese per week each. One bushel of coals to each room weekly in 
 winter, and half a bushel in summer ; to be increased or diminished at the 
 discretion of tlie Visiting Magistrates. 
 
 To Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, two pounds of bread daily, and 
 half a pound of cheese per week eacli : with an allowance of coals, regulated 
 according to their number in custody, so as to avoid superfluity, waste, and 
 want. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Castle is seated on the summit of a lofty hill, and the Prison has of late been 
 fiilargi'd by additional buildings. 
 
 In iSoG, an Act passed, enabling His Majesty to grant the Castle of Norwich, 
 with the Castle-hill and circumjacent ground, (consisting of six acres, one rood, and 
 thirteen perches,) and to convey the same absolutely to the Justices of the Peace 
 for the time being, acting in and for the County of Norfolk ; free and discharged 
 from all claim, right, and title of his Majesty, His Heirs and Successors,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. «M 
 
 Since the obtaining of this Act, tlie site above described has been fenced in 
 or inclosed by handsome iron-pahsades, forming an area rovmd the Castle of 100 
 jards in diameter; and afiording the Citizens a most beautiful and healthy pro- 
 menade. 
 
 While the Castle was merely a place of defence, the grounds adjacent were sur- 
 rounded by a veiy wide and deep moat, with a bridge thrown across it : but, being 
 now become dry, they are converted into a variety of gardens ; and the whole being 
 encirckxl by an elegant fence on Castle-hill, displays a view of scenery singularly 
 cheei tul and pleasing. 
 
 At the foot of the bridge are erected two stone-lotlges ; one of which is assigned 
 for the residence of the Turnkey, and the other as a Lazaretto, or receiving room 
 for Prisoners, until they have been examined by the Surgeon, and deemed proj)er 
 for admission into the interior of ihe Castle. These additions and alterations, of 
 recent date, give a noble appearance to the approach of entrance ; and are well 
 suited to the grandeur and niaguihcence of that venerable pile of buildings, which 
 constituted the Old Castle. 
 
 The defects of this Prison, as they existed at the time of my visit in 1805, are so 
 fully described by me in the Gentleman's Magazine for August iSoS, as to preclude 
 the necessity of any farther notice, than that, ?inw, they are /lapplli/ done auiiy. 
 Such, I trust, may have been the salutary effect of my entries in the Magistrates' 
 Book at the Castle, where it is presumed they still remain on record. iN'oM omuls 
 eff'usus Labor. 
 
 The Gaoler's house is to the right of the entrance; and on the ground-floor are 
 his parlour, and the ^ isiting Magistrates' Committee-Room. He has also four bed- 
 rooms, uj)on the first and second floors. 
 
 A small area, of 18 feet 6' inches by 15 feet, divides the Gaoler's house from the 
 Turnkey's lodge, on the left: and over it stands the Chapel ; in which the Gallery 
 is appropriated to Debtors, and the lower part to Criminal Prisoners. The Master's- 
 Side Debtors, or those of the better order, who are on the Keeper's side of the 
 Prison, have five rooms, of 12 feet by 7, with fire-places in each, and glazed win- 
 dows; but of these the casements, being 20 inches only by 12, are far two small. 
 
 On the Chapel side are three rooms, ten feet square, with glazed windows, but 
 no fire-place ; and four others, 15 feet by 10, with fire-])laces, but windows scanty, 
 like the former. 
 
 The Debtors' court-yard is 39 feet by 37, with an arcade 18 feet square, and a 
 pump in it ; which is supplied from another pump in the Felons' court-yard : and 
 river water likewise is laid on. 
 
 If'omen Debtors, on the Master's-side, have three cells, each .9 feet by 7 ; with a 
 day-room 12 feet square, having a fire-place in it, and glazed windows. 'J'heir court- 
 yard is 1 7 feet by 7 . 
 
 3 I
 
 442 STATF. OF IMllSONS' 
 
 To all the above rooms the Keeper furnishes beds and bedding, at from l,y. 6./. 
 per week each to 4.v. The prices are painted on the doors; but none of these 
 lodging-rooms have sufficient air to be wholesome. 
 
 Common- Side Debtors, Men and Women, have six sleei)ing-rooms, each 9 feet 
 by 7 ; a day-room 12 feet square, with a fire-place; and all the windows are 
 glazed. These rooms have each a bedstead, rnsh-mat, two blankets, or in winter 
 three ; and a rng also supplied by the County. 
 
 Male and Female Debtors Jiuve only one duij-raum. 
 
 The Female-Felon Convkts have a court-yard, 13 feet by 8. For some years 
 they had two rooms only, of about 8 feet square, with glazed windows in both, and 
 a fire-place in the lower-room : But now, a good lodging apartment, of 24 feet 
 by 14, and 8 feet 6 inches high, is added for their accommodation, near their day- 
 room. They have, however, no water accessible, except what is fetched for them 
 from the Debtors' pump. 
 
 . The Male Criminal Prisoners, of all descriptions, are confined in the older part 
 of the building, and have one court-yard only, 54 feet long by 32 ; on each side 
 of which are arcades under the cells, for taking air and exercise in bad weather. 
 Their cells are in all thirty-six, each 5 feet 6 inches by 8 feet ; and furnished with 
 an iron bedstead, wooden-bottomed ; two mats, two blankets in summer, or three 
 in winter, and a rug. The windows are not glazed, but have inside shutters. They 
 have also seven day-rooms, of 14 feet each by 12, three only of which have fire- 
 places. 
 
 In each of the before- mentioned cells a tub is substituted for an urinal ; and on 
 every landing-place are sewers, which, from their construction, were heretofore 
 rendered very oittnsive, but have since been greativ improved. The cells are all ven- 
 tilated by a circular aj»eriure over the doors, and likewise by a small kind of pot- 
 hole placed in each door. 
 
 Felons are always divested of their own apparel, on being brought into custody, 
 and the County clothing put on : but when going to be tried, they have their own 
 t:lothes given to them. After conviction, the County dress is ab.vays resumed. Their 
 washing linen is all done out of the (iaol, at the County's expence. Misdemeaners 
 also, if received in a dirty, ofl'ciisive state, are always stripped and washetl, previous 
 to beiusr admitted into the interior of the(iaol. 
 
 Out of two of the Felon's-court arcades, two cells, of j/ feet by 7, have been con- 
 structed for refraetorif Debtors. In the same court-yard there is also an hospital : 
 On the ground-floor is a bath, not used. On the u])per floor are two eonvalescent 
 rooms ; one of I,", feet by 8, with a fire-place, the other without one, — and 10 feet 
 by a ; Ijoth furnished with iron bedsteads, wooden-bottomed, and suitable bedding. 
 Above the~e is the Hospital or Injirmary-Room, 17 feet by 14, with fire-place and 
 glazed windows; ventilated by leaden j)ipes run through theroof,.and fitted up with
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 443 
 
 a wooden bedstead and han^jings, bed, bolster, pillows, a regular change of linen, &c. 
 There seems to be no jiroper store-raom in the whole of this Prison. 
 The general einploj/ment here consists of Taylor's work and Shoeniaking; cutting 
 of pegs and skewers, and making various sorts of nets. Debtors are allowed to work, 
 if they can procure the means from -.vithout, and the\^ have all they can earn. Cri- 
 minal Prisoners liave nine-pence in the shilling of their earnings ; and tlic Keeper 
 has the other three-pence, for furnishing them with implements and materials. 
 
 Many are the comforts here afibrded by the considerate Magistrates, to alleviate 
 the burthen, and soothe the sorrows of imprisonment. A nurse, or matron, is con- 
 stantly retained, and paid six shillings per week by the County : Her duty is to 
 attend the sick daily, whether Criminals or poorer Debtors, and to provide for them 
 broth, gruel, milk -pottage, wine, extra diet, &c. by order of their Surgeon ; of whose 
 j)rofessional abilities, humanity, and assiduous attentions, the Hospital and Prison 
 books bear ample record. 
 
 A Porter, or Errand-Man, also is employed, at lOv- Gd. per week by the County, to 
 purchase articles of food, and other needful accommodations for all the Prisoners, 
 li^very Debtor is allowed to purchase one quart of ale or porter daily, but not more : 
 And no other liquor is permitted to be introduced, except by order of the Surgeon, 
 in cases of sickness. 
 
 Bibles, Prayer-Books, and religious Tracts, adapted to their condition, are most 
 humanely furnished by the County, and delivered out to the Prisoners, at the 
 judicious discretion of their worthy Chaplain. ^ 
 
 Mops, brooms, pails, towels, vvashing-bovvls, coal-boxes, &c. are liberally snp- 
 j)lied by the Magistrates for their use; so that not their persons only, but all parts 
 of the Prison may be kej)t in a state of cleanliness and comf(jrt ; and the orders 
 "iven to this end I found literally obeyed by the attentive I\eei)er. 
 
 At my visit in iSlO, not one IVisoner was found in irons; nor are those odious 
 imjjlements ever now used, except on the refractory, or those unhappy objects who 
 are under sentence of death. 
 
 There is still a want of arrangement in the distribution of tl-.e building. The 
 Gaoler's house commands but a very imperfect view of the whole Prison. 'J'he 
 court-3 ards are small, and the air, of course, is rendered impure. Almost every 
 chimney smokes miserably, when the wind is at west, south-west, and north-west; 
 owing to an eddy which, under such an exposure, is unfortunately produced in those 
 directions. 
 
 The lobbies, or passages, in this (Jaol are scarcely widi^ enough for a single person': 
 nor is there any convenience for a proper distinction or decent separation to be 
 observed lietween the sex or classes of its iidiabitants. Above all oiher con- 
 siderations, however, this last, though little regarded, is in fart the most important; 
 as it affects <//e Morals.' Those who are guilty of atrocious crimes, and others,
 
 ^44 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 barelv susjxcled of venia! faults, sliould never be mixed together. In little, and 
 far distant abodes of durance vile, it may, because it mit.st be, seen and passed by, as 
 {oGally irrenieiliable ; But never so, surely, in the Gaol, or the Bridewell of a large, 
 opulent, and weH-informed Coiinfi/, to which many others in the kingdom may 
 look uj) for exemplary precedence in liberal regulation. 
 
 Legacies to Norwich Castle Gaol. 
 
 1. Mrs. Fiances Kempe, (of whose Will I have an Extract by me,) formerly bequeathed 
 Ihrcc Pouniis to the Poor of Norwich and Heydoii ; viz. thirty shillings for preaching three 
 Sermons in a year, and the like sum to the Prisoners in the Hall and Castle-Gaols, annually 
 for ever. For the payment whereof she bound an Estate in Heydon, left her by John 
 Mingat/, Esq. her Father. ^3^ The payment of these Legacies, so far as concerns the 
 poor Prisoners, has for many years been cruelly withheld. The Gaoler could furnish me 
 with only one instance of jive shillings having ever been paid by the Parish of St. Stephen. 
 
 2. John Norris, Esq. late of If'i/ton, left by Will Five Guineas annually for ever, the 
 I>lvidends of Three per Cent. Consols, to purchase religious books, for the use of all 
 Prisoners of the Ca^tlc-Gaol who can read; and ordained that any overplus of that sum 
 should be distributed amongst the most needy and deserving Felon- Prisoners, or be laid 
 out in the weekly purchase oi beet, for all the Felon-Prisoners indiscriminately, at the dis- 
 cretion of the Dean and resident Preijentlarics. To this Legacy an addition was made in 
 November 1797, by the purchase of Seventy-five Pounds 7y//rt' per Cent. Consols; so 
 that Seven Guineas are now allowed yearly by the Dean and Chaper, to be expended as 
 aforesaid, and they arc regularly paid. 
 
 Every Prisoner in this place attended Divine Service at Chapel, when I was here 
 on the 8th Sept. 1805, and 7 th Sept. 18 10. Their behaviour was orderly, and they 
 were suitably attentive to a very appropriate and impressive discourse from the 
 Hev. Mr. Ilatmell. 
 
 Here is now an alarm-bell. Abstracts from the Rules and Orders are duly exhibited 
 in various parts of the Prison. The Clauses for prohibiting Spirituous Liquors 
 are also conspicuously hung up in the Gaol ; but, singularly enough, the Act for 
 preserving the Health of Prisoners is placed in the Crown-Court of the Shire-tlall 
 adjacent ; and of course the Prisoners here have not a chance of ever seeing it. 
 
 Enquiry is made, on the discharge of every Prisoner; and, if not possessed of 
 nieana of subsistence to his legal settlement, or if destitute of friends, he is supplied 
 with money by the Gaoler, according to distance, or necessity; which is charged in 
 his Bill at the General Ouarter Sessions. 
 
 The Gaol-Delivery is once a year at Norwich, and once a year at Thefford ; to 
 which (jaol t'le Keeper of Norwich iidbrmed me he had removed Jo rty-t wo Pri- 
 soners in 180"), when three more were sent from Wyndham, three from Aylsham, 
 andjbur from SwafFhanf; making in a\\ Jifty two ; who were confined for six 
 nights in the dungeon and two cells of Thetford. At the Assizes in 1810, he sent
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. us 
 
 from the Castle, 2,1 ; from Wvndliam Bridewell, 2 ; from SwaflTham Bridewell, 5 ; 
 and one from the Bridewell of Walsiiif^liam : And the whole thirty-one were then 
 couliiied ill 1 hetford Duugeou and its two cells for six nights! 
 
 The following is an enumeration, and the annual average, of Prisoners of all 
 descriptions in iXoricich Castle Gaol, for nearly twelve years, from the commence- 
 ment of 179.9, to September 1810 ; viz. 
 
 Number of Debtors - - - 6'7o. Average - - - r^C. 
 
 l\-lons ------- 924. Ditto - - - - 77- 
 
 jNIisdemeaners - - - - - 341. Ditto - - - - 28. 
 
 1940. 161. 
 
 NOUWICII. Norfolh. 
 The Citij Gaol. 
 
 Ciaoler, Edward Sharpe. Salary, lOO/. and 25/. per annum for a Turnkey. 
 Fees, for Debtors ; see Table. For Felons, 13.V. 4d. paid by the City. For the 
 
 Conveyance of Transports, the Expence. 
 (larnish prohibited: But Debtors sometimes pay a gallon of beer on their 
 
 entrance, which is called " The I f'elcome Pitcher •" and Felons, at coming 
 
 in, a bushel of co;ils. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Millard. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Dut^', Prayers and Sermon every other Sunday, alternately, here, and at 
 the Bridewell. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Keymcr. Salary, Eight Guineas, for Debtors aiul Felons. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, Ac 
 
 1800, March 2Sth, --- 6 --------4. 
 
 1805, Sept. 4th, ---- 7 --_-___- 3. 
 
 1810, Sept. 7th, ---- 4 --- 3. 
 
 And one Lunatick. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, one pound and half of best wheaten bread ; and to Felons, 
 two pounds, sent in loaves from the Baker's ; which I tried, and found them 
 to be of full weight. See also the Remarks. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 So long since as I407, a New Guildhall of this City was built ; the arches under 
 which, being destined for Prisoners, are 45 steps down from the entrance door, and 
 were occupied in 141;^.
 
 446 STATK OF PRISONS 
 
 The lower dungeon is ahont 36 feet by 21, fiirnisliecl with banack bedsteads, and 
 strong iron rings, to wliich Prisoners were chained at night: Tiie floor is of earth, 
 and there is a sewer in it at one end. 'I'iie upj)er dungeon is about 12 feet by C. 
 an<l has an iron grating toward the street ; to vvhieli tiie Prisoners eoine for fresh air. 
 and to sohcit cl)arity. 
 
 I" 1.J.97 an order wa< ma(le, tliat these <hnigeons should cease to be used as 
 Prisons after the 2()th of Octolier tlien next following; and that the Common (iaol 
 should be kept in the house called 77/e Laiiih. 'i'his, at tnat )<eriod, \\as an Inn, 
 and upon the site of it the City Gaol now stands. Notwithstan<ling the above order, 
 however, it appears tliat the dungeons in question were used even so late as in the 
 year 1771 ; a Prisoner, nanied Plum, having been confined there, until taken out for 
 execution. 
 
 This City Ciaol is erected opposite tlic (niildhall. The Gaoler's house fronts the 
 street, and his back windows counnaiid a full view of every courtyard. The 
 gravel-walk and garden are now made uito a coint-yard, a diiy-room, and tiuce 
 sleeping-cells, for Prisoners before trial, v.hich alteration reduces the size of the 
 Debtors' court to 50 feet by 1,"). Here is a pump; and it is paved with pebbles, 
 and separated from the court of the Female Felons by open palisades only. 
 
 Master's-Side Debtors have twelve good-sized airy rooms, ten of which have fire- 
 places ; and these are furnished by the Keeper with beds and bedding, at from two 
 to five shillings per week : the price of each room is painted on the door. Here are 
 also two spacious and well-ventilated infirmary rooms, of 22 feet by 17 each, and 
 11 feet 8 inches high ; with fire-places and glazed windows, iron bedsteads, and 
 bedding. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors had heretofore a room, or, more properly speaking, a 
 cellar, ten steps below their court-yard, of 17 feet by 13 feet 6 inches, and 7 feet 
 high. It was lighted and ventdated by a small iron-grated window, of 24 inches by 
 22, with straw laid on the damp brick-floor. 
 
 This room, or cellar, has since been humanely discontin\ied ; and over it the 
 Common-Side Debtors have now a good day-room, of 20 feet ly 14, and S feet 
 high. Also above it are a comfortable lodging-room, 1,9 feet by 14, and 8 feet 
 9 inches high ; and a third room, 22 feet by 84- high, with glazed-windows. The 
 three last-mentioned rooms are all Free-Wards, in case the Debtor brings his 
 own bed : But if the Keeper furnishes one, he is paid l>v. Gd. per week for a single 
 bed ; and if two sleep together, one shilling each. 
 
 Female Debtors have a sleeping-room up stairs, of 24 feet by 13 ; with a fire- 
 place, and very large glazed window, looking into the court-yard, which is common 
 to all.
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 3 
 
 4. 
 
 3 
 
 5. 
 
 3 
 
 4. 
 
 3 
 
 0." 
 
 IN KNGI.ANl), SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 447^ 
 
 Painted on a Board, and luuif; np in this Gaol, is the following 
 
 " Taule of Feks, 
 To be taken by the Gaoler, as settled l)y order of the Jnstices at the Ou^rter Sessions, 
 held the Ifith day of January, 1 7.'jO, and confirmed and allowed by Lord Ijiiigh- 
 horoiigh, and Sir '/'i/lii(m Ilciiri/ .h/iiinf, two of His Majesty's Judges. 
 
 " For the Coaimitment, or coming into Gaol of any Prisoner for Del)t 
 For tlie Discliai^^e of tliusc in Execmion --------- 
 
 For the Disciiarge of those upon Ontiaivry -------- 
 
 Vol- the Discharge of those committed on Common Process - . - 
 
 The Old Chapel, whi.h was a room in front of the street, is now (iSlo) con- 
 veniently fitted up, and converted into a dwelling-house for the Keeper; and a New 
 Chapd has been made at the up})er-end of the court-yard, over a room called 
 Potter's Celliir : it is 27 feet by 1"), and 11 feet 8 inches hit;h. 
 
 Trisoners before trial have a court-yard, .'33 feet by 23 ; a day-room, I3 feet by 
 12, with a fire-place and glazed window ; and three sleeping-cells, of 9 feet 6", by 
 7 feet (), ami jj feet high, lighted and ventilated through the ])crforations of a cast- 
 iron |)late, 26' inches by 24. These cells have boarded floors, iron bedsteads, straw- 
 in-sacking beds, two blankets, and a coverlet. 
 
 An open wood j)alisade separates the above court-yard from that of the Male- 
 1\ Ions after conviction ; which is about the same size, and has three slee])ing-cells, 
 about 8 feet square, and planked ail over, to which the descent is by three steps 
 below the ground : They are furnished similar to those already described, except that 
 thev have double doors; the outer one of wood, the inner, iron-grated ; together 
 with a double iron-grating as a window, of 21 inches by iS. At my visit, in l80j, 
 a close wire-work was placed over this small window, and thereby light and ven- 
 tilation were so excluded, that when the doors were shut, it was almost impene- 
 trable obscurity, and inspired the gloomiest horror. These now, (in I810,) are 
 greatly im])roved by the Magistrates' having humanely ordered the wire-work to be 
 taken away. Near the above trells is a day-room, of 13 feet 6 by 1 1 fett, and 7 feet 
 high, with a glazed window and fire-place. The sewers in both court-yards are 
 conveniently placed, and water is laid on. 
 
 Male Felons were formerly confined in two dungeons, tliat go down eleven steps : 
 one of these, 12 feet by 10, and 8 feet high, has a boarded floor, and is called " The 
 Nine-Foot Hole;" the other, called Cluij-IIole, from its having an earthen floor, 
 is nearly of the same size ; and both of them are sadly deprived of light and venti- 
 lation. From a very careful examination, I have reason to believe that these have 
 not been occu|)ied for many years: However, upon expressing my wishes to pre- 
 clude the possibility, the Magistrates in 1810 assured me, that they should be 
 inaccessibly bricked up.
 
 443 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Female Felons, lieretofore, had a large dungeon, 38 feet long by l6" feet wide, 
 and 9 feet four inches high, with a flagged-iloor and fire-place, wiiich I have already 
 noticed as being named Potter's Cellar; and to which the descent is by twelve 
 steps below the court-yard; also a sleeping-room, justly called " Little Ease," 
 being 10 feet long, 5 feet 6 inches wide, and onli/ 4 feet 2 inches high ! with a small 
 iron-grated window, of 15 inches square. Straw is now (iSio) deposited in the 
 former, and the latter is entirely done away- The Female Felons at present have 
 a large day-room, with a fire-place and glazed window; adjoining to it is a com- 
 fortable sleeping^room, of 14 feet by 5 feet 6 inehes, and S feet high, \\\t\\ bedding 
 the same as tlie Men ; and the doors of both these rooms open into the court-yard. 
 
 On my inspecting this Prison in 1S05, the large room over the Potter's Cellar, 
 (where straw for the Prisoners was deposited,) seemed to me well calculated 
 for a New Chapel, in which the sexes might be distinctly seated during Divine 
 Service: And I have since had the satisfaction to see that my itlea has been can- 
 didly adopted ; so as at once to avoid the noise and inconvenience of the former 
 place assigned for that sacred purpose, and to answer those ends of devotion, de- 
 cency, and decorum, which are jieculiarl)' suitable to a House of Prayer. 
 
 The Rules and Orders of the Prison are now very properly and conspicuously 
 hung up in this more commodious Chapel. 
 
 Convicts, under sentence of Transportation, have not here the King's Allowance 
 of 25. ^d. per week. But Prisoners, when discharged, have money given them, 
 according to their distance from home. 
 
 The City allows the Debtors and Felons of this Gaol two chaldrons of coal yearly ; 
 which are issued to them on the 20th of November, and 20th of January. 
 
 A besfsins-box is sent round the town to solicit Donations for their benefit, which 
 averages about one shilling per day ; and also a basket to receive broken victuals. 
 The person employed for this purpose is a Pauper from the Workhouse ; who has 
 one penny out of every shilling so collected, and also one shilling per week from the 
 City. 
 
 Ten shillings are annually paid on New Year's Daj', as the Legacy of Mr. 
 Dlachhead, of which a written Memorial is duly kept in the (iaol. The like sum 
 is annually given by the Corj)oration, on the 2<)th May, 4th June, 22d Sej)tember, 
 25th October, and 5th November ; and also nine-pence to each Prisoner upon the 
 Saturday before Shrove-tide, Easter, Whitsuntide, and Christmas. Every New- 
 Year's Day five shillings are paid by the jjarisli of St. Stephen ; and the same on 
 the 10th of May, by the parish of St. John Sepulchre. The latter had been dis- 
 continued for more than twenty-one years ; and both seem to be the Legacy of 
 Mrs. Kernpe. See Remarks on Norwich Castije, p. 444. 
 
 Mere is an excellent cold and warm bath, and a wash-house, with coppers, &c. 
 The Act and Clauses are conspicuously hung uj), and the Prison is kept clean.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4+«> 
 
 NORWICH. 
 
 The City Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Richard Mingai/. Salary, 60/. with coals and mops, brooms, pails, 
 towels, and thirteen pence per week for soap, to keep the Prison clean. 
 Fees, none : except for night-charges, or assaults ; which are ^s. each. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Millard. Duty, Sermon and Prayers every other Sundav. 
 Salary, 30/. for Bridewell and City Gaol. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Robinson. Salary, 5/. 5^. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 5th Sept. 1805, Eleven; loth Sept. 1810, Four. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of best wheaten bread per day, sent in loaves from 
 the Baker's; which 1 examined, and found of full weight. Also seven pence 
 in money per week : A tub of coals (about a peck) to each day-room ; and 
 the cinders from the Keeper's fire daily, from Michaelmas to Lady-Day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell is situate opposite St. Andrew's Church ; and in the front is the 
 Keeper's house, the windows of which command the court-yard: This is 19 feet 
 by 12, paved with pebbles ; has two sewers in it, a pump with excellent spring-water, 
 and soft- water also is laid on. 
 
 On the left-hand is the Men's day-room, 21 feet square, with a brick-floor, three 
 lofty glazed windows, and a fire-place. Here are also three sleeping-cells, each 
 14 feet 9 inches by 6 feet, 10 feet 6 inches high ; lighted and ventilated by a double 
 iron-bar grated and glazed window, with double casement, 3 feet by 18 inches; 
 opening into a lobby of 5 feet 6 inches wide, and communicating with the Men's 
 day-room . 
 
 Over the Men's cells is the Women's day-room ; which is also 21 feet square, 
 and 10 feet high, with a fire-place, and three lofty glazed windows. Here is like- 
 wise a room up stairs, set apart for the sick, of the same size. 
 
 The Keeper's apartments open into the Chapel above stairs, which is 24 feet long 
 by 17 feet 6 inches, and 10 feet 2 inches higii. It has a pew for the Keeper, and 
 seats are set apart for the Prisoners. 
 
 The Dungeon (to which from the court-yard is a descent of 15 steps) has, on 
 its right-hand, a large vaulted sleeping-cell, with two wooden bedsteads, and straw ; 
 and is lighted by a small iron-grating from the court-yard. At the farther end of 
 the dungeon just mentioned, are two other vaulted sleeping-cells ; the first of which, 
 16 feet 6' inches long by 9 feet 4 inches wide, and 8 feet 6" in height, is called The 
 
 3M
 
 450 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Light Dungeon, from its receiving just sufficient to make darkness visible : the 
 other, called The Dark Dungeon, is equally long and high, but 15 feet wide, and 
 totally obscure I These gloomy caverns have brick-floors, with straw; and I was 
 given to understand they have not been inhabited these seven years. In each there 
 is a wooden tube, to carry off foul air and noxious vapours, very judiciously left 
 open at the top of the building. 
 
 On the right-hand are seven sleeping-cells, which communicate with a lobby, or 
 passage, ^d feet long, 4 feet 6 inches wide; and each cell is 12 feet IQ, by 6 feet 8, 
 and 9 feet high. Above stairs is the same number of cells, with a lobby of like 
 dimensions. Every cell is fitted up with a crib-bedstead, straw-in-sacking bed, a 
 double blanket, and a coverlet. 
 
 The Prisoners all attend Chapel, or lose their bread allowance of the day: They 
 are also required to wash themselves every morning, previous to their receiving it. 
 
 Their employment formerly consisted in cutting wood for the dyers, and spinning ; 
 but none had been procured these seven years. No part of their earnings is assigned 
 them ; but, if their behaviour has been good under confinement, money is given to 
 them on being discharged. They have clean linen once a week. 
 
 Here are no Rules and Orders. No bath, nor oven. The Prison is white-washed 
 once a year, and kept very clean. The Act for the preservation of Health is hung- 
 up, but not the Clauses against Spirituous Liquoi-s. The Number of Prisoners com- 
 mitted to this Bridewell, from June 1804, to June 1805, was 38O; and from ttie 
 10th September 1809, to the 10th of September 1810, 175. 
 
 NORWICH. 
 
 Prison for the Precincts of the Close, 
 
 Keeper, James Clahurne. Salary, none. Fees, Is. 'id. 
 
 There were no Prisoners, either on the 8th Sept. 1805, or lOth Sept. 18 10. 
 
 Allowance, three penny worth of bread per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison belongs to the Dean and Chapter of Norwich. It consists of two 
 rooms at the top of the Keeper's house, each about 13 feet square, and 9 feet 
 high, separated by a wooden-grated door. Prisoners are committed hither for all 
 offences within the precincts, and have straw to lie upon. I was informed that 
 none had been sent here since 1806. 
 
 No Court. No sewer. No water accessible to Prisoners.
 
 Debtors. 
 
 
 
 
 Felons, 
 
 &c. 
 
 
 
 Bastardy 
 
 7 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 8 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 0. 
 
 8 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 5 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 0. 
 
 8 - 
 
 - 
 
 
 .- 
 
 6 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 _ O 
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES 451 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 The Cmtnty Gaol. 
 
 CJaoler, John Holt ; now Thomas U right. Salary, 140/. 
 
 Fees, Jbi' Debtors, ISs. 4d. ; and to the Turnkey, Is. 4(1. The Under-Shenff 
 has generally demanded four shillings for his Liberate ! But Mr. IVilUam- 
 Iflllson Kent, the present worthy Under-Sheriff, takes no such Fee. 
 
 For Felons, &c. none ; and for Conveyance of Transports he is allowed 
 the expence. Garnish prohibited. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. JVilUam Gill ; now Rev. Dr. fJood. 
 
 Duty, Prayers every Thursday ; and Prayers and Sermon every Sunday, Christ* 
 mas-Day, and Good Friday. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Partridge ; now Mr. Bigsby. 
 Salary, 30/. for Debtors and Felons, &c. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. 
 
 1803, Aug. 24th, - - 
 
 1S05, Sept. 29th, - - 
 
 l80(), Aug. 26th, - - 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, 1 C ounces of bread per day. Felons have the same Allow- 
 ance in bread, with one j)enny per day each in money, and one penny per 
 week for soap. I am informed by the Gaoler that Assize Convicts, under 
 Sentence of Transportation, have the County allotment of bread, in addition 
 to the allowance of 2*. 6d. per week for their maintenance. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol adjoins to, and stands on the South-side of the County, or Shire-Hall. 
 It is situate on the declivity of a hill. The entrance to it is down a passage from 
 the street, leading to the Turnkey's Lodge ; and close to this is the Debtors' court- 
 yard, of 100 feet by 41, with a flagged terrace, and handsome iron palisades, com- 
 manding a view of three Counties. 
 
 On the East-side of the Debtors' court is their day apartment, or common mess- 
 room, 17 feet by 10; which has three tables in it, chairs, shelves, and cupboards, 
 to secure their provisions ; with a glazed window, fire-place, and side oven. Here 
 »»-e also three good-sized sleeping-rooms. 
 
 On the North-side are three other sleeping-rooms ; one of which has been lately 
 converted to its projjer use out of the Keeper's stable, now disused. The average 
 size 2 2 feet 8 inches by 1 1 feet. 
 
 Women-Debtors have a room 20 feet square, which has a flagged floor, with 
 arched roof, a iire-place, and a large window, that very improperly looked into the
 
 452 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Men's court. This window, however, has been made of ground-glass, by way of 
 prevention ; and the Women-Debtors have now a separate court-yard of their own, 
 about 11 feet square, which is suppUed with water by a pipe laid on. 
 
 To all the above-mentioned rooms the Keeper furnishes beds and bedding, at 
 3*. per week for a single person ; or at 2s. per week, if two sleep together. Such 
 Debtors as provide their own bedsteads and bedding, pay 6d. each per week. 
 
 Over the mess-room is a small Chapel, 23 feet by 20 feet (i inches ; which has 
 four glazed casement windows. The sexes are placed separate, and all attended 
 Divine Service when I was here. The Chapel is too scanty for the number of 
 Prisoners ; and the casement construction of its windows must at times render 
 it uncomfortably close. 
 
 The poor Debtors, who cannot afford to pay for a bed, are most unpleasantly 
 provided for in this County-Prison. Their descent is, by twenty-eight steps, to three 
 miserable sleeping-rooms, called " Free Wards.'' The two largest, about 12 feet 
 by 9, have fire-places; the third, which formerly was the Condemned-Room, or 
 place for Convicts under Sentence of Death, is about Q feet square, with a wooden 
 bedstead in it; and all have a small iron-grated and glazed window. The 
 Debtors here confined are obliged to furnish tlieir own beds ; which yet necessity 
 only, in the extreme, can induce, or rather compel them to occupy. I feel a plea- 
 sure in being enabled to add, that these wretched and deep-sunk dormitories have 
 not been used since the appointment of Mr. Wright, the present Gaoler. 
 
 A considerable part of the North-side of the Debtors' court-yard was once sadly 
 encumbered by a large dust-hole 'and dung-liill, leading to arcades, under which 
 were a caj^acious and convenient bath, with a copper to vvarai it when necessary ; 
 But, singular as it ma)' appear, they were seldom used. At present, however, a 
 decent covered dust-bin has succeeded to the hole, which was worse than unsightly ; 
 and within the former dung-plot, is now constructed an excellent stove, for purifying 
 infected or filthy clothes. 
 
 There is no spring-water supplied or belonging to this Gaol: But, as the large 
 bath became almost wholly useless for the purpose originally intended, it is now 
 made to serve as an additional reservoir ; which, as well as the Gaoler's house, and 
 the whole Prison, are furnished, by means of two pumps and three cisterns, with 
 soft water from the river Leen. It is sometimes muddy, and, at other times, must 
 be fetched from the bath reservoir, as the best resource. 
 
 In the Felons' old court-yard, near the Keepers parlour, there is a well, which, 
 if a pump were substituted, would amply supply the Prison with excellent spring- 
 water. But the well, I am told, was covered over in the year 1799 ; for which the 
 only reason I could hear assigned was, that some of the Prisoners at that time liad 
 thrown improper things into it!
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 453 
 
 gj^" Tlie arcades before mentioned, built vindcr tlie County-IIall, are now- 
 made a repository for coals, wood, &c. but would aflbrd good room for work-sbops, 
 and comfortable //Tc-«"t/rt/,v for tlie poor Common-Side Debtors. 
 
 For Telons, at a descent ol' for fj/ steps '. Iiere are two dark and damp dungeons, 
 called " Tbe Pits," cut out of the friable sandy rock. One of tiiem, 2.3 feet long 
 by 13, and 7 feet high, apj)ears not to have been used for a long time: Tiie other, 
 occupied at the time of my former visits, is nearly circular, 12 feet in diameter, 
 sujiplied with barrack bedsteads ; and oj)posite to it, in a narrow passage, are three 
 cells, each of them 8 feet by 5. All the light or ventilation these subterranean 
 abodes can receive, is from two circular apertures over the doors, of 7 inches in 
 diameter. Each has a wooden bedstead, with loose straw thrown upon them, and 
 two rugs: the door-ways, only 4 feet 6 inches high, and 2 feet wide! The present 
 Gaoler says, he has never put any Prisoners into the circular dungeon, or the three 
 dismal cells in the narrow passage opposite to it; but I was sorry to find them all 
 cleaned out, and made ready, as it were, for any occasion, instead of being inacces- 
 sibly bricked up, and consigned to merited oblivion. 
 
 The court-yard, appendant to ihe above cells, is that which heretofore had the 
 well in it ; and close to the Keeper's door is raised an open iron-palisaded fence, of 
 10 feet by 5, to prevent the Felons from rushing out. 'Iheir court-yard, of 39 feet 
 by 28, is paved with flag-stoue ; and their day or mess-room, in the centre of it, 
 is 1.') feet by 10. 
 
 The newlij-hullt part of the Felons' Gaol has a court-yard for the Men, 4G feet 
 by 18, with a day or mess-room, 25 feet by iS. For tlie Women here are arcades, 
 about 16 feet square. Their day-room, in its original construction, was 22 feet by 
 10 ; but at my last visit in 1809, I found it divided into two. One part contained 
 two beds, and near it was a narrow slip for f'agrants, who sleep on straw. To each 
 day-room there is a fire-place, with side-evens, and a table and shelf for provisions : 
 And over the Women-Felons' day-room they have now three sleeping-cells, 9 feet 
 each by 7. Every Felon, Male or Female, is here allowed a straw-in-ticking bed, 
 three blankets and a rug ; and each window of their rooms and cells has a casement 
 of 16 inches by 12. 
 
 Over these apartments are eight sleeping-cells for Men, which ojjcn into a lob!)y 
 5 feet wide. Each cell is about 9 feet by 7, arch-roofed, with a semicircular grated 
 and glazed window, and a grating of like form over each door. Tliey were hereto- 
 fore only supplied with a wooden bedstead each, for two Prisoners, loose straw, and 
 two rugs ; but the considerate Magistrates have lately ordered a bed fur every ct^ll, 
 and to these new cells have adtled a stove, to introduce warmth when needed. The 
 door-ways to the cells are 4 feet 6 inches high by 2 feet 6' wide, and cased with iron- 
 In the New Gaol are twelve sleeping cells.
 
 •4^4 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Upon Convicts being left for execution, it is customary to confine them, during 
 the day-time, in a room 22 feet by 10, with three windows in it, a fire-place, and 
 a table. Here they are duly supplied with religious books : they have tea twice a 
 dav, and a hot dinner; and are daily attended by the Chaplain, or other Cler- 
 gyman. 
 
 ^f^' At the West end of the Shire-Hall, there is a very convenient and suitable 
 place for the awful business of Executions, and where a platform might be occa- 
 sionally or permanently fixed, as at Chelmsford, Reading, and many other places. 
 Instead of which, at Nottingham, the poor wretches are dragged along through the 
 Town, in a cart, to a place about a mile distant ; to the preposterous gratification 
 of unfeelino- curiosity, that " knows no brotherly yearnings," and to the sad disgrace 
 of civilized society ! 
 
 " When Criminals," says Dr. Moore, " are carried to execution with little or no 
 solemnity, amidst the shouts of an unconcerned rabble, who applaud them in pro- 
 portion to the degree of indiflerence and impenitence they display, and consider the 
 whole scene as a source of amusement ; how can such exhibitions make any useful 
 imnression, or terrify the thoughtless and desperate from any wicked propensity ? 
 If there is a Country" continues he, " in which great numbers of young, incon- 
 siderate creatures are, six or eight times every year, carried to execution in this tu- 
 multuous, unafFecting manner, might not a stranger conclude that the view of the 
 Legislature was to cut off" guilty individuals in the least alarming way possible, that 
 others may not be deterred from following their example?*" 
 
 Some years since, the following singular incident happened with' respect to this 
 Prison, which is vouched by good authority. On the igth of Feb. 1787, two 
 women, 3Iahcl Morris and Elizabeth Morris, were committed to this Gaol by 
 virtue of a Bishop's Writ, and confined there initil the 25th of February, 1799; 
 \vhen, some repairs being wanted at the Prison, their doors were thrown open. 
 They sent for a cart, in which their goods were loaded in the day-time, and the 
 women went out unmolested. Application was made to the then Sheriff, to know 
 if they were to be brought back to Prison ; but nothing was done ; and at my visit 
 in Sept. 180.",, they resided at Calverton, in this County. 
 
 The sanction ibr the confinement of a Prisoner upon the above-mentioned Process 
 runs thus : " Forasmuch as the Royal Power ought not to be wanting to the Holy 
 Church in its Complaint, You are commanded to attach the said * * * * by his 
 [or her] Body, according to the Law and Custom of England ; until he [or she] 
 ;,liall have made satisfaction to the Holy Church, as well for the contempt, as for 
 
 the injury by him [or her] done unto it." One cannot help wishing that the 
 
 Reformation, or the Revolution, or any other adequate and legal interference, had 
 ('one away i\\Q power of such imprisonment. 
 
 * See his " ^■ie\v of Society and Manners in Italy." Vol. I. 3d edit. p. AJQ.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTI>AND, AJV'D WALES. 
 
 455 
 
 List of Legacies and Donations. 
 
 John Sfiei~u^in, Es(\. of Nottingham, four pounds per annura^; no\v paid fiuai;terly by Jo/m 
 Longdon, Esq. out of an Estate at Biamscote, purchased by Mr. Sherwin of the descend- 
 ants of Henry Handlej-, Esq. the Donor, 
 
 By Suiiiiiel S»iit/i, Esq. M. P. for Nottingham, pursuant to the Will of Mr. Abel Collings, 
 /our shillings monthly, to the Prisoners, for coals. 
 
 John Elliott, Esq. of Nottingham, gives annually a sixpenny loaf, and a pint of ale to every 
 Prisoner ; and a buttock of beef amongst all. 
 
 The Uev. Dr. IVoml, Chaplain, gives annually one pound of beef, and a pint of ale to 
 every Prisoner. 
 
 The High Sheriffs send to each Prisoner a si.vpenny loaf, one pound of best cheese, and a 
 pint of ale. 
 
 'ITie Grand Jury, at tlie Assizes, make a collection for the Criminal Prisoners, to the 
 amount of from thirty to forty shillings. 
 
 Here, as at Derby, Horsham, &c. ji Mi^n goes round the country, about Christ- 
 mas, and collects money at Gentlemen's houses for the Debtors. I have an account 
 of the Christmas Collections from 1 8o I, of which the following years are a specimen : 
 
 £. s. d. 
 In 1806, Collection .--------------. -59 16 6 
 
 Paid John Branderith the Collector, being out twelve weeks -----2540 
 
 Nett amount ------- .3.^126 
 
 Distributed as follows : £. s. d. £. s. d. 
 
 1806, Dec. 24th, Four Debtors - - 3 3 10 each, - - 12 1.5 4 
 
 1807, Jan. 14th, ditto ditto ---196 -- 5180 
 Feb. nth, ditto ditto ---2170 --US0 
 March 1st, ditto ditto ---12 9| -- 4112 
 
 34 12 6 
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 68 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 25 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 In 1307, Collection ----- 
 
 Paid Collector, being out twelve weeks -------._. 
 
 Nett amount ------- 43 
 
 Distributed as follows : of. J. d. £. s. d. 
 
 1807, Dec. 24, Fourteen Debtors - - 1 each, - - 14 
 
 1808, Jan. 13th, ditto ditto ---0 17 --1118 
 Feb. 4tli, ditto ditto ---014 -- 9160 
 Feb. 25th, ditto ditto - - - 10 5| - - 7 6 1| 
 
 £. 43 
 
 II
 
 456 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 £. s. d. 
 In 1808, Collection -----_------. ---.7111 6 
 
 Paid Collector, being out twelve weeks __-_-_--»-_ 25 40 
 
 Nett amount ------ 46 76 
 
 Distributed as follows : £. s. d. £. s. d. 
 
 1308, Dec. 24th, Sixteen Debtors - - 13 9 each - - 15 
 
 1809, Jan. 2 1st, ditto ditto ---0 15 --12 00 
 
 Feb. nth, ditto ditto ---0 14 --1140 
 
 March 4th, Fourteen ditto - --0118| -- 83 7| 
 
 £. 46 7 7| 
 
 sS. s. d. 
 In 1809, Collection - 70 16 
 
 Paid Collector, being out twelve weeks and four days ------- 26 120 
 
 Nett amount ------- 43 96 
 
 Distributed as follows : £. s. d. £. s. d. 
 
 1809, Dec. 23d, Nine Debtors - - 1 18 8 each, - - 17 8 
 
 1810, Jan. 13th, Twelve Debtors --OI2 3| --776 
 
 Feb. 3d, ditto ditto --015 2| -- 926 
 
 Feb. 28th, Thirteen ditto - - 14 8| - - 9 11 6 
 
 of. 43 9 6 
 
 Here is no County clothing provided ; but if a Prisoner be ragged, he is clothed 
 at the County's expence. 
 
 The Surgeon has a discretionary power to order indulgences of extra clothing, 
 linen, food, wine, &c. for the sick and infirm, as he finds it necessary. 
 
 Religious books are supplied for the use of the Prison. The Gaol has no fixed 
 Infirmary ; but if any Prisoners fall sick, they are removed to some separate room 
 unoccupied. 
 
 Upon their discharge from hence, they have money granted, proportionably, to 
 carry them home. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 hung up in the Debtors' mess-room. 
 
 I here beg leave to pay my respectful acknowledgements to William-Elliott 
 Elliott, esq. of Gedling-House, late High Sheriff of this County, who humanely 
 accompanied me to the Prisons, Hospital, and Work-houses: And also to the 
 worthy Magistrates in general, for the polite notice they were pleased to take of my 
 suggestions relative to the state of the Gaols at Nottingham and Southwell.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4ST 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Pliilip Bailei/ ; a Peace Officer for the Town. 
 Salary, 70/. and 30/. per annum for a Turnkey. 
 Fees, for Debtors, 14a-. Sd. Besides which the Under-Sheriff demands four 
 
 shillings for his liberate ! For Felons, 134-. 4d. paid by the County. 
 Conveyance of Transports, lol. each, whether to Woolwich or to Portsmouth. 
 Ciarnish ; one shilling is paid upon entrance to the Prison stock for coals. 
 
 Chaplain, none regularly assigned, hut the Rev. Mr. Bryan, a Calvinist, fre- 
 quently attends the Prisoners here gratuitously ; and many religious books 
 are sent them. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Basnett. Salary, for Gaol-Felons only, and the House of Cor- 
 rection, 10/. 10*. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1803, Aug. 24th, ------ 5 ------- 12. 
 
 1805, Oct. 1st, - ----- 7 ------- 10. 
 
 1809, Aug. 26th, ------ 12 ------- 14. 
 
 Allowance, for all descriptions, a threepenny loaf per day each, which in October 
 1805, weighed 1 lb. and 1 oz. When a Debtor has obtained his sixpences, 
 he continues also to receive the County Bread. If a Debtor be very poor, 
 and petition the Magistrates, he is allowed half a loaf in addition. Debtors 
 likewise receive, as the benefit of a Legacy, one shilling per week for coals. 
 Colonel Elliott gives annually, at Christmas, one pound of beef, a threepenny 
 loaf, and a pint of ale, to each Prisoner ; and the Mayor of Nottingham, for 
 the time being, sends 1 cvvt. of coals to every Prisoner at the same season. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is partly under the Guild-hall, 'llie Keeper's house fronts the Street; 
 and his windows, as well as those of the Turnkey's lodge, command a view both of 
 the Debtors' and Criminals' court-yards. 
 
 Yor Debtors here are two court-yards; the upper one of which, 33 feet long 
 by 23, has a flagged floor, and is over what they call " The Felons Pit" whicli 
 receives its light an<l ventilation from a circular iron grating, of 1 1 feet diameter, 
 placed in the centre of this court-yard : the lower one is 3,8 feet 6 inches by 23 feet, 
 and has a dust-hole and a sewer at the upper end. The Debtors have also nine 
 
 3 N
 
 458 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 good-sized sleeping-rooms, with fire-places, and glazed windows, all furnished by 
 the Gaoler; for which, if two sleep in one bed, they pay 2s. per week; or if the 
 ]3ebtor have a bed to himself, 3^. weekly. 
 
 The Felons, before Trial, have a court-yard of 60 feet by 3 1., with a sewer, dust- 
 hole, and water laid on ; a day-room 11 feet by 10, with a fire-place, and 9 small 
 workshop. 
 
 After conviction they are confined in what is called " The Felons' Pit," which is 
 sixteen steps down, a circular court, of 21 feet by iS, with a flagged floor; and de- 
 rives its light from the circular iron-grating, of 11 feet diameter, in the floor of the 
 Debtors' yard before-mentioned. Three sleeping-cells open into this court, each 
 10 feet by 6, and 8 feet high, the doors of which are only 5 feet hig4i and 22^ inches 
 wide. Here is also a passage 32 feet long and 4 feet wide, which hjis on each side 
 of it three cells. One of them, damp and useless, is now suitably converted into a 
 coal-hole; the other two have iron-grated windows, with inside shutters, and a 
 grating over each door, 16 inches square. The other three cells, or dungeons, on the 
 opposite side, have no other light orventilation than the small grating above-described. 
 All of them are fitted up with wooden bedsteads, to provide straw for which the 
 Keeper was allowed four guineas a year. At my last visit in 1809, the Town suyi- 
 plied a straw-in-ticking bed, with three blankets, and a rug. 
 
 The Debtors here are indeed locally and occasionally separated from /the Felons ; 
 but the sexes, in each class and division of so scanty a space, must necessarily be 
 together in the day-time. 
 
 The Emploi/nwiif here consists in weaving, making shoes, cutting pegs, &c. and 
 the Debtoi-s thus usefully occupied, enjoy the whole of their earnings. Both they 
 and the Felons are allowed to send for one quart of ale in the four-and-twenty hours. 
 
 A Co//erf/o« is charitably made every year throughout the Town, at Christmas, 
 for "the benefit of the Prisoners in general. In 1 804 it amounted to nine Pounds, 
 six Shillings ; out of which, after paying the Collector 14^. for four days trouble, 
 the remainder was distributed to the Prisoners, at J 05. gd. each. 
 
 The Christmas annual collection, up to the time of my visit in August l80(), 
 amounted to between eight and ten pounds, and was distributed to all classes of 
 Prisoners equally. 
 
 This whole Gaol is well supplied with river water; and in the Street adjoining is 
 a pump, from which excellent spring water is daily fetched by the Keeper for the 
 use of his Prisoners. 
 
 The Prison is whitewashed. The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are hung 
 up ; but not the Act for the Preservation of Health. 
 
 On the whole this is a wretched Prison; and it gave me great pleasure to be in- 
 formed, that the Grand Jury had presented it at the Assizes in 1809, and that a 
 new one was to be built.
 
 :J IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 459 
 
 NOTTINGHAM. 
 
 The Uou^se of Correction. 
 
 Keepei-, Robert Machin. Salary, 30/. Fees, 3.$. 4^/. 
 Chaj)lain, none. See the Remarks. 
 
 Stirfreon, Mr. Fiasneff, for this house and the Town-Gaol. 
 
 Salary for both, Debtors excepted at the Town (iaol, 10/. lOi. 
 
 Nmnbtr of Debtors, 1805, Oct. 1st, 13. 1809, Aug. aSth, 7. 
 
 Allowance, a threepenny loaf per day, weighing 1 lb. I4- oz. at my visit in 
 iSGj. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, situate in St. John Street, was formerly St. John's Chapel. It has 
 a boundary wall, and the Keeper's house, which is in the centre, commands tlie 
 two court-yards. That for the Men-Prisoners is 54 feet by 36", paved with flag- 
 stone, and supplied with a pump and sewer. For the Women there are, below, 
 four rooms with arcades, each about 9 feet square; and above-stairs are three others 
 of the same size, with fire-places and glazed windows, that open into a gallery 
 27 feet long, and 3 feet wide ; and all look into the Mens court. 
 
 The court-yard for the Women Prisoners is '^^ feet by 19 feet G, and is unsup- 
 plied with water. They have also a day-room, opening towards the Men's court- 
 yard. 
 
 In August 1807, an addition was made to this Prison for the separate con 6ne- 
 mcnt of the Women. On the ground-floor here is a day-room, about 14 feet square, 
 v\ith a fire-place, a large glazed wimlow, and forms to sit on; t.vo sleepiug-rooms, 
 n ith two beds in each ; a room for the refractory, with borrowed light, and without 
 windows ; and a spacious flagged court, with convenient sewer, a pump, and 
 dust-pen. 
 
 lihe Jirst story has three good-sized rooms ; one of which is used as a work-room, 
 and the others have two beds each. I'he second story has also three rooms, two 
 of which are aj)propriated for the sexes to hear Prayers, « hich are read everv Sun- 
 day, alternately, by Mr. liudger, a hosier; Mr. Hazard, a liuen-draper ; Mr. 
 Simpson, a rope-maker; and ^Ir. Medlani, a frame-work knitter. The third sturu 
 has a very large work-room, and a sleeping-room. The bedsteads are of wood, to 
 contain two persons ; with a straw-in-ticking bed, and four blankets to each, but 
 no rug.
 
 460 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Men's day-room below is nearly l8 feet square, with a fire-place; and up 
 «tairs they have three rooms, of about the same size, with fire-places and glazed 
 windows. Each of these last holds two wooden bedsteads, to which the Keeper 
 furnishes straw at 20*. a quarter, with four blankets, allowed by the Town ; but if 
 he supplies a bed, and two sleep together, the charge is 2*. each per week. 
 
 The two court-yards originally set out for this Prison were comparatively of little 
 use, or beneficial consequence. There is but one pump in common betwixt them ; 
 and the intercourse of all sorts and classes was prevented only at night. Both these 
 court-yards, in the old part of the Gaol, as well as the rooms formerly occupied by 
 Women, are now appropriated to the Men. They have convenient sewers ; and 
 are supplied, not only with soft water from the river Leen, but with spring water 
 also, by the pump above noticed. 
 
 No employment, as yet, is furnished by the Town ; but, in common cases, those 
 who can obtain it, have the benefit of their labour to themselves. Those whom 
 I saw in 1805 were tambouring, running of lace, or weaving stockings. Now, if a 
 frame-work knitter procures work, for a Man he pays one shilling per week ; for a 
 Woman, sixpence per week to the Keeper : and then they receive all their nett 
 earnings, together with the Prison allowance of bread. At my last visit, in 1809, 
 three out of the seven Prisoners were at work. 
 
 The Commitments hither, from 31st March 1807, to 31st March 1S09, were 
 eight hundred arid fourteen. 
 
 Poultry were used to be kept in the court-yards ; but at my last visit, I found 
 that very offensive practice discontinued. It does not suit nor become a place of 
 human confinement. 
 
 Coals are allowed to the day and work-rooms ; and the sleeping- rooms, when 
 needful, are warmed by the tubes of German stoves. No County clothing is sup- 
 plied. No bath or oven, to purify foul and infected clothes. 
 
 The Keeper is furnished with mops, brooms, and pails, to keep the Prison in 
 neat order ; but no soap or towels are allowed for personal cleanliness ; nor religious 
 books distributed for the Prisoners' use, under guilt, sorrow, or sickness. 
 
 They have their usual allowance of bread given them when discharged. 
 
 Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 are here hung up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALfCS. toi 
 
 OAKHAM. Rutlandshire. 
 The Counts-Gaol, Brldeivell, and Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, If'iUiamSewell; now George Gould. Salary, r>o/. Fees, 14s. lod. tor 
 Debtors and Felons. Besides which the Under-Shcriff demands ,9*. 2d. of 
 each Debtor for his liberate ! Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Richard IFiUiams ; who attends Prisoners under Sentence of 
 Death only ; for which he receives a gratuity from the Treasurer of the 
 County. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. William Keal. Salary, 5/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 ISOO, April 22d, ------3--. ----4. 
 
 1805, Sept. 27th, - -----0-------2. 
 
 Allowance, one pound of bread per day to Prisoners of all descriptions. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The old Gaol, which was a thatched building, I have described fully in the Gen- 
 tleman's Magazine for Nov. 1810, page 422. The present Gaol, finished in 1810, 
 is situated a little way out of the Town, and the boundary-wall encloses about half 
 an acre of ground. Here is no lodge for a Turnkey ; the door of entrance opens 
 into a room, which has in it a boiler and a sleeping-cell ; and up stairs is a condemned 
 cell, and a straw loft. The flat roof at tlie toji is intended for the place of execution. 
 The Gaolers house is an octagon, centrally placed, with three wings for Prisons, the 
 court-yards of which are commanded by his windows. Men Debtors have a court- 
 yard ,')0 feet by 20; and a day-room about 14 feet square, with glazed and grated 
 windows and tire-place ; three sleeping-cells below, and five above, each <) feet by 7, 
 and 9 feet high. Women Debtors have a small court-yard 1 6 feet by 14, a day- 
 room like the Men's, and only one sleeping-cell, which is above stairs. Men 
 Felons have a court-yard 40 feet by 23, a day-room 14 feet square, and above stairs 
 three sleeping-cells. Women Felons the same. 
 
 The Bridewell part of the Prison has, for Men, a court-yard 46' feet by 27, a day 
 and work-room on the ground-floor; above stairs five sleeping-cells; and the 
 same for the Women. For slight offences here is a court-yard, day-room, and two 
 sleeping-cells on the ground-floor, and three above. Here is one solitary cell, with 
 a small court attached. The Chapel is in the Gaoler's house, and the Prison is suj)- 
 plied with water by an engine.
 
 4«2 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ODIHAM. Hampshire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, IFilliam Broivn, a SherifF's-Officer. Salary, 25/. Fees, G.y. %d. No 
 Table. Surgeon, Mr. Shihbear. Salary, none. Makes a Bill. Number of Prisoners, 
 1802, March 20th, 0. lS03,Oct. 2r)th, 3. Allowance, 170Z. of bread per day. 
 
 Remarks. This Bridewell is at the back of the Keeper's house, and separated 
 from it by a court-yard, 55 feet by 28, with a pump and sewer in it. 
 
 Here is only one day-room, of 12 feet 3 inches by 11 feet 3. On the ground- 
 floor a sleeping-room for Men, and one of 1 1 feet 8 inches by 7 feet, aiid 6 feet 
 10 inches high, for Women; with each a double iron-grated window, and loose 
 straw on the floors. No firing allowed. 
 
 There is a large room in the centre of the building, which the Keeper has con- 
 verted into his brewhouse, dairy, &c. In the house are two rooms for those who 
 can pay 2*. 6^/. a week. No Rules and Orders. No employment. Prison dirty. 
 
 OKEHAMPTON. Devonshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 (iaoler, IJlllium Partridge ; Sergeant at Mace. Salary, 3/. Prisoners, 19th 
 Oct. 1803, None. Allowance, three- pence a day. 
 
 Remarks. This Gaol consists of two rooms, about 12 feet by 7; dark and 
 dirty. In the lower room a privy. Each has an iron grating, that looks toward the 
 Street. A bundle of straw, weekly, is supplied when wanted. 
 
 Formerly Debtors were kept in the upper room. Nineteen Prisoners have been 
 confined here at a time, for a night or two. No water. No court-yard. It had 
 been white-washed about nine years previous to my visit. 
 
 ORFORD. Suffolk. 
 The Borough Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Joseph Leivcoch, Sergeant at Mace. Salary, 20*. per anrFum. 
 
 Allowance, a two penny loaf of bread, atid a pint of small beer each per day. 
 
 Sept. 13th, 1805, no Prisoners. 
 
 Remarks. The Borough Gaol is a room under the Town-Hall, of 1 1 feet 4 
 inches by Q feet 5, and S feet liigli. The door-way only 4 feet G inches high, and 
 '2 feet 3 inches wide. Here is a fire-])lnCe, a wooden bedstead, loose straw, and one 
 Jron-gfated window, 3 feet by 2 feet y, opening towards the Street. 
 
 The Bridewell is also under the Town-Hall, iG feet by [) feet 10, and 7 feet 
 ■<) inches higli ; with fire-place, and two iron-grated windows, of 3 feet by2 feet G, 
 *ex-t Ihe Street. Firing allowed by the Borough. No court. No sewer, nor water! 
 
 A New Bridewell is building, Vvitli two cells 10 feet by 8 feet each, having fire- 
 places. Also two small courts, 10 feet by 7 feet each, and supplied with sewers.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ^ 
 
 OXFORD. 
 
 The Castle Gaol, and County Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Daniel Harris ; now John If^i/att. Salary, 200/. and for coals 30/. 
 Turnkeys, tiiree. The Salary of the Upper Turnkey, 45/. ; the two others have 
 
 40/. each ; and 5/. per annum allowed to each Turnkey for coals. 
 Fees and Garnish are abolished : But the Under-Sherifi" continues to demand 
 
 from each Debtor 3*. Gd. for his Liberate ! For Transports, the expence 
 
 of Conveyance. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Richard Graham. 
 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon morning and afternoon ; also on Good- 
 Friday and Christmas-day ; and Prayers every Wednesday and Friday. The 
 Sacrament four times a year. 
 
 Salary, 50/. for the Gaol, and 20l. for the Bridewell. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Raulins. 
 
 Salar\-, 30/. for Debtors, Felons, &c. both of the Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1S06, Aug. 30th, - - 26 - - 9. 
 1809, Nov. 23d, - - 5 - - 19- 
 
 1800, April 29th, - - 17 - - 37. 
 
 1802, Nov. 23d, -- iC) -- 28. 
 
 1803, Aug. 19th, - - H - - 15- 
 Allowance, to Debtors. " Every Debtor, producing a Certificate from the 
 
 Minister, and some other known and respectable Inhabitant of the place of 
 his usual residence, (not being his Creditor,) that he is not able to support 
 himself, and that he is wholly destitute of friends to afford him support, 
 shall receive from the County the same allowance of food and bedding as is 
 allowed to Criminal Prisoners by the County : But such allowance shall 
 cease, when the Debtor shall have obtained his Sixpences from his Creditor ; 
 in which he shall be assisted by the Gaoler, at the County's expence. 
 
 To Felons, &c. one pound and half of good wheaten bread, baked the day 
 before ; and one ounce and half of salt butter, or Cheshire cheese : Also 
 two pounds and half of good oatmeal, and some salt every week, with such 
 vegetables as can conveniently be furnished them out of the garden belonging 
 to the Gaol. 
 
 And, as an encouragement to orderly and good behaviour, and to a due at- 
 tendance on religious Worship, an extra Allowance shall be made on every 
 Sunday, of half a pound of coarse beef, and a quart of broth, prepared with 
 vegetables, to every Prisoner who shall have behaved well during die week 
 preceding. 
 
 Weights and scales are provided, that all may see their Allowance fairly 
 dealt out.
 
 464 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol has a very castellated appearance. The boundary wall encloses about 
 three acres of ground ; and being at a considerable distance from the Prison, affords 
 the Keeper a convenient garden, which supplies not only his family, but the whole 
 Gaol, with sufficient vegetables. At the Outer-lodge, near the road, is a kind of 
 cage, or watch-house, as a room for Vagrants, or others brought in at night, and for 
 that night only. 
 
 On one side of the entrance is the Upper Turnkey's Lodge, about l6 feet square, 
 with a room above for himself and Assistants to sleep in ; also an office, and a 
 store-room. On the other side, corresponding therewith, is a reception-room for 
 Prisoners, when first brought to Gaol ; and above it a lazaretto. 
 
 Here are likewise a warm and cold bath, a general kitchen and bake-house, for the 
 use of the (Jaol, and rooms above for the Prisoners' clothes, and the Gaol uniform. 
 Above stairs is a remarkable neat Chapel, where the Prisoners are seated in classes, 
 out of sight of each other. The flat roof over all is the place of Execution. 
 
 In the centre of the area is the Keepers house, which overlooks all the inner 
 court-yards ; also the Visiting-Magistrates' Committee-Room. The wing on the 
 right hand of the Keeper's house is attached to the old Tower. The bottom part con- 
 tains three day-rooms for Debtors, 1(7 feet by 12, with a fire-place in each, appro- 
 jjriated to the three classes ; two for Males, and one for Females : also nine sleeping- 
 rooms, 11 feet by 8 each, with boarded floors and glazed windows. 
 
 The first story contains twelve sleeping rooms, similar to those below. The 
 Debtors' jiart of the Gaol is divided into two Wards ; first the Governor's, and 
 second, the Common JFard. 
 
