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ENGLAND

THE

O E

and

WALES,

&c.

STATE
THE

THE

PRISONS
OF

ENGLAND

WALES,

and

WITH

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS,
AND AN ACCOUNT OF SOME

FOREIGN PRISONS
By

HOSPITALS.

and

JOHN HOWARD,
Ah little think
Whom pleasure,
How many

F. R. S.

the gay

power, and affluence furround,

pine in want, and dungeon-glooms

Shut from the

common

air.

THOMSOtTt

THE FOURTH

0 AV

London:
PRINTED FOR J.JOHNSON,
M

C.

D C C XC

DULY, AND
I

I,

T.

CADE11,

PARUM EST
COERCERE IMPROBOS
POENA
SJISI

PROBOS EFFICIAS
DISCIPLINA.

T O

THE HONOURABLE

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,

IN

FOR THE

GRATITUDE

ENCOURAGEMENT

WHICH THEY HAVE GIVEN

TO THE DESIGN,

AND
FOR THE HONOUR
THEY HAVE CONFERRED
ON THE AUTHOR,

THIS
IS

BOOK

RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
B Y

THEIR

MOST OBEDIENT SERVANT,

Cardmgtsn,

Bedfordshire,
Afnlyb, int.

JOHN HOWARD*

CONTENT
Introduction

Sect.
General View of Diflrefs in Prifons

I,

IL

in Prifons

Sect.
Propofed Improvements

in the Structure

III.

and Management of Prifons

Sect.
An

Sect.
Bad Cufoms

IV.

Account of Foreign Prifons and Hofpitals

Sect.
Prifoners of IVar in England,

&c.

V.
-

Sect.
Scotch

and Irijh Prifons

VI.

Sect.

VII.

A particular Account of Englifh Prifons

Hulks on the Thames

Remarks on the Gaol-Fever

Conclufon

Tables

,.,.,

INTRODUCTION.
TH E

diftrefs

of prifoners, of which there are few who have not fbme imperfed
my notice when I was lheriff of the county

came more immediately under

idea,

of Bedford * and the circumftance which excited me to activity in their behalf was,
who by the verdict of juries were declared not guilty* fome on whom
the feeing, fome
the grand jury did not find fuch an appearance of guilt as fubjected them to trial j and
;

fome

whofe

profecutors did not appear againft

them

months, dragged back to gaol, and locked up again

the gaoler, the clerk of

aflize,

In order to redrefs this hardfhip,

of one

but

extent of

it,

having been confined for

they

mould pay fundry

fees to

properly affected with the grievance,

but they wanted a precedent for charging the

therefore rode into feveral neighbouring counties in fearch

foon learned that the fame injuftice was practifed in them

into the prifons, I beheld fcenes of calamity,

to alleviate.

after

applied to the juftices of the county for a falary

The bench were

relief defired

county with the expence.

&c.

to the gaoler in lieu of his fees.

and willing to grant the

till

which

grew

daily

and looking

more and more anxious

In order therefore to gain a more perfect knowledge of the particulars and

by various and accurate obfervation,

I vifited

molt of the county gaols in

England.
Seeing in two or three of them fome poor creatures whofe afpect was Angularly
deplorable, and

from the

afking the caufe of

bridewells."

This

it,

the anfwer was,

ftarted a frefh fubject

ff

they were lately brought

of inquiry.

refolved to infpect^

the bridewells: and for that purpofe travelled again into the counties where I had

been
I

and, indeed, into

beheld in

all

the reft

many of them,

.;

as well

examining

houfes of correcTion> city

as in the county gaols,

and town

gaols.

a complication of diftrefs

* In 1773,

but

INTRODUCTION.
but my attention was principally fixed by the
gaol-fever and the fmall-pox, which I faw
prevailing to the deftruction of multitudes, not only of
felons in their dungeons, but

of debtors

The

in
Newgate
that

fays,

alfo.

gaol-fever

no new fubject of complaint.

is

the year 1414,

number of

to the

that in

Stow, in his Survey, mentions *,

Newgate and Ludgate dyed, and prifoners in

And fpeaking of the King's Bench prifonf,

the gaolers of
fixty-four."

the fix years preceding the year 1579, one hundred prifoners died there:

snd twelve between Michaelmas and March of the

mentioned year, through

laft

a certain contagion called the ftcknefs of the houfe " and I fhall prefently
have occafion,
among the fatal effects of this diftemper propagated from prifons, and infecting many

abroad, to mention another ancient inftance of that fort alfo.

notorious, that what terrifies moft of us

from looking

Thefe

into prifons,

now

effects are

fo

the gaol-diflemper

is

fo frequent in them.

Upon

was examined

in the Houfe of Commons in March

1774: when
Soon after that, Mr. Popham, member for Taunton,
repeated the humane attempt which had mifcarried a few years before
and brought in
I

this fubject I

had the honour of

their thanks.

who

a bill for the relief of prifoners

another

paffed, that feffions

two

thefe

reflecting their fees

and
;
and preventing the gaol-diftemper.
had printed in a different character,

for preferving the health of prifoners,

bill

They both

fhould be acquitted

acts I

and fent them to the keeper of every county gaol

in

England.

By

was wiped from many an eye

had for them

<f

and the

legiflature

thofe acts, the tear

the bleffing of

many

that were ready to pert/h."

The
what

me

great honour done

facts I

had collected.

by the Houfe has excited the curiofity of fome to inquire

is one reafon of the prefent publication
but it is

This

not the only, nor yet the principal one.

ought to be

rectified

they fhould be

that

much

is

the gaol-fever

my

was called to the

me

what was

part of

firft

infenfibly.

me by

opportunity offered

diftrefs,
:

loft

obliged

and

this

my

and

tafk

by

me

after all,

to
I

my

repeat

my

me

plan.

in various

my

fufpect that

Vol. I. /. 19.

am

defirous that

perfuaded

it

book.
;

think

and

office as fherifF.

fufferers,

could not enjoy

extended

diforders that

from which

am

my

and love to
eafe

and

Providence of attempting the

evidence of fraud and cruelty

once

not, as I

many

will

it

am

may

be, totally

mew plainlv,

not without hope,

fo laudably begun.

attention of parliament to the fubject, led

would not be

remaining,

ftill

yet to be done for the regulation of prifons

was prompted by the forrows of the

grew upon

is

motives for printing

that the legiflature will finifh

are

prifoners fuffer great hardfhips,

fet free

Thefe are

eradicated.

There

The

To

the purfuit of

country.

of an

difficulty I

The

of the miferable.

fome

it

The work

leifure in the neglect

relief

to conclude that

articles,

vifits,

many

my

additional labour

found

in fearching

out

together with other real fources of

and travel over the kingdom more than

frauds have been concealed

t Vol.

from me

and

II. /. i3.

that

INTRODUCTION.
fometimes the

that
I

had

my

in

firft

my

of

intereft

of the want of cleanlinefs and freih

effects

my

arguments to enforce

perfuafions

more mindful and complying,

and

their

It

own
and

prifons

air,

had

in

my

latter vifits

thefe ftrong

and, in confequence, fome gaolers grew at

laft

for the fake, not only of their prifoners, but of themfelves

guarded myfelf by fmelling to vinegar, while

my

apparel afterwards.

but by degrees

entirely omitted

of the condition

one

was

it

grew

On

them*.

the health ef prifoners,

temporary, there

in a

vifited the

I firft

was

in thofe places,

did conftantly and carefully

into

many

If the motive for

reformation to be not for the

amendment, has any where been merely

effect will ceafe

with the caufe

and prifons that have been amended,

a prifon without gaining an idea

I wifli the

few years ago.

thofe

fuch inducement have obeyed, will in future follow the example of others
difregarded the law

when

and have long fince

to thefe precautions,

account of the alteration made by the act for preferring

no doubt but the

is

This

lefs attentive

may now look

only, but lafting.

prefent

own, without fome apprehenfions of danger, that

and changing
;

Befides, as

families.

was not,

began

informants prevailed over their veracity.

journies gathered, from facts and experience, proofs of the mifchievous

who from
who have

will relapfe into their

former

ftate.

As

to

would

what

in the

wrong,

is {till

I fet

down matter of

correction of what

The journies

is

power

The
how to

my

were not undertaken for the traveller's amufement

;

that

is,

the

and the collections

but for the perufal of thofe

writer begs his reader to excufe the frequent egotifms

who have

it

in

which he did not know

avoid, without ufing circumlocutions that might have been

hofpitals

wimes;

to give redrefs to the fufferers.

* I have been

and

without amplification ; which

really amifs.

are not publifhed for general entertainment

their

fact

end rather impede than promote the object of

frequently afked what precautions I ufe, to preferve

which

more

difgufting.

myfelf from infe&ion in the prifons

here anfwer, next to the free goodnefs and mercy of the Author of my being,
temperance and cleanlinefs are my prefervatives.
Trufting in Divine Providence, and believing myfelf

in the

I vifit.

way of my duty,

1 never enter

I viiit the mod noxious cells; and while thus employed, " I fear no evil."
an hofpital or prifon before breakfaft, and in an offenfive room I feldom draw my breath

deeply.

SECTION

SECTION

GENERA^ VIEW OF DISTRESS

THERE

are prifons, into which

IN PRISONS.

whoever looks will, at firft fight of the people

is fome great error in the management of

confined, be convinced, that there

them:

their fallow

meagre countenances

Many who went

miferable.

dejected objects.

Some

on the

loathfome

floors,

in

in healthy,

declare, without words, that they are very

are in

a few months changed to emaciated

are feen pining under difeafes,

of

cells,

" ftck, and

peftilential fevers,

in

frifon" expiring

and the confluent fmall-pox

victims, I muft not fay to the cruelty, but I will fay to the inattention, of fheriffs, and

gentlemen

The

in the

There

is,

that

many

of the necefiaries of

totally deftitute

Food.

commifTion of the peace.

caufe of this diftrefs

prifons are fcantily fupplied, and

are feveral bridewells (to begin with

ance of Food

at all.

fome almoft

life.

them)

In fome, the keeper farms what

in

which prifoners have no allow-

little is

allowed them

and where

he engages to fupply each prifoner with one or two pennyworth of bread a day, I have
known this fhrunk to half, fometimes lefs than half the quantity, cut or broken from
his

own

loaf.

It will

perhaps be afked, does not their work maintain them ? for every one knows
committed to hard labour. The anfwer to that queftion, though

that thofe offenders are

true, will hardly be believed.

can be done.
their

time in

houfes that

Some
their

The
floth,

is

impoflible,

to the latter

is

done, or

but fpend

who have

reprefented to the magiftrates the wants of

and defired for them neceflary food, have been filenced with thefe

inconfiderate words, Let them work or ftarve.

is

which any work

extremely fhocking.

keepers of thefe houfes,

prifoners,

are few bridewells in

profanenefs and debauchery, to a degree which, in fome of thofe

have feen,

There

prifoners have neither tools, nor materials of any kind

do they not by

When

know the former

doom poor creatures

thofe gentlemen

that thoughtlefs fentence, inevitably

have

Sect.
I

DISTRESS IN PRISONS.

I.

late aft for preferving the health

have afked fome keepers, fince the

why no
them

care

is

of prifoners,

taken of their fick: and have been anfwered, that the magiftrates

tell

the at does not extend to bridewells *,

In confequence of
covered) with rags

where they go

this,

at the quarter feffions

almoft famifhed

and

fick

and with which thofe who

of

you

fee prifoners,

difeafes,

covered (hardly

which the difcharged fpread

the county-gaols infect thefe

are fent to

prifons.

The fame

complaint, want of food,

half thefe, debtors have no bread

houfe-breaker, and the murderer:

latter, is

is

In

are not permitted to have any tools, left

I

is

it

and medical

withheld from the former.

or other mifchief.

to be found in

although

many

In above

county gaols.

granted to the highwayman, the

affiftance,

which

is

provided for the

many of thefe gaols, debtors who would work

they mould furnilh felons with them for efcape

have often feen thefe prifoners eating their water-foup (bread

are locked up and almoft ftarved to
them fay, f<

We

boiled in mere water) and heard

death."

As

to the relief provided for debtors

by the benevolent

act, 3

2d of George-W. (com-

monly called the lords act, becaufe it originated in their houfe) I did not find in all
England and Wales (except the counties of Middlefex and Surrey) twelve debtors who
had obtained from their creditors the four-pence a day, to which they had a right by
The means of procuring it were out of their reach. In one of my journies I
that act.
found near fix hundred prifoners, whofe debts were under twenty pounds each fome of
them did not owe above three or four pounds and the expence of fueing for the aliment
for which fome of thefe prifoners had been
is in many places equal to the fmall debts
:

confined feveral months.

but one debtor of the forty-nine whom I faw there in 1774, had obtained
and the gaoler told me, that during the time he had held that office, which
was fourteen years, no more than four or five had received it ; and that they were foon

At

Carlifle

his groats:

difcharged by their creditors neglecting to pay

York

debtors are the

To

their

for fees;

No

it.

Devon, Chefhire, Kent, and many other

caftle,

mod

one debtor had the aliment in

counties.

The

truth

is,

fome

pitiable objects in our gaols.

wanting neceflary food,

but alfo the extortion of

muft add not only the demands of gaolers, &c.

Thefe detain in their houfes, (properly

bailiffs.

enough denominated fpunging-houfes ) at an enormous expence, prifoners who have

money. I know there is a legal provifion againft this opprefiion ; but the mode of
obtaining redrefs (like that of recovering the groats)
the abufe continues.

* If the late

a&

mailers and governors

"

fhall

to be

ofhoufes

weak and

is

attended with difficulty: and

rapine of thefe extortioners needs

does not include bridewells,

"

happen

The

it

of correction

fick in their

is

required,

lhall

by an

have fome

fit

act 7th

fome more

James

allowance

I.

and

effectual

Cap. IV. that

"

the

for the relieving of fuch as

cuftodyj

eafy

GENERAL VIEW OF

6
check

eafy

by

no

bailiff

their fo doing, are

Here

ihould be fuffered to keep a public houfe

complained of

many

in

the mifchiefs occafioned

kingdom

parts of the

*.

beg leave to mention the hard cafe of prifoners confined on exchequer proceffes; and thofe from the ecclefiaftical courts: the latter are excluded from the privilege of bail
and the former, generally, from the benefit of infolvent acts.
Felons have in fome gaols two pennyworth of bread a day in fome three halfpennyI

worth

in

fome

pennyworth ;

their proper places.

fome none

in

penny loaf feven ounces and a half

It

the particulars will be feen hereafter in

often weighed the bread in different prifons, and found the

to eight ounces,

the other loaves in proportion.

probable that when this allowance was fixed by

is

that the

tity

money

will

now

continues unaltered: and

it

of the fmaller funis, eaten

value, near double the quan-

purchafe, might be bought for

is

at

uncommon

not

breakfaft;

it j-

yet the allowance

whole purchafe, efpecially

to fee the

which

receive their pittance but once in two days

muft

its

fometimes the cafe when they

is

and then on the following day they

fall.

This allowance being fo far fhort of the cravings of nature, and in fome prifons
leffened by farming to the gaoler, many criminals are half ftarved: fuch of them as at

commitment were in health, come out almoft famifhed, fcarce able to move, and
weeks incapable of any labour.

their

for

'

Many

Water.

This defect

prifons have no Water.

is

In the felons courts of fome county-gaols there

is

no water in fome places where there

up within doors, and have no more than the keeper
in one place they were limited to three pints a
bring them
:

water, prifoners are always locked

or his fervants think

day each

And

Air.

frequent in bridewells, and town gaols.

is

fit

to

a fcanty provifion for drink

as to Air,

which

is

no

and cleanlinefs

neceffary than either of the two preceding articles,

lefs

and given us by Providence quite

gratis,

without any care or labour of our

own

bounteous goodnefs of Heaven excited our envy, methods are contrived

I
to rob prifoners of this genuine cordial of life, as Dr. Hales very properly calls it
mean by preventing that circulation and change of the falutiferous fluid, without which
yet, as if the

animals cannot live and thrive.

in

office

the lungs,

hogihead of

*
**

By

Now

It

is

well

known

George

man

only an hour

II.

is

it

enacted, that

that air

which has performed

but thofe

" No

who do

lheriff, bailiff,

not choofe to confult

&c

(hall

convey any perfon

to any public victualling or other drinking-houfe without the confent of the perfon fo

if the bailiff

its

Writers upon the fubject mew, that a

feculent and noxious.

air will laft a

the ftatute 32c!

arretted

is

himfelf keeps a public houfe, this feems to preclude the debtor's choice

arretted.''

he muft go to a

public houfe, or directly to gaol.

In 1557, a penny loaf of wheat bread weighed twenty-fix ounces.

ounces

In 1782, the weight of a twopenny

Edinburgh, nineteen ounces and a half ; at Dublin, fixteen

in September 1783, at London, one pound three ounces ; and the 4th of Auguft 1783, in Dublin, only

white loaf, at London, was eighteen ounces

at

eleven ounces three drachms.

philofophers,

Sect.

DISTRESS IN PRISONS.

I.

philofophers,

may judge from

In 1756,

a notorious fact.

at Calcutta in Bengal,

out of

hundred and feventy perfons who were confined in a hole there one night, a hundred
and fifty-four were taken out dead. The few furvivors afcribed the mortality to their
want of frefh air ; and called the place Hell in miniature.
Air which has been breathed, is made poifonous to a more intenfe degree, by the

from the

effluvia
its

fick,

when

malignity,

and what

I allure

elfe in prifons

him, that

my

that in a poft-chaife I could not bear the

to travel

commonly on

and even

my

I learn

"
tc

I did

and did not go with

till

leaves of

from a

letter

reader will judge of

my firft journies
;

it

were often

an hour or two before the

it

fire

few prifons, become

in a

many

not wonder that in thofe journies

me

fo offenfive',

and was therefore obliged

my memorandum- book

after fpreading

antidote, a vial of vinegar, has, after ufing

intolerably difagreeable.

excufes

it

My

offenfive.

windows drawn up

The

horfeback.

fo tainted, that I could not ufe

is

clothes were in

gaolers

made

into the felons wards.

to Sir Robert Ladbroke, printed in 177 1,

page 11, that " Dr.

Hales, Sir John Pringle, and others have obferved, that air, corrupted and putrefied,
is of fuch a fubtile and powerful nature, as to rot and difTolve heart of oak j and that

" the walls of

" together *."

buildings have been impregnated with, this poifonous matter for years

From

hence any one may- judge of the probability there is againft the health, and life,
in clofe rooms, cells, and fubterraneous dungeons, for fourteen or
hours out of the four-and-twenty.
In fome of thofe caverns the floor is very

of prifoners crowded
fifteen

damp
is

in others there

on fuch

laid

under-ground

floors

cells,

fometimes an inch or two of water and the ftraw, or bedding,

feldom on barrack-bedfteads. Where prifoners are not kept in

is

they are often confined to their rooms, becaufe there is no court

is the cafe in many city and
town gaols or becaufe the

belonging to the prifon, which

walls round the yard are ruinous, or too

ground

Some

for his

own

ufe.

low

for fafety

or becaufe the gaoler has the

Prifoners confined in this manner, are generally unhealthy.

gaols have no Sewers or vaults

and in thofe that have, if they be not properly

;
attended to, they are, even to a vifitant, offenfive beyond expreffion how noxious
then
to people conftantly confined in thofe prifons
f
One caufe why the rooms in fome prifons are fo clofe, is the window-tax which
:

* See alfo the Philofophical Tranfaiiions , Vol.

t An

aft

made

in Ireland the

has the following claufe:

'

"

K
"

3d year of

XLVIIL

Part

his prefent Majefty, for better

I.

page 42.

preventing the feverities, &c."

"

Whereas many infettious diforders are daily produced by the confinement of

umbers ln dofe prifons, whereunto
there is no back-yard adjoining, and the lives of his Majefty's fubjefls are endangered by
the bringing of prifoners into public ftreets for air ; be it enadted that every
JUry at the affizes or quarter feffions may be enabled,
g
and they are hereby required and direded,
t0 contra<a either by leafe,
or to purchafe a piece of ground next adjoining the gaol, or as near as conveniently can be had thereto,
and caufe to be eredted neceffary

" of the

houfes, and a wall fufficient for the fecurity

faid prifoners."

the

Sb

GENERAL VIEWOF

the gaolers

have to pay:

tempts them to ftop the windows,

this

and

their

ftifle

prifoners *.

Bedding.

many

In

and

gaols,

in

on

for prifoners to fieep

moft bridewells, there

and

is

no allowance of Bedding or Jlrauo

it is not changed for

by any means they get a little,

offenfive and almoft worn to duft.
if

months together, fo that it is

Some lie upon rags,
upon the bare floors. When I have complained of this to the keepers, their
juftification has been, " The county allows no ftraw
the prifoners have none but at
others

my

coft."

The
Morals.

mentioned hitherto

evils

to complain of what

is

affecT:

the health and

of prifoners together: debtors

and the old offender; and with

life

of prifoners.

Morals and that is,

and felons, men and women,

pernicious to their

have

the confining

now

all forts

the young beginner

fome counties, fuch as are guilty of
inifdemeanors only; who mould have been committed to bridewell to be corrected,
by diligence and labour; but for want of food, and the means of procuring it in
all

thefe,

in

thofe prifons, are in pity fent to fuch county gaols as afford thefe offenders prifon-

allowance.

Few prifons

feparate

alfo the bridewell

men and women

In fome counties the gaol

in the day-time.

in others thofe prifons are contiguous,

is

and the court-yard common.

There the petty offender is committed for inftruflion to the moft profligate. In fome
gaols you fee (and who can fee it without forrow) boys of twelve or fourteen eagerly
liftening to the ftories told by pra&ifed and experienced criminals, of their adventures,
fucceffes, ftratagems,

Lunatics.

and efcapes.

muft here add, that

in

fome few gaols

ferve for fport to idle vifitants at affizes,

are confined idiots

the bridewells are crowded and offenfive, becaufe the

prifoners are occupied

and

by the infane

terrify other prifoners.

No

Where

f.

care

is

and Lunatics.

and other times of general

refort.

Thefe

Many

rooms which were defigned

of
for

thefe are not kept feparate, they difturb

taken of them, although

it is

probable that by

medicines, and proper regimen, fome of them might be reftored to their fenfes, and to
ufefulnefs in
I

G Aott'EVER.

am

life.

who give credit to what is contained in the foregoing

made by the Gaol-fever. From my own obfer1773, 1774 and 1775, I was fully convinced that many more prifoners

ready to think, that none

pages, will wonder at the havock

vations in

were deftroyed by

* This
in

rooms

is

it,

alfo the cafe in

that have

no

than were put to death by

my

the public executions in the

the poer and the labourer are lodged

which may be the caufe of our peafants not having the healthy

many work-houfes and farm-houfes, where

light, nor frefh air

ruddy complexions one ufed.to

jne in

all

fee fo

common twenty

or thirty years ago.

The

difference has often flruck

various journies.

f SeeTrim

Aft, the 3d of George

III.

feparate.
p. 478. where fuch perfons are required to be kept

kingdom.

SlCT.

DISTRESS IN PRISONS.

I.

kingdom *. This frequent effed of confinement

and mews how full of emphatical meaning is the
nounces

this fentence,

before

doom

his debtor's

my

from the

numbers who,

vaft

But the mifchief

is

to

my

feems generally understood,

curfe of a fevere creditor,

I believe I

to rot in gaol.

eyes, have perifhed

in prifon

have learned the

who

pro-

import of

full

knowledge, and fome of them

certain

by the gaol-fever.

Not

not confined to prifons.

to mention

now

number of

the

and of families in America, that have been infected by tranfports; multitudes

caught the diftemper by going to their relatives and acquaintance in the gaols many
others from prifoners difcharged ; and not a few in the courts of judicature.
In Baker's Chronicle, page 353, that hifterian mentioning the afiize held in Oxford
" all who
caftle 1577 (called from its fetal confequence the black affize) informs us, that
" were prefent died within forty hours : the lord chief baron, the flieriff, and about three

Jailors,

hundred more."

The
c<

firft

and Dr.

Mead

infection next the plague,

" and

chancellor Bacon afcribes this to a difeafe brought into court

Lord

is of the fame opinion.

of thefe two authors, Lord Bacon, obferves, that

by the prifoners

clofe

and

naftily

kept

is
:

the fmell of a jail

when

<c

the moll pernicious

the prifoners have been long

whereof we have had, in our time, experience twice or thrice;

upon the jail, and numbers of thofe who attended the

the judges that fat

when both
bufinefs, or

were prefent, fickened and died

j-."

Taunton, 1730, fome prifoners who were brought thither

from Ivelchefter gaol, infe&ed the court ; and lord chief baron Pengelly ; Sir James
Sheppard, fergeant ; John Pigot, Efq. merifF, and fome hundreds befides, died of the

At

the

Lent

affize

At Axminfter,

gaol-diftemper.

from Exeter

in

town

a little

in

Devonshire, a prifoner difcharged

1755, infe&ed his family with that difeafe; of which two of

The numbers that were
and many others in that town afterwards.
.gaol

in

them died;

carried off by the

fame malady

in

London

1750, two judges, the lord mayor, one

in

* I have in my pofleffion a large copper-plate, firfl: publifhed in 1772, by Sir Stephen Theodore Janjen,
{hewing the number of malefactors executed in London for the twenty-three preceding years; and the
crimes for which they fuffered. J will give an abridgment of it in a table at the end of the book. In it
will

be feen, that the

annual average

is

total

number of executions

between 29 and 30.

executions were too numerous

death
V.

An

ingenious writer,

of fanguinary laws

" mankind

is

is

I leave

whether

Mr. Eden,

all

London

in

to others

the chief object of legiilation."

number of

And

it

Law, page 306,

Let

may be

it

obferves that

"

the accumulation

not be fuppofed, that the extirpation of

left to

any one

thofe that died in the feveral

to judge,

London

whether, including

prifons of the gaol-fever,

does not exceed the number of thofe that were executed annually during that time.

number of executions

in all the counties, but

was 678; the

the crimes for which they were inflicted, were defervlng of

Principles of Penal

the worft diftemper of a ftate.

debtors and petty offenders, the

for thofe twenty-three years,

the difcuffion of the queftions, whether thofe

am

well affured

it falls

Hill

much

have not the

fhorter of the

number

that

perifhed in prifons.

t Natu-al

Hiftory,

Exp. 914.

