Gaols

Welcome to the gaols section.
Here you can find information on what gaols were like in the 19th century. This includes details about the buildings, daily life, gaol routines, inmates and staff, as well as information on how the prison regime reflected the beliefs of the time.

Buildings and Purpose

This section contains information on gaols in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire; their design and how this reflected 19th century ideas about punishment and reform. It also includes reports made to the... More...	View
An Overview of Prison Design Bedford County Gaol Bedford New House of Correction Bedford Bridewell Bedford Town Gaol Cambridge County Gaol Ely Gaol Huntingdon County Gaol

Daily Life

This section looks at daily life in gaols throughout the 19th century. The section includes general information, as well as examples from specific goals and archive records to help explain what life... More...	View
Food and Drink Labour Medical Provision and Hygiene Instruction Clothes Cells and Bedding

Gaol Routine

This section looks at gaol routine in the 19th century. It includes general information as well as examples from specific gaols and archive records to illustrate the material. At the start of the... More...	View
Daily Routine Prisoner Details and Classification Distractions and Visitors Removal or Release Arrival

Punishment and Rehabilitation

This section looks at how prisoners were punished and rehabilitated. It includes general information as well as examples from specific gaols and archive records. By the mid Victorian period 90% of... More...	View
Separation and Silence Hard Labour Punishment and Reward Rehabilitation and Reform

Inmates

This section provides general information on how prisoners were classified and treated and what daily life was like. It also includes contemporary accounts of prisoners. More...	View
Types of Prisoners Prisoner Poetry and Grafitti Contemporary Accounts Mental and Phyical Health

Staff

This section looks at the role of prison staff such as the governor, warders, chaplain, surgeon and other staff. The section includes general information and, examples from specific gaols and archive... More...	View
The Chaplain The Matron The Governor The Surgeon The Warders The Visiting Justices General Information