 No Debtor who desires to be confined in the Common-Ward has any thing to 
 pay for his room ; but if he chooses to be in the Governor's Ward, he has one 
 shilling a week to pay for room-rent, and for which the Governor (or Gaoler) is 
 accountable to the County. Every Debtor, if he pleases, may provide his own 
 l)edding, &c. But if he prefers it, the Gaoler will provide them ; and he must pay 
 to the Gaoler, for his own use, as the hire of the same, one shilling per week in the 
 (Jovernor's Ward, and nine-pence per week in the Common Ward. 
 
 At the East-end of this Prison is a circular bastion, 28 feet in diameter, and four 
 stories high ; each containing two rooms of a semicircular form, 30 feet by 15, with 
 a fire-place in each : these are intended for working and sleeping rooms. No Em- 
 pltyment is as yet furnished by the County; but any Debtor who can procure it 
 from without, is allowed to work, upon paying to the Gaoler half the profits of his 
 labour; which, however, is to be repaid him on his leaving the Gaol. But should 
 such Debtor desire to receive the whole of his earnings (relinquishing all claim to 
 allowance of food and bedding from the County), the whole is to be paid to him 
 accordingly.
 
 IN ENGLANi:*, SCOTI.AMI, AND WALKS. 4«B 
 
 At the end of the building, and adjoining to the old 'Inwcr, arc four cells of 
 11 feet by 8 each; to which there is added a day-room, of an irrefrular polygon 
 shape, and about 2", feet by l,"]. Tliese are intended I'or iXxa scpa ration of Prisoners, 
 such as King's Evidence, the lletVactory, &c. 
 
 The ground-floor of the old 'lower is the Dungeon, '20 feet square, and 20 feet 
 high ; the floor of which is nuid ; and it receives a dull srlimmerino- throu<di a smaii 
 treble-bar iron-grating, 15 feet high, just sufl^icient for " teaching light to counter/'rit 
 a gloom." This is used as a Black Hole, for the short confinement of those taken in 
 an actual attempt to escape, or the very unruly and turbulent. 
 
 The tirst-floor contains a room of the same size as the dan-reon inlow ; It has 
 a boarded floor, with one treble-bar iron-grated window, and is called " 'i'he Con- 
 demned Hole." The second and third stories contain each one room, of the same 
 size as those below ; but the Keeper assured nie they had not been used these fifteen 
 years. The upper room of this Tcjwer is of the same size as the others : it has a 
 boarded floor, one window, and a huge lantern light; and is intended for the use 
 of Debtors, (as formerly,) if found necessary. An Engine throws water into a leaden 
 cistern, from wliich every part of the (Jaol is well supplied. The sewers are con- 
 veniently constructed, and not otiiensive. 
 
 To the left of the Keeper's house is a detached wing, for Felons and Convicts, 
 which consists of two divisions; viz. The first and second class of Felons, and first 
 and second class of Convicts ; each with a distinct court-yard, of about f)0 feet by 40, 
 and a day-room, with a fire-place in each. The ground-floor of this wing contains 
 l6 vvorksheds under arcades, about .9 feet by 7, and 10 feet high. These are divided 
 by a lobby, or passage, 88 feet long, and -, feet wide ; at each end of which is a day 
 or work-room ; the one 2,", feet by if, ; the other circular, and 2S feet in diameter. 
 
 The first story contains seven cells for the first class of Felons, and eight cells for 
 the second class of Convicts ; separated by a lobby, and with a day-room at each 
 end, the same as below. 
 
 The second story contains seven cells for the first class of Convicts, and eight cells 
 for the second class; in every respect like those on the first story. 
 
 The third, or attick story, contains two Injirmaries ; one, of 24 feet by 10, for 
 Male Criminals ; the other, of 16' feet by 10, for Females : and on each side of the 
 L,eads there is a flat, upon which Convalescents are separately permitted to take 
 the air. 
 
 Each cell in the foregoing wing is rather singidurlif fitted tip, with a Yorkshire 
 stone bedstead, 6" feet by 2, or an elm jjlank bedstead, () feet by 2 feet 6"; a mattress 
 stufll'd with hair, two blankets, a coarse sheet, and a rug: and the sheets are 
 changed once a fortnight. These cells are well lighted, and ventilated, with an 
 inside shutter to their iron-grated window. On the first and second story is a 
 small room for the Watchman, or Inner Turnkey. 
 
 30
 
 466 STATE OF PRISONS ' 
 
 Behind the Keeper's house, and on each side, are separate buiUUngs and yards, 
 which now constitute the House of Correction, instead of those formerly occupied 
 at Thame and Witney. 
 
 They consist of t\vo detaclied win:;?, for Male and Female. On the ground-floor 
 are ten sleeping-cells, 8 feet by 6 feet 6, and 10 feet high, with arched roofs to each 
 wing; also a day-room to each, 20 feet by 15, with a fire-place; and a court-yard, 
 40 feet by 25. 
 
 The upper-story has the same number of sleeping-cells and day-rooms; the whole 
 forming four classes, according to the several descriptions of Prisoners. They are 
 employed in sawing of stone or wood, or else in gardening ; and have such a pro- 
 portion of their earnings at the time of their discharge, as their good behaviour 
 appears entitled to, in the opinion of the Magistrates. 
 
 Towels, soap, mojis, brooms, and pails are provided, for personal comfort and 
 prison cleanliness ; and the Chaplain has a discretionary power to distribute amongst 
 the Prisoners such religious books and tracts as he shall think fit. 
 
 Donations to the Castle Gaol. 
 Mt. Thomas Horde, by Will, dated August 6tli, 170'.», left 21-/. a year to be distributed 
 amongst Prisoners of both sorts, at 21. a month. For the Payment he bound an Estate 
 iiv Oxfordshire: and to make up any tleficiency of that Estate, he bound an Estate in 
 Berkshire. But this Estate /lavin^ been recovered against the Charitj/ since his death, the 
 Prisoners have noxv only lliirtv-tluee shillings a month, which is paid by the President of 
 Trinity College. 
 
 Mrs. Catharine Mather, of Headington in the County of Oxford, by her Will, dated the 
 4th of March 1805, (whereof an extract is subjoined,) left as follows: 
 
 " I give and bequeath to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Oxford, and their 
 
 succesors for the time being, the sum of Four Hundred Pounds of lawful money of the 
 
 United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, current in Great Britain ; upon trust to 
 
 place out the same at Interest, upon Government, or such other security or securities, as 
 
 they or the major part of them shall think proper, in their names : With power, from time 
 
 to time, to call in and new-])lace out the same as often as they shall think fit, and pay 
 
 and apply the interest, dividends, and produce thereof yearly and every year, or oftener, 
 
 at their discretion for ever, in the following manner ; that is to say. One moiety or 
 
 half-part thereof in providing and furnishing necessaries for the Prisoners confined in 
 
 the County Gaol of Oxford ; and the other moiety or half-part thereof in furnishing 
 
 and providing necessaries for the Prisoners confined in the City Gaol of Oxford." 
 
 With the above sum, 421/. \s. Od. Stock in the Navy Five per Cents, was purchased in the 
 
 names of Edward Lock, John Parsons, William Fletcher, and Christopher Yeates, the 
 
 Mayor and Aldermen at the time of Mrs. Mather's decease. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors and Criminal Prisoners are supplied with coals throughout 
 the year, from the above Legacies of Mr. Horde and Mrs. Mather, and also the 
 Quarterly money (next mentioned) from Magdalen College; which, if not sufficientj 
 is made up by the County.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALFS. 467 
 
 The next Bequest to Prisoners of both sons is 8*. 8d. paiil quarterly by Magdalen 
 College •. P'roni which College also, in Lent, there is about forty shillings, called P'orfeit- 
 vionej/. From Morton College, sixpence per week in lirend lo Debtors. 
 
 Corpus Christ! College, and other Colleges, send 7s. 6(1. every month in broad, and a 
 peck of oatmeal, for Debtors. Soup also is sent from the several Colleges frequently in the 
 \\'inter, but at no staled periods. 
 
 Christ Church College sends fifty shillings every Christmas, and six pounds of mutton 
 every Saturday, of which Debtors partake in common : and the V ice-Chancellor gives 
 annually thirty shillings at Christmas. 
 
 The Rev. IMr. S-xinton (formerly Chaplain to this Gaol,) bequeathed the interest of one 
 hundred pounds Three per Cent. South-Sea Annuities, to be distributed in bread (three- 
 penny loaves) every Sunday, while it lasts, to each Prisoner who regularly attends Chapel. 
 
 Every Prisoner attended Divine Service at my visit in August l8o6'; and tlieir 
 their behaviour was orderly and attentive. 
 
 It is pleasing to add, that this Gaol is in a continued state of improvement. 
 
 OXFORD. 
 
 The City Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas IFharton. Salary, 52/. 10*. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, 9*. 2^. M isdemeaners, 3*. 4'/. Felons, none. No Table. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Penson. Duty, Sunday Prayers and Sermon. Salary, 10/. IQy. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Rawlins ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Debtors. Felons, &i. 
 
 1800, April 29th, 
 
 1 802, Nov. 23d, - 
 
 1803, Aug. 19th, 
 
 Allowance, for Debtors, none regularly established : But see the Remarks. 
 Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, have each eight pounds and eleven 
 ounces of best wheaten bread per week, sent in twice weekly from the baker's, 
 in loaves of 4 lbs. 5^02. each. These I found to be very exact, tiiere being 
 weights and scales provided by the City, for the use of the Prisoners. Those 
 w ho can procure Employment from without are allowed to work, and have the 
 whole of their earnings, but not the Citv allotment of bread, as above. At 
 my visit in iSoG, I found all the seven Prisoners employed; but four of them, 
 not being able to maintain themselves entirely, had the City bread. 
 
 - 1 - - 4 
 
 1806, .4ug. 30th, ^ - 
 
 1 - 
 
 - 6 
 
 - - - 6 
 
 1809, Nov. 21st, - - 
 
 - 
 
 - 3 
 
 - - - 10 
 
 

 
 468 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is surrounded by a boundary- wall, 20 feet high, inclosing about an acre 
 of ground; and being at the distance of 25 feet from the Prison, the Keeper has a 
 convenient garden within it, for the growth of vegetables. 
 
 There is an alarm-bell at the top of the Prison. The Gaoler's house, which is 
 in the centre of the building, fronts the outer-gate, and has, on each side, a small 
 flower-garden, 40 feet by 20, fenced in with open palisades. At the entrance is a 
 small room, about 1 feet square, in which the Act for preservation of Health, and 
 Clauses against the use of Spirituous Liquors, are conspicuously hung up. 
 
 In the above room, on an old door, and engraved on a brass plate, (as if in perpe- 
 tuam reimernorkim,) is the following Inscription. 
 
 " This Door was at the entrance of a Cell, in the Old City Gaol Boccardo, 
 " called ' The Bishops' Room ;' wherein the Bishops Cntnmer, Ridlt't/, and 
 " Latimer were confined ; and from whence they were taken to suffer martyrdom 
 " in the Town-Ditch, behind the Houses opposite Baliol-College, in the Reign of 
 " Queen Mary." 
 
 Over the Door are the Heads of the three Prelates, hiirnt in ivood. 
 
 Here are five court-yards, each about 'A feet by 29, enclosed with open wood 
 palisades; three are assigned for Criminals, and two for Male and Female Debtors. 
 The two court-yards fronting the entrance have arcades, for shelter in wet weather, 
 or for the Prisoners to work in. Every court has a sewer, and is well supplied 
 with water. 
 
 The ground-floor of the Prison contains the ^'isiting Magistrates' Committee- 
 Room ; the Gaoler's Kitchen ; also a place called The Hall, an irregular octagon 
 of 23 feet diameter ; and two day-rooms for Criminal Prisoners, one for Men, the 
 other for Women ; with fire-places, and shelves to deposit their provisions. 
 
 The Hall has on each side a lobby, 43 feet long, and 5 feet wide, with three 
 working-cells, 8 feet by 6", and Q feet high to the crown of the arch. Both the 
 lobbies terminate in a stair-case leading to the Chapel ; which is on the first-floor, 
 and of the same size with tlie Hall beneath it. The Chapel is open above to tlie 
 top of the building, \\\\X\ a sky-light in the roof, 'i'he Prisoners are disposed accord- 
 ing to their classes ; the Debtors seated below, the Felons in the gallery ; and all in 
 full view both of the Chaplain and Gaoler. 
 
 On each side of the Chapel is a lobby, similar to those below, each containing 
 eight sleeping-cells, with double doors ; the outer one iron- grated, the inner of wood. 
 They are 8 feet long by 6, and f) feet high to the crown of the arch ; all well lighted 
 and ventilated, and fitted up with elm-plank bedsteads on stone bearers, 6 feet long, 
 22 inches wide, and supplied with a sedge mat, and three blankets each.
 
 IN KNGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. «» 
 
 Here are also two day-rooms for Debtors, about 14 feet square, with fire-places ; 
 and a sleepiiii^-room, furnislitd with beds by tlie Keeper, at l.v. 6(i. each per week. 
 A Criminal Prisoner, in his projKir d( j)artinent, is allowe<l to bring his own l>ed ; 
 or else hires one h'oni the Keeper, at a shilling or ei<^hteen pence j)er week. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors, who have not beds of tlieir own, and cannot afford to 
 pay, sleep in the cells above-mentioned. 
 
 The second, or attick story, contains two dark cells for refractory Prisoners ; 
 two Lazarettos, for those infected with cutaneous or other disorders, so as to ren- 
 der their admission amongst the other Prisoners improj)er; and sixteen sleeping- 
 cells. Also two Hospital-rooms, with fire-places, for the Men and Women, 1 5 feet 
 square, with a water closet in each. The Dii^pensarj^ is close to the Infirmaries, 
 and from these a door opens into the Chapel gallery. Above the Disjiensary is a 
 large cistern, replenished with water by a forcing-pump, whit !i is placed at the 
 back of the Gaol, and plentifully supplies the uiiole Prison. 
 
 No (Jaol uniform is here provided ; but if any Prisoners, on entrance, are found 
 ragged, or in offensive apparel, they are supplied with other, by an order from the 
 Magistrates. Here is no oven to ])urify infected clothes; but towels, soaj), &c. are 
 allowed by the City, for Prison cleanliness. 
 
 Coals in the Winter, meat, and soup, are frequently granted by the Magistrates ; 
 and when a Prisoner is ill, the Surgeon has a discretionary power to order such 
 food, and other accommodation, as he thinks necessary. 
 
 One Moiety of Mrs. Catherine MatJier's Legacy, (mentioned in my Remarks on 
 the Castle Gaol,) is appropriated for the supply of Coals to the Prisoners in this 
 City Gaol ; and any deficiency of that article is sent in by the considerate Magis- 
 trates ; who visit here in monthly rotation, and enter tlieir Remarks in a book 
 kept for so very useful a purpose. 
 
 Here are seldom any Debtors; none being sent hither but by Writ issuing from 
 the City Court. 
 
 Upon their discharge, and if they have behaved well under confinement, money 
 is given to the Prisoners, according to their respective distances from home; ;ind all 
 of them are humanely discharged hi t/ie morning. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. Tlie Prison is clean.
 
 470 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 PAISLEY. County of Renfrew, Scotland. 
 Gaolers, William and John Hart. Salary, 45^- Fees, see Table. 
 Chaplain, none, nor any religious attentions. 
 Surgeon, as wanted, on application to the Magistrates. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 26th Oct. 1809, Debtors, 8. Felon, 1. Petty-Offenders, 3. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors as alimented ; generally 1*. per day. Criminals, 6d. a day, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is in the centre of the Town, and the Court-House forms part of the 
 building. On the first floor are the Gaoler's two tap-rooms. 
 
 The first story has two small rooms for Criminals, with grated and glazed win- 
 dows opening to the Street, and stone floors. The Prisoners sleep upon boards 
 raised from the floor about 6 inches, furnished with two blankets each, and a cover- 
 let. No fire-places. 
 
 The second story has two rooms, of a similar description to those above-no- 
 ticed ; in one of which is fixed the Gad, or strong iron bar, for chaining by the leg 
 the more atrocious Criminals. There are also on this story three small rooms for 
 Debtors, with boarded floors and fire-places, grated and glazed windows ; tables, 
 and benches to sit on ; but no fuel whatever, nor any bedding is allowed. 
 
 The attick, or upper story, has two rooms for Women Debtors and Criminals, 
 with a grated and glazed sky-light. They sleep on the boarded floors, and have 
 two blankets and a coverlet allowed them. 
 
 No coals are allowed for any part of this Prison. No water supplied, but as it is 
 brought in by the Keeper. 
 
 In several of the rooms a tub is made to serve the purpose of a sewer ; which 
 being discharged into a stone receptacle on each flat, or roof, renders the whole 
 Gaol extremely offensive. 
 
 Fees and Regulations 
 
 To be exacted and observed in the Tolbooth of Paisley, as appointed by an Act of 
 
 the Magistrates and Town Council, 24th Dec. 1800. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 " I. Every Burgess incarcerated, shall, during his confinement, 
 
 pay for Gaol Fee, for each night ---------002 
 
 II. Every person not a Burgess -----------004
 
 IV FNTJAVD. SCOT!, AND, AND WALES. 471 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 III. For every i)eisoii iin])risonccl by virtue of an act of warding, the 
 
 Gaoler sliall Ijc jiaitl by the iiicarceralor -------O 10 
 
 IV. For every person imprisoned in virtue of a written warrant from 
 a Magistrate, a Justice of Peace, or Sheriff, the Gaoler shall 
 
 be paid by the incarcerator - - - ....- -01 2 
 
 V. P"or every person imprisoned by virtue of a Caption, Justiciary 
 
 or Admiralty V\'arrant, the Gaoler shall be paid by the incarce- 
 rator, if the Prisoner is a Burgess ---------026 
 
 VF If an un-freeman --___-... ..-_050 
 
 \\\. Tlie Gaoler, on signing an attestation of a commitment, shall 
 
 receive - ---------------oio 
 
 Vlil. And on delivery of diligence to persons neglecting to require 
 the same, within eight days after the Prisoner's liberation, he 
 shall receive --------- -_.--.. o 10 
 
 But if the Procurator Fiscal be concerned in any of the above di- 
 ligences, he shall receive nothing. 
 
 IX. The Town Clerk shall be entitled, for keeping the records of 
 each of the articles aforesaid, viz. Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, for every 
 person incarcerated, and to be paid to him by the Gaoler, as 
 visual ; and the warrants to be delivered by the Gaoler to him, 
 so soon as the Prisoners are liberated - - - ----002 
 
 >w. The Gaoler shall collect from each Prisoner liberated, and pay 
 
 to the Clerk for his liberation --_-.-----O0 2. 
 
 Rules to be observed by the Gaoler and his Servants. 
 
 I. The Gaoler shall not, by himself, or any of his Servants, directly, or indirectly, de- 
 mand or receive from any Prisoner, or from any person in his or her name, at entr}-, or 
 durin<4 his or her confinement, any sums of money, under the name of entry-money, gar- 
 nishing, or any other denomination, separate from, and over and above the Fees stipulated 
 as above. Further, the Gaoler shall not suffer any of the Prisoners to make demands of 
 money, or drink, from persons newly incarcerated, on any pretence whatever. 
 
 II. The Prison shall be opened no sooner than nine in the morning, for the admission of 
 visitants, and shall continue open for that purpose till three o'Clock in the afternoon; when 
 it shall be shut, and again opened at five o'Clock in the afternoon ; and shall continue open 
 till nine o'clock at night, and no longer, for the admission of visitants : Only on Sundays, 
 the Prison shall be shut during public worship ; and the Gaoler is always to keep the whole 
 keys of the Prison in his own custody, while it is shut up, and not intrust them w ith any of 
 his servants. 
 
 III. The Gaoler shall, every morning and evening, at the opening of, and before shutting 
 up of the Prison, personally visit every room and place therein, carefully inspect the 
 windows, chimnies, and walls thereof, in order to prevent and discover all attempts to cut
 
 472 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 the iron stanchers, or to break through the stone walls, joists, and floors of the Prison : 
 And he shall take particular care that no instrument be conveyed to, or be in the possession 
 of, any of the Prisoners, whereby they may effectuate their escape, or hurt one another. 
 And in case the Gaoler shall, through indisposition, be prevented from the execution of 
 his duty, he shall take care to employ some faithful person in his absence. 
 
 IV. The Gaoler and his Servants are expressly prohibited from selling, or allowing to be 
 brought in, to any of the Prisoners, spirits or strong liquor, whereby they may be in danger 
 of being intoxicated ; and they are to use their utmost endeavours lo promote sobriety 
 among those under their charge. 
 
 V. The Gaoler shall keep the Prisoners for Debt in the best rooms, and separate from 
 Criminals and disorderly persons ; and jirevent, as much as possible, their associating and 
 conversing together: and the friends and servants of Debtors shall be allowed, at all con- 
 venient times, to bring in vivres for their support. 
 
 VI. In order to make the Prison more healthy and clean, the Gaoler shall, at his own 
 expence, cause pair and clean the stairs, sweep the rooms and pass;iges, and remove and 
 carry away all filth and pastiness, at least three times in the week. 
 
 VII. The Gaoler, in the event of his exacting, by himself or his Servants, more Fees 
 than are specified as above, or in the event of his transgressing any of the rules or instruc- 
 tions aforesaid, shall be dismissed from his office, or otherwise punished, as the Magistrates 
 for the time being, and Council, sliall judge proper. 
 
 It is recommended to the Magistrates frequently to examine and enquire into the fidelity 
 of the Gaoler and his Servants : and the Council hereby ordain these Fees and Regulations 
 to be printed and published ; and ordain the Gaoler for the time being to affix a copy 
 thereof in the most public part of the Tolbooth. 
 
 Extracted from the Records of the Magistrates and Town Council, 
 
 ALiiX. Gibson, Town Clerk." 
 
 The Provost, Magistrates, and Council of Paisley, were pleased to honour me 
 with the Freedom of their Burgh ; which I received at Glasgow, accompanied by a 
 most polite letter from the Provost, and for w hich I beg to return my grateful 
 thanks. 
 
 PEMBROKE. South Wales. 
 This Gaol is completely a ruin. It formerly consisted of a room on the ground 
 floor, and one above: the flooring of which, at my visit in 1807, had fallen in ; and 
 the lower room was used as a pig-stye. At high Spring-tides the water flows into 
 it ; therefore unfit for the confinement of any human being. Prisoners are now 
 taken to Haverford West.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ^|^ 
 
 PENRHYN. Cornwall. 
 The Borough Gaol. 
 
 This consists of two rooms adjoining to the Town-Hall, about 7 feet G inches 
 square each ; with a chimney in both, and loose straw upon the floor. The Bo- 
 rough Constable is its Keeper, and Prisoners are confined here only till examined 
 and coniniittt'd to the County Gaol for trial, or else discharged by the Magistrates. 
 
 At my visits, 10th Oct. 1803, and 2d Oct. 1806, there were no Prisoners. One 
 had broke out, and made his escape, the day before. 
 
 The Prison for Debtors, formerly St. Leonard's Chapel, I found was let out in 
 tenements : and no Debtor had been confined there for ten years past. 
 
 PENZANCE. Cornwall. 
 The Borough Gaol. 
 
 ' This Prison has been built about seven years. It consists of two rooms, formerly 
 the old School, at the end of the Oat-Market-House, 9 feet by 8, and 6 feet 
 5 inches high ; with a grated and glazed window 2 feet square, and a small wicket, 
 or pot-hole, in the door. Each room has an iron bedstead, with a straw mattress, and 
 a covered sewer in one corner. No court-yard. No water, but as brought in by 
 the Constable, who is the Keeper. Oct. 4th, 1S06, No Prisoners. 
 
 At Penzance was also the Prison for Debtors, for the Hundred of Penwlth, the 
 property of Lord Arundel : but it has been discontinued as a place of confinement 
 since the year iSoG; when I found it turned into a milk-cellar. The Gaoler, 
 Hinnphret/ Bridgeman, informed me that he was not likely to have any more 
 Prisoners, because execution is now issued against the Goods, instead of the Person 
 of the Debtor. 
 
 This miserable Prison, and the old Gaol for the Borough, called the Black Hole, 
 are fully described by me in the Gentleman's Magazine for March, 1804, pages 
 198, 109. 
 
 3 p
 
 474 f STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 PERTH. Scotland. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Carnahy. Salary, 35 A 
 
 Fees, for Felons, none. But the County allows the Gaoler one haU-peimy 
 per night for each, during Imprisonment. For Debtors, 5*. on Caption, 
 and 1*. to the Town-Sergeant, paid by the Creditor. fsnr,- 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions, except to those who are under 
 
 Sentence of Death. 
 
 '■■ill I :<: 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. George McLaren ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1 8th Oct. 1809, 4 Debtors, 8 Felons. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, as alimented ; generally one shilling per day. l"o Felons^ 
 half a quartern loaf of household bread per day, sent in from the Baker. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is at the bottom of the High-Street, and built on the site of an antient 
 Chapel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 
 
 On a stone tablet, in front of the building, is the following Inscription, copied 
 verbatim et literatim. 
 
 " Think with thyself whilst thou art on the Vay 
 
 And take some course thy Creditor to pay 
 
 Lest thou by him befor a Judge be calld 
 
 And by ane officer be here inthralld. 
 
 Till utmost farthing shall by the be paid 
 
 Thou shalt be closs within this Prison staid." * 
 
 On another stone Tablet is inscribed : 
 
 " This House loves Peace hates Knaves Crimes punisheth 
 Preserves the Laws and good men honoureth." 
 
 A wooden door from the Street opens into a stone passage, 6 feet 3 inches wide? 
 and leads to three vaulted rooms. N". I. on the right of the passage, is 22 feet 6 
 by 19 feet G, and 12 feet 6 inches high. The iron gratings of the window almost 
 exclude both light and air. In this room are two sleeping-cells, enclosed by boards, 
 each 7 feet 5 by 4 feet 6', and 8 feet high. N°. II. on the opposite side of the pas- 
 sage, is 19 feet 6 by 10 feet 6, and 12 feet high; has only one enclosed sleeping- 
 cell in it, 10 feet by G, and 9 feet high; and is better ventilated, having a grated 
 window towards the street. N°. III. at the end of the passage, is 25 feet 3 by 
 19 feet 6, and 8 feet high, with a treble-iron-barred window. This room has two 
 
 * See St. Matthew's Gospel, ch. v. 25, 26",
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 475 
 
 enclosed sleeping-cells, 9 feet 3 by 6 feet three, and 8 feet high. The narrow slip 
 through which it should receive both light and ventilation, was filled up with dung, 
 from an aperture of the stable adjoining, which is higher than the window itself. 
 The floors of these three rooms arc of stone, and without fire-places. The sleeping- 
 cells have boards raised about 10 inches above the floors, on which a little loose 
 Straw, scantily thrown, is the only bedding provided. They have no other light 
 or ventilation, than what is introduced through a grated aperture, of 18 inches 
 by 10. 
 
 On the first story is a room for Criminals, called the " Low Iron House" 24 feet 
 G inches by 20 feet <) ; which has four enclosed sleeping-cells, of 7 feet by 4 feet 6, 
 similar to those already described. 
 
 Nearly adjoining to this is the Loiv Burgher's Room, for Debtors, 17 feet by 
 13 feet 9, and 8 feet high. This room has a fire-place ; and a glazed window, 
 which admits both light and ventilation. Here are two enclosed places to sleep in, 
 but no bedding whatever. 
 
 On the upper story is the Women-Felons' ward, 25 feet 6" by 21 feet, and 
 16 feet high. In the centre is an enclosed sleeping-cell, 6 feet 9 by 5 feet, and 
 6 feet high. A Woman Lunatick was here confined with four Female Felons, one 
 of whom had her son, about six years of age, with her. Felons in this Prison are 
 permitted to work, and have all they earn. At the time of my visit three of the 
 Women were spinning. 
 
 Adjoining to the Sheriff's Court-Room, there are two Upper Burgher's Rooms, 
 for Debtors, each 14 feet 9 inches by 10 feet 3, and 9 feet 6 inches high, with 
 fire-places, and well ventilated by glazed windows ; but the floors were as black and 
 dirty as a common coal-cellar. No bedding nor fuel here, or in any part of tiie 
 Prison, which is never white-washed. 
 
 The Criminals' rooms have none of them fire-places, although the floors are of 
 stone. No water, except what is brought by the Keeper, who lives at a distance. 
 Half tubs are made to supply the place of sewers. 
 
 After a very elegant entertainment, provided on the occasion of my visit in Octo- 
 ber, 1S09, the Provost, Magistrates, and Council, were pleased to honour me with 
 the Freedom of the City ; rendered more highly gratifying, by the speech with 
 which the Provost delivered it.
 
 47 6 . STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 PETERBOROUGH. Northamptomhire. 
 Gaoler, JVilliam Millivood ; a Sheriff's -Officer. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Fees, 6s. Sd. and to the Turnkey, 1*. The Table neither signed nor dated. 
 Transports, 8/. 8s. for one; but if more, 6/. 6s. each. 
 
 Chaplain. None regularly established ; and, properly speaking, Peterborough 
 Gaol has no regular attentions paid to matters of religion. But the Borough 
 Court, having the power of Life and Death, when a Prisoner lies under 
 Capital Sentence, the Vicar of St. John the Baptist, for the time being, is 
 required to attend him. Salary, none. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Beetham ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Felons, &.c. 
 
 1802, Jan. 28th, ---- 1 __------ 0. 
 
 Aug. 9th, ---- -------- 2. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. To Felons, &c. 6d. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, for the liberty, called the Soke, which comprises thirty two Towns, is 
 the property of the Marquis of Exeter. It is now also the Prison of the Dean and 
 Chapter of the Cathedral Church of the Borough of St. Peter, otherwise Peter- 
 borousfh. 
 
 Here is one court-yard only, for Debtors, Felons, and every description of of- 
 fenders, in size 63 feet by 21, with a pump and sewer; and a day-room, \Q feet 
 6 inches by 13 feet 6. 
 
 The Master's-side Debtors have a spacious good room above stairs ; for which^ 
 if the Keeper furnishes a bed, they pay 2s. 4d. a week each ; if the Debtor finds 
 his own bed, he pays l*-. per week. 
 
 Here are also three Dungeons, about 12 feet square each. Two of them are four 
 steps below the ground ; the third, two steps only ; with stone floors, and no fire- 
 place ; all built beneath the arches of the Old Minster. 
 
 One of these Dungeons is called " the Gaol Room ;" and the window being 
 stopped up, there is only an iron-grated aperture in the door, of 13 inches by 7, 
 for the admission of light and air. The other two Dungeons have each an iron 
 grating over the door. The boards on which Prisoners sleep, are raised two feet 
 above the floor ; which otherwise would be very damp, there being no fire-place. 
 
 The Soke allows straw, two blankets, and a rug to each Prisoner. As there is 
 but one court-yard, the two Prisoners, a Man and Woman, were together in it, 
 when I made my visit. 
 
 No emi)loyment provided. The Gaol was very clean.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 177 
 
 PETKIUiOHorCUI. < . 
 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, JoIdi White. Salary, S/. i 
 
 Fees, on Commitment, 3*. 6d. No Table. ' 
 
 Surneon ; if wanted, Mr. />cc'//((/«i attends. 
 
 Prisoners, 1802, Ano. f)tli, Three. Allowance, six-pence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This wretched place has, on the ground-floor, a room about 21 feet by 7, for- 
 merly a work shop, which opens into a narrow slip, or court, f) feet 4 inches wide. 
 This being deemed insecure, the Prisoners are always locked up, and have no use of it. 
 
 The two sleeping-rooms are 9 feet by 6", close, and ill ventilated. The Soke 
 here, as in the Gaol, allows straw only, with two blankets and a rug to each Prisoner. 
 
 No employment ; and, indeed, the place is too dark to admit of any. When 
 an offender is committed to hard labour, he beats hemp in a dirty room that leads 
 to the Prison. 
 
 No sewer. No water accessible to the Prisoners. No religious attention. Neither 
 the Act nor Clauses hung up. 
 
 The whole Bridewell must be more unhealthy, and is not much cleaner, than a 
 pig-sty. It did not appear to have been whitewashed for many years. 
 
 PETWORTH. Sussex. 
 County Bridewell, for the ffl-stern Division. 
 
 Keeper, IFilUam Phillips. Salary, 50/. and 13*. per week for a I'urnkey. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Thomas Vernon. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Duty, Prayers every day, and Sermon once a week. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Robert Blagden. Salary, 15/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1804, Sept. l8th, Six. 
 
 Allowance, two pounds of bread per day, sent in loaves of one day old. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, in an airy situation, has four good court-yards. The enclosed ground 
 is about one acre, and well supplied with water. The Keeper's house is detached, 
 and has only one closet window, looking towards the Gaol. The rooms are on two 
 stories, over arcades, sixteen on each floor, 13 feet 3 inches by 10 feet, and 9 feet
 
 ^«®6 .-: STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 hicfh. Each room has two doors, one of them iron-grated ; with an iron bedstead, 
 straw- mattress, and bolster, two blankets and a quilt. 
 
 The stair-cases are of stone, with iron rails, and the windows not close glazed, 
 but made to open : Each room has a large semicircular iron-grated window. 
 
 Here are two Infirmaries on each floor ; and these are the only rooms that have 
 chimnies. 
 
 The Chapel is in the centre of the building, and has thirty-two pews, each 3 feet 
 by 2 feet 10; with sides so lofty, that the Prisoners cannot see each other, though 
 they are all in view of the Chaplain. 
 
 There is no Employment for the Prisoners. 
 
 Everv Prisoner, excepting Deserters, or for bastardy, is on his entrance undressed, 
 washed, and the County clothing put on him ; his own are purified, laid by, and 
 returned to him at his discharge. The privies here are all water-closets. 
 
 There are many excellent Rules and Orders in the Keeper's book, which I hope 
 will be printed and hung up. 
 
 Mr. Blagden, the Surgeon's, Remarks do honour to his judgment and humanity. 
 The Prison is frequently visited by the Magistrates, and great good order is pre- 
 served throughout. 
 
 PLYMOUTH. Devonshire. 
 The Toivn Gaol. 
 
 Gaolers, Thomas Tatam, Geo. Pardon, Thomas Toivton, Serjeants at Mace. 
 Salary, 15/. each per annum. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, on arrest, 15*. on discharge, \^s.^4d. No Table. Conveyance 
 Transports paid, according to the expence incurred. 
 
 Chaplain, none. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Richardson : makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtoi-s. Felons, &c. 
 
 1803, Oct. ,9th, - ------ 1 - 8. 
 
 1806, Oct. loth, -------0 -- g. 
 
 Allowance; Debtors, a threepenny loaf per day, upon Petition as Paupers : weight, 
 in Oct. 1806, 1 lb. 5 oz. Felons, and other Criminals, the same. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol adjoins to, and is partly under the Guild or Town-Hall. A door from 
 hence opens into it]; through which the Prisoners are brought into Court for trial, by 
 a flight of seventeen steps.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND M'ALES. 47? 
 
 Here are three rooms on an upper-story, for Debtors, with njire-place in each ; 
 but iiojir'nig is allowed : Their acconinioclation is straw-iu-sackinj^ on crib-bedsteads, 
 one blanket, and two rugs. They have also the use of the attie-story, which is 
 19 feet by 12, and 7 feet high; and likewise of the flat-roof, 21 feet by 12, to walk 
 on, and take the air. It is carefully enclosed by a wall 14 feet high, and topped 
 with a wooden ihevaux defrise. 
 
 Below, on the ground-floor, are three cells for Felons, of 9 feet by 5, with arched 
 roofs, and two iron-grated and opposite windows : one of which looks toward the 
 Corn-market; the other into a lobby or passage, 3 feet wide, which has a grated 
 window opening toward Bowl-Hill. The next story has two cells, about 12 feet 
 by 10, and 7 feet high. The story above this is called tlie iromens Gaol, con- 
 taining two rooms, with boarded floors, glazed windows, and in each a fire-place : 
 Yet, at the time of my visit, the three wretched Prisoners were put together in one 
 of the rooms, although one of them had a young child ; another Iiad the itch ; and 
 the third said, that the straw of her bed (the only bedding they are allowed) had not 
 been changed in seven months: it was indeed, literally, worn to dust. 
 
 The Prisoners hold a constant communication with the street ; and by letting 
 down a hat, or a canister, receive the casual charity of passengers, in money, &c. 
 Convicts under Sentence of Transportation have not the King's allowance of 2s. 6d. a 
 week. 
 
 The whole Prison is dirty in the extreme : the lowermost cells were filthy beyond 
 conception, with urine and excrement. The Gaolers live distant from their charge, 
 to which they can hardly pay more than a divided attention, whose effects are 
 too glaring. Here is no day-room ; No court-yard ; and the Gaol is but ill supplied 
 with v^ater. No firing. 
 
 The respectable Mayor of Plymouth politely accompanied nie ; and from him I 
 learned " that it was in contemplation to build a 7iew Prison." 
 
 No Employment provided. The Act and Clauses are both hung up. 
 
 PLYMOUTH. 
 
 T/te Dock Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, PFilUam Cock ; now Hugh Tregonan. No Salary. He lives at a dis- 
 tance, and keeps a Publick House, the (Queen's Head. Fees, none. 
 
 Surgeon, from the Workhouse, when wanted. 
 
 Numberof Prisoners, 1803, Oct. 9th, Nine. 180G, Oct. 9th, One. 
 
 Allowance, a pound of bread, milk porridge, or broth, as at the Workhouse.
 
 ^R» STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is under a room where the Petty Sessions are held, and adjoins the 
 Poor-House. It has four cells on the ground-floor, 10 feet 8 by g feet 6 each, with 
 arched roofs : two of them have crib-bedsteads with straw, and open into a passage 
 4 feet 6 inches wide ; the other two have straw on the floor only to sleep on, and open 
 into a passage, 6 feet 1 inches wide. The only light or ventilation they receive is 
 through a wicket in the door, 9 inches by 7 . No court. No sewer. Water not accessible. 
 
 PONTEFRACT. Vorkshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 Gaoler, Francis Fryei'. He is also Sergeant at Mace, and a SheriflTs Officer ; 
 lives distant, and keeps a Publick House. Salary, One Guinea. 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, l^s.^d. each. No Table. 
 Surgeon, if wanted, is sent in from the Town. 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Aug. iGth, one Debtor. 
 Allowance: Debtors have none. Felons and Criminal Prisoners, eight-pence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This Prison is under the Town-Hall. The passage to the Felons Cells is 33 feet 
 long by 12 wide, with a fire-place at one end ; but no firing allowed. It is lighted 
 and ventilated by three very small iron-grated windows, nearly at the top of the 
 lofty roof: And this is called " The Room for Debtors !" 
 
 The single Debtor I found here in l802, was a shoe-maker. The debt for which 
 he suflfered confinement was of his Son's contracting, for whom he had been a surety. 
 His case was much commiserated in the town. He had constant employment ; 
 and the Corporation humanely allowed him to work in one corner of the Town- 
 Hall, the stone-passage below being too dark. 
 
 Without these indulgences he must have been in a miserable state : especially if 
 the Gaoler should have been from home, on a caption, or other business, so as to 
 have forgot him ; as he could neither see nor be seen by any person, for relief. 
 
 Debtors are sent hither by process issuing out of the Borough Court, for any sum, 
 great or small. 
 
 The Felons have two cells, each 12 feet by 9 ; the windows of which look towards 
 the street, and the doors open, as before-mentioned, into the passage, or " Debtor's 
 Room." They have straw only laid upon the floor to sleep on ; and the cells are 
 very oflTensive, from each of them having a sewer in one corner. The roofs are of 
 stone, arched and lofty, and must be very cold in winter. The windows being 
 towards the street is another inconvenience, in consequence of tlie facility thereby 
 afforded to introduce Spirituous Liquors : But this is the only light or ventilation 
 which these cells can receive, as there is no court yard. No water accessible.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 4M 
 
 POOLl-:. Dorsetshire, 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, If'iUiam Arneij. Salary, 8*. per week. Fees, 13.9. 4</. No Table. 
 Prisoners, 22d Oct. 1803, Debtors, none. Felon, one. Allowance, Crf. a clay. 
 
 For Debtors here is a court-yard, 51 feet by 47, and a day-room, 11 feet by 9. 
 Above stairs are four sizeable sleeping-rooms, for which Debtors pay one shilling 
 per week each. The Town allows firing, from November till May. 
 
 Felons have a court-yard, of the same size as that for the Debtors, but no day- 
 room ; and two sleeping-cells, 9 feet by 5 feet 10, and 8 feet 10 inches high, with 
 wooden bedsteads, straw, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 Both courts are well supj)lied with water, and the Prison is clean. Neither the 
 Act nor Clauses hung up. 
 
 I^OOLE. The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, IFillhim Hosier, Master of the Workhouse. Salary, for both, 50/. 
 The Prisoners, 22d Oct. 1803, were Five; one a Vagrant, without a shirt, and four 
 Lumitichs ! Allowance, the same as in the Workhouse. This Prison stands in 
 the back-yard of the Workhouse. It has two dark, close, offensive cells, with 
 wooden bedsteads, feather-bed, two blankets, and a rug: also three old cells, and 
 two new ones lately built. The grated window of the A'^agrants' cell, and the 
 wicket in the door, were both shut, so as to render it not only quite dark, but desti- 
 tute of ventilation. 
 
 PORTSMOUTH. Hampshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, George Litscomhe ; now Edward Hunt, Sergeant at Mace. 
 
 Salary, 2()0/. and 80/. per annum for a Turnkey. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, r)s.6d. Felons, &c. 15*. \od. Out of both which 35. 6d. is paid 
 to the Town Clerk. See Table. 
 Cha])lain, none. Surgeon, when wanted, is sent from the Parish. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 In the Old Gaol. 
 
 D.-btors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 Misdemeaners. 
 
 1800, March 30th, - - 
 1802, March, 17th, - - 
 
 - - 5 - ■ 
 
 - - 5 - ■ 
 
 - - - 13 - - 
 
 - - - 20 - - 
 
 - - 15. 
 
 - - 12. 
 
 J 807, Sept. 18th, - - 
 In the A^ew Gaol. 
 
 - - 2 - - 
 
 - - - 12 - - 
 
 - - 23. 
 
 1810, May 27th, - - - 
 
 . - 6 - ■ 
 3 a 
 
 . . . 16 . . 
 
 - - 2.
 
 482 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Allowance, to every description, a threepenny loaf per day. Also every Wednes- 
 day, one pound of meat, and vegetables ; and seven pence in money per week, 
 called " Prize jJIonei/." §CI" Formerly the Keeper received from the 
 Borough sixpence per day, for the support of each Prisoner. It is now 
 raised to sevenpence per day, 4*. 1'/. per week: And out of it he furnishes 
 them with the above articles, and a fire to each day-room. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The wretched Old Gaol, which so long remained a disgrace to the Borough, and 
 in which the unfortmiafe shared a common fate with the infamous, being pulled 
 down, and the present iVe/t' G(/o/ previously got ready, the Prisoners were removed 
 into it on the 15th of July, iSoS. 
 
 This modern structure is situate in Penny-street, and extends iGO feet in front. 
 It has four court-yards, with a day-room in each. The entrance, which is in the 
 centre, leads into a Hall, about 1 1 feet square ; on the right of which is the Gaoler's 
 office, and on the left, a room for the Turnkey. 
 
 From the Hall is a stair-case to the chamber-story, and common to all the upper 
 apartments of the building. On each side of the Hall is a lobby, or passage, 3 feet 
 wide, leading to the Men-Felons' court-yard, which is Go feet by 27 ; also to the 
 court-yard of the Men-Debtors, and of those committed for slight misdemeanors, 
 which is 54 feet by 24. To each of the above court-yards belong ten sleeping-cells ; 
 five on the ground-floor, of f) feet by 6, and 12 feet high to the crown of the arch, 
 opening into the passages before mentioned ; and five above, of the same dimen- 
 sions. Each cell is lighted and ventilated by two iron-grated windows, and those 
 that open to the court-yards are glazed. 
 
 Returning to the Hall of entrance, there is, by the side of the stair-case, a passage 
 leading to the court-yards of the Female-Debtors and Female-Felons, and also to 
 the Gaoler's sitting-rooms : And on each side of the passage is a room for the 
 Prisoners before examination, with fire-places and glazed windows in each. 
 
 The court-yard for Female Felons is 46 feet by 20, in which is a store-room, and 
 sixteen sleeping cells ; eight on the ground-floor, of 9 feet by 6', lighted and venti- 
 lated by opposite windows, two feet in diameter ; and eight above, of the same size, 
 all opening into passages 4 feet wide. 
 
 The Female-Debtors' court-yard is 3I feet by 26, with a sleeping-room on the 
 ground-floor ; adjoining to which are two day-rooms, and two sleeping-cells, for the 
 better sort of Criminal Prisoners, opening into a passage 4 feet wide, and common to 
 both Sexes. For the last-mentioned class of Prisoners here is no court-yard ; but 
 the Female-Criminals are occasionally allowed the use of the Women -Debtors' 
 court-yard, and the Male-Criminals, that of the Men-Debtors.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALFS, 483 
 
 The Keeper's parlour and kitchen are at the back-part of the Prison, and open 
 into a hall, or passage, which communicates with St. Nicliolas-street. His sleeping- 
 rooms are over the Turnkey's apartment, and the Men-Felons' day-room is in the 
 front of the building. The above apartments of the Keeper aff'ord scarcely any 
 command either of the court-yards or of the Prison apartments. The plan, indeed, 
 is not a good one ; and care must be taken to keep the cells and court yards clean, 
 for otherwise the Prison cannot be healthy. 
 
 The court-yards above mentioned are laid down with fine gravel. In each of them 
 are a pump and sewer ; and in tlie Men-Felons' is also a bath, with a copper for 
 heating water. 
 
 On the chamber-story is the Sessions House, for the trial of Prisoners ; and ad- 
 joining to it a room for the Grand Jury, an office for the Clerk of the Peace, and a 
 Record-room : Also two sleeping-rooms for Men-Debtors, and two Infirmary- 
 rooms for the sick ; with boarded floors, fire-places, and glazed windows to each. 
 
 All the cells, passages, and day-rooms, on the ground and chamber-floors, are 
 boarded ; and the cells are fitted up with a mat, blanket, and coverlet to each. 
 
 As yet there is no Employment for the Prisoners in this New Gaol. 
 
 A Table of Fees, written on Paper, is stuck up in the Prison. 
 
 s. d. 
 " Debtors, on Caption, 35. Ad.; on Discharge, 6f. 2d. - - - - 9 6 
 
 Felons and Misdemeaners, on Commitment -------- 15 10 
 
 (Of wliicli 'is. 6d. each is to go to the Town-Clerk.) 
 
 Stephen Baunev, Town Clerk." 
 This continues to be taken in the present Gaol. 
 
 SCf' I cannot help remarking, that a Gaoler ought never to farm his Prisoners 
 per head, nor be any way interested in the means or manner of their support. He 
 should be excluded from all concern in the Prisoners' Allowance ; from all possibility 
 of profit, directly or indirectly, arising from the sale of their bread, or other food. 
 Whoever distributes it should be free from every motive to fraud, and subjected to 
 a strong check. Scales, weights, and measures should be provided in all places of 
 confinement, that so the Prisoners may see that tiiey have their due allowance. Too 
 much cannot be said upon a subject like this; for a fortune, thus acquired, must 
 have been drawn from the bowels of misery ; and particularly from sailors, who 
 being least aware of imposition, are therefore the most liable to oppression.
 
 484 . •' STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 POULTRY COMPTER. London. 
 
 Gaoler, John Teague ; now Edward Kirby. 
 
 Salary, 250/. paid by the Court of Aldermen, and 30/. by the Common Council. 
 Fees, as per following Tables. 
 
 Table I. Debtors. 
 
 ( ■ £. s. d. 
 
 Master's- Side Debtors pay, on coming in, 5s. to the Keeper, and 2s. 
 
 to the Turnkeys .--------------070 
 
 Common-Sde Debtors pay nothing on coming in 000 
 
 Common-Side Debtors pay, on Discharge, twenty shillings and eight- 
 pence, disposed of as follows. To the Keeper, 7.$. ; at the Sheriff's 
 Office, Poultry, 3^. 8rf. ; at the Sheriff's Office, Giltspiir-street, \s. ; 
 at the Secondary's Office, Lothbury, 6s. ; to the Turnkeys, 2s. ; 
 and Messenger, !^. .-------------10* 
 
 Master's-Side Debtors pay on Discharge Is. more than Common-Side 
 
 Debtors .---118 
 
 Master's-Side Debtors pay for the use of a room, bed, bedding, 
 
 sheets, &c. per week ---.---------026 
 
 Table II. Felons, &c. 
 
 ^. Every Felon who goes on the Common-Side pays Entrance - - - 
 To the Keeper, on Discharge, 2s. 6d. ; to the Turnkey, \s. - - - 3 6 
 Every person who, at his own desire, shall go on the Master's-Side - 14 S 
 For the use of a bed, per week ------------036 
 
 For every Commitment after first Examination discharged, or bailed - 14 8 
 For every Night- Charge, who shall be discharged before a Magistrate 3 6 
 If, at their own desire, they have a bed, first night ------020 
 
 Every night afterwards --------------010 
 
 Master's-Side Felons pay for bed, bedding, and sheets, the first night 2 
 For every other night, unless committed for trial ------00 1 
 
 When fully committed, to the Keeper ---..--.-0138 
 
 To the Turnkeys 020 
 
 And for every other night .------.-----00 6. 
 
 Garnish, 6s. 2d. called " Pf^ard Dues " paid for coals and candles to the 
 Steward. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Davis. 
 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and Sermon. See Remarks. 
 
 Salary, 50/. and a yearly Freedom of the City ; voted by the Court of Alder- 
 men, and valued at 25/.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND ^VA^I•S. 485 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hodgson. ' 
 
 Salary, lOO/. and 2o/. for Medicines, at the two Compters and Ludgate, bofTi 
 for Debtors and Felons. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. IXIitor:<. Felons, Ac 
 
 1800, April 21st, - - 32 S. 
 
 1801, Dec. 3d, 36 15. 
 
 1802, May 3d, 34 20. 
 
 1803, Nov. 12th, - - 34 12- 
 
 1804, Dec. 15th, - - 39 10. 
 
 180:,, Nov. 13th, 3.3 - - 7- 
 
 ]8()«, May 24tli, 35 - - 8. 
 
 1S07, Feb. lO'tli, .37 - - .9- 
 
 1808, March 12th, - - - - 12. 
 
 x'Mlowance, to poor Debtors, Felons, &.c. ten ounces of brc:'d, and one pound of 
 potatoes, daily. Also six stone (48 lbs.) of beef, divided amongst them 
 every Saturda}'. For Legacies and Dunafions, &c. See Remarks. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 In my former octavo publication, I spoke of this ruinous receptacle for 
 Debtors, Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, as it once stood, in spite of age and 
 debility. Its whole history is most singular ; and it must, hereafter, become incre- 
 dible, whenever its locality is considered to have been in the centre and very heart 
 of the British Metropolis! How long before the fire of London this Compter had 
 been a Prison, cannot easily be ascertained. There is reason, however, to believe 
 it to be quite as ancient as the other Compters. It first appears in the reign of 
 Edward the Sixth, \\ hen the keeping of it was an office of no small consideration ; 
 for, at that period, one John Seymour, at the special recommendation of the King, 
 had a lease granted to him of this Compter, for a term of years ; and in the year 
 1554. tli<i Keeper of the other Compter was Robert Smarte, the City's Sword-bearer, 
 who had the keeping thereof granted to him for life, he obeying the Orders of the 
 Court with respect to its management. In the year 1600, certain buildings and 
 alterations of this Compter were finished, at an expence of upwards of six hundred 
 pounds; and in the year 1614, the Compter was again partially rebuilt, and re- 
 paired with oak. After the Fire of London, in the year 16G(!, two of the City 
 Gates, Aldgate and Bljihopsgafe, were converted into Prisons, in lieu of the two 
 Compters, (which were both destroyed in that general conflagration,) until New 
 Compters could be built. For this purpose an order was passed in the year I669, 
 and executeti accordingly. Since then the f food-street Compter has born pulled 
 down, and a new one erected, as described in its proper place : But the old Poultry 
 Compter still remains; and, until the alteration hereafter mentioned, was appro- 
 priated for the reception of Prisoners, in the manner following. 
 
 For Master's-Side Debtors, heretofore, there were fifteen rooms betwixt the inner 
 and outer gates ; for the use of which each Prisoner, paid as jier Table. For
 
 486 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Common-Side Debtors six wards, within the inner gate ; two of them on the ground- 
 floor, called the King's Ward, and the Prime's Ward ; in the former of w hich, 
 Nov. 12, 1803, were seven Debtors, and in the latter, the same number. 
 
 On the first-floor, or story, was the Women's Ward, with two Debtors ; the Middle 
 Ward (so called, as I conceive, from its being betwixt the Women's and Jews' ward) 
 containing six Debtors ; and the Jews' Ward, in which were two Jew Debtors, 
 with a separate staircase leading to it. (gC|° This, let me pointedly observe, is the 
 only Prison I ever visited, in which persons of their persuasion were allowed to have 
 the generous, humane, and just indulgence, of being kept intirely distinct from the 
 other Prisoners : And very sincerely do I hope, that, in the projected change and 
 improvement of this building, some similar allotment will be assigned, of a place of 
 retirement, security, and comfort, for Debtors, or others, of their peculiar description. 
 Reason suggests the motive for such a hint ; and Christian principle sanctions its 
 adoption. It may easily be done, as no great space will be requisite. 
 
 On the second-story, or floor above, were also the Queen's Ward, which had ten 
 Debtors ; and a small room adjoining to it, for the sick. 
 
 The 34 Debtors whom I found here at my visits, had ten wives and fifteen 
 children living with them in prison. All are allowed one rug each by the City, but 
 are expected to provide their own beds. 
 
 To each ward there is a fire-place. In one of the rooms on the second floor, called 
 the Pump-rootn, the Debtors had the convenience of water. The court -yard here 
 is verv small, paved with flag-stones, and had water continually running through it. 
 In the passage-court was a day-room for Felons, and a small one adjoining to it for 
 Debtors. They have iron-grated windows, opposite the public house, kept ivithin 
 the gates nf the Prison ; and from which they were constantly supplied with liquor. 
 
 Men-Felons slept in two " Strong Rooms,'' planked with oak, and studded with 
 large broad-headed nails, on boards raised about three feet from the ground ; having 
 each a rug allowed them : And up stairs was another large room for Men, and one 
 for Women. 
 
 The Chapel, which was below, had a gallery for Master's-Side Debtors ; and the 
 Felons, and other Criminals, were seated on forms or benches in the area beneath. 
 
 At the top of the whole building are spacious leads, where the Master s-Side 
 Debtors were occasionally allowed to take the air. The Keeper, however, or Turn- 
 key, was alwavs with them ; because the adjacent houses were thought capable of 
 furnishing the ready means of escape. 
 
 SUCH teas this Prison in the year 1803: But the building being in a very 
 dilapidated state, and in many parts shoared up with props, it became at length so 
 dangerous, not only to the lives of Prisoners, but of other persons resorting thither, 
 that in July 1804, an Act passed, (with a degree of uncommon expedition, suited 
 to the supposed pressure of the occasion,) for the removal of " all the Debtors and
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 487 
 
 " Prisoners here in custody, to the Gilt-spur Street Compter, or to such other safe, 
 " secure, and convenient place within the City, as should he approved of hy the Lord 
 " iMavor, Aldermen, and Commons thereof, in Common Council assembled." It 
 ^vas also ordained to " he lawful for the Sheriffs, from time to time, and until the 
 " Poii/fri/ Compter shall have been rebuilt, or made secure, and ///, and commodious 
 "for the reception of Prisoners, or another Compter shall Ik- provided, to receive, 
 " keep, and detain them in such place of intended removal." This took jilace in 
 consequence without delay, and Prisoners continued to be received in (lilt-spur 
 Street Compter till the 20th May 1805 ; when the very crowded state of that tem^ 
 ])orarv receptacle occasioned a necessity of sending all the night-charges to their 
 old place of destination in the Poultry. 
 
 Nor was this step sufficiently adequate; for in August 180G, tlie f Jilt-spur Street 
 Compter not bein*; found large enough to contain the Criminal Prisoners of both 
 Gaols, thei/ likewise were re-consigned to the Poultry. This ruinous and tottering 
 pile, therefore, (so long before deemed hardly tenable) 1-as now, for above eighteen 
 months, been made the only place of confinement for Criminals of the twoComj)ters; 
 and the Chapel of the present, being turned into a sleeping room, for want of space, 
 no Divine Service is performed there. 
 
 The result is, that Gilt-spur Street Compter is now wholly appropriated to the 
 confinement of the Debtors only belonging to both prisons, until a new Poultry 
 Compter shall be provided, or the old one rendered " saje," for we can hardly say, 
 " fit, and commodious for the reception of Prisoners." 
 
 More than five years have now elapsed : The circumstances above narrated are 
 matter of notoriety ; and yet, how little, if any thing, is done! II 
 
 The two rooms already mentioned, as fronting the public house, the one set apart 
 for Debtors, the other for Felons, are at present both shut up : and the Queen's 
 JJ'ard, with nearly the whole East end of the Prison, have been taken down, to 
 prevent their falling with instant destruction on the helpless Inhabitants I 
 
 Master's-Side Felons, or those who can pay for beds, sleep in strong-rooms above 
 stairs ; to which the access is from the Keeper's house. 
 
 Common-Side Felons have, within the wooden gate, a small court, paved with 
 flag-stones, and a miserable room, called the liaf Hole, with an iron-grated unglazed 
 window : also two dismal cells to sleep in, upon boards raised about a yiird from 
 the floor, with a rug or two each, according to their number; — but no straw. 
 
 One of these cells is for four Prisoners, and the other for two : Above which are 
 two rooms, of a similar description. The Chapel, since its conversion into a Dor- 
 mitorv, has barrack bedsteads laid on the floor. 
 
 The Women-Felons are shut up in a drcarv j)lace below, called the .Mouse Hole. 
 This will hold sixteen Prisoners, and is fitted up in the same manner as the above are 
 for the Men. Over it is that, which was formerly called the Jews' Ward for Debtors, 
 but now set apart for the sick.
 
 48S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 List of Legacies and Donations to the Poultry Compter. 
 Christmas Quarter. 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Half- Yearly - 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 Half-yearly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Quai'terly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 Every 3 years 
 (Quarterly - 
 Ditto - - 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Mr. Peter Blundell - - - 
 Ditto 
 
 Sir James Peachey - - - 
 
 Mr. Ralph Carter - - . 
 
 Sir John Kendrick, Knt. - 
 Sir William Middleton, Knt 
 
 Sir Robert Rampson - - 
 
 Archbishop of Canterbury - 
 Mr. John Shields - - . 
 Mr. Thomas Dawson - - 
 Mrs. Mary HoUigrave - - 
 Mr. James Hodgson - - 
 Mr. William Parker - - 
 
 Mr. William Peake - - - 
 
 Mr. John WooUer - - - 
 Mr. Thomas Stretchly - - 
 Mr. John Meridith - - - 
 Sundry Persons •[•--- 
 Ditto' 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Drapers Company - - - - - 
 
 Fishmongers Company - - - 
 Excise Office ------- 
 
 rChurchwardens of St. Andrew^ 
 
 < Undershaft & Allhallows, one > 
 
 Lyearbeef, & the other money J 
 
 Drapere Company - - - - - 
 
 Chamberlain of London . - - 
 f Mr. Buckeridge, 13, Orchard- 1 
 \ street, Oxford-Road - - J 
 At Lambeth Palace - - - - - 
 
 Cooks Company . - - - . 
 Churchwardens of St. Ethelburgh 
 Clothworkers Company - .. . 
 Churchwardens of St. Sepulchre's 
 Merchant Taylors Company - - 
 (11. lOs. Mr. Dunnage (pays") 
 (. land-tax, 6s.) - - - - J 
 
 Merchant Taylors Company - - 
 Chiist's Hospital . . - - - 
 Skinners Company - - - - - 
 
 Leathersellers Company - . - 
 Ditto, 7 dozen penny loaves. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 10 
 
 1 O O 
 
 1 O 
 
 ir 3 
 
 2 
 
 1 11 3 
 
 10 O 
 
 1 O 
 
 2 O O 
 9 
 5 
 
 10 O 
 2 O 
 
 '14 
 
 1 O O 
 
 2 
 5 6 
 10 10 
 
 si. 19 2 10. 
 
 Annually, on the 5th of November, the Gift of Mrs. Margaret Dane, one quarter of beef, 
 and five dozen penny loaves, sent by the Ironmongers Company. 
 
 Lady-Day Quarter. 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Hidf-Yearly 
 Yearly - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Half yearly - 
 
 Quarterly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Quarterly - 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Quarterly - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sir Francis Ckuk - - 
 R. Martin and J. March 
 Sir Thos. Culluai - - 
 Sir Edw. Corbett - - 
 
 Richard Jacobs, 2^ 
 Lndy Ramsay 
 
 Mr. Wm. Peake, 11. los. 
 
 Mr« Joan Sanback - - 
 Mr. John Meridith - - 
 Alderman J. Haydon 
 Sundry Persons § - - 
 Ditto ----.. 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 rMrs, Starling; paid from the' 
 < rent of houses in Lambs C — 
 
 Mercers Company 
 Ditto - - - - 
 Drapers ditto 
 Cooks ditto - - 
 
 im the 1 
 i Con- > 
 
 tduit-str. (pays land-tax Ss.) J J 
 Clnisfs Hospital - - - - - 
 
 rMr. Dunnage ; paid from the^ 
 J ground-rent of some houses I 
 "S in Gloucester-street, Hoxton. ( 
 
 L(Pays land-tax, 6s.) - - -J 
 Churchwardens of St. Bride's - - 
 Skinners Company - - - - - 
 Mercers ditto ...--- 
 Leathersellers ditto - - - - 
 Ditto, 7 dozen jjcnny loaves. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 12 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 1 4 
 
 1 
 
 
 4 
 
 O 
 5 6 
 O O 
 
 4 10 
 
 ^.20 13 10. 
 
 » Mr. Dunnage lives in Gloucester-street, Hoxton. f Taylor, Danid, Fircbras, &c. 
 
 } Mrs. Starling lives in Carey-street, near Chancery-lane. § Taylor, Fircbras, Grosvenor, &c.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 Midsummer Q'^arter, 
 
 4<i9 
 
 When paid. 
 
 Yearly - - 
 
 Half-yearly - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 Quarterly 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Ditto - - 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 By wbom paid. 
 
 Amoinit. 
 
 Sir Thomas (ircsham, knight 
 Mv. IVicr lilundcll - - - 
 Ditto ------- 
 
 Sir William Rlidilleton, Knt. 
 Mr. .liihn Meridith - - - 
 Mr. Wm. Peake, 1/. 10s. - 
 Sundry Persons * - - - 
 Ditto 
 
 iMercers Company - - - - -'lO O 
 
 Drjpers ditto ......j loO 
 
 Fi^hmon-iers ditto ----- lOO 
 
 j Chamberlain of Ijindon - - -I 1 II 3 
 
 .Skinner^ Company - - - - -I <> ."> f> 
 
 Mr. Dunnage (pays land-tax, 6s.) i I 4 O 
 
 I^eatliersellers Com))any - - -1 4 10 
 
 I Ditto, 7 dozen penny loaves. ( 
 
 /£. V 
 
 The Drapers' Compahy allow annually fourteen pounds for the disciiarge of Small Debts, 
 wp to fortj' shillings eacli, fees incUuled, the gift of Mr. John Kcndrick. 
 