See alfo Plot's Hiftory of Oxfordlhire, p. 25.

alderman,

GENERAL VIEW
alderman, and

many of inferior

rank, are too well

known

OF
to need the mentioning farther

particulars.

Sir John Pringle obferves, that "jails

and he informs us, that

have often been the caufe of malignant fevers;"

regiment were infected with the

jail-fever,

men

above two hundred

in the late rebellion in Scotland,

of one

by fome deferters brought from prifons

in.

England *.
Dr. Lind, phyfician

the royal hofpital at Haflar, near Portfmouth, fhewed

to.

one of the wards a number of

failors

me

in

of the gaol-fever, brought on board their (hip

ill

by a man who had been difcharged from a prifon in London. The fhip was laid up
on the occafion. That gentleman, in his EJfay on the Health of Seamen, afferts, that
" The fource of infection to our armies and fleets are undoubtedly the jails ; we can

"
"
"

often trace the importers of

preffing

men on

to America, loft

it

directly

by

The

from them.

the hafty equipment of a fleet f.

It often

proves

Englifh

firft

fatal

im-

in

fleet fent laft

war

above two thoufand men." In another place he affures us,

from the guard-fhips into our fquadrons and
" the mortality, thence occafioned, was greater than by all other difeafes or means of

that

the

it

feeds of infection were carried

death put together J."

It were eafy to multiply inftances of this mifchief j but thofe which have been mentioned are,

prefume,

the gaol-diftemper

Vicious
Examples,

The

is

fufficient

even

if

no mercy were due to prifoners, thac

no fmall importance.

general prevalence and fpread of wickednefs in prifons, and abroad by the

now be

difcharged prifoners, will

eafe.

to fhew,

a national concern of

It

a prifon

is

A prifon

"

often faid,

mends no morals.

" generally by the next

feffions,

own

pany he kept

And

in gaol.

after the

railing:"

the propagation of dif-

for, as

am

fure

it

may

be added, that

" a criminal difcharged-

Sir John Fielding obferves, that

K head of a gang of

his

accounted
pays no debts " I

as eafily

execution of his comrades, becomes the

improved,

petty offenders

who

no doubt, in
committed

are

(kill

by the com-

to bridewell for a

year or two, and fpend that time, not in hard labour, but in idlenefs and wicked
company, or are fent for that time to county gaols, generally grow defperate, and

come out
in

fitted

for the perpetration of any villany.

and about London, are planned

criminals,

and the number of

idle

in

Half

the prifons,

people

who

vifit

them.

the intention of our laws with regard to petty offenders

rect

and reform them

the robberies

committed

by that dreadful affemblage of

How

contrary this to

which certainly

is

to cor-

Inftead of which, their confinement doth notorioufly pro-

Multitudes of
mote and increafe the very vices it was defigned to fupprefs.
I
young creatures, committed for fome trifling offence, are totally ruined there.
make no fcruple to affirm, that if it were the wifh and aim of magiftrates to effect the deftruction, prefent and future, of young delinquents, they could not de-

* Obfervatioas on the Difeafes of the

Army,

pages 47, 296.

t Page 307.

J Page 5.

vife

DISTRESS IN PRISONS.

Sect.

I.

vife a

more

method, than to confine them

effectual

long in our prifons, thofe

fo

and feminaries (as they have been very properly called) of idlenefs and every

feats

vice.

Shall thefe irregularities, the fources of mifery, difeafe, and wickednefs, be endured
in a nation celebrated

do

good

for

and humanity ; and who from thefe principles,

fenfe

of prifoners with tendernefs and generofity

fort

Thefe have provifion

war.

we

one

treat

in plenty;

fome

to fpare

hung up

frequently faw their Hated allowance

have large areas for them to walk in; and

one of thefe benefits

own countrymen

in

am

mean

man had

night every

at

my wim

prifoners of

to the foldiers

fell

for their infpection.

thing in the world from

It is the farther!

himfelf.

and

on guard*;

Some prifons
hammock to

to deprive captives

of any

only defirous of feeing the fame humanity fhewn to our

diftrefs:

that

fo

confiftent

and uniform practice

may prove

our benevolence to be a firm and fteady principle ; and that thofe who are cenforious may find no occafion for afcribing our kind ufage of foreigners to a lefs amiable
motive.

Here it will be faid, prifoners of war are not felons, nor yet debtors and government is fometimes, at the end of a war, reimburfed the expence of maintaining them.
This latter I believe is fact and the former is true without diipute we do not look
upon foreign enemies, nor they upon us f as either debtors or felons we cut one
another to pieces in battle, but when that is over we grow cool and companionate.
;

I grant there is

am now

* I

a material difference in the

circumftances of foreign and domeftic

fpeaking of the practice of the war before Iaft

nine pounds of bread

four pounds and a half of

beef three

The

pints

daily allowance, to fix prifoners was,

of peafe, four days

in a

of beer. On Friday they had not the beef; but a pound and a half of butter inftead of
men of war, indeed, they were upon fhort allowance.

muft not be underftood here to mean a compliment to the French.

How

quarts
On board the

week

it.

fix

they then treated Englifh

knew by experience in 1756; when a Lifbon packet (the Hanover) in which I went pafienmake the tour of Portugal, was taken by a French privateer. Before we reached Breft, I

prifoners of war, I

ger, in order to

fufFered the extremity of thirfl, not having for above forty hours one drop of water

In the

food.

caftle at Breft, I lay fix nights

upon ftraw

and obferving how cruelly

nor hardly a morfe] of

my

countrymen were

during the two months I was at Carhaix upon parole,

at the laft of thofe towns were
I correfponded with the Englifh prifoners at Breft, Morlaix, and. Dinnan
ufed there, and at Morlaix, whither I was carried next

feveral of our fhip's crew, and

barity, that

When

many hundreds had

came

to

England,

the fundry particulars

court

in the

fti'll

cartel-lhips.

evidence of their being treated with fuch barand that thirty-fix were buried in a hole at Dinnan in one day.

made known

fervant.

perifhed

on parole,

which gained

our failors had redrefs

firfl;

my

Suffered

on

had

fufficient

attention,

to the commifliohers

and thanks,

of fick and wounded feamen,

Remonilrance was made

to the French
mentioned above, were brought home
Lady frem Ireland, who married in France, had bequeathed in trull with the
:

their

and thofe that were

magiftrates of St. Malo's, fundry charities

in Dinnan.

one of which was a penny a day to every Englifh prifoner of war

This was duly paid; and faved the

this occafion, increafed

my

in the three prifons

lives

of

many brave and

ufeful

men.

fympathy with the unhappy people, whofe cafe

is

Perhaps,

what

the fubjecl; of this

book.

prifoners,

CUSTOMS.

BAD
but there

prifoners,

none

is

in their

Thofe gentlemen who, when they

Debtors and felons,

nature.

by men they ought

foreigners, are men, and

to

as well as hoftile

be treated as men.

are told of the mifery

content themfelves with faying, Let them take care

to

which our prifoners

fuffer,

keep out, prefaced perhaps, with

an angry prayer ; feem not duly fenfible of the favour of Providence which diftinguifhes

them from the fufferers they do not remember that we are required to imitate our
gracious Heavenly Parent, who is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil : they alfo forget
:

the viciffitudes of

human

affairs

the unexpected changes to which

and that thofe whofe circumftances are

And

and become debtors and prifoners.

who

may

affluent,

as to criminality,

is

it

commit

that very crime.

commiferate thofe that are

it

may be

it

is

are liable

poffible, that a

may on

has often fhuddered at hearing the account of a murder,

tation

men

all

in time be reduced to indigence,

man

a fudden temp-

Let him that thinks he ftandeth take heed

leji

he fall, and

fallen.

enough of the declamatory kind has been written by others.

and I beg leave to tranfcribe almoft verbatim a
few lines from a celebrated author, which may be thought to come under that defcripAfter reprefenting the fufferings of prifoners, he goes on to this purpofe, " The
tion.
But

Much,

" mifery

faid,

true, has

been written

fuffered in gaols

" ruption

that poverty

is

not half their evil

they are

and wickednefs can generate

with

filled
all

with every fort of cor-

the fhamelefs and profli-

" gate enormities that can be produced by the impudence of ignominy, the rage of
" want, and the malignity of defpair. In a prifon the check of the public eye is re" moved and the power of the law is fpent. There are few fears, there are no blufhes.
" The lewd inflame the more modeft the audacious harden the timid. Every one
" fortifies himfelf as he can againft his own remaining fenfibility endeavouring to
" prattife on others the arts that are pradtifed on himfelf ; and to gain the applaufe of
i

"

his worft affociates

by imitating

their

manners."

Befides the grievances already mentioned ; there are feveral bad cuftoms in gaols, and
relating to them,

which aggravate the

diflrefs

of prifoners.

I fhall enumerate thefe

diftinctly, yet concifely.

SECTION

II.

BAD CUSTOMS IN PRISONS.

A CRUEL

cuftom obtains

in

moft of our gaols, which

is

that of the prifoners

new comer Garnifh, footing, or (as it is called in fome London

Pay or ftrip," are the fatal words. I fay fatal, for they are fo
gaols) chummage.
fcanty apparel j
to fome j who having no money, are obliged to give up part of their
demanding of

and

Sect.

BAD

II.

and then

CUSTOMS.

they have no bedding or ftraw to fleep on, contract difeafes, which I have

if

known to prove mortal *.

In many gaols, to the garnifh paid by the new comer, thole who were
make an addition; and great part of the following night is often fpent

The

drunkennefs.

to fundry prifons, I

fum

is

had

my

is

fometimes varied by

commonly more

nifh paid afterwards

Of the

with reluftance.

it

information from prifoners

cumftances of a new comer.

(which

fets

garnifh which

who

paid

and

if a

by new-come debtors.

There

efpecially cards.

and one can feldom go

that I have named were

in

&c.

tennis,

is

is

have

entitled to partake

In a few places, this

demand

fet

am

down
aware

fcarce a county gaol but

lately in ufe.

am

at play.

not an

is

firft

are

and porto-

Gamin's.

mo ft com-

furnifhed with them:

In London^

enemy

of the gar-

has been lately

miffifippi

In the country the three

without feeing prifoners

till

Rut

felon can pay the debtors garnifh

than that of the felons) he

bello-tables, billiards, fives,

it.

of fucceeding prifoners, and the different ck-

In fome gaols,

waved ; in two or three, ftri&ly prohibited by the magiftrates.

Gaming in various forms is very frequent; cards, dice, fkittles,

mon; and

in riot

gaoler or tapfter finding his account in this practice, generally

anfwers queftions concerning

that the

there before

all

the forts

to diverting exercife

yet the riot, brawling, and profanenefs, that are the ufual confequences of their play
the circumftances of debtors gaming away the property of their creditors, which I know

they have done in fome prifons to a confiderable amount ;: accomplifhing themfelves inthe frauds of gamblers, who, if they be not themfelves prifoners, are fure to haunt

where gaming

is

pradlifed;

courts whrie they play,

feem

to

me

hindering

their

fellow-prifoners

of which inconvenience

cogent reafons for prohibiting

all

from walking

in

the

have heard them complain: thefe

kinds of gaming within the walls of a
I

prifon.

Loading

prifoners with heavy

to fleep, difficult and painful,,

Irons.*,

is

which make

their walking,

another cuftom which

and even lying down

cannot but condemn.

In

fome county gaols and even bridewells the women do not efcape this feverity: but
London they do and therefore it is not neceffary in the country
The practicef.
muft be mere tyranny unlefs it proceed from avarice ; which I rather fufpect ; be-

in

caufe county gaolers do fometimes grant difpenfations, and indulge their prifoners,

"
'

'

"

In the year 1730, Nicholas Bennet,

Jofeph Robinfon, John

Head and George Taverner, were inJohn Berrisford of two half-guineas, two fixpences, and two halfpence, in New Prifon under the pretence of garnifh,
which fad; being plainly proved, they were all found
guilty of an affault and robbery
; and to deter others from the infamous and inhuman practice of taking
the money, and if they had none, of ftripping
poor prifoners that were upon any account committed to
prifon, fo that often-times they have perifhed
for want ofcloathing and necefiaries, they received fentence
^

didted at the

" of death."

Old Bailey

for robbing

Burton's Ne-w

Hew

t Lord Loughborough, Lent

for putting irons on a

of London, page 468.

affize

1782, at Thetford laid a fine of 20 on the gaoler of Norwich

cattle,

woman.
-

men

Irons,

BAD
men
for

as well

as

women, with what they

<c

call

choice of irons/'

the

if

they will pay

it.

The

author of

A Letter

Juftice,

to Sir

Robert Ladbroke on Prifons (particularly on Newgate,

Lord

rebuilt) cites in page 79, the opinion of

which was then to be

of

CUSTOMS.

&c. againft

oppreffion

this

and adds afterwards, "

Coke, Horn's

The

Mirror

learned editor of

f<

Hale's Hijlory of the pleas of the crown likewife declares, that fetters ought not to be

tc

ufed, unlefs there

<c

makes an attempt

" of

gaolers,

" manity
<J

it

juft reafon to fear an efcape, as

is

to that purpofe

where the prifoner

otherwife, notwithstanding the

is

unruly, or

common

practice

feems altogether unwarrantable, and contrary to the mildnefs and hu-

of the laws of England, by which gaolers are forbid to put their prifoners to

any pain or torment."

The Gentlemen of the Gaol-committee, who diftinguimed themfelves by an accurate

and zealous inquiry into the abufes practifed by gaolers * ; in their Report concerning
March 1728,

the Fleet prifon, 20th

by one who had been put

manded

man
of

in irons

mentioning a petition prefented to the judges

after

by the wardens, informs

cc

the wardens, and declared, that

before he was found guilty of a crime/'

this practice,

"

that

It

us, that the

To

the plea which gaolers ufe in defence

neceffary for fafe cuftody," an anfwer

is

judges repri-

a gaoler could not anfwer the ironing of a

may

be given in the

King (afterwards lord chancellor) to the wardens of the fame

prifon, when he forbade dungeons, which they had made ufe of.
That judge declared,
words of lord chief

"

juftice

they might raife their walls higher, &c."

To

what lord King fuggefted of

number of turnkeys mould be

in irons, it

would be

is

walls,

mould feem,

celebrated

it

before their

by Thomfon,

Can

Who,

one might prefume to add

after all, to

them

right, at lead, to bring

they have efcaped, or attempted

* This Committee

See the Report of the fame Committee.

the

The

in his

number of prifoners. If
make it neceffary to confine

increafed in proportion to the

the daring character of our felons

them

raifing

into court without irons, unlefs

trial f.

poem

entitled Winter, 340,

&c. fr.

edit.

1738,

forget the generous few,

human woe,

touch'd with

Into the horrors of the gloomy

redreffive fought

jail ?

Unpitied, and unheard, where mifery moans

Where

ficknefs pines

Hail, Patriot

When

Band

Juftice,

who, fcorning

fecret fcorn,

and when Mercy led the way,

Dragg'd the detected monfters into light,

Wrench'd from their hand Oppreffion 's iron

Much ftill untouch'd remains

Much is the Patriot's weeding hand
f "

It is the

law of the land, and certainly ever hath been

'

charged with

**

fafe cuftody."

fetters

unlefs the jailer be conftrained to

rod.

requir'd.

fo, that

a prifoner ought not at any time to be

have recourfe to them by the aftual

neceffity of

Principkt of Penal Laiv, p, 187.

The

Sect.

CUSTOMS,

BAD

II,

B&ccaria, in his EJfay on Crimes and Punijhments, page 75, obferves that
Imprifonment, being only the means of fecuring the perfon of the accufed, until he

The Marquis
t{

cc

be tried

ought

occafioned by chains

to be attended with as

feverity as poflible."

little

The

diftrefs

increafed by

is

Varying the towns where quarter-feflions and

held: fo that prifoners have

aflizes are

Varying

and fometimes to towns that have no

prifon ; where numbers of both fexes are fhut up together for many days and nights in
one room. This occafions fuch confufion and diftrefs, and fuch fhrieks and outcries, as
can be better conceived than defcribed.
Surely prifoners ought to be conveyed
to walk

or fifteen miles to their

in irons ten

trial

or

committed

elfe

carts

And

in that

town a proper prifon ought

Gaol-delivery

poor creature
finement

town where the

at firft to the

is

in

fome counties but

be held.

to be built.

What

once a year.

reparation can be

and the corruption of

for the mifery he has fuffered,

a prifon

in

feffions or aflizes are to

near twelve months before a

in

trial,

made

which, perhaps he

to a

Gaol-

by con-

his morals,

at laft

is

declared by his country not guilty ?

The

whom I quoted above, afferts, that " Privation of liberty

ought not to be inflicted before condemnation, but for as
poflible."
And in cafes of guilt, his doctrine is, <c The more im-

judicious Marquis,

" being

a punifhment,

" fhort a time as

" mediately after the commiflion of
f<

and ufeful

it

be."

will

a crime, a

This fentiment

punifhment

illuftrated

is

is

inflicted, the

more

juft

by a variety of acute remarks

My

mind reverts to an adAdvantage of immediate Punifhment.

<c
very flight
mirable thought of Mr. Eden's; Principles of Penal Law, page 330.
in the chapter of the

"

on the numberlefs unforefeen events which

reflection,

day

may

bring forth, will be

" fufHcient to fhew that we are all liable to the imputation of guilt; and confequently
" all interefled, not only in the protection of innocence, but in the alignment to
" every particular offence, of the fmalleft punifhment compatible with the fafety of
" fociety."

One

caufe of gaol-delivery being fo feldom,

ing the judges and their retinue.

At Hull

Peacock a murderer was

feven years.

is

in

fome places the expence of entertain-

they ufed to have the aflize but once in

in prifon there

near three years: before his

the principal witnefs died] and the murderer was acquitted.

They now have

it

trial

once

in three years.

Although acquitted prifoners

fees

they are

of the peace f

ftill
;

fubject

are

by the

to a fimilar

and detained

in

prifon feveral days

* 14th George

f
For

favour * cleared of gaolers-

late act in their

demand made by

Clerks of ajfize and Clerks

At

after their acquittal.

aflize,

III.

See the Table of the Fees of the Clerks of Aflize at the end of the book-

larceny,

The Clerk of the Peace

1
7

and acquitted,

Petty larceny,

in one county

184

demands

Whipped
Eaftardy,

as follows

publicly,
-

17

4
4
till

Clerks
Assize,

&c

BAD

CUSTOMS.

the judges: at quarter-feflions, till thejuftices of peace leave the town; in

order to
obtain thofe fees, which the gentlemen fay are not cancelled by the act.
And yet the
till

exprefs words of
It

it

" Jhall be immediately Jet at large in open court"

of the commitment in refped to the prifoner, are by

are, Acquitted prifoners

evident then, that

is

fees

all

this aft totally abolilhed.

Since the faid

upon

pence for the

fhillings for

Weftern

fome

the clerks of afiize in

Received

re

pence for

prifoner acquitted;

every one.

viz. fix (hillings and eight

for

fhilling

April 1775 f Mr. Sherry gaoler one pound eight fhillings and eight

his

him

certificate entitling

F****

J.

and a

have darted a new demand

circuits

each of the reft: or two

have copies of two receipts given by the clerk of the
to the gaolers of Exeter and Salisbury.
One of them is as follows

firft

circuit

fe

" per

act,

the gaoler, for the judge's certificate of acquitment

Clerk of the Aflize."

to his gaol fees for the county of

The

gaoler told

me

this

Devon

was for twenty-three

acquitted prifoners.
I was informed at Durham, that judge Gould, at the aflize 1775, laid a fine of fifty
pounds on the gaoler for detaining fome acquitted prifoners, for the fees of the clerk of
aflize.
But upon the interceflion of the Bifhop (proprietor of the gaol) the fine was
remitted; and the prifoners fet at large: the judge ordering the clerk of aflize to explain

to

him

One

London

in

the foundation of his demand.

pretence for detaining acquitted prifoners

may

dictments

pretence, as the

that

is,

"

It

poflible other in-

is

be laid againft them before the judge leaves the town."

I call

it

grand jury are often difmified fome days before that time, and becaufe

thofe who do fatisfy the demands of the clerk of aflize are immediately difcharged.
Another pretence is, the gaoler tells you " he takes them back to knock off their

But

irons."

this

may be done

in

court

London

in

they have an engine or block,

by the help of which they take off the irons with eafe
brought into court, and the acquitted prifoner
to

what

is

a minute

in

immediately difcharged.

the machine
If,

is

according

propofed, prifoners were tried out of irons, this pretext would be entirely

removed.
Clerks of

aflize,

and of the peace, ought moft certainly to have a confideration for

their fervice to the public

ject, that

The

is,

the

demand

On many

2 500.

complain of

is

is

what

directly or indirectly

thesis

places.

much

now 1:1:0: whereas

iff:

" Paid by
" And by
" As

to thefe

juftified,

two

lower.

The demand

his Majefty's

December 1735 (MS. page

the gaoler of the

Fees or

am

led to by

from the gaole*

We

fub-

the prefent gentlemen gave

for a

If they were

copy of the judge's

officers

much was enormous,

as

and

we

their
fee in

21;)

County of Surry

articles,

my

acquitted prifoners *.

Commiflioners for inquiring into the

for the

the gaoler of each f the other countys

laft

upon

One of

&c. in the Home Circuit, were of opinion that a demand not near fo

their report, dated

made

accounts thefe places ought not to be Bought of the judges.

only prefented, the fees might be

fees,

is

clerks of aflize give to the judges large fums for

for his place

calendar

the thing

that

076
-050

copy of a calendar
-

are of opinion that they are unreafonable and no ways to be

&c."

Some

Sect.

NUMBER

II.

Some

do not belong to the county.

prifon, in houfes that

from the

gaolers live dijlant

Non-refidence

OF PRISONERS.

not confiftent with the attention that

is

is

&cOver

the door of

prifoners; and preferving

good

houfes of thefe keepers

wrote, " Spirituous liquors fold here."

is

order, "cleanlinefs,

Debtors crowd the gaols (efpecially thofe in

There

for fecuring the

requifite

London) with

their

Wives and

creafing the danger of infection, and corrupting the morals of children.

ought (no doubt) to be treated with tendernefs.

feparated

much
oufly

children.

room;

in-

Wives
AND
Childreks

This point

and wife mould not be totally

but no women, unlefs prifoners, mould ever be permitted to continue fo

one

as

night in any prifon

Yet the

ill.

little

fervice to her family in

women

Man

resident.

fome of the

often by this means, ten or twelve people in a middle-fized

are

Gaolers
Non-

except, perhaps,

probability there

a prifon

admitted under the

when

number of men

the

their

of an induftrious

is

in the

hufbands are danger-

woman

being of

fame room

much

and of lewd

this affair

needs fome regu-

in thefe the keepers, protected

by the proprietors,

name of wives

prove that

lation.

Some

gaols

are private property

when

abufe their prifoners,

was quite out of

of magiflrates, are more apt to

as other gaolers to the controul

and not fo fubjedt

One of

a temptation offers.

and unfafe

repair,

thefe gaols

the gaoler to confine his prifoners took a method, that was really

The grand

in vain.
j

mocking

it,

Some

*.

gaols was tormented with

years before that, a prifoner in another of thefe

fcrews.

fome years ago

and the proprietor not choofing to repair

thumb-

jury took up the cafe, and remonftrated to the proprietor; but

had the account from a worthy friend of mine, who was upon that very

T tOf

the

complaints, which

have hitherto made only

inftances in the account of particular prifons.

To

in general terms, I

mall give

that account I refer, for evidence

and fail.

NUMBER
In

the fpring 1776,

fundry prifons.
1.

In Middlefex,

My
i.

e.

lift

fummed up
was

PRISONERS.

OF

carefully the total

number of

prifoners

London and Weftminfter;

Felons,

together

Petty
Offenders.

with three prifons

in

Total.

Southwark, viz. the King's

Bench, Marfhalfea, and Borough-compter,

1.

in the

as follows

In the other thirty-nine counties of England,

3.

In the twelve counties of Wales,

4.

In city and town-gaols,

"

* See account of EI7 gaol.

1274

228

194

1696

752

617

459

1828

67

27

344

122

2437

994

94
466
653

4084

f Durham,

Petty

Gaols
Private
Property.

NUMBER
Petty offenders in the

OF PRISONERS.

Welch county gaols, blank

number of felons, &c. 27

included in the preceding

ties

in the third

mod

column

third line, are

of the gaols in thofe coun-

being alfo the county bridewells.

Petty offenders, blank in third column fourth line, are included in the number 459 of
petty offenders in the thirty-nine county gaols ; and in the number 122 fecond column,
fourth line.

All that were in the county-gaols befides debtors,

&? c. although

many were

petty offenders

and

have reckoned in the

lift

of felons,

fines.

In the third column, under petty offenders are included a few felons occafionally com-

mitted to bridewells.
I

have found by carefully examining fundry gaols,

dants (by which

My

computation

mean wives and

is

children *)

that,

may be

upon an average, two

affigned to each

man

depen-

in prifon.

confirmed by the account which we have from the benevolent

fociety at the Thatched-houfe,

March

27, 1782,

as follows.

Since their inftitution in

1772,

Difcharged debtors,

who had

wives,

and children,

131 26

Perfons immediately benefited,

We

7196
4328

24650.

have farther confirmation by the account from the

publiflied

May

Brijlol fociety

Perfons difcharged,

who had

wives,

Total
I find

number of

May

1775, to

number of dependants

1782, was

There

is

thefe totals

my

rule: the

indeed

are there affigned.

for

For

perfons difcharged by the fociety from the inftitution on the 15th of

May

1134

36 11

Total relieved

Each of

lift

238.

Dependants on them,

cation by

in their

by the account of the fociety for the difcharge of perfons imprifoned

fmall debts in Dublin, that a greater

the

who

73
45
120

and children,

And

>

31, 1775, have

confiderably larger than the refpective products of multipli-

is

firft

commonly

exceeds by 3062, the fecond by 19, and the

a furplus

among

debtors

reduces the average of dependants to that which

* I do not include parents,

4745-

many of whom

but a deficiency

laft

by 1343.

among felons, &c.

