Plans for treadmill at Bedford New House of Correction

Ground plan of stepping mill For New House of Correction.	Front elevation of the Stepping Mill showing the three tread-wheels, two pair of mill stones and...	Treadmill plans Bedford New House of
Side elevation (section) of the mill looking eastwards, 27 Aug 1821.

Plans of the treadmill.Here the treadmill was connected to working mill stones (in many gaols the labour was more pointless and the tread wheel there just as a punishment and occupation for the prisoners). In Bedford it was one of a number of prison refrom including a prison chapel and school. The School was not compulsory; but is granted as an indulgence after the prisoner's labour at the Mill is ended, and as a reward for good behaviour in the yards and day rooms. At first prisoners could earn money for their labours this changes as it became seen more of a punishment than a labour.

For higher resolutions of some pictures and additional material see: New Bedford House of Correcion in the main gallery.