 Michaelmas Quarter. 
 
 ^\'l)en paid. 
 
 Half-yearly 
 Ditto 
 Yearly - . 
 
 Ditto 
 
 }lalf-yearly 
 Quarterly 
 Ditto "- 
 Ditto 
 Diao 
 
 Donors' Names. 
 
 Sir Francis Clark - - - - 
 R. Martin and .1. March - - 
 
 Hohson, Esq. - - - - 
 
 f Interest on -247/. lSi.9rf.S.S. 
 \ Annuities . - - - - 
 Lady Jianisav - - - - - 
 Mr. Wm. Peake, \l.lOt. - - 
 Mr. John Moridith - - - - 
 Sundry Persons * . - - - 
 Ditto 
 
 By whom paid. 
 
 Mercers Company ----- 500 
 
 Ditto I 'i a 
 
 Houses in Grocer's-allcy - - - 4 (i K 
 
 Mercers Company ----- 789 
 
 Christ's Hospital 1.5 
 
 Mr. Dunnage, (pays lai\d-tax, (is.) 1 4 O 
 
 Skinners ('om])aiiy ----- O .5 fJ 
 
 Leathcrsellers ditto , O 4 10 
 
 Ditto, 7 dozen penny loaves. | 
 
 Amount. 
 
 a£. 20 17 S. 
 
 ShcriflFs' Court, two-pence each judgment, from the Clerk of the Judgments, Mr. Hig- 
 den, Curriers Hall, at Christmas. 
 
 The Prisoners receive 65 penny loaves every eight weeks, as the gift of Mrs. Margaret 
 Symcott; but which is Eleanor GwyniCs Gift, under that name. 
 
 N. B. Master's-side Debtors partake of no Charity, except it be particularly or- 
 dered by the Donor. 
 
 The Public House within the passage leading to this Prison, is rented from the 
 City, at Thirty Poiuids per annum. 1 was constantly assured that it had nothing to 
 do with the Compter, although I iis constantly saw, that the iron-grated rooms of 
 the Debtors and Felons were supplied from thence with liquors, the windows of both 
 being opposite to it. It is wortliy of remark, that this public-house was shut up, 
 as soon as the Poultry Prisoners were removed to Giltspur-Street Compter, but was 
 opened again immediately on their being returned hither. 
 
 * * Taylor, Firebras, Grosvenor, &c. 
 
 3 R
 
 450 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 On my examining the books it appears, that from the first of January 1800, to the 
 1st of January, 1807, there were Four himdred and twenty-Jive Debtors com- 
 mitted to this Prison from the Court of Conscience ; and yet, the Number of 
 Creditors who received Debt and Costs, in consequence of such Imprisonment, was 
 no more than seventy-eight. Scanty fuel this, for the Spirit of Litigation! 
 
 PRESTEIGN. Radnorshire, South ffales. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Robert Leivis. Salary, 20l. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, 6*. 8rf. Felons, 10*. If discharged by Proclamation, 6s. 8d. 
 No Table. Conveyance of Transports, the expence. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Smith. Salary, lOl. 
 
 Duty, Prayers once or twice weekly, as required : A Sermon four times a yearl 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Cooksey, For Felons only. Salary, lol. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 l80J,Nov. 14th, ------ 5 ------ 4. 
 
 1803, Sept. 9th, - - 3 - 2- 
 
 Allowance, to all, a sixpenny loaf every other day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol adjoins the County Bridewell. Here is only one court-yard, of 
 €6 feet by 46, for Mtii and Women. Debtors, Felons, and all descriptions, are 
 promiscuously mixed together. 
 
 Beside the Keeper's apartments, there are five rooms for Debtors, about 12 feet 
 square; to which the Keeper furnishes beds, at l.s. 6d. per week, and if two sleep 
 together. Is. each. Also a day-room, or hall, 22 feet by 14, which is used as a 
 Chapel. Here is a cell for Criminals, 11 feet 6 by 6 feet, with another day-room : 
 and, three steps down, a damp Dungeon. 
 
 The Gaoler here is a Sherifl^'s-Ofliicer. At the time of my visit he was out upon 
 a Caption, six miles off. 
 
 ^^ Two other rooms are wanted for Criminals; and an Infirmary, or Sick Ward. 
 Also a separate court-yard, which might be taken out from the ground adjoining. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors have a Free-Ward, and straw to lie upon, furnished by 
 the County. No water accessible. An useless tub is kept, instead of a bath. The 
 Act and Clauses are hung up. The whole Prison very dirty, out of repair, and 
 seldom visited.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 491 
 
 PRESTEIGN. 
 
 The Couiifi/ liridewcU. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Si rrel. Salary, lo/. No Fees. 
 No Prisoners, at my visit, gth Sept. 1803. 
 Allowance, a sixpenny loaf per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here are two rooms below, and three above. A small court-yard ; and in it a 
 pump, which had been dry for a month. The Keeper furnishes beds, at two-pence 
 per nioht each. To the still poorer Prisoners are supplied wooden bedsteads and 
 straw. Their employment is knitting, and they have all their earnings. 
 
 PRESTON. Lancashire. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, Willinm Ilulstead. 
 
 Salary, 2,")0/. out of which he pays 50/. per annum to a Turnkey. He has 
 
 also a plot of ground, worth 30/. per annum. 
 Fees, none. For the conveyance of Prisoners to Lancaster, Wigan, and 
 Ormskirk, one shilling each per mile. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Mifers ; now Rev. Mr. Harrison. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday mornings. 
 Salary, 20/. ; and lo/. as Auditor of Accounts. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Birdsicorth. 
 
 Salary, 42/. and Medicines furnished by the County. 
 
 Task-Master, Thomas Houghton. 
 
 Salary, Go/, and ten per cent, on the gross earnings of the Prisoners. He has 
 a Man to assist him, to whom the County allows 14.9. a week. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Men. Woimn. 
 
 1802, Oct. 1st, ------ 115 ------ 4- 
 
 1805, Oct. 24th, 42 - 70 
 
 180G, Sept. 2d, - - - - - 42 - 4S 
 
 180.9, Nov. .9th, ------ 4G - - - - 26".
 
 493 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Allowance, every day, breakfast and supper ; 7 oz. of bread, 2 oz. of oatmeal, 
 and ^ oz. of salt at each meal, boiled into gruel. 
 
 Stindaij and Thursday, half a pound of beef, with the bone ; seven ounces 
 of bread, with one pound of potatoes ; and water to drink. 
 
 Monday and Friday, seven ounces of bread each ; and one quart of peas,, 
 with other vegetables, to ten Prisoners. 
 
 Tuesday and Saturday, a stew of cow-head and shins. 
 
 Ifednesday, seven ounces of bread, and four ounces of cheese each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison stands a little way out of the Town of Preston, near the Church-Gate 
 Bar ; and is surrounded by a boundarv wall ; which being at a distance from the 
 house, the Keeper has within it a convenient garden. 
 
 On one side of the entrance is the Turnkey's lodge ; on the other is the office of 
 the Clerk of the Peace. Up stairs are two reception-cells, where Prisoners are 
 examined before they are admitted into the interior of the house. There are, like- 
 wise, rooms for the Turnkey's family. For Prisoners there are six airy courts, 
 about 22 yards by 12 each; four of which are for Men, and two for Women, with 
 water, and a sewer in each. To every court-yard there is a day-room, the average 
 size about 5 yards square. 
 
 On the ground-floor are eighteen sleeping-cells, 7 feet 6 inches by 6 feet 6" ; with 
 vaulted roofs. There are also sixteen other cells ; but, being very damp, they were 
 not used for the confinement of Prisoners. Upon the same floor likewise, are 
 48 workshops, in which, when I was there, thirty-one pair of looms were em- 
 ployed. 
 
 On the first story are 52 sleeping-cells, of the size of those below; and on the 
 upper story 53 of the same kind. Each cell is fitted up with a wooden bedstead, 
 5traw-in-sacking, two or three blankets, and a quilt ; and ventilated by an aperture 
 over the door, with an iron-grated window opposite. Here is an excellent kitchen, 
 fitted up with every convenience for frugal cookery ; and a room with a bath, in 
 which ewery Prisoner is washed previous to trial. 
 
 Each Prisoner has clean linen every Sunday ; and all are required to attend Divine 
 Service, unless prevented by sickness. 
 
 The Chapel, which is in the centre of the building, has a cupola on the top; and 
 is so partitioned off, that the Men and Women cannot see each other. 
 
 There are two large work-rooms up stairs, in one of which were six pair of looms 
 for weaving, and the other is used for the batting of cotton. Two rooms are set 
 apart for Infirmaries ; but, as there were no sick Prisoners at the time of my visit, 
 shoe-makers and taylors were at work in one of them.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 49*3 
 
 The Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Prison are conspicuously 
 stuck up ill various parts. The Court, or Session House, is within the walls ; and 
 convenient passages lead into it, for Prisoners on Trial. The Act for Preservation 
 of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are both hung up. The Prison 
 is clean. 
 
 It being their dinner-hour when I made this visit, I was much pleased with 
 the Order and liegularifi/ of' the Prisoners liehavioiir, and the Attention with 
 tchich it was served. The Keeper was out on business : it could not, therefore, be 
 accidental, but the pursuance of method : and, indeed, Mr. Ilalstead appeared 
 to me, on both visits, to be well calculated for so important a trust. 
 
 The full amount of Earnings and Disbnrsemejits, from Easter Sessions 1S02,. 
 to Easter Sessions 1803, was as follows, viz : 
 
 Disbursements. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Total amount paid to Prisoners discharged - - - - ^{^z 6 2\ 
 
 Ditto, necessaries for manufactory, oil, batting-sticks, &c. 5 6 
 
 Ditto, Cash advanced to Prisoners, and entered to their 
 
 accounts ------ -__-.-__ 32 I6 9^ 
 
 Ditto, of Salary for an Assistant in the Manufactory - 30 12 
 
 Ditto of ppr-centage allowed the Task- Master - - - 73 II 1 
 
 Ditto, of Cash paid to Mr. Threlfall, the Inspector - ' - q66 15 ^^ 
 
 ^.1471 2 0. 
 
 Earnings. 
 
 ^ s. d. 
 Total amount of cotton-picking -------- 686 17 
 
 Ditto, Ditto, of weaving - - --61520 
 
 Ditto, joiners, taylors, shoe-makers, &c. -----169 30 
 
 ^.1471 2 0. 
 
 The Keeper, however, has informed nie, that since the above annual period, to 
 Easter, 1803, several obstacles had occurred, that in future were likely to prevent 
 the Earnings by joiners, taylors, shoe-makers, &c. from being so ample as before 
 Till that time Prisoners of their description had been permitted by the Magistrates 
 to obtain workout of the Prison; which, soon after, was by order discontinued, 
 so as materially to reduce the amount of earnings ; and trade also had declined, 
 whether from that circumstance, or other causes. 
 
 The accounts are examined and signed by Mr. Threlfall, the Inspector ; and laid 
 before the Magistrates at each (Quarter Session, witli the vouchers from the several 
 employers, for their respective sums.
 
 4S4 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Amount of Earnings from 4th October 1804, to gth 
 
 October, l805------------8ll)4O 
 
 Disbursements for the above period - 303 13 42- 
 Cash paid by Mr. Threlfall, the In- 
 spector - - ------ 508 ji 
 
 ^.811 14 0. 
 
 The Prisoners here have the other moiety of the Legacy of William Edmondson, 
 which I have mentioned in my hst for Lancaster, page 326. It now amounts to 
 2I. 10*. per annum, and is the only benefaction to this Prison. It is distributed a& 
 follows : 
 
 Every New-Year's day, each Prisoner receives a loaf of fine bread, value three 
 half-pence; six ounces of cheese, and a pint of ale ; and what the Legacy falls short 
 of that allowance is made up out of the earnings. 
 
 They have, likewise, a HfAiday every New-Years day, in the afternoon. 
 Debtors arrested by process out of the Borough Court, for sums under ten 
 jjounds, are sent hither. 
 
 In October lS02, I had remarked a total neglect of Cleanliness in the court-yards 
 of this Prison ; and, for want of a drain, the uncovered deposits were extremely 
 offensive. In some places dunghills, up to the verj^ windows of the work-shops ; in 
 another j)art a hog-sty : and 1 was sorry to observe that no alteration had taken 
 place at my visit in Oct. 1805. It was said to be intended that the cess-pools in 
 the court-yards should be vaulted or covered over during the next Summer ; but I 
 thouo^ht the nuisance could not be effectually done away, without regular drains 
 were made for a place so crowded ; and that then it would be an excellent Prison. 
 
 What I had thus noticed, and wished for, is since achieved. Mr. Halstead, 
 by letter in Jan. lSo6", told me it was intended, in the course of the Summer, to 
 do souiethiug tfiijctual : and by a second letier, of 2d Sept. 180G, he informed 
 me " that the dunghills were removed, and the other inconveniences to be shortly 
 done away : that his Prisoners, Men and Women, were well employed ; they had 
 plenty of work, though wages were rather low ; and if I should ever again be 
 enabled to visit his charge, he hojied it would be found that every defect was sup- 
 plied, agreeably to my ideas on the subject." Accordingly, at my last visit, in Nov. 
 1809, I found six cess-pools had been dug, to receive the night-soil; and being- 
 covered over, the Keeper told me they were not offensive, until emptied. I am 
 still fully of opinion, however, tliat a regular drain would be much better, and 
 quite effectual, as the ground is on an inclined j)lane, so as to carry off whatever 
 might ollicrvvise offend.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 495 
 
 §r|= The advantages arising from the Employment of Prisoners, in Bridewells 
 and Houses of Correction, cannot, 1 conceive, be more fully demonstrated, tlian by 
 the very exemplary Prison above described : and devoutly is it to be hoped, that 
 such an instance will rouse our Magistrates to exert those salutary jiowers, which 
 the Acts of 19 CuA. II and 12 Geo. III. have sanctioned and authorized. Idleness 
 is, indeed, the root of unbounded evil ; and yet, how many liridewells and " Bet- 
 tering Houses" are there among us, in which no Emploi/ment whatever exists, 
 even for those offenders who are expressly committed to hard labour ! 
 
 I do not think it a difficult matter so to encourage Industry, as to make Idleness 
 become just as irksome and odious, as hitherto it has been palatable. And this 
 opinion, (which only requires calm reflexion,) is absolutely formed in my mind 
 from frequent conversation, even with Prisoners, at various times and places. 
 
 READING. Berhshire. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, George Knight ; now George Eastaff. 
 
 Salary, 200/. for the (iaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Fees ; Debtors, see Table. The Under-Sheriff, for each Debtor's Liberate, 
 demands a Fee of 3*. 6d. which is painted up, and affixed to a board in the 
 Debtor's court-yard, by Order of the Magistrates ! Felons pay no Fees. 
 For the removal of Transports, the expence of Conveyance. 
 
 Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Ilodghinson. Salary, 50^. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday, and Prayers on Wednesday and Friday. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Bulky. Salary, 30/. for Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debtors. Folons, &c. 
 
 1800, March 24th, ------ 10 ------ 21. 
 
 1801, Dec. 12th, -------12 ------ 19. 
 
 1806', Oct. 16th, ------- 8 ------ 25. 
 
 Allowance. This, in 1801, was ten ounces of bread, half a pound of rice, or 
 two pounds of potatoes, to each Prisoner daily, on proof of his being a 
 Pauper, and willing to work. But, on my subsequent visits, I found it 
 altered to a contract with the Gaoler ; w ho now receives fivepence per day, 
 and fourpence per week each ; for which he supplies the Prisoners, on Mon- 
 day, Tuesday, and Ifednesday, w ith one pound and half of bread : Thurs- 
 day, half a pound of meat, and a pound and half of potatoes, made into soup : 
 Friday and Saturday, one jjound and a half of bread ; and on Sunday (for 
 which the additional /b2/r/?ence is granted) with a dinner of offal meat, made 
 into soup, with vegetables.
 
 49* STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol and Bridewell, placed in a very healthy situation, a little way out of 
 the Town, is enclosed by a boundary-wall, 210 feet in length, and 327 in depth; 
 ■which being about thirty feet from the Prison, the Keeper has within it a very con- 
 venient garden, for the growth of vegetables. The wall is about 28 feet high, and 
 has a small Chevaiix defrise, about four feet from the coping. The Keeper's house, 
 in the centre, has an alarm-bell at the top, and the Visiting-M?gistrates' Committee- 
 Room fronts the Entrance Gate. 
 
 The Men-Debtors have two courts: The front is 69 feet by 57 ; the back-yard, 
 28 feet by 9, with arcades to both. They have also a Hall, or common day-room, 
 with two iron-grated glazed windows, a fire-place, seats, two tables, and proper 
 conveniences for frugal cookery. Here are likewise two day-rooms, for such Debtors 
 as can maintain themselves ; over which are six sleeping-rooms, fitted up with 
 wooden bedsteads, and sacking bottoms ; a straw-in-sacking bed, a sheet, blanket, 
 and two rugs, supplied at the County cost. 
 
 To those Debtors who furnish their own beds, no charge for room-rent is made; 
 and in the Gaoler's house accommodations are provided, for those who can pay as 
 per Table. 
 
 Every Debtor inclined to work may be employed, on application to the Keeper, 
 who is allowed one third of his earnings. But if the Debtor can procure work from 
 without, he receives the whole of what he earns. 
 
 Jf'oinen-Dehfors have a small garden to walk in, about 14 yards square; and a 
 sleeping-room, of J 6 feet by 9, fitted up like the Men's : Or, if they can pay as per 
 Table, they may also be accommodated by the Keeper in his house, as before 
 mentioned. 
 
 At the back of the Keeper s house, and in the centre of a spacious court-yard, is 
 the Chapel ; a very neat building, and well adapted for its sacred purpose. Here the 
 Debtors are seated in the galleries ; the Felons and other Criminal Prisoners are 
 placed below; and all who receive the County-allowance are required to attend 
 Divine Service. Above the Chapel are rooms furnished by the Keeper with beds, 
 at 2*. Gd. per week each ; out of which the County receives 1*. 6d. 
 
 The worthy Chaplain is empowered to purchase books of religious or moral 
 instruction, and distributes them at his discretion to the Prisoners. 
 
 Men-Felons have a very spacious court-yard, at the back-part of the Prison, 150 
 feet by 75 ; with a pair of large double gates opening into it, for the admission of 
 rough timber. Within it are three double saw-pits, where those who can learn are 
 instructed to saw ; and to whom a daily additional allowance of ten ounces of bread 
 is given, when they leave work in the evening. On Sunday they have a dinner of 
 meat, broth, and vegetables ; on Thursday, the same ; on Wednesday and Saturday
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 497 
 
 a qnarter of a pound of bacon ; and on Monday morning every workinf^ Man 
 receives eiglit-pence in money, who has properly conducted himself through tlie 
 precethng week. 
 
 In the (Jaol-yard are two ranges of Ciallery, 3 feet 3 inches wide, one story above 
 the other ; and Prisoners under Sentence of Death are executed on a platform at 
 the West-end of the Gaol, to which the ujiper gallery leads. Kach of these is divided 
 in the middle by an arch, so as to form four galleries, into which the doors of eight 
 sleeping-cells open. Each cell is 10 feet by 7 feet 6, and 7 feet G inches high; 
 cased throughout with iron, and furnished with a straw-bed, in canvas case, a 
 blanket and rug, at the County cost, each Prisoner sleeping single, 'i'liese cells 
 are ventilated by a small iron-grating over the door, and a tube, of about 3 inches 
 diameter, in the opposite end of the cell. The aspect being South, the late 
 Keejjer said they were excessively hot in the summer, and the sewer of each, placed 
 in one corner, useless for want of water ; so that half-tubs were substituted, and 
 emptied once a day. 
 
 They have arcades in the court-yard, and a mess or day-room, with a fire-place, 
 a large table, wooden stools, or benches, to sit on ; a cast-iron pot, frying-j)an, 
 gridiron, &c. for plain cooking: and earthen-ware for their provisions ; the window 
 clazed and iron-grated. 
 
 Here are also four wards, with a court-yard to each, about 30 feet square, and 
 well supplied with water. One is appropriated to Women-Felons ; another to 
 Gaol Prisoners detained for trial ; a third, to Bridewell Prisoners in the same pre- 
 dicament ; and the fourth is for Prisoners after conviction. Attached to each ward 
 is a common day or mess-room, with a fire-place, copper, and washing-tubs, for 
 the Women ; and the County allows five chaldrons of coals yearly to the whole 
 Prison. For Bridewell Prisoners, Men and Women, there are two rooms above 
 stairs; each containing three beds for two persons in each, and furnished as the others 
 above mentioned. 
 
 In the passages leading to these wards, and on the ground-floor, are eight solitary 
 cells, with a small court to each ; and six cells for Refractory Prisoners, with 
 wooden bedsteads and bedding as in the other cells; and in each a sewer. In the 
 different courts belonging to these cells are arcades paved with flag-stones. 
 
 All the Gaol and Bridewell Prisoners wear the County uniform : their own clothes 
 are purified, numbered, and deposited in the wardrobe, until the time of their trial, 
 or discharge. 
 
 Excellent Rules and Regulations are drawn up and printed for the good govern- 
 ment of this Prison. The 42d Article ordains clean straw, or chaff', for mattresses, 
 to be allowed as often as needful, and clean linen once a week. The -,7th enjoins, 
 that all Prisoners who receive the County allowance shall be kept to work : those 
 sentenced to hard labour are entitled to receive 20 per Cent, of their nett earnings ; 
 
 3 s
 
 408 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 those who are not so sentenced, to have 50 per Cent, agreeably to the Act of 22 Geo. 
 III. Cap. 64 ; and the remainder to be equally divided between the County and the 
 Gaoler. The Prisoners' share of earnings is to be given them in clothes, or ia 
 money at their discharge, after deducting therefrom the cost of any wearing apparel 
 issued for them, or any extra allowances of provisions, that may have been given 
 to them during confinement. 
 
 The Gaoler's house commanding a view of but a small part of this ample Prison, 
 the Turnkey formerly slept in the Chapel ; but now he has a room which effectually 
 commands the Felons' court-yard. 
 
 Men-Felons are clean shirted and shaved every week. Convicts under sentence 
 of transportation have not here the King's allowance of 2*. 6d. weekly, but the 
 Prison allowance continued to them instead of it. Every Prisoner who has behaved 
 well, is decently clothed at the time of discharge, and also receives a sum of money, 
 not exceeding ten shillings, according to the distance from home. 
 
 Petty Offenders, in this Gaol, beat hemp, cut pegs, &c. : the Women spin. But 
 the most productive branch of employment is the sawing of timber, by which means 
 the Prisoner gains a new source of support, when discharged from custody.. The 
 earnings, from Michaelmas Sessions 1805, to Michaelmas 1806, amounted to about 
 Two hundred pounds. 
 
 Statement of the various Divisions into which the Prison is distributed. 
 
 1. Men committed on charge of Felony. 
 
 2. Ditto ditto on charge of Misdemeanour. 
 
 3. Men convicted of Felony. 
 
 4. Ditto ditto of Misdemeanour. 
 
 5. Men committed summarily for a time. 
 
 6. Witnesses; or (if not wanted for them) Men convicted summarily^ 
 
 7. Women committed for Felony and Misdemeanour. 
 
 8. Women convicted of ditto. 
 
 Table of Fees, and Charges, 
 To be paid by the Debtors in the County-Gaol of Berkshire, at Reading. 
 
 5. d. 
 " For discharging every Action upon Process, Capias, Latitat, or Execution 2 6 
 For the Certificate of a want of a Declaration, in order to sue out a Writ 
 
 oi Supersedeas -------------- ---26 
 
 N. B. Tlie above demandable of the Prisoner. 
 For receiving every Declaration against a. Prisoner in custody -^--10 
 For each Copy of the three first Warrants against a Prisoner ----10
 
 fN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 49» 
 
 s. d. 
 And for every other .--.-----------.04 
 
 N. B. To be paid by jiersons making the Declaration, or demanding the 
 
 Warrant. 
 Attending upon every Prisoner to give bail, special bail, I/cihtas, or other 
 
 necessary attendance out of the Gaol, as directed by Statute, per mile 1 
 
 Table of Charges for Lodging, Bedding, &c. 
 
 Ever}' Person confined in the Sheriffs' or Magistrates' Ward, finding his 
 
 own bedding, per week -----...-_..-- 10 
 
 Every person confined in the SherilTs' or Magistrates' Ward, with bedding 
 
 allowed by the County ---..--.-...-.26 
 Every Prisoner occupying a room in the Keeper's house, shall p;iy per 
 
 week ---------.----...,.26 
 
 Signed by the Judges of Assize, A. Macdonald. 
 
 J. Heath." 
 
 Extract from the Rl'les and Orders, settled by the Magistrates, 4th July, I79C. 
 
 " Every Prisoner who, during his confinement, shall have submitted to the Regulations 
 with a decent respect and attention ; and who has not been guilty of swearing or drunken- 
 ness, of any attempt to acquire more liquor than is allowed, or of other disorderly practices, 
 shall receive a certificate of such good conduct from the Chaplain, or any one Visiting 
 Justice, or the Chaplain and Governour: Which Certificate shall be a Discharge of all and 
 every Fee payable to the Keeper or Gaoler, except those for extra bedding, and for the 
 room in the Keeper's house." 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Deane, widow, who died on the 5th of July 1787, by her Will bequeathed 
 150/. to the Corporation of Reading, upon trust, to procure fire- wood for supplying this 
 County Gaol. Accordingly, on the 24th November 1787, with this Legacy, 156/. 17.J. id. 
 was purchased in the 4 per Cents. ; the Dividends whereof are to be laid out in fire-wood, 
 " for the sole use and benefit of Prisoners, who shall from time to time be confined iu the 
 " County. Gaol of Berkshire, situate in Reading." 
 
 This is regularly received and appropriated according to the Will of the Donor. 
 
 In the Gaol are a warm and cold bath, and four separate Infirniarv room.«. 
 
 At my last visit I weighed seven loaves, as sent from the Baker's, and found six of 
 them deficient in weight. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are con- 
 spicuously hung up: The court-yards well supplied with water; and the Prison 
 clean.
 
 500 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 READING. Berkshire. 
 The Town Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, John Shailer. Salary, lo/. No Fees. 
 
 Divine Service never performed here. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Bulky ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1801, Dec. 13th, three; 1806, Oct. l6th, three. 
 
 Allow^ance, was sixpence each ; now only fourpence each per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison was built out of the ruius of an ancient Church. Here is a court- 
 yard for the Men, 48 feet by 27, and under an arcade are two hemp-blocks. They 
 have no day-room, but four sleeping-cells, of 15 feet by 9, and 8 feet high, which 
 open into a small court-yard, 6 feet 9 inches square, and are lighted by a little 
 iron-srating over each door. In one of these was the Male-Prisoner confined. 
 No firing or candle allowed by the Corporation : Straw only for bedding on the 
 floors. 
 
 Opposite to those cells is another court-yard, I7 feet by g ; in which is a fifth 
 sleeping-cell, of 9 feet by 7 feet 6 inches, entirely dark, except what light is occa- 
 sionally thrown in through a pot-hole, or small aperture in the door, of 8 inches 
 by 5. Over this cell is an ascent by a fifteen-step ladder, to another room of 9 feet 
 6 by 6 feet 6, and 8 feet high, lighted by a small iron-barred window. 
 
 The Women's court-yard is 27 feet square ; with a draw-well in the centre, and a 
 sewer. Their day-room, 12 feet by 10 feet 6 inches, has a bricked floor, a glazed 
 window, and a fire-place, but no grate. Their sleeping-room adjoining is 16 feet 
 by 10, and 6 feet 4 inches high, with straw on the floor, but no light, except as 
 admitted by a small iron-grating in the door, of 13 inches by 11. Tlie two Women 
 Prisoners were lodged here. 
 
 Water, heretofore inaccessible to the Prisoners, is now properly supplied. What- 
 ever be their employment, they have the produce of their earnings. 
 
 READING. 
 
 The Town Gaol, or Compter. 
 
 Two rooms in a Publick House (the Three Maidens Heads) belonging to the Town. 
 The Keeper, aSergeant at Mace. Salary, 9/. Fees, 4*. 4d. No Table. Dec. 1 2th, 
 1801, and Oct. 16th, 1806, no Prisoners.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALE??. £01 
 
 RENFREW. Scotland. 
 
 Gaoler, John Reid; a Town's Officer. Salary, 8/. 
 
 Fees, Criminals, none. Debtors ; if a Burgess, 1*. Gd. ; if not a Burgess, 2^. 6d. 
 on Caption, paid by the Incarcerator. Also, from a Burgess, 2d. a night, and 
 if not a Burgess, 4</. a night, during Incarceration. No Religious Attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, if wanted, is sent from the Borough. 
 
 Prisoners, 26th Oct, 1809, None. 
 
 Allowance, Criminals, sixpence a day. Debtors, as alimented by the Magisti'ates j 
 generally one shilling, or eighteen-pence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is in the centre of the Town, and adjoins to the Court-House. 
 
 l^p a flight of steps, there is one sizeable room for Criminals, with boarded floors ; 
 a large wooden bedstead for two Prisoners ; loose straw, a blanket and rug ; a fire- 
 place, and grated and glazed window opening to the Street. 
 
 Above this is another room, similar in every respect; and adjoining to it a very 
 large room, (formerly the Town-Hall,) with three large sash windows, and fire- 
 places, for the better sort of Debtors, Male or Female. 
 
 RICHMOND. YorhsUre. 
 The Liberty Gaol; for Debtors oiiIt/. 
 
 Gaoler, Robert If 'right. Salary, 5^. Fees, 6s. Sd. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Feb. 13th, 4- Sept. 4th, 3. 1809, Sept. 1 2th, 1. 
 
 Allowance, one shilling per week to those who are certified as Paupers. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, for the very extensive Liberty of Richmond and Richmondshire, 
 was formerly the proj.erty of Lord Holderness ; afterwards of Sir Thomas Dundas, 
 and now belongs to the Duke of Leeds. It is solely appropriated to Debtors. 
 
 It consists of two courts ; the outer, of 8/ feet by 39, is occupied by the Keeper's 
 garden ; the walls but 6 feet high ; so that those only who are detained for small 
 sums, and in whom the Gaoler places confidence, can be indulged with the use of 
 so beneficial an accommodation. 
 
 The inner court is C3 feet by 24, and has a well in it. The Prisoners have a 
 day-room, 15 feet by 12 feet 6', with a fire-place, a small grated and glazed wimlow, 
 a table, and chairs. Their sleeping-room, which adjoms, is 21 feet by Ij, with 
 two glazed casement windows : this is a Free Ward, for which they pay nothing;
 
 502 STxVTE OF PRISONS 
 
 but must find tlieir own beds. Both rooms have flag-stone floors, in a very decayed 
 state. There is Hkewise a Free Ward for Women Debtors in the Keeper's house. 
 
 Masters-side Debtors have good rooms in the house, to which the Keeper fur- 
 nishes beds at 2s. 6d. per week ; or, if the Prisoner finds his own bedding, he pays 
 2*. per week. 
 
 The poorer class have beds suppUed by the Keeper, at 1*. 6d. per week ; and all 
 have the use of the Gaoler's fire. The County allows no fuel, and it is therefore a 
 very fortunate circumstance, that the Keeper is compassionate and humane ; for 
 his Salary is evidently not adequate to provide coals, even for his own con- 
 gumption. 
 
 Formerly Criminals were sent here, and confined in two dark loathsome Dun- 
 geons, at a descent of five steps ; each 15 feet by 6, and 6 feet 8 inches high. The 
 aperture in the doors is only 6 inches by 3 : But I am informed that none of this 
 description have been sent hither these fifteen years. 
 
 RICHMOND. Voyhshire. 
 The Corporation or Borough Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Thomas Redford ; now Thomas Close. No Salary. 
 Fees, Debtors, 6s. %d. Criminals, 2*. No Table. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Sept. 4th, None. 1809, Sept. 12th, One. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. To Criminals, Sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is likewise the Poor-House ; and placed in a pleasant situation, with a 
 fine field in front. 
 
 For Debtors here are two good rooms above stairs, with fire-places, and casement 
 windows. These noiu have greatly improved the ventilation, which before was 
 much wanted. They are Free Wards, in case the Debtor finds his own bed ; but 
 if the Gaoler furnishes one, his charge is 2s. per week. 
 
 To this Prison all those Debtors are consigned, who are arrested by Process from 
 the Borough Court. 
 
 For Felons there are two cells, heretofore ill-ventilated, of about 1 2 feet square, 
 with straw to sleep on. The floors which covered these cells are now taken up, and 
 the cells are opened to the roof. The semicircular windows have a casement added, 
 which has rendered the rooms less oflTensive. But, the descent to these miserable 
 places of rest is still by the seven-step ladder, which I before complained of. This 
 is drawn up and let down by the Keeper, when he is disposed to indulge the Pri- 
 soner with a mouthful of fresh air in the court-yard. Here, at the upper end, is 
 placed a sewer ; and in the cells is a fire-place, and covered tub instead of a sewer : 
 But no straw to sleep on, unless paid for by the Prisoner.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 503 
 
 RIIX)N. Vorhshire. 
 The Liberty Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, Robert Braithwatte ; now his Widow. NoSalarj'. 
 Fees, for Debtors, lO.v. 6d. ; for Felons, 3s. 4d. No Table. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, is ordered by the Mayor, and paid by the Liberty. 
 
 Prisoners, l8o2, Sept. 3d, None. 1809. Sept, 12th, Six Soldiers. See Remarks. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, none. Felons, sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is the property of the Archbishop of York, by Charter from Kino- 
 Edward IV. His Court adjoining is called " The Court Military." The Liberty 
 includes twenty-four parishes. 
 
 For Debtors there are four good rooms in the Keeper's house, and a very large 
 room where the Grand Jury meet ; the ascent to which is by a flight of twelve stone 
 steps. This is called the High Gaol. No Free Ward. 
 
 If the Debtor furnishes his own bed, he pays one shilling per week : If the 
 Keeper provides one, the Debtors pay per week two shillings. 
 
 On the ground-floor, called the Low Gaol, are two cells for Felons, both dark, 
 damp, and oflTensive : one of them is 15 feet by 7 feet 6, lighted and ventilated bj 
 a small iron-grating in the door; the other, about 13 feet 6 inches square, has a 
 small iron-grated and glazed window. Straw laid upon the floors. No sewer : No 
 water. 
 
 This Gaol is in a most dilapidated state: Great part of the gable-end tumbled 
 down : The Debtors' rooms out of repair, and the windows broken. 
 
 A Court of Requests for the recovery of Small Debts is held in the Court Military 
 every three weeks. The Grand Jury now meet also in the Court Military. 
 
 The Low Gaol for Felons is latey rented at 2*. per week by the Military, for the 
 confinement of Soldiers : There were six in it at my last visit. They have barrack 
 beds, and large grated windows looking towards the court-yard: 
 
 The spacious area, of 240 feet by 150, has been recently converted into a bowling- 
 green ; for which the Keeper receives eight guineas a year. This, together with 2^. 
 per week from the Military, constitutes the whole of the Keejjer's Salary : But 
 Widow Braifltivaite shewed me an Order of Session, Cth Oct. 17.97, which says, 
 " It is ordered that the Treasurer for the Liberty do pay the Gaoler 10/. 10^. for 
 " his annual Salary, due tlie 10th instant." At a General (Quarter Session^ held 
 Friday 5th Oct. 1798, it appears that this Order was rejjeated; but the Widow said 
 her Husband had only once received seven guineas, which were paid him the first
 
 504 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 year, though he had kept the Gaol twelve years ; and she was not willing to quit 
 the ruinous premises before the arrears were paid. 
 
 The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are conspi- 
 cuously hung up. 
 
 RIPON. VorhsMre. 
 The Canon-Fee Court Gaol, and House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, George Idle ; now Thomas Thwaites ; who is also BailifFfor the Liberty, 
 and a Stocking- Weaver. Salary, 2l/. 
 Fees, for Debtors, 15a-. 4r/. ; for Criminals, 1.9. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, is ordered in by the Mayor. 
 
 Prisoners, l802, Sept. 3d, none. 1809, Sept. 12th, one. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none whatever ; to Criminals, fourpence a day, which 
 the Gaoler receives, and likewise their earnings ; for which he maintains 
 them, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison belongs to the Dean and Chaper of Ripon ; and is not only a Gaol 
 for the Canon-Fee Court, but a House of Correction for the Liberty. The court- 
 yard is 30 feet by 13, and Prisoners are permitted to be out for air and exercise, an 
 hour or two in the day time, at the pleasure of the Keeper. 
 
 Here are three upper rooms for Debtors, but no Free Wards. If a Debtor pro- 
 vides his own bed, he pays 6d. a week : if the Keeper furnishes a bed, each Debtor 
 pays weekly 1*. 6d. 
 
 The BrideiveU, or House of Correction part, consists of two rooms on the 
 ground-floor, of 8 feet by 7. One of them has an aperture toward the court, 
 24 inches by 5 inches, with an iron stancheon running up the middle ; and on the 
 outside a small iron door, so as to shut out this glimmering light altogether ! The 
 other Bridewell room has no other light than what is transmitted through a small 
 hole in the door. 
 
 No bedding is here provided : The Keeper is allowed two guineas a year for 
 straw ; and at the time of my visit he had lent the Prisoner an old rug. Above stairs 
 are two cells, destitute of Furniture, lighted and ventilated in the same wretched 
 manner as the former. 
 
 The whole Prison very dirty. No water accessible. No sewer, but a covered tub. 
 
 Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 hung up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Jjs^ 
 
 RCXTHESIKR. Kr>,f. 
 The C'ltif Gaol, and liiidcncll. 
 
 CJaoler, Edward Jf'rigkt ; now Edmund Jialur. 
 Salary, none. But as Serjeant at Mace, 30/. 
 Fees, for Misdemeaners and Assaults, 13s. 4d. No Table. 
 
 Chaplain, none, nor any religious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surj^eon, Mr. Thompson : makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, April 21st, -_----i -,-----2. 
 
 iSoi, Sept. 20th, 0-------,'J. 
 
 1804, Sept. 2-)th, ------ 1 ----- r,. 
 
 1808, Aug. iGth, ------1-------3. 
 
 180.9, -Tuly 10th, ------1-------2. 
 
 1810, July 8th, -------2------- 9. 
 
 Allowance, Felons and Criminal Prisoners, sixpence a day in money. Debtors 
 from the Court of Requests, ^d. from their Plaintiff per day. 
 
 RE^LVRKS. 
 
 This Prison is situated behind the Court-House, and there is a private passage, 
 through which Prisoners are brought for Trial. Tlie two cells below, now called 
 " The Bridewell," seem to have been coeval with tlie court above, built, as appears 
 by the date, A. D. 16S7. 
 
 The City Bridewell was formerly two rooms down eight steps, in the basement 
 story of a house appointed for the Reception of six poor IVavellers. It has long 
 been discontinued as a Prison ; but the old barrack bedsteads still remain there. 
 The design of this Charity may be seen from the following singular Inscription, 
 placed over the door : 
 
 " Richard Watts, Esq. by his Will, dated 22dof August, 1579, founded this 
 " Charity, for six j)oor Travellers, who, (not being Rogues, or Procfnrs,) may re- 
 " ceivc gratis, for one night. Lodging, Entertainment, and four-pence each."' 
 Apj)lication is made to the Mayor, Avho gives an order of athnission. I have 
 always found some of the rooms occupied, and they are kept clean. 
 
 In the City Gaol are two close offensive cells, on the ground floor, 15 feet long 
 by 5 feet 6, with a bedstead in each, that almost fills uj) half the space. In front 
 of these cells there is a small area, enclosed by iron palisades, about 11 feet by f!, 
 where the Prisoners of each sex stand to receive their dole of provisions, and get a 
 mouthful of air. Here are no sewers; buckets supply the purpose. No water, but 
 what is brought in by the Keeper ; who told me he has had six Men and three 
 Women locked up there for two months together. 
 
 3 T
 
 506 STATE OF PRISON* 
 
 At my visit in 1 804, I found a Woman Debtor in one cell, and three Felons in 
 the other : a Woman with a Child at her breast, and a Boy, were confined in the 
 Keeper's house; and in 1810 the Friends of one of the Debtors, a Woman, had 
 engaged to pay the Gaoler for a bed in his house, to prevent her being associated 
 with Felons, &c. 
 
 William Henry, convicted of keeping a disorderly house, and sentenced to three 
 months imprisonment, and until he also paid a fine of 20l. was confined in one of 
 these cells upwards of three years, before he paid the deman(J. These cells are called 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 In 1809 an addition was made to this miserable place of confinement, and it is 
 called The Gaol. The ground floor has two slips of day-rooms, about 15 feet 6 
 by 8 feet 6, and near 12 feet high; one for Men, the other for Women, with 
 fla^cred floors, and cast-iron stoves ; but no coals are allowed. To each there is a 
 
 Do 
 
 convenient enclosed water-closet, and a leaden sink, well supplied with water. 
 
 There is a door of communication from the Women's day-room, to that of the 
 Men, and through which they must pass, to go to their sleeping-cell above. The 
 grated windows of both day-rooms are 5 feet 6 by 5 feet ; and look into a plot of 
 ground, 34 feet by 26, with a pump in it ; which it is intended to enclose as a 
 court-yard : But at present (1 8 10) they have not the use of it. 
 
 On the chamber story are three sleeping-cells, 1^ feet by 6, with a small solitary 
 cell of 6 feet by 5 ; and to these the Corporation have furnished two iron bedsteads, 
 with sacking bottoms. Those who occupy the others, sleep on straw, laid upon the 
 floor, with a blanket, or as they can. There being three Felons to each cell, besides 
 the poor Man Debtor, from the Court ]of Requests, he must necessarily associate 
 with tiiem. 
 
 ROMNEY. Kent. 
 T/ie Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, ^dain Hammond; Sergeant lit ^lace. No Salary. Fees, 6s. Sd. No Table. 
 
 Prisoners, 1804, Sept. 24th, none. 1806, Aug. gth, none. 1807, Aug. 24th, none. 
 1808, July iGth, one Felon. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none. To Felons, 6d. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol was built in 1750. Here are two rooms; one on the ground-floor, 
 12 feet by 9 feet 6: the other, called " The Dungeon,'' to which the descent is by 
 nine steps, stands level with the Keeper's cellar, and has a small iron-grated aper- 
 ture toward the Street. 
 
 Behind the Prison is another large room, with a fire-place, formerly used as a 
 Bridewell ; but now occupied by the Keeper as a wash-house.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ifffl 
 
 ROTHWELL. Near Leeds, 
 
 Yorkshire. Jf'est Riding. 
 
 Prison for Debtors only. 
 
 Gaoler, Jfilliam Carrett, who is also Chief Bailiff of tiie Honour of Pontcfract. 
 Salary, none. Being obliged to provide a Prison for Debtors, he rents the 
 
 present building from Mr. Wilson, of Loftus, in this Parish, at eighteen 
 
 pounds per annum. 
 Fees, on Commitment, /).«. ^d. ; on Discharge, ] 8.«. ^d. 
 Garnish, each Debtor^ six shillings and tivopence, which is spent in Lifjnor! 
 
 Chaplain, |^,^^^, 
 Surgeon, 
 
 }- 
 
 Number of Prisoners, who are principally Meclmnicks and Manufacturers, from 
 
 Leeds and Iluddersfield. 
 
 ]804, Jan. l8th, - - - 30 
 1807, March 17tli, - - 32. 
 
 1800, May 18th, - - - 31 
 1802, Aug. 16th, - - - 30 
 , Dec. 20th, - - - 49 
 
 The average annual number in confinement, is about 34. 
 
 Allowance, none whatever. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison appertains to the Liberty of the Honour of Pontefract, in the Dutchy 
 Court of Lancaster. 
 
 Here is only one court-yard, of about 90 feet by 42, for both Men aod Women, 
 which has a mud surface, with a pump in it, and a sewer. 
 
 The Master's-side Debtors have a day-room about 18 feet square, and six rooms 
 up stairs. Beds and bedding are furnished by the Keeper, and each Prisoner pays 
 2s. Ad. per week. 
 
 The Common-side, or poor Debtors, have also seven rooms, five above stairs, 
 and two below; with a day-room, about 15 feet square. To these the Keeper 
 supplies bed and bedding, for which each pays l^^d. per week. 
 
 There is one room up stairs for Women, with two beds. No firing is allowed ; 
 nor any employment provided ; which can seldom be procured by the Prisoners. 
 *' Every Debtor, thus immured, becomes a loss to the body politick ; not only in the 
 diminution of a certain portion of productive labour, but also in an additional j)res- 
 sure on the community, by the necessary support of the Debtor and his family."
 
 S(S6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 ^^ The Regulations of this Prison, and its very curious Table of Orders, 
 beino- exactly similar to those of Hah fax Gaol, I must refer the Reader to my Re- 
 marks upon them, under that head, in page 258 ; and which, of course, are equally 
 applicable to the present Gaol of Rothwell. Is it not singular, that the IVest- 
 Riding of the largest County in England should be the only district of that respect- 
 able County, or in Great Britain, where a degree of rigour and authority so very 
 peculiar is countenanced and maintained? 
 
 RUTHIN. Denhighshire ; North Wales. 
 The County Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Humphrey Jones; now David Williams. Salary, 50^. and 7^. in lieu 
 of Fees. For Conveyance of Transports a Bill is made. 
 Garnish, {not yet abolished) Debtors, is. 6d. Felons, 1*. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Richa)tl Jones. Salary, 30/. 
 
 Duty, every Sunday morning, Prayets and Sermon. 
 
 l?urgeon, Mr. Nichols. Salary, 30^. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 Bridewell Prisoncre, 
 
 1800, Mar. 31st, - - 
 
 - - 5 - • 
 
 - - - 2 - 
 
 - - - 1. 
 
 1802, Oct. 29th, - - 
 
 ^ - 4 - . 
 
 - - - 5 - 
 
 - - - 1. 
 
 1809, Nov. 18th, - - 
 
 - • - 8 - 
 
 - - - 4 - 
 
 - - - 0. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, Felons, and Petty-Offenders, 2*. per week each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is also the County Bridewell. In front are the Gaoler's apartments. 
 Backwards, on the ground-floor, is a day-room for Dtibtors, 27 feet by 15, and 
 another of the same size, for Criminals. For the latter, only four cells, 7-^ feet by 6^, 
 two on each side of a passage, but 3 feet wide. The cells are arched with brick, 
 and lined with oak-j)l;uiks. In each is a bedstead, with two blankets, and a cover- 
 let. A window in each, 3 feet by 1. 
 
 In both the Debtors' and Felons' day-rooms are eight cuplioards, with separate 
 locks and keys, that each may secure his provisions. Above, are nine rooms for 
 Debtors, of about 13^ feet by llj, and a neat Chapel. 
 
 At the Denbigh Sessions, loth July, l802. 
 " Ordered: — That the Keeper of the House of Correction at Ruthin bring Iiis 
 Prisoners, every Sunday, to attend Divine Service iu the Chapel of the County
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 509 
 
 Gaol ; and that the Gaoler do give notice of the time of Service, and be aiding and 
 assisting in bringing those Prisoners there and back. 
 
 "Ordered: That all Prisoners, who shall receive the County Allowance in the 
 Gaol and House of Correction at Uuthin, do attend Divine Service in the Chapel 
 eve y Sunday ; and that every Prisoner refusing, except for some reasonable cause, 
 be stopped his or her Allowance." 
 
 Tl>e above-mentioned nine rooms for Debtors, are all free wards, the County 
 allowing to the Keeper l.v. per week for room-rent; But, if he furnishes a bed, each 
 Debtor pays 1*. weekly for the use of it. In each of the Debtor's rooms are an 
 iron bedstead, two chairs, and a table. Here are separate courts for the J3ebtors, 
 and the Criminals, of about 29 yards by 14 ; in each a pump, with excellent water, 
 a bathing- room, with a copper, &c. ; but no Infirmary. Men and Women Debtors, 
 and Men and Women Felons, associate together in the day-time, but are separate 
 at night. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 both hung up. The Gaol is clean, and white-washed once a year. 
 
 The Great Session is held here twice a year. 
 
 To the honour of the County, this Gaol is undergoing very considerable improve- 
 ments. New apartments are building for the Gaoler ; a separate kitchen, rooms, 
 and court-yard for Female Debtors ; a separate kitchen, rooms, and court-yard for 
 Female Felons ; a hospital, or sick-ward, with rooms above, for Males and Fcmak^s ; 
 a room for Fines ; three penitentiary-cells, each 10 feet by 6 ; and work-rooms for 
 the Prisoners ; all which, when finished, will make it a very good Gaol. 
 
 In the front of it, on an oval white marble, is this Inscription: 
 
 " The Magistrates, 
 
 sensible of the miserable state 
 
 of the antient Prison, 
 
 in Compassion to the Unfortunate, 
 
 caused this building to be erected 
 
 in the year 
 
 M,I)CC,LXXV. 
 
 J. Turner, Architects ,
 
 SIO STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 RUTHIN. 
 
 The House of Correction. Adjoins the County Gaol. 
 Keeper, Robert Jones. Salary, 20/. 
 Prisoner, 29th Oct. l802. One. Allowance, Two shillings per week. 
 
 Here are two court-yards, separate. For Men, a spacious day-room on the ground- 
 floor, and a large sleeping-room above, with four iron bedsteads, sacking-flock-beds, 
 two blankets, and a coverlet. For Women, a large room below, two above, and 
 two in the garret ; with beds and bedding, the same as for the Men. 
 
 No employment. Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, hung up. The rooms well ventilated, and the Prison clean. 
 The following is inscribed over the door: 
 
 " County Workhouse, 
 
 for 
 
 Industry, or Correction." 
 
 RYE. Sussex. 
 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James Small ; Sergeant at Mace. Salary, 4^. Fees, ^s. 4d. No Table. 
 
 Prisoners, 1804, Sept. 22d, Nine, Frenchmen. 1807, Sept. 12th, None. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is in a very old square building, not far from the Clifl^", called Vpres- 
 Tower ; and contains five rooms. One below, is about \6 feet square, totally dark, 
 denominated the Condemned Room ; and close to it, a small one, nearly circular, 
 about 5 feet 6 inches in diameter. 
 
 Above stairs is another large room, of the same size with the first ; and adjoining 
 are two small ones, nearly circular, like the second, and 6 feet 9 inches in diameter. 
 Each of these is lighted solely by an unglazed small double iron-grated window, of 
 about 15 inches by i^;. In the larger room above, a fire-place, but no grate. The 
 three circular rooms have floors of mortar, but the two larger ones are boarded ; 
 and of the lower one the flooring is very rotten, and unsafe. 
 
 Here is no court-yard ; nor any water, except what is brought daily by the 
 Gaoler. Loose straw on the floors, (changed once a fortnight, when used,) is the 
 only bedding for the wretched inhabitants. The two sewers are, one beloWj the 
 other, in the upper part of the Tower. 
 
 Before the front door and grated window, is a small piece of ground, enclosed 
 m, to prevent people from handing Liquors to the Prisoners in such a Gaol. It is 
 seldom, if ever, visited by any Magistrate, or other of the Corporation. No firing 
 allowed. N«ver has been whitewashed, and very dirty.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. ^5U 
 
 SAFFRON-WALDEN. Essex. 
 The Town Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, IFilUam Mynott, Town Cryer. Salary, 4/. 4j. 
 
 Prisoners, 1805, Aug. 22d, 1807, Aug. 29th, 1810, Aug. 29tli, None. 
 
 Allowance, fourpence per day, in money. 
 
 Those confined in the Bridewell have one pound and a half of bread daily, 
 sent in loaves from the Baker, and a quart of table beer. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Gaol occupies two rooms under the Court- House. The entrance is by a 
 lobby, paved with flag-stones, and guarded by iron palisades, wiiich separates the 
 Prisoners from the Street. The rooms are about 13 feet each by 10, and 8 feet 
 6 inches high, with a fire-place, and a covered sewer in each ; lighted and ven- 
 tilated by an iron-bar grated window, 2 feet 2 inches square, and both looking 
 towards the Street. They have straw for bedding, laid on the boarded floors. 
 
 No firing is supplied. Water is brought in by the Gaoler. Although the Allow- 
 ance is more liberal at the Bridewell, Prisoners generally prefer being confined here, 
 on account of such Donations as they casually receive from persons in the Street. 
 
 The Bridewell consists also of two rooms, in the Workhouse yard ; which, at my 
 visit in 1S05, were in a very ruinous state, but rebuilt in 1807. Each is about 
 10 feet long by 8 feet 6 inches wide, and 8 feet high ; with a fire-place, a covered 
 sewer, and iron-grated windows. 
 
 Wooden bedsteads are laid on the floors, with straw, and two blankets to each. 
 Water, when wanted, is brought by the Keeper's wife ; who is also mistress of the 
 work-house, which is kept extremely clean. 
 
 At my several visits here were no Prisoners. Those who are committed to hard 
 labour, in case of finding employment, have only what they earn to subsist on. 
 
 SAINT ALBANS. Hertfordshire. 
 The Borough Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James Deayton. Salary, 20/. Fees, Debtors, none. Felons, l^s.^d. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Aug. 15th, One. 1804, Sept. 8th, Three. 1807, July 31st, None. 
 
 1808, Aug. 1st, One. 1810, Aug. 12th, None. 
 Allowance. To Debtors, none. To Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, one 
 
 pound of bread per day, cut from the Keeper's loaf.
 
 »I2 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Those Debtors who can pay, have very good loflging-rooms, adjoining to the 
 Town-Hall ; and, sometimes, the use of the Hall to walk in : for here is no court- 
 yard. 
 
 Debtors from the Conrt of Conscience are confined in two very dirty, close, and 
 oft'ensive rooms below, with an iron grating towards the Street. In the same rooms 
 Felons also are confined. These have no fire-place. 
 
 Debtors, however, fortunately remain here but a very short time. I have not 
 met with one, at my several visits, in the course of the last six years. 
 
 The Men and Women Felons have no other day-rooms than those above de- 
 scribed. At one of my visits, I recollect, that a slioe was suspended from the iron- 
 grated windows to solicit charity ; and the Prisoners were conversing with persons 
 in the Street. 
 
 They have two close offensive night-rooms, or cells, separated only by an ojjen 
 wooden-bar partition. The largest of these is 7 feet by 6 feet 5 inches, and 8 feet 
 3 inches high; the other, 6 feet 8 inches by 4 feet 5 inches, and 7 feet 10 inches 
 high. They have loose Straw on the boarded floor, and one blanket each. 
 
 SAINT ALBANS. 
 
 The Liberty Gaol *. 
 
 Gaoler, Samuel Lines ; now John Cooke. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Fees ; Debtors, none. Felons, &c. l^s. 4d. For conveyance of Transports 
 a Bill is made. 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions. 
 Surgeon, is ordered in, when wanted, by the Mayor. 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1801, Aug. 15th, Five. 1802, Feb. 4th, Four. 1S04, Sept. 8th, Two. 
 180S, Aug. 1st, Two. 1810, Aug. 12th, Five. 
 Allowance, To Debtors, none whatever. To Criminals, one pound of bread jier 
 day, cut from the Keeper's loaves, and which he Jurnishes out of his 
 Salary ! 
 
 REMARKS. 
 This " Liberty Gaol," for twenty-two parishes, is the property of the Marquis 
 of Salisbury. 
 
 Here is one court-yard, of 36 feet by 30 feet 6 inches, with a flag-stone floor, a 
 pump and sewer, and a day-room, of which the Gaoler's room commands a full 
 
 * I was informed that a late Keeper of this Gaol had been dismissed, for cruelly treating, and half- 
 starving the Prisoners.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 31S 
 
 view. Also a spacious airy room for Debtors, with a fire-place, but no bedding 
 allowed, not even straw! No room is set apart for the sick. 
 
 For Men-Criminals here is a small day-room, about 12 feet square; and four dark 
 sleeping-cells, the size of the larj^est 12 feet by 8, ^vith straw on the boarded floors, 
 a blaiiki't and a rup f<ir earh Prisoner. 
 
 The Women Criminals have a large room above stairs, with two sleeping-cells, 
 9 feet by 7 feet 6 inches. 
 
 Under the gate-way are two very offensive sleeping-rooms, the one totally dark ; 
 the other has a post fixed up in it, to which refractory Prisoners are chained. 
 
 Here is no employment. Some years since, Ladtf S/icncer, with her accustome(f 
 benevolence and humanity, had ordered a Mill to be fixed here; but some French 
 Prisoners, who had been confined for but a night or two, just previous to my visiting 
 the Ciaol in 1804, had wantonly destroyed or spoiled it. 
 
 SAINT ALBANS. 
 
 The House of' Correction. 
 For the Liberty, and the Borough. 
 
 Keeper, Ann Twitchell; now John. Deny ton. 
 
 Salary, from the Liberty, 38/. From the Borough, 2/. 
 Fees, for Bastardy, and Assaults, 13*. 4rf. No Table. 
 
 No relisious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surgeon, sent by the Borough, when wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1804, Sept. 8th, One. 1807, July 31st, Six. 1808, Aug. 1st, Six. 
 1810, Aug. 12th, None. 
 
 Allowance, four-pence a day ; but when bread was very dear, it was si.vpence a 
 day. The money is issued to the Keeper, who out of it furnishes daily one 
 pound of bread, and straw for the use of the Prisoners. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell adjoins to the Liberty-Gaol, the entrance to both being on oppo- 
 site sides of the gateway. 
 
 The Keeper's room, or lodge, is on the ground-floor, and the ascent to the 
 apartments is by a flight of twenty-four stone steps. Above these rises a stair-case 
 of sixteen steps, leading to the Prison, which consists of two very spacious and 
 lofty rooms, • At one end of these, loose straw is laid on the boards, and each 
 Prisoner has two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 3 u
 
 514 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 In one of these ample rooms, there is a fire-place ; but no fuel is uUoived. The 
 sewers are convenient, and not offensive. 
 
 Here is also a third room, with several spinning-wheels. Employment was for- 
 merly furnished to the Prisoners ; but, unhappily, not hebig found productive, it 
 has been discontinued. 
 
 I observed that the same wanton injury had been done to this Prison, by French 
 miscreants received here, as I before mentioned to have taken place at the Liberty 
 Gaol, during their temporary, and very short confinement. 
 
 Here is no court-yard. No water, but what is fetched from a pump in the Li- 
 berty Gaol, over the way. Neither the Act for Preserving Health, nor the Clauses 
 against Spirituous Liquors, hung up in any of the Prisons here. No Rules and 
 Orders. 
 
 SAINT BRIAVEL'S GAOL. 
 Forest of Dean ; Gloucestershire. 
 
 Gaoler, IViUiam Class. No Salary. No Fees. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 1804, Oct. 21st, One. 180G, Sept. j)th, Two. 
 
 Allowance, none whatever. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, for Debtors onlif, u part of the old Castle, within the Forest of Dean. 
 The Castle is the property of the Crown ; and was formerly surrounded by a moat, 
 which enclosed about a quarter of an acre of ground. It is now held by lease, as I 
 am informed, granted to Lord Berkeley, who is chief Ranger of the Forest, and 
 Constable of tlie Castle. 
 
 Over the Prison gateway is a painted board, inscribed " The Castle Inn : 
 Spirituous Liquors." Company resort to it as to a common ale-house. 
 
 Here is one dismal room for Men-Debtors above stairs, 17 feet 10 inches by 16 
 feet 8 ; and another for the Women ; both greatly out of repair. No bedding allowed, 
 not even straw to sleep on : but the Gaoler furnishes beds, at \s. per week, to those 
 who can afford to pay for them. 
 
 Of the two poor objects, both sickly, whom I found here in 1806, one was Richard 
 Jordan, a labourer, who told me he had a Wife and seven Children ; and that, 
 since his confinement, three of them were sent to the Workhouse. His Debt was 
 for Rent, 61. 5*.; Costs of prosecution 5/. Ws.Gd.; Levy-pence, \Qs. 8d.; and 
 bringing to Gaol, 5,v. So that the expence exceeded the debt by eleven shillings 
 and two-pence! Such cases cannot be known to Earl Berkeley, who I understand 
 seldom, if ever, visits the town.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES, 
 
 »15 
 
 This is the only Gaol remaining in the respectable County of Gloucester, tliat, 
 for construction and poHty, is not worthy of imitation. It is without the controul 
 of the excellent County Magistrates : But I have hopes that, through the humane 
 exertions of the great presiding genius of reform here, Sir George Paul, the dreary 
 abode in question will ere long be abolished. 
 
 No court-yard. No water, but what is brought by the Gaoler. 
 
 Neither the Act for the preservation of Health, nor the salutary Clauses against 
 the use of Spirituous Liqxwrs, are here hung up. The whole Prison very dirty. 
 
 SALISBl'RY. IViltshire. 
 The County Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, James U'aight ; now John Willis. Salary, 150/. 
 
 Fees, as per Table : Besides which the Under-SherifF demands Gs. Sd. for his 
 
 Liberate! For Conveyance of Transports, Five Guineas each. 
 (Jarnish, for Debtors on the Masters-Side, 2^. ; on the Common-Side, Is. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. John Malham ; now Rev. Mr. Harrison. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sundays. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Still ; now Mr. Fisher. 
 
 Salary, 2l/. for Felons and Common-Side Debtors. 
 
 See the Retnarks. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c 
 1800, Junegth, -- 17 -- 21* 
 
 1802, Jan, 1st, -- 12 -- 24- 
 
 1803, Oct. 26th, -- 16 -- 24. 
 
 Debtors. Felons, fn: 
 
 1806, Oct. 6th, - 
 
 1807, Sept. 25th, 
 
 14 
 14 
 
 II. 
 30. 
 
 Allowance, formerly to Debtors, none. See Remarks. But in J 804, the Magis- 
 trates humanely granted to the Poor, or Common-Side Debtors, one pound 
 and a half of bread each per day ; and at the Easter Sessions they increased it 
 to one pound and three quarters. It is sent, in loaves to that amount, from 
 the Baker's, and I have found them to be of full weight. 
 
 Felons and Petty Offenders have a loaf daily of best wheaten bread, weigh- 
 ing one pound and ten ounces. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, called Fisherton-Anger Gaol, takes its name from the Parish in 
 which it stands, near a fine stream ; and is also one of the County Bridewells.
 
 55 6 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 On the outer-gate, towards the street, is painted, Pray rememher the Poor 
 Debtors Box. 
 
 The Debtors' court-yard, which is separated from that of the Felons, by a double 
 iron palisade, (placed at such a distance as to prevent their conversing with each 
 other,) is sufficiently large to admit of the Debtors' playing at Tennis, Fives, &c. 
 There is no day-room either for them or Felons; but two might very conveniently 
 te made, where a cart-house and stables now stand. 
 