I ftated.

have feen forrowfully attending at prifons, and deeply

lharing in the diftrefs ariling from the confinement of their children.

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

If then to the total

number

You add

number of dependants,

twice that

in

England and Wales,

The number of the

It

appears

from the foregoing

table

diftrefTed

is

is,

of prifoners, that

theit

greatly magnified by conjectural computations

thofe partaking of their diftrefs,

that

is,

4084
8168
12252.

number

has

been

but furely the real numbers, with

an object worthy the farther attention of the

legis-

lature.
It

may

afford

fome

fatisfaction to

prifoners in the counties of

purpofe

lhall

be inferted

my

at the

one view the number of

readers, to fee at

England and Wales,

in

1779, and 1782.

table for this

end of the book.

SECTION

III.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
IN

THE STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

OF PRISONS.

HOWEVER

fanguinary- the wifli of an angry creditor

and.imprifons

his

may be when he arrefts

no doubt but every one who Mens, not
muft know and will own, that it is a flagrant crime

debtor; there

to his paffions but to reafon,

to take away the

life

man

of a

of

trial,

and of convicts

treatment debtors

principle,

till

have

And as to felony, a gaol is not defigned for

but for the/*/, cujlody of the accufed to the time

for debt.

the final punifhment even of that,

is

a legal

claim

fentence be executed
to

nor can

we

upon them.

Humane

confidently with

any good
of morals or government, refufe the
fame to perfons accufed,
or even to the molt atrocious convicts." Principles
of Penal Law, page 52.
The
;

either

laws

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.
No

laws of England do not fuffer private executions.

condemned malefactor may-

be fecretly put to death; nor murdered in a prifon directly or indirectly;

ought thofe

to

deftruction

not only unjuft;

is

be deftroyed there whofe fentence does not affect their

might, no doubt, be ufeful

inconfiftent with

it is

home

keep them healthy and

prifon, to

who

at

or abroad;

of them by fcorbutic diftempers

many

inftances of

" Sore

<c

fhip,

tc

loft

<c

rantine."

an immenfe

If one
terrified

prove very

feet

repeated in

if

him

who

by

fum by them

little

work,

1774.

mortality

that

and our fhip

is

we

to

this

confidence
in vain.

no one
;

will

him

fet

it

from

Mr.

Biggs,

in

our

laft

We

never take another.

moment under

detained to this

to work.

for there are feveral forts

yet the poor acquitted prifoner fhall

Is

thofe

Some

tranfcribe their

will

we met with

fhall

narrow efcape, feeks for honeft employment

principal caufe of his being rejected

for

The

fatal.

13,

has turned king's evidence, or has been barely acquitted

his

a fickly miferable figure, that

but

many of

that

it is,

complained of

Sept.

fo furfeit us,

this, will

certain

Meflrs. Stephen/on and Randolf of

have feen.

gaoler at Salifbury, in their letter to

words.

They

others by their toes mortified, or quite rotted

which

great contractors for tranfport convicts,

Briftol,

prudence and found policy.

proper care were taken of them in

rendered incapable of working.

it

lefs

Their

But

for labour.

fit

furvive their long confinement, are by

their feet;

if

much

life.

he

trial

commonly

is

That,

upon

qua-

believe,

is

fuch
the

of labour that require

go from door

to door afking

not to be lamented, that every fpark of good intention, inftead

of being cherifhed, mould be thus extinguijhed? and that the penitent mould by an
almoft

irrefiftible neceftity

brings

him back

been, that fain

be driven again, though reluctant, to the practice which foon

to his former

manfion

would have been, an

In order to redrefs thefe various

is

the prifon

Many

itfelf.

about them, which

me upon

evils,

the

life,

might have

firft

thing to be taken into confideration

county- gaols and other prifons are fo decayed and ruinous,

new ones muft be

built in

may be improved upon the ground

or not ufed at all.
Some need little
what little affiftance I can to thofe who

a
a

is

thorough

occupied by the keeper,

repair.

new county

this head, in

In order to give

gaol, I will take

the liberty to fuggeft what hath occurred to

hopes that fome more

fkilful

hand

will

undertake the generous

and benevolent tafk of carrying to perfection a fcheme, of which

outlines.

that

Others are very incommodious, but

their ftead.

muft build

and fhortens a wretched

fo totally unfit for the purpofe, that

or, for other reafons,

more than

ufeful one

But

firft I

will fay a

can only draw the

word of the

SITUATION.

PLANy^

COUNTY

GAOL.

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

11

SITUATION.
A

and indeed every prifon, fhould be built on a fpot that is airy,

I have commonly found prifons fituated near

County Gaol,

near a river, or brook.

if ooffible

and

generally have not (they could not well

They

a river/ the cleaneft and moft healthy.

have) fubterraneous dungeons, which have been

fo fatal

and by their

to thoufands:

nearnefs to running water, another evil, almoft as noxious,*

is

prevented, that

the

is

(tench of fewers.
I faid a

gaol fhould be near a ftream

but

mull annex

this caution, that

fo near as that either the houfe or yard fhall be within the reach of floods.
cumftance was fo little thought of at Appleby in Weftmorland, when their

was

Jirft

building, that I faw the walls

marked from nine

it

be not

This

cir-

new gaol

inches to three feet high

by

floods.

If

it

chofen

build near

be not practicable to
for as the walls

circulation

of

this

air,

fo

eminence fhould be

high as greatly to obftruct a free

inconvenience fhould be leflened by a rifing ground.

by other buildings

prifon fhould not be furrounded

or

then an

a ftream;

round a prifon muft be

And

the

nor built in the middle of a town

city.

PLAN.
THE

annexed engraving reprefents fuch a plan for a prifon

the afiiftance of the references,

defcription.

according

it

will explain itfelf better

to.

and order.

my
By

than can be done by a verbal

only fubjoin a few general remarks on fome particulars in the

fhall

as,

greater! advantages with regard to fecurity, health,

the

ideas, unites

ftruclure.

That

part of the building

felons ward,

may

which

is

detached from the walls, and contains the men-

be fquare, or rectangular, raijed on Arcades, that

a dry walk in wet weather.

it

may be more

Thefe wards over arcades

airy,

and leave under

it

for fafety, for

have found that efcapes have been moft commonly effected by under-

mining

cells

and dungeons

When
The

a heap of ftones and rubbifh.

the foundation of their

room ; and

but juft in time to prevent

were
out.
ftill

at their

mercy

it;

for

are alfo beft

went into Horfham gaol with the keeper, we faw

had been for two or three days undermining

felons

a general efcape was intended that night.

it

was almoft night when we went

in.

We

were

Our

lives

but (thank God) they did not attempt to murder us, and rufh

If felons fhould find any other

means

to break out of this raifed ward, they will

be flopped by the wall of the court, which

is

the principal fecurity;

and the
walls

Arcades,

PROPOSED -IMPROVEMENTS.

22

walls of the wards need not

then be of that great thicknefs they are generally

built,

whereby the accefs of light and air is impeded. Every

room mould be vaulted; for
I have known many poor creatures
burnt to death, as at Halftead, &c. who would
have
been laved if fuch a precaution had been ufed.
The ftaircafes of all prifons fhould
be Hone.

Small

to have

Willi

rooms

1 aele

many /mall

rooms or cabins that each criminal

to be ten feet high to the

crown of the

arch,

may

fleep alone.

and have double doors,

one of them

iron-latticed, for the circulation of air.

If it be difficult to prevent their
being together in the day-time: they mould by all means be feparated
at night*.
Solitude and filence are favourable to reflection ; and may poffibly lead
them to
re-

pentance.

Privacy and hours of thoughtfulnefs are necefTary for thofe who muft foon
leave the world 5 (yet how contrary to this is our practice
Keepers have allured me,
!

that they have

Old Newgate

made 5

day

die

after

there were fifteen

condemnation of

Handing, and are annexed to the new building.

to fociety cannot

be

note, affirms that

it

" confequence
" die."

lefs

This

effected.

alfo

for that

for,
is

would prevent

reafon for feparation

Kin g's
Evidence

pleading
:

that

is,

it

they hardly

evidence for the king

thefe

and

more than

in

left

like provifion for fuch as return

civil refpedt,

how

efpecially at night,

perfons live than

would prevent

how

they

efcapes,

or

the time in which they are generally planned, and

their

would

heard them complain:

them

the

ftill

Bifhop Butler, one of the writers cited in the

more fo, " lince it mull be acknowledged, of greater

in a religious, as well as

The feparation I am
make them very difficult

The

In

which are

needful.

much

is

their prifoners.)

for perfons in this fituation,

cells

robbing one another

free gaolers

know where

from

Another

of which

have

keep criminals admitted to be

to

put

among

have feen them, for that reafon, put

in the

would be murdered by

one' prifon,

in the night.

a difficulty

their

accomplices

if

women's ward.

Where
open

all

there fhould
ftraw,

Women^lons.

windows they fhould have mutters

there are oppofite

day.

In the men-felons ward the windows

be no glafs

but thefe fhould be

from the

floor;

nor fhould the prifoners be allowed to flop them with

fhould be quite diftinct from that of the

young criminals from old and hardened

*

fix feet

&c.

The Women felons ward

See the importance of

1771.

mould be

See

alfo

this feparation ftrongly

a Spital Sermon

1750, particularly page zo, &c.

of

offenders.

urged

bilfcop Butler,

Each of

menf; and

the

thefe three daffes fhould

in a Letter to Sir Robert Ladbvoke, printed for Oliver,

preached before the magiftratcs of London, April 14th,

And Mr. Ha>iwa/s

8th, 10th,

and zzi

Letters

in his

book

entitled

The

Defects of Police the Cnufe of Immorality , Sec.

f By an act made in Ireland, 3d of his prefent Majefty, it is enadled, " That in all gaols hereafter to
" be built, there may be diitincl apartments for the men and women ; and that all gaolers, whofe gaols
" will at prefent admit of fuch a diftin&ion, may be obliged to feparate and keep apart the different
" fexes."

alfo

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

23

have their day-room or kitchen with a fire-place ; and their court and

alfo

offices all

feparate.

Every court fhould be paved with

it

and have a good Pump, or water

both

laid in

fhould be repaired as foon as they need

and unwholefome

it

if poffible

is

and the

pump

and pipes

very deferable.

in

fuch cafes.

room

In a

fmall ftream

pump

or fried near the

or

commodious Bath * with fleps (as there is in fome county hofpithat come in dirty, and to induce them afterwards to the frequent

pipe, there fhould be a

tals) to

ufe of

wafh prifoners
it

It

j\

fhould be

warm

water fufficient to

filled

every morning, and

There fhould

fewers into the drains.

alfo be a

that in the bath

let

copper

of

There

fhould likewife be an Oven: nothing fo effectually deftroys vermin in clothes and bed-

them

ding, nor purifies

in an

fo thoroughly

when

oven moderately heated J.

Infirmary or fick wards fhould be

The

detached from the

reft

in the

molt airy part of the court, quite

Thefe rooms fhould never

the other wards.

The fame contrivance might alfo

it may be necefTary to have

at night.

Befides the grate,

the infirmary, hand-ventilators to frefhen

when mofl wanted, and when

cellent ufe

that

is,

calm weather.

in

ait in a

fuaded that ventilators are of

for if they have courts,

kept clean

and

alfo

them every

little

minute.

the

fubject,

But on

air

||

in

the wards of

is

is

of ex-

of no fervice,

page 12) fliews that

it

will

am

per-

and have apertures, and are

lime-whited twice a year, there will be no danger of infectious

diforders.

14th George III. Cap. XLIII.

t I might mention as an evidence of the advantage of Baths in prifons, that I have known inftances
where perfons fuppofed to be dead of the gaol-fever, and brought out for burial j on being warned with
cold water, have (hewn figns of

life,

found advantage by the cold bath.

of a

Even

perfons with the fmall-pox have

See fome remarkable inftances in the appendix to Dr. Wat/on's Account

Series of Experiments.

% See

||

and foon after recovered.

Dr. Lind's EJfay on the Health of Seamen, p. 320 and 336.

Dr. Lettfom\ fuccefsful method has proved the benefit of

Memoirs, p. 19, 57, 58, 6%,

cf the

fituation

was

Sec.

fo mild, that

frefti air

in putrid fevers.

A putrid

fever was lately in the poor-houfe at

many of

the patients walked out with the fpots

be convenient in

farther obfervation, I

fize,

MARY

there

ufe in thofe gaols, where there are no dungeons

and the rooms are a proper

Infir-

covered

This machine

day.

the wind or fail-ventilator

Dr. Hales (on

fupply feventy-five tons of

room

In the middle of the floor of each

fhould be a grate of twelve or fourteen inches fquare, for a current of

with a fhutter or hatch

Oven.

tainted with infection, as being a few hours

of the gaol, and raifed on arcades.

be without crib-beds and bedding.

Bath.

off in the evening through the

in the fhed, to heat a quantity

for wafhing thofe that are fickly.

Pump.

otherwife the gaols will foon be oflfenfive

have always found them to be

as I

conflantly running in the court

more convenient wafhing

flags or flat (tones for the

See his Medical

Yarmouth, but by the

airinefs

on them.

6'
K

The

VbstiLAT0RS *

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

24

The

fewers or vaults of

and (like thofe

in the

prifons fhould be in the courts, and not in the paflages,

all

boarded between the

clofe

colleges)

boards projecting ten inches before each

The

feats

up

to the ailing, the

feat.

infirmary and fheds will not render the court unfafe, provided the walls have

parapets, or fmall chevaux de frife.

Separa-

Debtors
and
^

Debtors and felons fhould have wards

totally feparate:

the peace, the cleanlinefs,

health and morals of debtors cannot be fecured otherwife.

Charks

XX.

Chapter

II.

lequires this feparation at night

The

aid and 23d

act

may

not be

enacted,

That

that debtors

diflurbed by the curfes and other profane language of felons

" Be

it

" they mail be put, kept, and lodged feparate and apart one from another,
" rooms."

Thefe words do perhaps

But furely

turnal feparation.

it

in the ftrict conftruction

a far greater

is

mifchief for debtors to be annoyed

and corrupted by the wicked converfation of felons

by

it

the night-time.

in

character of the

fpirit

for

know

am

my

But

of them.

where there

is

of

their diverfions

it

feems to

me

or to what

by fuch

to explain laws

conj ecture

vague principle

clafs

their inten-

the fuppofed

&c. and often become equally

of prifoners are indeed generally feparated

of debtors join with the felons in

profligate

as

Glocefter, Salifbury, Aylefbury, Bedford, Ipfwich, Bury, Leicefter, &c.

forts

was
as

neceffary that there fhould be a total feparation

but one court, the lower

fives,

day long, than to be diflurbed

that parliament, that the aft fhould be con-

view of the argument

wrong

is

it

all

not defigning to infer from hence, nor yet from the

Gentlemen who compofed

fhrued according to
tion.

in diflind

imply no more than noc-

at

night.

do not

Worcefler,

at

Thefe

different

more

recollect

than one or two gaols where they lodge together, viz. the Borough-compter, Clerkenwell bridewell, the Devizes and St. Albans.

mufl now add Tothillfields bridewell,

where debtors are confined, fince Weflminfler gatehoufe

feparation

is

de Arable.

The

pox, or the gaol-fever, fhould

from

This would

it.

debtors to

work

that

alio
is,

is

taken down.

gaol will by that means be kept cleaner

infect;

remove

one ward, the other

the objection that

is

and

if

may

at a diftance

now made

Conflant
the fmall-

be free

againft permitting

the danger of their furnifhing felons with tools for mifchief,

or efcape.

Workshop.

In the debtors ward there fhould be a day-room or kitchen; alfo a large work-Jhop
fQr ^jc j1 as are vvilling to work.

Some few

feen bafket-makers, fhoe-makers,

&c. employed

habit of induftry;

that

in their feveral trades

have

preferving their

contributing to the fupport of their families, and lightening the

burthen that by their imprifonment

obferve,

them

gaols have the latter; and in

falls

on the refpective

parifhes.

Here

wherever the windows are glazed there fhould be cafements

found the debtors rooms, and parages of many town and

city gaols,

would

for I

have

very ofFenfive for

want of apertures.
Prifoners inditled for felony fhould not be compelled to work.

many of them

But

have heard

wifhing they might be permitted to earn fomething for their more

comfortable

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

In fome

comfortable fupport.

Norwich, Ipfwich, &c

had

faid

two

fexes

this

privilege,

as

Exeter,

at

have a ward, a court,

that Women-debtors Ihould

edition,

firft.

to themfelves

and no communication ihould be allowed between the

but obferving that there are fo few women-debtors in prifon (the

whom may

of

my

in

pump, &c.

few gaols they have

*.

be feen

the table)

in

leave

number

to the confideration of the juftices,

it

whether a room or two in the gaoler's houfe

WomenDebtors.

may

not be as convenient as a feparate

ward.

The Ward

for men-debtors, fhould alfo be over arcades, and placed on one fide of the

This houfe Ihould be

gaoler's houfe.

them

in

Ward.

order; and would engage the gaoler to be attentive to cleanlinefs and conftant

own apartments from being

warning, to prevent his

&

Debtors

This would be a check on the prifoners to keep

and the debtors court.

to the felons

or near the middle of the gaol, with windows

in

Chapel

fituation.

necefiary in a gaol.

is

mould have

It

out of fight of

and prayer-books fhould be chained

tear or othervvife

it

what

women
reft may be

a gallery for debtors, or

the other prifoners

all

offenfive.

have'chofen for

at

and the

fee ms to

me

a proper

for the latter fhould

feparated below.

convenient diftances on each fide

Chapel.

be

Bibles

thofe

who

damage them mould be puniihed.

REGULATIONS.
WITHOUT

due attention to the oeconomy and government of a prifon, it is

it from being the abode of wicked-

evident that no contrivance of ftructure can fecure

and mifery

nefs, difeafe,

I fhall therefore

offer

a few hints for the better regulation

of a gaol.

The

firft

good man for a gaoler ; one that is honeft, active,

Such was Abel Dagge, who was formerly keeper of Briftol Newgate.
death, and revere his memory.
And fuch is George Smith, keeper of

care muft be to find a

and humane.
I regretted his

Tothill-fields bridewell.

This
reftrain

officer

muft be fober himfelf, that he may, by example,

drunkennefs, and other vices in his prifon.

to the contrary,

The

it

is

a ftrong temptation
highly requifite that no gaoler, turnkey, or other fervant
be

debtors at York, Lincoln, Norwich,

Ipfwich,

TtZ 5/^'
m any

I
be eitabhmed

^dangerous

as well as authority,

To remove

garterS

nCtS
'

prifon,

laCCS
'

'

even among

mftruments are necdfary.

&C

'

felons.

Chelmsford, &c.

employ themfelves in knitting

an eafy and amufin
S employment, and might
For the art may be learned in a week's time, and

is

But then they muft have proper rooms and courts for

their

fuffered

Gaoier.

;
:

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

26

Tap.

hold the Tap; or to have any cbnnexion, concern, or intereft whatever

of any kind.
Gaolers who hold, or let, the tap, find their

fuffered to

the fale of liquors

in

account in not only conniving

To that moft of our

debauched company of both

be kept running

at,

but promoting drunkennefs and midnight revels,

do we

fexes,

Even condemned

they become outrageous, as Lewis

Befides this, the
partial

in his

gaoler's

intereft

he

the

in

behaviour to his prifoners

upon the property of

fewer debtors in prifon

to

who

treat at

gaols,

and

profligate

may

that the tap

who

number

the cafe of far the greater

is

be

to

with neglect, thofe

leaft

till

1782.

take flicker in a prifon', in order to live

their creditors.

were no

if there

into our

who wa9 executed at Leicefter in

fale of liquors, may prompt him

which

fhall carefs difhoneft debtors,

there in riot

fee let

criminals are fometimes heated with liquor

was,

are poor and have nothing to fpend

while

What

gaols are riotous ale-houfes and brothels.

am

perfuaded there would be

and they were

taps,

reftrained

from

riot

and

drunkennefs.
I

know

that

ftatute of 3 2d George II. a debtor has a right to fend out

by the

This

gaol for liquor and other neceflaries

where they have the

beneficial to prifoners,
are,

who

find

ways to

all

concern

ing

free ufe of

in the fale

that check, and reftore to prifoners the

alfo

a very judicious provifion

reftrain this privilege, for the

they were prohibited from

but would

is

be the means offuppreffing

it

of the

and very

But fome keepers there

f.

of their tap

profits

whereas

if

of liquor, this would not only remove

enjoyment of the

liberty they are entitled to

much intemperance

and perhaps of abolilh-

garnifli, as well as clubs or night aflbciations.

That

it is

neceflary to deprive gaolers of

gaolers themfelves.

two of them,

allied

" What they thought would be

" mation

in gaols ?"

" licences be granted

" way worth our while

The
to

anfwer

from the

tap,

am

con-

have learned from converfation with

whom

found candid and intelligent,

means of
had from both, was

the moft likely

for felling

Gaolers (hould have

arifing

all profits

vinced, not by mere {peculation, but by what

beer or wine in gaols

effecting a thorough refor-

to this purpofe,
let it

" Let no

be made fome other

keep them."
proportioned to the truft and trouble

falaries

fince

no

office,

and humanely adminiftered, better deferves an adequate encouragement

much as to raife them above attention to their duty, and the daily infpedtion

if faithfully

yet not fo

of their gaols.

The

Gaol-Committee,

Marfhalfea prifon, 14th

Wine

is

which

May

not neceflary, therefore

have

1729,

mentioned

after

cbuld wiih

it

before,

in

their

report of the

enumerating many mifchiefs which they

were under the fame reltri&ion as fpirituous liquors

in all prifons.

" At his free will and pleafure, to fend for, or to have brought
f
day time, any beer, ale, victuals, or any other neceflary food."

to

him at

feafonable times in the

found

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

found had

be

occafioned by the gaoler's holding or letting the tap,- draw the follow-

ing conclufion

" This

fhews the inconveniency of the keepers having the advantage

f*

of the tap-houfe, fince to advance the rent thereof, and to confume the liquors

"

there vended, they not only encourage riot

**

needy prifoner from being fupplied by

44

in

and drunkennefs, but

meer

his friends with the

alfo prevent the

neceflaries of

life,

order to ir.creafe an exorbitant gain to their tenants."

When

was

in

Ireland (January 1775)

found not without fome furprife, that no

liquors were permitted to be fold by gaolers in any of the prifon-s

.Upon inquiry,

learned that there

an ad: againft

is

made

it,

which

then vifited.

in the third year of his

prefent Majefty *.

No

mould be a

prifoner

himfelf every day, that he

He

"
"

It

is

the gaoler's duty to infpect the wards

fee they are clean,

and not to leave

this to fervantsf.

fhould open and unftop the windows, and order the bedding out to be aired,

and the

no

turnkey.

may

be taken out and warned, otherwife they

cribs to

The

falutary end.

magiftrates

of

GlafgowJ have

will gather dirt,

and anfwer

exprefsly ordered that

"The

gaoler every morning and evening, at the opening of, and before the fliutting

the prifon, fhall perfonally

vifit

,He muft encourage and promote

not be a gaoler: when

cleanlinefs.

man mould

that

is

For

the cafe,

this reafon
all

is

fhould be companionate to the fick. If he diftributes the

juftice to the county,

up

every room and place therein."'

an old or infirm

commonly dirty.-^He
allowance, he muft do

or city, and to his prifoners, by ^giving to the

latter their full

dated quantity.
I

have

faid before, a gaoler fhould not

live at a diftance

from

fhould not only refide on the fpot, but be conftantly at home.

his

prifon

He

||.

Prifoners generally

take advantage of his abfence. For this reafon, no keeper of a prifon fhould be a

*
f*

The preamble

runs thus,

" Whereas-many frauds and abufes have been committed by gaolers exafHng

exorbitant fees, brewing of drink, and baking of bread, which they oblige their prifoners
to take from

" at their own rates Be it enacted that no gaoler, or any perfon in truft for him, fhall brew or
bake
" gaol or in any place for fate, or keep any lhop for the felling of bread, or beer, or .ale, or
other

them

in the

liquors,

" under
f In

the penalty of five pound* for every fuch offence."

my firjt journies many

In York

caftle

months.

(in

county gaolers excufed themfelves from going with me into the

felons ward,,
me once and again that the gaoler had not been in their

1774) the felons told

ward for

I would not have quoted a report

from

felons, if the turnkey,

who was

prefent,

had not confirmed

their teftimony.

X I

ought not here to omit

who, on

my vifit to

city, in a

II

manner

my grateful

the place in January

truly hofpitable

acknowledgments of the politenefs and

775, did

The; bad confluences of a contrary police

the old and

new

me

the honour of prefenting

civility

me

of thefe Gentlemen,

with the freedom of the

and obliging.

have often feen and lamented

particularly at Dublin in

gaol.

Sheriff's

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

28
Sber'ff>S 0fficn

ollillZ'

SllCh 3re Very ften abroad

'

me,

Chaplain.

I
,

and fome of them have acknowledged to

was incompatible with their duty as gaolers.

that their bufinefs as officers

had the pleafure to find

confequence of the

ad made

a Chaplain appointed to

raoft of the

county gaols

13th of his prefent Majefty.

the

When this
clergyman who offers his

in

office is

vacant, it behoves magiftrates not to takethe firft

fervice,
without regarding his real character.
They Ihould choofe one who is in principle
a Chrijlian : who will not content himfelf with officiating
in public ; but will convene with the prifoners ; admonifh the profligate ; exhort the thoughtlefs
comfort
;
the fick ; and make knovvn to the condemned, that mercy which
is revealed in the
Co/pel.

In the Life of Bernard Gilpin, page 173, the writer, fpeaking of his labours, informs
" wherever he came, he ufed to vifit all the jails and places of confinement
v
few in the kingdom having at that time any appointed minifter." And by
his

us, that

"

affectionate addrefs

" he

is

have reformed many very abandoned perfons in

faid to

thofe places *."

In fome prifons where there

fome where that day

in

a chaplain appointed, no worfhip

is

morning, fometimes between morning and evening fervice, at the

In fome there is no fixed day at all; confequently (as I

too foon in the

dinner-time.

prifoners

have too often found) the fervice

fermon and prayers once,

And

the week befides.

the prifoners to the

at leaft,
if

The

chapter of the

The

gaoler fhould

He

attending divine fervice.

no

efpecially,

prifoners

at

friends."

afking at

prayers ?"

* In the reign of

and by

have

prifons,

not,

as

fome

Queen Mary,

Durham

to

any prifoner from

hinder

do,

chapel bell

fhould ring

more

places than

one,

been anfwered,

And, on Sunday

The

this faithful minifter

London, where he expected

fale

Vifitants

are

who

there were fo few

drinking with their

fuccefs attending

little

of liquors, and the want

gaoler fhould be conflant at chapel with

of the Gofpel was to have been a

to fuffer, his leg

him from the

fiery trial

was broken by a
for the bigotted

facrifice.
fall

from

But

f For on Sundays

as

is

in his

his horfe

Queen died before

In the next reign he was promoted to the rich living of Houghton in Northumberland

was there he laboured,

are

ten minutes before

Why

"

" They

which they attributed to the

that circumftance Providence faved

recovery.

might be allowed a fmall

reader, if a prifoner,

The

of a proper feparation of the fexes.

journey from

Tejiament were read daily by one of

have heard fome worthy clergymen lament the

their labours in

have

to

and prayers two fixed days in

admitted during that time.

be

or attend.

Upon

divine fervice.

New

would be proper

It

ought to remove every hindrance.

fhould

vifitants

mould go out

totally omitted.

is

on the Lord's day f

or by the gaoler, before the distribution of prifon allowance,

reft,

the time would not be mifpent.

weekly penfion.

there,

Sunday:
comes fometimes

fixed for

is

fixed, the chaplain, choofing his hours,

is

his

and

it

faid above.

have often feen debtors and others lying on their beds

in the

day-time; which

am

perfuaded would not have been the cafe, if there had been divine fervice in the chapel.

his

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

his prifoners

the gaol

in

and

alfo

preach once a Sunday

in

fum

The

much

but

man

of repute

in

and they fhould have, not only medicines, but

He

frefh

air

He

At Newgate
them,

and

from them,

One

a furgeon and apothecary.

The two Compters

be

my

great.

opinion,

of the two latter to

are near

vifited

is

and he fhould

enough

to

as conftantly.

this

do

well

visit

their prifons are infefted, tell

Here

prifoners.

To

aft,

he

capital

the danger

prifon

in

the

to appoint a phyftcian,

each ward in the prifon every

be taken care of by the fame gentlemen

This attention would,

prevent the fpread of any infeftious difeafe in thofe gaols

who, when

of the health of the pri-

state

commonly about two hundred

to the City

to

to

ft.

there are

metropolis, the magistrates would, in

and they need

prifoners together

need not add, that according to the

each quarter- feilions, a

juftices at

foners under his care

alfo diet fuitable

fhould conftantly inculcate the neceflity of cleanli-

and the danger of crowding

recommend, what he cannot enforce.

muft report to the

fick, to the in-

Their irons lhould

muft diligently and daily vifk them himfelf ; not leaving them to

journeymen and apprentices.

and

Surgeon.

His

his profeffion.

immediate removal of the

in the firft place, to order the

is,

be taken off;

you

(as

and

in all probability,

silence

county gaolers,

have often heard them)

<

The

diftemper was brought from Newgate, by prifoners removed from thence by habeas
corpus."

No

prifoner fhould be

a falary in lieu of them

fubjeft to

and

included in the gaoler's falary

* In the book of

"

for the vifitation

'

Ireland,

"

171 1."

has a

Common

fo

any demand of

and not only

Prayer in Ireland, there

and agreed upon by her majefty's

lift

countries an officer of rank

of the prifoners, and

and the care that

is

is

The

Fees.

fhould the turnkeys

their pay,

their

gaoler fhould have

wages fhould not be

but the number of them

very properly inferted, "

of prifoners, treated upon by the Archbiftiops and Bilhops, and the

t In fome foreign

He

fervices.

of prifoners requires that an experienced Surgeon

be appointed to every gaol

their condition.

"
"

their

fhould hope that clergymen might be

firmary; and fee that they have proper bedding and attendance.

day.

and

nobler motive, a regard to the moft important in-

late aft for preferving the health

bufinefs

to

of their fellow-creatures.

or Apothecary

nefs

officiates

propofe a great deal of duty to thefe gentlemen.

not exceeding fifty pounds a year for

counties have fixed that falary

found who would aft from a

terests

who

chaplain

each prifon *.

aft juft recited allows

Many

The

to follow.

the bridewell, where the distance will allow

at

officiate

perhaps will be faid, that

It

The

them

a good example for

fet

may

29

fees

licenfe in

is

their fynod,

obliged frequently to

form of prayer

reft

of the clergy of

holden at Dublin, in

vifit

the

year

the prifons, with a furgeon.

each of them, and makes a report to the regency of their health,,

taken of them.

aecefiary

Fees.

PROPOSED IMPROVE MEN T

S.

neceflary for each prifon, fliould be determined by the magift rates.

be

articles fliould

am

lifhed, I

fure they

In

fide debtors.

that

the interefted appointment of a gaoler.

left to

mould be reduced

and

mould

fo

Neither of thofe
If fees be not

matter (of the chambers) another regulation

this

alfo needful

is

The bedding and

no middle-fized room fhould have more beds than two.

is,

abo-

the chamber-rents for mafter-

other furniture fliould be fpecified as to articles and value.

Free
ARD

For common-fide
*

fhould be a ward entirely free:

debtors there

any demand of rent;

fubject to

either be alimented

by

many

as in

order to Clcanlinefs

In

L1NESS
*

gaol

fhould be well fcraped

and flaked

the kiln,

vefcence *

leaft

at

as felons

and then waflied with the

in boiling

water and
;

and fometimes with hot vinegar.

this

by pretending

refpect,

that

endanger the health of prifoners.

There is not
directly contrary.
the

number of

The

every day.
prifon

sequence

* This

the

every

that

effer-

Lent and Summer aflize. Each

day, by the refpective inhabitants

gaolers affect

excufe their negligence in

to

would make the rooms damp, and

mere pretence.
I know the effect is

daily wafhing

This

is

England

in

work by

the

called lime-white, although whiting

where the rooms are wafhed

turns

and the healthinefs of the

but great benefit

who fweeps

is

more healthy, confidering

a prifon

no inconvenience,

In Newgate, the prifoner

-f.

is

do

prifoners

and room

ftone-lime taken hot from

befl

than Tothillfields bridewell

demonftration,

is

prifoners,

Idle

whole ceconomy of

and ufed during the ftrong

fize,

jufl after

ward and room fhould be fwept, and wajhed

or have from the

and walls of every ward

the ceiling

twice a year

food, bedding, and medicine.

than which fcarce any thing in the

of more importance,

is

they fliould not be

Thefe prifoners fliould

expence and delay

their creditors without

county the fame allowance of every kind

Clean-

prifons they are.

not an ingredient in

deftroy vermin, purify the air, and prevent infection.

is

the

con-

the ward has a double allowance

White-wafhing

it.

Nothing

more

is

effectual to

not only proper for cleanlinefs,

is

but attempts to efcape are more eafxly difoovered in white than in dirty walls.

f From the general practice of foreigners in building their

had no apprehenfions of bad confequences arifing from fuch a
neceffity

ments on

of cleanlinefs, and of the bad

this fubject in the

effects

the great danger attending wet rooms.

which has been fuffered

'

inquire into the arguments in favour of this notion,

conjectures of the fick about the caufe of their illnefs

inftead of

Is this

"

In England few

fome other, which they are unwilling to

for

fenti-

make any doubt of

opinion founded upon experience, or

grow up and get ftrength merely

we

feems, that they

is

it

a prejudice,

want of being examined

If

we

mail hardly find any other, than the random

or than their artfully fubftituting this origin of

own.The

air

from

rivers

and from the fea

is

probably more replenifhed with vapours, than inland countries cleared of their woods ; yet the molt celea houfe, on
brated of antient phyficians recommended the bank of a running river for the fituation of
account of

"

to

it

but they were convinced of the

Dr. Heberdtn has expreffed his

of offenfive drains.

it

fituation

Medical Tranfaaions, pages 521, 524.

"

near the water,

prifons

its

peculiar healthinefs;

only for the benefit of the fea air."

and many invalids are

fent

by

the

modern

phyficians to the fea fide,

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

Sect.III.

Every

mould be obliged to warn his hands -and face before h*

to keep himfelf as neat as circumftances will
; and
and need
I have faid before, there mould be plenty of water in a prifon ;
admit.
not add now, that prifoners mould conftantly have free and eafy accefs to it.
of bread.

comes

prifoner

daily allowance

for his

more unreafonable than the pretences ufed among us to juftify

I cannot help taking this occafion to add the following

Nothing can be

inattention and negligence.

authorities

on

All unprejudiced perfons muft acknowledge the abfolute

this fubjecl:.

necefiity of freJJj air

and

cleanlinefs

to preferve

Dr. Mead writes, in his Difcourfe concerning

a Nothing approaches fo near to the

" loaded wich damps, and corrupted with
1720.

"

bodies.

Our common

"

efcape,

what they

"
"
"
t(

tainly very well

to the clofenefs

become

the

To

health.

this

"

they are defigned."

"

linefs is

and

which very few

in

this,

always attended with a degree of

is

And

of the place.

Jlench

wifdom of the government,

be kept as airy and clean, as

And

that

"

it

as najiinefs

is

is

would

cer-

as well with regard to the

all houfes

great fource of

of

which

confiftent with the ufe, to

infeclion, fo clean-

the greateft prefervative."

John Pr ingle, in his Anniverfary Difcourfe

Sir

edit.

original of contagion, as air pent up,

health of the town, as in compaffion to the prifoners, to take care, that

confinement, fhould

purpofe

page 41, &c. 3d

the filthinefs that proceeds from animal

the gaol-fever, which

call

malignity in proportion

firft

an inftance of

us

prifons afford

and promote

Pejlilential Contagion,

the Royal Society, on the fubjecl:

at

of Captain Cook's fuccefsful care of the (hip's crew in his voyage round the world, and

him on that account, has the following paffage at

known how much' cleanlinefs is conducive to health but it is not
obvious how much it alfo tends to good order and other virtues. That diligent

the medal defervedly adjudged to

"

page 26.

"
"

fo

officer

It is

well

was perfuaded

that fuch

men

**

they were difpofed to be of themfelves,

"

orderly, and

more

attentive to

obfervation in the Spectator,

" and body,

He

and

he could induce to be more cleanly than

became
duty."

"

No. 631.

fame time more fober, more

at the

This remark

is

by an

mind

waflied in the cold or

warm

deftruiftive

his clothes fhould

mould be provided with

to gaol

dirty,

mould be

be put into the oven,

coarfe

in

warning clothes

a fack

to

on a pair of iron dogs.

wear while his own are thus

purifying: clothes fhould be kept ready in the gaol for this purpofe

fhould have a clean fhirt twice a week.

confirmed
both to

Several vices,

are inconfiftent with the habit of cleanlinefs."

Every prifoner who comes

bath

their

as

roller clean

every day.

Pails,

There fhould be

mops, brooms,

foap,

in

'*.

Each

prifoner

each ward a towel on

vinegar,

and

fuel,

fhould

* It would be better if criminals were to wear a kind of frifon-uniform during the whole of their confine-

ment,

more

as

have feen praftifed at many foKign prifons. Among other good effects, this would make them
be difcovered on efcaping. On the other hand, they mould be tried'in their own clothes, for

liable to

the obvious reafon that they

may

be more eafily recognized by the witnefTes.

be

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

32

be fupplied by the

fome

county or

No

{table,

otherwife gaols will never be kept clean and whole-

hogcote or dunghill fhould be differed in the court

kept there, which

many

Bedding.

town

*.

have often feen not only in the courts, but

No

alfo

nor any fowls

in

the rooms of

mould keep more than one dog, and none mould be

kept by any prifoner whatever. Sweepings, afhes, &cc. mould be taken away twice
a week.
If the Bedding is ftraw, it mould be put in coarfe canvafs; if it is not fo
enclofed, it ought to be changed every week.
Each bed mould have a blanket and
prifons.

coarfe coverlet,

gaoler

and not be

laid

on the

which

diforders,

" There

common

are

being no ftraw

but on a crib-bedftead, which mould

floor,

This would

be moveable for warning the room.

in

prifons.

men were

at Fort-Jugujius, the

"

bedding;

"

themfelves with a due quantity, and renewing

and

prevent

John

Sir

As fumigation may fometimes be neceffary

ordered to cut the heath for

in

providing

often, were leaft fickly."

it

rooms of

in the

by cutaneous

obferves, page 51,

were moft careful

was obfervable, that fuch as

it

infection

Pringle

May

here give fome extracts from

prifons, I

the account with which the ingenious Dr. Lind favoured me, of his fuccefsful method of purifying in-

" Charcoal fires fhould be lighted in the morning, and allowed to remain till evening, and
pound of brimftone thrown upon each; their fmoke in the mean time being clofely confined.
" They may be made in iron pots. This fumigation fhould be repeated every day for a fortnight.
fected Ihips.

"

half a

" Every

evening after the fumigation, the ports and hatchways fhould be opened, and the infide of the

warm

wafhed with

vinegar

and

after the laft fumigation, before the

men

return to the fhip, the

'*

(hip

"
"

decks fhould be thoroughly fcraped and cleaned.

**

as alfo the clothes

died of the fever, and unlefs the infection has been very mild, the bedding of fuch as have had the fever

fhip moft expofed to

" though
**

week

it

may

alfo

If the infection has been very violent, the parts of the

Every thing ragged and

be white-wafhed.

and bedding of fuch as brought the infection into the

The remaining

recovered.

to the fleams

dirty fhould be deftroyed,

fhip, the

bedding of fuch

and bedding fhould be purified by being expofed twice a

or when the brimftone might be fuppofed to injure
;

clothes

may be hung up

expofed

fmoke of tobacco ftrewed on charcoal

the clothes, they

fires.

"

fteeped for feveral hours in cold water or leys, be well wafhed, and then dried in the open

Linens, and

commence from

"

cleanlinefs of tne

'

*'

made

to bathe

may have
I

in a clofe place

to the

fuch articles as will admit of being wet,

the fortnight of this fumigation, any perfon

have

of the brimftone and charcoal

**

" ing

as

is

taken

ill

fhould, after the

both in their perfons and apparel

and clean themfelves

and a

fufficient

air.

If,

dur-

of the fever, the fortnight fhould again

the day on which fuch perfon leaves the fhip.

men

fumigation, be

firft

Strict attention fhould

be paid to the

fuch as are fluggifh and dirty fhould be

quantity of flops fhould be iffued, that every

maa

a change of clothes."

have obferved in prifons abroad a very cheap and pleafant fumigation, which furprifingly corrects the

offenfivenefs of the
berries thrown

f The

bad

air.

upon burning

I fuppofe

it

is

the fame as

is

ufed in

Roman

catholic churches, viz. juniper

coals in a chafing-difh.

act of parliament in Ireland,

which

mentioned in a former note, orders that

prefume on any account to keep

" No

gaoler, or

the faid gaols, or the yard,

*'

any perfon employed by him,

"

or the houfes adjoining thereto, and provided for the ufe of fuch prifoners, any hogs, cows, or other

**

"*

cattle,

fhall

under the penalty of forty

(hillings for

in

iuch hog, cow, or other beaft kept in the faid gaol

orprifon."

not

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

not one great caufe of the unhealthinefs of our prifoners be, the want of proper bed-

them

ding, which obliges

at Triefte

from many

fame good appearance of the women prifoners

This reminds

me

How different

to lie in their clothes?

that I have feen in Pruffia and at

of what

Vienna

at feveral

heard an old general

did the prifoners appear

I

was ftruck with the

of the fpin houfes

in

Holland.

" That he always found

fay,

his

men

when they lay in camps, not from dampnefs, but from

lying in their clothes and the want of proper bedding; for at the fame time all his
" officers had been quite healthy and well." Whatever be the caufe of this difference,
<c

and

fubjecl: to illnefs

difeafes

whether a more free perfpiration

am fully

in bed, taking off bandages, or ventilation

of the

clothes, I

convinced of the fail.

Prifoners

mould not remain

mould have

lhould alfo be

common
made

day-time

in the

in

the

rooms

which they

in

ward, day-room or kitchen, and an allowance of

to get

up

and be called over

early,

to their bread

fleep

firing.

and

they

They
prayers.

This would divert them, prevent them from fleeping immoderately, and be conducive
to health.

The

doors of

all

mould be open

the wards

winter.Debtors fhould be locked up

in their

rooms

at fix in

fummer, and feven

at ten at night, as in

in

France and

other foreign countries.

Thofe who drink only water, and have no nutritious

pound and a half of good houfehold bread every day.
old,

and then honeftly weighed to them.

If once a

liquor,

The

ought to have

at leaft a

bread fhould be one day

week (fuppofe on Sunday) fome of

pound of the meat

the coarfer pieces of beef were boiled in the copper, and half a

without bone given to each prifoner, with a quart of the broth, this Sunday dinner might

be made an encouragement to peaceable and orderly behaviour: the turbulent and

refractory fhould not have

Such an allowance might help

it.

to

remove

a bad

cultom

that obtains too generally, the pretence of refrefhing prifoners with better food

drink on Sunday

upon which many

are admitted into the gaols, and

and

keep the prifoners

from chapel.
I ftate

the allowance in weight, not money, becaufe of the variable price.

Befides

that quantity of bread,

each prifoner lhould have a penny a day in money for cheefe,

butter, potatoes, peafe, turnips or he mould have an honeit pennyworth of one of thofe
:

articles.

Here,

as in the

tap, I

mult

infill

upon

it

as highly neceffary,

bridewell-keeper, turnkey, &c. be excluded from

from

all profit arifing direclly

Whoever

diftributes

a ftrong check.

it,

all

concern

that every gaoler,

in the prifoners

allowance j

or indireclly from the fale of their bread, or other food.

fhould be free from

all

temptation to fraud: and be

Scales and weights fhould be in

all prifons,

fubjecl:

that the prifoners

may

to
fee

The whole allowance of prifoners mould never be given

money. In Ireland, the minifter of the parifh where the gaol is, orders the
bread ; and keeps (fhould keep) the account of it for he is allowed by ad of

that they have their allowance.

them
felons

in

parliament, the 3d of Ceo. III. Chap.

XXVIII.

fum not exceeding

ten

pounds a year

for the trouble.

The

Food;

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.
The

reader will plainly

allowance to prifoners.

may

am

fee, that I

not an advocate for an extravagant and profufe-

plead only for neceffaries, in fuch a moderate quantity, as

fupport health

an*-

The

ftrength for labour.

law allows the poor debtor

week

detained in prifon, two fhillings and four pence a

* (I wifh

it

who

were more

is

eafily

obtained)} and the government allowance to afiize convicts under fentence of tranfportation

is

little

more, viz. two millings and

pence, which the fheriff charges to govern-

fix

And

ment

in his bill

upon

the average price of bread, potatoes, &c. the allowance I have mentioned does not

of cravings, prefemed

exceed thofe fums.

before

prefume

at

the expiration of his office.

believe

may be thought rather incongruous to allow prifoners

may be found not guilty) lefs than is given to thofe

it

(on which fome of them

trial

that are convicted.

No

fighting

mould be

fufrered in a gaol

the frequent occafion of them, gaming.

keeper,
greffor

who muft
by

no quarreling, or abufive language j nor

If any one be injured,

let

him complain

to the

hear both parties face to face, decide the matter, and punilh the ag-

clofer confinement.

Faults that deferve

more

fevere animadverfion,

mould

be referved for the cognizance of the magistrates, or an infpector.

Money

The mention
legibly

bequeathed, fhould be diftributed by the magiftrates impar-

fent, collected, or

Some of

tially.

might be

it

laid

out in tools, &c. for fuch debtors as will work.

of Legacies reminds

on a board

me

of the need there

which mould be hung up

few gaols have fuch a table

fo as to

and for want of

and the charitable intention of the

many

it

teftators fruftrated.

required by the act 3 2d George II.

" And

it

is

of a

lift

of them painted

Very

legacies have been entirely loft

Yet

care of legacies

farther enacted, that

" charge to every grand jury impannelled and fworn,

<c

is

be read by the prifoners.

to

make

it

is

exprefsly

be given in

inquiry concerning the

fame."
In the like confpicuous manner

of fees ,

many

in

they

till

gaols

are abolifhed.

all

it

mould be hung up
This

totally difregarded,

is

alfo

is

in every gaol an authentic table

exprefsly required by the fame act.

and they have no fuch

table,

Yet

and prifoners are

expofed to the impofition of keepers.

In the act 24th George
or work-houfes,

is

it

11.

which prohibits the ufe of fpirituous liquors

in prifons

exprefsly required, that every gaoler, keeper, mafter, &c. mail

procure one or more copies of the three claufes f which contain the feveral articles
of the prohibition, to be printed or fairly written, and hung up in one of the molt
public
* J2d George

f In the prohibiting

who

fhall

fell,

in the houfe
nally.

for

And

IL

of one hundred pounds is laid upon any gaoler, keeper, mafter, &c.
away any fuch liquors or knowingly permit them to be fold, ufed, &c.
except they be prefcribed by a regular phyfician, furgeon, or apothecary, to be ufed mediciufe,

claufes, a fine

lend, or give

a fine of ten pounds to twenty pounds, or any time not exceeding three months imprifonment,

any perfon who

mentioned above,

fhall

to the

bring fuch liquors into the houfe/

informer

One moiety of

thefc fines, as well as of ihat

the other moiety of each of the two fmaller fines to the prifoners; or, ia

the work-houfe, to the poor.

I have

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

3$

public places of the prifon or work-houfe, and renewed as occafion requires, under the

penalty of forty {hillings for every default.

There mould
I

be a table of the

alfo

or allowance to prifoners

diet

have known them defrauded of a confiderable part of their food

no where more than

ding, draw, &c.

The

The fame

fufficient.

mould

table

act for preferving the health of prifoners requires that

is

it

The

rules for cleanlinefs,

is

be painted on a board,

more

perifhable, and liable

have obferved that thofe prifons were the cleaneft

hung up.

confpicuoufly

want of which

exhibit the particulars of bed-

&c. not merely written or printed on paper, becaufe that

to be torn *.

for

the whole of which

in

which the

act

was

and orders againft garnifh, gaming,

drunkennefs, quarreling, profanenefs and obfeenity, mould alfo be vifibly exhibited

The

with the penalties for each of thofe crimes.

magiftrates, or

by

the feveral wards

in a table,

law.

The

table

mould

them by

as the table

of

fees,

Befides fetting

a bell,

faid they

mould be

fixed

by the

as

down

thefe hours

in the dock-yards.

would have been

have

there, but did not

orders are to be feen

Rules.

be drawn up for every prifon, and hung up confpicuous

Yet

for the inflection of prifoners f.

it

penalties

the hours of opening and fhutting

exprefsly required by the act 326. Geo. II. that Rules and orders made, figned,

is

and confirmed,
in

mew

and of attending public worfhip.

notice fhould be given of

known prifoners abfent from chapel, who

know the fervice was performing.
It

alfo

in

the latter in very few.

many

prifons neither tables of fees nor

Regulations relative to cleanlinefs and

order, are as neceffary for debtors as for felons

the want of

them has

often been

lamented by keepers.

An

Alarm

hell

affiftance in cafe

would be extremely proper

in every prifon,

The

of any infurrection, or general efcape.

in

order to

fummon

very idea of fuch a thing

would greatly contribute to prevent the projecting of fuch fchemes.

have not feen the claufes hung up in any uuork-houfe. I mall in the fequel mark the numerous
prifons
fame defect I could alfo have mentioned prifons in which, not'withftanding the act, fpirituous

that have the

liquors are freely ufed

I could

even name gaolers

fuch liquors to their prifoners; and I have

known

who

ways

find

to

evade the

adl,

the claufes againft fpirituous liquors

and do themfelves

hung up

till

fell

the keepers

had licences, after which they were no more feen. I have feen
that I

am

fo much of the bad effects of fpirituous liquors,

perfuaded a total prohibition of them would be greatly conducive to the health and morals
of the

community.

Dr. M'Farlan,

ruined a greater

in his Inquiries

number of tradefmen,

concerning the Poor, page 30, fays,

or brought

more

" There

is

no vice that has

families to mifery, than this habit of drinking fpiri-

tuous liquors."
* I mention this circumftance, that

may feem

trifling, as I

know

the difpofition of prifoners to deftroy the

printed copies of the claufes againft fpirituous liquors.

f " Be
'<

"
"

enactedThat the judges and juftices of affize mall, at all aflizes make
inquiry whether
fuch table of fees, and rules and orders-are hung up and
remain publick and fhall inform themfelves
* nd fuppl
y and redrer*-and mail exprefsly give in charge to every grand jury impannelled and fworn
f
before them refpeftively, to make inquiries concerning
the fame."
it

alfo

Finally

Alarm
Bell

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

3*
Finally

The

care of a prifon

is

too important to be

left

wholly to a gaoler

indeed for his attendance, but often tempted by his paffions, or

Inspector.

To

hj s duty.

every prifon there fliould be an Infpettor appointed

leagues in the magiftracy, or by parliament *.

power already ; and

this

prifons

themfelves from attention to

expence,

are

this part

and trouble of their

either

by

paid

in

fail

his

col-

and magiftrates have indeed

Sheriffs

immediate

their

to

intereft,

care.

But fome

fheriffs

excufe

of their duty, on account of the fhort duration,

and thefe gentlemen,

office:

well

as

gentlemen

as

commiffion of the peace, have no doubt been fearful of the confequence of

in the

But the danger from fuch inflection

looking into prifons.

in

is

great meafure

now engage in this bufmefs and

that among juftices, and town magiftrates, there may always be found one man generous enough to undertake this important fervice.
Or if the conftant trouble be
thought too much for one perfon, it may proceed by annual, quarterly, or monthly
rotation.
The infpector mould make his vifit once in a week, changing his days. He
fhould take with him a memorandum of all the rules, and inquire into the obfervance
or neglect of them. He mould (as is done in fome of our hofpitals) look into
He mould fpeak with every prifoner hear
every room, to fee if it be clean, &c.
abated

and

may

it

be expected that

fheriffs will

complaints

all

doubts

he

of,

and immediately correct what he finds manifeftly wrong

may

his ftation

of a

in cafe

to his being reprimanded

tf

and,

if

And

thofe

who

magiftrates

is

act

needful, in order

This

he lhould engage from the noble motive

his

country.