 For Master s-Side Debtors there are four rooms in the Keeper's house : one of 
 which, 1 1 feet square, has a fire-place in it, and four beds at 2*. 6d. per week, two 
 sleepino- in a bed : But if any Debtor have a room and bed to himself, he pays 5*. 
 
 per week. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors have only one room to eat and sleep in, of 20 feet by \6. 
 It was formerly without bedding, or even straw: but in l804, the County kindly 
 allowed a straw-in-canvas bed, and two blankets, to every poor Debtor gratis. Here 
 is a fire-place, but no Jiring allowed. The room was extremely dirty, not having 
 been white-washed for many years. Over this are two rooms, (to which the ascent 
 is by a stone stair-case from the court-yard,) set apart for Injirmaries : These have 
 also fire-places, but were equally dirty as the former, and filled with lumber. In the 
 smaller room Women Debtors are occasionally confined. At my last visit, in iSoj, 
 I found this room clean, and a Woman in it. 
 
 The Felons' court-yard is separated from that of the Debtors, on one side by a 
 wall, and on the other by palisades, as above noticed. It is 65 feet by 34 ; and at 
 the upper end of it are four small arches, for the Prisoners to stand under, if it be 
 rainy when they are let out. 
 
 Their sleeping-wards are close to the river, and consist of three stories : That 
 on the ground-floor has twelve cells, of about 10 feet 6 inches by 9 feet 6, and 9 feet 
 high to the crown of the arch. Each cell has two wooden doors; the inner one, 
 with an iron-grated aperture, of 7 inches by 4 ; and on the opposite side of the cell 
 is an iron-grated window, with inside shutters. Every cell contains a wooden 
 bedstead, straw-in-sacking bed, and one or two blankets. The floors are of brick, 
 and all the cells open into a narrow passage, hardly 3 feet yvide. 
 
 The next stoi;y contains sixteen cells, and the upper story has the same number. 
 In the centre of each story is a sewer, with a water-pipe well supplied, to prevent 
 its being offensive. On the two upper stories the Turnkeys have their sleeping- 
 rooms ; and at the top of the whole building is an alarm-bell. 
 
 The Chapel is on the Debtors'-Side of the Prison, and has a pew for the Gaoler, 
 but no gallery. The Debtors are placed on one side ; the Felons on the other ; and 
 the Women in the middle of the area, in sight of, and almost close to each other. 
 Any Debtor refusing to attend Chapel is locked up during Divine Service ; and it is
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 517 
 
 the custom here, to lock up every Debtor in his room, from two o'clock or» Sunday 
 till four, that the Turnkey may go to Church. Ever since the accession of the late 
 Chaj)lain, Mr. Malhatn, in 179G, and the appointment of Mr. Harrison, his imme- 
 diate successor, tlie sacred Service has been regularly performed. Previously, how- 
 ever, great complaints were made of sad remissness in this respect; which (exclu- 
 sive of other considerations) was doubly cruel, as it deprived the Prisoners of whole- 
 some air, by thus being locked up the whole day. 
 
 In fact, this Gaol has received little improvement since Mr. Howard visited it 
 in the year 1788; and " it still retains all the Aere/v7/e.v of the Old School." This, 
 however, is the more to be wondered at, as I am assured that the Gaol is frequently 
 visited by the Magistrates. The old Keeper, (now dead,) paid no attention to my 
 Remarks, in the several visits 1 made for years together. Security from escape, by 
 main force, seemed to be his chief, and indeed his only object *. 
 
 At my last visit his Widow said, " that during the whole time her Husband kept 
 the Gaol, which, I think, was six and twenty years, there had not been o«e Escape." 
 From what I had seen, this did not surprise me ; but I was never able to learn the 
 number of deaths within its walls ; nor, indeed could I procure any book or account 
 relative to it. There were no Rules and Orders ; and it was with much difficulty 
 that, in l802, I could make out the following useful document, which is now not 
 legible. 
 
 " Table of Fees. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 " For entering and discharging every Action on process. Capias, or 
 
 Latitat ------ lOO 
 
 Entering and discharging of every second Action ------ 0100 
 
 Entering and dischzrging every Capias utlegat. - ----- 0100 
 
 To the Under-Keeper, or Turnkey, each Action or Writ - - - - 1 
 
 Felons' Fees are abolished." 
 
 There does not appear to be any Examination made either into Receipts or Dis- 
 bursements in this Gaol ; the whole seems to rest with the Keej)er. I could obtain 
 no account of the several monies arising from Donations to the Prison, since my 
 visit in 1802 to the last. The Gaoler said they were lost, or destroyed. 
 
 * The learned Editor of Hale's History of the Pleas of the Crown, declares tliat " Fetters ought not 
 " to be used, unless there is just reason to fear an escape ; as where tlie Prisoner is unruly, or makes aa 
 " attcmi)l to that purpose : otherwise, notwithstanding the common practice of Gaolers, it seems alto- 
 " gether unwarrantable, and contrary to the mildness and humanity of the Laws of England, by which 
 " Gaolers ai-e forbidden to put their Prisoners to any pain or torment."
 
 518 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 From the only book extant I copied as follows : 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 1806, Dec. 31, Dec. Balance due to the Prisoners ----- 18 2| 
 
 1807, Collected by the Turnkey's box -------- 1086 
 
 Rev. Dr. Ekins, Dean of Sarum ----_.-. 110 
 
 A Lady unknown _----_--_._- i lo 
 
 Interest of Mrs. Smith's Legacy -------- 1150 
 
 Grand Jury, Lent Assize --------._ 1136 
 
 Mr. Beeby, Expences of a Prosecution ------- 110 
 
 John Paul Paul, Esq. High-Sheriff, 1806 -..---- 550 
 
 7 th Ma J'. Members for the County, 5/. 5 J. Ditto for the County 5/. 55. 10 10 
 
 Grand Jury, Summer Assize _--_-_-.- 156 
 
 £. 32 8| 
 
 Of the Chaplain's Salary of 50/. twenty pounds per annum is paid by Lord 
 Weymouth, as the Bequest of Thomas Thynne, Esq. who long since bound for 
 the payment the Manor of Wrobly and Ross, in the County of Hereford. The 
 Bequest was recognized by his Lordship in a Deed of Settlement, dated 2d Novem- 
 ber, 1709. The Bishop of Salisbury sends every Christmas forty shillings worth 
 of meat, and twenty shillings worth of bread. The Earl of Pembroke pays a Legacy 
 of Five Pounds a year out of the Manor of Swallow-Cliff' in this County ; part to 
 the Chaplain himself; viz. a guinea for a hat; and the remainder to be by him 
 distributed amongst all descriptions of Prisoners. The one pound fifteen shillings, 
 being the interest of fifty pounds, left by Mrs. Smith of Salisbury, is likewise divided 
 amongst them. 
 
 No Memorial of any Legacy is displayed or hung up in the Gaol. Every Christ- 
 mas, one of the Turnkeys goes through the City, and adjacent parts, with the box 
 before-mentioned. The Collection, when I was here in l802, amounted to 
 9/. 18.S. 4d. and it is regularly laid out by the Keeper, as he informed me, in pur- 
 chasing meat for the Felons. 
 
 I cannot close this narrative without a few Remarks on the Felons Gaol. Their 
 cells are very damp, and the lobbies, or passages, only three feet wide. Young 
 Novices in vice, and inveterate Offenders, Vagrants and faulty Servants, are alike 
 promiscuously confined here; and when let out hr 9\r\\\^, \i is hut J'or one hour 
 only out of the twenty-four. I hajipened to be there during that hour in the wintry 
 month of Janu^iry, l802. There was a heavy fall of snow, sleet, and rain ; it was 
 extremely cold ; and yet, upon opening their door, the Prisoners (seventeen Felons, 
 and seven for .Misdemeanors) rushed out into the midst of it, eagerly gasping, as it 
 were, for a mouthful of fresh vital air. Some of them were cruelly ironed with a sort 
 of fetters, called Bolts and Sheers : Under the former of these the Prisoner cannot
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 519 
 
 move cither foot four inches before the other : the latter having a joint in tlie 
 middle, he may walk, though with difficulty; but his feet, both night and day, are 
 kept 13 inches asunder. 
 
 I saw here no prnpnrfion of piin'ishmenf for the several ofTences, and, conse- 
 quently, no suitable distinction of guilt. A run-away apprentice, only 1 3 years of 
 age, was amongst those let out for air and exercise ; and, like the rest, associated 
 with a number of the worst description. 
 
 Prisoners under Sentence of Death are executed in the Gaol-Yard, and the 
 Church bell tolls. The Felons are brought out of their cells, and placed in the Cha- 
 pel, in full view of the awful ceremony ; and the Debtors are locketl up till it is over. 
 
 No County clothing is yet allowed ; and of course I found the Prisoners miserably 
 ragged and dirty. No bath supplied, although one might so easily be made from the 
 adjacent river of fine water. No oven to purify infected or offensive apparel. I 
 understand the Earl of Radnor has determined to bring the subject of clothing be- 
 fore the next Quarter Sessions. 
 
 The Debtors' lodgings are very highly charged, at 2*. 6d. per week, for two 
 sleeping in a wretched old bed, destitute of curtains ; and four beds in one room. 
 
 Since the appointment of the present Gaoler, the Clauses against Spirituous 
 Liquors are stuck up, but not the Statute for Preserving the Health of Prisoners. 
 
 It has given me great pleasure to find by the papers, that this abominable Gaol is 
 to be presented as a nuisance ; and that the County intend soon to erect a new one; 
 for whose Government it is devoutly to be hoped, that good Rules and Orders will 
 be not only established, but enforced. 
 
 SANDWICH. Kent. 
 The Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Nathaniel Bradley. No Salary. 
 
 Fees, for Felons, 13*. Ad. ; for Bridewell Prisoners, 6*. 8d. 
 
 Chaplain, none appointed ; but the Rev. Mr. Conant officiated occasionally m 
 1S06; and the Rev. Mr. Bunce now attends those who are committed for 
 heinous offences, or are desirous of spiritual comfort. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Curling ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1804, Sept. 24th, Three. 1S06, Aug. 10th, None. 
 
 Allowance, four-pence a day, or sixpence, according as bread is dear or cheap. 
 
 Court of Conscience Debtors are sent here for twenty days, but never 
 exceeding twenty eight days confnement ; during which the Plaintiff" is 
 obliged to allow jd. per day ; so that few of this description are confined 
 here now.
 
 $20 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is situate in Jail Street, and on the ground-floor fronting the Street 
 has one room, l8 feet by 16, with boarded floor, an iron-grated window, and fixed 
 sloping bhnds ; a crib bedstead, straw, and two blankets for each Prisoner. 
 
 Above stairs are two rooms, about l8 feet square; one with a fire-place; an iron- 
 grated window in each, opening toward the Street, with fixed Venetian blinds. 
 
 In the court-yard are two other rooms, called The Bridewell, supplied with crib 
 bedsteads ; but no fire-places. On a stone Tablet over them in front, is inscribed : 
 
 " This House of Correction 
 
 was built in the year 1756, in the 
 
 Mayoralty of Joseph Stewart, Esq. 
 
 at the Joint Expence of the 
 
 Parishes in Sandwich, the Parish of Walmer, 
 
 and the Vills of Ramsgate and Sarr." 
 
 Hemp blocks are fixed in the Bridewell ; but no Employment, tkottgh Ptisoners 
 are here committed to hard Labour ! 
 
 Any Prisoner is permitted to work, however, if he can procure the means from 
 without ; and has, in this case, the whole of his earnings, but not the (jaol Al- 
 lowance. 
 
 There is no water accessible to the Prisoners ; and the court-yard being deemed 
 insecure, they have not the use of it. 
 
 The SAVOY. Strand, London. 
 Prison exclusively appropriated for the Military. 
 
 Keeper, Captain Bass. Salary, 150/. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Beckitt. Salary, 20*. per day. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 3d July, 1811, Nine. 
 
 (Three of the Guards ; Five of the Line ; and one from the Militia.) 
 
 Allowance, nine-pence a day each, paid to the Keeper, 
 
 RExMARKS. 
 
 The once very interesting structure so called, derived its name from Peter, Earl 
 of Savoy and Richmond, wliose sister Beatrix is recorded to have been the Mother 
 of Five Queens. It was originally built by this Nobleman, about the year 1245j 
 and he afterwards gave it to the Monks of Mountjoy. From them his niece, Queen 
 Eleanor, wife of Henry III., and one of the daughters of Beatrix, purchased it for
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 521 
 
 her son Henry, Duke of Lancaster; by whom it is said to have been enlarged and 
 beautified, at no less an expence than 52,000 Marks. 
 
 In 1357, John, King of France, resided here in captivity for some years ; and 
 again occupied it on his magnanimous return hither iu 136.3, until his death*; at 
 which period it was consideretl as one of t/ic Jincst piiluces in this Country. 
 
 It was burnt to the ground in 1381, by the rebellious insurgents of Kent and 
 Essex, who had taken some dislike to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the then 
 Proprietor. It was afterwards rebuilt by King Henry VH., for a Hospital ; toge- 
 ther with a handsome Chapel, first dedicated to Jesus Christ, his Mother, and 
 St. John the Baptist; and he also purchased lands in maintenance of it, for the 
 relief of one hvmdred poor jjeople. Over the door fronting the Street stood once 
 the following Inscription : 
 
 " 1505. 
 " Hospitium hoc, inopi Turbe, Savoia vocatum, 
 " Septimus Ilenricus fundavit ab imo Solo." 
 
 The Palace in question had often been destroyed by fire, and undergone many 
 changes, as may be seen more at large in our City Historians, and other respectable 
 Writers -|-, The Hospital was at length suppressed ; and its revenues, in (2ueen 
 Elizabeth's time, were finally given to the Metropolis, in aid of the hospitals 
 of Bridewell, Christ Church, and St. Thomas. The Chapel has since been con- 
 stituted a rectorial parish church for the Precinct ; and is reckoned, in the Bills of 
 Mortality, as one of the seven parishes of the City and Liberty of Westminster, by 
 the name of Saint Mary le Savoy. 
 
 This Prison, for the Military, now consists chiefly of the old buildings, as dis- 
 tinguishably composed, in the antient style, of free-stone and flints. It has a spa- 
 cious court-yard, paved with flag-stones, and is well supplied with water. A large 
 day-room opens into it, which is furnished with tables, benches, and a fire-place ; 
 and coals are allowed for it throughout the year. One small room is set apart for 
 
 * This memorable event affords a most striking I^csson for Piinccs. The Terms of the Treaty be- 
 tween the conqueror, Edward 111., and the Court of France, were indeed rigorous and severe ; but John 
 possessed such Fidelity and Honour, as determined him, at all hazards, to execute them on his part, in 
 spite of every personal inconvenience. His Council endeavoured to dissuade him from so rash a desig-n 
 as liis coming back to England ; But John's reph (too glorious ever to become trite) imposed silence on 
 every heaier ; nor could they resist the unanswerable argimient whicli he advanced on that trying rcca- 
 sion : " Although good Faith," said he, " were banished from the rest of tlie earth, yet she ought still 
 to retain her habitation in the breasts of Kings." 
 
 t See Stowe's Survey; AVeever's F^tneral Monuments; Newcourfs Repertorium ; Maitland; Nor- 
 thouck ; Entick ; and Pennant. 
 
 3 X
 
 522 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 the refractory ; nnother, called the Guard-room, is supplied with barrack-beds for 
 twelve Prisoners; a third has the same accommodation for sixteen; and above 
 these is a very large barrack apartment for fortj'. 
 
 The Black Hole, (above stairs,) is well ventilated, though gloomy ; and the 
 Prisoners there are allowed either a rug or a blanket in the Winter season. The 
 spacious Infirmary has two large sash windows, looking toward the Thames ; and 
 close by it is a room for the nurse. Here are also a stove to purify infected or foul 
 clothes, a copper for warm water, and a tub, which is used as a bath. In this irre- 
 gular mass of building there are likewise two store-rooms, and several others, which 
 I pass over ; but the whole are lofty, well ventilated, and clean. The bedding 
 provided for the whole Prison, except the Black Hole (to which a rug or blanket 
 only is allowed in Winter,) consists of a paillasse, and bolster, filled with long 
 wheaten straw, two blankets, two hempen sheets, and a rug. 
 
 On the whole, the condition of this Prison is greatly improved, smce it was 
 honoured by the visits of my Predecessor, Mr. Howard ; particularly in the years 
 1776, and 1779, when it began to be safe, and wholesome. 
 
 SCARBOROUGH. Yorkshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, 3Iary Grant. Salary, 20l. Fees, Debtors, 6s. 4d. ; Felons, 6s. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1800, Aug. 10th, Debtors, Four. l802, Aug. 28th, Two. No Criminals. 
 
 Allowance, none, except certificated as Paupers: and then, the same as the poor 
 of their respective parishes. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol is over the Newborough Gate, at the entrance into the Town. The 
 apartments below are occupied by washer-women, employed by the Gentry visiting 
 this place ; and the small court-yard is used to dry clothes in ; so that the Debtors 
 have no use of it ! The only place they have to walk in is a lobby, about 9 yards 
 long, and 4 feet wide. 
 
 Debtors have four well-ventilated and airy sleeping-rooms, to three of which the 
 Keeper furnishes a bed, at 3^. per night each ; the fourth is for those who find 
 their own bed, and pay 6d. a week. No water accessible to the Prisoners, nor any 
 to the Gaol, but what is brought. The Felons' Prison is upon the ground-floor, 
 on the other side of the gateway ; and consists of four cells, about 9 feet square,.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. s23 
 
 and 7 feet hij;!). Two of these are Dungeons, four steps Ir |<,u the ground, with 
 straw on plank bedsteads, very damp and dirty ; hut wliitewashed while I was 
 there. Tlie iron-crating of the farthest Dungeon is just over an open and very of- 
 fensive drain. A small court for the Felons might be made from the wa^te ground 
 adjoming; and the common sewer's being arched over would make this part of the 
 Prison more healthy. 
 
 The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors were hung up, and underneath written : 
 
 " Ordered, by the Bailiffs, that the Gaoler do provide fresh water for the Pri- 
 soners every morning, and that the same be placed in such convenient part of the 
 Gaol as the Prisoners may have access to. That such of the IVisoners as are un- 
 able to work, or cannot find employment, and have no other means of subsistence, 
 shall, on application to the Magistrates, be sujjjjlied with provision from the 
 poor-house. John Travis, Town Clerk." 
 
 SELKIRK. Roxburghshire, Scotland. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 Gaoler, Gurnei) Tuck. 
 
 Allowance, Criminals, Sixpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol was finished in iSofJ, and, except that of Dumfries, is the only one 
 in Scotland which has court-yards for the Prisoners. It stands on a rising-ground, 
 and its boundary wall encloses about half an acre. 
 
 The Keeper's house has a proper reception-room, 11 feet by 7, and a Committee- 
 room, 11 feet square. It is detached from the(iaol in front of it; and a small garden, 
 of about 30 feet, intervenes. 
 
 The centre building, which is the Gaol, has a day-room or kitchen for Debtors, 
 14 feet square, with a fire-place; to which a court-yard adjoins, of GG feet by 4, with 
 a convenient sewer. 
 
 In the chamber-story are three sleejjing-rooms, with boarded floors, which have 
 iron bedsteads and mattresses. Debtors are here alimented, as in the other (Jaols 
 of Scotland, according to the discretion of the Magistrates. 
 
 For Felons there is a court-yard, about 18 feet square ; and for lesser Criminals 
 another, about 16' feet square; a small day-room, with a fire-place; four work-rooms, 
 8 feet 6" by C feet C ; and a kitchen, 14 feet G by 8 feet G. 
 
 In the chamber-story are three sleeping-cells for Felons, &c. stone-floored, and 
 furnished with iron bedsteads, hair mattress, two blankets, and a rug each. For 
 Women Criminals here is a court-yard \6 feet square ; with two work-rooms and 
 two sleeping- rooms, fitted up like those for the Men. The sewers of this Prison are 
 inoffensively and conveniently placed.
 
 524 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 SHEFFIELD. Yorhshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 It occupies the lobbies under the Town-Hall ; and consists of three dark cells, 
 which open into a narrow passage, the largest 8 feet square, and 6 feet high : each 
 of their doors has an aperture, for ventilation and light, of 6 inches diameter! Here 
 are plank bedsteads, with straw on the floors, and an ofiensive sewer in the corner 
 of each wretched cell. 
 
 When the Quarter Sessions are held in this Town, Oflenders, as a sample of 
 discomfort, are locked up for a night or two in this dreary Prison. In August 
 l802, though in the day-time, I went into it with a lighted candle. Prisoners at 
 that time, none. 
 
 SHEFFIELD. 
 
 Eccleshall Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Wdliam Needham. No Salary. 
 
 Fees, on Discharge, Sixpence. Garnish, 1^. 2d. 
 
 Prisoners' allowance, and regulations, the same as for the Loiv-C'ourt Debtors 
 in the Town, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, for the Manor of Eccleshall, is the property of Earl Fitzwilliam, 
 and was built about twenty years since. 
 
 Here is a court, l8 yards by 15, with a pump in it. Adjoining are a large day- 
 room, about 14 yards square, in which the Debtors work ; and two lodging-rooms, 
 each l8 feet by 9, with two large glazed windows in both. The latter rooms are 
 partitioned off, to receive six Debtors in each, singly ; who find their own beds, 
 or straw. 
 
 The average number of Prisoners here is five ; but there were none at my visit on 
 the 14th of August, l802. 
 
 ti3" In no one of the Sheffield Prisons was the Act hung up, for preserving the 
 Health of Prisoners, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors. Neither did I find 
 any religious care taken of them. It was therefore with less surprize, that I noticed 
 Debtors busily employed in sifting cinders openly on a Sunday. How forcibly 
 does that sentence in our Burial Seivice for the Dead, " Ashes to Ashes, Dust to 
 Dust" strike home upon the anticipative and reflecting mind !
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 9iS 
 
 SHEFFIELD. VurUnrc. 
 The Delitms Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Godfrci/ Fox. Salary, none. 
 
 Fees, in the High Court, l/. 5*. In the Low Court, sixpence. 
 
 Garnish, (not yet aholished,) for High-Court Debtors, 2s. Gd. ; Low-Court 
 
 ditto, lA'. 2d. This, however, I understand, is expended in coals, candles, 
 
 and soap, for mutual benefit. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attention paid to the Prisoners. 
 
 Surgeon ; Mr. Dloorhouse attends the Sick in Prison, as Surgeon for the Overseer* 
 of the Poor ; from whom he has a Salar\'. 
 
 Number of Debtors, High Court. Low Court. 
 
 1801, Nov, 14th, ------ 4 ---.-.- 14. 
 
 1802, Aug. 14th, ------ 5 --._.-. Ijr 
 
 1805, March 13th, ------ 7 ..-.--- ij. 
 
 Allowance, none; but casual relief, from the Overseers of the Poor, to those who 
 cannot work : in which case, High-Court Debtors lia\ e per week, 3*. and 
 Low-Court Debtors, 2s. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, for the Liberty of Hallamshire, is the property of ti)eDuke of N'orfolk. 
 Chief Railiff'of that Liberty, and Lord of the Manor of Sheifield. It is appropri- 
 ated to Debtors only ; and these are of two descriptions, commonly called High- 
 Court and Low-Court Prisoners. 
 
 The High-Court Prisoners are detained for Debts above ten pounds, by process 
 from the Courts at Westminster, directed to the Chief Railift of the Liberty of Hal- 
 lamshire, &.C. ; and are entitled to the same legal privileges as the Prisoners in York- 
 castle. They have a day-room, about five yards square, which has two windows that 
 look into the street; and four rooms up-stairs, two for Men, and one for Women to 
 sleep in : the fourth is a work-shop. The Keeper furnishes beds at \o^d. per week 
 each, and two sleep in a bed. 
 
 The Low-Court Prisoners are detained for Debts under 40*. by virtue of a pro- 
 cess from the Court-Baron of the Manor of Sheffield, held undtr a particular Act of 
 Parliament obtained for that purpose; directing that three months imprisonment 
 shall discharge the Prisoner from Debt and Costs, if the same be not sooner paid or 
 satisfied. Ihey have two rooms, about 5 yards by 4 each, with fire-places, and 
 iron-grated windows looking into the court; and in these rooms they work and sleep.
 
 526 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 which makes them filtliy be3'ond description. Four rooms were lately added, at the 
 top of the house, one of which is for the Women at night. Prisoners find their own 
 straw and firing. The court-yard has a damp earth floor, and is 12 yards by 6. It is 
 the only one, and where both sexes associate together. At my visit, Sunday, 15th 
 August 1802, the Low-Court Prisoners were busy sifting sinders in it; the ashes of 
 which they sell for three shillings per load. They had then about two cart loads, 
 which were to be fetched away next day. Upon conversing with the civil and com- 
 municative Gaoler, I found their debts were frequently for the non-payment of 
 alehouse-scores ; and this I have observed to be the case in most large manufacturing 
 towns, where idleness and drunkenness prevail. It would operate a good effect, if, 
 in the Bills for the Recovery of Small Debts, there were a clause to prohibit arrests 
 for those contracted in jmhlic houses. The actions entered in Sheffield Court every 
 three weeks are on an average, three hundred! and, the Gaol being small, it fre- 
 quently happens, that there are more warrants against the Persons of Defendants, 
 than can be executed between court-day and court-day. 
 
 There is no difference, in the length of time of commitment, between one penny 
 damages, and 39*". llrf. : to either of which the Costs are always added, and of 
 the same amount, viz. ll.^s. 6d. on trial, and 17^". 6d. on enquiry. 
 
 Water is accessible to all during the day, and to fill their pitchers at night. 
 
 SH EPTON- M A L LET. Somersetshire. 
 The Brideuell. 
 
 Keeper, Henry Shroll, Sheriff^s Officer. Salary, 75 Z. Fees, 13,f.4^/. SeeRemarks. 
 
 Chaplain, none. Divine vService never performed. 
 
 Surseon, Mr. fF. A. Goldsborounh. ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 18O), Dec. 2Gth,Tvventy-six. 1806, Sept. 20th, Twenty-one. 
 
 Allowance, sixpenny worth of standard wheaten bread per day; which in iSoi 
 I found to weigh two pounds five ounces the loaf. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Keeper's house commands a view of this Bridewell, in every direction. Here 
 are no Debtors. 
 
 The Male-Felons have a spacious court-yard, llC feet by 90 ; a day-room, 
 23 feet by 16', and 10 feet high; also three lodging rooms; the first 16 feet 
 square, and 10 feet high ; but in which no one slept, it being made a depository of 
 lime and rubbish. The second lodging-room is 24 feet by 12, of the same height as
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. 527 
 
 the former, and had eleven bedsteads in it. The third is of the same dimensions 
 as the first, and contained ten bedsteads. 
 
 Here are hkevvise four cells for sollfari/ conjinement, each 12 feet by 10, and 
 8 feet high ; in two of which a Man and a Woman were confined, 'i'liese are suj}- 
 plied now, by the County, witli a wooden crib bedstead, straw-in-sackin<^ bed, and 
 one blanket. Tiie bedstead and blanket were added a few years since, (I think at 
 the Easter Sessions in l801,) in consequence of several Prisoners having suflered 
 fatally from there being none. 
 
 In the Women's department is a smaller court-yard, 5.9 feet by ig ; a day-room, 
 13 feet by 12, and 8 feet high ; a sleeping-room, 25 feet by 12, 7 feet 6' inches high, 
 with nine bedsteads, occ. in it, as in the Men's Ward ; and two small rooms used as 
 cells, 12 feet by 10, and 8 feet high : and in these are three bedsteads. 
 
 The cells above mentioned have all stone-floors, but no fire-places : Their iron- 
 grated windows, that formerly served as ventilators, were stopped up ;it the time of 
 my visit. 
 
 There are two bathing-tubs here, but no oven. The Prisoners wear the County 
 clothing from their first admission. The Male-Felons are washed and shaved once 
 a week ; and all have clean linen every week. 
 
 Fifteen shillings is allowed to the Keeper, for every Prisoner removed to 
 Wells, four miles off; and the same also, if remanded hither, or conveyed on to the 
 place of trial. At the Sessions in 1801, the number of Prisoners was 93. 
 
 Firing, for day-rooms, is allowed by the County, and straw, whenever wanted. 
 
 Here is no Chapel : nor any Employment provided. The Men and W^oinen, I 
 was informed, are kept distinct perpetually. This is decorous, and indispensably 
 needful. But, it is painful to add, that of the males, young beginners, in error or in 
 vice, and old oflTenders, are here promiscuously mingled together in perilous associa- 
 tion. Unruly Apprentices, with Felons of experience, must surely feel far worse 
 than the mere pressure of personal seclusion from the world at large. lmj)rison- 
 ment is bad enough : But what is this, compared with a daily exposure, amidst evil 
 communications, to principles of depravity, and the horrid, the almost certain 
 chance of infamy, acquired in a receptacle intended for moral reformation ! 
 
 In the Men's court, were large loose stones lying scattered about, that seemed to 
 call loudly for a removal. The Prison is, in general, very damp ; yet no Intirniary 
 for the sick. Water is constantly accessible to the Prisoners. They are all let 
 out, I understand, early in the morning, and locked up again at dusk. The Prison 
 is white-washed at least twice in the year. The Act for Preservation of Health, 
 and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are very properly and conspicuously hung up.
 
 j3g STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 SHREWSBURY. Shropshire. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Richard Cartivrighf. Salary, 300/. 
 For Conveyance of Transports, 1*. per mile. 
 
 Fees, Debtors as per Table : But the Under-SherifF demands a Fee of 7s. 6d. 
 upon discharge of a Common Writ ; and from those under execution 1*. in 
 the pound, if under lOO/. ; but if above lOO/. then 6d. in the pound. 
 Felons, no Fees. 
 Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. W. G. Rowland; now (1809) Rev. ChaK Powlett. Salary, 70/. 
 Duty, Prayers every Thursday, and a Sermon every Sunday, Good Friday, 
 and Christmas-day. 
 Surgeon, Mr. fVilliam Thomas. Salary, 50/. for Debtors and Felons. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Nov. 3d, ------ 12 ------- 58. 
 
 1803, Sept. nth, - 11 ------- 81. 
 
 1809, Nov. 20th, -- ---12--- ---45. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, J lb. 8 oz. of wheat bread, which is made by the Female 
 Convicts, and baked in the Gaol. Felons have the same allowance of bread, 
 and one penny in cheese, or butter. Transports have the King's Allowance, 
 of 2s. 6d. per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, which is likewise the House of Correction, is near the Castle, and was 
 first inhabited in 17.93. The boundary-wall encloses two acres of ground, and is 16 
 feet high. The entrance in front is called the Porter's Lodge, and over the gate is 
 a bust of Mr. Howard. In the door are two apertures to receive donations, viz. " To 
 Debtors in a state of Industry," and " To Prisoners in a state of Reformation." 
 The ground-floor, on the left, has the Turnkey's apartments, and his sleeping-rooms 
 are above. On the right hand is the Lazaretto, with a hot and cold batli, and an oven 
 to fumigate and purify Prisoners' clothes; which are taken from them on admission, 
 and the Gaol Uniform put on. 
 
 Up-stairs are two reception-rooms, a room for the Irons, and a sitting-room (with 
 a fire-place) for the Clergyman, who there performs his last oflSces to persons under 
 sentence of death. They sufler on the flat roof above. 
 
 The court in front of the Keeper's house is about 20 yards square, and the Inner 
 'lurnlcey's lodge adjoins. Master's-Side Debtors have a court-yard 36 feet squar--;,
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 529 
 
 aday-room I4 feet by 12, and eleven sleeping-rooms with boarded floors: they sleep 
 single, and pay 4*. per week for County furniture; but if they furnish their own 
 beds, 2*. per week. Common-Side Debtors have a court-yard, 70 feet by 3.9, aday- 
 room, 20 feet b)' 14, and fourteen skeping-cells, 7 feet by 0", with arched roofs and 
 brick floors ; to which the County allows: a bedstead, a hair mattress, a pair of sheets, 
 one blanket, and a rug in Summer, and two blankets in Winter. No firing is allowed, 
 except tlie Debtor be very poor; but in severe weather they have frequently coalh 
 given them, tlie cost of which is only ~d- per hundred weight. The name of every 
 Prisoner who does not attend Divine Service is inserted in a book kept for that 
 purpose. A Manufacturer, or Task-master, is employed by the County, with a 
 Salary of 50/. per annum, who furnishes work, and deducts one-third of the Pri- 
 soners' earnings, wiiich is paid to the County-treasurer: but if the Debtor can have 
 the means of labour brought to him from without the Prison, he receives the whole 
 of his earnings. Female Debtors have a court-yard, with eight sleeping-room^, 
 and are under the same regulations as the Men. Here are al.so two courts and rooms 
 for Male and Female King's-Evidence, and two for Male and Female refractory 
 Prisoners. Female Felons before trial have likewise a court-yard, and eight sleeping- 
 cells : After trial they are removed to another court-yard, which has twelve sleeping- 
 cells. 
 
 Capital Male-Felons, before and after conviction, have each a spacious court, 
 about 71 feet by 67, with day-rooms, and forty-four sleeping-cells. Petty Male- 
 Felons, in the like circumstances, have courts of the same dimensions, and thirty- 
 eight sleeping-cells. 
 
 Lewd Women and Vagrants have a court-yard, with nine sleeping-cells. Male 
 and Female disorderly Servants and Apprentices, have each their separate courts, 
 and fifteen sleeping-cells : and Male \'agrants and Deserters have likewise a sejiarate 
 court, with sixteen sleeping-cells. 
 
 Besides all these, there is a detached Infirmary, with sej)arate courts, two tlay- 
 rooms, and four sleeping-rooms, for Male and Female Sick Prisoners, where extra 
 food and wine are provided, by direction of the Surgeon. 
 
 Seventy-eight of the Felons' cells have double doors, the outer one iron-grated, 
 and the inner of wood : Each cell has a brick floor, and is of 8 feet S inches by 
 6 feet 7, and 8 feet 10 inches high : they have all arched itx>fs, and are fitted up 
 with a bedstead, canvas or wadd-hair mattress filled with straw, a hempen sheet, 
 two blankets, a rug, a leather or wooden bucket, and a stone chamber pot. 
 
 There are no sleeping-cells on the ground-floor. 
 
 The Chajjel is in the centre of the building; and tlw? several classes, who enter 
 at different doors, are separated by partitions. 
 
 Debtors are placed in the gallery. 
 
 3 Y
 
 JiSO STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Table of Fees, 
 To be paid by the Debtors in Shrewsbury County-Gaol. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 " For entering every Action whereon each Prisoner is brought into 
 
 custody, either by Process, Capias, Latitat, or Execution ' - - - - o 
 For discharging every Action upon Process, Capias, Latitat, or Execution 2 6 
 For a Certificate of the want of a Declaration, &c. in order to sue out a 
 
 Writ of Supersedeas ---------------26 
 
 N. B. The following sums to be paid by persons delivering the Decla- 
 ration, or demanding the Warrant respectively. 
 To the Turnkey, for receiving and entering every Declaration against 
 
 a Prisoner in custody --------------- 10 
 
 For each of the three first Causes against a Prisoner ..---- lo 
 
 And for every other - -_-_-.-.--,-. --04 
 Attending every Prisoner to give bail, special bail, Habeas Corpus, or 
 
 other necessary attendance, out of the Gaol, as directed by the Statute, 
 
 \s. per mile. 
 And no greater or other Fee shall be taken by the Governor from or on 
 
 account of any Prisoner." 
 
 On a level with the Chapel are six cells, for Prisoners under sentence of death, 
 or solitary confinement. All the cells are well ventilated, and divided by lobbies 
 or passages 6 feet wide. The whole Prison is well supplied with spring-water from 
 a pump, and with river water thrown by a forcing engine into a large r&servoir at 
 the top. There are several work-rooms for Men and Women, with a store-house, 
 store-rooms, bake-house, bread-room, and wash-house. A watchman goes round 
 the Prison, and cries the hour, attended by a dog. There is a Committee- Room for 
 the Visiting Magistrates, who are appointed at the Sessions. The Act for Preser- 
 vation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are conspicuously hung up. 
 
 The whole Prison is very clean, and has excellent Rules and Orders for its good 
 government. When I attended Divine Service here, 11th Sept. 1803, all the Pri- 
 soners were present ; their behaviour silent, and they were attentive to a very 
 impressive discourse. The Employment of the Felons consists in making shoes, 
 slippers, gloves, and bottle-stands : there are looms likewise for weavers.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 531 
 
 SOUTHAMITON. Hampshire. 
 The Town Gaol, for Debtors only. 
 
 Gaoler, Jefferi/ Truss, Sergeant at Mace. Salary, 1',/. 
 
 Fees, at entrance, 4^. On Discharge, 20.v. for the first Action, 10*. for 
 the second and every other Action ; and 2*. to the Turnkey. No Table. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, sent by the Mayor. 
 
 Number of Debtors, 
 
 l802, March igth. Four. 1803, Oct. 23d, One. 1S07, Sept. 22d, One. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a day to Paupers, and a bushel of coals per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol occupies a part of the old Tower, at the farther end of the Town. Here 
 is a small court-yard, 46 feet by 36', not paved ; and ducks, fowls, &c. are kept in it. 
 Two rooms, with gla7.ed windows and tire-places, of 16 feet each by 12, to which 
 the Corporation allows a wooden bedstead, woollen mattress, two blankets, and a rug. 
 A room at the top of the Tower is furnished by the Keeper, at 2s. 6d. per week. 
 The Act and Clauses are not hung up, either here, or in the Felons' Gaol, or Bride- 
 well. In 1S03, I found the pumps out of repair, and for twelve months no water 
 had been supplied to any of the three Gaols. 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. The Felons Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, jrUUam Dymott, a Taylor. Salary, 20l. and 15/. as Sergeant at Mace. 
 No Fees. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Keels ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, March igth. Three. 1803, Oct. 23d, Four. 1S07, Sept. 22d, One. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a day, and a bushel of coals per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol also is part of the old Tower, at the bottom of the Town ; and has a 
 narrow slip, or court-yard, of 34 feet by 7, with a pump and stone sink, but fre- 
 quently without water in a dry season : Four small rooms on the ground-floor for 
 Prisoners, about 1 1 feet square, with iron-grated and glazed windows ; and lire-places, 
 furnished with a wooden bedstead, straw-in-sacking bed, two blankets, and a rug. 
 
 Over the Door of entrance is painted, " Pray remember the Poor Prisoners' BoxT'
 
 532 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON. BridewelL 
 Keeper, Joseph Payne. Salary, 2/. and 15/. as Sergeant at Mace. No Fees. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Keele : makes a Bill. 
 
 Prisoners, l802, March 19th, One. 1803, Oct. 23d, Two. 1807, Sept. 22d, One. 
 Allowance, sixpence a day, and a bushel of coals per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison consists of a dav-room about 15 feet square, and two sleeping-rooms^ 
 12 feet each by 9; to which the Borough allows a crib-bedstead, straw-in-sacking 
 bed, two blankets and a rug each. There is one room in the Keeper's house, fur- 
 nished, for those who can pay 4*. per week. 
 
 SOUTHWELL. Nottinghamshire. 
 The House of Correction, for the County. 
 
 Keeper, James Nicholson. 
 
 Salary, lOO/. out of which, at his option, he either pays the Turnkey 20/. a 
 year, or maintains him. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Richard Barrow. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Duty, every Sunday, Christmas Day, and Good Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hutchinson ; wlio makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Men. Women. 
 
 1809, 1st September, -----2I ------- 5. 
 
 Allowance, a loaf of 1 8 ounces good wheaten bread ; and one penny, daily, in 
 money, to each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The old Prison, (which I have fully described in the Gentleman's Magazine for 
 February, 1807, page 106,) being pulled down, the present House of Correction was 
 opened for the Reception of Prisoners on the 24th of June, 1808. 
 
 The whole building, with its several court-yards and areas, occupy about three 
 quarters of an acre of ground. The boundary wall is a regular octagon, 69 yards 
 in diameter, and 17 feet high ; with several courses of loose bricks laid on the top, 
 to prevent escapes. The entrance is through the Turnkey's lodge, which has a low 
 window, calculated for the purpose of general inspection. On the left is a room
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALFS. 533 
 
 14 feet by 11, with a capacious stone bath for tlie Prisoners; a conduit for spring 
 water, and a pump for soft; a copj)er to warm the batli, and for washing; and an 
 oven for purifying infected or foul clothes, &c. 
 
 On the rinlit, leading to the first story, are two reception-cells for Prisoners, till 
 they have been examined, or for those who arrive in the night ; one of them 
 11 feet by 7, with a fire-place; the other 8 feet square. Also a bed-room for the 
 T\irnkey, 14 feet by 11 ; and under the stair-case a water-closet. 
 
 There is a passage through the lodge, leading to a walk flagged with stone, 10 feet 
 wide, and a garden border on each side, about 12 feet wide; with a grass-plat, used 
 /or drying linen, similar in size to the other court-yards of the Prison. 
 
 The Keeper's house is an irregular octagon, and leads to a hall, which has an 
 opening to the four doors belonging to as many rooms on the ground-floor. Of 
 these, the first on the right is assigned to the Magistrates, and on the left, to the 
 Gaoler. The others behind lead to the kitchen and scullery. 
 
 From the centre of the hall below, a circular staircase leads to the chamber storv ; 
 in which is the Chapel, containing ten separate pews, four for the Keeper's family, 
 and six for the Prisoners ; who are so placed as to be seen by the Clergyman, the 
 Keeper and his Turnkey, but not visible to each other. 
 
 The attick stoiy is divided into bed-rooms for the servants, and store-rooms for 
 depositing the various articles supplied by the County for Prison use. 
 
 The Prison consists of three H'ing.s, which adjoin to the Keeper's house, and 
 /are perfectly similar. 
 
 The first, or North Wing, contains two wards; the former of which is assigned 
 to Female Convicts, and has a day-room 13 feet square, opening into the court-yard ; 
 with a work-room of the same dimensions, in which, as a laundry, the Prisoners' 
 linen is dried and ironed after washing. From these a passage 12 feet 2 inches long, 
 and 3^ feet wide, opens to a solitary cell on the left, of 8 feet by- C ; with a water- 
 closet, &c. under the stair-case. 
 
 A lobby, or passage of 41 feet 8, and 3 feet 6 inches wide, oj)ens uj)on the left 
 to a solitary-cell of 8 feet by 0"; with a moveable shutter to the window, for air and 
 light occasionally. Also two cells of the same size, and a tlouble cell, 13 feet by 8, 
 for sick or infirm Prisoners, having two beds in each cell, and a fire-place. 
 
 At the extremity of the above passage, a door opens upon a bridge of excellent 
 contrivance; by means of which the Prisoners enter the Cl)ajx;l within the Keeper's 
 house; and also, on the right hand, to a door leading to the Ward No. 2. This is 
 appropriated to Male Petti/ Ofl'enders, and its chambcr-stoiy and cells are exactly 
 like those of No. I. A descending stair-case on the right hand leads back to the 
 Keeper's house. The two wards of this wing are separated from each other by a 
 brick partition wall, I4 inches thick ; and each ward consists of a day-room, a 
 working-room, and one cell on the ground-floor, 9 feet 6 inches high ; also thrte
 
 5S4. STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 solitary sleeping-rooms, and a double cell on the chamber-floor, each 8 feet 6 inches 
 in height. All the passages and cells are arched, and well-ventilated, both by flues 
 on the roofs, and grates in the floors. 
 
 In the West Wing, the ward No. 3, is for Male-Felons of the first class, and 
 No. 4, for those of the second. 
 
 Ward No. 5, in the South ^^'ing, is appropriated to Male Petty Offenders of 
 the second class, and No. 6, for Females of the same description. 
 
 To every ward is attached a suitable court-yard, 50 feet long, by from 36 down 
 to 10 feet wide, in consequence of the octagon construction of the building. Each 
 court-yard has a stone seat, and stone washing bason: and the ends of them, next 
 to, and farthest from the Keeper's house, are secured by iron palisades, 8 feet high v- 
 through which his window commands a complete view of the Prison, whilst the 
 Prisoners are prevented from seeing each other by wooden palings in different places 
 across the Keeper's area ; yet so, as that they are always visible to him, though he 
 himself is unseen by them. 
 
 The wall of each wing forms the boundary of the respective courts on one side ; 
 and a brick wall on the other side, 9 feet high, separates each court from that next 
 adjoining. 
 
 A forcing pump, in the court of the ward No. 4, supplies water for the Keeper's 
 house, the Prisoners, and the water-closets ; and proper drains and cess-pools are 
 so well constructed and disposed, as to carry off every thing offensive. 
 
 To the Keeper's house is attached an excellent garden, of near half an acre, for 
 the growth of vegetables. 
 
 The work and day-rooms are all fitted up with grates, small side-ovens, and other 
 accommodations for frugal cookery ; a cupboard and shelf for each Prisoner ; pegs 
 for hats, a to well, pair of scales, and a quarter of a peck measure. Here is also 
 fixed up an Abstract of Rules, with a Table of Prices for every article of diet: the 
 latter is revised every Monday, and the purveyor is prohibited from demanding any 
 other price than as specified in the Keeper's Table. 
 
 Each cell has an iron bedstead, screwed on bearers, with a straw-in-ticking case, 
 two sheets, two blankets, and a rug ; and every cell door has in it an Inspecting- 
 vvicket. 
 
 Although, amongst the number here confined, some have been under Sentence 
 of Death, and reprieved, 110 Fetters are ever used; nor is the general deportment 
 of such Prisoners apparently diflerent from that of other members of a numerous 
 family, unless that they are more silent, tractable, and industrious. No noise is 
 heard, save that of their implements of labour ; and no pimishment inflicted, ex- 
 cept that of confining the refractory offender, without employment, in a solitary 
 cell ; which, in a case of enormous offence, is totally darkened, by a shutter so con-' 
 etructed as to admit air, while it excludes light.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 63S 
 
 The means of inspection in this house are such, as render it difficult, if not 
 impracticable, to ofleiid without detection. A violation of the Rules, however 
 comparatively slij^ht, is never passed by with impunity. The Prisoner is ordered 
 into a single cell, and denied the Pririle^e with the Emo/innent of If'orking. Thus 
 the certainty of a small punishment prevents the demand of severity ; the' irregular 
 are rendered obedient, because they perceive that their superiors are as firmly bound 
 as themselves by the Rules of the House; and thus, convinced that nothing is im- 
 posed merely to enhance their sufferings, but to reclaim their minds, they submit 
 with a complacency, that wears more the appearance of gratitude, than of terror or 
 moroseness. 
 
 No Dietary is here established ; but every one purchases daily, out of tlie main- 
 tenance money allowed him, such articles of food, as come within the line of ge- 
 neral retrulations. 
 
 Southwell is not a place of Trade or Manufactory. The sources of Prison-Em- 
 ployment are therefore derived from a Cotton-Mill, about four miles off"; and from 
 Nottingham, the County Town, distant 14 miles from the Prison. The work done 
 is for the wholesale traders, who furnish the machinery and implements at a settled 
 rent, and the goods are weekly delivered at their warehouses. A profitable system 
 is thus pursued, both without the need of a capital, and unexposed to the hazard of 
 loss, or the fear of disappointment. 
 
 The following Statement is very interesting ; and shews, first, the A'ett Profit 
 arising from the Employment of Prisoners in the Nottinghamshire House of Cor- 
 rection at Southwell ; together with the General Expence of the Prison ; from the 
 
 24th of June, 1808, to the 24th of June, 1809. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Totalnettprofitfromthelabourof 147 Prisoners employed iiO'l 14 4| 
 
 County's Share -------- 71180 
 
 Keeper's ditto -------- 43lfl? 
 
 114 19 Qi 
 
 Prisoners' Common Share ----- 57 7 5} 
 
 E.xtra Ditto ------ 89 71^ 
 
 14f? 14 7 
 
 Total, ^..'O'l 14 4^ 
 County's Allowance of Bread and Pence ' 
 
 daily, to the Prisoners - _--- jgillS 
 Extra Maintenance, in Sickness - . - 464^ 
 
 Ditto Money to Prisoners employed - - 3^ ^ S^- 
 
 ^:i2 4 4| 
 
 Thus the nett profit from the Labour of Prisoners employed 
 exceeds the whole Expence of maintaining all the Pri- 
 soners in Custody, by ---------- - 2.9 10 0^ 
 
 ^.26"1 14 4^.
 
 536 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Gener^u. Expence of the County Prison at Southwell. 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 The Keeper's, Chaplain's, and Turnkey's Salaries - - 120 
 
 County allowance of bread and pence ; extra maintenance 
 
 in sickness, and extra money to Prisoners employed - 232 4 4^ 
 
 Keeper's four Quarterly Bills of Sundries ----- yS 3 3^ 
 
 Surgeon's Bill ---- _._-38i2 
 
 Conveyance of Prisoners ----------33 
 
 Total - - - -^.521 19 8. 
 
 SPALDING. Lincolnsldre. 
 The Bridewell, for the Division of Holland. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Ives; now John Chapman. Salary, 48/. 8*. Fees, 5«. as per 
 Table, hung up. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. f'l/se. Salary, 12/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Aug. 11th, Four. 1809, Sept. 4th, Three; and Mary Allam, a Lu- 
 natick, who had been confined there Jour and twenty years. 
 
 Allowance, sixpence a day. When the Prisoners work they receive three-fourths 
 of their Earnings, and the Turnkey has the remainder. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The ascent to this Prison is by 12 steps, and the doors open into a boarded 
 gallery. The eight upper rooms (the work-room being divided into two), are 
 13 feet by 10 ; chimnies in two of them : all airy, and well ventilated. The eight 
 under rooms are vaulted, 12^ feet by 9^, and 7 feet high. The entrance to four 
 of them is by a trap-door from the upper rooms : The doors of the other four open 
 into the court, in which there is a pump ; but, not being secure, the Prisoners have 
 no access to it. 
 
 The County allows straw on boarded floors, two blankets, and a rug, to each 
 Prisoner. If the Keeper furnishes a bed, he receives (as per Table) 4d. per night 
 from each, if one only ; or, if two sleep together, the same. 
 
 The Court of Requests for the Hundred of EUoe, send their Prisoners hither ; and 
 the Costs sometimes exceed the original Debt ! 
 
 The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are conspicuously hung up, as is also 
 the Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners, neatly painted on a small board. The 
 Prison clean, and excellent Rules for its government are painted and fixed up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 537 
 
 STAFFORD. 
 
 The County Gaol ami House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, John Harris. 
 
 Salary, 250/. witli three Turnkeys, at 45'- each per annum, ))aid by the County. 
 Fees, for ])ebtors, see Table. For Felons, \s. (id. each copy of Warrant. 
 For Conveyance of Transports a Bill is made. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Henry Rathhone. Salary, 35/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers every Wednesday ; and Sermon every Sunday, Christmas Day, 
 and Good Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Hughes. Salary, 42/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &e. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1801, Nov. 1.0th, - - 18 83. I lS0,->, Oct. 30th, - - - 20 - - .'53. 
 
 1602, Nov. 1st, 20 55. I 1810, June 23d, - - - 30 - - q:,. 
 
 Allowance, " Ordered, that the following be the Dietary of Convicted Prisoners, 
 ichen in a course of' Labour. 
 
 Every morning, for breakfast, each one ounce of oatmeal, one third of a 
 pint of new milk, and one eighth of an ounce of salt, made into porridge 
 with water. Three half pints to each. 
 
 Supper, every evening the same as the breakfast. 
 
 Dinner, Sunday, each half a pound of bacon, and ten ounces of Ijeef, 
 before cooked ; and one pound of potatoes, or one pound of cabbage, strij)ped 
 from the stalk, and fit for boiling. 
 
 Monday, soup, two ounces of Scotch barley, two ounces of j)ea8, half a 
 pound of potatoes, one ounce of onions, a quarter ounce of salt each, with 
 the proportion of 20 middle-sized turnips, 10 carrots, 10 parsnips, a hand- 
 ful uf parsley and thyme, and a sjjoonful of pepper, for forty. 'I'lie j)ota- 
 toes to be boiled in a separate copper, put into the cups, and three lialf-j)int» 
 of the soup poured on them. 
 
 Tuesday, two pounds of potatoes each. Jf'ednesday, soup, as Monday. 
 Thursday, meat, as Sunday. Friday, soup, as Monday. Saturday, j)ota- 
 toes, as Tuesday. 
 
 Each Prisoner one pound of bread every day, and one ounce of salt each 
 every week, to eat with the meat and potatoe dinners. 
 
 N. B. Those who do not behave orderly, to have no Sunday dinner; and 
 such as do not perform a given quantity of work, at the discretion of the 
 Governor, to have a potatoe dinner on Thursday, instead of a meat one. 
 
 3 z
 
 .S38 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 That such Prisoners as have the above Allowance, be not suffered to 
 purchase any article of food whatever. 
 
 That the Debtors, and Felons, and other Prisoners, not In a course of 
 labour, have each the following allowance of food, viz. 
 
 Mondai/, potatoes, each four pounds. Tuesday, two pounds of bread ; half 
 a pound of cheese. If'ednesday, as Monday. Thursday, two pounds of 
 bread. Friday, as Monday. Saturday, three pounds of bread, and half a 
 pound of cheese. 
 
 In all cases the potatoes are considered in the rough, and full grown ; a 
 proportionate reduction must be made, when young potatoes are served. 
 
 The sick to have no allowance of food, but what is ordered by the Surgeon. 
 (Signed.) Harrowby. 
 
 John Sparrow. 
 George Talbot." 
 
 ^J" Debtors, who receive the sixpences from their Plaintiffs, have no 
 County allowance of food. Such Debtors as are poor, and have no work, 
 have meat and vegetables on Sundays. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is surrounded by a boundary wall, inclosing three acres of 
 ground. The entrance at the Turnkey's lodge, has, on the right hand, a room for 
 t1ie Turnkeys; on the left, a reception-room, for Prisoners to be examined as to 
 their health, before they are admitted into the interior. Here are a warm and cold 
 bath, with an oven for fumigating and purifying their clothes, which are taken from 
 thevn, and the Prison uniform put on. Above are four reception-cells, 7 feet by 6, 
 and 8 feet lii^h ; a store-room for the Prisoners' clothes, and two sleeping-rooms 
 for the Turnkeys. Over these, upon the lead flat, is the place of execution. 
 
 In the centre, detached by a neat garden of 30 yards in length by 14, is the 
 Gaoler's house, through the hall of which lies the passage to every part of the Prison. 
 
 On the ground floor is the apartment for the visiting Magistrates, the (iaoler's 
 ))r.rlour and office, and a small room, used by the Debtors, to see their fomilies and 
 IVieuds, no one being permitted to go into their day-room, or court-yard. 
 
 Behind the Keeper's house is the inner court, 6'5 feet by 40, which leads to the 
 Men-Debtors' day or mess-room, 30 feet by 26, fitted up with two fire-places, coppers, 
 &c. for the purposes of frugal cookery ; and on each side are eight small work-rooms, 
 and two small spaces or slips, where, at stated times, the relations and friends of 
 the Prisoners are allowed to see tliem. The Men Debtors have a spacious court, 
 of 56 yards by 30, the greater part of which they are allowed to cultivate for their 
 own use; and there are arcades for their accommodation in wet weather. Near 
 this are fifty sleej)ing-cells, each of 9 feet by 8 feet 6 inches, with arched roofs, 
 well ventilated, and divided by passages, or lobbies, 6 feet wide. To each cell
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALE?. #89 
 
 there is an iron bedstead, a straw mat, three blankets, and a coverlet, allowed bv 
 tlie County. 
 
 Female Debtors have a separate court-vard, ,00 feet by 24 ; a day-room, 24 feet 
 by i;, ; and over it a sleej)in^-room of the same size. Thev have a like allowance 
 of bedding as the Men, only that instead of iron, their bedsteads are of wood, with 
 sacking bottoms. 
 
 For Criminal Prisoners there are fourteen separate courts ; the smallest of wliiclr, 
 assigned for thirteen Prisoners, is of 13 yards by 1 1 ; four are of 3,1 yards by 18; and 
 the average of the rest, .JO yards by 10. 
 
 The Male Felons, before Trial, are divided into two classes, with each a separate 
 court and day-room. They sleep in separate cells, of which there are twenty-six, 
 of the same size with those for the Debtors. Irons are here used only on Prisoners 
 under Sentence of Death, Transportation, old Offenders, or for refractory behaviour 
 in Prison. The Female Felons, before trial, have also a separate court and day-room, 
 and thirteen separate sleeping-cells. 
 
 Male Prisoners, after Conviction, are divided into two classes ; each class has its 
 sejjarate court and day-room, and the cells are the same in size and number as those 
 of the Felons before Trial. So likewise the Female Prisoners, after Convicti(Mi, are 
 divided into two classes, with work-rooms and cells, tiie same in number and di- 
 mension as those previous to their Trial. 
 
 The Male House of Correction Prisoners form also a distinct class, and have a 
 large day-room, which is used as their work-room, and 13 cells, exactly like those 
 before described. The Female Convicts of the House of Correction are included in 
 the second class of Female Prisoners, after Conviction. The cell of every Convicted 
 Prisoner is fitted up with an iron bedstead, a straw mattress, two blankets, and a 
 coverlet ; and in size is 7 feet by 6, and S feet 6 inches high, with arched roofs and 
 double doors, the outer one iron-grated, and the inner of wood. There are no 
 sleeping-cells on the ground floor. 
 
 On the first story is a neat Chapel, properly partitioned and pewed off, to sepa- 
 rate both the sexes, and the different classes confined. Close to which are four 
 large day-rooms, for the several orders of Prisoners, and eightyfour sleeping-cells, 
 divided by well-ventilaied lobbies, '> feet wide. 
 
 There are four daik solitary cells set apart for the refractory, and six for those 
 under sentence of death. 
 
 The upper story has the same number of day-rooms, and sleeping-cells, together 
 with two store-rooms. 
 
 Each class of Prisoners have a stone gallery, with iron railing, which leads fo a 
 door o])ening into their several divisions in the Chapel ; where all the Prisoners are 
 bound to attend Divine Service, or, otherwise, punished by an abridgement of their 
 diet.
 
 540 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS • ! 
 
 In the Keeper's bouse, on the second story, are two large rooms set apart for the 
 Sick, and two store-rooms. The cells are the same throughout the Gaol, except that 
 those for the Debtors have glass windows, and the others wooden shutters. 
 * Here is a room built over a large water engine ; adjoining to which is a day-room 
 for Vagrants, and over it a sleeping-room. Deserters, when upon their march, sleep 
 occasionally on straw in the upper room. 
 
 TlieGaol is well supplied with water, and a sewer is placed in every court-yard. 
 
 Transports have the King's allowance, of 2*. 6d. a week. All convicted Prisoners 
 are obligetl to work ; and receive one sixth of their earnings. 
 
 There are about three acres of ground without the walls, cultivated with vegetables 
 for the use of the Prison, by those who are sent to the House of Correction. 
 
 Many parts of this Gaol are sometimes very damp. The considerate Magistrates 
 therefore humanely allow to the Men-Debtors two hundred weight of coals weekly, 
 from the 1st of October to the 1st of April, and half the quantity per week during 
 the rest of the year : But, if the number of Debtors exceed twenty, they are allowed 
 the above qiiantity to each fire-place in tiie room. Female-Debtors are allowed one 
 hundred weight per week all the jear round. Felons, before trial, have one hundred 
 weight and a half to each fire, from 1st October to 1st April ; one hundred weight 
 for the residue of the year; and convicted Prisoners have one hundred and a half 
 weight weekly to each fire, from the first of October to the 1st of April only. The 
 Sick, whilst in the Infirmary, have always such firing and food as the Surgeon 
 thinks proper. 
 
 The Ruj.Es and Ordeks of this Prison, which are excellent, direct " that a 
 Journal sitall be kept by the Chaplain and Surgeon, in books prepared for that 
 purpose, stating the times of their attendance, and their observations when there:" 
 But ! was sorry to remark, at my visit in 1805, that no such minutes had been en- 
 tered for ten years, and the like neglect prevailed in 1 8 10. I should be happy 
 to see the same exemjjlary attention paid here to the Rules and Orders as I found 
 prevail at Gloucester ; where these important regulations are punctually observed. 
 
 So small a portion of the court-yards is paved, as to prevent this Ciaol from ever^ 
 being kept properly clean. 
 
 It appears that on the llth of October 1796, there was a Balance of 171/. 5.?. 
 remaining in the hands of the County Treasurer, out of a sum which had been sub- 
 scribed for the benefit of the unfortunate Prisoners, at the time when a fever raged in 
 the Old (iaol : on which day Mr. Wright, the late County Treasurer, bought 300/, 
 in the Three per Cent. Consols, in the name of Mr. Hinckley, Clerk of the Peace. 
 The Dividends thereon have been regularly received, and applied to the use of the 
 Prisonersj under the direction of the Visiting Magistrates.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Mf 
 
 "On the I4th of March 17.93, it was ordered by the Magistrates, and confirmed by 
 bis Majesty's Judges of Assize, that the Fees to be paid by the Debtors in Stafford 
 Gaol, should be as follows. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 
 s. d. 
 For entering an Action wlierein each Prisoner is brought into custody 
 
 on any Writ or Process - --•- - - - - - - - - -- 10 6 
 
 For every second or other Action ------------ 60 
 
 For the Certificate of a Declaration not iiaving been delivered, in order 
 
 to sue out a Writ of Supersedeas ----------- 68 
 
 The above demandahle of the Prisoner. 
 For receiving and entering every Declaration against a Prisoner in cus- 
 tody ,-, .T - - . - 20 
 
 For each Copy of a Warrant against a Prisoner ------- 34 
 
 These to he paid by the persons delivering tlie Declaration, or ileniand- 
 
 ing the Copy of the Warrant. 
 For attending on every Prisoner to give bail, or special bail, as on a 
 Habeas Corpus, or on any other necessary occasion out of the Gaol, as 
 directed by the statute, per mile ----------- 10 
 
 That no greater or other Fee shall be taken by the Kee])er of the Gaol, for or on 
 the account of any Prisoner in his custody : And that all Fees hitherto demandable 
 by law, or custom, by the said Keeper from the County, sliall totally cease and 
 determine. 
 
 That all the said Fees (except for the Keeper's attendance out of the Gaol) when 
 paid by any Prisoner to the Keeper, shall be accounted for by him to the Publick 
 Fund, in aid of the Debtor's maintenance. 
 
 That every Prisoner, who, during his confinement, sliall have duly submitted to 
 the Regulations, and who has not been guilty of swearing, drunkenness, or other 
 disorderly conduct, shall receive a Certificate of good behaviour from a \'isiting 
 Justice, or from the Chaplain and Governor ; which shall be a discharge from all 
 Fees payable to the Keeper or Gaoler. 
 
 That the following Charges for lodging, beddings &c. be allowed. 
 
 Table of Charges for Lodging, &c. 
 
 s. d. 
 Every Person confined in the Sheriff's Ward, finding his own bedding, 
 
 per week ------------------ 10 
 
 Every, person, with bedding allowed by the County ------- 2u 
 
 Every Person occupying a room in the Keeper's house shall pay per week 2 6 
 
 If with bedding furnished by the Keeper --------- jo
 
 542 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The foregoing Rules and Regulations for the Government of the New Gaul, for 
 the County of Stafford, were approved and confirmed ; and the Chairman was re- 
 quested to lay the same before the Judges at the next Assizes. 
 
 (Signed,) J. Sparrow, Chairman. 
 
 (Allowed by us,) J. WILSON. 
 
 N. GROSE." 
 
 The following Order was also m^de and confirmed at the ensuing Assizes. 
 