The

great Dr. Young fays,

by fome, were feen by others, it would mock them

the author of ^elemachus makes this delicate remark, " The
the miferable, not

an interruption of their gaiety."

upon

through

If fuch

more righteous

principle,

but

infenfibility,

motives prevail with

under no obligation to fhew pity to prifoners

think themfelves

mould

more

felt

is

profperous turn away their eyes from

becaufe the fight

is

he be incorrigible, he fhould be difcharged.

and fervice to

juftice to prifoners,

If half the mifery that

with horror."

will

worthy gaoler, the examination

lefs
;

it

honourable delegate mould have no Jalary

of doing

at their next meeting.

A good
do him honour, and confirm him in

to his brethren in office,

refer

gaoler will be pleafed with this fcrutiny

what he

and confider what

is

furely

due from

them.
I

have often inquired of gaolers, whether the meriffs,

infpect their gaols

Many

ever looked into the dungeons, or even the wards of

lf

Thofe gentlemen think

The Vagrant

that if they

aft 17th George II.

l<

oftener if need be in every year

a *

report,

mafters
tions

&c."

who do

And

juftices,

of the oldeft have anfwered, "

that the juftices

came

into

my

my

or town-magiftrates

None
gaol."

gaol, they

of thofe gentlemen

Others have

faid,

mould foon be

in.

two juftices vifit the houfes of correaibn " twice, or

and to examine into the eftate and management thereof, and to
at quarter-feffions impofe fines and penalties on the governors or

requires that
;

not keep their prifoners to hard labour, and punifti and correct

them according

to the direc-

of the warrants, &c.

their

MAY. 1929

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

Others, "

their graves."

they

The juftices

think the infide of

themfelves with viewing the outfide."

fatisfy

my

Now

houfe too clofe for them;

if magiftrates

continue thus

negligent of their duty, a general thorough reformation of our prifons muft be defpaired

What

of.

has been already obtained will foon be loft

and

all will

fink again into the

former dreadful condition.

BRIDEWELL
1

S.

our bridewells be not more properly conducted, fending prifoners from them to

county-gaols will defeat

all

the care of the moft attentive gaolers, and the whole inten-

And when

tion of the al for preferving the health of prifoners.

charged, they will fpread difeafe and vice wherever they go

amended, become an aggravated

of thofe

lives

whom

charged with baftardy

is

creature,

who

them

fend

fecure, fend

another

abufive in

is

perhaps was never taught a moral leffon,

them

What

gaol.

is

into

this

ftill

is

often

the law configns only to hard labour and correftion.

a
is

drunken quarrel

fome petty

guilty of

young

theft

or two, which they muft: wafte in idlenefs, hunger,

to bridewell for a year,

and with companions

dirt,

of being

inftead

evil to fociety.

a fhocking thing to deftroy in prifon the morals, the health, and (as

It is

done) the

One

offenders are dis-

and

much improved by
worfe company

fuch education.

that of

but devoting them to deftrudlion

of every principle of honour and virtue, from

If that prifon be not

abandoned felons

Many may

their

in the county-

date the total

loi*s

confinement in thefe fchools of

wickednefs.

Every county and town

that

it

But

well.

this prifon

the fame walls

In

many

places the county-gaol

ought to be quite feparate from the gaol

nor fhould even the court-yard be

ing muft be proportioned

rooms

that has a bridewell fliould be careful to fee,

be fuitable to the purpofe.

to

the general

common

number of

firft

of

all,,

aifo a bride-

at leaft

not within

The buildNone of the

to both.

delinquents.

for confinement fhould be lower than the ground-floor

Each Work-room fhould have

is

rather a ftory above

windows

Wo

need not be equal j the back windows half the fize of thofe in. front, and fix feet
from the floor *.
Few or none of the windows fhould have glafs ; only blinds,
fimilar to what are ufed in diftilleries
% ; or fliutters, and thefe fhould be open feveral

R0

it.

* In

rooms, where there are numbers of people, provifion mould be made for
letting out the
of them. See Dr. Priejikys Expaimnts, &c. page 281.

aI1

lar & e

air.

at the top

vitiated

a thorough- fare for air: but the oppofite

See Plate IL. Letter A..

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.
The rooms, where the windows are not glazed, fhould have fireThe windows fhould be by no means towards the ftreet, that fpirituous liquors
or files, &c. may not be conveyed to the prifoners.
In the court-yard (for fuch is
neceflary in every prifon *) there fhould be a pump, or fome other provilion for water
hours in the day.

places.

And

in plenty.

be permitted to walk about, when they have done

prifoners fhould

working.

Work.

For

in

work they ought,

Not

quifite.

mod

certainly, to be

This

employed.

indifpenfibly re-

is

Where the prifoners are numerous,

not fick f.
and but few prifoners in one room. Thofe who

one fhould be idle, that

is

there fhould be feveral work-rooms

work by compulfion are more likely to be feduced to idlenefs in large companies, than
when they are more folitary. The keeper fhould be a mafter of fome manufacture J
a man of activity
prudence, and temper.
And he fhould keep his prifoners at work
;

||,

ten hours a day

For women,
breafl, there

be allowed

meal-times included.

have children with them, and fometimes

efpecially thofe. that

fhould be a chimney in one or two rooms

firing.

and

have known infants ftarved to death for want of

the

at

in winter they

fhould

In

this .

fome
*

"
"
**

By an

act

7th James

juftice

Cap. IV.

it

of peace within every county

vided,"

(within about

" money;" one moiety

fide. And an act made
,

I.

required that there be in every county

is

"

one or more

and convenient houfe or houfes of correction, with convenient backfide thereunto adjoining

where

two years) "

fuch houfe and backfide

forfeit

fhall

for

his faid neglect,

fhall not

and nth of Charles

I.

be erected or pro-

pounds of lawful Englifh

five

to the informer, the other towards erecting, building,

in Ireland the 10th

lit

Every

&c. the

faid houfe

and back-

requires the fame, under the like penalty

for neglect.

t Many

are committed to bridewell to live in idlenefs.

Some warrants do

not order them to labour.

Magiftrates Ihould confider that prifoners confined for one or two years are entirely ruined
morals, but as to their capacity for labour

for

**

not only as to

have known fome on going to work, immediately

The

acts cited in

fall

into

houfes of correction

" mills, turns, cards, and

And the act 17th George II.

a preceding note require that houfes of correction have

fuch-like neceflary implements, to fet rogues or other idle perfons on

-quoted in a former note, requires that the

"
"

decline.
\

"

be duly

fitted

work."

unices at their quarter-feflions

"

take effectual care that the

up, furnifhed, and fupplied with fufheient implements, materials, and

furniture, for keeping, relieving, fetting to

work, employing, and correcting

all idle

and diforderly perfons,

rogues, vagabonds, &c."

||

It

was remarked

that a gaoler fhould not

be an old or infirm perfon

the fame caution

is

requifite with

regard to the keeper of a bridewell; fince fuch an one would neither be able to keep the prifoners properly at
work, nor to prevent their making their efcape at the time of locking up, as I knew to happen at Prefton in
Lancafhire, and other places.

Not having

fufficiently infifted

to obferve, that this

is

on the neceflity of an allowance of foing in gaols, I take occafion here

demands in our climate, but that it is efiential to the

not only what humanity

prefervation of the health of prifoners,

tifications

by promoting

of the feet to which they are fo

liable.

the circulation of air, and preventing thofe

I well

know,

that

mor-

the want of firing joined to

fcanty

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

Sect. IIL

fome prifons where

There

windows.

firing

allowed, the

is

fhould be a feparate

fmoke has no vent but

room

Tothill-fields, Clerkenwell, St. George's Fields,

fick

with medical

Men

relief.

They mould have work-mops,

baths, and an oven, for the

women mould

And

two

many more.

and

and invariably to adhere to

Gentle difcipline

is

There

In

at

keep the houfe

to

folitary

bride-

and Clerkenwell

rules of fobriety and diligence,

ftricTb

and make them for the future ufeful to

commonly more

efficacious than feverity;

which mould

Thefe mould be

not be exercifed but on fuch as will not be amended by lenity.

punifhed by

mould be

fome county

in Tothill-fields

Great care mould be taken to prevent infection

and well aired

confinement on bread and water, for a time proportioned to their

Endeavours mould be ufed

J.

as

for the

be here entirely feparated, as well

the gaols.

as in

prifoners,

in order to correct the faults of prifoners,

fault

rooms

airy

as night-rooms, feparate |.

as well

fame purpofes

from ten to twenty

wells there are

fociety.

&c

to prevent the debauchery and vice fo generally practifed in our prifons.

as in gaols,

clean,

and

the doors and

at

or two for faulty apprentices,

to perfuade the offender that

he

is

fcanty provifion, has been the caufe of great mortality in our prifons during the winter.
houfes three prifoners were ftarved to death, only one halfpenny being found on

them

all.

corrected only

In one of thefe
I

waited on the

coroner (who from the humanity of our laws muft be applied to in fuch a cafe) and he acquainted me, that
the verditt brought in was by the
tion for felony, and

allowance not

-vijitatian

of God, otherwife, the keeper would have been liable to a profecu-

might have been hanged

whereas, the fault lay with the juftices,

who had ordered an

fupport nature.

fufficient to

* Boys confined for correction mould always be feparate from other prifoners, and indeed from one

another.

them

kind and tender monitor mould often fee them, and without tiring their attention, converfe with

as a parent or a friend.

f In

all

prifons,

it

would be an excellent improvement

Haflar, and the royal hofpital at Plymouth.

fides, nearly as

one inch wide

cheap as of oak.

The beds or

cradles at

one inch high at the head, and two feet three inches

feet

in the clear.

The

to

have crib beds for each perfon, like thofe

(See Plate II. B.)

Thefe may be made of caft

Plymouth
at the feet

are fourteen inches

:

fix feet

medicine box hangs by two hooks at the back of each cradle, which

neceffary.

what

lie in

their clothes,

Without

this,

difpofition can fuch

The

floor

three

two inches long, and three

feet

boards on the fides (three feet eight inches long) Aide in an inch groove.

thefe cradles are hair mattreffes, bedding, &c.

they muft

from the

at

iron, without

and of nceeifity be dirty and

how can

is

fickly objefts.

habits of cleanlinefs be produced and

have for work

To

neceffary only in infirmaries.

If offenders have only loofe ftraw, though with a coverlet,

Therefore proper bedding

promoted

in

young

creatures

is

or

notion, that convifts are ungovernable,

is certainly erroneous.
There is a mode of managing fomeof the mcft defperate, with eafe to yourfelf, and advantage to them. Many of them are fhrewd and fenfible::
manage them with calmneis, yet with fteadinefs fhew them that you. have humanity, and that you aim to

make them ufeful members of fociety let them fee and hear the rules and orders of the prifon, and be convinced chat they are not defrauded in their provifions or clothes by contraftors or gaolers. When they
are
fick, let them be treated with tendernefs,
Such conduct would prevent mutiny in prifons, and attempts to
:

efcape

and

ill

which

am

fully

perfuaded are often owing to prifoners being made defperate, by^ the inhumanity

ufage of their keepers,

'

fir

for his

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.
own good. The keeper fhould, by
means, refide
the houfe.
:

nor to

have often obferved, that bridewells are cleaner

no

licence.

he

may

He

fhould have no fees

as there

in foreign

is

In

formerly; and this

Mill

is

This would be attended with many advantages.

The

poor are indeed

fufferings of the

of a gaol, and by
for the magiftrates,

The

room

in hofpitals,

courts of jullice fat in

fome of the towns.

the cafe in

Mr. Henry

Fielding remarks, that

obferved than their mifdeeds

lefs

that

manage-

room

houfes of correction, fimilar to the governors

.

truft,

The whole

as that

the houfe there fhould be a

houfes of induftry in Suffolk and Norfolk.

in the

the prifons in Scotland

tl

and quieter where keepers have

fame manner

in the

fhould

liquor, or any thing elfe.

but a falary proportioned to the

*,

ment fhould be frequently examined,

and

fell

not be obliged to follow any bufinefs out of the houfe.

the fame fort of infpeflors.

He

in

all

not be fuffered to farm any part of the allowance

not from

" any want of companion, but becaufe they are lefs known; and this is the true
* reafon why we fo often hear them mentioned with abhorrence, and fo feldom with
" pity."
have before

meat

and a quart of good beer

but

am

It

may be

for luxury in prifons

of correction, or

pound and

befides twice a

For

milk or barley.

potatoes.

no advocate

in houfes

that they fhould have a

would plead,

rice,

am

faid, that I

diet for criminals

houfes of correction, and

among

for I

would have no

good houfehold bread

a half of

Yet

a day,

day a quart of warm foup made from peafe,

faid, this diet will flarve thofe

;

only on Sundays.

they might fometimes have turnips, carrots, or

a change

perfuaded of the contrary

at moll,

by what

who work

in houfes

of correction

have feen abroad, in the galleys,

the moft robuft labourers.

perfons confined, whofe minds are depreffed, need

Though

am

in the

fenfible that

more nourifhment than fuch

as are

at liberty.
I know not any reafon why an houfe of correction may not be conducted with as
much regularity, as any other houfe where the family is equally numerous. Some

foreign bridewells are

by fome preference

in

fo

conducted.

their

Let

diet, or

the fober

and diligent be diftinguifhed

lodging; or by fhortening the term of their

and giving them, when difcharged, a good character. This lafl will
be a ftrong incitement to good behaviour. The hours of rifing, of reading a
chapter in the Bible, of prayers, of meals, of work, &c. fhould all be fixed by the
confinement

Chaplain,

magiftrates,

every view.

and notice of them given by a

To

always be the leading view

only be a fecondary object.

Many young

creatures,

when

handkerchief, apron, or petticoat.

.their fees.

bell.

Chaplain

reform prifoners, or to make them better

in

As

is

neceffary here in

as to their morals,

fhould

every houfe of correction, and their earnings fhould

rational

their term

Such

is

and immortal beings we owe

expired, are detained in prifon

neceffaries

have

this to

them; nor

others ftript of a remaining

feen left with the keepers

till

they could bring

can

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

can any criminality of

"
"

men

morals of

and

am

perfuaded, that

lefs

and

practice

always found otherwife.

is

it

labour and that which

work

But however

fupport the expence of the houfe.

is

The

recited

which can

work."

fo defirable a

that the profit of the

Some have fuppofed

religion alone

is

it

laft

in correcting the

have a ftrong influence

fatisfied,

am no

effectually accomplifli fo great

The

our negled in this particular.

theirs juftify

author fays, " Religion will,

houfe of correction might

in a

may

it

difference

appear in Speculation, in
great between involuntary

is

In the beft regulated houfes of

performed from choice.

But though a bridewell

would contribute in fome

corredion in Holland, taxes are fixed for their fupport *.

cannot fupport

meafure towards

work

of keepers

for

and

An

own maintenance.

its

profit of the
:

yet under proper regulation,

itfelf,

all

of

fome of them,

exact account fliould be kept of the

common

applied to

it

it

benefit

in the few bridewells

not

left to

where work

the difpofal

done, keep to

is

themfelves a fixth part, fome half, and fome the whole of the prifoners earnings

giving them only the Ihort county-allowance, and fometimes but part of that.
I faid all the earnings fliould

Thofe who

for working.
profit

go to common flock, I meant it of the ftated hours

employ themfelves in extra-hours, fliould have the
would be an encouragement to diligence in the ftated

will

And

to themfelves.

When

it

them fome portion of the profit of thefe alfo

or employ them in
for clean linen
beating hemp, and fpinning, and weaving linen for their own tife
With regular ceconomy, prifoners would be better
they fliould have every week.
and yet the county not burnouriflied, and fitter for labour, than they now are
hours, to give

thened with much,

any, additional expence.

if

But a building

fit

for the intention

they ought to provide.

The
But

charge of

if

this,

as well as

of a proper gaol,

be weighed againft the benefit which

that

be found but

light.

the

fo

that

200

many rooms

the few that remain

in

their

efcape

them

are

unrfafe,

and

or, for the final left offences

Why

in

have fome prifons

were not

:he

walls

of the

time, that prifoners might with fafety be allowed the proper ufe

* Mr. *Thomas Firmln, a citizen of London in the

loft

Why

have been removed long ago.

are loaded with irons to prevent

which he

of.

Befides, that ought not to be allowed as a valid objection,

crowded together
in

accrue to the public,

will

been fuffered to become ruinous,

courts repaired

no doubt, be complained

will

it

occafion of which fliould

prifoners are

will,

laft

century, employed about two thoufand poor, by

a year, though good quantities of commodities were taken off by the kindnefe of

him to fpin and weave. In particular, the E aft India and Guinea
companies gave him encouragement to make their allabas cloths, and coarfe canvas for pepper bags, which

feveral perfbns, at the price they coft

.before they
*'

"
"

Hulling

by

bought from foreign countries.

all

Jofs in their
theft. '*

the

work of

his

work, was twice

poor

fo

Firmth's Life, pages 33

much
5c

" For

feven or eight years together he

but he was content

for he

would

faved to the public, in that

it

fay,

loft

two pence

in

?.

two pence given them by

took them off from beggary, 01

34.

of

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS,
of them

Money,

amount of thoufands, is not with-held when Shire-halls

(thefe we fee grand and elegant edifices.)
Why mould
be fpared when the morals and lives of multitudes are at (lake
and when it is
?

and Town-halls
it

the

to

wanted

are

impoflible

the defign

of the legiflature mould

amending the manners of

petty offenders;

That

increafe of felonies.

be anfwered without

it?

the two latter, inftead of being prevented, are

the prefent irregularity of bridewells,

is

negligence fhould not be admitted

in

mean,

preventing the fpread of difeafes, and the

notorious *.

promoted by

Prefcription founded

on culpable

of a demand, which every principle of

bar

equity, humanity, and utility confpires to enforce.

I

could wifh, that no perfons might

for

fire

thief,

tentiary houfe, rather than

on the gallows.

"

weeks carried

creatures are once in fix

but for murder

fuffer capitally

houfe-breaking, attended with

footpad the habitual
and people of
on

acts

of cruelty.

this clan

for fetting houfes

fhould end their days in a peni-

" That many

to flaughter,

The highwayman the

is

of our fellow-

cart-loads

a dreadful confideration

and

" this is greatly heightened by reflecting, that, with proper care and proper regula" tions, much the greater part of thefe wretches might have been made not only
" happy in themfelves, but very ufeful members of fociety, which they now fo
f'

greatly difhonour in the fight of

The management
iince offenders are
years.

Mod

of bridewells

at

all
is

Chriftendom

now

prefent committed

to

-f."

a matter of

them

more than ordinary concern,

for terms fo long as two or three

of thefe perfons would probably have been fentenced to tranfportation,

mode of punifhment was more general.

I had taken fome pains to make inquiries concerning the ftate of 'Tranfports, with
regard to whom many cruelties and impofitions were commonly pradtifed, and whofe
I flatcondition was in many refpecls equally contrary to humanity and good policy
when

that

tered myfelf that I had difcovered

means of remedying

thefe evils in a confiderable

degree, and of difburthening the counties of a heavy expence with which they were

charged

and was preparing

to the matter

by the

late

ad

to lay

them before

the public,

when

new

turn was given

of parliament .

** The -punifhment of a
* The benevolent Marquis Beecaria clofes his 31ft chapter with this maxim.
" crime cannot be juft, (that is neceflary) if the laws have not endeavoured to prevent that crime by the beft
" means which times and circumftances would allow."

f H.
\ 16th of George III. Cap. XLIII.

Fielding's Enquiry,

An

page

aft to authorife,

ult.

for a limited time, the

punifhment by hard

" labour of Offenders who, for certain crimes, are or fhall become liable to be tranfported to any of
w his Majeily's colonies and plantations." Mr. Eden has obferved that The numbers of perfons for
" whom fome mode of reftraint and punifhment in lieu of tranfportation muft be provided, may be eftimated
If the impolitic mode
" at one thoufand annua lly." See the Preface to his Draught of a Bill, 1778.
of tranfportation be again adopted, the cruelty fhould not be aggravated by confining convicts a long time
before they are fent

off.

Since

Sect.

PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.

III.

Since this has taken place,

the end of

my

may be

This

will

crowding our

in future of

and

had written

fupprefs what I

only give,

will

at

of the numbers delivered from Newgate for transportation

lift

courfe of three years.

in the

there

book,

fhew, in a very alarming light, the danger

produce the moft destructive

fo as to

prifons,

confequences.
I

without

cannot conclude this fection,

may

that

many

It

it.

which rendered them

more comfortable
in the

firft

places of refidence than their

management

which they have laboured,

or pleafantnefs.

On

the

as

own

claffes of.

from the

may

them from the

free

refpect to the.

and the

more humane treatment of the

like, I

venture to

in

fail

a prifon, though

and

difeafes

affert,

may

to be fufficiently irkfome

air

the

in

hardJJnps

under

of elegance

me more

that if to

ceafe to

with regard to thefe

Then, with

appearance.

prifoners in the articles of food, lodgit

be joined fuch

and riotous amufement,

it

be confidered

have cenfured the plan of fome modern gaols

and nothing abroad (truck

in preventing all dissipation

let it

have propofed nothing to give them an

them

people will find them

But

houfes.

buildings, than the perfect plainnefs and Jimplicity of their

not

objections

that

have indeed recommended fuch attention

contrary,

fhewy and fplendid

as too

and the lower

off,

place, that although

construction and

ment

fome

faid,

the dread of being confined in

terrible,

fo

meafure be taken

in great

ing,

obviate

may be

conveniences fuggefted in the Structure of prifons^ and the removal of thofe

hardfhips
will

attempting to

occur to the improvements propofed in

as

Strict

regulations

have inculcated, confine-

be destructive to health and morals,

aid difagreeable,

efpecially to the idle

will

and pro-

fligate.

The "Penitentiary houfes directed by a late act of parliament, may, under proper
management, be made to anfwer very.ufeful purpofes. Much, however, will depend
upon their proper regulation.
I do not pretend to be qualified for drawing up
a perfed fyftem of this difficult bufinefs
abilities in

their refearches

on

a table of fuch general heads

this

but in order to

fubject, I

and particulars

have added,
as

feem

to

afiift

at the

me

perfons of fuperior

end of the volume,

moft deferving of

at-

tention.

On

the whole, I perfe&ly concur in opinion with a learned writer,

" of banifhment,
'

community."

as pradifed in

England,

is

often beneficial to the

who

has afferted that

criminal,

"

every

and always injurious

efFecl

to the

Principles of Penal Laiv, p.

33,

SECTION

FOREIGN PRISONS.

SECTION

IV.

AN ACCOUNT OF FOREIGN PRISONS

AND HOSPITALS.
to publifti the account of our prifons
the fpring 1775, after
I DESIGNED
returned from Scotland and Ireland.
But conjecturing that fomething ufeful to
in

my

purpofe might be collected abroad

laid

France, Flanders, Holland, and Germany.

not quite

fruitlefs

my

and repeated

vifit

afide

my

flattered

to thefe

papers, and travelled into

myfelf that

countries,

my

and went

labour was

alfo to Swit-

zerland, in 1776.

In the conclufion of
ferioufly

my

edition, I

firft

made

a promife, if the legiflature

mould

engage in the reformation of our prifons, to take a third journey, through

the Pruffian and Auftrian dominions, and the free cities of

Germany.

This

I ac-

complifhed in 1778, and likewife extended my tour through Italy, and revifited fome
Thefe obfervations were
of the countries I had before feen in purfuit of my object.

But before the publication of another edition,

publifhed in a fecond edition in 1780.

I wiftied
I

fome further knowledge on the

to acquire

again revifited Holland, and fome

in

cities

For

fubject.

Germany.

this

purpofe in 178'!

I vifited alfo

the capitals of

1783 fome cities in Portugal and

The fubftance of all
Spain, and returned through France, Flanders and Holland.
I have only to add, that, fully fenfible
thefe travels is now thrown into one narrative.
of the imperfection that muft attend the curfory furvey of a traveller, it was my ftudy
Ruffia and Poland;

Denmark, Sweden,

and

in

to

remedy

that defect

during the whole of

by confining

my journies

H
Prisons

in the

my

United Provinces are

a vifitor can hardly believe he

attention to the one object of

is

it

fo quiet,

was to come into the rooms

purfuit,

after

Dv

and moft of them

They

in a gaol.

houfes) white-warned once or twice a year

freming

my

abroad.

are

fo

clean, that

commonly (except

and prifoners obferved to

the rafp-

me how

re-

they had been fo thoroughly cleaned.

phyfician

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

phyfician and furgeon

appointed to every prifon

is

and

prifoners are in general

healthy.

mod

In

and

Of

in all the feven provinces,

One

fix.

reafon of this,

that each

and great

on the

effect

fpectators.

and

did not fee the procefs in Holland

me, and was

particularly defcribed to

a year than

in

the awful folemnity of executions,

is

are performed in prefence of the magiftrates, with great order

which

fimilar to

is

the rafp-boufes and fpin-

in

feldom more executions

believe,

prifoner

each has a beddead, draw mat,

But there are few criminals, except thofe

late,

from four to

out of their rooms

They never go

coverlet.

houfes.

many rooms

of the prifons for criminals there are fo

kept feparate.

what

ferioufnefs,

had been witnefs of

but

was

it

in another

place abroad.

The common method

of execution for unpremeditated murder,

Robberies are generally punidved by the

a broad fword.

atrocious crimes, fuch as premeditated murder, &c. the melefactor

wheel

on a

or rather

manner of

crofs laid

execution, which

this

upon the
finimed by a

is

coup

de.

For the more

grace on the bread,

be agreeable to any of my readers.

Debtors alfo are but few.
The magiftrates do not approve
idlenefs

any that

creditor

mud

may be

And when one

employed.

ufefully

pay the gaoler for his maintenance, from

five

if

within that time,

in

the

would

net,

of confining

in

imprifoned, the

is

and a half

to eighteen

aliment

mud

default whereof, the gaoler gives eight days notice;

and

divers a day, according to the debtor's former condition in

be paid every week:

broken on the

is

But a defcription of the

fcaffold.

flat

decollation by-

is

halter.

money, or

fecurity for

be

it,

life.