 " That Debtors shall be peraiitted to send for, or have brought to them, at seasonable 
 hours, an^' victuals or clothing: But, in resi>ect to Liquor, no Prisoners shall be allowed 
 either to send for, or to drink more than one pint of wine, or one quart of beer in one day, 
 or twentj'-four hours. And if any Prisoner shall be detected in making use of the name 
 of any other Prisoner, for the purpose of ol)taining any greater quantity of wine or beer, 
 the Prisoner consenting to lend his name, and the Prisoner using it, shall be incajiable of 
 receiving a Certificate of good behaviour; and the Gaoler shall be required to remove 
 them into the Sheriff's or Common Ward." 
 
 Stafford, 1st August, I7y3. Allowed by us. Ken yon. 
 
 N. G1.0SE." 
 
 Account of the Maintenance and Earnings of the Prisoners, from Michaelmas, l8oi, 
 
 to Michaelmas l802. 
 
 £. s. d 
 Ordinary County Allowance of Food 293 10 9 
 
 Deduct the King's Allowance of 2s. 6d. per week to Convicts, under 
 
 Sentence of Transportation _--------..- 55 150 
 
 237 15 9 
 Extra Expence of food ------------- 82 14 
 
 Total Maintenance ------- X 3 19 17 I 
 
 Earnings, by picking Cotton ------------11884 
 
 Ditto by making shoes ------------ 6138 
 
 Ditto by cutting a Drain in the Foregate-Field, Stafford - - 3 13 
 
 Sundry other Earnings in the Gaol ---------- C9S5 
 
 Total Earnings of. 198 3 5 
 
 From Michaelmas 1802 to Michaelmas 1803. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Ordinary County Allowance of Food ---------265 87 
 
 Z)e^i<cMhe King's Allowance of 2i.6(/. per week to Transports - - 53 5 O 
 
 212 3 7 
 Extra Expence of Food ------------- 7il3!i 
 
 Total Maintenance ii'. 286 17 4
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. M% 
 
 £. s. d. 
 Earnings, by picking Cotton ------------ j 13 8i 
 
 Dilto l)y making Sliocs ---------..._ 28 142 
 
 tiuudry other Earnings in the Gaol ----..... CO 38 
 
 ToUil Earnings £_ 202 6 1 
 
 From Michaelmas 1803 to Michaelmas 1804. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Ordinary County Allowance of food ----__.._ 259 13 3 
 
 /)erfuc/ the King's allowance of 2i. 6</. per week to Transports - - 33 IS 
 
 225 18 3 
 Extra Expence of food --.------.... 43 50 
 
 Total Maintenance ------- ■£". 27 4 33 
 
 Earnings, by picking Cotton --------,... 01 3 7 
 
 Ditto by making Shoes -.-_---...... 24 16 4 
 
 Sundry other Earninijs in the Gaol --_--.-.. 54 10 2 
 
 Total framings -------- ^. 1 70 10 I 
 
 In the Entrance Door of this Gaol are two apertures to receive Donations. Over 
 the one is is painted 
 
 " For Poor Debtors." 
 Over the other, 
 
 " For the Encouragement of Penitence^ 
 
 and orderly Behaviour, in 
 Criminal Prisoners." 
 
 STAMFOUD. Lincolnshire. 
 The l^oun Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, Charles Rogers. Salary, for the Gaol and Bridewell, 31/.; of which 
 24/. paid by a Hate, and 7/. by the Corporation Treasurer. 
 
 Fees, Debtors and Felons, 10a-. each. Table hung up, but not signed. 
 Surgeon, if wanted, is sent by the Mayor. 
 Number of Prisoner.^, l802, Aug. 10th, One. 
 
 Conveyance of Transports, if only one, 8/. 8*. : if more, 61. 6s. each. 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none ; to Felons, eightpence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, built at the Town-hall, has one good room for Debtors in the 
 Keeper's house. I was glad to be informed that none had been committed hither 
 for ten years.
 
 5*4 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Hete is a small court-yard for all descriptions of Prisoners, the use of which for 
 exercise is now permitted them, the walls being raised to a height sufficient for 
 security. 
 
 For Criminals, here are two offensive and unhealthy cells, 10 feet by 8, and 7 feet 
 6 inches high, to which the only admittanceof light and air is through a niche in the 
 wall, 2 feet long, 5 inches wide, and an aperture in each door, about 8 inches square. 
 
 The Bridewell room is l6 feet by S, and has only one small window, 2 feet by 
 20 inches ; a perforated door, and in each room a sewer. Water is laid on by a, pipe, 
 for which the Gaoler pays ten shillings a year. 
 
 Here is no Employment for the Prisoners, and the Bridewell room is too dark to 
 admit of it. The Act for preserving Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 not hung up. 
 
 STIRLING. Scotland. 
 
 Gaoler, John Macdonald. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Fees, Felons, none. Debtors, 1*. on Caption. 
 
 Chaplain, none, nor any religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, when wanted, sent from the Town. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons. 
 
 1809, Oct. 21st, - - i<''*''. - _ 6 _.--___ 4. 
 
 One Man for Bastardy, and two faulty Apprentices. 
 
 Allowance, Debtors, as alimented ; generally eight pence a day. Felons, three 
 pence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. . ,, , _ 
 
 This Prison, newly built, is on the South side of the Criminal Court in Broad- 
 street. Under the arches on which it is constructed, there are six sleeping-cells ; 
 three of which are 16 feet by 10, and the other three, 12 feet by 8, with flag-stone 
 floors, fire-places, and large grated and glazed sash-windows, which turn on a 
 pivot. 
 
 The Main Gaol has on the ground floor five rooms for Criminals, each about 
 18 feet by i ", ; with vaulted roofs, and large grated and glazed sash-windows, flag- 
 stone floors, and fire-places. 
 
 » The story above this is for Debtors, and consists of four rooms ; one of which is 
 28 feet by 16, and the other three, 19 feet by 12, with large grated and glazed
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. J4i 
 
 sash-windows, and fire-places, and to each of these rooms there is a wooden bed- 
 stead, furnished by the Town. 
 
 1 he second story lias four rooms for Felons, similar to those before-mentioned. 
 
 The up|)er story has two larpe rooms for Women Criminals, each 28 feet by 26; 
 with fire-places, and grated and glazed windows. 
 
 To no part of this Prison is there any article of furniture yet supplied, excepting 
 a wooden bedstead to the Debtors' rooms already noticed. No fuel, no bedding, 
 nor even straw to lie upon. Half tubs serve the purpose of sewers ; and no water, 
 but what is brought by the (iaoler. 
 
 Here is a small court-yard, indeed ; but the Prisoners are not indulged with tlie 
 use of it. 
 
 STOCKPORT. Cheshire, 
 Gaoler, Thomas Barratt. Salary, 5/. 
 Number of Prisoners, 1809, Nov. Ijth, Seven. 
 Allowance, one pound of bread per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is for temporary confinement, and has, on the ground-floor, the 
 Keeper's kitchen, parlour, &c. On the right hand, entering the house, is a day- 
 room, 13 feet 10 by 6 feet 9, and 8 feet high; and another day-room adjoining, 
 14 feet by 9, and 7 feet 6 inches high ; with fire-places in both, and iron-grated 
 windows, about 2 feet square. 
 
 Above stairs are two rooms for those Prisoners who can pay 1*. per night for 
 beds. Others sleep in the two Dungeons, each 9 feet by 6, and 1 1 feet high, cut 
 out of the rock, to which the descent is by 1 7 steps. They have wooden bedsteads, 
 loose straw, two blankets, and a rug each ; but are both damp, and very offensive. 
 
 ^jd" The Keeper informed me by letter, 23d June, 1810, that no Prisoners sleep 
 in the Dungeons now. Here is no court-yard, but the Prison is supplied with ex- 
 cellent water from a pump. The annual number of commitments is about four 
 hundred. 
 
 4 A
 
 US STATK OF PRISONS 
 
 SUDBURY. Siifolk. 
 The Borough Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, Richard ff right ; a Baker. Salary, none. Fees, 4*. No Table. 
 Prisoners, 180I, Oct. 17th, and 1810, Sept. 24th, none. 
 Allowance, Sixpence per clay. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This is a miserable place, for the imprisonment of inferior delinquents, or for their 
 confinement until fully committed for Trial. 
 
 It consists of two rooms on the ground floor, about 13 feet square, fronting the 
 Street; having each a fire-place, and iron gratings, through which to breathe, and 
 beg the casual charity of passengers. 
 
 Of these rooms, one, called " The Toll," has a wooden bedstead, raised about 
 12 inches from the floor, with loose straw to sleep on. The other, which has also 
 an iron grating towards the Street, contains two sleeping- eel Is, of about 9 feet by 6, 
 with straw only on the floor ; and, as a glaring instance of filthy negligence, a bar of 
 wood laid across one corner of each room, with a little straw underneath it, is the 
 vile substitute for a privy! 
 
 For Women, here is one wretched room, above stairs, equally destitute of fur- 
 niture, and in a very dilapidated state. They are sometimes, however, indulged 
 by the Keeper with the use of a small court-yard, leading towprd his bake-house. 
 
 SWANSEA. Glamorganshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 Gaoler, David Thomas. Salary, 5/. 5*. Fees, 6s. 8d. 
 Number of Debtors, 1803, Oct. 3d, Three. Criminals none. 
 Allowance, none ; except to such Debtors as are Paupers. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 Here is a small court, with three rooms up a flight of steps in the old Castle, and 
 two above them, for Debtors, who are obliged to find their own beds. For Felons 
 and other Criminal Oflfenders, a dark room, called the Black Hole, under the 
 Town Hall ; where they are confined for a night or two, till committed to the 
 County Gaol. It has an iron-grated aperture in the door, but no window. 
 The Sessions for the County are held as follows : 
 
 Epiphany Sessions, at Cardiff. — Easter ditto, Cowbridge. — Thomas a Becket 
 ditto, Neath. — Michaelmas ditto, Swansea.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. *#7 
 
 SURREY. 
 
 The County Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, James Ives. 
 
 Salary, 300/. and in case the Debtors' Fees should not amount to an additional 
 
 hundred pounds per annum, the County make up to him the deficiency. 
 
 Also for the Bridewell, 50/. For the Conveyance of Transports he makes 
 
 a Bill, and is allowed the expence incurred. 
 Fees ; See Table. Felons here pay no Fees. Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. IVlr. IVinkwnrth ; now Rev. fVilliam Mann. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday ; and Prayers on Tuesday and Thursday. 
 Salary, 50/. ; and 30/. as Secretary to the Visiting Committee. 
 
 Surgeons, Messrs. Saumarez and Dixon. 
 
 Salary, 75/. for Prisoners of every description in the Gaol and House of Cor- 
 rection: And five pounds for his travelling charges, to report at the quarter 
 Sessions the state of the Prisoners' health, &c. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1800, April l-,th, - - - 
 
 1801, June, 16th, - - 
 
 1802, Dec. 28lh, - - - 
 
 1803, Nov. 15th, - - - - 
 
 1804, Jan. 7th, - - - - 
 1S05, Jan. 28th, - - - - 
 180G, May 27th, - - - 
 
 1807, Oct. 2d, - - - - 
 
 1808, June l6'th, - - _ - 
 
 1809, April 18th, - - - 
 
 1810, May nth, - - - - 
 
 1811, April 17th, - - - 
 
 Allowance, heretofore one pound of bread (but, on the 7th of May iSlO, in- 
 creased to one pound and a half) per day, for Prisoners of all descriptions; 
 excepting those Debtors who receive the Sixpences from their Plaintiffs. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This noble building does honour to the County. It is situate in an open and airy 
 part of llorsemonger-lane, in the Parish of St. Mary, Nevvington, in the County of 
 Surrey. The boundary-wall encloses about three acres and a half of ground. The 
 Sessions House adjoins it, to which there is a communication from the Prison ; and 
 
 btors 
 
 
 
 
 Felons, &c 
 
 
 
 Bridewell, 
 
 40 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 74 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 33. 
 
 51 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 9C 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 r^. 
 
 52 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 152 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 43. 
 
 62 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 68 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 48. 
 
 44 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 79 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 40. 
 
 32 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 95 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 36. 
 
 49 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 75 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 19. 
 
 38 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 69 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 26. 
 
 53 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 24 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 38. 
 
 61 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 71 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 37. 
 
 54 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 37 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 30. 
 
 69 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 32 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - - 
 
 30.
 
 548 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 a housekeeper is appointed to keep it clean, with a suitable Salary, and apartments 
 for her use. 
 
 The Gaol, which is likewise the County Bridewell, was first inhabited on the 3d 
 of Auo-ust 1798, and has in front the Turnkey's Lodge: On the ground floor of 
 which is a day-room ; another room with a cold bath ; and a third is the washhouse, 
 with an oven, &c. Over these are four rooms, of 18 feet by 15, for the Turnkeys 
 to sleep in ; and at the toj) of all is a spacious lead-flat, where Criminals are executed. 
 
 After passing through the Lodge, an avenue, paved with Yorkshire stone, leads to 
 the Keeper's house ; which is in the centre of the Prison, and from which the several 
 court-yards are inspected. 
 
 For Master' s-Side Debtors there is a court-yard paved with flag-stone, 75 feet by 
 30, enclosed by handsome iron palisades, so that a thorough air is admitted ; and 
 arcades, paved in the same manner, 3I feet by 26, under which to walk in wet 
 weather. Close to these is a day-room, 27 feet by 20, with a fire-place ; and they 
 have likewise sixteen sleeijing-rooms, each 14 feet 6' inches by 9 feet 3, with an iron- 
 grated and glazed window. For these they pay as per Table subjoined, which 
 I found printed, and put up on the Master's-Side, for the inspection of all persons 
 whatever. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors have also a court-yard, with arcades, a day-room, and 
 twelve sleeping-rooms, the same as those on the Master's-Side: But they sleep in 
 hammocks, and find their own bedding. 
 
 Women-Debtors have a court-yard, about 20 feet square ; a day-room, 18 feet 
 square; and four sleeping- rooms, of the same size as the Men's: with wooden 
 bedsteads, to which they also find their own bedding, and pay nothing. 
 
 The Men-Felons are of four classes ; each of which has a spacious court-yard, 
 neatly paved with Yorkshire stone, and in size about 87 feet by 30, for the Pri- 
 soners to take air and exercise in fine weather ; or, if it be otherwise, they walk under 
 arcades paved with flag-stone, of about 48 feet by 27. Also a day-room for each 
 class, 27 feet by 20, to dress their victuals in. 
 
 Each Felon has a cell, 8 feet 3 inches by 6 feet 9 ; with iron-grated window 4 feet 
 by 2, a wooden inside shutter, a circular ventilator, of 18 inches diameter in the 
 middle of each cell, a wooden niside door, and an iron-grated one to each. They 
 are all furnished with an elm-plank bedstead, only 22 inches wide, a flock-bed, and 
 pillow, two blankets and a rug : The bedding is shaken and rolled up, and the 
 cells are cleaned every morning. 
 
 Here are likewise four day-rooms, with boarded floors, occasionally used for Con- 
 victs under sentence of death ; each about 26 feet by 1 8, with a fire-place, a table 
 and benches, and three windows, 6 feet by three, iron-barred and glazed. 
 
 The Women-Felons have also a court-yard, about 70 feet by 30, with arcades, 
 day-room, cells, furniture, and accommodations, the same as for the Men-Felons.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 549 
 
 The lobbies of this Prison are all well ventilated, and 6 feet 3 inches wide. 
 
 Pumps are fixed in all the court-yards ; Thames-water is laid on ; anil at the top 
 of tile four corners of the (Jaol is a reservoir, each containinj; about eight hundred 
 gallons of water, supplied from a well by a forcing pump. 
 
 Here are four spacious airy rooms, each 25 feet by 16, set apart as Infirmaries, 
 fitted up with flock-beds, blankets, pillows, and rugs; and adjoining to them are 
 court- yards, 30 feet square, for convalescents to walk in : Also two rooms for nurses, 
 another for the Surgeon, and a fourth with a warm bath. 
 
 The Chapel is a very neat structure, where the Prisoners are seated in their 
 difttjrent classes ; and all are required to attend Divine Service who receive the 
 County allowance. 
 
 Tliere are in this excellent Prison no less than four cold baths, one warm bath, 
 and an oven for j)urifying infected or ofiensive clothing. Of sleeping-cells there are 
 on the ground-floor, 15; first story, 82 ; and second-story, So. Total 177. 
 
 " Table of Fees, 
 " To be taken by the Gaoler of the County of Surrey, from tlie Debtors of the said 
 
 Gaol. 
 
 s. d. 
 For the Discharge of every Prisoner for Debt -------- lOIO 
 
 For his Conduct Warrant on his attendance with Prisoners, on returns 
 
 of Habeas Corpus by the Sheriif -.-------__ 1O6 
 
 For attending with Prisoners by Rule or Order of Court, or otherwise, 
 
 to be bailed, or receive Judgement ---------- 106 
 
 For the use of bed, bedding, and slieets, for every Debtor on the Master's- 
 
 Side of the Prison, for the first night -._-_._.. 06 
 For every night after tiie first ------------- 03 
 
 For a room, bed and bedding, per week ---.---... 3 c." 
 
 Debtors committed hither from the King's Bench for any ofTence, pay no Fees 
 whatever now, as was formerly the custom. 
 
 Convicts here, under Sentence of Transportation, do not receive the King's Allow- 
 ance of 2*. 6d. per week. 
 
 " A List of Legacies and Donations 
 " To the poor Debtors, on the Common-Side of the County-Ciaol, Surrey, 
 
 heretofore known by the name of ' IFhite-L'wn Prison.' 
 
 £. s. d. 
 '• A Gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury, to be applied for, every 
 
 Christmas, at Lambeth Palace ----------- 1 00 
 
 Thoinas Dawson, a Legacy, paid every ChriaUnas, by tiie Church- 
 wardens of St- Etbelburga .----.------090
 
 ,5:50 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 ^/•/Azir 3/o!/.?e ditto, paid by the Fishmongers' Company - - - - 13 4 
 
 Joan Hackett ditto, paid by ditto ... ---------034 
 
 John Stokes ditto, in bread, yearly paid by the Drapers' Company, be- 
 tween All-saints and Christmas -----------050 
 
 Eichard Jacobs ditto, every Easter ; payable formerly at the Grange- 
 Inn, near Lincoln's-Inn, but now (1810) by Mrs. Ann Starling, of 
 Carey-street, Chancery -lane -----------200 
 
 Margaret Dane ditto, 5th of November, four stone three quarters of 
 beef, and two dozen loaves of bread, g^ The beef is sent in by 
 Mr. Willson ; and the bread by the Fishmongers' Company, who make 
 enquiry, a few days previously, of the then number of Prisoners, 
 and the Gaoler applies for the loaves. 
 
 The Parish of St. Andrew Undershaft sends, at Christmas, a quantity 
 of beef, the gift of Mr. Ralph Carter *. 
 
 The Leathersellers' Company sends every quarter, Ss. in bread, and 
 2s. in money. 
 
 Eleanor Gwi/nn^s Legacy, sixtyfive penny loaves every eight weeks, 
 is sent from the Chamberlain's office. 
 
 The Dutchess of Gloucester used to send one chaldron of coals yearly, 
 during her life ; but it seems to be now discontinued, or forgotten." 
 
 Whatever money is^ collected in Chapel, at what are called the Condemned Ser- 
 mons, is paid into the hands of the Chaplain ; and by him laid out for the benefit 
 of the Prisoners, in coals, meat, and other necessaries, at his discretion. 
 
 It once was cu.stomary for the Executioner to demand, and, by some means or 
 other, to procure six shillings and eightpence, from the Criminal, on his way to 
 execution. This inhuman practice was very properly discontinued on the l6th 
 of July, 1799. 
 
 Excellent Rules and Orders are made for the Government of this Gaol, which are 
 fixed up in four ditl'erent parts of it, and signed, 
 
 Grantley, KENYON. 
 
 Wm. Russel. A° MACDONALD. 
 
 Leslie^ Judges of Assize. 
 
 The Magistrates visit the Prison in regular monthly rotation : Their Remarks are 
 entered in a book ; and every time the Committee meets, the Surgeon also enters in 
 his book the state of health in which he finds the Prisoners. 
 
 All of them are discharged in a morning, after breakfast; and have from one shil- 
 ling to five shillings given them, according to their distance from home. 
 
 * See an Abstract of the Deed, Giltspur- street Compter, page 234.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALKS. !>si 
 
 The Lent Assizes for the County of Surrey are always held at Kingston ; o'l'l 
 during that time the Prisoners of this Gaol are confined at the Stock-House, and 
 the House of Correction. Tl»e Summer Assizes are once in two years at Ciuildford, 
 and the Prisoners tiien kept at the House of Correction there. Every other summer 
 they are held at Croydon ; and during the time were confined heretofore in stables, 
 now properly converted into a large room, suitable for the purjiose. See P. 116. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, 
 are conspicuously hung up ; and the whole Prison is remarkably clean. 
 
 T7ie Si: RRKY Br iJeivell, or House of Correction, 
 
 Formerly situate in St. George's Fields, is now enclosed within the boundary-wall of 
 
 the County Gaol. 
 
 Keeper, John Spreadhuiy. 
 
 Salary, 50/. ; and a share in the Prisoners' earnings, as hereafter mentioned; 
 He is under the controul of the Gaoler ; but receives his Salary from the 
 County ; and the Magistrates only have the j>ower to dismiss him. 
 
 Fees, none. 
 
 For the Men-Prisoners here are two spacious airy court-yards, paved with York- 
 shire flag-stone, about 37 feet each by 29, for exercise in fine weather; and two 
 arcades, each 27 feet by 23, paved with flag-stones. Also one large workshop, 
 37 feet square, for those Male-Prisoners, who are employed in picking oakum and 
 knotting yarn. Each Prisoner has a cell, S feet 3 inches by G feet g ; with an 
 iron-grated window, 4 feet by 2, a wooden inside shutter, circular ventilator, 18 
 inches in diameter, double-door, bedsteads and bedding provided, and taken care of, 
 and cell cleaned every morning, the same, in all respects, as those in the County 
 Gaol for the Felons. 
 
 The Women-Prisoners have one spacious and airy court-yard, of about 27 feet 
 by 23 ; together with workshop, cells, bedding, &c. the same, and their employ- 
 ment also, as the Men-Prisoners. 
 
 The following is an Account of the Receipt and Nett Profit of the Prisoners' 
 Earnings, from Michaelmas l802, to Michaelmas 1S03. 
 
 ^. s. d. £. s. d. 
 
 Earnings ---.-.-__-- 121 1 1 
 
 Expences attending the same ----- 33 9 *' 
 
 87 12 1 
 
 Deduct Allowance of one third to Superintcndant _ - - 29 4 
 
 Nett Profit, to Balance --,- ^. 5SS1
 
 oo 
 
 -'. ' >. 
 
 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The average number of Prisoners, during the above year, was 50. Of the Balance 
 thirty pounds were laid out, under the direction of the Rev. Secretary and Chaj)lain, 
 in meat, coals, &c. and the remainder distributed as the Visiting Committee thought 
 
 proj)er. 
 
 Earnings from Michaelmas 1803 to Michael- ^. s. d. £. s. d. 
 mas 1804 ---------- 111 15 8 
 
 Expences attending the work done - - - 24 1 1 3 
 
 87 4 5 
 
 Deduct the Superintendant's one third ------- 29 15 
 
 Nett Profit, to Balance ---- ^.5830 
 
 Durino' the above year the average number of Prisoners was 45- Thirty pounds 
 of the Balance were, as before, laid out in coals and meat by the Rev. Secretary ; and 
 the remainder in sundry articles for their use, under the direction of the Visiting 
 Committee. 
 
 ^3° For the following years to Michaelmas 1810, I have been furnished with 
 similar accounts. The two statements already given might suffice, as the Distribution 
 is similar, and the Balance nearly equal to the foregoing. But, as the insertion will 
 take but little room, and may not only be satisfactory, but exemplary, it is here 
 
 subjoined. 
 
 ^. s. d. £. s. d. 
 Earnings from Michaelmas 1804, to Michael- 
 mas 1805 - - - 91 17 3 
 
 Expences --- 20 2 10 
 
 71 14 5 
 
 Deduct Superintendant's Third 23I8I 
 
 Nett Profit - _ - a^. 47 16 4 
 
 Ditto, from Michaelmas 1805 to Michael- 
 mas 1806 .-------.. 81 19 4 
 
 Expences __--------- 151I 8 
 
 66 7 8 
 
 Deduct Superintendant's Third --,------ 22 26 
 
 Nett Profit - ^.44 5 2 
 
 Ditto, Michaelmas 1806 to Michaelmas 1807 100 9 11 
 Expences ----------- 15168 
 
 84 13 3 
 
 Deduct as above ---__-_------ 28 45 
 
 Nett Profit ^.5« 8 10
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 
 
 £. s. d. £. s. d. 
 Ditto, Michaelmas 1807 to Michaelmas 1808 <)() 17 
 Expences --------... 15 7 fi 
 
 Deduct Superintendant's Third ---_...__ 28 '^ 2 
 
 Nett Profit ^.5G g 4 
 
 Ditto, Michaelmas 1 808 to Michaelmas 1809 109 \G 5 
 Expences - 15 I7 6 
 
 r»^ . , ' ~ ^3 ^^ ^1 
 
 Deduct as above ---------._._ ■?i64 
 
 Nett Profit -------. ^.6ii 12 7 
 
 Ditto, Michaelmas 1809 to Michaelmas 1810 111 7 
 Expences ---------__ 1946 
 
 Deduct as above --------,____ 30 14 2 
 
 Nett Profit ^,61 8 4 
 
 Every Prisoner committed to hard labour in this Bridewell, receives one third of 
 his or her Earnings; the Keeper one third; and the residue goes to the County. 
 *Every other description of Prisoner receives one half of the Earnings, the Keeper 
 one quarter, and the County has the rest. 
 
 When the Sessions are held at lii/egatr, the Prisoners sent from hence are con- 
 fined there, generally, for two days in 77/f Cage : The lower part of which, for the 
 Men, is about 30 feet square ; the upper, for the Women, of the same size ; and they 
 liave loose straw only to sleep on. 
 
 I avail myself with jileasure of this opportunity, to pay my acknowledgments to 
 the Right Honourable Lord Leslie, to Sir Thomas Turton, Bart. m. p. for the 
 Borough of Southwark, and to the Visiting Magistrates, who did my worthy friend 
 Dr. Lettsoni and myself the honour to accompany us over every part of this well- 
 regulated Gaol. The cleanliness and good order that prevail throughout it, I have 
 not failed to notice in my Publications on Prisons and imprisoned Debtors, and to it, 
 most probably, may be ascribed its singular healthiness : twelve persons only having 
 died by illness since the 3d of August 179S, when it was first inhabited, although 
 the average number of Prisoners in it is, and has been annually, from 150 to 800. 
 
 4 B
 
 45* STATE OF PRISONS • 
 
 SWAFFHAM. Norfolk. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, David Raven. 
 
 Salary, 70/. and one-fourth part of the Prisoners' earnings. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Chapman ; now Rev. IFin. Johnson Vonge. Salary, 30/. 
 Duty, Prayers three times a week, and Sermon on Sundays. 
 
 Suro-eon, Mr. Law; now Mr. Ross; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1805, Sept. 2d, Seventeen. 1810, Sept. 5th, Seventeen. 
 
 Allowance, on Sunday, two pounds and two ounces of bread, with ox-cheek and 
 soup for dinner. 
 
 Mo7iday, two pounds two ounces of bread. 
 
 Tuesday, one pound and one ounce of bread, with a quart of pease-soup. 
 
 IVednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the same as on Tuesday. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Keeper's house fronts the Street, having behind it a court-yard 60 feet square, 
 with a well in the centre, and two sewers and other conveniences on one side. 
 The Keeper's rooms have a full view of the Prison in every part. 
 
 On the ground-floor of one side is a lobby, 42 feet long and 4 feet wide, into 
 which open five cells ; and at the end of the lobby is a small neat Chapel, of 18 feet 
 by 12. The upper-story also has five cells ; and at the end of the lobby is a work- 
 room, of the same size as the Chapel. 
 
 The opposite side of the building has the like number of cells, opening into 
 lobbies of the same dimensions with those before described ; and also two end rooms 
 set apart for Infirmaries. Each of the cells is 12 feet long by 7, with arched roof, 
 and 9 feet 6 inches high ; fitted up with crib bedsteads, straw-in-sacking, two sheets, 
 two blankets, and a rug. They have spinning-wheels in them, and hemp-blocks; 
 and are lighted and ventilated by an iron-grated window, 28 inches square, with 
 inside shutter, and a small aperture in each door, for the convenience of the Keeper. 
 The Rules and Orders are printed and hung up ; but neither the Act for Pre- 
 serving Health, nor the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors^ 
 
 Those committed to hard labour have no part of their earnings. Those for As- 
 saults, Bastardy, and Poaching, have one half. The average of annual Earnings is 
 about Jorfy pounds. 
 
 Employment, beating and dressing hemp, and spinning. The Prison very 
 clean, and whitewashed once a year. 
 
 SWANSEA, Glamorganshire ; See page 546.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAN©, AND WALES; J»S 
 
 TAUNTON. Somersetshire. 
 
 The County Bridewell. > 
 
 Keeper, JVilliam Coggan ; now James Turk. Salary, 55/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, none; nor any religious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Buncomb, who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1803, Oct. 5th, Twelve. 1806, Sept. 21st, Eighteen. 
 
 Allowance, a half quartern loaf per day ; and a dinner of meat and vegetables 
 once a fortnight. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, called " fVilton Gaol," from the Parish in which it stands, has two 
 spacious court-yards, one for Men, 64 feet by 47 ; the other for Women, nearly 
 the same size, well supplied with water, and a sewer in each. 
 
 On the ground-floor are two sleeping-cells, 6 feet by 5 feet 6 inches ; and two 
 others, totally dark, of 8 feet by 6, with straw upon the floors. 
 
 Here is also a large day-room, 36 feet by 17, with a fire-place, for the Men; oa 
 the wall of which is painted, 
 
 " AVlioever plays Ball, 
 
 or writes upon the Wall, 
 
 to 'pay one Shilling, 
 
 or be put in the Cells for a Week." 
 
 The Women's day-room was formerly the Chapel, and on the wall there still 
 
 remains, painted, the Lord's Prayer. A Chaplain had been appointed, both here and 
 
 at Shepton Mallet, with Salaries of 50/. generously granted by the Magistrates : 
 
 but, whether froni neglect of' duty or of attendance, both have been discontinued. 
 
 Adjoining to the Men's day-room, is a large one, spread with straw, of 24 feet 
 
 by 20 : above it are three sleeping-rooms, one of which has four beds, the other 
 
 has three, and the third is a small room, with one bed. The Women have two 
 
 rooms over their day-room ; in one of these were three beds, and in the other, straw 
 
 only. In this latter, however, was one Woman, sick, yet lying on straw ujioii 
 
 the floor. Those Prisoners who have beds pay one shilling per week. 
 
 Two bathing tubs are here provided ; and also a Gaol-uniform, for such Prisoners 
 as come in with ragged or offensive apparel. Coals are allowed to their respective 
 day-rooms. The upper part of the windows in this Bridewell is glazed, and the 
 lower part a sliding shutter.
 
 ,5g STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Here is no employment whatever. I found many of the Prisoners were in irons, 
 and amongst them a very Httle boy, committed for two months, had heavy irons 
 on him. It is painful thus to see young beginners, and old adepts in vice asso- 
 ciated unavoidably together. The Act for Preserving Health is conspicuously 
 hung up, but not the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors. 
 
 §3" The Old Town Gaol, now the Red-Lion Publick-house, is used only as a 
 Lock-up house for a night. The Constable is the Keeper of it. 
 
 THETFORD. Norfolk. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Pefiteny. Salary, lol. Fees, Debtors, G*. S^. Felons, 1 35. 4rf. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Manning. Salary, lo/. 
 
 Duty, to attend the Condemned Convicts every day. 
 
 Surgeon, sent by the Mayor, as wanted. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1805, Aug. 31st, None. 18 10, Sept. 17th, None. 
 
 Allowance, threepence a day, and a peck of coals per week each. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 On the front of the building is the following Inscription : 
 
 " This Gaol was repaired, and enlarged, 
 in the Mayoralty of William Holmes, esq. 
 
 1781." 
 
 The Gaoler's apartments front the Street ; and adjoining to them is the Men- 
 Prisoners' day-room, 21 feet by 15, and 10 feet high, with a fire-place, brick- 
 floor, benches to sit upon, and a sewer. It has two large semi-circular iron-grated 
 windows, one of them looking towards the Street, and an ajierture in the door, of 
 •) inches by 6. 
 
 In the above room all Male Prisoners are kept together, during the day. At 
 niglit the Men Criminals sleep in a large Dungeon, nine steps down, to which a 
 trap-door opens from the floor of the Keeper's kitchen ; its dimensions 18 feet by 9, 
 and 8 feet high, lighted and ventilated by a small iron-barred and grated window, 
 looking toward the court-yard, or garden, and in size 20 inches by 14 !
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 557 
 
 Tlie court-yard, converted into a little giirden-f^round, is 42 feet by 35 ; with a 
 pump in it, and a privy. The wall is hardly 10 feet hiL^h, ami deemed insecure. 
 
 There are two sleeping-cells on the ground-floor ; one of which looks to the 
 Street, 9 feet long by S feet 6, and 8 feet high : it has a flag-stone floor, with a bench 
 to sit upon ; and the admission of light and air is through a circular iron-grating, 
 18 inches in diameter. 
 
 The other room adjoining, is of about the same size with the former; lighted in 
 the same manner by a grating towards the garden. Straw only upon the floors to 
 sleep on. 
 
 Women Prisoners are confined above stairs. Their day-room is 21 feet by 12, 
 and 8 feet high ; with a fire-place, and glazed window. Their sleeping-room, 
 13 feet 6 by 10 feet, and 8 feet high, has glazed windows and blinds. 
 
 A Table of Fees, Rules, and Orders, is hung ujj, but not being signed, I do 
 not transcribe them. 
 
 ^^ The Gaol-Delivery for this County is held twice in the year ; once at Nor- 
 wich, and once a year at Thetford ; to which, in the year 1805, the Gaoler informed 
 me that forty-two Prisoners were removed from Norwich ; three from Wyndham ; 
 four from SwafFham ; and three from Aylesham : Total, 52. — And were all confinetl 
 six nights in the Dungeon and two cells of Thetford Town-Gaol! In iSlO 
 twenty-three Prisoners were removed from Norwich Castle ; two from Wyndham ; 
 five from Svvaflfham ; and one from Walsingham ; and were all confined six nights 
 in the Dungeon and two cells. The Gaoler told me it was more than twenty years 
 since any Debtor had been detained here. Neither the Act nor Clauses hung up. 
 The Prison clean. 
 
 TIDESWELL. Derbyshire. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, ff^illiam Sheldon. Salary, 20/. Fees, 2*.4«?. Prisoners, nth Oct. iSoj, 
 
 Two ; viz. One for Bastardy, in double irotis : the other a Woman. 
 Allowance, fourpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Keeper's house fronts the street, and the back of it constitutes this wretched 
 Prison. It consists of a room, 1 3 feet by 11, and 7 feet high, with an iron-crated 
 window and a fire-place. Also two sleeping-cells, each 7 feet by 3 feet j inches, 
 and six feet high, without either light or sensible ventilation. 
 
 The court-yard, going down nine steps, is only 10 feet by 7 in extent ; has a mud 
 surface, and dung was laid in it.
 
 5^$ STATE OF PRISONS ' 
 
 Up stairs is a room for Women, of 13 feet by 10, and 9 feet high, with a fire-place 
 and glazed window. Their sleeping-eell is of the same size as those of the Men below. 
 
 No water ; no sewer ; no Employment. 
 
 I felt for the Keeper's severity ; and therefore exercised a painful duty, in repre- 
 senting it to th^ Magistrates. 
 
 TIVERTON. Devonshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Needes, the Town Sergeant. 
 Salary, as Gaoler, none. Fees, 3*. 4rf. 
 
 Prisoners, 1803, Oct. 20th, None. 1806, Sept. 26th, Two. 
 
 Allowance, none to Debtors, except certificated as Paupers ; But Felons have. 
 6d. a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here are two rooms under the Town-Hall. One for Debtors, 18 feet by 17, and 
 9 feet high, supplied with two wooden bedsteads, straw, and two blankets. No 
 fire-place : an iron-grated window opens from it into a small court-yard, but of 
 which the Prisoners have no use. 
 
 The other room is called " The Back Gaol" of about half the size of the Debtors 
 apartment ; and where the Felons are confined. Here is one bedstead, with straw and 
 two blankets; and the iron-grated window looks into an useless court, like the former. 
 
 Debtors are sent hither for sums exceeding ten pounds, up to any amount, by 
 process issuing out of the Borough Court ; and after the holding of five Courts, a 
 Debtor is entitled to receive his Sixpences. A Court is held every fortnight. Both 
 rooms are supplied with sewers and water. The two little court-yards are angular, 
 of about 18 feet in the widest part. 
 
 TIVERTON. 
 
 The Town Bridetvell. 
 
 Keeper, Ann John. Salary, 8/. Ss. Fees, 35. 4d. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. S7nith. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1803, Oct. 20th, Five: viz. one Woman Transport, and four Frenchmen. 
 1806, Sept. 26th, Two Women ; one of whom was the Female Transport 
 I had seen here in 1803 ! 
 
 Allowance, fourpence each per day, in money.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 5S9 
 
 I^EMAUKS. 
 
 T|iis Prison, in St. Andrew's Street, was built about thirty years since, and is 
 partly enclosed by a boundary wall. In front is the Keeper's garden, and at the 
 back the Prisoners' court-yard, about 84 feet by 36, in which are a pump and 
 sewer; with the waste water from the pump so directed, as constantly to run through 
 the latter. 
 
 On the ground-floor is the Men's kitchen, 15 feet square, with a fire-place, 
 boiler, cupboard, benches, a glazed iron-grated window, looking into the court- 
 yard, and another window, semi-circular, in the front, with iron bars and a shutter. 
 The whipping-post also makes part of its furniture. 
 
 Within a passage of 3 feet 6" inches wide, are three sleeping-cells, 9 feet 6, by 
 8 feet, and 8 feet 6 inches high, to the crown of the arch. They have a semi-cir- 
 cular iron grating at each end, for ventilation, with inside shutter, and a pot-hole 
 in the door, about 7 inches square : each cell is furnished with a single crib bed- 
 stead, straw, one sheet, and one blanket. 
 
 Above stairs is the Women's day-room, in which are two looms for weavins, and 
 two spinning-wheels. It has a fire-place, and two semi-circular glazed windows j 
 one fixed, the other to be put up occasionally, if any Prisoner is sick : also three 
 sleeping-cells, exactly like tliose for the Men below. 
 
 Beds are here supplied by the Keeper, at Is, 6d. and Is. per week, to those who 
 can afford it. 
 
 There is no Clinplain ; but when I made my visits, the Prayers were read every 
 Sunday by John Hill, a Shoe-maker of the Town. For this purpose a Bible, with 
 the Common Prayer-Book Service, is kept ; on the first page of which is written 
 as follows : 
 
 " Tiverton, Devon. Sept. 25, l802. 
 Tliis Bible was sent to Tiverton Bridewell, by Beavis Wood, esq. Town- 
 Clerk, on the very purpose for the confined Prisoners to hear read the order 
 for Morning and Evening Prayers, on Sundays, and on all other occasional 
 times, as shall or may be most convenient. And this Book is to be deposited 
 into the care of the Keeper of the said Bridewell or Prison, to be kept decent 
 and clean. As Witness my Hand, by Order of Beavis Wood, esq. Town- 
 Clerk. 
 
 John Hill, the present Reader, of the Established Order." 
 
 The Prisoners here have two thirds of their earnings, and the rest goes to tho 
 Keeper.
 
 £. 
 
 s. 
 
 d. 
 
 400 
 
 
 
 
 
 81 
 
 18 
 
 
 
 163 
 
 16 
 
 
 
 ^60 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 TOTHILL-FIELDS. Westminster. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Gdio[er , Alexander Femvick ; now Henry Bothwell. Salary - 
 Head Turnkey, One Guinea and Half per week - - - - 
 Three Under-Turnkeys, at One Guinea per week each - - 
 Three Assistants from the PubUc Offices of Bow-street, Marl- 
 borough-street, and QueenVsquare, at 7*. per week each - 54 12 
 Fees, as per Table : See Remarks. Garnish, 1*. 2d. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Doctor Bennett. Salary, 20/. : he officiates by his Deputy, the 
 Rev. Mr. Evans, to whom he pays 16/. 
 Duty, Sunday, Prayers and a Sermon. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Henbury. Salary, 30/. 
 
 To this Prison were committed 
 
 In the Year Debtors. 
 
 Criminals. 
 
 In the Year Debtors. Criminals 
 
 1798, 62 
 
 1051. 
 
 1805, 37 786. 
 
 1799, 56 
 
 1331- 
 
 1806, 69 816. 
 
 1800, 61 
 
 1262. 
 
 1807, 72 744. 
 
 1801, 72 
 
 1178. 
 
 1808, 67 890. 
 
 1802, 43 
 
 1571. 
 
 1809, 102 786. 
 
 1803, 55 
 
 1226. 
 
 1810, 110 869. 
 
 1S04, 58 
 
 1074. 
 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none ; to Criminals, one pound of bread per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Over the Gate is this ancient Inscription : 
 
 " There are several Sorts of Work for the Poorof this Parish of Saint Margaret's 
 "•' U^'estminster, as also the County, according to Law : And for such as will beg, 
 •' and live idle, in this City and Liberty of PFest minster." 
 
 Anno 1655." 
 
 At the entrance into the Prison is a room, on the left hand, called " The Turn- 
 key's Shop ;' in which there is a cage, or place for bonnets, and other articles of 
 Female clothing, taken from the Women-Prisoners on their commitment, and 
 deposited here. 
 
 The room over the gate-way, is called " Neivgate Ward ,-" and contains five 
 beds : for the use of which each Prisoner must pay sixpence a night, two sleeping 
 in a bed. If the Prisoner has a bed singly, the charge is one shilling per night. 
 Adjoining to this is the Turnkey's sleeping-room.
 
 IN KXCI.AN'n, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. iCt 
 
 Almost tin- whole area of this I'rison is engrossed by lh«- Keeper's melon ami 
 ciieumber gardens ; and on tlie sitits of it are four narrow court-yards, remlercd 
 close and uncomfortable, especially in summer, when air and space become most 
 desirable. 
 
 The first of these court-yards is for Felons, and has a day-room, with a fire-place: 
 Also two rooms, which are free wards, furnished with barrack bedsteads, and one 
 or two blankets to each, as the weather is mild or severe: Tiie doors open into the 
 court, and the iron-grated windows are not glazed. 
 
 The second yard, called " Tlie Skk Court," is ver)- small, and into it opens the 
 Door of the Men's Infirmary. This room (about 20 feet by 11, and 6 feet S inches 
 high,) i)as a fire-place, and two iron-grated, unglazed windows, with barrack-beds, 
 straw-mattress, and two or three blankets each. Of so miserable a room as this, the 
 sick inhabitants must exist in a continual state of disturbance. 
 
 The third court-yard is for J'agratifs, who have a day-room, and two sleeping- 
 rooms on the ground-floor: one of them, about 2', feet by 12 ; the other, l8 feet by 
 12; and both have barrack bedsteads, to which blankets are allowed in winter. 
 
 The fouith is assigned for Men-Debtors, and those who are committed for Assaults, 
 or Basfardi/. Three sleeping-rooms open into this court-yard, and are Jree-wards, 
 each supplied with barrack-beds, loose straw, and a blanket. Prisoners of the above 
 descriptions, who can afford to pay sixpence per night for a bed, sleep in a part of 
 the (iaol called the " Old Bridewell ;" in which there are two good rooms, with 
 three beds each. 
 
 li'umen- Debtors have the narrow passage to walk in, that leads to the Keeper's 
 house ; and, being separated from the Felons' court by low paling only, they are 
 thus, very injudiciously, enabled at all times to converse with them. At my visit 
 here, on the 1 lt!i of April iSo"), the only two Debtors were in the Men-Felons' court ; 
 and on the 7th Nov. 1S08, Three Female-Debtors were confined with the Female- 
 Convicts. The Women-Debtors have also a small day-room, with a lire-place. 
 Such of them as cannot afford to pay for bedding, sleep in the solitary cells ; and to 
 each of these a blanket only is allowed. 
 
 For fuulti/ Apprentices here are four solitary cells, on the ground-floor, about 
 9 feet 7, by 6 feet .9, and 6" feet 9 inches high. Of these cells the upjjer and lower 
 door pannels are iron-latticed, and open into a lobbv, paved with flag-stones, about 
 3 feet 11 inches wide, which separates them, with great propriety, from the other 
 parts of the Prison. Above these are fo>H- other cells, with iron-grated windows and 
 wooden blin<ls, to prevent looking into the adjacent court-yards. A blanket is 
 allowed 10 each Prisoner of this description. 
 
 At the Northeast cornel' of the building, Women have a comfortable room above 
 stairs, set apart for an Infirmary. It has a fire-place, and tv^-o glazed windows ; and 
 is sujjplied with barrack-beds, straw-mattress, and two or three blankets for each 
 
 4 C
 
 5. 
 
 d. 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 5C2 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Invalid : and adjoining to this are two sleeping-rooms, with glazed windows and 
 two beds eacii, at ^s. 6d. per week. 
 
 The Cliaplain's access to his desk is by an awkward avenue from the top of the 
 stair-case; and he has a full view of the two rooms in which the Men and Women- 
 Prisoners are assembled to hear Divine Service. A better Chapel is much wanted, 
 and could not fail to produce a salutary effect. 
 
 Fees allowed for the Keeper of Tothill-Fields Bridewell, as by order of 
 
 Court, January Sessions, 177^- 
 
 £. 
 For Commitment and Discharge of a Prisoner by Warrant . - - 
 For the Turnkey --------------- 
 
 ' Copy of Commitment -------------- 
 
 For a night charge --------------- 
 
 Si'nied in open Court, by J. Fielding. George Ried. 
 
 George S. Bradshaw. Aaron Lamb. 
 
 The Old Gate-House, Westminster, (originally a Prison, the property of the 
 Dean and Chapter,) having been some years since taken down, another Prison, as its 
 substitute, was erected in Tothill-Fields, adjoining to the Bridewell, and first in- 
 habited in the year 1789. It is now entirely set apart for Female Criminal-Pri- 
 soners ; and has two spacious airy court-yards, of about 57 feet by 42, with three 
 rooms, for dressing provisions, &c. about 15 feet by 10. To these courts belong 
 four free-wards, nearly 20 feet square, supplied with barrack-beds, and to each one 
 blanket is allowed during the winter. 
 
 To both the above Prisons seven chaldrons and a half of coals are allowed ; over 
 and above which, coals have occasionally been sent, by the Rev. Dean and Chapter 
 of Westminster, arising from a Legacy of Mrs. Lcetitia CornwaUis. This charitable 
 Lady's Will bears date 13th December 173I ; and through the poUteness of a Friend 
 I have been favoured with the following valuable Document. 
 
 " 1797, June 9th, Received, at the Bank, eight half-year's Dividends of Five pounds 
 seven shillings and sevenpence each, (endmg 5th January 1797) on three hundred and fifty- 
 eight pounds fifteen shillings and threepence, Three per Cent. Consols, being the produce 
 of the Legacy of One hundred pounds, given by the Will of Lsctitia Cornwallis, spinster, 
 dated 1 3th December 17;il; the Interest whereof to be for ever applied, on the seventh 
 of November, either in Discharge of, or for other /?t;/(V/of such poor Prisoners in the Gate- 
 house Prison, Westminster, as the Dean of Westminster, for the time being, shall think fit : 
 which said sum of 358/. 15^. 3rf. was transferred by the Accountant General of the High 
 Court of Chancery, by order of the said Court, to the Dean of St. Peter's, Westminster, and 
 the Chapter of the same Church ; who by Deed poll, under their Common-Seal, dated 25th
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALF.S. 565 
 
 January 1786, acknowledged to liave accepted the said Stock, in trust for the purpose* 
 mentioned in tlie said Will: Which said sum of 358/. 1 5^. 3rf. standing in the Transfer 
 Books, und(M- tiio title of the Dean of St. Piter's, Westminster, &c. and under the Letter P. 
 occasioned divers searches, before the same was found ; and, tliereforc, in order to prevent 
 tlie like trouble in future, it was transferred, on the 2d of June 1797, by Anthony Gell, 
 Esq. the present Receiver, by power of Attorney, from the presept Dean and C'iiupter of 
 Westminster, from and out of the name of the Dean of St. Peter's, Westminster, into the 
 name of the Dean of the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, Westminster, and the Chapter of 
 the same Church." 
 
 " 1804, .iuly JOili, UtcElVED half-year's Dividend on Four hundred and fifty -ci"-ht 
 pounds, fifteen shillings and three-pence, One handed pounds Stock iiaving been bought 
 ■22d January 1S04." 
 
 ^j^' It is hardly to be conceived what ingenuity of low artifice has sometimes 
 been practised on tlie very excelUnt and j)ious intention of tlie above IJequest. In 
 consequence of a day being specified (the Jth of November annually) for the appli- 
 cation of its Cliristian Bounty, plans have been formed by worthless Characters, and 
 but too successfully executed, to have Prisoners ready in the Gate-house a Jew days 
 ie/bre, under the pretext of real Debts, in order to avail themselves of a benefit, that 
 could never be in the contemplation of the Donor ; and of the abuse and misappli- 
 cation of which the respectable Trustees could have had no idea. 
 
 Here is plenty of water at all times ; and the whole Prison is washed twice a 
 week ; for which mops, brooms, pails, &,c. are allowed by the considerate Magis- 
 trates. 
 
 It is said to be in contemplation to enlarge the Bridewell from some waste ground 
 adjoining to the Premises : But I would submit to the Magistrates superintending 
 so important a concern, whetlier it might not be better to erect a new Bridewell, on 
 guch a construction, as that the Keeper's house may have a full command of the 
 different courts, &c. 
 
 The TOWER. London. 
 
 The Tower is a strong forti-ess, and the only Prison in England for State Delin- 
 quents of rank. The care of it is committed to an officer called the Constable of 
 the Tower, who has imder him a Lieutenant, a Dejjuty Lieutenant, called the 
 Governor, and many other oliicers ; among whom are 40 Warders, whose uniform is 
 thesame with the King's Yeomen of theGuards. Nineteen of these Warders have sej a- 
 rate houses, well furnished, in any of which, as the Governor is pleased to order, he 
 State Delinquents may be confined ; and the custom has been to assign them two of
 
 56* STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 the best rooms on the first floor ; with iron bars affixed to their windows by the Board 
 of Works. Sometimes they are committed to close confinement; but in general 
 they are at liberty to walk in the area of the Tower, attended always by a Warder. 
 
 When there are any Prisoners here, they are soon brought to a legal trial, and 
 consequently their confinement can never Ije long. Six shillings and eight-pence 
 a day are allowed by Government for their subsistence ; but they seldom accept this 
 Allowance. 
 
 Sir Francis Burdctt, Bart, was the last who went out, on the 21st June, l8lO. 
 
 In this Fortress, besides (lie houses just mentioned, there are several public 
 offices and store -houses ; such particularly, as the office of Ordnance, the Jewel 
 Office, the Mint, and buildings for holding artillery, arms, &c. 
 
 TOWER- HAM LETS GAOL. 
 
 If'ellcloae Square, 
 
 This Prison is at the King's Arms publick house, kept by William Morris, who 
 is tlie Gaoler. There is a court-room, in the House where the (Quarter Sessions 
 for the Tower Hamlets are held. The Prison consists of two rooms, 16 feet by 10: 
 one of them has a barrack bedstead in it ; both are in a very ruinous state, and 
 filled with straw and lumber. 
 
 The last Prisoner here was one Fletcher, committed under the Hair-Powder Act 
 in l801. Since that time Prisoners have been sent to the House of Correction in 
 Cold Bath Fields. 
 
 TRURO. Cornwall. 
 The Town Gaol, 
 
 In front of the Street here are two houses for the two Sergeants at Mace, who 
 are tlie Keepers, at a Salary of Forty Shillings each. No Fees. Prisoners, 1803, 
 Oct. lOlh, One. l8o6", Oct. 2d, One. Allowance, sixpence a day. 
 
 The Gaol is at the bottom part of the Keeper's garden, and consists of four con- 
 venient rooms ; the largest 14 feet by 10 feet ; the three others about 10 feet square. 
 The two rooms now more constantly in use, are vaulted ; one of them has a chim- 
 ney, and to each there is a large iron-grated window. The two lower rooms are 
 damp, with loose straw on the floors, and a half tub in each, as a sewer. 
 
 No water. The Keepers fetch it, even for their own use, from a quarter of a 
 mile off. No court-yard ; though one might be made out of the Keeper's garden ; 
 and a well also sunk, to supply the Prison and house. 
 
 Prisoners are brought hither from Bodmin ; the Easter Sessions being held here.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. iOS 
 
 TYNEMOUTH. Xorthumhrrland. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, Robert Itobsoii. Salary, 30/. aiul six loads of coals. Fees, lSs.4d. 
 
 No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Trotter. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, IJtIi Sept. 1^(\0, Four Men. 
 
 Allowance, four-pence a tlay. 
 
 REMAUKS. 
 
 This Prison, first inhahited in 17.').;, has mi the ground-floor two apartments for 
 the Keeper, divided by a passage /J feet 10 inches wide, uiiicli leads to the Men's 
 sleepmg-cclls ; four on one side, and three on tlie other, separated by a lobby of 
 like dimensions. 1 ach cell is 7 fiet by 6, and 8 feet high, to the crown of the arch; 
 entirely built of stone, and furnished with crib bedsteads for one person in each ; 
 li.ose straw, and three cov 1 lets ; a covered sewer, emptied twice a day ; a corner 
 seat, with a shelf for provisions. They are all lighted an<l ventilated by an iron- 
 graied and glazed window, 18 inches by I4, and an aperture into the lobby, of 
 20 inches bv' 3, with an inspecting-wicket in each door. 
 
 Here are two court-yards : that for tlie Women, about Co feet square, has a sewer 
 in the centre. The Men's court, of nearly the same size, has in it a kitchen, lt> feet 
 by 10, and conveniences fcr boihng the Prisoners' clothes, moistening junk, &c. 
 and a stone cistern, through which passes a constant stream of excellent water, that 
 supplies the Prison. 1 he Prisoners are let out singly for one hour in the day, ac- 
 companied by the Keeper. 
 
 The I'pper story is appropriated for the Women, and exactly similar to the one 
 already describeil. 
 
 In wet aiul cohl weather the Prisoners work in the lobby ; which is flagged, and 
 has an iron-grated window at the end, for ventilation. 
 
 Wlu n a Prisoner is brought in ragged or filthy, his clothes are boiled in soap 
 lees and allum. Their employ consists in picking of oakum, knitting stockings, 
 sewing and spinning. None are suffered to be idle here ; and Prisoners have one 
 half of their earnings, which is given them on discharge. 
 
 Religious books are supplied to them by the Magistrates; and the silence and 
 decorum observed throughout this real House of Correction must greatly tend to 
 a wholesome reformation of Morals. 
 
 The annual average number of Commitments, is about 40.
 
 566 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WAKEFIELD. Vorhshire. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Gaoler, Charles S. V. Struuheuzee. 
 
 Salary, 250/. an excellent house to live in ; coals allowed, and taxes paid by 
 theCoimt}': also two Turnkeys. See Remarks. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Brown. Salary, 50/. 
 
 Duty, on Thursday, Prayers; on Sunday, Prayers and Sermon. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. JValher ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Men. Women. 
 
 1802, Aug. 15th, ------ 50 ------- 2«). 
 
 1804, Dec. 28th, ------ 56 ------- 30. 
 
 Allowance, breakfast, every day, one quart of oatmeal pottage, and half a pound 
 of bread. Supper, daily the same. 
 
 Dinner, Sunday and Thursday, half a pound of boiled beef, and one 
 pound of potatoes, or other vegetables. 
 
 Monday and Friday, one quart of broth, from beef of the preceding days, 
 -with herbs, and half a pound of bread. 
 
 Tuesday, a quarter of a pound of cheese, and half a pound of bread. 
 
 Wednesday, one quart of rice and oatmeal pottage, and half a pound of 
 bread. 
 
 Saturday, one quart of the stew of heads and bones. 
 
 ®3° This stew is made of shin-bones and heads, clean washed, after the 
 proportion of two bullock's heads and two shin-bones for 120 Prisoners, 
 with half an ounce of rice per head. It is made over night, by a slow fire, 
 with onions, leeks, and salt, in a boiler which confines the steam, in the 
 manner of a digester. The rice must be steeped in cold water all night, and 
 put into the stew in the morning. 
 
 Breakfast is delivered at eight o'clock in Summer, and nine in Winter. 
 ' Dinner at twelve. Supper at eight in Summer, and six in Winter. 
 
 The Table of Diet is printed and stuck up in the Gaol. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This admirable Prison is built of stone, and does honour to the W^est Riding of 
 Yorkshire. '1 lie Gaoler's house fronts the Street, and is separated from the Prison 
 by an area, containing nearly half an acre of gi'ound, of which the Gaoler has a 
 completely conmianding view.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 567 
 
 Two Turnkeys are allowed ; the first at one guinea, the second at sixteen shil- 
 lings per week ; and a Porter also, at 2o/. per annum. 'J'ljese are supplied each 
 with a house and coals free, and live within the walls. They are entirely under 
 the Keeper's direction; may be continued or dismissed at his pleasure; and 
 are paid by the Keeper, who receives the money from the County Treasurer. 
 
 The Task Master, or Manufacturer, who superintends the Prisoners employed, 
 is chosen by the Magistrates, who allow him lOO/. a year. He, likewise, is under 
 the Keeper's direction, and obliged to assist him ; but the Keeper Las no power to 
 dismiss him. 
 
 The Prison consists of a centre, and two wings. The West wing has fiftyone 
 "cells, beins seventeen on each of the three floors. Women Prisoners are here con- 
 fined ; and each has a separate cell. 
 
 The centre has two large rooms on the ground-floor ; one for Felons, the other 
 for Misdemeaners ; and also 17 sleeping-cells, in which Men Felons are confined 
 separately, unless their number exceeds that of the cells ; in which case two sleep 
 together. 
 
 The East wing has forty-five cells, fourteen on the first and second floor each, 
 and seventeen on the upjjer story. All of them have arched roofs ; are 7 feet 9 inches 
 long by 6 feet 9 v. ide, and are fitted up \\\t\\ iron bedsteads, and a straw mattress, 
 two blankets, a sheet, and a rug each. The lower range is warmed by the tube of 
 a German stove passing through, and the cells are thoroughly ventilated. Each 
 door has a cylinder for conveying provisions, &c. to the Prisoners. The upper 
 stories of the house are like the lower, except that the windows of the latter are 
 glazed. The lobbies or passages are very spacious and airy, supplied with plenty of 
 water, and in each lobb}' is a judiciously and well-contrived sewer. 
 
 Amongst the cells are six, for nol'itarij cotrfinement of the Refractory ; the doors of 
 which have a cylinder, like the forn)er, to admit Provisions, but no light, except 
 what is received through a small circular jierforation. 
 
 The Men's Infirmary has three sleeping-rooms, and three beds in each, with a 
 sitting-room adjoining. 'J he Women's Infirmary consists of two sleeping-rooms, 
 each three-bedded, and a sitting-room, like the founer. 
 
 The Cook's kitchen has a small room attached to it, with two beds for servants. 
 
 There are within the Prison one hundred and thirteen cells, and seventeen beds 
 in diflferent rooms. 
 
 In the Chapel the Men arc placed on one side, and the Women on the other; 
 all in view of their Mini>ter, but tntnely unseen by each other. The Sick are seated, 
 with like discriminaiion, in the Gallery, but can see and be seen by the rest of the 
 Prisoners.
 
 56S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Each Prisoner, on Commitment, and previous to admission, is stripped and 
 washed ; and such part of their dress as is wonli preserving, alter undergoing fumi- 
 gation, is ticketted and hung up, to be given them when discharged ; togellier with 
 such additional articles of a])parel as their several necessities may require. 
 
 The County clothing assigned them, instead of their own, is a black and yellow 
 alternately stri])ed cloth, and a pair of wooden clogs. When I was there in l802, 
 a large capital letter was sewed upon each Prisoners' coat, denoting his ofience ; 
 for during that one hour of the day wherein Felons are allowed to walk in the area, 
 they mix and associate with the o-her Prisoners, In some Gaols the latter are, very 
 prudently, separated during that short time of recreation. 
 
 At the back of this Prison there is an enclosed plot of ground, nearly three acres, 
 in which are eighty-five work-cells ; but, with the exception of four only, they 
 appear much too small; their cielings are low, and the cells but 8 feet long by 
 6 feet and 1 inch wide. The remainder of the plot is occupied by a kitchen garden, 
 which produces more vegetables in general than the whole Prison can consume. Its 
 boundary wall is l<) feet high. 
 
 If the earnings of the Prisoners do not amount to what they cost the County, it 
 is perhaps because they too frequently want the means of Employment. Men, 
 after the first fourteen days, will generally earn more than is suthcient for their 
 subsistence, provided they are in health, and have work to do. Sawing of wood 
 seems here the most j)roductive; and by this kind of work, the profit of each Pri- 
 soner's labour may be estimated at from half a guinea to fourteen shillings per week. 
 Women are often very deficient in this respect ; many of them have helpless 
 children; some are cripples; the younger Women, on their admission, are too 
 often so afflicted with a certain disorder, that a great portion of their time is ex- 
 pended in obtaining a cure. The Employment of Females here is spinning of 
 worsted, and picking of wool. 
 
 The respectable Magistrates of the West Riding liave humanely directed that 
 every Prisoner's subsistence shall be reckoned at six-pence a day. Of all above that 
 sum, which the Prisoner shall have gained by his labour, he is to receive one half, 
 and the other half goes to the County. A noble example of liberality, and worthy 
 of imitation! as, from the best calculation that can be made, each Prisoner stands 
 the County in one shilling a day. 
 
 The Quarter Sessions are held, as follows : 
 
 In the Spring, at Pontefract only ; in the Summer, at Skipton, Bradford, and 
 Kotherhain ; in Autumn, at Knaresborough, Leeds, and Rotherham ; and in Win- 
 ter, at Weatherby, Wakefield, and Doncaster. 
 
 The irons used in this Prison are of the very lightest kind, being, as I conceive, 
 not more than five or six pounds in weight. But I saw here one pair, that weighed
 
 IN ENGLAND. SCOTLAND, AND WALES. K9 
 
 Jlffi/^fu'O pounds ; and vviiicli the Turnkey told me a refractory Prisoner had on for 
 a fortnight, h>/ unif of piimslimcuf. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 conspicuously hung up: Tlie whole Prison is whitewaslied four times in the year, 
 and is as clean, in every part, as any private house. 
 
 WAKEFIELD. 
 
 The Toum Gaol. 
 
 This, which is also by the vulgar jocosely called " the Kidcotts," is a new Prison, 
 built in 1800. 
 
 The Constable is its Keeper. It consists of two lofty rooms, about four yards 
 square, with each an iron bedstead and straw. The floors are of flag-stone, dry, 
 and well ventilated by iron-grated windows, looking into the passage which sepa- 
 rates the rooms. 
 
 Prisoners are seldom detained here above a night or two. I met with none, at 
 my visit, l6th August, 1802. 
 
 The liberal and humane spirit of the Magistrates will not suflTer even this small 
 place of confinement to escape their attention. 
 
 The sewers are judiciously constructed, and communicate properly with the drains. 
 
 August 1802, on my arrival at this place, (Wakefield) just as Divine Service liad 
 begun, I was surprized at not seeing a single Beggar or Vagrant, nor even an 
 idling Lounger, about the Streets. The Church was filled within, and peace and 
 good order equally prevailed without. I was pleased on being informed that " this 
 was iiof a casual circumstance, for that I should always find it so, whenever I visited 
 the place on a Sabbath Day." I had conceived the Police to be so regulated, 
 that some of its respectable inhabitants must have perambulated the Streets alter- 
 nately; as, otherwise, it seemed hardly possible to keep so large a Town in such 
 decent observance of the Sabbath, 
 
 In another part of this District I recollect finding some Low-Court Debtors in 
 their Prison, on a Sunday, as black as chimney-sweepers, and as busy as ants or 
 bees. They were sifting cinders, in order to make up a profitable " two loads of 
 ashes, which were to be fetched away the next morning." 
 
 4 D
 
 •570 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WALSALL. Staffordshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 ""Gaoler, William Mason. No Salary. Fees, 3*. 4«?. and 2*. to the Town -Clerk. 
 1802, Nov. 2d, no Prisoners. 
 Allowance, to Debtors and Felons, twopence per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison consists of two rooms nnder the Town-Hall: that for Debtors has a 
 fire-place : it is down five steps, and has an iron-grated window to the Street, but 
 not being glazed, and having no inside shutters, it is extremely cold ; and there is 
 straw only, on the damp brick floor, to sleep upon. A door opens out of this room 
 into a dark Dungeon for Felons, about 9 feet square. 
 
 Adjoining to the Debtors' room is one for Felons, with an iron-grated window 
 towards the Street, and two dark Dungeons, with straw to sleep on. 
 
 No court? No sewer r Notcater! The Beadle told' me he brought it to the 
 grating for the Prisoners. Those for petty ofl^ences remain here till the Quartet 
 Sessions. No Debtors are confined here for less than ten pounds.^ 
 
 WALSL\GHAM. Norfolk. 
 
 Gaoler, William Wright. Salary, 50/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; but the Rev. IVlr. Warner reads Prayers gratuitously every 
 week. 
 
 Surgeon, Mt. Bulcock ; now Mr. Adcock. Salary, lol. 
 
 Prisoners, 1805, Sept. 2d, Five. 1810, Sept. 6th, Nine. 
 
 Allowance, a half quartern loaf per day, sent from the Baker's. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 On the ground-floor are four cells, 12 feet 6 by 6 feet 6, and 9 feet high, fitted 
 up with crib bedsteads, straw-in-sacking beds, two blankets, two sheets, and a 
 coverlet. Each cell has an iron-grated window, 3 feet square, with an inside shutter. 
 There are glazed windows also, to put up in cold weather; and an aperture, or pot- 
 hole, in each door, 8 inches by 6. The cell door opens into a lobby, or passage, 
 
 '7 fr
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Jm 
 
 4 feet wide, 33 in length ; at the end of which is the Chapel, 18 feet by 9, and 
 9 feet higli, with a fire-place. 
 
 Above stairs an- four other cells, of like dimensions, and fitted up in the same 
 manner; with an Infirmary-room at the end, of the same size as the Chapel ; and 
 a small store-room. 
 
 The court-yard not being secure, the Prisoners are only permitted the use of it 
 once a day. to clean their pots, and wash themselves ; for which soap and towels 
 are provided by the County. 
 
 The whole Prison is well ventilated, and very clean. Act and Clauses not 
 hung up. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. No Employment for the Prisoners. 
 
 WARRINGTON, Lancashire. 
 The Town Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, J. Boardman, who is also Master of the Workhouse. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1802, Oct. 10th, Four. 1809, Nov. nth, None. 
 
 Allowance, one shilling each per day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is a detached building, consisting of two rooms, or cells, in the Work- 
 house Yard, of about 9 feet by C, with vaulted roofs, and stone-floors. Each has 
 a wooden bedstead, with loose straw, and two rugs. A tub supplies the place of a 
 «ewer. The only light or ventilation is from a circular aperture, about 2 inches iu 
 diameter, made in the wooden door of one cell, and a wicket Q inches square in the 
 iron door of the other. 
 
 No water accessible, but as brought in by the Keeper. He informed me that 
 Prisoners were sometimes confined here a fortnight, and never permitted to come 
 out of their wretched and offensive cells, except when the Town Constable thinks 
 proper, and finds it convenient to attend them!
 
 J78 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WELLS. Somersetshire. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 The Prison here building is very conveniently situated near the Sessions-house, 
 and intended for the Reception of Prisoners from Taunton, Shepton-Mallet, and 
 Bridgewater, during the time of the Assizes being held here. 
 
 On the ground-floor is a room on each side of a lobby, or passage, 9 feet wide ; and 
 two other rooms above them, about 15 feet square, with two iron-grated windows in 
 feach, and a fire-place. 
 
 The Assizes are held at Wells every other year. My visit was the 21st Sept. l8off. 
 
 WARWICK. 
 
 The County Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Joseph Chaplin. Salary, 80/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Hugh Laugharne. Duty, Prayers and Sermon once a week. 
 
 Salary, 50/. for this Prison, and the County Gaol. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Birch. Salary, for Bridewell and Gaol, 40/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Males. Females. 
 
 1803, Aug, 20th, ------ 54 ------- 19. 
 
 1808, July 31st, ------ 34 ---._--- 21. 
 
 1809, Aug. 19th, - - -.- - 45 - - - - - - 31. 
 
 Six Children, and a Lunatick. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of bread per day, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Keeper's house has his garden in front, and commands a view of the two 
 court-yards. That for Men is Q^ feet by 36; that for Women, 87 feet by 15; and 
 both are well supplied with hard and soft water. 
 
 Here are likewise two courts for Male and Female Vagrants, of about 21 feet 
 by 12, with a sleeping cell in each, about 10 feet square. 
 
 On the basement story of the Men's-Side is a weaver's shop, containing a loom, six 
 spinning wheels, a carding machine, and a twisting mill ; and close to it, a combing 
 and sorting room. In another room, above stairs, are seven other looms, ten spinning 
 wheels, a small carding machine, and a warping mill. On the basement story 
 also, in a new adjacent building, are a dye-house, with stoves, and a wash-house, 
 with a staircase at each end. 
 
 On a second and principal story is a spinning room, extending the whole length 
 of the building ; and capable of containing about thirty spinning wheels, of which
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. fffl 
 
 fifteen were at work when I made my last visit. The upper or attick story has a 
 room for depositing the manufactured goods, and an Infirmary for the Women. 
 
 Tiie cenlre-buikhng, on the basement story, has a warm and cold bath, an oven 
 and boiler ; witli pipes to convey water from the reservoir. Tiie principal story has 
 two day-rooms, one for the Men, the other for the Women, which ojjen into their 
 several court-yards ; and to each of which the County allow one hundred weight of 
 coals per day in the winter, and halt iliat quantity in the summer months. Like- 
 wise a room set apart for Male-Convalescents, to which firing is allowed ; and one 
 solitary cell, about 7 feet square. 
 
 Over these is the Chamber story; in which are the Chapd, three sleeping-cells, 
 and a sleeping-room, about 15 feet square : And on the same floor, two other lodging- 
 rooms for Women, of about \6 feet by 14, and two cells, 7 feet square. The (laoler 
 supplies those Prisoners who pay \s. 6d. per week with a bed, sheets, blankets, and 
 a rug. 
 
 The attick-story, on the 3Ieiis-S!de, has a sleeping-room, of 30 feet by I6, with 
 partitions on the floor ; and a sick room, 16' feet by IJ., furnished with wooden 
 turn-up bedsteads, chaft'-bcds, and two rugs each. Adjoining to the latter room is 
 a small one, about 7 feet square, with a fire-place, to prepare and warm their victuals. 
 
 The Women's-Side contains two rooms, of 16 feet by 14 each; and a smaller, 
 like that for the Men, 7 feet square. 
 
 The Chapel is partitioned off for the Sexes, but is too small for so populous, 
 and sometimes crowded, a Prison. The Prisoners are all required to attend Divine 
 Service, unless prevented by sickness. 
 
 The County allows to each Prisoner a chaff bed, or sacking filled with straw, 
 changed every quarter, and two rugs. 
 
 The Men have their Barber weekly, and clean linen once a week, which is washed 
 and mended by Women Prisoners. The County supplies soap and tdvvels for all. 
 In sickness the Surgeon orders whatever is proper, at the County expence. 
 
 The Women are generally supplied with clothing from tlie Prison Manufactures ; 
 which is given to them when discharged. 
 
 The following Documents are worthy of record, and highly exemplary. 
 
 " Various Articles manufactured in the House of' Correction at ff'urwicL 
 " The Combing of Wool : Carding ditto ; spinning it ; and also Jerseys and 
 Linen from Flax: Weaving of Carpets; Linsey for Petticoats ; Tammies and Linen 
 Cloth ; Horse-girth Webbing ; Horse clothing, rugs, and blankets." 
 
 " Earnings, and Rewards. 
 
 Earnings from Jan. 1st, l8a3, to 1S04 
 Rewards ditto ------- 
 
 Nett Benefit 
 
 £. 
 
 s. d. 
 
 145 
 
 3 9 
 
 30 
 
 1 
 
 M15 
 
 2 9
 
 574 €TATE OF PRISONS 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Earnings, Jan. 1st, 1804 to 1805 213 17 H 
 
 Rewards - - > 37 7 6 
 
 Nett Benefit - - - ig. 176 to 5 
 
 Earnings, Jan. 1st, 1805 to 1806 - 255 15 9 
 
 Rewards 42 18 2^ 
 
 Benefit - - - - ^6.212 17 6^ 
 
 Earnings, Jan 1st, 1806 to 1807 278 14 9 
 
 Rewards ---------------- 49 5§ 
 
 Benefit - - - - ^.229 14 3i 
 
 Earnings, Jan. 1st, 1807 to 1S08 -- 320 13 4 
 
 Rewards 51 9 2^ 
 
 Benefit - - - - .£.269 4 If 
 
 Earnings, Jan. 1st, 1808 to 1809 --------319191 
 
 Rewards ---------------- 54 13 
 
 Benefit - - - - ^6. 265 6 1 
 
 The average number of working hands is ^owX. fifty, AH Prisoners who work 
 have twopence or threepence in a shilling out of their earnings, which is paid them 
 weekly. 
 
 The Number of Commitments, for seven years, was as follows : 
 From 1st Jan. 1802 to 1803 - - 265. From 1st Jan. 1806 to 1807 - - 2l6. 
 
 1803 to 1S04 - - 249. 
 1S04 to 1805 - - 200. 
 1805 to 1806 - - 204. 
 
 1807 to 1808 - - 238. 
 
 1808 to 1809 - - 259. 
 
 When a Prisoner is discharged, a Donation is issued, according to the distance 
 from home, and behaviour during confinement: and one or two shirts or shifts, 
 a pair of shoes, or a jacket, are presented to such as have been six months impri- 
 soned, and conducted themselves properly. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 exemplarily hung up. The Prison is white-washed once a year, and kept very clean. 
 There were seven Prisoners on the Sick List in 1809, when I made my last visit.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 57S 
 
 WARWICK. 
 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Henrif Tatnall. Salary, 300/. 
 
 Fees, Debtors, see Table. Felons pay no Fees. For removal of Transporta^ 
 the E.vpence of Conveyance. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Hugh Laugharne. 
 
 Duty, Sunday and Friday, Prayers and Sermon. 
 Salary, 50/. for Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Birch. Salary, 40/. for Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 ISOO, March 25th, ------ 32 ------ 66 
 
 1802, March 23d, ------ 19 -_-..- 71 
 
 1803, August 2Gth, ---- -15 --.--_ 36 
 
 1808, July 31st, ---.---24 ------25 
 
 1809, August iptli, ------ 11 ----_. 29 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of bread daily, to every description of Prisoners, 
 It is sent in loaves from the Baker's; and I have always found them full 
 weight. See in the Remarlcs, Donnthms to Debtors. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 At the entrance is the Turnkey's Lodge ; the room over which, denominated the 
 Dead- Room, is so called from the Executions which take place out of it. A small 
 court-yard fronts the Gaoler's house, which is nearly in the centre of the building. 
 
 Master's-Side Debtors have a court-yard, 82 feet by 37 ; a day-room, «o feet 
 by 16; and nine lodging-rooms, about 10 feet square, for which, they pa)' as per 
 Table. Above stairs are eighteen rooms, of about the same size, and opening into 
 passages only 3. feet wide. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors have also a court exactly similar to the former; a day- 
 room about 1 4 feet square ; and three sleeping-rooms above stairs, furnished with 
 clKiff beds, and two rugs each on the floor, for which they pay nothing*. 
 
 Women Debtors have two rooms, the largest about 20 feet square, and the smaller, 
 16 feet by 9, with bedding the same as the Men; and areallowetl wooden bedsteads^ 
 with sacking bottoms : tliey have likewise a small court-yard. 
 
 * Too poor, perhaps, to-pay any thing. I could not but consider their oircumstances as very pitiable ^ 
 and I find that a stranger, of similar senlimenis, sent these Common-side Paupers, :is follows, at Ilie time 
 of one of my visits ; viz. Four iron bedsteads, witli sacking bottoms ; four brown lioUami flock-beds and 
 pillows ; four pair of blankets, and four (guilts.
 
 576 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Besides the stated allowance, Debtors receive, from a Legacy, eight threepenny 
 loaves twice a month, of which here is no iNIemorial. They are regularly sent by 
 Bernard Uewes, Esq. of Welshbourn in this County, who likewise gives annually 
 one ton of coals to the Debtors, and one ton to the Felons, at Christmas. Debtors 
 also receive Dunatium at Christmas yearly; which amounted, in 1798, to about 
 28/. in money, meal Jjnd coals; in 1799, to 26/. ; in 1800,26/.; in 1801, 24/-; 
 in 1802, 25/.; in 1803, to iS/.; in iSO-l, 16/. ; in 1S05, \\l. \Qs. ; in 1806, 
 22I. 12*.; in 1807, 3,')/- 2*- ; and in 1808, to 49/- 7*- 4|<i 
 
 Table of Fees, 
 As settled by his Majesty's Justices of the Peace at the General Quarter Sessions 
 
 held at JVarukh, the 30th day of July, 1759. 
 
 s . d. 
 ■ " Every Prisoner that lies on the Keeper's-side, if he has a bed to himself, 
 
 pays by the week ..--------------26 
 
 Those Prisoners on the Keeper's-side who have a bed between two, pay 
 
 each by the week _------ ---------16 
 
 For entering every Action against each Prisoner --------30 
 
 For discharging every Action against each Prisoner - -..- .-10 6 
 To the Under-Sheriff for every Discharge ---------40 
 
 For receiving and entering every Declaration .-.-----10 
 
 For a Copy of each Warrant against each Prisoner ------- 10 
 
 For every Certificate of the Cause of a Prisoner's being detained in Prison, 
 
 in order for being discharged _.__.------ -30 
 
 " F. Stratford, Wm. Huddesfoud, J. Bird. 
 
 »« We, the Judges of Assize for the County of IVai-wkk, have received, and do hereby con- 
 firm, the above Table of Fees. Given under our hands this 24th August, 1759. 
 
 " T. Parker. J. Hewitt." 
 
 The Chapel is so partitioned oflT, that the Sexes are out of sight of each other. 
 All the Prisoners attended Divine Service when I was here in 1803, and 1809. 
 Below the Chapel are two work-rooms, in one of which the Men weave; and eight 
 looms were employed : in the other the Women spin, and mend and wash for the 
 Men-Prisoners. 
 
 The Male-Felons' court-yard is 96 feet by 54 ; and that of the Females 51 feet 
 by 21 ; both well supplied with hard and soft water. The Men have two day-rooms 
 on the ground-floor, each 31 feet by 19 feet 6 inches ; sixteen sleeping-cells, and 
 three solitary ones, each 9 feet by 6, and 9 feet high, with arched roofs, divided by a 
 passage 5 feet wide. On the first story are twenty-eight cells of the same size, 
 separated by a wall, and a passage on each side, of 5 feet wide. The second, third, 
 and fourth stories have each the same number of cells, divided in like manner, and of 
 the same dimensions. In the whole, therefore, here are 103 cells, of which twenty-
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 577 
 
 four are called double cells, as being twice the size of the rest, and adapted to 
 receive two I^risontrs. IVo large cells, with fire-places anti glazed windows, are 
 set apart for the sick. 
 
 Tliii W'omen-Feluiis also have, on the ground-floor, one day-room, of 18 feet by 
 14; a wash-house and two sle('))ing-cells; and on the upper story, two sleeping- 
 rooms, of the same size as their day rooms; and an infiruiaiy-room, with fire-place* 
 and glazed windows. 
 
 Felons are here allowed cast-iron bedsteads, covered with wood, chafT-beds, and 
 two rugs to each. Every cell has a double door; the inner of wood, the outer one 
 iron-grated. I must observe, that if the passages, numbered 3, 4, 7, and 8, on the 
 Felon's-side of this Prison, had circular apertures at the end, it would greatly im- 
 prove the ventilation. It is intended to have a separate court-yard for young Offend- 
 ers, with a large room and a workshop, which are very much wanted. 
 
 Here is a room for depositing the irons, and a warm and cold bath. The old 
 dungeon (a descent of 2i steps) in this Gaol, is made use of for Deserters ; and 
 adjoining to it is a subterraneous passage, through which the Prisoners are brought 
 into Court for trial, and cannot but feel the awfulness of such a transit! 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, are 
 conspicuously hung up ; and the whole Prison is very clean. 
 
 Formerly, the Debtors in common were used to receive thirty shillings a year, 
 from the rent of a house in the Town. This, 1 understand, was a Legacy ; but 
 am told it has been discontinued for many years. No Memorial of it is hung up 
 in the Gaol. 
 
 In the Debtor's court there is a Poor's Box, put up by Blackett Wise, Esq. *, 
 
 Sheriff, 9th January 1S08 ; and on a board over it are the following original lines, 
 
 which, for their excellent and scriptural pathos, have already been transcribed at 
 
 Dover-Caxtle. See P. 171. 
 
 • 
 
 " Oh ye, whose hours exempt from sorrow flow, 
 
 Behold the seat of pain, and want, and woe ! 
 
 Think, while your hands th' entreated alms extend, 
 
 That what to m ye give, to God ye lend." 
 
 * Tliis Gentleman likewise gave to poor Debtors in the List two winters, a joint of meat, a quantity 
 of garden stuff, and one hmidicd weight of coals. 
 
 4 E
 
 -578 ' STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WELLINGTON. Shropshire. 
 Gaoler, Edward Tonge, a Sheriff's Officer. No Salary. Fees, js. 6d. 
 No Prisoners, 4th Nov. l802, and 11th Sept. 1803. 
 Allowance, none, except as Paupers from the Parish. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 . This Gaol, for the Hundred of Bradford, is, I ain informed, the property of tht» 
 Earl of l\u-lington, High Steward of that Liberty. It is for Debtors only, and 
 those of two descriptions, commonly called the High Court and Low Court 
 Prisoners. 
 
 Tne High Court Prisoners are detained for Debts from ten to twenty Pounds : 
 The Low Court Prisoners are detained for Debts, not exceeding forty shillings. 
 
 The Gaol consists of five rooms in the Keeper's house, three of which are totally 
 dark. The Gaoler, p.iying window-tax, has stopped them up. A little loose and 
 dirty straw on the floor for bedding. No court-yard, or water, accessible to the 
 Prisoners. Not white-washed for seven years together. The whole Prison is very 
 nasty, and insecure. 
 
 Two Prisoners, who had been here for as many years, were released by the Insol- 
 vent Act. What a time is two years so speot ! 
 
 WELLS. Somersetshire; See Pas^e ^1^2. 
 
 WHJTECHAPEL. London. 
 Prison for Debtors. 
 
 Gaoler, John Simpion ; a Sheriffs Officer. Salary, none. Fees, S*'. id. No Table. 
 Allowance ; none whatever. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This is a Prison for the Liberties and Manors of Stepney and Hackney. In it are 
 confined those, whose debts are above 2/. and not exceeding 5/. Tiiere are four rooms 
 fronting the road, tv/o on each story, about l j feet by 13, and 8 feet high. Jf a 
 Debtor sK-'eps in any of these rooms, he pays the Keeper, for the use of a bed, one 
 shilling the first night, and six-v)-nce per night afterwards. The court-yard is 
 40 feet by 20, in which is the ?,len's day-roorn, 12 feet by 10. From the court- 
 yard the ascent is by a wooden stair-case to a gallery, in which are two sleeping- 
 rooms, and Women's day-room, of equal size with that below. These &te free-wards.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 579 
 
 By the Act, 178.1, 21 George III. ontitle.l, "An Act for climinisliing the Fees 
 " payable, and altering the mode of proceeding, in the Court of Hecord, within the 
 '• Manors of ^^tepney and Hackney, ice." imprisonment is fixed, " for a time not 
 " exceeding oi)e week, for evcri/ pound of the total debt and costs." By virtue of 
 this good Statute no Prisoners can be confined here more thin five weeks. * 
 
 The Court to wliich tliis Prison belongs does not proceed by Arrest, but by Sum- 
 mons ; and no Prisoners are received, but in execution. The Costs arc always IS*, 
 in every suit. Before Lord Beauchamp's Act I was told that fifty had been 
 confined here at a time; but since it passed, they have never exceeded three. 
 
 WHITEHAVEN. Cumber/and. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Curry. Salary, 20l. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; but the Rev. Richard Armistead frequently attends. 
 
 Surgeon, none. 
 
 Allowance, two shillings a week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison, built in 180S, is situate in a high and healthy part of Oueen-street. . 
 The Keepers house is in front; separated from the Prison behind it by an area of 
 5G feet by 23, and solely for the Keeper's use. Out of this area ure two iron-grated 
 doors of entrance to the Prison ; one for Men, the other for Women ; and opening 
 into their respective court-yards ; both of which ^xe 43 feet by \,i feetG, with sewers 
 conveniently placed. 
 
 On the ground-floor each have a day or mess-room, 13 feet by 12 feet G, and 
 8 feet high ; a work-room 17 feet by 12 feet G, and a sleej)iiig-cell for Felons, 12 feet 
 by 9, of the same height : the floors are flagged ; a small iron-grated hole gives 
 light and ventilation to each cell, which has a ca^st-iron bedstead, with wooden 
 bottom, straw-in-sacking bed, two blankets, and a rug. The day and work-rooms 
 have likewise flagged floors ; but they are lighted and ventilated by grated and 
 glazed casement windows, 4 feet 2 inches by 2 feet 6', and have fire-places ; but 
 coals are not furnished by the County. 
 
 On the chamber-story are four sleeping-rooms, about 12 feet square, and two 
 infirmary-rooms, 12 feet by 9, with boarded floors : four of them have fire-places; 
 and all have grated and glazed casement windows, and are fitted up \\ ith wood bed- 
 steads, and bedding as before described The sexes are completely separated, and al- 
 lowed to take the air in their court-yards during the day. The greatest number 
 of Prisoners confined here at one time has been twelve.
 
 ^80 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WINCHESTER. Hampshire. 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, John Wltite. Salary, 200/. ; and Two Guineas per a-nnuni, for keeping 
 a check-account of bread delivered. 
 Fees, for Debtors, see Table : besides which the Under-Sheriff demands a Fee 
 of 6s. Sd. and also one shilling to his Clerk, for his Liberate ! 
 
 For Felons, no Fees. For Conveyance of Transports the Gaoler makes a 
 Bill, and the Expence is allowed him. Garnish, abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Alcholas IFestcomb. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday; and Prayers on Wednesday and 
 Friday. Salary, 70/. for Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Giles Li/ford. 
 
 Salary, lOO/. for Common-Side Debtors, Felons^ and Bridewell Prisoners. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1800, March 30th - - 19 - - 27. 
 
 1801, Jan. 10th, 42 - - 59- 
 
 180s, Jan. 3d, 26 - - 49. 
 
 1S02, March 29th, - - 23 - - 33. 
 1803, Oct. 24th, - - 18 - - 42. 
 1807, Sept. 23d, 23 - - 18. 
 
 Allowance, Master's-Side Debtors, none. Those on the Common-Side have each 
 seventeen ounces of bread per day, in loaves, which, though two (l^iys old, 
 I found to be of full weight: also a pound of mutton each, on Sunday. 
 
 Felons, seventeen ounces of bread, as to the Common-Side Debtors. And 
 from Winchester College as follows : 
 
 Every Wednesday, four Sheej/s Hinges. Saturday, a Bullock's Head. 
 
 Once a week twelve loaves, the same as used for the Collegians. 
 
 On Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, a basket of broken bread and meat; 
 with six gallons of table beer three times a week, the same as used ia College. 
 Also two quarts of oatmeal, and one quart of salt once a week. The broken 
 meat and bread are served out one pound per Man, or 5s far as it will go. 
 Convicts, under Sentence 9f Transportation, have here the Ring's Allowance 
 of 2*. 6d. ])er week, 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 On a Tablet over the Entrance is the following Inscription : 
 
 " This County Gaol was erected 
 
 in the Forty-fifth Year of the Reign of 
 
 His Majesty George the Third, &c. 
 
 and in the Year of our Lord, 
 
 M,DCCC,V. 
 
 Mo>!EYPENNy, Architect."
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND. WD WALES. Mf 
 
 To prevent encroachments, the ground recently purchased by the County extend.s 
 about twelve feet beyond what is occupied by the Gaol. The Prison is enclosed 
 on three sides by a low fence-wall, ten feet high ; in the centre of which, on the 
 East, or principal front, is the entrance. This is rendered very conspicuous by a 
 noble and spacious gate, of the Tuscan order, constructed from a design of f'ignola, 
 at the Farnese Gardens' Gate, or entrance into the Camjjo \'a((;ini ; and adorned 
 with rustick columns and pilasters, supporting a handsome entablature. 
 
 At sixty feet distance, on each side of the gate, are rustick piers, connected with " 
 the gate by an iron railing. The principal front of this building is 220 feet in 
 length, and is designed to form three advanced structures. The chief entrance is in 
 the middle structure; and on each side are the publick entrances to the court- 
 yard, with rooms for the Turnkeys adjoining. 
 
 . The spaces between the advanced structures are ornamented with niches, finished 
 in a style of chaste simplicity, and the angles are embossed with rustick quoins : 
 The parts of which all are composed, are large, few in number, and of a bold relief, 
 characteristick of the purpose of the building. 
 
 Over the niches are moulded square compartments, which give a simple and 
 easy relief to the space between the crowning of the niches, and the beautiful Dorick 
 cornice; which is a grand and striking object, imitated from the Theatre of Mar- 
 cellus at Kome, excepting in the Dentil-band, which here remains uncut, and the 
 soffit of the corona is divested of its ornaments. 
 
 The Keeper's house, a large and convenient dwelling, is in the centre of tl>e 
 building; and affords from each floor an entire communication, by arcades, all 
 round the Prison, without the necessity of passing the courts. These arcades are 
 likewise very commodious for the Debtors ; giving them an easy and ojjen avenue to 
 their respective apartments, and a great accommodation for walking and exercise in 
 bad weather. 
 
 The ascent to the floors of the arcades, which are paved with flag-stones, is by 
 stone stair-cases, guarded by iron railing. Over each arcade, on the Master-Debtors' 
 Side, are six sleeping-rooms, l6 feet square, and nearly 1 1 feet high ; And a kitchen, 
 or mess-room, 24 feet by 22, with a large hre-place, dining-tablcj slitlvcs, and cup- 
 boards for provisions. 1 hey have also two rooms on the ground-floor, of the same 
 size ; one of v/hich is a day-room, and the other for the Debtor to see his friends in. 
 The bed-rooms are furnished with a wooden lath-bedstead, a straw-mattress, 
 feather-bed, blanket, sheets, and a rug, at 2.y. Od. each per week. 
 
 The court for Common-Side Debtors is separated from that of the Mastcr's-Side 
 by an iron railing, and is of equal size, viz. 84 ft^et by 74. Thev have likewise 
 three floors of arcades, that lead to their sleeping-rooms; three of which are on the 
 ground-floor ; three on the first story, with a mess-room, the same as on the Master's- 
 Side; and three on the attick-story, with an Infirmary. To these sleeping-rooois.
 
 582 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 which are similar to tliose on the Master's-Side, the County allows a straw-in- 
 sacking bed, a blanket and coverlet, gratis. 
 
 In die Women-Debtors' court, which is 8o feet by 35, and situate on the South- 
 side of the Prison, are four spacious rooms, of like construction with those for the 
 other Debtors. One of these rooms is furnished by the Keeper, at 2*. 6d. per 
 week ; and the others have a straw-in-sacking bed, blanket, and coverlet, at the 
 County's expence. Every room I)as a bath-stove grate, an iron shovel and poker, 
 and a coal-boK, to hold two bushels. The recess on each side of the chimney has 
 a shelf, 18 inches wide, for placing their provisions, &c. All the Debtors' rooms 
 are boarded, with each a sash-window, 5 feet 6 by 3 feet 6, and a grated, unglazed 
 aperture over the door, of 3 feet by 18 inches. This court has no arcades, but a 
 door out of it communicates with the Chapel. 
 
 Here is a reservoir, filled by an hydraulic jvinnp from a well of fine water adjoii*- 
 ing; which, being judiciously placed in the centre of the Men-Debtors' courts, is 
 both convenient and ornamental, forming an elegant arcade beneath the cistern. 
 Within this arcade are placed two large stone-troughs, with each a pipe and cock ; 
 so that the Debtors mav enjoy all the use of a constant supply of water under cover 
 from the reservoir. Pipes are also laid on to the Keeper's house, and to the court 
 assigned for the Women-Debtors. 
 
 The court-yard for Female-Felons is situate on the North-side of the New Build- 
 ings, and in dimension lOj feet by 45. On the ground-floor is a spacious day- 
 room, 24 feet by 22, and nearly 11 feet high, with iron-grated glazed windows, 
 and paved with flag-stone. It is well supplied with water by a pipe and cock from 
 the reservoir, which is placed in the Men-Debtors' court, and fitted up with fire- 
 place, benches, table, and shelves J S inches wide, in each chimney recess, for pro- 
 visions ; and a water trough. 
 
 Within the above court are three floors of arcades, containing three cells, or 
 night-rooms on each floor, of 15 feet by 7, and nearly 11 feet high. The ascent to 
 the upper-rooms is by a stone stair-case, guarded by iron rails. These cells are 
 well aired, by grated apertures over the doors, of 3 feet by 18 inches, without glass; 
 and there is another aperture, through each partition-wall to the stair-case, whereby 
 a free circulation of air is obtained ; and which, from the spaciousness of the rooms, 
 cannot fail, with attention, to make this part of the Prison always healthy. There 
 is also on the up])er-floor an Infirmary-room, 24 feet by 22, with two sash-windows, 
 and proper conveniencies for sick persons. 
 
 The IVI ale-Felons' apartments in this Prison, as they stood in 1807, were erected 
 upon a piece of ground that was purchased in the year I788, adjoining to the old 
 structure. A lobby, or passage, 28 feet long, and 6 feet wide, leads to the centre 
 building; and on each side are two courts, of about (Jo feet by 35. On the ground- 
 floor in each court-yard is a day-room, 13 feet square, with fire place, table, benches.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 585 
 
 slielves, a water-cock, and stone washing-trough ; and also four sleepino-cells, eacli 
 9 feet by G, hiied with oak jjlank, furnished with iron-grated, unglazed windows, 
 18 feet by 14, and inside shutters, each of vvhicli has a pane of knobbed dass. 
 
 In the centre of the building, on the ground-floor, is the Turnkey-^ 'of'ge, and 
 behind that his sitting-room. On the first story are 24 sleeping-cells, aijd a sleepino-- 
 rooni for each of the Turnkeys, which commands a view of the four court-yards. 
 
 On the second, or attick-storj% are iG sleeping-cells, and four inlirmary-rooms. 
 
 The total number therefore of Men-Felons' cells is 56', with four dav-rooms, and 
 four infirmary-rooms. Each cell is <) feet by 6", and fitted nj) with wheat-straw-in- 
 canvas bed, two blankets and a rug on the floor, and pewter chamber-utensils: And 
 4II, except those on the ground-floor, open into lobbies 4 feet wide. 
 
 The various sewers are placed at the end of the several wings of the Prison, on the 
 outside of the stair-cases, the vaults of which are 60 feet deep. There are also 
 adjoining the sewers, pens for ashes, &c. forming together little buildings, equally 
 useful and ornamental. 
 
 The court-yards here are so extensive and open, that the paving of them entirely 
 with flag-stones is thought unnecessary : yet, in order that Prisoners may enjoy the 
 free use of them, spacious foot-paths of stone are laid out in various directions and 
 the intermediate parts are covered with fine gravel. 
 
 It is to be regretted, that when th's addition was made to the Prison, a New 
 rhaptl also was not built. The present o!d one, of 28 feet by 25 only, and 12 feet 
 high, is too low and inconvenient: And the se.xes, though separated in the area 
 of the Chapel, sit on benches, or forms, very near, and in full view of each other. 
 
 Debtors huve the ojitloH of attending Divine Sen'ice : but, if they neolect, are 
 locked up in their rooms till it is over. Tlve Rev.Jo/m Lee, a Romish Priest, "-ra- 
 tuitously attends those Prisoners who are of the same persuasion. 
 
 Underneath the Chapel is a large store-room, in which are deposited the fuel, &o. 
 granted for the use of the Prisoners. 
 
 The day-rooms have coals allowed, with kettles and other utensils for cooking. 
 Common-Side Debtors have about forty bushels of coals for winter consum])tion. 
 
 Within the Gaol is hungup an Account of Fees, which, after a recital of tlie Pre- 
 amble of the Statute enjoining it, is as follows : 
 
 Table of Fees, 
 
 For Debtors, in the County Gaol of Winchester. 
 
 j: s. d. 
 
 " At the entrance of every Debtor ; for cleansing: the Gaol, and finding 
 
 cnndle, a'.ul other necessaries -__.*. -------040 
 
 Of every Debtor, for each week's lodtrins i" the Gaoler's bed on 
 
 the Master's-Side ----...-...---. 02
 
 58 1 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 £. s. d. 
 For each Debtor discharged, to the Gaoler -------- lOO 
 
 Of him, tor the second, and every otiie.r Action -------0 10 
 
 To the Turnkey, at tiie Discharge of every Deljtor ------02O 
 
 To him, of such Debtor, for the second, and every other Action - - I 
 For Copy of every Warrant for a Debtor --------010 
 
 Ceriificate, to obtain a Supersedeas _.--------03'l 
 
 " Hants, Lent Assizes, March 2d, 1790. 
 " We have reviewed, and do confirm this Table of Fees. 
 
 " T. C. Shirley. " B. HOTHAM. 
 
 " J. Harrington. " R. PERRYN. 
 
 " T. Hall. 
 
 " DURNFORD, Clerk of the Peace.'* 
 
 No Employment has hitherto been provided by the County : but Prisoners of 
 handicraft trades are permitted to procure work from without, and have the whole of 
 their earnings. 
 
 Saint Cross's Hospital Bread, called " The Dole," is a small loaf, given to each of 
 the Prisoners six times a year; viz. Easter-Eve, Whitsun-Eve, May the 3d, August 
 10th, Oct. 31st, and Christmas-Eve. Upon sending thither the number of Prisoners 
 in custody on each of those days, the same number of loaves is put by, and sent for 
 the day following. 
 
 'I'jje Prisoners are obliged to wash their hands and face every morning: they 
 have clean linen once a week, and are shaved twice weekly. 
 
 Mops, brooms, brashes, soap, and all other requisites for prison cleanliness are 
 supplied to the whole Gaol by the considerate Magistrates ; and every Prisoner must 
 sweep his room, and wash it daily in summer, and weekly in winter. 
 
 Here is no Gaol-uniform provided ; but if a t^risoner be ragged or filthy in ap- 
 parel, he is furnished with suitable cloathing. A large tub is ready for a bath. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. The Act for the Preservation of Health, and Clauses against 
 Spirituous Liquors, are conspicuously fixed up, 
 
 ^l^" All Prisoners are prudently discharged in a morning ; and have money given 
 ihem, according to the distance from their respective homes. 
 
 The Keeper is humane, intelligent, and attentive, and the Prison remarkably clean. 
 
 Through the singular exertions of that active and excellent Magistrate, the late 
 Sir Henry St. John Mildmay, Bart. M. P. for the County *, a Fund has been 
 
 * My kind Friend, and able Coadjutor in an Examination into, and Report of the State of Convicts in 
 Portsmouth t and Langston Harbours ; drawn up 16th March 1802, and hereafter inserted. 
 
 + The Keeper of Portsmouth Caol, by Letter dated 27th May 181 1, informs me, that every sleeping-cell is now 
 furnished by the Corporation witli an iron-bedstead, and sacking bottom, a straw-bed, a pillow, two bl.inkets, a, 
 coverlet, and pewter chamber utensil. Debtors, or others, who wish for better accommodations, are supplied with 
 beds \>y the Gaoler, at from sixpence to one shilling per night.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. «85 
 
 established here, for the rehef of those poor Debtors, who are unable to sue for their 
 Sixpences, Supersedeas, &c. and Hkewise for giving some pecuniary assistance, to 
 enable them to return to their respective homes. 
 
 If similar institutions were set on foot throughout England and Wales, it would 
 be productive of great advantage to the helpless Prisoner : in Wales, particularly, 
 where many poor Debtors are confined for three or four pounds, and the expence 
 of suing for their aliment is greater than the original debt. 
 
 WINCHESTER. 
 
 The CUij Gaol and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, PFilUam Foster. No Salary. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, ll. 2s. od. ; for Felons, 6*. 8d. No Table. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Giles Lyford. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Criminal Prisoners, 
 
 1802, March 19th, Two. 1S03, Oct. 24th, Three. 1807, Sept. 23d, One. 
 
 Allowance, to Felons, a quart loaf oi bread every other day, which, in 180*, 
 weighed two pounds four ounces. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison is a neat brick building, erected in 1800, during the Mayoralty of 
 Joseph Barker, Esq. Debtors, arrested ou process issuing out of the Borough 
 Court, may be here confined for any sums great or small : but at my several visits 
 I have not found any in custody. 
 
 A court-yard, paved with flag-stone, of about 20 feet by 14, and two rooms, about 
 13 feet square and 9 feet high, were at first set apart for Debtors. They are now 
 however chiefly appropriated, the one to Petty Offenders, and the other to Female 
 Criminals, or to Deserters. 
 
 The Felons have also two rooms, on the opposite side of the building, and below 
 stairs, opening into their two paved court-yards, and of the same dimensions as those 
 before mentioned. The four rooms, which have all of them boarded floors, with 
 glazed windows and fire-places, are ventilated by iron-gratings over each door, and 
 a small aperture in the doors, of 9 inches by 7. To each room the City allows a 
 straw-in-sacking bed, without bedstead.; a bolster, blanket, and rug. A bushel of 
 coals also, per week, is granted in winter, for the common use of all. 
 
 At my visit in l802, there being only one fire allowed, the two Prisoners, a Man 
 and a Woman, were locked up together during the day time. 
 
 No Employment. No Rules and Orders. The Act and Clauses not hung up. 
 The court-yards well supplied with water, and the Prison clean. 
 
 4 f
 
 586 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WINCHESTER. 
 
 The County Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Richard Page. Salary, 100/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Nicholas IVestcomh. 
 
 Duty, Prayers twice a week. Salary, 70Z. for Bridewell and County Gaol. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Giles Lyford. Salary, lOOZ. for both. 
 
 Numberof Prisoners, 1801, Jan. 13th, Fifty. l802, Jan. 3d, Sixty-five. March 
 29th, Forty-nine. 1803, Oct. 24th, Sixty-three. 1807, Sept. 23d, Sixty. 
 
 Allowance, twenty-two ounces of best wheaten bread : I weighed several of the 
 loaves, and found them good weight, though two days old. Also four, and 
 sometimes five meals a week, during the winter, of meat boiled and broth 
 together. The Keeper has a large garden, in which the Prisoners are occa- 
 sionally employed ; and from which, all the summer, the Bridewell is sup- 
 plied with vegetables in season, and with potatoes during the winter, about 
 one pound per day, to each Prisoner. (See the Remarks.) 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This spacious Prison is a modern structure, and was finished in November 1787. 
 It has four large court-yards, with a pump and sewer in each. The Keeper's house 
 is in the centre of the building, but only commands the view of about one half of 
 each court-yard. 
 
 Here are four day-rooms, three for Men and one for Women, in size, 26 feet by 
 16, and 9 feet 6 inches high ; to each of which the County liberally allows one faggot 
 of wood per day till Michaelmas, and two faggots" from Miohaelmas to Lady-day : 
 also cooking utensils, tin dishes to eat out of; with mops, brooms, pails, towels, soap, 
 and every article necessary for prison-cleanliness. 
 
 Oi sleeping-cells there are forty-six ; viz. Thirty-two, "1^ feet by 6 ; four, 16 feet 
 square ; four, \6 feet by 10 ; and six, \6 feet by 12 ; all 9 feet 6 inches high. 
 
 Six of the above thirty-two are solitary cells ; each having a door that opens into- 
 a small court-yard, of 14 feet by 9, with a sewer in the corner of each court-yard ; 
 four for the Men and two for the Women: There are likewise two tiers of cells, 
 one above the other ; the passage leading to which is about 4 feet wide. Also six 
 rooms, 16 feet each by 13, and ten feet high ; two of them on the first floor, and 
 four on the second : in which are wooden crib-bedsteads, each for one person, with
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. sW 
 
 straw-in-ticking bed, bolster, blanket and rug. The like bedding (but without a 
 bedstead) is also allowed to all the cells in this Prison. 
 
 The Chapel is in the centre of the building ; and the Prisoners, seated on forms 
 are distinctly partitioned off, according to their respective wards : The Men are 
 placed in three compartments; the Women in the fourth; and they are all in siglit 
 of each other. 
 
 Previous to trial, each Prisoner has the alledged offence stuck upon the cell-door ; 
 and the sentence, in like manner, after trial. 
 
 They are all let out of their respective cells at six o'clock in summer, and again 
 locked up at sunset : in winter they are enlarged as soon as it is light, and remanded 
 at dusk. Each cell is cleaned out by about six in summer, and eight in winter ; and 
 the Prisoners are not allowed to go into their sleeping-cells during the day. 
 
 Over the Prison, and on each side of the Keeper's house, are very spacious and 
 convenient work-rooms; in one of which was deposited junk for the Prisoners, and 
 in the other several spinning-wheels. The Women were employed in reeling off 
 raw-silk ; and I was given to understand that they received the whole of their earn- 
 ings, amounting to about 1*. 6d. per week. I was concerned however to hear, at my 
 visit in September 1807, that this chief branch of their Employment, at least for 
 the present, was discontinued, owing to a decay of trade in the article of silk ; 
 but Needle-work is pursued by them, when they can procure it. 
 
 Some of the Men-Prisoners are employed either in the garden-grounds, or about 
 the building : All Handicrafts are allowed to work at their respective trades ; and of 
 the profits of their labour, after two-pence in every shilling is appropriated to those 
 poor who cannot work, the remaining five-sixths belong to the Prisoner himself. 
 
 All the sleeping-cells are lighted and ventilated by iron-grated windows, with 
 inside shutters: also an iron-grating over each door opens into a passage four feet 
 wide, and thus produces a free circulation of air. 
 
 The Lrfirmury stands just behind the Chapel, from which it is detached by a 
 court-yard. This room is pleasant and healthy, and looks over the spacious garden 
 belonging to the Keeper's house. 
 
 Every Prisoner who comes hither in a filthy and ragged condition, is strijipcd at 
 his entrance, and washed. He then receives the County-clothing, until his own 
 is fumigated, or soaked in cold water, for six days at least, the water being changed 
 every day. 
 
 The flag-stones in the lobbies of the ground-floor, being laid on chalk, are always 
 damp in wet weather ; as are also the floors of the day-rooms : But the boards of 
 the cells, resting on what they call rubley -stones, are pretty tolerably dry. 
 
 The Dean of Winchester, on Christmas-Day, sends a dinner of boiled beef t® the 
 Bridewell and County Gaol. The Chaplain also, and Surgeon, give a half-guinea 
 each, to be laid out, at the same season, in meat for the poor Prisoners.
 
 53g STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Keeper's house is a very good one : The whole of the Prison particularly clean, 
 n d frequently visi ted by the Magistrates, who enter their Remarks in a book pre- 
 pared for so good a purpose. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. The Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are hung up ; but 
 not the Act for preserving the Health of Prisoners. 
 
 The annual average of Commitments, within the last seven years, up to Septem- 
 ber 1807, exclusive of Vagrants and Deserters, was 150. Six deaths only had hap- 
 pened during 20 years, to that time ! 
 
 Prisoners always have money given to carry them home, according to their respec« 
 tive distances ; and are constantly discharged in a morning. 
 
 WIRKSWORTH. Derbyshire. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Thomas Mather. Salary, 25/. No Fees. 
 
 Sugeon, Mr. Anthony Goodwin. Makes a Bill. 
 
 Prisoner, 1805, Oct, 12th, One. 
 
 Allowance, none whatever; so that the Keeper said many might starve, if he 
 did not relieve them at his own expence ! 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This House of Correction is on Wash-Green, and was built in 179I. At the 
 back of the Keeper's house are two court-yards, one for the Men, the other for the 
 Women, of about 28 feet by 19 feet 6, with a sewer in each. 
 
 Nine steps down, in the Women's court, is a damp Dungeon, 7 feet by 6 feet 6, 
 and 6 feet 4 high, to the crown of the arch. All the light or ventilation here re- 
 ceived is by a grating through the door, six inches square. 
 
 On each side of the Keeper's apartment a door opens into a little day-room, 
 11 feet 9 inches by 7 feet, with afire-place in both. These are for the Men 
 and Women ; and each has attached to it two small sleeping-cells, 7 feet by 5 feet 6, 
 and 8 feet high; ventilated and lighted by iron grating over each door, 18 inches 
 by 15, and by a square aperture in the door, of 6 inches. Wooden bedsteads 
 only are provided by the County : straw-in-sacking and chafF-beds are furnished 
 by the Keeper. 
 
 The Prisoner here was a shoe-maker, committed for bastardy : he was at work. 
 
 No water, but what is fetched from a distance.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 589 
 
 WISBEACH. Cambridgeshire. 
 The Town Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, John Beal, a shoe-maker. Salary, 30/. No Fees. 
 
 Chaplain, was the Rev. Mr. 5'^rtc/ia// ,• since deceased. Salary, 10^. 
 
 Duty, on Sunday, when there are Prisoners. But the above Gentleman dying 
 in 1807, no Chaplain has been since appointed ; so that here are no reli- 
 gious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Skrimshaw ; now Mr. Ilardwich. 
 Salary, none. He makes a Bill. 
 
 Prisoners, l802, Aug. 8th, One. 18 10, Sept. 4th, Two, 
 
 Allowance, at my visit in l802, it was sixpence in bread daily, sent in from the 
 Baker's ; but now reduced to fourpence a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 That miserable old Prison, which I fully described in the Gentleman's Maga- 
 zine for October 1804, page 899, having been taken down, this new Gaol was first 
 inhabited 27th April 1809. It is situate at the corner of Gaol-Lane, and adjoins 
 the new Sessions-House. 
 
 The ascent to the Keeper's apartments is by a flight of eight stone steps. He 
 has two rooms for his own use ; and adjoining to them are two sleeping-cells ; the 
 largest 13 feet by 11, the other about 10 feet square, and 8 feet high ; having each 
 one double iron-grated window, of 3 feet by 2. They have no fire-place, but 
 brick floors, a bench to sit on, and loose straw laid, with two blankets, and a rug 
 for bedding. 
 
 These two cells are generally appropriated to Debtors committed hither by the 
 Court of Requests, for sums not exceeding forty shillings, the jurisdiction of which 
 Court extends eleven miles. The iron-grated windows have inside shutters, and 
 a convenient sewer is provided. 
 
 On the basement story, which is level with the Street, are thirteen sleeping-cells 
 for Criminals, their average size about 10 feet square, and 8 feet high, with windows 
 and bedding as the foruKr. They open into a lobby 4 feet wide, and must be cold 
 and damp in the Winter. Adjoining to these cells is a very large room (ov Prisoners 
 of IFar, of about 4.'5 feet by 18 ; with three double iron-grated windows, and straw 
 pn the brick floor for bedding. At one end is a fire-place, and an adjacent sewer 
 properly disposed.
 
 590 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Above stairs are six cells for Women, of about 12 feet square, with boarded 
 floors and in other respects accommodated in the same manner as those already 
 
 described. 
 
 The room set apart for the Sick is about 14 feet square ; and has a fire-place and 
 orate, with a glazed sliding sash-window, but no furniture. 
 
 The room appropriated for Divine Service is of the same size as the above, with a 
 glazed window. 
 
 No Rules and Orders. The Act and Clauses not hung up. It is in contempla- 
 tion to make a courts-yard, from the Keeper's garden behind the Prison. 
 
 Here is no Employment, although every convenience for it is at hand. The 
 hemp and flax grown within the vicinity, furnish adequate materials for the indus- 
 trious Prisoners at SwafTham, in Norfolk, above twenty miles from Wisbeach. 
 
 The Commitments to this Gaol in 1809, were 52. 
 
 WOLVERHAMPTON. Staffordshire. 
 The Bridetvell. 
 Keeper, George Roberts. Salary, 80/. No Fees. 
 Surgeon, Mr. Foivke ; who makes a Bill, 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Nov. 2d, Nine. 
 
 Allowance, seven pounds and a half of best wheaten bread, one pound of cheese, 
 and five-pence half-penny, in money or vegetables, per week, for each Prisoner. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 " This Prison," as we learn from Mr. Howard, " was once so greatly out of repair, 
 and so insecure, that Prisoners, even for the slightest offences, were kept in irons." 
 It was rebuilt in 180O. The Men Prisoners have a small flagged court-yard, about 
 33 feet by 18, furnished with a pump and sewer. Here is a day-room, with a fire- 
 place ; a work-room, and two solitary cells. 
 
 Up stairs are ten sleeping-cells, and an Infirmary room, with a fire-place. The 
 Women Prisoners have also a day and working-room below stairs ; a small court- 
 yard, 27 feet by 18, with water laid on, and a sewer provided. Above stairs three 
 sleeping-cells, and a sick-room with a fire-place ; each cell 8 feet by 6, and fitted 
 up with a rush mattress on the floor, two blankets, and a coverlet. The two rooms 
 set apart for the sick have wooden bedsteads. The passage, or lobby, that separates 
 the sleeping-cells from the court-yard, 4 feet 5 inches wide. 
 
 The Prisoners are employed in making sacks, nails, screws, &c. and receive two 
 pence in every shilling of their earnings. 
 
 Here is a Magistrates' visiting-book, provided for entries ; but none made of its 
 being visited. The cells are well ventilated, and the Prison is clean.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. Ml 
 
 WOODBRIDGE. Suffolk. 
 The Bridewell. 
 
 Keeper, Robert Dowsing ; now John Fisher. Salary, 52/. 10.?. with coals and 
 candles ; also mops, brooms, pails, &c. to keep the Prison clean. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Black. Salary, 25/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon on Sunday, and Prayers on Wednesday and 
 Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Ling ; who makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1805, Sept. 13th, One. 1810, Sept. 22d, Two. 
 
 Allowance, one pound and half of best bread per day, sent from the Baker's in 
 loaves of that size, and weighed by the Keeper. In case of illness, the Sur- 
 geon has discretionary powers, with respect to the diet of his Patients. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This House of Correction stands on an elevated and healthy spot, just out of the 
 Town, and was first inhabited on the 11th of January, 1805. It consists of two 
 wings, with the Keeper's house in the centre ; on the ground-floor of which is the 
 visiting Magistrates' room, and the Keeper's parlour: his rooms have a constant 
 command of the whole court-yards. 
 
 On the right side of the entrance are five sleeping-cells on the ground-floor, for 
 Men, and five also for them above stairs. On the left side three, and three more, 
 in the same higher situation, for the Female Prisoners. The latter open into lob- 
 bies well ventilated, 3 1 feet long, and 3 feet 6 inches wide. 
 
 The Men's cells open into a lobby 52 feet long, and of the same width as the last 
 mentioned. 
 
 Each cell is 1 1 feet by 7, and 9 feet high ; fitted up with an iron bedstead, straw- 
 in-sacking bed, two sheets, a double blanket, and coverlet, all lighted and ven- 
 tilated by an iron-grated and glazed window, 28 inches square. One cell on each 
 range has a fire-place, to be used as a sick-room in case of illness, at which time 
 coals are allowed. The Prisoners' lobbies open into another passage, leading to 
 the Chapel. This is over the Visiting Magistrates' room, iS feet S inches long 
 by 12 feet 10, and 9 feet high. Prayer-Books are allowed by the District, or Hun- 
 dred, to all that are able to read. 
 
 The Men's court-yard is 5'i feet 9 inches long, 39 feet wide; and that allotted 
 to the Women, 39 feet by 31. These are separated by an area, of the width of the
 
 S92 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Keeper's house, viz. 36 feet 5 inches ; and in it is a pump to supply the Prison with 
 water. The courts are on an inchned plane, with gutters properly disposed ; and 
 all the water is so conducted, as to run through the sewers into a large receptacle 
 without the Prison walls. 
 
 Water is introduced into every court-yard, and towels are provided for the Pri- 
 soners to wash, before they receive their bread : they also sweep and clean out their 
 cells every morning. They have the use of their respective court-yards half an 
 hour in the morning, one hour at noon, and half an hour again in the evening. 
 
 County clothing is allowed for those who have been convicted at the Assizes, or 
 who come in offensive, or ragged : Their own clothes, are then cleaned, mended, 
 and laid by, against their being discharged. An oven is provided, to purify foul or 
 infected clothes, and a bathing-tub at hand, which is frequently used. 
 
 The Prisoners are shaved and clean shirted once a week ; their linen is washed at 
 the expence of the Hundred ; and fresh straw is supplied to them monthly. 
 
 Their Employment in this Bridewell consists of spinning, and the making of 
 garters and nets. Of their earnings one fourth goes to the Keeper, another 
 fourth to the Prisoner during confinement, and the remaining half is paid on 
 discharge; which provides them with immediate sustenance, as well as the means 
 of reaching comfortably and honestly their respective homes. 
 
 On looking over the books I observed, that one working Prisoner had received 
 ^1. 14*. 3^d.; another, ^1. 5*. jd.; and a third, <^.l. 0*. 2^d. 
 
 The Commitments to this House of Correction, until my last visit in iSlO, 
 
 were as follow : 
 
 From April 1805 to April 1806 -------- 1 25. 
 
 1806 to 1807 -------- 58. 
 
 1807 to 1808 -------- 61, 
 
 1808 to 1809 -------- 70. 
 
 1809 to 25jd Sept. 1810 -------- 23. 
 
 Total 337. 
 
 Scales and weights are judiciously furnished by the Magistrates of the Division ; 
 and, to the honour of the Baker, every loaf, at both my visits, was considerably over 
 weight. 
 
 Here are printed Rules and Orders, approved by the Magistrates in Session, and 
 confirmed by the Judges of Assize, in the year 1 808. 
 
 The prohibitory Clauses against Spirituous Liquors are hung up, but not the Act 
 for Preservation of Health. The whole Prison very clean.
 
 Debtors. 
 
 Felons, &c. 
 
 2 - - 
 
 - - 4 & a Deserter. 
 
 9 - - 
 
 - - 2 & 2 run-away Apprentices. 
 
 4 - _ 
 
 - - 7 & a Deserter. 
 
 2 - - 
 
 - - 5. 
 
 - - 
 
 - - 7- 
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. sii 
 
 WORCESTER. 
 
 The City Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, James Griffiths, the Parish-Clerk. Salary, r,o/. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, gs. 2d. The Under-Sheriff den)ands 2s. 6(1. for his liberate! 
 For Felons, l*. 4d. on Discharge. No Table. Garnish abolished. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Faulhner. Salary, lO/. 
 Duty, Prayers every Friday Morning. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Rayment. Salary, 61. 6s. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 l802, Nov. 8th, - - - 
 
 1S03, Aug. 26th, - - - 
 
 1806, Sept. 10th - - - 
 
 1808, Jan. 14th, - - - 
 
 1809, Nov. 21st, - - - 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none ; except they are extremely poor : then they have 
 three-pence a day, the same as the Felons. N. B. No Prisoner arrested by 
 Writ issued out of the Court of Pleas of the City of Worcester, has ever 
 been able to derive any advantage under the Lord's Act. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Gaol, situate in Fryer-Street, is also the City Bridewell. 
 
 Debtors have a court of about 18 yards square, with a day-room 14 feet square ; 
 and there are five rooms on the Master's side, to which the Keeper furnishes beds 
 at J*, per week, if single ; if two sleep together, 2*. per week each. 
 
 One large room, which serves as a Chapel, is the Debtor's Free Ward, to which 
 the City allows straw and a rug each. 
 
 Criminal Prisoners have a small court-yard, a day-room, and a sleeping-room, 
 on the ground-floor ; to which straw and two rugs for each are allowed. 
 
 The Bridewell Prisoners have a small day-room up stairs, anil a large sleeping- 
 room, separated off for Men and Women. No room set apart for an Infirmary. 
 
 The Gaol is well supplied with water. 
 
 The Prisoners procure work for themselves, and have all their earnings. 
 
 The Act and Clauses not hung up. 
 
 4 G
 
 ,594 . STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WORCESTER. 
 
 The Castle Gaol, and Bridewell. 
 
 Gaoler, IFillUtm Davis. 
 
 Salary, 250I. for the Gaol, and the Bridewell which adjoins to it. 
 Fees, for Debtors, as per Table. Besides which the Under-Sheriff demands 
 Ss. 6d. for h\s liberate ! For Felons, all Fees are abohshed. The Gaoler 
 is paid the expence incurred for the removal of Transports. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. William Faulkner. Salary, 40/. 
 
 Duty, Prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays ; and Prayers and Sermon on every 
 Sunday, on Christmas Day, and Good Friday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Raymenf, for the Felons only. 
 Salary, 20l. and is paid for Medicines. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 Debtors. 
 
 
 Felons. 
 
 Biidewell 
 
 1802, Nov. 7th, - - 
 
 - - 12 - 
 
 - - 
 
 - 21 - - - 
 
 - 23. 
 
 1803, Aug. 26th, - - 
 
 - - s - 
 
 - - 
 
 - 16 - - - 
 
 - 31. 
 
 180G, Sept. 10th, - - 
 
 - - 14 - 
 
 - - 
 
 - 10 - - - 
 
 - 21. 
 
 1S08, Jan. 14th, - - 
 
 - - 17 - 
 
 - - 
 
 - 24 - - - 
 
 - 26. 
 
 1809, Nov. 21st, - - 
 
 - - 8 - 
 
 - - 
 
 - 23 - - - 
 
 - 27. 
 
 Allowance, to Debtors, none, except the Debtor, being very poor, applies to the 
 Visiting Magistrates, and swears to his or her latest settlement ; then, if the 
 Parish be within the County of Worcester, they wdl make an order to allow 
 the Prisoner a weekly sum : but if it be out of the Magistrates' jurisdiction, 
 they cannot make an order. The utmost that the Keeper remembered to 
 have been given in consequence, was 2s. 6d. per week ; and that only to one 
 Man: But, since my visit in 1806, he informs me that tbe considerate 
 Magistrates have ordered an Allowance to every Debtor having no j)ro- 
 perty ; and the Bill thus incurred is to be laid before them at every Quarter 
 Sessions. 
 
 To Felons, and other Criminal Prisoners, one pound of bread daily, and 
 a quart of oatmeal gruel for every day's Breakfast. 
 Dinner. Sunday, half a pound of meat, and one pound of potatoes. 
 
 Monday, two pounds of potatoes. Tuesday, a quart of pease soup. 
 
 Wednesday, two pounds of potatoes. Thursday, the same as Sunday. 
 
 Friday, two pounds of potatoes. Saturday, a quart of pease soup.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AMD WALKS. 595 
 
 RKMARKS. 
 
 The Castle Yard is spacious. Tlie Comity Members are chosen in it; hut tlie 
 wood and iron-work of the entrance gate is so much decayed, as to render the court- 
 yard very insecure and unsafe. 
 
 The Debtor's side of the Prison is separated from tliat of the friniina!- I>v a l)rick 
 wall, and divided into two classes; tiie Master's Ward, and the Connnon Ward. 
 The ample court-yard allotted for the use of both, is one hundred and eleven feet 
 by sixty five. 
 
 The Master's-Side Debtors have a day-room, 21 feet by 13 feet 3 inches; they 
 pay 2a'. 6d. per week for a single bed; but if two sleep together, l.v. 6'./. each; and 
 there are eleven irood lodijinir-rooms in the (iaoler's house. The Connnon-side 
 Debtors have a Free Ward, iS feet by 17, to which the County allows straw, but 
 no bedding, nor fuel. The cooking-room, common to both the classes, is I9 feet 
 square. 
 
 Here is no distinct or separate apartment for Male and Female Debtors. They 
 are confined together in one common W ard. Those Females who can afford to pay 
 for a bed, sleep in the Gaoler's house. 
 
 ^jCf" The poor Debtors complained grievously, that, as they had ??o Alloivarce, 
 and were both able and willing to work, there should be no attention paid to the 
 means of Industry : (but which Mr. Davis, their compassionate Gaoler, told me 
 he should find no difficulty to procure in this manufacturing City :) that they had 
 also 710 place or room to icork hi ; adding, that they were often pennyless, in a 
 miserable state, bordering even on starvation ; and that many of their description 
 must have perished from want, had they not been relieve'! by casual clwritij'. This 
 shews how full of emphatical meaning is that malediction of the severe Creditor, 
 who pronounced it as his Debtor's doom, " to starve, and rot in (iaol !" 
 
 There are, I think very improperly, two windows in this Ward, through which 
 the Debtors may converse with the Felons, or even assist them with means of ef- 
 fecting an escape; (as has been practised at York, and other places;) and which incon- 
 sistency and danger the utmost attention of the Keeper cannot, under present cir- 
 cumstances prevent. 
 
 The Chapel is between the Gaol and tlie Bridewell. 
 
 The attendance of Debtors on Divine Servit e is, I find, optional. On my visit, 
 7tli Nov. 1S02, only three out of the twelve Debtors were at Chapel ; yet all the 
 Felons and other Criminal Prisoners were there, and their behaviour was orderly 
 and attentive. 
 
 The Sick W^ard of the Male Felons is in the J)ebtors' court ; and as it consists of 
 two rooms which communicate with each other, the Males and Females are alike 
 obliged to be put therein ; because the other Ward. iiUended for sick Females, is
 
 SOT STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 both very remote from the house, and an insecure place for confinement. There 
 is also but one sewer for the sick Debtors, and to which the Male and Female Felons 
 likewise resort, whatever may be their disease. 
 