The

not brought, the debtor

is

difcharged.

Another reafon

that the

is,

fituation

is

very difgraceful.

cipal caufe that debtors, as well as capital offenders,

But, perhaps, the prin-

are few,

the great care that

is

taken to train up the children of the poor, and indeed of

all

No

prifon

debtors have their wives and children living with them in

vifits in

by a

You do

the day-time are not forbidden.

what

prifon,

have been

is

others, to induftry.
:

but occafional

not hear in the dreets as you pafs

rallied for abroad, the

cry of poor

hungry Jlarving

debtors.

The

States

and women

do not tranfport convicts

work

to proper

diligent,

and they will be

principal

work done by

mills,

have

much

cheaper

lately fet

up

but

in the fpin-houfes

honejl.

The

men

rafping

the male convicts,

is

are put to labour in the rafp-houfes,

upon

this profeffed

logwood,

now

in

many

maxim, Make them

which was formerly the

places performed at the

and the Dutch, finding woollen manufactures more

feveral

of them in thofe houfes of correction.

of the robud prifoners does not only fupport them

profitable,

In fome, the work

but they have a

little

extra-time

to earn fomewhat for their better living in prifon, or for their benefit afterwards.

Great care

manners,

is

taken to give

for their

own and

them moral and

the public good.

religious indruction,

The

and reform

chaplain (fuch there

is

in

their

every

houfe

FOREIGN PRISONS.
houfe of correction) does not only perform public wormip, but privately
prifoners, catechifes

them every week, &c. and

out fober and honeft

*.

am

Some have even chofen

to

inftrudts the

well informed, that

many come

continue and work in the houfe

after their difcharge.

Offenders are fentenced to thefe houfes, according to their crimes, for feven, ten,
twenty, and even to ninety-nine years

fifteen,

As an encouragement

life.

by fuch behaviour,

felves

who

the prifoner

refped

his

diftinguifli

them-

are difeharged before the expiration of their term.

And

gives information of an intended efcape

term

is

new

the election of

but, to prevent defpair, feldom for

and induftry, thofe who

fobriety

to

have been diligent and orderly

thofe

who

are

who have been

and of the minifter,

abridge the appointed time of punilhment

reduced to eight or ten

Indeed,

and

confined a few years,

which of them have been

According

to the accounts,

they

fix

This practice

or feven.

is in

every

have fome reafon to think that criminals are often

with an intention to

a longer term,

to

before

little

thefe prifons

that fourteen years will fometimes be

fo

and twelve years to

beneficial.

infpect

office

in

moft attentive to public and private inftructions.

doomed

fhortened, and fometimes he gains his liberty.

magiftrates,

inquire of the keeper which prifoners, of thofe

view wife and

greatly favoured in this

is

make fuch

deductions upon their

amendment.
was informed that the produce of the work does not maintain

though the men

women by
;

from eight

fpinning, &c. from four to

infirm, very

policy

that are robuft earn

little

for befides

none however

fix.

to ten ftivers a

But fome earn

lefs

effects

This

are quite idle, unlefs fick.

guarding againft the pernicious

day

thefe;

and thofe
is

houfes

and healthy
that are

furely excellent

of idlenefs in a prifon, and

breaking criminals to habits of induftry, if work fo conftant does not fupport the
houfes, how much heavier would be the public burthen, maintaining the numerous
offenders in thefe prifons,

there

if,

as in

many of our

bridewells,

no work

at all

were done

In Holland, as well as in Germany, there are private rooms in moft of the houfes
of correction, in which young perfons of a vicious and profligate turn are confined on
the reprefentation of their parents, till they fhew figns of amendment.

At Rotterdam, in the Stadt-houje prifon,

rooms at any of my former vifits, but

three

dam

have heard

in

no debtors

in either

1781 there was one debtor.

of the

When

England that a countryman of ours, who was a prifoner in the rafp-houfe at Amfterto work at his own trade, fhoe- making; and by being conftantly kept

in

feveral years,

there were

was permitted

employed, was quite cured of the vices that were the caufe of his confinement. My informant added,
trade in
that the prifoner received at his releafe a furplus of his earnings, which enabled him to fet up his

London ; where he

lived in credit

and

at dinner

commonly drank " Health

to his worthy mailers at the

xafp-houfe."

there

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

47

there are any, they are alimented at one fixed fum, viz. fixteen flivers a day
are feven vaulted

One

ten.

rooms

of them

days before his

fentence

room, into which

and immediately

a folemnity very ftriking to the

common

Rotti

perfons about feventeen feet by

for criminals or diforderly

called the condemned

is

final

There

*.

after

a criminal

the fentence, he

is

put fourteen

executed with

is

In three of the rooms, were three

people.

perfons confined for a limited time for fome fmall offences, and kept to bread and

Their daily allowance was from four to

water.

with water three times a day

filled

once a day with

beer,

cafes with thick

ft

and

five ftivers,

and

their pitcher

but the other criminals had their pitcher

their allowance

was from nine to ten

raw mats, and two or three coverlets to each.

There were

ftivers.

At

was

filled

my

laft vifit

there

former

vifits

were four criminals.

In the Raff-houfe, (or Spin-houfe as
there were thirty-eight

Two

men,

and

it

in

fhould be called)

at

twenty-eight

1781,

my

one of

men and

women.

forty

men were rafping logwood, others, combing, fpinning, and carding wool, and

making

(a few)

wool and

flax,

.are turned

fifhing nets,

and carding

and forting

hair, or

They were

by water.

the ceiling was very white

winding

The women were

coffee-berries.

at a great wheel like thofe

and appeared healthy and

clean,

which

well.

fpinning
at

Derby

obferved

and one of the regents informed me, that the room was

white-wafhed regularly twice a year.

The men were more

feparated than

the

women

into

rooms

(about feventeen feet

long, eleven feet broad, and ten high), each of which contained only four or

Thefe rooms were very

prifoners.

offenfive

the perfons

five-

confined in them being

For preventing combinations, two of the men are

taken out only once in the week.

There were among them

fome Jews, whofe dinner was not fork as was that of the other prifoners, but mutton,
which the fociety of Jews in the city fent them with a flice of white bread by permif-

removed every

fion of

ten or fourteen days, to different companies.

one of the

five regents or

infpe&ors

For the refractory there are dark rooms, but not dungeons
in one of thefe, on
fhutting the door on myfelf, I found no dampnefs.
My conductor obferved, that the
:

floor

was raifed to preferve

it

and water, which

is

to bread

ment

for fix, eight,

is

A guinea 252*3.

are to pence as

t As
flices

bread

was there

this
is

is

3ffp=sf

at

dry.

Here they

given them

at

are allowed

no bedding, and

an aperture in the doer.

are

kept

Their confine-

ten, or fourteen days.

11 guilders 11 ftivers
i.

e.

1 1

ftivers is

231 ftivers (for

20

ftivers is a guilder)

therefore ftivers

equal to a {hilling.

one o'clock, the time of the diftribution,

obferved that the bread was

all

cut in

prevents thofe contefts or frauds which fometimes happen where prifoners mefs together, and the

given out in one loaf ; as

few on board the hulks in the Thames, where one loaf was given to

fix perfons.

At

RaspH0USE

FOREIGN PRISONS.
At

Rotter.
Rasp
house.

whipping-pod (which

the

is

middle of the court,

in the

view of the male

in full

Tome of our dexterous countrymen in 178 1, were difciplined, for melting

pewter fpoons and forming them into keys. The pewter was hardened with a

criminals)
their

mixture procured from an apothecary, under the pretence of

the tooth-ach.

But the fcheme was defeated by an

being a remedy for

its

Englifli Jew,

who

for this fervice

obtained his liberty, though he had been committed for thirty years.

The

room in which they aflemble once a fortnight. Their ladies

room to give directions concerning the work, linen, provifions,

regents have a

afTemble in another

They

Sec.

by

alfo attend

and other times

rotation at dinner,

and

their accounts are

carried to the regents *.

The

keeper has a falary from the

of four hundred

city,

florins or guilders

per

annum +, and alfo a houfe, victuals and drink, firing and candle, and one feventh part
of the produce of all the labour of the prifoners ; fo that it is his intereft to fee that
the

work be well performed

power

to

yet as the quantum

be a cruel tafk-mafter.

worthy of being inferted

The manner

fixed

is

by the regents,

it is

not in his

of dieting the prifoners feemed to

me

at length %.

Being

principal reafon of the cleanllnefs

manity of the Governcffes

and order

for each houfe has four

work-houfes in Holland,

in

who

is

the attention

and hu-

take the charge of infpettion, and have their names

painted in their room.

t About 36.
X Regulation for the daily Diet, at the Rafp-houfe at Rotterdam.

Sunday Dinner.

Each man has a mefs of boiled grout, with butter or kitchen-Huff ; a

butter, with a quarter of a pound of rye bread.

Each boy, woman, or fuch

as only

of cheefe or butter, with one

Supper.

work half

fixth

tafk, a

as

mefs of grout, as above

a piece

of a pound of rye bread.

Each man a bowl of new milk boiled with barley or

one fourth of a pound of rye bread.
Each boy, woman, or fuch

piece of cheefe or

flour,

with a piece of cheefe, and

only do half- tafk, the bowl of fweet milk as above, but

no bread or cheefe.

Monday Breakfaft.

Each man half a pound of rye bread with cheefe or

butter.

Each boy, woman, or

pound of rye bread with

half-talked, one fourth of a

butter or

cheefe.

Dinner.

N. B. Breakfaft through the week, is the fame at above.

Each man half a pound of meat, or one fixth of a pound of pork without bone; half
a pound of rye bread, with a bowl of boiled carrots, cabbage or greens.
Each boy, woman, or half-talked, one third of a pound of meat, or one eighth of 3
pound of pork without bone, three eighths of a pound of rye bread, with a bowl
of boiled carrots, cabbage or greens.

Tuefday Dinner.

For

all,

boiled gray peafe, with one fourth of a

befides, each a piece

Wednefday

Each man a bowl of peafe porridge, with

piece of cheefe.

pound of rye bread ; the men have,

of cheefe.
three eighths of a

pound of rye bread and a

'

Wednefday

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.
Being

Rotterdam on a Sunday,

at

prifons,

fuch diffipation in their

fervice at

as

49

was defirous of feeing,

there

on

ours,

in

is

The

the Rafp-houfe began at half after one o'clock.

whether there was

day.

that

The

audience confided of

about thirty or forty inhabitants of the town, Mr. Schumacher the prefiding regent,
The
the head-keeper and his family, and three under-keepers, befides the prifoners.

number of women

who were

prifoners was about forty,

feparated from the reft of the

congregation by a wooden palifade, and feated on benches raifed one above another.

They were

all

their faces.

clean and neat

While they

without hats.

The

in

their

up

their aprons to cover

prayer, they held

drefs,

men were neat, dreffed in brown coats, had been fhaved, had clean

(which were

fliirts

but were

had nothing diftinguifhing

up during

flood

about their necks.

mod

of them chequed), clean {lockings, and wore handkerchiefs

They

bottom, fo wide that

were feated on raifed benches,

alio

chapel, and feparated from

all

room out of

in

the

by an iron grate from the top of the room to the

it

them

the audience except the female prifoners, had

full

Wtdnt/day Dinner. Each boy, woman, or half-tafked, a bowl of peafe porridge, one fourth of a pound

of rye bread with a piece of cheefe.

Each man one

Thurfday

bone

third of a

two

flices

pound of meat, or one eighth of a pound of pork without

of rye bread, weighing together half a pound, with a bowl of

barley broth.

men who

Boys, or

only do half-tafk, one fourth of a pound of meat, or one twelfth

of a pound of pork without bone

two

flices

of

rye

bread,

weighing together

three eighths of a pound, with each a bowl of barley broth.

The women no meat

or pork*;

each a bowl of barley broth, with three eighths of

a pound of rye bread with butter or cheefe.

Each man a bowl of kidney-bean porridge

Friday Dinner.

pound of rye bread

eighths of a

three

with cheefe.

Each boy, woman, or half-tafked, the mefs of kidney-bean porridge ; one fourth of
a pound of rye bread with cheefe.
Each man a bowl of boiled peafe, with butter and vinegar fauce ; boys, women and

Saturday

half-tafked,

have the fame allowance

and

all

have the

fame allowance of rye

bread and cheefe as on the Fridays.

The

conftant /upper,

enough

to be eaten

cheefe

the boys,

on week-days,

without bread

women and

for

all,

boiled

buttermilk

is

to this, each

man

with barley or grout

has one fourth

of a

pemd

till

thick

of rye bread with

half-tafked, have only a mefs of the buttermilk, but no bread or cheefe.

Cans.

Each man

has, during

the

three

fummer months,

daily,

of beer,

and during the three winter months,

and during the remaining fix months,
Boys,

women and

half-taflced,

for the

three

fummer months, each,

In the foregoing

regulation

for

extraordinarily cheap and plentiful,

diet,
all

no

alteration

the prifoners

is

may be

to

be made,

unlefs

indulged with

j|

2.

daily,

and for the remaining nine months,

one

2^

if

when

fifli

fhall

meal, provided

be
with

the confent of a majority of the regents.

Rotter-

public

in

house.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

5
Rotter-

DAM

The

in view.

turnkeys,

The
joined

fat

keeper's feat adjoins to this grate, and two of his fervants,

chaplain, after a
ringing,

in

fliort

raoft of

prayer, preached extempore;

them having books.

When

Sunday,

fix

are

chaplain

convicts

had prayed

being the women's turn

It

of them ftood up, one after another, and made the refponfes, which

the chaplain explained to them.

by ringing the

then, the men

the

again, he catechifed for about three quarters of an hour.

that

who

obferving their behaviour.

fifty-firft

After this he

The

Pfalm.

prayed,

and the fervice concluded

decent behaviour and attention of the audience,

evidently proved that the fervice, though of two hours and a half, was not tedious

or difagreeable.

During the time of

to infpect

The

concealed.

feat

whether any tools or inftruments were

fearch

keeper returned to his

women paffed by the regents

the

the head-keeper and one of his fervants went out,

catechifing,

empty wards, and to

the

At

in an hour.

feat

court to fee the men go to their feveral wards, four or

only being

out

let

at

After they were

time-f-.

the end of the fervice,

and when they were gone, he went into the

number

together, that

five

locked up, he went to each

all

window, and converfed with them.

Many of them returned their thanks for the
abridgment of their term of confinement, as this was juft before the time for electing

new

magistrates.

India,

to

as

is

and

zvomtnh ward,

of

One

or two

fometimes

who had been

converfed

with

at fea,

He

permitted.

them

entreated to

afterwards went

and gave the

go

any capacity

in

the

to

lattice

catechumens

of the

fome token

his approbation.

this account, without mentioning the ardent wifhes it

me, that our prifons alfo, inftead of echoing with profanenefs and
blafphemy, might hereafter refound with the offices of religious worfhip ; and prove^
like thefe, the happy means of awakening many to a fenfe of their duty to God and
I

cannot forbear clofing

infpired

man
Pesthouse.

in

%.

The
fma]l

Pejl-houfe acrofs the

fle>

Jt

Maes

two of which are eighty-feven

not only as

edifice,

correction,

The
this

that

feat is

large enough for

all

it

building in

a fpacious
:

would be a good plan

court

in

which

the five regents or infpeftors

has four large wards,

is

mention
for a

bafon

this

houfe of
of

water

but on account of the fentiments of veneration

but only

one

is

it

obliged to attend,

they do by rotation.

f They were not chained,

X On
come

is

fifty-four feet

and twenty-one high.

thirty,

me

being airy, and built round

communicating with the Maes

and

by

occurred to

it

Rotterdam

oppofite

hundred and

a fq Uare of Qne

converting
out of our

for

no irons are here ufed.

have
with a fenfible magirtrate, his words were, " I have known perfons who
honks of correction thoroughly reformed, and have thanked God for their con-

finement."

infpired,

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

when

infpired,

buried

lie

ground under which fuch

trod on the

having been ufed

it

piles

my

of

brave countrymen

the fiege of Bergen-

hofpital after

military

as

op-Zoom.
In 178

there were

few Englilh prifoners of war

vifited the

Admiralty

the

in

died a

only two.

confined

and

time before,

little

room

a fmall

in

which,

mod days they

At Dordrecht (or Dort)

confined

in part

which was

hofpital,

walked fome hours

the prifon

is

had

Several

well.

owing

to

their being

dirty, without a

chimney,

day, a

bed an d

ftivers

the court.

in

in the Stadt-houfe.

It confifts

of rooms

which are diftinguilhed on the outfide by ftrong iron-bars in the windows.

prifon there are feldom any prifoners, though the jurifdiction (or bailiwick)

flairs

In this

extends through thirty

And

There was one criminal here

villages.

The rooms

the prifon

in

is

1781.

confinement only fourteen days.

in

Middleburg

at

three dungeons are ufed to force a confeflion

criminal

November

in

been well informed, that for thirty or forty years there has been but

have

one debtor here, and that he continued

is

healthy and

was

apprehend,

allowance was eight

Their

and on

coverlet,

up

who appeared

called the

were wood.

fides

its

who were

Holland,

room was afligned for the officers, in which

In another room (twenty-one feet by eighteen and fifteen

high) there were eleven failors,

feet

in

Rotterdam.

at

not executed

the crime

till

is

confefTed.

no direct

The

The

and clean.

fpacious, lofty

are

as there is

and the

torture,

allowance to a criminal

eight ftivers a day.

In the Houfe of conctlion the prifoners were employed in weaving cloth or facking
the Eaft India company.

for

of the men's rooms

at his

This

None were

on coarfe carpeting.
;

in

in

is

more

profitable than their

No more

irons.

fome there were but two.

late

employment

than four perfons were in any

Each criminal pays

three guilders

entrance, and the fame at his difcharge.

The

Breda

prifon at

is

an old tower.

In

except one boy, though thirteen villages, and

jurifdiction of

this

city.

The

78 1 there were

fome of them

allowance to criminals

is

five

no prifoners

large,
flivers

are

in

it

under the

a day.

was

informed, that the torture-ftool, in the chamber of examination, has not been ufed
for

many

In

years.

the new

employed on
fpecimen
feet

four

houfe

and

prifoners;

in

of

corretTion

[In

November 1781,

1778) there were eleven men and two women

fifteen men and
four women.
They were

coarfe carpeting like the Scotch carpeting, but

purchafed cod: only eleven

inches.

latticed with

The

prifoners

wood from top

to

are

ftivers

always

much

(or a (hilling) their

confined

to

their

The

cheaper.

ell,

which

is

two

rooms, which are

bottom, and open into the pafTages.

In

this

and

other fimilar houfes the pafTages are very offenfive, for the keepers will never open
the windows.
It would therefore be much better if the upper part of the windows
were wire latticed.

here

FOREIGN PRISONS.

5*

Breda
Spl "~

HOUSE*

who

here give the plan of the boufe taken by the builder,

attentive

lias

and fewers, which

of the drains

to the conftrndtion

been particularly

are of the

ereateft
o

importance to the health of prifoners.

The

down about

old houfe of correction was burnt

periflied in

ten years fince, and feven

new

In the conftruction of the

the flames.

prifon,

were taken againft fuch an accident, by laying the beams, or large

caring

underfides of them with iron plates,

the two

and

women

proper precautions
joifts

arching the

edgeways,
fpace with

brick work.

Gouda.

At Ld

Porte,- the prifon at

me had

keeper informed

rooms, but
offences,

them of

all

empty

Gouda,

there

is

fome are

affigned to

and kept to bread and water,

three Ilivers a day.

In

for

1761.

thofe

which there

On

an allowance to each of

is

prifoners were all

the Spin-houfe the

carding and fpinning wool for (lockings.

room for debtors, which the

There are many (oclagon)
who are committed for fmall

a fmall

not been occupied fince

obferving

little

employed

in

towels hanging in a

room, they told me, that each of them had one clean every week. Here were fome
prifoners from the Hague, and other towns which have no rafp-houfes, who were
admitted

at

fum, of about a hundred and ten

a ftipulated annual

befides fifteen for clothing.

Near

this

city

is

florins

for each,

enclofed a triangular gallows, with an

infeription over the gate,

Refie faciendo neminem timeas.

The

beft tranllation of

Ihe
Dilft.

At Delft over the

which may be the words of

righteous

is

Scripture,

bold as a lion.

gate of the houfe of correction (fucht en Dol-huis) there

is

two men rJping logwood, and the city arms, dated 1682. At my
here, were near ninety of both fexes, and in 1781, forty-feven men and
women.
The men and women were quite feparate ; all neat and clean,

reprefentation of
firft

vifit

thirty-fix

and looked healthy.

They

told

me

their allowance

employed on a woollen manufacture

from coarfe to very

fine

earn a fmall furplus, but

cloth

five ftivers a day.

All were

men weaving

their tafk, to earn thirty-five ftivers a week.

they have only half of

mentioned that circumftance,

was

women fpinning, carding, &x.

faid

it

it.

was the truth.

burgomafter,

to

Some

whom

They do not put more than

for when large numbers are together, one

in one room
more; and there is not generally fo much work done. Here
alfo, if a prifoner has behaved well for a few years, and given proofs of amendment,
One whom
the magiftrates begin to abridge the time for whioh he was fentenced.
I faw very cheerful, told me the caufe of his joy was, that a year had lately been

eight or ten

men

to

work

idle perfon corrupts

taken from his term.

Near the men's court

there

are feveral

defcription of the excellent hofpital at

rooms

Amfterdam

for the infane,

will

excufe

my

but the particular

omiflion of others.

At
7

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

At

Hague

the

53

was honoured with the ver y polite aff fiance of Sir Jofeph Tori.
me to the prifon ; where all was quiet and in order. The

Hague.

magiftrate accompanied

me

fame gentleman prefented

a copy of

rules

with a copy of

meets of forty-four

management of

the

for

rules

the fheriff of the court

to

injlrutlions

attorney-general

for officers of the

and with a
prifon.

the

M.

S. copy

The

on feveral

gaoler

never

is

out of the houfe, but with the exprefs confent of the court, or the

fuffered to fleep

advocate &c. and when

leave

that

is,

on any fpecial occahon, granted, he muft

by the court &x. This fubftitute is fworn to his

temporary office. If any prifoner efcapes, whether by the immediate fault of the
keeper, or the fault of his fervants, he is to fuffer the punifhment that was due to
pro vide a fubftitute approved

the

He may

prifoner.

his prifoners

not keep a tavern or alehoufe

nor accept of any

their

confinement or afterwards.

frefh

ftraw once a

deputy,

is

week

He

and

to fee that all

treat or gift

fum

morning

None

in winter.

Sunday.

by

till

two
to

Thofe who pay eighteen

them to expend) are

Vifitants are not

and

indirectly,
:

during
furnifh

The attorney-general, or his

The keeper is to fupply prifoners
ftivers

the magiftrates fhall allow

portioned to that price.

in the

cards &c. with

at

winter, coverlets.

in

with good bread, foup and beer.

other

nor play

muft keep the prifon neat and clean

be duly preformed.

this

from them, dire&ly or

to

permitted to be in the prifon from eleven

are difmiffed in the evening at fix in

be admitted on Saturday

Candles to be taken away

a day (or what

have proviiion pro-

at nine.

fummer, and four

nor in time of divine fervice on

The keeper

guard againft accidents

to

rire.

The

of the high-bailiff, and of the fheriff,

rules for officers

preferving peace,

in

abftra&ing a few.

There

and order.

No

to

officer

ftir

have an admirable

are thirty-two of them.

effecl:

cannot forbear

out of town without fpecial leave: and while

town each muft always give notice where he may be found.

in

In cafe of

fire,

they

muft immediately repair to the court-gate for inftructions. Arrefts of delinquents

muft be performed quietly. No officer to ferve or watch inftead of another. Neglect
of duty through drunkennefs

is

puniflied with living in prifon on bread and water at

own expence for three days eight days and at laft, with difcharge. They
may not keep company with any perfons in public houfes Sec. Giving ill language
is punifhed by a fine
Not giving inquarrels, at difcretion of the magiftrates.
formation of defaulters is punifhed with difcharge.
They are to guard againft being
guilty of ill behaviour of any fort, that no difhonour may be caft upon the court of

their

judicature.

Each

on pain of a

fine.

officer to

have a copy of the

The whole

to

rules,

be read to them

and keep
all

it

to

fhew on demand,

together by the fheriff once

a month.

In the houfe of
all

employed

in

correction

at

fpinning wool.

Leyden
The

they were fourteen

talk for each

men and twenty women

was thirty-two

ftivers a

week.

The

Leydk*.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

54

Leyden
Fest-

HO USE.

The Peji-houfe near Leyden is fimilar to that at Rotterdam, but more

The crew of the Barker Eaft lndiaman which was wrecked on this coaft,
confined.
One of the large rooms is now fitted up with beds, he. for the
of wounded feamen.
titions

through

its

the Spin-houfe (which

'

hovse'

1S

not ^ a ir y anc* comrnocn ous as

and

is

reception

by two par-

contracted

the work-houfe or

modern

poor-houfe) being old,

Here were about thirty male

work with the mother (as they

buildings.

The women were

female offenders.

fifteen

has been

it

whole length.

At Harlem,

Harlem

But very injudicioufly,

fpacious.

were here

at

making and mending the linen of the houfe. The men were weaving
coarfe linen, in which at the diftance of every fix inches, there was a blue ftripe,
to diftinguifh the linen of the houfe, and to prevent its being in any manner difpofed
call

her)

One

of elfewhere.
that

had been

his

The room

profeflion.

and decently
In

Hospital.

in

which the women worked, and

The poor

allotted

that in

way of

their

which they

flept,

to

here, as in other work-houfes in

and they were

it,

all

Holland, were cleanly

clad.
in fomc others) is a noble Hofpital, airy and fpacious, called the
which the perfons admitted are decently provided with meat, drink

this city (as

Proeveniers,

in

and lodging during

their

ages from twenty to the

for any

lives,

mod

and a burying place

deceafe.

though

provided for

all

who

to have their victuals

are not fick or infirm.

.required for admiffion

Age.

If

any

after refiding

brought to their rooms, rather than eat

pay for that privilege according

to their age,

at that age.

Sum.

one

For example

Age.

Florins.

it

Sum.

fifth

if

in

part of the

a perfon of feventy years of age

Age.

Sum.
Florini.

Florins.

60

2700
2600

22

4900
4800

42

3900
3800

4+
46

3700

64

2500

3JS

66

345
3300
3i5 0

6S

2350
2 200

2ICO

72

195O

3000

74

l800

1700

48

45OO

32

44OO

34

4300

36

4150
405O

38

table

common, they muft

fum that would be

40

28

all

common

A common

50OO

4700
4600

not

fome time, choofe

20
24
26

Perfons of
is

entrance, each perfon pays a greater

At

under forty to apply for admiffion.

at their

are admitted,

advanced period

or fmaller fum, according to his age, as by the table in the note *.

is

damafk, becaufe

filk

Tailors were alfo employed in the

Each bed had two perfons

were quite clean.

allowed fheets.

loom on flowered

perfon was working at a

former trade.

6z

54
$6

2903

76

58

2750

78

l600

80

I5OO

choofes

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.
choofes to

required

eat

in

apartments, he muft pay one

his

55
of the admifiion

fifth

happens that there are not vacant places, when perfons

It often

But many fecure places before a vacancy, by paying two hundred

of their entrance money
a

in

Thofe who choofe

to leave

a certain,

their lives,

Harlem
Hospital

defire admifiion.

advance

florins in

confequence of which, their names are inscribed in

and the money deducted from the fum required when they

lift ;

money

the age of feventy, namely, four hundred and twenty florins.

at

enter.

the houfe entirely, receive, during the remainder of

though very fmall,

fum which

intereft of the

they paid

at

admifiion *.

Amsterdam
No court.

At

the

feparate.

rooms from nine

prifon

Vilitants

is

the

in

may

bottle of

it

with debtors

The

twelve in the forenoon.

to

wine to depofite with the keeper (who

fells

at

he

the

lattices

may buy

debtor

liquors)

a day, paying the keeper two (livers

and felons

Debtors

Stadt-houfe.

converfe

is

an anchor of

allowed to

The

bottle.

quite

of their

call

for a

allows each

city

debtor one quart of beer daily, and turf for firing.

By

converting with

the

debtors,

found that they were

all

alimented alike, the

fourteen days at eleven ftivers or a (hilling a day; after that time at five ftivers

firft

and a half. But this is paid to the gaoler, who h<is great profit out of it, as appeared
from the daily allowance, which I weighed feveral times. Their two rooms are

thoroughly cleaned and white-warned twice a year.

In this city they compute 250,000 fouls

the

For

this

account I

am

indebted to Dr.

London:

about one third of thofe in

-f,

Maclaine, the worthy minifter of the Englifti

church at

Hague.

f In the Stadt-houfe there

Deaths

When

in

hung up

The

board ihewing the mortality in

Deaths

this city.

!775>

7895.

780,

10536.

1776,

8982.

781,

10889-.

1777,

8939.

782,

844J-

1778,

779 1

Firft

in

Firft

died

121.

138.

week,

Second week,
Sir William Petty in his

in

779'

9S

,8.

June 1778,

week,

Second week,
In June 1781,

to public view, a

6649.

was there

The

is

774>

'TraSIs, p.

159.

In

November

78

1,

The

Firft

week,

Second week,
In June 1783,

76-

The

Firft

week,

Second week,

186. gives for the year 1685 the

number of

burials

in

died

272.

284.

168.

193.

Amfterdam

Perhaps the above computation of the number of inhabitants in Amfterdam is too great; though,
miftake not, Mr. Karjeboom eftimated them at
243,000. And of late, many Jews banifhed from

6245.
if I

other countries,

amount

have made

to 200,000.

an addition to

the

number:

but Dr. Price

reckons,

that

they hardly

See his Obfervations on Rtverjunary Payments, p. 186, 187. 3d edit.

yet

AmsterDAM
*

FOREIGN PRISONS.
in

yet

1775,

eighteen;

in

in
I
found but eighteen debtors;
1776, only fifteen; in 1778,
June 1781 fixteen, and in November, feventeen ; and in June 1783,

feventeen *.

The

are ftone twenty-two

walls of this prifon

by nine and a half; each

ten feet

for

inches thick;

one prifoner only;

way twenty-two inches wide door three inches and a

iron
the condemned rooms have an iron door befides.
,

moll of the rooms

The

bedftead &c.

half thick,

door-

and plated with

There are on the groundtwo rooms for debtors, and twelve or thirteen for criminals, which open
into paflages feven feet wide ; and below ground there are eight rooms more for
;

floor

criminals.
is

The windows

double barred, and open into a paffage

are

a ftrong door between every two

never

left

alone

reward

They

rejoice at the fervice

which there

for if they difcharge

criminal

is

prevent

to

faithfully,

it

The execution is generally

From a book containing the

an abridgment of their allotted term.

is

hours

performed within forty-eight

names and crimes of

to the

in

condemned rooms a
are always with him

the

two prifoners from the rafp-houfe

his deftroying himfelf.

their

In

cells.

all

after

end of 1766, the following fiate of

From 1693

1736
1746

And

only

five criminals

fentence.

who have been executed

to

Amfterdam, from January 1693

drawn.

1735 (43 years) 288.

1745 (10 years) 20.
1766 (21 years) 28.

have been well informed, that

were executed

at

executions at different periods is

in

the eight years preceding

my

vifit

in

1783,

two of them were beheaded, one broke on the

wheel, and two hanged.

The
for the

inftruments of torture are

ftill

in the magiftrates

room,

laws in general are not fanguinary, and juftice

hope only

in terrorem,

is

executed, though with a

in

1778 only

Heady, yet with a lenient hand.

five,

and their

the ftrong rooms under ground were empty.

In 1781

In 1776, in the Stadt-houfe there were

offences not being capital,

all

fix

delinquents

Their allowance is nine ftivers

was none, in 1783 only two petty offenders.
in the morning, four flices of bread and
a day, for which the keeper gives them
butter at dinner, rice foup, and two flices of bread at fupper, milk befides about

there

pays for their

and on Sunday three quarters of a pound of meat. He alfo

weekly fhaving, and for warning their linen. In fome other provinces

the allowance

is

a quart of beer a day

* There are

two

the fame

in

fome,

more.

One

of the magiftrates, with

whom

in this country, Viane and

Culenburg, (not far from Utrecht) whofe
them from the jurididion of Holland. In thofe places a few debtors fcreen

places

ancient privileges exempt

themfelves from arrefts.

was

;:

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

57

faid,

Nourifti your prifoners

was converfing upon the fubjeft of Englilh prifons,

and keep them in dry rooms, and they will be healthy
The children of the malefa&ors who are executed, and of thofe who are committed

Am

t er "

dam

well,

and there

the orphan-houfe,
for a long term, to the rafp, or fpin-houfe, are fent to

brought up

and not

in induftry,

vagabonds to become unhappy victims to

left deftitute

the wickednefs and folly of their parents.

the Rafp-houfe over the gate, there

At
a

waggon loaded with

drawn by

logwood,

of a

in has relief, a device

is

and

lions, wild boars,

man

driving

tigers, with this infcrip-

tion,

Virtutis

Qua
Over

this device,

there

is

domare

eft

cuntti pavent.

and over her head the word

a reprefentation of two

Yet regard

ment.

is

men

a reprefentation of two

them, holding the arms of Amfterdam

in

At

Caftigatio.

men

her

in chains, with a

woman

near

hand, and a whip in her right,

left

the inner gate

rafping logwood: which

is

is

(as at other rafp-houfes)

here their principal employ-

had, not only to their degree of guilt, but to their ftrength

In
filk.
In fummcr 1776 there were fifty-four prifoners.
fbme rooms, where they alfo fleep, there were ten or twelve men rafping an appointed
Others were in the warehoufes, forting and weighing others bringing the wood
talk.

two men winding

for I faw

Hours of work from

to thofe rooms.

make

hours they

go

to

twelve, and 'from one to four.

tobacco-boxes, &c. which they

fell

to vifitants,

four regents

whom

who manage

they are accountable f.

ftivers

the Rafp-houfe are appointed by the burgomafters,

The

gaoler or father

is

obliged to obey

ftridtly

the orders of the high-bailiff, the burgomafters, and alfo of the regents.

may

In extra-

who pay two

in.

The
to

fix to

any of

he, or

his family, receive a gift

before or after their enlargement.

He

from the prifoners or

* In

evening; at

in the

many

fix

their

was

ftrift in

cots,

or rooms, before he locks

o'clock in fummer, and at four in winter.

of the towns in Holland I purchafed the different

fee if the police

their friends, either

muft not entruft a fervant with the keys, but

muft himfelf carefully fearch the convicts and

them up

all

In no cafe

that neceffary article, but alfo to

forts

The "father

of bread of various bakers, not only to

compare the

prices with thofe of other places,

and particularly of London.

At Amfterdam, June
ftiver loaf
is

of

beji rye

5,

bread,

1778, the two-ftiver loaf of -white bread weighed exactly

1

lb.

10 oz.

the black rye bread, a doit

equal to one milling, the white bread was above two pence a pound.

By

lift

and black

It

of the

of bread put up at the Stadt-houfe, June

was one ftiver a pound.

ajjixe

rye bread

may be proper

diftinclions

as

and a deacon's

to mention, that thefe regents

have

7,

1783

lb.

than a ftiver per

lefs

the
As

lb.

In 1781 bread was

white bread

no falaries, but only

v>

as

one and halfeleven ftivers

fomewhat dearer.

oz. for

two

ftivers,

fome privileges and honorary

exemption from the city watch.; liberty of free entrance after one of the city gates

is

fhut

feat in the church.

muft

RaspHOUSE.

;:

FOREIGN PRISONS.
He

muft never be abfent a night, without fpecial permiflion.

He

any prifoner efcapes.

difcharges, and produce

muft

them

the regents

to

exact regifter of the clothes, and

The
collect

all

when

is

feverely punifhed if

concerning commitments and

regifter in order all acts

Alfo he muft keep an

required.

other things which belong to thofe confined.

regents afifemble in the houfe

at four

o'clock every Wednefday afternoon, to

They

and examine the tranfactions of the preceding week.

appoint a fervant

to give any necefTary affiftance to the father, to cut the flices of bread for the prifoners

and when the father

One of thefe

thefe rooms, in

which they work

The fame

tains at leaft four perfons.

removed and feparated once

it

and examine the

cots.

June 1778, were confined upwards of

in the

prifoners

day and are locked up

it

at night,

Few

which often weigh feventy or eighty pounds.

daily vifit the prifon,

con-

or none of them were rafping

two mills belonging

for the

to the houfe

was found to be too laborious for moft of the prifoners, to work with

faws,

forty

do not continue long together, but are

a fortnight or oftener.

logwood, but moil of them chopping

as

vifit

this houfe, in

June 178 1, fifty-five; in November, fixty-five; June 6, 1783, fifty-one.

was incapable of working, his limbs having been diflocated by the torture.

prifoners; in

Each of

evening to

in the

is ill,

In the nine lower rooms of

informed the magiftrates that

it

The

fix

or eight

medical gentlemen,

who

had been the caufe of frequent

ruptures *.

No

friends of the prifoners are permitted to vifit them, without exprefs orders

the regents, unlefs on

duction ofJpirituous

and they muft

two

ftivers

Mondays

liquors, or

from
intro-

inftruments for breaking out, or any thing elfe forbidden

retire before the

into

and then they muft be fearched, to prevent the

time for (hutting up.

box entrufted with the

father.

Every

but not on other days.

given to the convicts on Tuefdays

o'clock, the father muft fee that

things are in due order.

all

vifitant

is

obliged to put

Refrefhments may be received and

Every evening,

The

laws,

at

eight

and other heavy

implements for their work, are taken from them in the evening, and returned in the
If a convict be guilty of breaking any thing considerable, of burning the
morning.
logwood, or

that

neglect or diibbedience, he

of.

fined to bread

and water

what has been

or drown,

is

faid

in a

is

punifhed feverely by whipping, or con-

dungeon under ground.

On

careful inquiry, I learned,

concerning a cellar in which fuch tranfgrefTors are put to pump

a fiction.

Prayers are read morning and evening, and before and after meals, by one of the
beft-behaved convicts
a clergyman on

Once

and divine

fervice, with a

fcrmon,

is

a year, a little before the

had

am much

this

in the chapel

by

change of the regency, the high-bailiff and magiftrates,

with afecretary, attended by the inferior officers of juftice,

performed

Sunday mornings.

information

from Mr. John Hope, one of

their very

come

to this prifon, in order

worthy magiftrates; and

to

him

obliged for copies of the rules and inftruclions to this houfe, the fpin-houfe, and the <work-

btuft.

to

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

59

to contract or lengthen the terms of confinement of the convicts, according to their good

or bad behaviour,

The

as

rcprcfented by the regents.

the phyfician, with

patients,

Here

Some

With

Bible are read to

themf.

fix

no infirmary

is

went the round

their labour

at

my

laft

vifit,

Ihirts

keeps them in

had only two

flight diforders.

Spin-houfe

Great care

is

enjoined the father in conveying provifions to

the regents leave, on Sunday mornings,

was for women.

fome chapters of

the

This, and the work-houfe, were under the direction

regents and four governefies

who

appointed two fathers and two mothers to

fuperintend and infpect the work, the diet, and the lodging of the prifoners; and to
chaftife the difobedient.

The work-room was a large room up flairs, feparated by a wooden baluftrade

from the paflage (fix feet wide) into which fpe&ators were admitted. This room
was divided by baluftrades into two, for diftinguifhing thofe who had fufFered fome
public or corporal punijhment,

Sunday

Breakfaft.

The

Three

from others who had not been whipped, and expofcd

Diet of the convicls in the Rafp-houfe at Amsterdam.

flices

of rye bread with butter, and a piece of dry bread

fix flices thick.

(N.B. Three Jlices weigh half a pound.)

Dinner or Noon.

Half a pound of beef or pork, with beans,

two pounds of

Monday

Tuefday

fait

with butter, and a piece of bread of three

Six

Dinner.

Gray

Breakfaft.

As on Monday.
White or gray peafe boiled

Wednefday Breakfaft.

flices

fait

peafe with

fait

and vinegar, and in winter

flices

thick.

and vinegar.

in water with fait

and fage.

As on Monday.

Dinner.

Boiled oats or barley with fvveet milk and butter upon

Supper.

Buttermilk, with oats or barley boiled in

Breakfaft.

Six flices^of rye bread with butter, and a piece of bread as or Sunday morning.
Stockfifli, with fweet milk and butter upon it.

Dinner.

fuli

meat.

Breakfaft.

Dinner.

Thar/day

house.

perfons are confined in private rooms, to which none have accefs, unlefs in

thofe prifoners.

The

whom

and thofe with very

the prefence of a regent.

of

Rasp-

houfe provides for the prifoners, diet *, clothes, fhoes.and floekings, with

of half-bleached FJemifli linen.

health

Amster-

Friday

As Tuefday.

Saturday

Breakfaft.

As Tuefday.

Dinner.

As Wednefday fupper.

it.

it.

Their drink is four pints of beer daily. But on holidays, viz. two days
at Eafter, Afcenfon-day, two at
Whi/funtide, three at the fair time, and two at
Chriftmas, they have for dinner, fmoked or fait meat or
bacon, beans or peafe, carrots or cabbage, and the three
fair days they have ftrong beer.

t There are many of thefe rooms, or houfes of confinement in Holland, called Verbeterhuizen
regulations of fome of

The

them I colled but as they are liable to abufe, and contrary

to the general notions
of public juftice, I cannot but wilh that they were univerfally
fupprefled.
j

nn

SpinH0USE

FOREIGN PRISONS.

6o
Amstbrm
S p|\

house.

on a

The mother was

fcaffold.

feated at a defk (where fhe

As

family at work) with a Bible before her.

one Q f

t j ie

p rifon ers went up

afked leave to offer

given,

till

me

The

fum

to a

leave was granted.

purchafe a

fufficicnt to

had

a full

longer than a

to the miftrefs with the timid

the plate.

amounted

it

ftaid

view of her

common

vifitant,

modefty of a fuppliant, and

The

miftrefs kept

or

little tea

what was

for

coffee,

all

to

partake.

The

kitchen, the dining and lodging-rooms, were on the ground-floor.

wooden

the three bed-rooms were ten

and one large pillow,

cafes,

two perfons.

for

In each of

with a ftraw mattrefs, two coverlets,

flieets,

All were clean, and fhewed the attention of

the regents.

In
in

this

number of

houfe you might fee a

criminals (in 1776, there were thirty-two;

whom

1778, forty-fix; in June 1781, thirty-two, and in November, forty) fome of

had been the mofl abandoned,

their different forts

fent in

from the

work from

fix to

of work

city.

fitting in prefence

the

from one

fame holidays
to eight.

tables

them.

Firft they fang a

father ftruck with a

hammer

then in profound filence

one of them read with propriety, a prayer about four or

down

pfalm

cheerful

and each

filled

all

five minutes.

flood

Then

two

at

before

fet

up

and

they

fat

her bowl, from a large difh which contained enough for

Then one brought on

four of them.

then they

where they feated themfelves

and feveral difhes of boiled barley, agreeably fweetened, were

The

much was
Hours of

the latter fort

as at the Rafp-houfe.

faw them go from work to dinner*:

the keeper, or father as they called him, prefided.

went in order down to a neat dining-room

Of

&c.

fpinning, plain work,

They had

twelve, and

of the mother, quiet and orderly at

a waiter flices of bread and butter, and ferved

each prifoner.
Tax.

This houfe was fupported by a fmall annual Tax on thofe who

fell

tobacco, beer, and

other liquors, and one fourth part of what was received at public exhibitions and diverfions.

At my vifit

in

June

1783,. the prifoners were all

*

The

removed

into the

new

work-houfe.

Diet of the prifoners was as follows.

Sunday

Dinner.

Cut-cabbage with meat.

Supper.

Buttermilk.

Monday

Dinner.

White beans.

Supper.

Sweet milk with barley.

Tue/day

Dinner.

Beans.

Supper.

Buttermilk.

Wednrfday Dinner.

*Thurfday

Friday

Saturday

Gray

peafe.

Supper.

Buttermilk.

Dinner.

Barley.

Supper.

Bread and Beer.

Dinner.

White beans.

Supper.

Buttermilk.

Dinner.

Beans.

Supper.

Buttermilk.

Here

Amsterdam.

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

6*

A ^*"

Holland) was a prifon or Worl-houfe for (lighter

obfervation, as a well
This was called the old rafp-houfe, and was worthy of
offences.
who for the
vagabonds,
and
beggars
confined
were
Here
induftry.
houfe of

Here

feme other towns

at

(as

in

regulated

three months j but for the

time were committed for fix weeks, and for the fecond
or banifhment.
confinement
of
period
longer
a
either
was
third their punifhment
guilty of petty larceny. In a
alfo were here confined, and fuch as were

firft

Drunkards
large

room

at

my

one of

vifits I

twelve weaving coarfe linen or

employed

in

faw forty-fix

women

carding, fpinning and reeling

keeping the room clean

and the

;.

making and mending linen one

mother holding a flate, on which were

fail-cloth; thirteen

names of the prifoners*. Some men and boys were in another large room,
which there were many looms. But moft of the men were at work in the courts,

inferibed the
in

oakum for calking the feams of fhips. Among thefe men I

women; and in 178 1, there were twenty-five men and one hundred
and twenty women all employed in the fame manner j- except five or fix who were

boiling and picking

counted forty or

fifty

mending the

linen of the houfe.

The women's bed-room was

fpacious

and

found

it

This houfe was provided, with (what feems to be much wanted

an infirmary

The
bought

but

it

was the fame

in confiderable quantities.

tenance of the houfe, and the

expence for each prifoner was

fifty,

The

the plan of this elegant and

of the prifoners v/ork was applied to the main-

was made up from the Spn-houfe

full five ftivers a day.

which

The

four hundred prifoners.

Thefe

at

my

commodious

and the

office

removed

June 1783, was

ingenious architect

The

tax.

Their number was generally from

prifoners are

vifit in

into the

finifhed.

Mr. Vander Hart

New

Work-

There were

favoured,

me

with

building.

Three fathers and three mothers were appointed

direction of the houfe-keeping,

;

prifons)

Their provifions were

Spin-houfe \.

as in the

deficiency

two hundred.

to

houfe or houfe of correction,

the kitchen

Dutch

rye for bread was on the floor in an airy room,

The produce

and was fweet and good.

in the

was too fmall and clofe for the purpofe.

diet of the prifoners

a hundred and

clean and in order, though

in the forenoon.

was there before ten o'clock

to

fuperintend this houfe:

and the other two overlooked the manufactory.

of the others was to keep the prifoners cleanly, and

One father had the

One mother managed
to take

care of their

bedding.

t The

prifoners at the

the Admiralty and India

Though

new work-houfe have

company

in the houfes

the fame

find the old cords,

employment: here

is

and take the oakum when

a quick
fit

fale for

oakum

for

for ufe.

of correction in Holland, the prifoners have meat only on Sundays, yet the peafe,

beans, barley, &c. are always

made

into

a.

kind of thick foup or pottage, which

is

very palatable, and

is

ferved up hot at noon,.

'

muflr.

New
Workhouse.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Dol
^
P
and would

62

da"*"
Dol-hvis.

m"

n0t miC the

ft

ever law >

The ground

rooms.

'

buis > an hof ital

the

as

it

good plan

plot

is

rectangular (eighty feet by fifty-five)

takes up. one of the fhorter fides

the beft of the kind

is

bet

for a bridewell, with the addition

:

of working

the keeper's houfe

the other three fides have, on the ground-floor, rooms

of a walk eight feet and a half wide under arcades, enclofed from the area

in the recefs

or garden by a wall to the height of near four feet

the upper part, to the

crown of

Each perfon has a feparate room ten feet four inches by feven feet,
with two doors fome of the inner doors are latticed
the outer frequently
Over the door is an aperture in the wall of about a foot diameter, with a

the arch, open.

and ten high,

Hand open.

fhutter.

In a fmall court there are twelve rooms (marked with the letters of the alphabet) far
Each has one flrong door, always fhut, widi an aperture for the intro-

the outrageous.

duction of victuals, which are put into a clean copper bafon chained on the outfide.

There were
clean.

over the doors

alfo apertures

At

courts are for the poor.

Over

the

rooms of

one that pays four

the

Common

can pay for them.

flivers is

my

all

firft

the other court.

The rooms in both
obferved every thing remarkably neat and

as in

vifits I

court, there are larger

rooms

not allowed to go up

vifitants are

admitted below.

The windows

all

whofe friends

for thofe

but, injudicicujly, every

open to the court, none

outwards.
the peft-houfe, and feveral hofpitals for the fick

I vifited

but lhall only obferve in

general the impropriety of keeping the patients too warm, by placing their beds, with

woollen curtains, in fmall

recejfes

is

was not

OrphanhousE.

The

This

an exception.

with windows oppofite to one another and a ftone floor

it

(or cupboards) in the walls

the gqft-huys, which was formerly a church,

is

women's ward

and though

in

and fpacious,

lofty
full

of patients,

in the leaft offenfive.

In the Orphan-houfe

at

Amfterdam

there

were about thirteen hundred children

The rooms for the directors and the kitchen

j une IO) 1783.
were neat and clean ; but the bed-rooms were clofe and unhealthy, being crowded
k otn fexeS)

o^

with beds with three or four children for each bed.

on the ground-floor
enclofed

and

in

boxes

refectories

were

and the beds

the walls.

in

The

infirmaries ^were fituated

them with two or

in

For want of

air,

three

children

in

each

the work-rooms, fchool-rooms

unhealthy and offenfive, that the children here (as in three

fo

other orphan-houfes in this city, and in the orphan-houfe at Rotterdam) are indeed
objects

of great companion.

indolent

Many

of the fervants

and

miferably nafty,

the children

and cutaneous difordcrs

to

directors, they replied

words that gave

in

great

degree.

This unhealthy mode of placing the beds,

is

me

mod
On

in

houfes are

thefe

old and

of them troubled with fcorbutic

obferving

pain and excited

this

my

general in the houfes of the

to

fome of the
" It

indignation,

common

people in Hol-

land.
is

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.
is

the houfe diforder;

ficians

all

63

Thus do

our children muft have a feafoning."

and governors excufe the abufe of their

few of the children reach manhood,

The

truft.

and that fuch

the phy-

confequence muft be, that

as do,

a feeble

are

and fickly

Amster
DAM

o RPH ANHOUSE.

race.

In the prifon at

Leeuwarden

were confined for petty offences; but there

fevcral

At my former
178

ment

there were thirty-four

vifit

there were

forty-five.

compofed of ten faws

fpinning twine, weaving facks,

make

in the Rafp-houfe,

and

twenty-nine

at

all

offence a

it

women, and

breakfaft found idle

but entertained

fufHciently,

from whence

after;

inftru-

in

fell

me

in a

with her

them

to

November 178 1,

whom

work, preparing thread, fpinning, &c. except one,

good while

November

combing and fpinning black wool others

At their leifure they
and coarfe linen cloth, &c.

up with me from her

only chided her for

in

others

In the Sfm-houje adjoining, were thirty-fix

miftrefs going

mon

men

few of them were rafping logwood with an

fhoe-pegs, tobacco-ftoppers, fugar-faucers of brafs wire, &c. and

vifitants.

Leeuwar
DEN *

has been no execution for fourteen years paft.

the

warehoufe; and not

murmurs upon

the

concluded the

fault

was not a very com-

bottoms and

fides

of which are pieces of

one.

For the

refractory, here are

two

clofets, the

wood placed edgeways, where being

confined without fhoes, they mull be in a painful

fituation.

In the prifon for the Military at

Groningen

there were two prifoners.

The

gallows

There

is

alfo here

a prifon for the province.

elevated ground at a diftance

who had been executed

to

hang

after

from the town,

the year before.

execution,

till

On

the gallows, which

a criminal was hanging

is

placed on

(November 1781)

In this country malefa&ors are often thus

left

they drop into a well (or deep pit) underneath, which

is

defigned for the reception of their bones.

Over

the gate of the Rafp and Spn-houfe, there

Vitiorum femina

On

the following infeription

is

otium labore exhauriendum.

the ground-floor are four rooms for men.

and a half into the wool-warehoufe above.