 The Gaoler's house itself, which forms a considerable part of the Prison, is not 
 only insecure for custody, but in a very dilapidated and uncomfortable state to 
 reside in. Under all these circumstances, however, it is fortunate for the Prisoners, 
 that their Keeper is a Man of Benevolence and Humanity, and accommodates them 
 as well as he can. 
 
 The following is 
 
 The Table of Fees, 
 To be paid by the Debtors to the Gaoler of Worcester Castle. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 ** For entering the Actiou wherein such Prisoner is brought into 
 
 Custody under any Writer Process ---------068 
 
 For entering every second or other Action --------034 
 
 For the certificate of a declaration not having been delivered, in 
 
 order to sue out a Writ of Supersedeas ----._--034 
 N. B. The above are demandabie of the Prisoner. 
 For receiving and entering every Declaration against a Prisoner in 
 
 Custody 034 
 
 For each copy of a Warrant against a Prisoner -------034 
 
 N. B. These to be paid by Persons delivering the Declarations, 
 
 or demanding the Copy of the Warrant. 
 
 For attending upon every Prisoner to give Bail, or Special Bail, or 
 a Habeas Corpus, or on ar.y other necessary occasion, out of the 
 Gaol, as directed by the Statute, per mile -------010 
 
 That the following Charges for the lodging, bedding, &c. of the 
 Debtors be allowed : 
 Every person confined in the Sheriff's Ward, finding his own bedding, 
 
 for a week -_-.------------o I 
 
 Every Person who is found a lodging, and abed, bedding, and sheets, 
 
 for a week ---------.------026 
 
 If two Persons in one bed, each for a week - ------oie 
 
 For signing every certificate ----------- -O 1 
 
 Copy of every Habeas Corpus, and return thereof ------05 0.' 
 
 , " 
 
 On the Crown Side of this Prison there are no reception-rooms for the Surgeon 
 to examine Prisoners in, upon their confinement ; or to fumigate, if needful, and 
 purify their clothes, previous to their admission amongst the other Prisoners.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. S97 
 
 The court-yard is 127 feet by 80 ; where persons committed for, or adjudged 
 guilty of Misdemeanors, those committed till trial fur Felonies, the Convicted 
 Felons, and Transports, with the Male Prisoners of every class, are obliged by day 
 to associate together; contrary, as 1 conceive, to the Statute 31 (jlo. 111. c. xlvi. 
 
 Here is a day-room, called the Round- House, 34 feet by 16; and on the same 
 side of the court are sixteen cells, 10 feet 2 inches by 7 feet 2, deep ; but well ven- 
 tilated. These, however, are not sufficient for keeping the Criminals separate from 
 the rest, the Gaoler having at times been obliged to confine two, three, and some- 
 times more Prisoners at night in one cell. In the year l8ui, sixty-two Male Pri- 
 soners slept in the above sixteen cells, that is nearly four persons, and, mostly, that 
 number in each cell. Every cell has a Doultin (so called) of long wheaten straw, 
 weighing about 15 or 16 lbs. laid on the boards, and two blankets each. 
 
 Female Felons have a separate court, of 31 feet by 19, and a day-room I9 feet 
 by 12, with two sleeping-cells on the ground-floor ; but, all the Female Criminals of 
 every description associate together, as is the case with the Male I'risouers above 
 described. 
 
 Here is no separate place of conjinement for such persons as are intended to be 
 examined on behalf of the Prosecution of any indictment for Felony; or for Children 
 or J 'c>////j,y committed for Misdemeanors or Felonies; but such of the latter sort, 
 whether Witnesses or Youths, are confined in the day-time with the Transports 
 or other Criminals, convicted and unconvicted; "forming," as Sir George Paul 
 acutely and too justly observes, " one profligate Society; where the most ignorant 
 may be initiated, and the novice ascend to the higher mysteries of infamy and vice." 
 
 Prisoners under Sentence of Death are here most uncomfortably provided for. 
 They sleep in their cells at night; and in the morning they retire into the Debtors' 
 cooking-room, formerly a Dungeon, but which has now a large glazed window, 
 with a fire-place in it, and is a part of the Keeper's house. What a retirement ! 
 where the minds, and the devotions, (if possible,) of these hapless Beings, are in a state 
 of continual disturbance and distraction ; occasioned by the necessary and frequent 
 passing of the Debtors and other Prisoners, close to the door of the room in which 
 such Unfortunates are confined. 
 
 The Men and Female Felons are kept separate ; but Male and Female Debtors,, 
 and Male and Female Bridewell Prisoners sit together. The indiscriminate mixture 
 of such various and discordant elements seems surely to call aloud for some diflferent 
 modes of arrangement. According to the opinion of that excellent Magistrate be- 
 fore quoted, and in which I most cordially join, the Separations indispensably 
 necessary to preserve any idea of order and regularity, are these: 
 " I. Of Sex, through every species of Offenders. 
 
 II. Of Debtors, from every other Class of Prisoners. 
 
 III. Of accused Versons, and Prisoners convicted : And 
 
 IV. Of the Notorious and Pro/ligute, from tlie less daring and atrocious."
 
 S3S STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Tlie old Dan<:;j8on, in the Castle- Yard, which once lay twenty-six steps under 
 ground, of a circular form, and supplied with barrack bedsteads, was afterwards 
 more judiciously employed to keep potatoes in ; and has since been consigned to a 
 still better purpose. In October 1804 it was filled up entirely, and levelled with the 
 court-yard, that the very remembrance of it may gradually drop from every hu- 
 mane mind. 
 
 Coals are allowed to Criminal Prisoners, by order of the considerate Magistrates, 
 according to the season ; and to the most necessitous Prisoners clothes are given upon 
 their discharge, with money also, to carry them to their respective homes. 
 
 This Gaol is well supplied with water from the Severn by an engine, which the 
 Prisoners work to convey it; and an Errand-Woman is retained, to fetch provisions 
 from the Town. 
 
 A journal is regularly kept of daily occurrences ; a correct account of each Pri- 
 soner's earnings ; and a Booh in which tlie flsiting Magistrates make their Re- . 
 marks. The Surgeon likewise has a Book of entries, stating his visits, and the 
 state of the several Prisoners' health. In short, a great and exemplary attention 
 appears in every department of this miserable Gaol ; a Prison, which I trust the 
 humane Magistracy of a County so opulent and respectable, will never think of 
 repairing ; but raise, by the erection, of a new one, the noblest memorial of their 
 humanit}^ and attention to the health and morals of its inhabitants *. 
 
 Convicts under Sentence of Transportation have the King's allowance of 2s. 6d. 
 per week. 
 
 The employment of the Prisoners consists of spinning, carding wool, making of 
 bags, sacks, and gloves ; beating hemp, pounding sand, and dressing leather. 
 
 Prisoners before Trial, if disposed to work, receive half their earnings, together 
 with an extra allowance of food ; otherwise thej'^ have only the (laol bread to subsist 
 on. But after Conviction, one sixth of the produce goes to the Prisoner, another 
 sixth to the Gaoler, and the ren:iaining four sixths to the County, paid weekly in 
 money. 
 
 The total earnings of the Prisoners in the Gaol for the year 1804, amounted to 
 57/. \Gs. ~jd. of which the Prisoners received \Gl. 15*. "jd.; the Gaoler, 7/. ]6s. lljd. 
 and the County 33/. 4y. o^ji. The Bridewell earnings were 91/. ig.y. 2.d. Of 
 this the Prisoners received 15/. ly*. 8ff/. the Gaoler, 15/. IQs. S\d. and the Count}^ 
 
 59/- 19«- Hd- 
 
 The total number of Prisoners committed to the Gaol in 1S04, vvas 40 ; to the 
 
 Bridewell, 61. 
 
 Total Earnings of the Gaol in 1S05 were .fjf)/. 12.v. ^d. ; Prisoners' share, 14/- l^s.^d. 
 the Gaoler's share, 7/. 17*-. 2^^. the County, 32/. \6s. j)!/. 
 
 * A new County Gaol is building, in a fine situation, a little way out of the City, ami is now (ISl 1) 
 in great forwardness ; so that tlie wretched Prison above described «ill be soon done away.
 
 IN KNGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 599 
 
 The Bridewell Earnings were 144/. lj)v. 3d. The Prisoners' share, 24'. 3*. O^rf. 
 Gaoler's, 24/. 3*. 0^^. to the County, (jGl. l^s. 2d. 
 
 Number of Prisoners commited in 1805, to the Gaol, 3O; to the Bridewell, 58. 
 
 The foregoing Remarks tend to confirm the truth of an opinion, which I have long 
 since entertained ; namely. That poor Debtors are often the most pitiable objects in 
 our British (Jauls. The same complaint, want of food, and of work whereby to 
 earn it, still exists in many of our Gaols; whilst in others, to the honour of Pliilan- 
 thropy, a (ienerous Allowance is att'orde<l. In some Prisons within or near the 
 Metropolis, as well as in others far remote, the Debtors have no Bread, although 
 it is granted to the Illg/iivai/man, the Home-hreaher, and the Murderer; and 
 Medical Assistance, which is provided for the latter, is with-held from the former. 
 Besides which, they suffer a variety of obstructions and hardships, to impede 
 their discharge from custody, even after the Law has spent its force, or pitying 
 Creditors have forgiven the Debts which had detained them. 
 
 WREXHAM. Denbighshire. North mdes. 
 The House of Correction. 
 
 Keeper, John Alcoch. Salary, 12/. No religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Griffiths- ; makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 20th Nov. 180.O, Three. 
 
 Allowance, 2s. per week. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Prison stands at the end of Mount-street, and has a small court in front, 
 with a pump, by which the Prisoners are supplied. 
 
 On the ground-floor are four sleeping-cells, two on each side of a passage 4 feet 
 wide. They are about 9 feet square, with arched roofs, but n(j fire-places ; wooden 
 bedstead in eacii, with loose straw, short and filthv, two blankets, and a coverlet. 
 To each cell there is a small court, but not being flagged, they are damp, muddy 
 and useless. The sewer is inconveniently placed. 
 
 Above stairs is the day-room, large, well-lighted and ventilated by three grated 
 and glazed windows, with a fire-place ; but no coals are allowed. For tiie Women 
 there is a room below, 15 feet by 12, and another of the same size, above: these 
 have fire-places also, but no fuel provided ; bedsteads and bedding the same as for 
 the Men. 
 
 No court-yard. No employment. Neither Act nor Clauses hung up. The 
 Prison dirty.
 
 600 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 WYMONDHAM, IFhdham. Norfolk 
 The County Bridetvell. 
 
 Gaoler, Tliomas Johnson. Salary, 8o/. Also for taking Prisoners to the Quarter 
 1 Sessions at Norwich, 1*. per mile; and the same on bringing them back ; 
 
 the distance, nine miles. 
 
 Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Colman. Salary, 30/. 
 Duty, Prayers and Sermon every Sunday. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Cuhit. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 
 
 1805, Sept. 6th, Nineteen. 18 10, Sept. 12th, Eight. 
 
 Allowance, as per Dietary, viz : 
 
 Breakfasts, one pound of bread daily. 
 
 Dinners, Sund^iy, Hanway's soups, of ox-cheek, &c. 
 
 Monday, one pound of bread. Tuesday, potatoes. 
 
 Wednesday, boiled peas. Thursday, one pound of bread. 
 
 Friday, potatoes. Saturday, boiled peas. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 This Bridewell is partly surrounded by a boundary wall ; which being distant 
 about 1 8 feet from the Prison, affords the Keeper a small garden, for the growth of 
 vegetables. 
 
 The house, which has been newly built, occupies one side of the area ; and the 
 back windows command the whole court-yard, of about 82 feet by 66, which has 
 on each side a wing built for the use of the Prisoners, and a pump of excellent water 
 in the centre. Here are likewise two sewers, a mill-house, a store-room, and 
 the Keeper's stable ; the door of which last opens at the outside. 
 
 The North West wing contains, on the ground-floor, tha Turnkey's room, two 
 sleeping-cells, the Clink, (a place in which the irons are deposited) and four other 
 cells, called the Strong Wards, which open into a passage 4 feet wide, well venti- 
 lated. Here is also the Men's Infirmary, of -21 feet 6 inches by 9 feet 6 ; having a 
 fire-place, an iron-grated window of 3 feet by 2 ; a glazed window, with inside 
 shutter, and two beds. 
 
 Up stairs is the Chapel, 17 feet by 14, and 10 feet high, with seats for the Pri- 
 soners; and a room for depositing peas, &c. : four sleeping-cells on this story open 
 into a lobby, 4 feet 6 inches wide, well ventilated: and at the end of it is the 
 Men's work-room, of the same dimensions as their Infirmaxy, but with the chimney- 
 place stopped up.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. coi 
 
 The Soutli-Eftst wing has on the ground-floor a warping-room, and two sleeping- 
 cells, ^^hich open into a passage 4 teet 6" inches wide; likewise another repository 
 for irons, called the Clinh; four sleeping- eel Is, and an Infirmary, of the same size 
 as those in the North-VVest wing. 
 
 The Women have four cells ahove-stairs, which open into a lobby of 4 feet 
 6 inches ; and at the end of this is their work-room, and one apartment for an In- 
 firmarv. Each cell is 15 feet 6 by 6 feet 6, 9 feet 6 inches high ; has an iron-grated 
 glazetl window, 3 feet by 2 feet 8 ; an inside shutter, with a pot-hole in each door, 
 8 inches by 7 ; and is fitted up with a crib bedstead, straw-in-sacking, and flock-bed, 
 a double blanket, pair of sheets, and a coverlet. Eight of these beds are capable of 
 having two to sleep together in each ; and 1 found some Prisoners spinning in their 
 cells. 1 he Men's cells have blinds plac;»«l before the windows. 
 
 The mill-house already mentioned has in it a very excellent mill, worked by four 
 or five men, who walk round its axis in the same manner as practised in a horse- 
 mill. The hopper, &c. are in the room above, to prevent their receiving injury from 
 tlie Prisoners; who do not know what they are grinding,. but are frequently in want 
 of employment. 
 
 They have no other use of the large oourt-yard, than for washing themselves in 
 the morning ; and are allowed to rest half an hour at breakfast-time, an hour at 
 noon, and a half hour, also, at three o'Clock. 
 
 No Liquor as beverage is permitted, but water, except in case of sickness, and 
 when ordered by the Surgeon. The Prisoners have now no part of their earnings, 
 which of later years have seldom exceeded twenty pounds per annum ; one fourth of 
 which is paid to the Keeper, and the rest goes to the County Treasurer, in Ac- 
 count. 
 
 Rotli Felons and Convicts have the County clothing ; clean shirt or shift once a 
 week, and fresh sheets monthly. Towels are also suppliet^ them. 
 
 The County allows firing to the Men's two rooms on a Sunday, and to one room 
 for the Women, during the six Winter months. Religious books are very laudably 
 distributed, and placed in every cell. 
 
 For all the washing in this Prison, the Keeper is allowed lo/. a year; and is like- 
 wise furnished with mops, brooms, pails, and soap, to keep the whole clean: this is 
 done effectually, and the Prison also whitewashed once a year. 
 
 Their provisions are cooked by the Keeper in the kitchen. 
 
 None of the Prisoners are put, or, at least, not kept in irons: But there is here 
 one detestably curious pair, which came from theCastl#, and is called " The Fiddle.'' 
 The construction is an iron collar, to go roun<l the Prisolxer's neck, with a stiff" pro- 
 jecting end, 20 inches in length ; and two curvatures, to receive his hands, and 
 hold them up, as in the attitude of prayer. It weighs seven pounds and a half, and 
 I am told, was used on John Cooper, a refractory Prisoner, in April 1803. 
 
 4 H
 
 602 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The excellent Rules and Orders of this Prison are properly displayed ; but, itt 
 express contradiction to Article xvi. the Act and Clauses of 24 Geo. II. c. 40, are 
 neither painted on a hoard, nor hung up. 
 
 The Prisoners are discharged from hence in a morning, and have one shilling ia 
 thoney given them ; after which the Keeper conveys them either to their respective 
 home, or to their Parish. 
 
 On examining the aceounts of this House of Correction, it has been made to 
 appear, that the earnings of the Convicts have every year exceeded the expence of 
 maintaining them; and that heretofore, in the course of five years and a half, (1 783 
 to 1789) the Balance gained by the County, after defraying all charges, amounted 
 t;o 262/. 18*. 5fr/. It was likewise established as a Fact, that some, even of those 
 Convicts who once appeared to be the worst, became useful members of the Com- 
 munity ; and supported themselves and their families, by the practice of that trade 
 which had been taught them, during their confinement in the Bridevvell of Wy- 
 mondham. 
 
 ^3" All this was efl'ected. by the unremitting attention of Sir Thomas Beevor, 
 an excellent and active neighbouring Magistrate ; at a period, when it atTorded one of 
 the best examples of the proper management of a House of Correction, so as to 
 render it a place of Reformation also, for the Idle and the Dissolute. I was sorry 
 therefore to find, at both my visits, that the Prisoners are now left in a torpid state 
 of idleness, and the working system almost totally abandoned : a sufficient, but 
 melancholy proof, how liable any new regulation is to fall into neglect, if not con- 
 stantly made the object of care and attention ! For the Love of A'irtue, and the 
 Honour of Religion and Humanity, let us hope that the Family, or at least the 
 Spirit of the Beevors, is not wholly extinct at Windham. 
 
 YARMOUTH. NorfolL 
 The Town Brideivell. 
 
 Keeper, John Daniels, who is Master of the Workhouse. Salary, 5/. 5av 
 Fees, 2*. 2d. and J'ourpence a day, during each Prisoner's confinement. 
 Surgeon, whoever attends the Poor. 
 
 Prisoners, l802, Feb. iGth, and 1805, Sept. gth, none; iSlO, Sept. 13th, One. 
 Allowance, ten ounces of bread three times a day. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The Bridewell stands in the Workhouse yard ; and consists of four sleeping-cells, 
 about 10 feet by 8, and 8 feet high : a fire-place m one of them, lighted and
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALLS. 603 
 
 ventilated by an iron-bar prated wiiuiovv, 2 feet 6 inclies by 2 feet ; liavirip an outside 
 «lmtter, and luted up with a wooden bedstead, straw-in-sacking bed, a blanket, and 
 a riio-. 
 
 On the floor of eacli cell is a strong iron sta|)lc, with a vhain five feet lonfj. This 
 is fastened to the Prisoner's leg, and is sufliciently lon^ to admit of Kis lying 
 ^own on the hed ; or going to<the grating to receive water three times a dav, or the 
 daily allowance of bread. Tubs are made to serve the purpose of a sewer, and 
 are emptied when nearly full. 
 
 In this state of durance the Prisoners remain, till liberated by legal process! 
 
 Here is a small court-yard, of alwut 24 feet by 10, to which they have no access 
 for air or exercise, though sometimes confined six months. At the end of the court 
 is a room for the sick, 12 feet 3 by 7 feet 3, with a fire-place, and coals allowed. 
 
 One cell in this Prison, extremely dark, and callid T/ie Thni^eon, j) feet by B, 
 and 8 feet high, has a boarded floor: Hut no bedding; no straw on the floor. For 
 ventilation it has an aperture in the door, 9 inches square; but the little borrowed 
 light it can possibly admit, is almost wholly obstructed by four iron bars. Com 
 niitments, from 30th August 1803, to the 30th Sept. 18 10, one hundred and forty- 
 four. 
 
 Court of Conscience Debtors may be carrietl either to the Common Gaol or to thi> 
 Bridewell, where they have the same allowance as the other Prisoners, 
 
 YARMOUTH. Norfolk. 
 The Town Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Richard Helsdon ; now Thomas Kitig. Salary, 40/. 
 Fees, Debtors, 6s. 8d. ; Felons, 13a'.4</- 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor any religious attentions whatever. 
 
 Surgeon, whoever attends tlie Poor. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Felons, &c. 
 
 1802, Feb, 16th, 2 3- 
 
 180.5, Sept. 9th, 3 ------ 4. 
 
 1810, Sept. 13th, - - 4 ------ 8. 
 
 Allowance, one pound of bread each per day : the same also to Prisoners confined 
 here from the Court of Requests, or of Conscience. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 In the front of this Gaol is the Visiting Magistrates' room, or Keepers parlour: 
 His sitting-room has a full command of tlie court-yard.
 
 .604 • STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Here is only one, 30 feet 6 inches long by ly feet 6 inches wide, for all descriptions 
 t)f Prisoners. It has a passage 18 feet long, 4 feet wide, which leads to the pump 
 and sewer. 
 
 -The Master's-Side Debtoi'^ have four rooms above stairs, to which the Keejier 
 furnishes beds, at 2*. 4d. and 35. 6tl. per week ; and 4d. per week to the Turnkey, 
 from each Debtor of this description. 
 
 Common-Side Debtors have aj'ree-ward, to which the Corporation supplies straw 
 beds in sacking, two blankets, a pillow, and a rug. There is also a common day.- 
 •room for Debtors, IMale and Female, of 104^ feet by g, to which a peck of coals per 
 day is allowed throughout the year. 
 
 One room is set apart for the Sick Debtors, 20 feet by 1 2, but has no fire-place : 
 The window large, iron-grated and glazed. Here are wooden bedsteads, with straw- 
 in-ticking beds, two blankets to each, a pillow, and a rug. 
 
 Down a ladder often steps is the Felons' day-room, in size 15 feet by 12, with a 
 lire-place, and one iron-grated and glazed window towards the court-yard, of 
 4 feet by 3. 
 
 Into that day-room opens the Women-Felons' sleeping-room, which is 13 feet 
 by 6 ; with a window like the former, and outside shutter. No fire-place ; but sup- 
 plied with wooden bedsteads, straw-in-sacking beds, each having two blankets, a 
 pillow, and a rug. 
 
 For the Men-Felons are four sleeping-cells, each 7 feet by 4 feet 6, and 9 feet 6 
 inches high ; the door-way 5 feet 9 by 21 inches wide. In each of these cells sleep 
 two Felons. They are ventilated by a small semicircular iron grating over each 
 door, and one air-tube, which opens into the court-yard : there is a small aperture 
 also in the door of each cell, 7 inches by 5, which has a bar in the middle ; and 
 each ceil is suppiitd with wooden bedsteads, raised 14 inches from the stone-flooring, 
 with straw-in-sacking betls, two blankets, a pillow, and a rug. 
 
 Here is likewise another room, of 20 feet by 12, for the Sick-Felons, having a 
 large iron-grated and glazed window. It has no fire-place ; but is furnished with 
 bedsteads, stravv-in-ticking, two blankets, pillow and rug, like the fcM-mer. 
 
 Fresh strav/ is allowed monthly ; and mops, brooms, pails, saucepans, kettles, 
 gridirons, &c. are provided for the Prisoners of all descri])tions. 
 
 It was formerly the custom here, for a Man to go abont the Town once a week, to 
 collect broken victuals for the Prisoners : But this has been discontinued many 
 years, and in lieu of it the Mayor for the time being allows them two shillings per 
 week. A peck of coals per day is given to both Debtors and Felons, from Michael- 
 mas to Lady-Day, from the same exemplary source. 
 
 On the next day after my visit in Sept. 1805, Mr. Reynolds, then Mayor, politely 
 accompanied me to this Prison ; where I pointed out to him, that by taking in the 
 Publick-house close adjacent, the Bridewell might be properly consolidated, work-
 
 IN ENGI.ANn, SCOTl.WD, AND WALF.S. COS 
 
 rooms made, the Sexes kept xepurafe in court-yards distinct from eaoli other, and 
 the loatlisome cells bricked up. I was sorry, however, in Sept. 1810, to iin<l my 
 sufj^cstious had been unavailinr^. No alteration had taken place with respect to the 
 Females' sleeping-room, which opens into the Men's day-room ; and the four 
 Debtors, with the eight Criminals (two of them very young and decent looking 
 Females) were all associated together in the small court-yard. 
 
 This Town-Gaol adjoins to the Toll-house Hall ; where Prisoners are tried by the 
 Recorder of Yarmouth, and the Court has the aweful power of life and death. 
 
 l^isoners from the Court of Requests are committed hither ior any sum less than 
 twenty shlUuigs ; and confined twenty days. Above that sum, up to 40*. confine- 
 ment is 40 days ; but beyond the latter sum it has no power. 
 
 The Assize is held only once a year, and upon no fixed day. In 1809 it was held 
 on the 5th of July. One John Allen, upon suspicion oj' Felouy, was committed 
 hither on the 30th of August following. lie lay in Prison until the l.jth of Sept. 
 1810, and was then acquitted, at the Session which happened to be held tluring the 
 time of my last visit. 
 
 Here is no Employment for tfie Prisoners ; although plenty of it might be pro- 
 cured, if work-rooms were provided for the purpose. 
 
 The Prison is white-washed twice a year. No Rules and Orders. The Act for 
 preserving Health, and the Clauses against Spirituous Liquors not hung up. 
 
 YORK. 
 
 The City Bridewell 
 
 Keeper, Edward Yeoman. 
 
 Salary, 50/. and lo/. for furnishing straw. Fees, two shillings each. 
 
 Chaplain, none ; nor anv religious attentions. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Champney. Salary, 20/. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, l802, Aug. 20th, Five. 1809, Sept. lltli, Fifteen. 
 
 Allowance, two shillings each per week, in bread, and one shilling ditto in money. 
 Two chaklron of coals are annually sent in for Whiter consumption, by the 
 Corporation. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Here are three spacious day-rooms ; one for the Men, and the other two for 
 Women-Prisoners, with a fire-place in each. 
 
 Over the Women's room rs the Injirmury, which is linht, and well ventilated* 
 Detached from this building are seven sleeping-cells, of about G feet square, and
 
 606 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 7 feet high : two of which are totally flark, and the other five nearly so; having 
 only one iron-grated aperture !'> inches by 12, fi>r lii^ht and ventilation. Loose 
 straw only, laid on the floors, is supplitd to sleep <.n, and there are unoovered tubs, 
 as sewers. Also a room for faulty Apprentices, committed for a month. These have 
 no allowance assigned them ; but are employed in pounding cement, at five pence a 
 bushel, which the Keeper sells at one shilling. 
 
 Here is one spacious court-yard, l8o feet long by 20, for Debtors, Male and 
 Female ; but not being deemed secure, the Prisoners derive no other advantage from 
 it, than that of having their cells better ventilated than heretofore. 
 
 The Employment for Women here is spinning, and making laces ; and they 
 receive all they earn: The Men pound tile- sherds, for which the Keejier pays them 
 four pence per bushel, and then sells the dust at from ten-pence a bushel to one 
 shilling : But as he had not disposed of a great stock on hand, when I was there in 
 l802, I found them making of list-shoes. 
 
 Neither the Act for preserving Health, nor the Clauses againpt Spirituous Liquors, 
 hung up. 
 
 YORK. 
 
 St. Peters Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, Jolm Burnley ; afterwards John Moiser ; now Thojnas Harrison ; who 
 
 is also SherifTs-oflicer for the Liberty of St. Peter. 
 Salary, 30/. out of which he furnishes straw. 
 Fees, Debtors, 6s. 8d. ; besides which the Chief Bailiff demands Ss. 4d. for 
 
 his Liberate ! Felons, no Fees. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, Debtors. Criminals. 
 
 1802, Aug. 20th, ----,2'------- 1 
 
 Sept. 2d, ------2-------- 3 
 
 1805, Aug. 5th, -----0-------- 1 
 
 1809, Sept. nth, -----0-------- 1. This 
 
 was a Woman for Bastardy, who had been here seven months, and by 
 
 spinning, earned three-pence a day*. 
 
 Allowance, none heretofore, unless certificated as Paupers : but at my last visit 
 I found the Allowance was 2*. per week ; paid by Mr. Mills, the Dean's 
 Proctor, in money, both to Debtors and Criminals. 
 
 * This poor, but very decent looking young Woman, upon being informed I was a Magistrate, asked 
 (ne, "why the Man who iwd seduced her was not imprisoned, as well as heitelf ?" I replied, the Parish- 
 Officers could best answer that Question.
 
 1\ i:\GLA\U, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 607 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 Tl)is Gaol, near the INIinster-Gate of York, for the Liberty of St. Peter, is tlio 
 property of the Dean ; who holds his courts at this place, four times in the year. 
 
 Here is no court-yard for the use of tiie Prisoners. The Debtors have four size- 
 able rooms up stairs ; to which the Keeper furnishes bed and beddinsj, some at (is. 
 others at lo.v. jier month. But if a Debtor provides his own bed, he pays nothing. 
 
 Eleven steps down are two Dungeons for Felons, of 19 feet by S, and 0" feet 
 high ; each lighted and ventilated by an iron-grated window, which looks toward 
 the Street. Lately, however, a small projecting space, of about 4 feet, has been 
 palisaded oft', so as to prevent communication with the Street. The above Dun- 
 geons had several loads of ashes and other filth in them, at one of my former visits^ 
 and which appeared to have lain there a long time. 
 
 One of the Debtors, a shoemaker, who had his wife and four children with hfrn^ 
 lived then in the room above, for which he paid half a crown per week. He com- 
 plained to me of the offensiveness of the cells below, which, together with the 
 crowded state of his own room, made it, in the hot weather of August l802, most 
 unbearable. The boards of his floor were rotten, and ilie roof of the cell beneath 
 not being cieled, there was a fissure of communication about a foot long. 
 
 The next morning I waited upon the very Rev. Dean of York, Dr. Min-hluiniy 
 who politely accompanied me to the Prison ; and gave orders to the Gaoler, to take 
 away the ofTensive rubbish immediately, and to whitewash and cleanse the whole- 
 Prison ; which the (Jaoler promised to set about tlie next day. 
 
 The only Prisoner in the cells at that time was a run-away apprentice, who was- 
 emplvjyed in the pounding of tile-sherds. 
 
 On my return in September, I found nothing had been done ; the Prison was m 
 the same state of filth ; two letvd ffomen were confined in the same cell with the 
 Boy before-mentioned, and with them several persons in the Street were con- 
 versing. Fowls roosted every night in one of the cells. 
 
 The Employment in the cells is pounding of tile-sherds, at four-pence a bushel, 
 which is sold by the Keejjer at a shilling. The present Gaoler told me that Jf'iUiuin 
 fflnterhiini, committed for drunkenness and assault, had pounded sixty-five 
 bushels durinsf the nine weeks of his confinement. 
 
 If a Debtor procures work for himself, he has all he earns. 
 
 The Act for Preservation of Health was not himg up, but the Clauses against the 
 use of Spirituous Liquors were. This, liovvever, must be but of little eftect, when 
 Spirits can be so easily handed to Prisoners from the Street ; an evil, which, be the 
 Gaoler ever so vigilant or attentive, he could not prevent. 
 
 I could not help observing to Bintiletj, the former Keeper, the striking contrast 
 ■there v/as between his face, which ap])eared as if capable of lighting a candle, and
 
 ^08 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 that of the poor Shoemaker, above stairs ; m whose countenance there was a visible 
 alteration since my last recent visit. 
 
 The Prison has been repaired and whitewashed, and a wooden bedstead, with 
 loose straw, and two rugs, are allowed to sleep on. 
 
 Water is accessible to all the Prisoners ; and there is now a sewer provided, with 
 a stench pipe to prevent its being offensive. 
 
 In iSoi, Dr. Fountin/ne, the former Dean, gave lOO/. and the four Resi- 
 dentiaries each 25/.; making together, Two Hmid) ed Pounds, for the benefit of 
 this Prison. This Sum was invested in the PubHck Funds, and the Dividends are 
 directed to be applied towards the relief of the Debtors and Felons here confined, in 
 such proportion as the Dean and Chapter for the time being shall think projjcr. 
 There is also a Donation in Bread of tweUe shillings per annum, given every Christ- 
 mas amongst the Debtors and Felons of this Gaol. 
 
 Mr. Howard mentions " the having in his possession an old printed List of Pa- 
 rishes, Towns, and parts of Towns, which are in the Liberty of St. Peter, viz: 
 within the City [of York] and Ainsty, nine Places. In the East Riding, sixty-two. 
 West Riding, forty. North Riding, fifty-one. And there is," continues my great 
 Predecessor, " one Place in each of the following Counties — Devonshire, Glou- 
 cestershire, Lancashire, Lincolnshire, Northumberland, and Hampshire ; and in 
 Nottinghamshire, seven places." 
 
 Of these places, however, I am unfortunate enough not to have obtained any 
 certain information, in consequence of my inquiries, nor to have procured the 
 printed List to which Mr. Howard refers. 
 
 YORK. 
 
 Gaol for the City, and Ainsty *. 
 
 Gaoler, George Rylah, who is Sheriff's Officer for the City and Ainsty. 
 Salary, 150/. out of which he pays 40/. to a Turnkey. 
 Fees, Debtors, 6s. 8d. Felons, 13*. 4d. paid by the City. The Under-Sheriff 
 
 demands 7.y. 4^/. for his Liiera/e.' , 
 
 Garnish not allowed ; but one shilling is generally exacted. 
 
 * At the first view of my quotation from " Howard's State of Prisons," Edit. 1777, 4to, p. 407, I had 
 taken this word for " County :" but find my Error corrected by Camden, in his Britannia, Edit. Gibson, 
 1695, p. 7'22. Speaking of the West part of the County, " The City of York," says he, " neither belongs 
 " to this, nor any other part of the Shire ; but enjoys its own Liberties, and a Jurisdiction over the 
 " Neighbourhood, on the West-side called the Liberty oif^nsty ; which some derive from Ancientij, to 
 " denote its antiquity : Others, more plausibly, from the German word Amtossen, implying a bound, or 
 " limit"
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 609 
 
 Chaplain, whosoever is appointed such to the Lord Mayor ; and he officiates gra- 
 tuitously. 
 Duty, Prayers and a Sermon on Tuesdays. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Champnei/, for Debtors and Felons. 
 Salary, 20/. for this Prison, and the Bridewell. 
 
 Number of Prisoners, 1809, Sept. lltli, Debtors, Four ; Felons, Four. 
 
 Allowance, to poor Debtors, on petition, 1*. 6d. per week in bread. To Felons, 
 2s. in bread, and ^d. in milk. See Remarks. 
 
 REMARKS. 
 
 The horrid Gaol on the Ouse-bridge *, which so long disgraced this very ancient 
 and respectable Citv, being pulled down, and the new one I am about to describe, 
 being got ready, Prisoners were removed to it in the year 1807. It is situated on an 
 eminence, anciently termed foetus Vallum, or, as it is now called. Old Bail, at 
 the Southwest part of the City, and within its walls. 
 
 The boundary-wall encloses about three quarters of an acre of land. The front 
 entrance is the Turnkey's lodge, which has two rooms below and two above, for 
 his use. 
 
 The Gaol, which has a very handsome appearance, is entirely of hewn stone, and 
 stands detached within the area. The court-yard for Debtors is about 200 feet long, 
 and Co wide, being the whole space between the Turnkey's lodge and the mam 
 building. The whole is a grass plat ; and on a stone is inscribed " Debtors* 
 
 B0UND.\RY." 
 
 * To convey an idea of tliis miserable place of human confinement, 1 will describe the Felon's-Side . 
 It formed a part of the bridge ; and level with the ground there was a room 30 feet by 14, with oppo- 
 site and lofty windows, for Prisoners committed on suspicion of Felony. In the first piissage, donn thirteen 
 steps, was a large cell, for those to work in who were sentenced to hard labour, 22 feet by 10, with one 
 small window only. Near this were two horrid dungeons, 6 feet by 5 feet 3, and 7 feet 6 inches high, 
 totally dark. The Women- Felons' day-room was on the same floor as that of the Men, and separated 
 from it by two wooden doors in the passage. It was 14 feet l)y 8, with a window and fire-place. There 
 was also a door which led down fourteen steps to a large cell, 13 feet by 8, occasionally used for those 
 who were under sentence of death ; but commonly occupied as a sleeping-room for the Women. The door 
 was iron-grated, and a small window in the pass.ige ojjposite to it, throwing in a glimmering light, just 
 sufficient to make darkness visible. One step lower than this cell were four other horrid caverns for 
 Men-Felons, 6 feet G inches square, and 6 feet high, totally dark. They were diy at my visit, in Auguit 
 1802 ; but the Gaoler's Son told me that in a high flood, the water has flowed into these cells sixteen 
 inchei deep. 
 
 Surely our great Milton could liave been no stranger to a stciif, \s hich seems capable of iu'^piring ihf 
 following lines. Par. Lost, IV. 7G. 
 
 " And in the lowest deep, a lower deep, 
 " Still threatening to devour me, opens wide '" 
 4 I
 
 610 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The Entrance to the Gaoler's house is under a double flight of stone steps, which 
 form an arch, and lead to the Debtors' rooms on the first floor. 
 
 The ground-floor in front is wholly occupied by the Felons. On the right are 
 eleven sleeping-cells for Male-Felons, each 7 feet 6 inches square, and <) feet 9 high, 
 to the crown of the arch ; lighted and ventilated by an aperture, 22 inches by 4^, 
 guarded by a wire trellis, to prevent any thing improper being introduced. They 
 have boarded floors, and six pair of rugs to sleep on ; and the cell-doors open into a 
 vvell-ventilated flagged passage, 6 feet 4 inches wide. The Male-Felons have also a 
 day-room, 25 feet by l6, having a fire-place, a large grated and glazed sash-window, 
 and furnished with a stone table, benches to sit on, and shelves for provisions, with 
 a stone-sink for washing. The door of this room ojiens into a court-yard, 63 feet by 
 42, neatly paved with flag-stone ; a sewer well contrived, dust-pen, and a place for 
 coals. 
 
 Here is likewise a day-room for persons under sentence of death, \6 feet by 9 ; 
 with a fire-place, grated and glazed sash window, and a covered sewer in one corner : 
 a small room adjacent, with a bathing tub. 
 
 The Women-Felons' side is on the left, and corresponds in every respect with that 
 for the Men ; except that part of their day-room is used as a wash-house. 
 
 The windows of the Gaoler's apartments command a view of the different courts. 
 
 The handsome double flight of stone-steps before mentioned leads to the Debtors' 
 Prison, which occupies the whole of the floor ; and the doors of eight rooms open 
 in|;o a Corridor, or general Covert Gallery, 17 1 feet long, by 7 feet 9 inches 
 wide, well lighted and ventilated, for the Debtors to walk in wet weather. They 
 are entirely lodged on the first and second-floor ; their rooms are I5 feet 6 inches 
 square, and 10 feet high; having each a fire-place, and a large closet for meat, 
 with a coal binn. Some of these rooms are very handsomely furnished by the 
 Keeper, at from 10*. 6d. to half a crown per week; but if Debtors bring their 
 own bed, &c. they pay nothing. 
 
 The gallery on the second-floor is gg feet long, and 7 feet 9 inches wide ; inta 
 which four rooms open, similar to those already described. 
 
 The Magistrates' Committee-room is on the first story, and over it a room, of the 
 same size, used as a Chapel ; where the Male and Female Prisoners are seated on 
 forms, but not in pews, within view of eacb other, 
 
 A forcing-pump is used for throwing water into two cisterns, from which the whole 
 Prison is well supplied. 
 
 In the centre of the building is a handsome turret, with a clock and bell. 
 
 §d" Debtors are allowed to send for two quarts of ale per day, and Felons for one 
 quart, if they pay for it. The Felons are also allowed two chaldrons of coals yearly. 
 If a Debtor can procure work, he has the full benefit of his earnings. 
 
 Mrs. Bowes's donation to the Prison is now discontinued.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 61 1 
 
 The following is a Memorial of certain Legacies, heretofore put up in the Ouse- 
 bridge Prison, and the benefit of which is now transferred to the present Gaol. 
 
 " LEGACIES. 
 
 " City of York, to wit. 
 
 " Donations to the Prisoners in the Gaol upon Ouse-bridge, in tlie said City. 
 
 " Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, by Will, dated 21st October I580, gave three shillings 
 and fourpence yearly, to be divided among the Prisoners on Lady-Day. 
 
 « The Corporation of York pay, yearly, Peacock's Gift, being three pounds four 
 shillings, to be divided among the poor Prisoners. 
 
 " Mr. ffilliam Edmonsons Gift, being one pound six shillings, is distributed, 
 weekly, in bread to the Prisoners." 
 
 YORK CASTLE. 
 
 The County Gaol. 
 
 Gaoler, William Staveley. Salary, 450/. 
 
 Fees, for Debtors, on coming into Gaol, gs. 4d.; on discharge, Ss. Sd.: Be- 
 sides which the Under-sheriff demands of each Debtor 5*. 4d. if discharged 
 by the Plaintiff; and if by Supersedeas, "Js. 8d. Felons, and Crown-Pri- 
 soners here pay neither Fees nor Garnish. The Gaoler is allowed one shil- 
 ling per mile, for the Conveyance of Prisoners of every description. 
 
 Garnish ; every Debtor pays a bag (containing a bushel) of coals, and a bag of 
 turf to the room which he inhabits. 
 
 Chaplains, Rev. Mr. Drown, and Rev. Mr. Richardson. 
 
 Duty, Mr. Brown, Prayers on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings ; and 
 Praj'ers on Sunday afternoon, during the Summer half-year. Also, twice 
 a day, attends Convicts left for execution. 
 
 Mr. Richardson, Prayers and a Sermon every Thursday morning. Sacra- 
 ment administered three times in the jear. 
 Salary, Mr. Brown, 50/. from the County. Mr. Richardson, 23/. 15*. from 
 a Legacy. See the Remarks. 
 
 Surgeon, Mr. Champney. 
 
 Salary, none: He makes a Bill. 
 
 Number of Prisoners. Debk«v. 
 
 1 800, March 3 l«t, - . - 73 - - - 
 
 1802, Aug. 23d, - - - - 6'0 - - - 
 
 1609, Sept. lOth, - - . . -,o ' - ■ 
 
 Felons, JiiC. 
 
 
 
 I.unatick. 
 
 42 - - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 0. 
 
 38 - - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 1. 
 
 39 - - 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 - 0.
 
 612 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 Allowance, to those Debtors who are certificated as Paupers, by the Parish to 
 which they respectively belong, is allowed a ninepenny loaf' every Tuesday 
 and Friday. The weight of this loaf, 23d Aug. l802, was three pounds ten 
 ounces: On the 10th of Sept. 1809, it was two pounds fourteen ounces, 
 and eleven drachms. 
 
 Criminals for trial, and 3Iisdemeaners, have every morning a sixteen ounce 
 loaf of fair wheaten bread, and two ounces of good cheese. 
 
 Transports, convicted at the Castle, have the King's Allowance of 2*. 6d. 
 per week ; viz. eighteen pence in money, and the remaining shilling in 
 bread. 
 
 Transports from the Quarter Sessions, have two shillings per week ; viz. 
 one shilling paid in money, by that Riding of the County from which they 
 were sent, and the other shilling in bread. 
 
 REMAPJvS. 
 
 Within the spacious area, of about four acres, that surrounds this ancient castle, 
 stands a noble County-Hall ; in which are the two Courts of Justice : one for the 
 trial of Criminal Offenders ; the other for nisi prius, or Civil Causes. 
 
 Opposite the Castle, and near the walls, is a very interesting structure, called 
 " Clifford's Toner." Favoured originally by good architecture, it is worthily and 
 \\ ell kept in due preservation by the present owner, Samuel Pfilks If^aud, Esq. as a 
 venerable piece of antiquity ; and, let me add, highly to the honour of its respect- 
 able Protector. The Times want such Recorders ; and much might be said on 
 this subject. 
 
 In the centre of the area is the Prison for Debtors ; to which, from a flagged 
 terrace near their court-yard, (containing about an acre of ground) the ascent is by 
 ;a fine flight of stone steps to an ample floor, on which are eight rooms, each 16 feet 
 square, and twelve feet high. 
 
 Above these are twelve rooms for Common-side Debtors, which are aUJree wards, 
 airy and wholesome ; and the passage is through lofty and spacious lobbies. From 
 these avenues however, in themselves very pleasant and commodious, and also 
 from their sleeping-rooms, the Debtors have a full view into the court-yard and 
 solitary-cells of the Felons; in consequence of which serious inconveniences have 
 sometimes occurred : Dangerous implements have been conveyed to very improper 
 hands, and the regularity and orderly conduct of the Gaol frequently disturbed. 
 Sloping boards, in the manner I have seen them in other Gaols, if suitably placed 
 before the windows, would effectually prevent so hazardous a communication. 
 
 The County furnishes neither bedsteads, bedding, nor even straw for Debtors. 
 The Debtor who has a room to himself, pays for bedding and furniture three-pence 
 per day : If a single bed amongst other Debtors, it is two-pence a day ; and if two 
 sleep in a bed, one penny each.
 
 IN ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 6IS 
 
 On the ground-floor of this Prison are the Gaoler's apartments. 
 
 The Felons' court-yard, in front of the Castle, has a descent of five steps ; and is 
 separated from the area by a double-row of iron-palisades, enclosing a space of about 
 12 feet, to jjrevent all communication with strangers. It is cliieflv defective in 
 being too small, 54 feet only by 4'). Soft water is noio laid on ; and just on the 
 outside of the iron palisades is the pump, that supplies the whole Prison with excel- 
 lent spring-water. 
 
 The day-room for Men-Felons, is 24 feet by 15, and has a fire-place. From tliis 
 room there are two lobbies, containing nineteen sleeping-cells, of about six fett 
 square; with lofty arched roofs, and boarded oaken floors, well ventilated, and dry. 
 
 Out of the Felons' court-yard is a passage leading to the Chapel, and in which are 
 eight sleeping-cells, 9 feet by 6, airy and dry like the former. Also another passage 
 from the same court, which contains five sleeping-cells. 
 
 The room set apart for condemned Prisoners, called " Pompey Parlour," in 
 size about iS feet square, has a fire-place, and is sufticiently light to enable its 
 unhappy tenants to read. 
 
 To each cell the County liberally supplies rugs for the Prisoners' bedding, from two 
 pair even to six pair, according to the season of the year. 
 
 On the West-side of the Gaol is a court-yard of a semicircular shape, with a dav- 
 room, for young Offenders, and capable of containing fifteen Prisoners. 
 
 At the back of the Indictment and Clerk of Assize Office there is a day-room, 
 24 feet by 15, for Misdemeaners, with a fire-place, benches, &c. lighted by double- 
 grated and glazed casement windows, opening into a flagged-court, of 45 feet by 24, 
 with sewers conveniently placed ; and also four sleeping-cells. The first and second 
 story have each a day-room, with the same number of sleeping-cells, and furnished 
 in like manner. 
 
 The Sotith fFing is appropriated to Female-Felons ; on the ground-floor of which 
 is a day-room, conveniently fitted up, and opening into a spacious flagged court, in 
 which is a wash-house, boiler, &c. Also six sleeping-cells, the least of which is 12 
 feet by 10. The first story contains a day-room, with the same number of sleeping- 
 cells. The second, or attick-story has two Infirmary-rooms; one of which has a 
 warm and cold bath, an adjoining dressing-room, and patent water-closets. All the 
 Prisoners in this wing have wooden bedsteads, flock-beds, blankets, and rugs. 
 
 At the top of the building is a flat leaded roof, 45 feet by 25 ; secured by an iron- 
 railing, 5 feet high, for convalescents to walk and take the air upon. From the day- 
 room of the first story the descent is by a flight of stone steps into the court-vard, 
 50 feet by 27. 
 
 The approach to the centre building of the South wing is by a flight of five stone 
 steps ; and four Ionic pillars, 26 feet 6 inches high, supjwrt the portico ; exhibiting a 
 noble and uniform appearance with the Criminal and nisi prius Courts on the op- 
 posite side of the area.
 
 614 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 The back part of this building, in which there is a convenient Sessions- House, 
 with lofty and opposite windows, is separated from the Prison by a lobby, 6 feet 
 6 inches wide, paved with flag-stones; in which are eight sleeping-cells, of 14 feet 
 by 10 ; and two day-rooms, with fire-places, benches, tables, shelves, &c. each 
 opening into separate court-yards, of 50 feet by 2/, which are supplied with conve- 
 nient sewers, and a pump in each, of excellent water. 
 
 The chamber-story contains nine rooms for Debtors, each 14 feet by 12 feet 
 3 inches, with glazed sash windows, and a fire-place in each. These rooms are set 
 apart for the most respectable Prisoners of this class. 
 
 The Chapel is in the West wing of the Castle. The Women sit upon forms in 
 the area, and in front of the pulpit : The Convicts, Felons for trial, and Misdemean- 
 ers, are placed on seats close to the wall, and nearly encircle the Chapel. The 
 gallery is occupied by the Keeper's seat, in which are Debtors, and occasional 
 Visitors. All are in view of the Minister. A pew is set apart, opposite the Keeper's. 
 seat, for those under sentence of death. 
 
 A Debtor officiates as Chapel Clerk, for which he is paid sixpence a week by the 
 Dean and Chapter. All the Felons, and many of the Debtors, attended Divine 
 Service, when I was there on the 10th of Sept. 1809, and their behaviour was orderly 
 and attentive. 
 
 On the whole, the design and execution of tins County Gaol are highly com- 
 mendable, and, I doubt not, will prove both the Decus et Tutanien of Yorkshire. 
 Its intelligent and active Keeper will thus enjoy the power of separating the Pri- 
 soners who are detained for trial, from those already convicted ; as well as of keeping 
 Misdemeaners, and less injurious Offenders more safely to themselves. In short, 
 every class of Prisoners will thus have its own district undisturbed ; a convenience 
 and a benefit, which the ( iaol in question has so long wanted. 
 
 Every Prisoner who enters this Gaol in a ragged or dirty condition, is first clean 
 washed ; and then receives the clothing provided for such by the County. There 
 are six solitary-cells here, with boarded floors, which are well ventilated ; and to 
 each of them is attached a small court-yard. 
 
 The County, as yet, provides no Employment for the Prisoners ; but Mr. Staveley, 
 the present humane Gaoler, is ever active in procuring it for those of handicraft 
 trades ; as taylors and shoemakers, weavers, wool-combers, sadlers, &c. And such 
 as cannot, in a Prison, follow their own profession, soon learn to make laces, garters, 
 purses, and other slight articles, which they expose for sale in the Castle-yard : and 
 by these means many of them are enabled both decently to maintain themselves, 
 and assist their pitiable families. As there is no working-room, however, for the 
 purpose within their allotment of space, this manufticture, in rainy weather, is car- 
 ried on in one or other of the lobbies, which are equally spacious, airy, and com- 
 fortable.
 
 IM ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 615 
 
 Mr. John JVatson, Clerk to the Justices, attends all their Meetings lield at the 
 Castle; and regulates from time to time the vveit^ht of the Prisoners' hread, as issued 
 to them in ninepenny loaves. Ilis Salary is Twenty (iuineas per annum. 
 
 A Table of Fees, as settled by the Justices on the 14th of July 173-,, is hung up 
 in the passage of the Gaol ; but seems to have become obsolete througii time, as 110 
 other Fees than those before mentioned are now taken. 
 
 The Salary of the Rev. Mr. Richardson, as Co-Chaplain of the Gaol, for reading 
 Prayers, and giving a Sermon weekly, originates as follows. Through the politeness 
 of Mr. Gray I have been favoured with a copy of the Writing of Endowment ; and 
 as it is both curious and instructive, a full extract from it is here subjoined. 
 
 " iCth, January," [1634] " 10 Charles I. Phineas Hodgson, D. D. Chan- 
 cellor of the Cathedral Church of York, by his deed of that date, (after ex- 
 pressing his desire, out of his Commiseration and Pity to the Souls of such Pri- 
 soners as then were, or should be in the Castle of York, to provide that they, for 
 ever afterwards, might be instructed in the Knowledge of Gou, to their eternal 
 Bliss and IIaj)piness, which he hoped would be, by providing some Godly Minister 
 or Preacher of God's Word to preach unto them in the said Castle, which, by reason 
 of their Imprisonment, they ivere hindered elseuhere to hear; and in regard 
 that Richard" [Neile] " then late Archbishop of York, did licence, or allow, that 
 Godly Preachers for ever thereafter might be allowed to preach there to that purpose, 
 although there was no Church or Chapel ; Grants to John Scott, D. D. the then 
 Dean, and to George Stanhope, D.D. and Henry fflchham, D.I). Prebend Resi- 
 dentiaries of the Cathedral of York, a Yearly Rent-Charge of Tliirty Pounds, 
 issuing out of a Messuage in Bempton, alias Benton upon the Woulds, in the 
 County of York ; and also out of the Chapel and Tithes of Bempton, alias Henton 
 and Newsam, (parcel of the possessions of the late Monastery of Bridlington) ; and all 
 the Lands and Tenements of the Grantor, in Bempton, alias Benton and Newsam ; 
 payable half-yearly, at Whitsuntide and Martinmas, at Haxhy's Tomb, in the Cathe- 
 dral Church of York, with the usual Clauses of nominepa;ncp, and Distress on Default 
 of Payment. In Trust, to pay Tiventy-Jive Pounds per annum, parcel of the said 
 Thirty Pounds, to such Minister or Preacher of (iod's Word, according to the True 
 Religion then established in the Church of England, as should be nominated and ap- 
 pointed by the Grantor ; and after his death, by the Dean and Chapter of the Catlie- 
 dral of York, to preach weekly, in the Castle of' York, to the Prisoners there for the 
 time being; such Minister preaching there once every week throughout the year, 
 except only in the Assize weeks, and at such times, by reason of any infection, or 
 otherwise, as he shall be dispensed with by the (irantor, during his Life, or the Dean 
 and Chapter after his Death. And to the intent that Five Pounds, residue of the 
 Thirty Pounds, should be distributed weekly, by Two Shillings a week, in Bread 
 amongst the pooorer sort of the Prisoners upon the Sermon Days, to such of them 
 as should be present at the said Sermons ; Hoping and Desiring that some others
 
 616 STATE OF PRISONS 
 
 would attend to this pious and charitable work ; and in time increase the Allowance 
 and Stipend; and that the work might be acceptable to God, and profitable and 
 comfortable to many distressed and poor Souls." 
 
 The Instrument then goes on to make provision for continuing and perpetuating 
 the Trustj on the Demise of the then Trustees. 
 
 Statement, and Application 
 
 of the Legacy of the Rev. Chancellor Hodgson. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 The Rent-Charge, now paid by the Representatives of the late 
 
 Robert Burton, Esq. of Hotham, in Yorkshire, as Owners of the 
 
 Estate and Tithes mentioned in the Deed, is ------ 30 00 
 
 Out of which is deducted, and applied for the pur- 
 poses directed by the Deed -..---. -500 
 
 And for Land-Tax, on the 25l. per annum - - - - 1 5 
 
 6 5 O 
 
 Clear Receipt, paid to the Chaplain - - - - - £.2Z \S 
 
 §3° The above Writing, obligingly communicated to me, mentions, that Mr. 
 IVilliam Hart, a Merchant at York, had formerly bequeathed " One Hundred 
 Pounds to the like use." Nothing certain, however, can now be obtained con- 
 cerning this Legacy, which, probably, (like many others I have heard of in my 
 perambulation of Prisons) is either lost, or diverted to some other purpose ; and, from 
 the lapse of time, it is not likely that any thing more can now be made out re- 
 specting it. 
 
 Account of Charitable Donations 
 
 to the Prisoners in his Majesty's Gaol, 
 
 The Castle of York. 
 
 jE. s. d. 
 " The LadyLumley ; to be given yearly, on St. Thomas's Day. For- 
 merly, 6/. 75. but since increased to Te7i Pounds, paid to the Gaoler 
 every Christmas ; and ordered by the Trustees to be laid out in 
 discharging poor Debtors out of Custody, in the same manner as 
 the Money left in his (the Gaoler's) hands by the High Sheriff and 
 Gentlemen of the Grand Jury; and for which he produces proper 
 vouchers at each Assize ------------looo 
 
 The honourable and ancient City of York, weekly, in bread - - - 2 6 
 Mrs. Frances Thornhill, for straw. Tlie Lord Mayor has 30/. in his 
 hands for the purpose ; and the Thirty Shillings for Straw are now 
 laid out in other articles for the good of the Prison, by the Clerk 
 to the Justices --------------- iloo
 
 IN P:NGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND WALES. 6J7 
 
 £. 1. d. 
 Doctor Phineas Hodgson ; whose before -mentioned Legacy of 5/ per 
 
 annum, is weekly distributed, at 2*. per week, to all those Prisoners 
 
 wlio attend Sermons in the Gaol ------- ...joo 
 
 Mr. Alderman \\ bite's Gift of 265. a year, and Mr. Bowes's of 20.9. 
 a year, in bread, have long been discontinued." 
 In the above Prison, as in some others, it is left as matter of option with the 
 Debtors, whether to attend or absent themselves from Chapel Duty, and the Ser- 
 mons ; but why it is so permitted has never yet been satisfactorily accounted for. 
 
 ^C?" An omission of the following Legacies to CHESTER New City Gaol 
 escaped my notice, till it was too late to supply the defect in my description, page 132. 
 They should have been inserted thus : 
 
 "The sum of \l. 13.V. 4^- at Midsummer, and of 3/. 3,?. at Christmas in every 
 year, are distributed equally between the Debtors confined in the above Gaol; 
 being Legacies left for that purpose." 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Animated with the hope of giving permanency and improvement to that reform 
 in our Prisons which was so ably begun by my excellent Predecessor, Mr. Howard, 
 I now send forth this Book, the labour of many years, as an important subject for 
 publick consideration ; and, however defective, deliver it to the World, with the 
 spirit of a Man who endeavoured to do well, and at length enjoys the luxury of 
 having lived to see his highest earthly wishes accomplished. 
 
 If it shall be found, as is very probable, that many things are omitted in this 
 extensive work, which might greatly have added to its value, let it not be forgotten 
 that much, likewise, is performed: that my numerous visits had not the patronage 
 of Government to invigorate their ardour ; that many Prisons proved to be difficult of 
 access ; that the information which I sought was not easily obtained ; and that this 
 massy collection of particulars is not published for general entertainment, but for the 
 serious perusal of those distinguished Readers who have it in their will, no less than in 
 their power, to soften the trials, and alleviate the sorrows of Imprisonment. 
 
 In Ireland, the Minister, or other respectable Gentleman of the district in which 
 the Gaols are situate, is appointed the Local Inspector, with an humble Salary of Ten 
 Pounds. His duty is to see that the Thirteen Articles of excellent reguLtlian *, 
 be duly observed ; and to report upon each of them, and upon oath, at every 
 Quarter Session. There is likewise an Inspector General constituted, with a 
 Salary of Two Hundred Pounds ; who is required to visit every Prison in that 
 
 « Sec Stat, 26° Geo. IIL Cap. 27. Sect. 32. printed by Grierson, Dublin, 1804. 
 
 4K
 
 6,8 STATE OF PRISONS. 
 
 Kino-dom, at least once within two years ; and report also, in what manner, and 
 w ith what effect, the Local Inspectors have discharged their interesting Trust. 
 
 The state, however, of the Prisons in question has been represented to me as 
 extremely defective; and frequently have I been solicited to visit them. But, 
 having failed in my application for Authority in this my native Country, I could 
 entertain but little hope of success in a remoter sphere ; where I might have to 
 combat the opposition of those, whose interest was but too likely to prevent that 
 reformation of abuses, on which their personal ease and emolument might depend. 
 
 List of County and City Gaols in Ireland ; of their Local Inspectors, and the 
 Gaolers; as given in the year 1808. 
 
 County. Local Inspectors: Gaolers. 
 
 1. Antrim ----- Rev. Richard Dobbs. ------ William M'Claverty. 
 
 2. Armagh ----- Rev. Mr. Ball. -.--.--- John Johnson. 
 
 3. Carlow E. Fitzgerald, M. D. ------ Robert Kerevan. 
 
 4. Cavan ------ Rev. Mr. Druitt. ------- William Stewart. 
 
 .5. Clare Rev. Mr. Weldon. Anthony O'Laughlin. 
 
 6. Cork ------ Rev. Mr. Kennedy. ------ J. Murphy, and Son. 
 
 7. Cork City ----- Rev. Mr. Davis. ------- John Walsh. 
 
 8. Donegall - - ^ - - Adam Gillespie, M. D. ----- Isaac Simpson. 
 
 9. Down ------ Rev. Mr. Ford. -------- Edward Hamilton. 
 
 10. Drogheda . - - - Edward Fairlow, M. D. - - - - - John Allen. 
 
 11. Dublin ----- Rev. Mr. Baylie. - ------ George Dunn. 
 
 12. Dublin City, has 6 Gaols Isaac Dejoncour, Esq. ----- Tresham Gregg. 
 
 13. Fermanagh - - - - Rev. Mr. Johnston. ------- George Gallogly. 
 
 14. Galway ----- Rev. Mr. Young, t ----- - Charles Eddington. 
 
 15. Galway Town - - - Rev. Mr. Shaw John Welch. 
 
 16. Kerry ------ Rev. Mr. Day. -------- Francis Tuite. 
 
 17. Kildare ----- Rev.Mr. HarTison,and Dr. Johnson. - - Moorhead, and Ring. 
 
 18. Kilkenny ----- Redmund DufFey, Esq. ----- Richard Elseworth. 
 
 19. Kilkenny City - - - Thomas Hutchinson, Esq. - - . - William Montgomery. 
 
 20. King's County - - - Mr. W. Ellis. -------- Thomas Simpson. 
 
 21. Leitrim ----- Rev. Mr. Bennet. ------- John Irwin. 
 
 22. Limerick ----- Sheppard, Esq. Gabbett, Esq. Hedderman, Spearing. 
 
 23. Londonderry - - - - Rev. Mr. Babington. ------ Hugh Stevenson. 
 
 24. Longford ----- S. Duberdieu, Esq. ------ William Ridge. 
 
 25. Louth ------ Rev. Mr. Tinley. ------- Dennis Fitzpatrick. 
 
 26. Mayo Rev. Mr. Ashe. Hen. Moran, Will. Kelley. 
 
 27. Meath ------ Rev. Mr. Wainwright. ------ James Hughes. 
 
 28. Monaghan - - - - Rev. Mr. Montgomery. ----- John Short. 
 
 29. Queen's County - - - William Pilsworth, Esq. ----- John Clarke. 
 
 30. Roscommon - - - - Rev. Mr. Blakeney. ------- Edward Jones. 
 
 31. Sligo ------ Rev. Mr. Armstrong. ------ Anthony Sedley. 
 
 32. Tipperary - - - - Rev. Mr. Stevenson. ------ John Headon. 
 
 33. Tyrone - . - . . Rev. Mr. Stack. - ------ John OBrien. 
 
 34. Waterford - - - - Rev. Mr. Frazier. ------- James Wright. 
 
 35. Waterford City - - - Rev. Mr. White. Francis Carson. 
 
 36. Westmeath . - - - Rev. Mr. Dundas. ------- Tliomas Codd. 
 
 37- , Wexford ----- Rev. Archd. Elgee, - ----- Joseph Gladwin. 
 
 38. Wicklow ----- Rev. Mr. Porter. ------- Luke Ashmore. 
 
 Foster Acher, Inspector-General. — 1808. 
 
 THE END.
 
 (( 619 ) 
 
 PORTSMOUTH AND LANGSTON HARBOURS. 
 
 THE sufcsequent Examination and Reports originated from the follovvine 
 letter; which being laid before the Right Honourable Lord Pelham, his 
 Lordshij) was pleased to send orders to Portsmouth and Langston Harbours, for 
 furnishing Sir Henry St. John Mildmay, Raronet (who volunteered his services), 
 and myself, with every information we should require. 
 
 " Sir, Portsea, Feb. 24. 1 802. 
 
 " Yesterday I brought from Rodmin and Launceston Gaols eleven Male Con- 
 victs, and put them on board the La Fortunee Hulk, in Langston Harbour. 
 
 " I inquired after ten others, which I put there the 14th of September, l800. 
 Six of them are dead, and the other four look very poorly. Upwards of one hundred 
 and twenty died in l8oi ; and forty since this year began. I inquired of several of 
 the Convicts, as to the treatment they received : they say they have chiefly died for 
 want of provision ; they have not sufficient food to live on ; indeed, they now say 
 these that are here are half-starved. It appears to me, that want of food is the chief 
 cause of so many deaths ; for, were they carried off by any putrid or infectious 
 distemper, would it not affect the Officers on board ? These appear in perfect 
 health, while the Convict looks pale and half-starved. 
 
 " I have often reported to sundry Gentlemen these many years past, but the evil 
 is not remedied. It will be a humane act, would any Gentleman of Note examine 
 the Convicts in person, by having them before him, separate from the presence of 
 the Overseers, &c. The late worthy Mr. Howard was deceived when he visited; 
 the Overseers, &c. being present, the Convicts were afraid to coniplain. 
 
 " 1 am, Sir, 
 
 " Ycur very obedient servant, 
 JAMES CH APPLE. 
 " To James Nelld, Esq. " Keeper of the New Prisons, Bodmin. 
 
 Chelsea." 
 
 ^^ It is with great pleasure I remark, that during our examination of the Convicts 
 we had the uiotL decided proofs of this worthy Gaoler, Mr. Chappies, great hu- 
 manity and tenderness towards his Prisoners. 
 
 X
 
 ( 620 ) 
 
 N° I. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 ON THE 
 
 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR. 
 
 March l6, l802. 
 By sir henry ST. JOHN MILDMAY, Bart. M.P. 
 
 AND 
 
 JAMES NEILD, Esq. ., : 
 
 IN consequence of an order from his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for 
 the Home Department, directed to us, containing an authority to inspect and 
 report on the state and management of the Convicts in Portsmouth Harbour and at 
 Langston Harbour ; we repaired to Portsmouth on the 15th of March, and the next 
 morning proceeded in the execution of our commission. We have, however, ge- 
 nerally to lament, that our Report cannot, in some respects, be considered so 
 conclusive and satisfactory as we could wish, in consequence of the manifest disad- 
 vantage under which any inquiry must be instituted, when a previous intimation 
 has been communicated to the parties themselves, whose conduct and discretion is 
 the subject of investigation. 
 
 The first object to which we directed our inquiries, was to examine into the state 
 of the Convicts on board the Captivity, in Portsmouth Harbour ; which we under- 
 stood to be a vessel newly fitted up for their reception, and under regulations 
 recently adopted, for better promoting the health, increasing the accommodations, 
 and establishing good order and discipline among the Prisoners. On a general 
 inspection of every part of the ship, we found that all possible precautions were 
 taken, to ensure cleanliness and proper ventilation, and to afford every convenience 
 to the men that could be expected, where so large a number are confined in so small 
 a space. We perceived that a new Chapel had been lately constructed, in the middle 
 of the ship, sufficient in size to admit the whole complement of Prisoners at once ;
 
 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR. 621 
 
 but we do not understand that any regular Chaplain has been hitherto appointed to 
 perform Divine Service in it. We next proceeded to examine into the usual allow- 
 ance of diet, and the quality of the provisions on board. On this head we are satisfied 
 that on board the Captivity no reasonable grounds of complaint can be said to 
 exist: the quantity appeared to us sufficient, and the quality of the provisions 
 good. We could not however avoid remarking, that the Convicts generally (those 
 alone excepted who are on the sick list,) are supplied with no vegetables whatever, 
 but such as they purchase themselves : we think it would greatly contribute to the 
 health of the Prisoners, if they were furnished by Government with a small 
 proportion of garden-stuff, at least on certain days in the week ; and we conceive 
 that if a small piece of ground were allotted to the purpose, which might easily be 
 done on the Gosport side of the harbour, a sufficient quantity might be raised by 
 the labour of the Convicts alone, with little additional expence to the publick. On 
 inquiring into the general state of health of the Convicts on board this vessel, it appeared 
 to us, that the Captain had bestowed gieat care and attention on this point. Those who 
 were robust and healthy were employed out of the ship, in his Majesty's Dock- Yard, 
 and those who were slightly ailing, convalescents, or crij)ples, were occupied in menial 
 offices on the decks, or in such other employment as they were fit for on board. 
 The former had every appearance of health, to which we are of opinion that the 
 moderate regular labour in which they are exercised very materially contributes : 
 the latter appeared clean, and, as we were told by tlie Surgeon, generally convales- 
 cent. It also appeared, however, that among the invalids many were ruptured; and 
 on application to the Surgeon, we found that he was not provided with trusses : we 
 therefore think it our duty to recommend to Government that he be immediately 
 supplied with these necessary articles. We noticed also a number of persons unable 
 to work, in consequence of sore legs ; which is attributed by the Surgeon to an im- 
 poverished habit, and the want of proper care, during their confinement in those 
 Gaols whence they were sent to the Hulks. 
 
 On inspecting the Laurel, which has lately been converted from a Receiving 
 Hulk into an Hospital Ship, for the acconuriodation of persons in an advanced state 
 of malady, or labouring under infectious disorders, we observed that it contained 
 twenty-one sick (sixteen of whom were from Langston Harbour), in a very diseased 
 state. As far as we could judge, it seemed that they were neither in want of 
 proper medical advice, attention, medicine, or of any assistance the Surgeon re- 
 ported them to require. With regard to discipline, we have every reason to be 
 satisfied u ith the precautions that have been taken, to preserve order and regularity 
 both by day anrl night; though, from the nature of the employments in which the 
 Convicts are at present occupied (being intermixed with other persons in the service 
 of Government), a greater facility of escape is afforded than could be wished. We 
 examined the instruments of correction, and the mode of punishment for misbeha-
 
 r«22 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR. 
 
 viour, to which there can be no objection. On the whole, the result of our inquiries 
 into the state of the Hulks in Portsmouth Harbour is highly favourable to the regu- 
 lations lately adopted. 
 
 From every inquiry we could make into the character and conduct of Mr. Thomas 
 Thompson, the Captain of the Captivity, as well as from an accurate inspection 
 into the state, both of the vessel, and of the Convicts under his command, we have 
 every reason to believe him to be a person of humanity, and attentive to his duty : 
 and we think it but justice to him to mention, that, during the last year he had 
 the command of the Laurel (then a receiving ship on the old establishment), it 
 appears that the mortality on board her, did not, in proportion, amount to one half 
 the number of deaths on board the Hulks in Langston Harbour. 
 
 A TABLE of Diet expended by the Convicts on board 
 the Captivity Hulk, daily. 
 
 Each mess is for six men, with eight pounds of bread, and nine pints of small 
 
 beer every day. 
 Breakfast. Every day, one pound five ounces of barley, and five ounces of oat- 
 meal, made into soup or burgou. 
 Dinner. Four days in the week, six pounds of beef. 
 
 Three days in the week, three pounds of cheese. 
 JSupper. On the four meat days, twelve ounces of barley, and five ounces of 
 oatmeal, made into soup or burgou. 
 On the cheese days, one pound six ounces of oatmeal, made into soup 
 or burgou. 
 One of the Convicts is deputed daily by the others, to see their provisions 
 weighed and delivered out. 
 
 Daily Allowance issued to the SICK Prisoners, 
 f^ach mess is for six men, with six pounds of bread every day. 
 
 Breakfast and Supper. 
 Three pounds eight ounces of rice, and six pints of milk. 
 
 Dinner. 
 Three pounds of mutton, and six pounds of vegetables. 
 §C!|° Wine, Tea, Sugar, Sago, Pearl Barley, Flour, Fruit, and Porter, 
 isstied according to the Surgeon's orders. 
 
 Henry St. John Mildmay. 
 James Neild.
 
 ( 623 ) 
 
 No II. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 ON THE 
 
 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN LANGSTON HARBOUR. 
 
 March 16, l8o2. 
 
 HAVING completed our inspection of the Convicts in Portsmouth Harbour, we 
 proceeded to carry our inquiries into the state and condition of the Hulks in Lang- 
 ston Harbour. We have here to regret still more, that the object of our investi- 
 gation had been anticipated ; as we have good reason to believe, (not only from the 
 information of some of the Convicts themselves, whom we examined apart, but 
 from the most respectable and undoubted authorities), that we should have seen cause 
 even for more severe animadversion, had not La Fortunee been manifestly prepared 
 for our reception. 
 
 With respect to the state of the vessel itself, we think il our duty to report it 
 not only wJioUy uirfit for the present service, as a Hulk, but, from its generally 
 decayed and ruinous state, as well as its original inconvenient construction ; so that 
 it never can be rendered effective for the purpose. We think it necessary to 
 mention in particular, that the timbers are so decayed, that we saw a small quantity 
 of water poured on tlie quarter-deck, which immediately penetrated through the 
 floor, and passed into the Hospital Ward below ; where, from the want of better 
 acconmiodation, persons in aJl stages of disease, and with all complaints, were 
 living intermixed together. We were told by the Captain, that the quarter-deck 
 was in so dangerous a state, that he apprehended it would give way under any 
 severe pressure. The boarding throughout the whole ship is so generally out of
 
 462 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN LANGSTON HARBOUR. 
 
 repair, that we conceive it impossible to preserve that attention to cleanliness, so in- 
 dispensably requisite to the health of the Convicts. It appears that the straw in the 
 sacking is changed only twice or three times a year : what we examined was almost 
 reduced to powder, and full of vermin. We found, also, that though the lower 
 decks are extremely low, and much crowded, many of the ports were nailed down, 
 and could not be opened, so as to admit a proper ventilation. On board this vessel 
 we found no Chapel ; and we were told that Divine Service was performed on a 
 Sunday on the quarter-deck ; though we conceive, from the confined space, that a 
 small part of the Convicts only can have access to it. We understand the Captain 
 never attends himself. With regard to the quantity of diet allowed daily to the 
 Prisoners, we have nothing to object, as the regulations on that head are nearly 
 similar to those in use on board the Captivity at Portsmouth. With respect, how- 
 ever, to its quality, we think that in many particulars there is the greatest cause of 
 complaint. The beef we examined we scarcely consider wholesome ; it is certainly 
 of the coarsest and worst quality ; and so extremely thin, that, although the allow- 
 ance to each individual is professedly one pound of meat, itj hardly amounts, when 
 served out, to more than half a pound, in consequence of the weight of bone. It 
 may not be improper here to remark, that the meat with which we found the 
 Convicts supplied on board La Fortunde, appeared of a quality extremely inferior to 
 that furnished to the Captivity the day before : The reason of this difference we are 
 not able to assign, as both vessels are supplied by the same agent, and under the 
 same contract. The bread we tasted we thought tolerable, though we hear from the 
 Captain, that he has frequently reason to complain of it. The cheeses were so execrably 
 bad *, that we thought ourselves justified in ordering one of them to be sent to London 
 for inspection at the Secretary of State's office. The beer we found very good; and 
 so far as we could judge of the barley and oatmeal, we saw no reason to complain. 
 Some little advantage appears to have been derived to the Convicts from about an 
 acre of ground that has been appropriated to a garden, though its produce, from 
 want of proper manure, is very scanty. The supply of last year has been long since 
 consumed, excepting a few vegetables reserved for the sick. We cannot here for- 
 bear mentioning, that it would add considerably to the comfort of the Prisoners, if 
 their provisions were dressed on the spot where they are to be consumed : at present, 
 the kitchen is on board the hulks, whence the provisions are carried, upwards of a 
 quarter of a mile, to the place where they are served out. With respect to 
 cloathing, we find it has been commonly allowed once in six months, and stockings 
 once in three months : but, in the present instance, that supply has been withheld 
 beyond the usual term ; for what reason we cannot say. 
 
 * If ia to be observed, that this cheese furnishes dinner for the Convicts three d^ys in the weeL
 
 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN LANGSTON HARnoun rt25 
 
 Under all the above circumstances, we tlioiiglit it incumbent on us t<. make a 
 very particular inquiry into the state of health of the Convicts, and tiie degree of 
 mortality that has lately prevailed among them. We are sorrv to rrport, that the 
 number of deaths has increased of late years in a very alarming proportion, inso- 
 much, that in the year I797, when the greatest number of Convicts was on board in 
 Langston Harbour, it appears that the deaths amounted only to riine, and that in the 
 year iSoi, they increased to the number oi one hundred nnd twenty * '. Since 
 the commencement of the year lS02 up to the present day, (March iGth), they 
 amount to thirfi/-fotir; notwithstanding the numl)cr of Convicts on board has of late 
 been very considerably diminished, and upwards of twenty of their worst invalids 
 have been removed to the Laurel, in Portsmouth Harbour. 
 
 The present complement of La Fortunt^ is about 30O ; near fifty of whom are 
 invalids, or cripples on deck, besides eleven continetl to their beds, and as many 
 more in the hospital-ward. The complaint that has been most prevalent, and most 
 fatal, begins with a low fever, and ends with a diarrhoea, or dysentery. 
 
 We tliink it our duty to report further, on this part of the subject, that it appears 
 to us that great neglect is to be ascribed in the medical dej)artment ; though it can- 
 not be imputed to the late Surgeon, who was bound by contract to attend at the 
 Hulks three times a week only, be the state of the Convicts what it might. The 
 contract appears to have been 70/. per annum, for attendance at four miles dis- 
 tance, and medicine. 
 
 By the interposition of Mr. Graham, we understand that another gentleman 
 was appointed some weeks since, with whose assiduity and attention we have 
 every reason to be fully satisfied. He brought before us various complaints 
 against the Contractor ; particularly stating to us, that for five days past he 
 had been unable to procure the quantity of milk allowed, and extremely neces- 
 sary for the Hospital-ward, although he had made repeated applications for it. 
 He stated also the greatest irregularity in the supply of provisions, both to the 
 Ship and the Hospital ; and that the quality of the meat allotted to the Sick was fre- 
 quently so bad, as to afford the greatest foundation for reproof. In the presence of 
 the Surgeon, we begged to inspect the wine, both white and red, that is used for 
 the Sick on board. The former, though called Malaga, and probably paid for ai 
 such by Government, proved a very indifl^erent sample of Raisin wine ; and thtf 
 latter, a nauseous and most unwholesome composition. 
 
 With regard to the discipline on board La Fortun^e, we have reason to 
 believe it considerably improved. We do not hear of any recent meeting or insur- 
 rection among the Prisoners ; nor find among the returns, that any of them have 
 lately been shot, 
 
 * The Average of Convicts in 1797, was 600; and in the year 1801, it was 500. 
 
 4 L
 
 626 STATE OF THE CONVICTS IN LANGSTON HARBOUR. 
 
 We observe, however, that lighter irons are in some cases used on board the 
 Captivity than in this ship. There may be a reason for this distinction ; but we 
 
 are ignorant of it. 
 
 On the whole, though we do not pretend to trace the prevalence of disease, and its 
 fatal consequences on board this ship, to any one particular source ; we believe them 
 to have been much increased by a great want of accommodation ; a total inattention 
 to common cleanliness ; great neglect in the medical department, and very repre- 
 hensible abuses in the articles of subsistence. 
 
 To til is report we feel it unnecessary to add any general observations, as we 
 understand that it is in the contemplation of Government to remove the Convicts 
 from La Fortunee, and place them, under the new regulation, on board a vessel now 
 in great forwardness for that purpose. But we think we shall not have discharged our 
 duty, if we omitted to state our opinion, that many unnecessary hardships have been 
 incurred by the Convicts, in consequence of a fatal error in the original contract ; 
 by which the appointment of the Captain, Surgeon, and other officers on board, 
 is dependant solely on the nomination of the contractor. Hence it arises, that 
 those officers, who, if the servants of Government, would be a check on the con- 
 tractor, and on each other, have now one comtnon interest; and are deterred from 
 making any complaints, let what will arise, from the apprehension of losing their 
 appointments. We submit, also, that the Captain and Surgeons of the Receiving 
 and Hospital ships, should be furnished with proper books to enter the daily occur- 
 rences that arise ; and to specify with greater regularity the diseases and deaths of 
 those placed under their charge. We likewise think it highly expedient that a 
 Table of Regulations should be drawn out (respecting the duty both of the Officers 
 and Convicts ;) to be affixed to some conspicuous part of each ship, and read at certain 
 stated times to the whole ship's company. 
 
 We have only further to remark, that we lament the great proportion of persons 
 on board the Hulks generally, who from age, infirmity, accident, or incurable dis- 
 ease, are wholly incapable of work : and we suggest it to the consideration of the 
 Secretary of State, whether it might not be advisable, that persons of this description 
 should be removed to some place exclusively appropriated for their reception. Whilst 
 they continue where they are, they are constantly exposed to insult and injury from 
 tlieir companions; they occasion great additional trouble; and occupy the place of 
 those, who might be employed with effect in the public service. 
 
 Henry St. John Mildmay. 
 James Neild.
 
 ( 627 ) 
 
 No. III. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OP TUE 
 
 HULKS AT PORTSMOUTH. 
 
 Inspected \%th September, 1S07. 
 
 1. The Captivity. Receiving- Hulk 
 
 3 
 
 THE Regulations and good order, the cleanliness and proper ventilation, which 
 my late able Coadjutor and myself first reported in 1802, I had the pleasure of 
 remarking, at this visit in 1807, were well adhered to. 
 
 The Rev. Henry Donne is appointed Chaplain to the three Convict ships, with 
 a Salary of 150/. per annum. The duty, of Prayers and Sermon, is performed every 
 Sunday on board the Captivity ; and upon alternate Sundays, on board the Laurel, 
 at Portsmouth, and the Portland Hulk, in Langston Harbour. 
 
 Tile robust and healthy Prisoners belonging to the Captivity and the Laurel, are 
 employed very usefully in the Dock- Yards ; and the industrious receive the Dock al- 
 lowance of one biscuit, a pint of small beer, and a half-penny worth of tobacco daily. 
 
 The cripples and convalescents spin oakum, and cut wood, which is sold in 
 parcels to the ships of war. Those who suffer under ruptures are now supphed 
 with trusses, upon ajiplication made to the Surgeon, whose stipend is 5*'. Gd. per day, 
 and medicines found as required. He visits the Hulks every day, and appears 
 attentive to his duty. 
 
 Sore legs continue to be the prevalent disorder on board the three ships, and I 
 saw six men in the Captivity, who were disabled in consequence*. 
 
 There is no ground allotted for the gi-owth of vegetables to this ship ; but on every 
 meat-day one shilling's worth of cabbages are cut into small pieces, and boiled with 
 
 the beef. 
 
 The clothing is uniform. Every man has a new jacket, with a waistcoat, 
 breeches, and handkerchief, twice a year; new stockings, and coarse linen shirt 
 four times a year ; clean linen once a week ; and is twice a week shaved. 
 
 * It is liopcd that a due and constant invest igalion of thi* rompliiint will be made, as it is by no mean* 
 peculiar, or unusual, in situations of this nMure.
 
 628 REPORT OF THE HULKS AT PORTSMOUTH. 
 
 The provisions appeared good in quality : With respect to quantity, two of the 
 Convicts are assigned by the rest, to see that justice is done them ; and proper scales, 
 weights, and measures, are provided for their use. The allowance is then delivered 
 to the two Convict-cooks. 
 
 The number detained on board the Captivity, 1 8th Sept. 1807, was 438. Of 
 these, 196 slept on the lower deck ; 1 62 on the middle deck; and on the upper 
 deck, 44. 
 
 ^3" This latter deck, or ward, is the smallest, and the best behaved individuals 
 are here of course confined. Fifteen others acted as watchmen ; and the re- 
 maining 21 being sick at the time of my visit, were sent on board the Sagesse 
 Hospital-ship, till cured. 
 
 To prevent robbery, or the breaking open of each other's boxes in the night, 
 lamps are kept burning; and those accredited Convicts who are employed to do Ship- 
 duty, perform that of watchmen, by appointment, during the night : five are set 
 to each ward or deck, and relieve each other every two hours. These, so entrusted, 
 have only a light iron or ring to one leg. 
 
 All the Convicts sleep in hammocks ; those invalids only excepted, who are put 
 on board the Hospital ship ; and in fine weather the bedding of all is brought upon 
 the upper deck to air. I found every port-hole open, both in the Captivity and 
 the Laurel. 
 
 Of the Captivity, the OflScers and Crew, consisted of the Captain, and three 
 Mates, the Boatswain, Steward, and twenty-seven common men. 
 
 A book is kept, and a regular entry made of daily occurrences. The punishment 
 for slight offences on shore, is a stoppage of the dock-allowance ; and on board, by 
 additional irons. Those who attempt an escape, receive one, two, or three dozen 
 lashes, inflicted in presence of the other Convicts, and of the Surgeon. 
 
 From the 1st of January 1 807, to the 1 8th of September, 36 had their dock- 
 allowance stopped; S9 had additional irons; and 12 were flogged, according to 
 their demerits. Subsequent to my former visit, in l802, the number of deaths, in 
 five years, had been sixty-one. 
 
 Since the adoption of the new system, 1590 Convicts have been received on hoard 
 the Captivity, of whom 280 were transferred from the Laurel, 
 
 Every Convict here, on his discharge, receives ll. l6s. 4^^. 
 
 2. The LAUREL, which, at my visit in 1802 was the Hospital-ship, was, by order 
 from the Board of Ordnance, 13th July, 1804, converted into a Receiving Hulk, 
 and her complement of Convicts, 200. 
 
 To this ship there is allotted, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth, a plot of 
 ground, about 100 feet square; which produces cabbages and other garden-stufll^
 
 REPORT OF THE HULKS AT PORTSMOUTH. 9X9 
 
 sufficient to supply every Convict with vegetables, one, two, and sometimes three 
 days in the week : and those who are afflicted with scorbutick disorders have vege- 
 tables every day. 
 
 The Surgeon here has a Salary of 30/. per annum, and visits the ship once or 
 twice a week. The Number of Convicts detained in the Laurel is I96. Of whom 
 94 sleep on the lower deck. The upper deck is divided into three wards ; 19 Con- 
 victs sleep in the fore ward ; 26 in the middle, and 57 in the aft ward, where the 
 best behaved are placed. Ten of the whole number were at this time disabled by 
 sore legs, and eight were sick in the Hospital-ship Sagesse. 
 
 Within the preceding nine months, four had been flogged, and I7 wore addi- 
 tional irons. The deaths, from July 1804 to September 1807, were nineteen. 
 
 Mr. Steadman, Captain of the Laurel, has under him two Mates, and 13 
 Common Men. 
 
 3. The Hospital-ship, SAGESSE, was found both clean and quiet. The sick 
 appear to be well attended to in every respect. Tliey sleep single, on crib bedsteads, 
 with hair and flock beds ; two sheets to epch, a blanket, and a rug : and wine, 
 porter, and extra diet are allowed them at the Surgeon's discretion.
 
 ( 630 ) 
 
 No. IV. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HULKS IN LANGSTON HARBOUR. 
 
 IN consequence of La Fortun^e having been broken up as unserviceable, the 
 Portland, Captain Blackman, has been put into condition as a Receiving-ship. 
 Divine Service is performed here on every other Sunday betvveen-decks, there being 
 no better accommodation as a Chapel. 
 
 The robust and healthy go on shore to work ; and those who are employed as 
 carpenters, bricklayers, &c. in Cumberland Fort, have the extra allowance of a 
 biscuit, and tobacco. Their provisions are dressed on board the Portland, and sent 
 in a cart to the mess-house on shore, about a quarter of a mile distant. 
 
 My visit happening to be at the dinner-hour, twelve o'clock, gave me an oppor- 
 tunity of examining the beef when di'essed, and of which the Convicts complained 
 sadly: and, indeed, not without cause; for it was very lean, full of bones, and of 
 the coarsest quality. A few had vegetables, which they purchased for themselves. 
 Here is nearly an acre of ground enclosed for the growth of vegetables ; but so very 
 poor is the soil, that its produce will not afford a sufficient supply for one day in 
 the week throughout the year. The bread, beer, barley, and oatmeal, appeared to 
 be good : the cheese, however, was so execrably the contrary, that I saw a large 
 heap of it put by, to be returned. 
 
 The present number of Convicts belonging to the Portland, is 3 10. Of these 
 142 slept on the lower deck, 122 on the middle one ; and 32 on the upper deck : 
 fourteen were in the Hospital-room, of whom eleven were disabled by sore legs. 
 Within the last nine months, twenty had been punished by additional irons, and 
 sixteen flogged. 
 
 The Surgeon, Mr. Bowles, appears, by the books, to have been very attentive to 
 his duty. His Salary is 5«. 6d. per day, and medicines found, as needful.
 
 RKPORT OF THE HULKS IN LANGSTON HARBOUR. 631 
 
 From the time of my former report, in l802, down to the present period 
 (18 Sept. 1807), the number of deaths on board is 105; and that of Prisoners 
 received since the adoption of the new system, 1479 ; of whom 200 came from La 
 Fortunee. 
 
 The Port wine which I tasted here was very bad ; and the Captain told me, that 
 the milk sent on board for the sick was frequently sour. One Contractor, I under- 
 stood, furnished every article : But at Langston Harbour, the supply in jx)int of 
 provisions is greatly inferior to that at Portsmouth. The bed-sheets, when new, 
 are 7 feet 5 inches long, and 4- feet 2 inches wide. The new shirts, 3 feet long, 
 and when washed, twoj'eet nine inches. 
 
 The Officers and Ship's crew of the Portland consist of the Captain, two Mates, 
 and twenty two Common Men. 
 
 I read two letters here, received by Captain Blackman from Convicts who were 
 sent to Botany Bay ; and exjiressing their grateful thanks for his humane treatment 
 of them whilst under his charge.
 
 ( 632 ) 
 
 No. V. 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 HULKS ON THE THAMES. 
 
 CAPTAIN .Read, of the Retribution Receiving-ship, obtains, together with the 
 Convicts, a Bill of Health ; and then sends some of them on board the Prudentia, 
 Captain Bailing, according as her number is short of its complement. 
 
 When a Convict is received on board, the uniform clothing is put on. All sleep 
 in hammocks : The beds are chiefly of flock ; but there are some, very properly, 
 which have long straw-in-sacking, with one or two blankets to each, and a rug. 
 In fine weather, the bedding is brought upon deck to be aired. There are here, as 
 at Portsmouth, lamps placed between decks ; and watchmen appointed, who every 
 half hour sing out " All's Well." 
 
 The Convicts rise at six in the morning; and one hour is allowed to wash them- 
 selves, (for which soap and towels are provided), and then to breakfast. They are 
 next immediately sent on shore to work. 
 
 Those from on board the Retribution are employed in the Arsenal at Woolwich, 
 and receive the additional Dock allowance. They return on board to dinner at 
 twelve, for which an hour and a half is allowed. Shoemakers, Taylors, &c. work 
 for themselves during the short intermediate space, and I saw several who were 
 thus employed. They sup at eight, and go to rest at ten. 
 
 The Men in general appeared healthy ; their provisions are good ; the same re- 
 gulations are observed here as at Portsmouth ; and weights and scales are supplied, 
 to adjust the quantity of what is assigned them. 
 
 The Table of daily Allowance for each Mess, of six Convicts. 
 Sunday, Breakfast, 1 lb. 4oz. of barley, 4oz. of oatmeal, made into grout, or 
 burgou; 7 lbs. and 14 oz. of household bread, sent from the Baker's, in 
 two loaves, of 3 lbs. 15 oz. each. Dinner, 5 lbs. U^oz. of beef, dressed 
 with the bone. Supper, i lb. ixoz. of barley, with 6-1^ oz. of oatmeal, made 
 into grout, or burgou ; and Q pints of table-beer daily.
 
 REPORT OF TlIK HULKS ON TllK THAMES. 635 
 
 Monday, Breakfast, and bread, the same. Dinner, 2 lbs. 10 oz. of Suffolk 
 cheese, on banyan day. Sujjper, 1 lb. 8 oz. of oatmeal in burgou ; and 
 beer the same as before. 
 
 Tuesday, the same as Sunday. Ifednesday, same as Monday, banyan-day. 
 
 Thursday, same as Sunday. Friday, as Monday, banyan-day ; and 
 
 Saturday, the same as Sunday. 
 
 The number of Convicts, l6th June l8o6, on board the Retribution, was 455, 
 able, and at work, and 21 sick in the hospital ship. On board the Prudentia, 
 were 295, able, and at work, and 5 sick in the Hospital-ship. This vessel is 
 moored near to the other ships, and is for the sick only ; who sleep singly in cradle 
 bedsteads, furnished with flock beds, straw-in-sacking beds, a sheet, two blankets, 
 and a rug each. 
 
 The General Sick Allowance, is as follows : 
 
 Breakfast, a pint and half of milk porridge, and a quarter of a pound of best 
 wheaten bread. 
 
 Dinner, half a pound of mutton, with vegetables ; and half a pound of bread. 
 
 Supper, the same as breakfast; but if ordered by the Surgeon, porter, or wine, 
 tea, &c. are supplied them according to his discretion. 
 
 From January till June iSoG, the Deaths were as follow: — Retribution, 3 : Pru- 
 dentia, 5. Total, 8. 
 
 Irons are constantly taken oflf the sick Prisoners. The Hospital-ship was very 
 clean, and appeared to be well attended to, \6 June l8o(j. 
 
 The Rev. Doctor Watson, Chaplain, lias a Salary of 200/. j^r annum. Duty, 
 Prayers and Sermon every Sunday. 
 
 The Salary of Mr. Thomas Bayles, the Surgeon, 140/. Medicines are provided 
 by Government. 
 
 The bedding is examined on the first Monday in each month; washed, if needful, 
 and re-supplied with fresh straw. Those who have flock beds find themselves in 
 that article. 
 
 Every Convict here has a jacket and waistcoat, a pair of white duck trowsers or 
 breeches, a pair of stockings, a pair of shoes, a hat, and a canvas shirt, all new; 
 and 10*. 6d. in money, on discharge; for which he signs a receipt. 
 
 4 M
 
 { 634 ) 
 
 STATEMENTS 
 
 RESPECTING 
 
 CRIMINALS. 
 
 First. — An Account of the Number of Criminals executed in the City of London 
 and County of Middlesex, from the Year 1749 to the Year 1S06, 
 inclusive ; shewing the Proportion in each Seven Years, and distin- 
 guishing Years of War from Years of Peace. 
 
 Second. — An Account of the Number of Criminals executed in the City of London 
 and County of Middlesex, between the First Day of January 1749, 
 and the Thirty-first of December 1806 ; shewing the various Crimes of 
 which they were convicted. 
 
 Third. — An Account of the Number of Criminal Offenders committed to the 
 several Gaols of England and Wales for Trial, in the Years 1805 and 
 1806 ; together with the Result of their Commitment. 
 
 Fourth. — An Account of the Population of each County, according to the Popula- 
 tion Returns ; the Number of Offenders committed within the same 
 respectively in the Year 1805 ; together with the amount of Paupers 
 in each County, and the Number of them in each Hundred of the 
 Population, arranged according to the Circuits of the Judges. 
 
 Fifth. — A Statement of the Number of Persons charged with Criminal Offences, 
 committed to the different Gaols in England and Wales, for Trial 
 at the Assizes and Sessions held for the several Counties and Places 
 therein, during the Year 1 8 10 : shewing the Nature of their Crimes, 
 and the Sentences of those Convicted. Also the Nature of the Crimes 
 respectively of such as were Acquitted, and of such as were Discharged, 
 by reason of No Bill being found against them, or by reason of no 
 Prosecution : With the Number Executed, of those who received Sen- 
 tence of Death.
 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 No. I. 
 
 63S 
 
 An account of the Number of Chiminals executed in the City of London and County of Middle- 
 sex, fioni the Year 1749 to die Year 180G, inclusive; shewing the Proportion in each Seven Years, 
 and distinguishing Years of War from Years of Peace. 
 
 1749 
 50 
 1 
 <2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 G 
 
 7 ■ 
 
 8 ■ 
 9 
 
 1760 
 1 
 2 • 
 
 3 
 4 
 
 5 ■ 
 
 6 ■ 
 
 7 ■ 
 
 8 ■ 
 
 9 • 
 
 1770 ■ 
 
 1 ■ 
 
 2 - 
 
 3 - 
 
 4 - 
 
 44 
 56 
 G3 
 47 
 41 
 34 
 21 
 
 -30G 
 
 • 13 
 
 • 26 
 20 
 
 6 
 10 
 
 ir 
 
 15 
 
 107 
 
 ■ 32 
 
 31 
 
 26 
 
 20 
 
 22 
 
 27 
 
 24 
 1S2 
 
 49 
 
 34 
 
 37 
 
 32 
 
 32 
 
 46 
 
 38 
 268 
 
 32 
 33 
 23- 
 
 Years of Peace, 
 Average 43f . 
 
 Years of ^Var, 
 Average 15f. 
 
 Yeai-s of Peace, 
 Average 26. 
 
 Years of Peace, 
 Average 38f . 
 
 Years of War, 
 
 Brought fonvard - 863 
 
 17S0 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 
 6 
 7 
 8 
 9 
 1790 
 
 1 
 
 o 
 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 r> 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 9 
 1800 
 1 
 o , 
 
 3 
 
 4 ■ 
 
 50 
 40 
 45 
 53 
 
 56 
 97 
 50 
 92 
 25 
 26 
 33 
 
 -276 
 
 -379 
 
 34 
 24 
 16 
 7 
 22 
 22 
 19 
 
 19 
 24 
 19 
 14 
 10 
 9 
 8 
 
 -144 
 
 13—53 J 
 
 Years of War, 
 Average 39f . 
 
 Years of Peace, 
 Average 544-. 
 
 Years of Peace. 
 
 Years of \V'ar, 
 Average 20i. 
 
 Years of War. 
 
 Year of Peace. 
 
 Years of ^^'ar, 
 
 A\crage for the last 
 
 7 Yeai-s, 1 1 f . 
 
 Carried fonvard 
 
 H63 
 
 Total 
 
 1788 
 
 It appears by this Account, that during the Seven Years of Peace which preceded the \A'ar of 1756, 
 the Nuniljer of Criminals executed within the City of London and County of Middlesex, was \er)' con- 
 siderable, being on an average Forty-three a Year. 
 
 nJh the Seven Yeai^s of ^^'ar which succeeded, they were reduced to about Fifteen a Yeai\ 
 
 In the Seven Years which followed the Peace of 1763, the Numbers again increased, but not to more 
 than Twenty- six a Year upon an aveiago. 
 
 In the Seven Years which followed, from the Year 1700 to 1776 inclusive, which was likewise a Period 
 of Peace, the Number further increased to Thirty-eight a Year. 
 
 From the Year 1776 to the year 1783, a Period during which the Country was at War, first with 
 America, and afterwards successively with France, Spain, and Holland, the Number, instead of decreasing, 
 as had been the Case in the former War, still further incicixsed ; llic Average during these Seven 
 Years, being about Thirty-nine a Year. 
 
 From the Year 1*83 to the Year 1790, a Period of Peace, the .\veragc continued increasing to Fifty- 
 foura Year ; and the Years 1785 and 1*87 were great beyond all former example. 
 
 From 1/93, the Year in which the existingPoliec Establishment was firet instituted, to the present Period. 
 fhcNimibei-s apjiear to have progressively diminished ; till wilhiii the last Seven Yi-ars the.iveragc has not 
 been Twelve a Year. This Period has, with tlie Exception of one intenening Year of Peace, been a 
 Period of War ; but during that Year, thougli the Militia was disbanded, some Part of the Army, and a 
 considerable Pait of the Navy reduced, the Number of Capital Convicts does not ajijK-ar to have increased. 
 The example of the American War, and of the Year 1802, are suHicieut to prove, tliat the Incro;ise of 
 Capital Offences cannot be traced exclusively, or even principally, to the ditVeieni Operation of War or 
 Peace ; though it is natural to supposc_that the first may have some eflect in diminishing, and the latter 
 in increasing the number of theui.
 
 636 
 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINAL^. 
 
 Nc 
 
 AN ACCOUNT of the Number of Criminals executed in the City of London and County 
 
 shewing the various Crime 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 YEARS. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CRIMES 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 FROM 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1749 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 TO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1771, 
 
 BOTH YEARS 
 
 Murder. 
 
 BurgUry 
 
 and 
 
 Ilouse- 
 
 l>reaking. 
 
 Highway 
 Robbeiy. 
 
 Ilofse- 
 
 ste;ihiig. 
 
 Forgery. 
 
 Coioing. 
 
 Return- 
 ing fjom 
 Trans- 
 portation. 
 
 Defraud. 
 
 ing Cre- 
 ditors. 
 
 Variou% : 
 Shoplift, 
 ■ug. 4c. 
 
 Ptraty. 
 
 Rioting. 
 
 Cutting 
 
 aud 
 Maiming 
 
 Shooting 
 
 at Per- 
 
 sons. 
 
 INCLUSIVE. 
 <- ^ > 
 
 72 
 3 
 2 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 71 
 
 10 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total - 
 
 1772 
 3 
 4 
 
 118 
 
 2.51 
 
 22 
 
 22 
 
 3 
 
 109 
 32 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 '~^ 
 
 ~~" 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 29 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 . 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 2 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ~~ 
 
 — 
 
 31 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 ' 
 
 ~ 
 
 — 
 
 3 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 41 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 ■— 
 
 8 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 24 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 „__ 
 
 7 
 S 
 9 
 1780 
 1 
 <2 
 
 2 
 I 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 29 
 
 
 
 
 
 _ 
 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 2 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 31 
 
 20 
 25 
 3S 
 
 — 
 
 22 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 15 
 
 13 
 
 — 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 z 
 
 45 
 4 
 
 ~ 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 28 
 
 16 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 — 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 '•> 
 
 1 
 
 43 
 
 31 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 C, 
 
 7 
 
 J 
 
 21 
 43 
 
 11 
 
 36 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 s 
 
 9 
 
 c; 
 
 5 
 
 11 
 
 5 
 4 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 17W 
 
 5 
 
 G 
 
 8 
 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 _ 
 
 ■ 
 
 "~* 
 
 J 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 
 16 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 Q 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 
 8 
 8 
 
 3 
 .5 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 — 
 
 I 
 
 — 
 
 5 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 4 
 
 — 
 
 ij 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 — ' 
 
 .-> 
 
 1 
 
 h 
 
 5 
 
 — 
 
 6 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 <; 
 
 ■~~ 
 
 — 
 
 6 
 1 
 
 o 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 o 
 
 4 
 
 .5 
 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 8 
 9 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 4 
 4 
 
 
 — 
 
 7 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 1800 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 2 
 
 — 
 
 2 
 3 
 2 
 2 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 E 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 . 
 
 o 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 —— 
 
 — 
 
 .^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 " 
 
 "^ 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 __ 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 Q 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 G 
 
 1 
 
 
 , 
 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 —~. 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 'lOTAL 
 
 139 
 
 34.5 
 
 428 
 
 41 
 
 151 
 
 58 
 
 41 
 
 3 
 
 479 
 
 10 
 
 26 
 
 2 
 
 ^ 
 
 As in the Yerir ITfiO th 
 
 (' R.irvVo 
 
 rx* XT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 

 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 
 637 
 
 VliDDLESEX, between the First 
 )f which they were convicted. 
 
 day of January 1749, and the 
 
 Thirty-first of Dece.mber i8o6. 
 
 CRIMES. 
 
 EXECUTED. 
 
 TOTAL IN EACH YEA«. 
 
 Sodomy. 
 
 ObtainiDg 
 Propf rty 
 
 uuJer 
 
 Cll«re; or 
 
 UDaHtiim) 
 
 Crime. 
 
 Forgciy 
 of, and 
 Uttering 
 B.nk 
 Kotes. 
 
 P<T50w»t- 
 
 iotj. to oh- 
 
 t.. .1 I'.iz,- 
 
 Moui-y. 
 
 SleaCogiu 
 1. Dwcl- 
 
 line 
 House. 
 
 AMuult- 
 iHi;, and 
 RolibiDB 
 111 H Uwrl- 
 ling 
 House. 
 
 Stealing 
 
 L'-tteis 
 
 t'lom Ge. 
 
 nr-ral Post 
 
 OlKce. 
 
 Sinking a 
 Sliip, [0 
 Drfraud 
 Under- 
 writers. 
 
 Ilape. 
 
 Rol.b'ry 
 
 on the 
 
 R ver 
 
 TJiamcs. 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 o 
 1 
 
 44 in the Year 1749 
 .■56 - - . 50 
 63 - - - 1 
 47 - . - 2 
 41 ... 3 
 34 - - - 4 
 
 7i^°^- - - 6 
 26 - - - 7 
 20 - - - 8 
 6 - - - 9 
 10 - - . 1760 
 
 17 iutht-Year 1761 
 15 ... 2 
 
 li'°7- - - 3 
 31 - - - 4 
 
 26 - - - 5 
 20 - - - 6 
 22 - - - 7 
 
 27 - - - H 
 24 - - - 9 
 
 T9'«2- - - 1770 
 
 ii83 - - - ' 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 - 
 
 - 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 o 
 
 - 
 
 
 
 z 
 
 2 
 2 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 O 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 679 
 37 1772 
 
 
 32 ----..... d 
 
 — 
 
 4fi --.-... r 
 
 .SS --..-.-.. « 
 
 ■*"'268 ** 
 
 *iO - - a . . ^ 
 
 6Z ---.--__ J 
 
 <}'\ _--_■_-. o 
 
 *in ~~--... 1 TOt\ 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 ^'i --~..... Q 
 
 •^■*276 ♦ 3 
 
 56 4 
 
 07 ...-.--. 1". 
 
 
 
 O-'i ........ Q 
 
 
 3^379 ''90 
 
 34 1 
 
 
 'y ...-_ ... X 
 
 
 2 
 
 — 1 
 
 — 1 
 
 22 <; 
 
 '^144 / 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 vJJ .-.-... O 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 
 It -.-..... 1 
 
 
 
 
 ^103 •* 
 
 10 5 
 
 ^^ 9,^ - ** 
 
 3 
 
 t2 
 
 G 
 
 15 
 
 6 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 9 
 
 1 
 
 Total 17S8 
 
 Tlic Result of this Account seems to be, that the Number of Mui'dcrs from the Year 1771 to the present Perioil, has remained 
 early the same, but that tliey were considerably more upoa u!, a\ernf.v, in the Twenty Years preceding. A most im|)OrtajU Change, 
 owever, has t;ikcn 'place, respecting the Crimes of Burglary and Highway Robbery. Those OBer.cc--, in their aggravated Character, 
 therein it is found necessary to apply Capital I\ini->hment to iLem, have nearly disappeared ^vithin the County of Middlesex.
 
 C38 
 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 No. III. 
 
 An account of the Niunber of Criminal Offenders, committed to the several Gaols of England and 
 Wales for Trial, in the Years 1805 and 1806, together with the Result of their Commitments. 
 
 COMMITTED in the Years 
 
 Viz. Males - 
 Females 
 
 Total 
 
 CRIMES, viz. 
 
 Sedition -------- 
 
 Murder -------- 
 
 (Females) of the Murder of their In- 
 fants, or concealing their Births - 
 
 Manslaughter ------ 
 
 Cutting and maiming Persons - 
 
 Shooting at Persons - - . - 
 
 Piracy, and Felony on the High Seas 
 
 Sodomy, and other unnatural Crimes 
 
 Obtaining Property from Persons, by 
 threatening to charge them with 
 an unnatural Crime - - - 
 
 Rape, (and attempt at) - - - 
 
 Coining .-....-- 
 
 Uttering bad Money - - - - 
 
 Forgeiy -------- 
 
 Ditto of Bank Notes, uttering, and 
 having in theii' Possession 
 
 Personating Seamen and others, to 
 obtain Prize Money, &c. 
 
 Arson ------._ 
 
 Burglary and Housebreaking 
 Highway Robbeiy ------ 
 
 Horse-stealing ------- 
 
 Sheep-stealing ------- 
 
 Stealing Cows, Pigs, &c. - - - - 
 
 Larceny from the House, Person, &c. 
 Receiving stolen Goods - - - - 
 
 Fraud, Conspiracy, &c. - - - . 
 Bigamy -.-.-.-.. 
 Returning from Transportation - - 
 
 1S05 
 
 32G7 
 1338 
 
 4605 
 
 4 
 
 26 
 
 27 
 56 
 21 
 14 
 
 15 
 
 38 
 
 15 
 
 108 
 
 36 
 
 28 
 
 13 
 
 136 
 
 63 
 
 65 
 
 71 
 
 38 
 
 3555 
 
 137 
 
 94 
 
 23 
 
 15 
 
 1806 
 
 4605 
 
 3120 
 1226 
 
 4346 
 
 24 
 
 36 
 
 57 
 8 
 7 
 3 
 
 42 
 
 o 
 4S 
 10 
 84 
 34 
 
 15 
 
 8 
 
 7 
 
 124 
 
 52 
 
 53 
 
 60 
 
 49 
 
 3386 
 
 110 
 
 94 
 
 22 
 
 11 
 
 SENTENCES, &c. in the Years 
 
 * Death 
 
 Transportation for 14 Years - - 
 
 Ditto 7 Years - - 
 
 ■\- Imprisonment for the space of 
 4 Years - - 
 
 Ditto 3 Years - - 
 
 Ditto 2 Years, and above 1 Year 
 
 Ditto 1 Year, and above 6 Months 
 
 Ditto 6 Months and under - - 
 
 Whipping, and Fine - - - - 
 
 f and severally to be whipped, pilloried, 
 kept to hard Labour, fined, and give 
 Security, fitc. 
 
 4356 
 
 Tried and acquitted - - - - - 
 
 Discharged, (no Bill being found, and 
 
 for tvunt of ProseattionJ . . - 
 
 Discharged to serve in tiie Army and 
 
 Navy --------- 
 
 * EXECUTED 
 
 Viz. for 
 Murder --------- 
 
 of their Infants - - - - 
 
 Oitting and maiming Persons - - 
 "-ihooting at Persons - - - - - 
 
 Sodomy --------- 
 
 Rape ---------- 
 
 Obtaining Property from Persons, by 
 
 threatening to charge them with 
 
 an unnatural Crime . - - - 
 Forgery --------- 
 
 Ditto of, and uttering. Bank Notes - 
 Personating Seamen and others, to 
 
 obtain Prize Money, &c. - - - 
 Coining --------- 
 
 Arson --------- 
 
 Burglary and Housebreaking - - 
 Stealing in a Dwelling House - - 
 llighw ay Rohliery ------ 
 
 Horse-stealing ------- 
 
 Sheep-stealing ------- 
 
 Cattle-stealing ------- 
 
 Returning from Transportation - - 
 
 1805 
 
 350 
 
 34 
 
 561 
 
 1 
 
 '4 
 
 123 
 
 333 
 
 1219 
 
 105 
 
 1092 
 
 730 
 
 53 
 
 68 
 
 1806 
 
 325 
 
 26 
 
 496 
 
 4 
 100 
 
 294 
 
 1158 
 
 81 
 
 1065 
 
 766 
 
 31 
 
 M 
 
 F. 
 
 M. 
 
 F. 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 g 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 11 
 
 o 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 

 
 STATKMENTS lUvSPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 
 639 
 
 No. III. — continued. 
 
 
 NUMBER 
 
 COMMnTKl) iu o;i.li County 
 
 • 
 
 
 
 In the Years 
 
 
 1S05 
 
 1806. 
 
 In the Years 
 
 1805. 
 
 1806. 
 
 
 Males. 
 
 Fern. 
 
 Males. 
 
 Fem. 
 
 
 Males. 
 
 Fem. 
 
 Males. 
 
 Fem. 
 
 Anglesca - - - 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 — 
 
 Merioneth - - 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 — 
 
 Bedford - - - 
 
 ir 
 
 3 
 
 15 
 
 5 
 
 Middlesex - - 
 
 732 
 
 485 
 
 TOO 
 
 432 
 
 Berks - - - - 
 
 50 
 
 12 
 
 29 
 
 13 
 
 Monmouth - - 
 
 14 
 
 6 
 
 12 
 
 5 
 
 Brecon- - - - 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 Montgomery- - 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 Bucks - - - - 
 
 29 
 
 4 
 
 36 
 
 4 
 
 Norfolk - - - 
 
 114 
 
 49 
 
 88 
 
 31 
 
 Cambridge- - - 
 
 36 
 
 4 
 
 19 
 
 7 
 
 Northampton - 
 
 35 
 
 7 
 
 42 
 
 16 
 
 Cardig;in - - - 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 Northumberland 
 
 18 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 18 
 
 Carmaithen - - 
 
 5 
 
 3 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 Nottingham - - 
 
 60 
 
 14 
 
 51 
 
 19 
 
 Carnarvon - - - 
 
 4 
 
 £J 
 
 4 
 
 — 
 
 0.\ford - - - 
 
 34 
 
 4 
 
 26 
 
 8 
 
 Chester - - - 
 
 56 
 
 24 
 
 87 
 
 14 
 
 Pembroke - - 
 
 7 
 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 Cornwall - - - 
 
 35 
 
 10 
 
 35 
 
 S 
 
 Radnor - - - 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 — 
 
 1 
 
 Cumberland - - 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 3 
 
 Rutland - - - 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 Denbigh - - - 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 — 
 
 Salop - - - - 
 
 59 
 
 20 
 
 44 
 
 22 
 
 Derby - - - 
 
 34 
 
 5 
 
 33 
 
 5 
 
 Somerset - - 
 
 79 
 
 27 
 
 81 
 
 24 
 
 Devon ... 
 
 69 
 
 27 
 
 105 
 
 27 
 
 Stafford - - - 
 
 67 
 
 24 
 
 72 
 
 21 
 
 Dorset - - - 
 
 28 
 
 10 
 
 34 
 
 10 
 
 Suffolk . - - 
 
 96 
 
 13 
 
 99 
 
 19 
 
 Durham - - - 
 
 22 
 
 5 
 
 19 
 
 lo 
 
 Surrey . • - 
 
 147 
 
 52 
 
 134 
 
 57 
 
 Essex - - - - 
 
 127 
 
 17 
 
 101 
 
 17 
 
 Sussex - - - 
 
 93 
 
 12 
 
 50 
 
 12 
 
 Flint - - - - 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 Warwick - - - 
 
 120 
 
 40 
 
 69 
 
 41 
 
 Glamorgan - - 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 10 
 
 2 
 
 Westmoreland - 
 
 4 
 
 2 
 
 5 
 
 1 
 
 Gloucester - - 
 
 SI 
 
 23 
 
 fi6 
 
 18 
 
 Wilts- - - - 
 
 61 
 
 14 
 
 63 
 
 9 
 
 Bristol - - - 
 
 27 
 
 10 
 
 38 
 
 14 
 
 Worcester - - 
 
 44 
 
 i 
 
 51 
 
 16 
 
 Hants - - - 
 Hereford - - - 
 Herts - - - 
 
 105 
 29 
 36 
 
 42 
 2 
 7 
 
 106 
 32 
 46 
 
 41 
 9 
 6 
 
 York ... - 
 
 181 
 
 64 
 
 159 
 
 54 
 
 Total - - 
 
 3267 
 
 1333 
 
 3120 
 
 1226 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Huntingdon - - 
 
 13 
 
 2 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Kent - - - - 
 
 169 
 
 41 
 
 151 
 
 33 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lancaster - - - 
 
 206 
 
 165 
 
 227 
 
 124 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Leicester - - - 
 
 33 
 
 14 
 
 24 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Lincoln - - - 
 
 44 
 
 14 
 
 49 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Resvdt of this Account appears to be, that the Number of Offenders in the County of Middlesex, 
 are more than One Fourth of the Whole ; and that the Number in Proportion to the Population ii» tJie 
 Counties mo-t contiguous to Londofl, are pearly double the Number in the same Population in the 
 moje remote Counties.
 
 640 
 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 
 No. IV, 
 
 An account of the Population of each County, according to the Population Retuins ; the Number 
 of Offenders committed within the same respectively in the Year 1805 ; together with the 
 Amount of Paupers i» each County, and the Number of them in each Hundred of the Population, 
 arranged according to the Circuits of the Judges. 
 
 NORTHERN CIRCUIT. 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 Yorkshire - 
 Durham 
 
 Northumberland 
 Cumberland 
 Westmoreland - 
 Lancaster - - 
 
 Northampton - 
 
 Rutland - - 
 
 Lincoln - - - 
 Nottinghamshire 
 
 Derbyshiie - - 
 
 Leicestershire - 
 
 Warwickshire - 
 
 Bucks . - - 
 Bedfordshire 
 Huntingdonshire 
 Cambridgeshire 
 Suffolk - - - 
 Norfolk - - - 
 
 Berks - - . 
 Oxfordshire 
 Worcestershire 
 Staffordshire 
 Shropshire - ■ 
 Herefordshire • 
 Gloucestershire 
 Monmouth - ■ 
 
 Population. 
 
 858,89'2 
 160,361 
 157,101 
 117,230 
 41,617 
 672,731 
 
 2,007,932 
 
 Offenders. 
 
 245 
 
 27 
 
 38 
 
 18 
 
 6 
 
 371 
 
 ro5 
 
 Paupers. 
 
 77,661 
 15 307 
 14,304 
 8,443 
 4,615 
 46,200 
 
 166,530 
 
 MIDLAND CIRCUIT 
 
 131,757 
 16,356 
 208,557 
 140,350 
 161,142 
 130,081 
 208,190 
 
 996,433 
 
 42 
 4 
 58 
 74 
 39 
 47 
 160 
 
 424 
 
 20,534 
 1,338 
 18,845 
 9,806 
 13,167 
 19,154 
 30,200 
 
 113,044 
 
 NORFOLK CIRCUIT. 
 
 107,444 
 
 63,393 
 
 37,568 
 
 89,346 
 
 210,431 
 
 273,371 
 
 782,553 380 
 
 33 
 20 
 15 
 40 
 109 
 163 
 
 19,650 
 7,276 
 4,746 
 11,294 
 36,110 
 42,707 
 
 121,783 
 
 OXFORD CIRCUIT. 
 
 109,215 
 
 62 
 
 109,620 
 
 38 
 
 139,330 
 
 51 
 
 239,153 
 
 91 
 
 167,639 
 
 79 
 
 89,190 
 
 31 
 
 250,809 
 
 141 
 
 45,582 
 
 20 
 
 1,150,538 
 
 513 
 
 22,088 
 « 1,025 
 18,896 
 22,510 
 17,306 
 11,779 
 36,904 
 4,479 
 
 154,987 
 
 Number of Paupers in each 
 Hundied of Population. 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 9 
 
 7 
 11 
 
 7 
 
 Being an Average of 8 Pau 
 pers in each Hundred in 
 the Northern Circuit. 
 
 16 
 8 
 9 
 7 
 8 
 15 
 15 
 
 Average 11. 
 
 18 
 11 
 13 
 13 
 17 
 16 
 
 Average 15. 
 
 31 
 20 
 13 
 9 
 10 
 13 
 15 
 10 
 
 Average 13.
 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 
 641 
 
 N°. IV. — continued. 
 
 WESTERN CIRCUIT. 
 
 COUNTIES. 
 
 Hampshire - - 
 
 Wiltshire - - 
 
 Dorsetshire - - 
 
 Devonshire - - 
 
 Cornwall - - 
 
 Somersetshire - 
 
 Essex 
 
 Hertfordshire 
 Sussex - - 
 Kent - - 
 Surrey - - 
 
 Chester - - 
 North Wales 
 South Wales 
 MicMlesex - 
 
 Population. 
 
 219,056 
 185,107 
 11.5,.'519 
 3«,()01 
 188,969 
 273,750 
 
 1,325,102 
 
 Offenders. 
 
 147 
 
 75 
 38 
 96 
 45 
 106 
 
 Paupers. 
 
 507 
 
 32,581 
 42.128 
 15,783 
 43,674 
 12,853 
 33,979 
 
 160,998 
 
 HOME CIRCUIT. 
 
 226,437 144 
 
 97,-577 43 
 
 l.";9,311 105 
 
 .S07,624 210 
 
 269,043 199 
 
 1 ,059,992 
 
 191,751 
 252,785 
 28S,761 
 818,129 
 
 701 
 
 SO 
 
 28 
 
 50 
 
 1,217 
 
 38,337 
 13,349 
 37,076 
 41,6.32 
 36,138 
 
 106,532 
 
 22,152 
 28,131 
 23,384 
 03,173 
 
 Number of Paujx'rs in each 
 Hundred of Po])ulalion. 
 
 15 
 23 
 14 
 13 
 7 
 12 
 
 Avcraice 14. 
 
 17 
 14 
 23 
 13 
 
 13 
 
 Average 15i 
 
 9 
 
 The Observation which naturally occuis on an Examination of this Account, is the very great 
 Advantage which the Northern Counties ajjpear to possess, both with respect to the small number of 
 Offenders and Paupers, when compared witii the rest of England. This obsenation aiipiics, not only 
 to the Counties within the Northern Circuit, but likewise, so for as relates to Paupers generally, to all the 
 more Northern Ctiunties. The Counties of Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby, and Rutland, the most 
 Northern Counties in the Midland Circuit, and those of Staffordshire and Shropshire, the most Northern 
 in the Oxford Circuit, appear to be in this respect, in the same comparatively favourable situation as the 
 Counties within the Northern Circuit, when compared with the other more Southern Coimties of Eng- 
 land; Middlesex, Monmoutli, and Cornwall alone excepted. 
 
 4 X
 
 64*2 
 
 STATEMENTS RESPECTING CRIMINALS. 
 
 A STATEMENT of the Number of Persons charged witli Criminal Oftences, committed 
 several Counties and Places therein, during the YearlSlO; shewing the Nature of their Crimes, and the 
 and of such as were Discharged by reason of No Bill being found against them, and by reason of no 
 
 Number of Persons for Trial. 
 Males - - 3,733 
 Females - 1,4I.{ 
 
 5,14j 
 
 NATURE OF CRIMES. 
 
 Arson, and other Wilful Burning _ _ , _ _ 
 Borghiry _----._--- 
 
 Counseiline; aiDtlier to commit - . - 
 
 Bank Notes, Fori^ery of, and Uttering; Fors^ed 
 
 Forged, Having' in Possession - - - 
 
 Big^aniy ---______ 
 
 Coin, Counterfeiting the Cinxent . - - . 
 Having in Posse>s>i<'n .'lu Engine for Coinina.' 
 
 Putting oil", and Uttering Counterfeit 
 
 Do. h.'iving been before Convicted as Comrn*: 
 
 Having in I'ossession Counterfeit - . - 
 
 Cattle, Stealing 
 
 Malieioush Killing and Maiming . _ . 
 
 Cheat - - ■ - - 
 
 Conspiracy --------- 
 
 Deer-Stealing, and Killing, &c. - - - - _ 
 
 Embezzlement, (by Servants, dc.) 
 
 F''orgei-3', .and Uttering of Forgeu Instruments 
 Housebreaking, and Larc* ny - - - - - 
 Horse-Stealing -----... 
 Letters, Secreting, and Stealing, &c. - - - _ 
 Sending Threatening - - - - _ 
 
 Uttciers 
 
 Larceny -----------__ 
 
 Counselling another to Commit ---.-.. 
 
 Murder ----- -----.-. 
 
 (Females) of their Infants ----..-. 
 
 Do. Concealing Birth of Infants ------ 
 
 Maliciously Shooting, Slabbing, and Administering Poison, with intent to 
 
 Attempt to Poison ---------- 
 
 .-Vssault, with Intent to -------__ 
 
 Manslaughter ------------ 
 
 Misdemeanor --------___- 
 
 Peril! 
 
 rjnry 
 
 Robbery from the Persons in Streets and Highways 
 Do. in Houses .and other Places 
 
 Rap( 
 
 — Do. by Threatening to Charge with an Unnatural Offence 
 
 — Assault with Intent to Commit - . - . - 
 
 Assault with Intint to Cimmiit - - - 
 
 Assault on Female infants, &c. - - _ 
 
 Receiving and h.avingin Possession Stuleii Hoods 
 
 - Do. - Naval Stores, &c. 
 
 Riot, and Pulling Down a Dwelling House 
 
 Sodomy 
 
 Unnatural Offences, Misdemeanors - . - 
 
 Sheep Stealing, and Killing, with intent to .Steal 
 Stealing in Dwelling Houses to the Value of 405. - 
 
 in Shops, Ac. to the V.alue of 5s. 
 
 on Navigable Rivers, 6>;c. (o the Value of 40s. 
 
 Sacrilegiously, ^c. ----- 
 
 from the Person ----- 
 
 Naval Stores, to the Value of 20s. 
 
 from Bleaching Grounds, &c. - - - 
 
 Sedition -------- 
 
 Transports being at large, dc. - - - - 
 
 ToTAi 
 
 Niimlirr of 
 
 IVrsous 
 Cor.Vi.tid. 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 lb' 
 14 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 14 
 
 18 
 
 44 
 5H 
 
 2,267 
 
 1 
 
 39 
 17 
 
 38 
 
 .9 
 
 7 
 27 
 
 '••9 
 39 
 67 
 
 27 
 
 1 
 ^64 
 4 
 3 
 1 
 14 
 
 1 
 
 88 
 
 1 
 
 G 
 
 14 
 
 44 
 
 15 
 
 10 
 
 38 
 
 39 
 b7 
 
 14 
 
 47(1 
 
 SENTFXCES. 
 
 TRANSPORTATION. 
 
 Life. 
 
 12 
 
 Foiir'Pdi 
 Yeais. 
 
 lb'
 
 STATEMENTS llESPECTIXG CRIMINALS. 
 
 C43 
 
 to the (lifrerent Gaols in England and Wales, for Trial at the Assizes and Sessions held for the 
 Sentences oF those Convicted; and the Nature of the Crimes respectively of such as were Acquitted, 
 Prosecution ; and the Number Executed of those who received Sentence of Death. 
 
 SENTENCES. 
 
 1 
 
 Diichmeed. by 
 
 
 
 
 IMI'RISON.MENT'. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Whipped, 
 
 and 
 
 Dischjrged. 
 
 Fined, und 
 Di^chxrgcd. 
 
 Rurnl ill the 
 lUiiil, aud 
 Discharged. 
 
 Acquitted- 
 
 rcHton of N'l 
 Hill beiiie ' - < 
 
 knd l<y I' 
 
 No PrOM. 
 
 1 ^^ciit'd. 
 
 Fivr Years. 
 
 •nif.-,- Yi-.r3 
 
 Two V.Mrs. 
 
 Oiift Vrar, 
 Htlil -ibnve 
 
 Six Months 
 
 
 1 
 
 Ouc V..,r 
 
 Six Moi-.llJ. 
 
 Mud under. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 _ 
 
 
 _ 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 11 
 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 47 
 
 22 
 
 17 
 
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 • .ind seicralli/ to be burnt ill IJic baiiil, whijijied, //illoi led, Jincd, kef t to hind labour, Kue security, *<
 
 LONDON: 
 
 FROM THE PRESS OF J. NICHOLS AND SON, 
 RED LION PASSAGE, FLEET STREET. 
 
 L
 
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 58 01013 8781 
 
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 'V-Li'S 
 
 D 000 975 749 
 
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