In each

is

Thefe were

Anno 1664.

an aperture two feet by three

made by the advice of a

who thought the men's rooms not fufHciently
airy, though they have oppofite windows
the men fleeping as well as working in them:
on which account they are ftill fomewhat offenfive. Women have a work-room
and a
lodging-room quite feparate; both of them very clean. All the prifoners
were employed in fpinning wool.
In November 178 1 there were nineteen men and thirteen
women. Here is a fmall chapel, in which the women fit on benches: and
the men

judicious phyfician (Profeffor Camper)

have an opening

Gron reGEN

joins to the prifon.

in their

room

oppofite to the pulpit,

lately

FOREIGN PRISONS.

64
Zwolle.

Zwolle in
many years.

In the prifon at

execution there for

The

OveryfTel there were no felons, nor has there been an

houfe of correction (Tucht-huys) erefted in 1735,

the ramparts.

November 178 1

In

there were in

a neat building fituated on

1S

women.

There

chained.

This and another door open into a court, on two

In each of thefe

for the men.

worked

an iron latticed door in the front, and over

is

in their

rooms

On

open

As

of which are rooms

all

Jlept as well as

which

The women were on the firft

Nine of them who had been

room by themfelves and they had alfo a feparate lodgingtwo who were weaving, and had their door
;

fpinning, except

into the court.

I

examined

this prifon

the beft in Holland,

Utrecht.

in a

The men were

room.

fides

the other two fides are the keeper's apartments, in

two feparate work-rooms, fpinning and knitting.

branded were working

twenty-fix

the device of a dragon

it

faw three or four prifoners, and they

the windows are properly placed to overlook the court.

floor in

men and

ieventeen

it

At Utrecht,

in

at

the defire of ProfefTor Camper,

here give the plan of

two of

whom

The

one of

allowance for debtors, the

the fecond week, fixteen

no debtors; and but

1,

were to be confined to bread and water; and

There has not been an execution

only three prifoners.

twenty years.

it

1776, no prifoners in the Stadt-houje ; in 1778, no debtors, and

only one criminal, and his offence not capital: in 178

offenders,

who thought

it.

week,

firft

for the city or province thefe

twenty-eight ftivers a day

is

and every day afterwards, eight

five

June 1783,

in

ftivers f.

The

ftate

allows

For, as he told
thirteen ftivers a day, which are paid to the gaoler.
me, " confinement here is not meant as punifhment; but only as fafe cuftody till
" trial
After which, ibme who are to be punifhed by a fhort imprifonment are fent
criminals

J.

<c

to another prifon,

had been

he added, " She

tc

SpinHOUSE.

where they

live

have a

will

He

on bread and water only."

was that day fentenccd

his prifoner,

fufficient

faid a

woman who

to be fo punifhed for a fortnight

quantity

and

if fhe

be

ill,

but

her food will be

altered."

went over the Spin-houfe with Mr. Van Goens, one of the magiftrates,

kindnefs I

am

In this houfe, at a former

were

all

employed

three in a room.

178

1,

there were

vifit,

The fame

fpinning wool,

and knitting.

They
The men were

The women were feparated, according to their crimes. In October

fifty men and twenty-fix women.
Nine women who had been
work-room and bed-room

* See ProfefTor

ten ftivers.

whofe

were thirty-feven men, and thirty-four women.

carding and

in

publicly whipped, had a

t In

to

indebted for the following account of the inftructions to the keeper.

Camper

the Verbeterbinzen a gradation

obfervation I

There were no

remember was made

alteration at

is

to

alfo

feparate

from the

reft.

In June

Groningen, page 63.

obferved in the alimentary allowance.

me by

the keeper at

Nimeguen, where

the allowance is

prifoners.

178^

HOLLAND.

Sect. IV.

1783, there were twenty-five men, and thirty-fix women, thirty of the

room, and

The

women

overfeer or keeper has a houfe for the refidence of himfelf and his family, and an

annual falary of a thoufand guilders from the

of

city, clear

and a hundred and thirty from the

ftates,

According to the

deductions.

all

muft not be abfent

copy of inftru5lions> he

He

a night out of the city, without leave from the chief officer and the regents.

with

affiftants,

done
all

attempted or introduced,
may

be concealed

when any perfons come

that

not permitted

is

no

and he muft carefully infpedt

tools, or glafs,

and he muft himfelf, or one of

no more than fix

to fee the houfe, and

He

mitted at one time.

muft

no gin or other

He

ployed

others.

feparate

from the

muft confine thofe condemned

He may

reft.

correct moderately

for a

but

long term,

if

good

may

if

and

he em-

in ftrong

rooms

the prifoners are refractory,

By

and deferve feverer punifhment, he muft inform the regents.

magiftrates, he

be ad-

vifitants are to

the provifions for the prifoners be

fee that

be prefent

his family,

take care that the manufacturer pays the fame for their work, as he would

from the

muft,

fearch every part of the cells twice a week, to fee whether any thing be

things that are conveyed to the prifoners, that

Jirong liquors

of

one

in

another.

fix in

a particular permifllon

take in as boarders, perfons of bad behaviour, at the defire

their parents, guardians or relations.

The

regents only can appoint, or difcharge, a

fervant, or turnkey.

Liewenberch
upon

infeription

Gajl-huys, in the fuburbs of the city,

thoofe to give a plan and defcription of

into a

model

good county

for a

it,

becaufe

ftaircafe to

On

rooms above.

A part

wards, thirty feet high.

There

hofpital.

which has two folding-doors on both

veftibule,

windows

and two

flues

think

all

an afcent of two fteps into the

and windows over them, and a

of one of thefe has been converted into a kitchen

They have

galleries for

no rooms over the wards;

The

this is a

may be
frefh.

feen.
It

is

By opening
one of the

and

Like

of fquare bricks, and are

floors confift

From

opening the

circumftance very

the

rooms over

the entrance to an open gallery (eight feet wide) over the paflage,

the wards

capable of being improved

is

fupported by ftrong pillars and arches ten feet wide.

kept cool and

1567.

the fides of an extenfive paflage there are four fpacious

favourable to the health of the patients.

is

in

from each chimney meet over the middle windows.

the hofpitals in Italy there are

bule

it

by an

(as appears

fides,

of the other three there are twelve beds.

in each

was endowed

by a lady of that name for a peft-houfe, and built

it)

the oppofite doors, this houfe

drieft I ever vifited.

The

the vefti-

from which

may be

rain-water

always

condueled from the roof through vaults built on the outfide of the wards, to prevent them
from being offenfive.

At Deventer,
were

all

ftivers a

clean

the prifon

and fanded,

is

near the river

but had

day are paid for each

Iffel.

no prifoners.

It confifts

When

which the gaoler receives,

of four, rooms, which

there
as

is

at

are

any, fixteen

moil other towns.

Prifoners

FOREIGN PRISONS.
removed

Prifoners for capital offences are

is

to the Stadt-houfe,

where the fame allowance

continued.
I

leave this country with regret, as

important fubject

have

in view.

on the

affords a large field for information

it

know

mod,

not which to admire

the neatnefs and

appearing in the prifons, the indufiry and regular condubl of the prifoners, or

cleanlinefs

the humanity and attention of the magiftrates and regents *.

GERMANY.
The

Germans, well aware of the

them

oufly chofen to build

Hanover,

as at

Hamburg,

Zell,

of

neceffity

cleanlinefs

in prifons,

moft conducive to

in fituations

it

have very judici-

that

near rivers

is,

Bremen, Cologn, Mentz, and many other

Berlin,

places.

In the gaols that

The

were but few prifoners, except thofe

I firft faw, there

One

perly, galley-Jlaves.

caufe of this,

galley-flaves have every

where

a fpeedy trial after

is

a prifon to themfelves.

the fortifications, chalk-hills, and other public fervice

years, according to their crimes

At Wefel, which belongs

and are clothed,

King of Pruffia,

to the

called,

impro-

commitment.

They work on

the roads,

for four, feven, ten, fifteen, twenty

by the government.

as well as fed,

there were ninety-eight of thefe flaves:

they have two pounds of bread a day, and the value of three halfpence every day they

work.
I

faw but a very few under-ground dungeons in any new prifons abroad

none, except at Liege.

are built additional

each criminal

crime he

as the

One

rooms up

alone in his
is

flairs

the dungeons are difufed

one for each prifoner.

room; which

charged with

is

is

gone to

Italy,

do not remember any prifon

and

if

nefs

and

in

Sir Jofeph Yorhe;

I

many of the

gaols

lightfome, and airy,

India, Italy, France,

they are inquired after, the anfwer

in

Germany (nor

mould accufe myfelf of ingratitude, did not

but while

Germany

is,

they are

England, &c.

have not, either from the public allowance,

And

lefs ftrong,

more or lefs atrocious.

rooms marked Ethiopia,

in

In thofe rooms, parents, by the authority of the magiftrates, confine for

term diffolute children

a certain

ments to

more or

and inftead of them

often fees the doors of fundry

England, &c.

is

At Lunenburg

was confined

friendfliip that I

elfewhere abroad) in which felons

or from

Hague

fomewhat more to

take this occafion again to exprefs

who, not only exerted himfelf with ardour

at the

charities,

in confequence

to

promote the

of an accident, favoured

me

my

fuccefs of

acknowledg-

my

inquiries;

with inftances of kind-

never can forget.

live

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.
live

on than bread and water.

a bafket for prifoners

and

But there

vegetables.

In fome places a perfon goes on market-days with

have feen him bring them a comfortable meal of frefh

which confinement for

feparate prifons, in

are

6?

on bread and water

is

all

condemned criminal

is

only to live a day or two, fuch diet

fome petty

the punifhment for

may be more

the indulgence with which the Germans, and other foreigners

fentence of death, which

commonly executed

is

his friends are

admitted

proper than

The

commodious room,

and a minifter attends him during almoft

or two

prifoners after

treat

within forty-eight hours.

then his choice of food, and wine, in a

factor has

week

Perhaps, when a

offences.

into

remaining

his

all

male-

which

hours.

went into Germany

in

fo be the

and the houfe of correction

fuburbs, near a brook.

at

is

A Latin

the public expence,

is

in

more than one

over the gate implies, that

infcription

There

miferable

and fickly objects, men,

and ftockings.

They were

He

*.

are feventeen

in

prifon

was erected

it

utility,

chambers for crimiwas happy

had been confined three years, and

In another part of the houfe

women and

fpinning

The

of public juftice and

the purpofes

prifoner.

had furvived the cruelty of the torture

Osnabrug.

an airy part of the

which have no light but by a fmall aperture over each door.

to find here no

at

the prefent bifhop, and

miferable prifoners.

one large building, fituated

by confining and punifhing the wicked."

nals,

who

amiable Prince

1756, for

in

prifon

not entertain a hope, that the account of

alleviating the fufferings of the

means of

The

June 1778, by Ofnabrug and Hanover.

Osnabrug I mould entirely omit, did

it may poflibly engage the notice of an

almoft

children,

all

found many

without fhoes

rooms, which were dirty beyond

different

Thefe rooms open into an offenfive paffage, which a gentleman in

office in the city, to whom I was recommended, durft not enter.
I inquired of the
keeper concerning feveral particulars in the diet, &c. but the mifery expreffed in

defcription.

the countenances of the prifoners,

made me

totally difregard the information given

me

-by words.

At Bremen the tower, or prifon

who accompanied me, Dr.

magiftrate

occupied for above thirty years,

who was confined in

Over the door of this

it

till

few weeks.

prifon

is

for debtors,

has four rooms; but in

Hanewinkel, allured

very lately

In 178

The mode

of the Ofnabrug

it ftill

fitted

up

for a debtor,

remained unoccupied.

infcribed,

there were few debtors,

Manheim, &c. may be

1776 the

not one of them had been

when one was

found

Hie fraudum terminus

That

me

or none at

all,

efto.

in

fuch towns as Mentz, Coblentz,

afcribed to their being places

of but

little

trade.

In fuch

of torture here
torture.

is more excruciating than in moft

other countries, and is known by the name
doubt not but the humanity and good fenfe of his royal
highnefs, will abolim it

when he comes of age.

large

Bremen.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Hamburg, and Bremen,

large trading cities as

is

given

feems owing to the

it

the expence of aliment &c. falling on the creditor

their families,

little

credit that

the being feparated from

and deprived of every kind of amufement and diverfion while

in prifon

and the difgrace of being there.

Debtors

are not permitted, in

and children living with them

In 178

The

townfman

rooms

Gaol
(or

German

cities that I

have feen, to have their wives

was obliged to apply to the magiftrates for permiffion to

one of the keepers having

fufFering a

any

in prifon.

cells)

vifit

the prifons,

been confined fourteen days to bread and water, for

to converfe with a prifoner.

a tower

is

lately

at

one of the gates.

In the lower part there are four ftrong

about thirteen feet four inches by

fix feet eight,

and

The

fix feet high.

doors are four feet ten inches high and five inches thick, with iron plates between the

The windows

boards.

are only fmall apertures (fourteen inches

him

a prifoner in the fame ceil in which I had feen

efcape, but had been retaken.

There has

by nine).

five years before.

been no execution

in this

He

found

had made

his

city for twenty-fix

years.

In another Prifon down ten fteps from the

without windows.

high

One was

fix feet

ftreet, there

The

another was ten feet by five and a half, and fix feet high.

fous (3^d.) a day, but there were

rooms

are fix

for criminals

nine inches by four feet and a half, and feven feet

no

allowance

is

fix

In this difmal abode, one had lately

prifoners.

beat himfelf to death againft the wall, which was ftained with his blood.

At

the Clock-tower there are feveral

rooms

for

petty offenders, whofe diet

bread and water; the allowance three fous (ifd.) a day.

is

feldom longer than

The

fix, eight,

their

is

only

term of confinement

or fourteen days.

Houfe of corretlion fituated on the

In 1776 there were eleven

very quiet.

But

Wefer

indeed a houfe of induftry

is

men and

twenty-eight

women, and

in

and
178

1,

men and nineteen women, all at work except a woman who had broke her
The ftronger and lefs docile men rafp logwood : others weave a fet talk of hair
leg.
carpets &c.
Tne keeper appoints a weaver in the houfe to inftrucl every new comer,
who generally teaches him the art in a fhort time. The women's apartments were very
The diet of the men
clean
their work is fpinning cows and goats hair, knitting &c.
differed from that of the women only in quantity; two men were in a mefs, and three
women. They have meat only on Sundays and great holidays. The keeper has a
fal.iry, and fells nothing.
The prifoners defcend by a trap-door into the gallery of the
church, where the men and women are feparated, and have wooden baluftrades before
nine

them.

This church belongs to an adjoining poor-houfe (Stat armerf haus)

there

is

enough

number of

to hold

hundred and

clean

four beds

eighty,'

in

rooms opening
each.

into paffages

The number

in

which

feven feet wide, and large

of poor in thefe rooms was one

about eighty of whom were knitting, fpinning and fewing

in

large

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

69

The regulations for the conduct of the houfe were hung up in the
The poor are here liberally accommodated in the decline of life and their

Jarge work-room.
refectory.

cheerful countenances cannot but give great pleafure to

Hairs

all

who

church, and

in

from 1698.

Not long

fince this city

was remarkable

for the

number of

children begging in the

but a Work-houfe has been lately eftablifhed for the purpofe of employing them;

ftreets;

and here,

two rooms,

in

faw about one hundred and feventy, from

of age, fpinning (with /mall wheels) under proper matters

twelve fous (6|d.) a week, and

all

and

at leaft

happy

but were not allowed either diet or lodging in the houfe.

from clearing the

make

miftrefles.

nine years

They

are

The

benefits arifing

of fuch a nuifance have induced the inhabitants of other places,

ftreets

inquiries concerning this ufeful plan.

Orders and regulations are hung up in the houfe, and confift of nineteen articles,

The

from which
ARTICLE
The
J.

have made the following extracts.

children muft not

warned.

For

die

come
firfl

into the houfe without

II.

Parents muft keep their children quite clean.

IV.

The children muft obey their governors.

They muft endeavour to learn well and quick.

V.

Work

begins in the morning from

noon always

One hour
to XIII.

their heads

combed, and

hands and face

their

neglect they are reprimanded, for the fecond puniftied.

III.

VI.

fix to

were clean, and feemed cheerful and

allowed

VII.

Above

and a room for the infpettors which opens into the

which are infcribed the names, of the infpeclors from 17 12, and of the

a neat apothecary's fhop,

is

deacons

to

them.

vifit

fix to

eight, according to the length of the

day

and

in the after-

at one.

have begun work they are to be called over, hear prayers, and fing a hymn.

after they

Direct the puniftiment to be inflicted for not attending regularly, and their treatment in

cafe of ficknefs.

XIV.

Orders the punifhments for fwearing, injuring others, and damaging the work.

XV.

Relates to the conduct of parents

who hinder

their children

from regular attendance,

in this

houfe or

at fchcol.

XVI.

Declares the peculiar attention the magiftrates will give to thofe parents, &c.
children in the fear of

XVII.

to

The
purpofe

Bremen.

XIX.

God, and

in

made from houfe

to houfe, every

and the greateft fubfcription

I fat

their

Defcribe the rewards :o children for their attention and diligence.

contributions to defray the expence of this ufeful inftitution are voluntary

is

who bring up

obedience to thefe regulations.

is

No fubfcription

week.

thirty-fix grofche a

inquifitive friend, a

taken

lefs

and a collection for

this

than one grofchen per week

week.

an afternoon with Dr. Duntze of Bremen,

1753 and 54, with an

is

German.

who told me he was in London in.

They went into Newgate to obferve

the effects of the ventilator ; and were ftruck with an offenfive fmell in one of the rooms.

Next day they were both

jaundice.

low 5 and

indifpofed.

The

Doctor's complaint turned out a kind of

After a few days confinement he vifited his friend, and found

in a fhort

time he died with every

fymptom of the

him

exceffively

gaol-fever*

The

Work.
house.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
The

Hanover
Prison.

Hanover

Prifon at

Leyna; and

was built about

ago

thirty years

0:1

the banks

The

of twenty-fix rooms for confinement.

confifts

of the river

rooms have

lower

double doors, with large apertures over them guarded by double iron bars.
openings being oppofite to the windows afford the prifoners the only frefh

higher
the

Their beds are

allowed.

are

the head than

at

rooms

ftreet,

elevated above

them and two

the

they

floor,

and

In winter

coverlets.

but being too near the water, and lower than the

ftoves,

The upper rooms

foners.

1776,

and three criminals

whom

to

little

they mult be unhealthy, and this appears from the countenances of the pri-

this prifon in

of

(tone,

the feet, with ftraw on

warmed by

are

folid

Thefe
air

are larger

found in

and

October 178

in

1,

there were

had been confined a year, and others

fix

two marien grofche (or 2|d.) per day.

atrocious criminals.

,At

my

laft vifit

whom

many

had been committed

allowance to

the fame,

all is

Seven of the lower rooms are

found feven prifoners (one

vifited

1778, two debtors

in

twenty-nine prifoners,

The

with their hufbands, but lodged in different rooms.

months, without being brought

Seven or eight of them were women, fome of

trial.

When

apartments for debtors, &c.

one debtor and feven criminals

it

in

more

for the

each room)

fecured by chains on their feet fattened to the walls, and irons on their wrifts with a

The

bar between, two feet long.

is

keeper

is

allowed a falary, and

no

fells

of

fix

repofe,

and an

foldiers

morning

officer

that each foldier

fo

ftationed here day and night,

is

and do duty

eight,

at

is

who

are

by taking two hours

alternately

A guard

relieved every

and

truft

on guard eight out of the twenty-four hours.

various edicts for regulating this prifon are put into frames, and

hung

He

liquor.

old and infirm, and the prifon grows evidently dirtier as he grows older.

four

The

in the council-

chamber.

The
engine

execrable practice of torturing prifoners

is

The

kept.

A criminal

morning.

time, at putting to
his head, breaft,

is,

fuffered the

him

as

in

is

here ufed, in a cellar where the horrid

other countries, about two o'clock in the

Ofnabrug torture twice about two years ago j the

the third quejiion (the executioner having torn off the hair

&c.) he confeffed, and was executed.

On

laft

from

fuch occafions a counfellor

and fometimes

attend, with a doctor

the gaoler.

If the criminal faints, ftrong falts are here applied to him, and not vinegar,

as in

TION.

it

and fecretary

fome other

The

House
CoTrec-

time for

Houfe

and furgeon, an Ofnabrug

places.

of correction

is

new building

whom

made

in

were children, clothed

the houfe.

The

girls

in

an

in

Here were

vagrants, children and petty offenders.

of

ing at fo

In one

many

room
frnall

airy

fituation,

appropriated to

ninety-four prifoners, fifty-eight

a neat uniform of blue and white linfey-woolfey

were

all

fpinning cotton and iinen.

fome rooms were carding, and fpinning wool and

carpets.

executioner,

linen,

and making

The
lift

boys, in

fnoes and

there were fix boys (the eldeft only twelve years of age) work-

looms

for faddle girths

was a number of women employed

and clothes.

in fpinning.

There

In two other rooms there

are alfo

two fmall rooms for

harder

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

The

harder work, fuch as rafping logwood and harts-horn.

had been made

in the houfe.

girths, nippers

and

own

Befides their

clothes,

coverlets of

carpets for fale, fpecimens of which I brought with

lift

orders for regulating the hours of work, learning, recreation, &c. were

Both old and young were neat and clean

fchool-room.

the beds

all

Hanover

&c. the prifoners here make

The

me.

C"

*J*

hung up

in the

and every thing in the houfe

appeared quiet and orderly.

This

Mr. burgomafter Alemann, and

is

A good

him.

for

of only two years Handing, does great honour to the founder and

inftitution,

director

choice has been

monument

the beft

is

made of proper perfons

that can ever be erected

and infpect; which

to prefide,

a circumftance of the greateji importance in fuch houfes *.

In the town-houfe

Brunswick

at

there are feveral

rooms of confinement

for citizens,

The

tower, or prifon for capital offences,

is

over one of the gates.

It confifts

for fourteen years.

In the prifon for the

and

flaves, the

They had heavy

barracks were without beds.

But

a former vifit their countenances were unhealthy.

at

of three

There had been

rooms, but none of them had been occupied for a confiderable time.

no execution

Brunswick.

but they were unoccupied.

in

irons,

October 178 1, they

appeared healthy and clean, and were furnifhed with fhoes, ftockings and proper cloth-

The

ing.
vifit

irons were fixed

being on Sunday,

round

their waifts

and fhoulders, and not

obferved that their barrows, which had

all

My

their legs.

chains on the handles,

were ranged on the outfide of the houfe, ready for work the next day.

The

work-houfe, or Houfe of correclion, Hands near the river that runs through the

In October 17 81, there were here about feventy prifoners,

On

the

the

work-rooms

firft

and fecond
(it

lunatics in chains)

preventing

being

men and women fleep in boxes in

Sunday) I was much furprifed to find them

feeing

in

carding and fpinning.

them

prifoners benches, that few or

a pan of charcoal through the

all

This accounted

My

conductor

In

(except fome

for the keeper's

and concluded from the fand on the

none had attended.

rooms

the paffages.

by faying no perfon was admitted.

at chapel,

after the fervice,

city.

are always locked up.

floor the

employed

me from

however admitted

who

infilled

was

floor at

the

on carrying

but his fumigation could not overcome the offen-

fivenefs of this dirty houfe.

On
dated

one of the doors, both within and without, was hung up the following

December

12,

" That decent people may

1748.

The weight

of Bread in this city correfponded to the

Fine

Here, as

in the Pruflian

infpect the houfe

lb.

ez.

10

at

no

ajfize, tike,

s marten grofche (2|d.)

Second

4-2

Third

and many other

cities,

bonne grofche
ditto

there

order,,

but

is alfo

(3-Jd.)
ditto.

a fandard for beef, veal, mutton, pork, &c.

i(

more

House
OF

Correction.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

7*
Bruns-

more
<c

that they

is

expired, to

than four at a time

the prifoners whofe term

mud

put a

affift

(2s. 6d.) into the box, for

florin

them

in paffing

on their journey, and

" prevent them from begging or ftealing. Laftly, nothing mult be given
" keepers, or to the prifoners confined for punifhment."

to the

At Zell, in the electorate of Hanover, is a large work-houfe or houfe of correction.

At Lunenburg, I found the convicts employed on a different work from any I had

Zell.

Lunenburg.

before feen
kiln,

digging ftone from a large chalk-hill

grinding, fifting, packing &c.

hundred weight.

It

is

Many

cement.

cellent

others were preparing

for the

Hamburg and other diftant places, as it makes an exmen were employed, but the criminals, of whom there
Their allowance was one pound

of bread, and three halfpence in money

a half

it

cafks are about three

fent to

other

were thirty one, had a chain of about four pounds.

and

The

warehoufes.

in the

much

provifions

cheaper than in

England.

At Harburg

Harburg.

on one
is

leg,

there were thirteen flaves working

halfpenny worth

three

on the

and chains fupported by girdles round their

are guarded by foldiers,

But, notwithftanding

of ammunition

who have
when

this,

and

bread,

orders

the Elbe was frozen

Their allowance

They

farthings a day.

five

on them

to fire

with irons

fortifications,

waifts.

they attempt to efcape.

if

over (1780) five

efcaped to

Hamburg.
Hamburg.

In the great and opulent city of

Hamburg
my

every advantage, through the kindnefs of

the felons were

all

executioner (who

had made ufe of

is
it

gaoler)

Here

is

The

affected.

deeper

*.

execution

week

prifon was clean

in a
It

me

at chapel,

but

deep
is

Germany, and other

cellar

of

this prifon.

faid the inventor

was the

is

In the Biittulcy

decollation.

(a

telling

The
me he

omy one day-room on

rooms about ten

mark

In

1781, there were only

and they feemed very attentive

perceived by the countenance of the

torture, or the queflion,

ought

who

firft

which

one of the moft excruciating

places,
It

feet

Divine

is. 3d.).

again the torture-room, that he had feen

For among the various engines of

feen in France, Italy,

and ufed

marks

four

is

faw them

gaoler and his unwillingnefs to fhew

publication.

Voght.

no court-yard, and

is

with

vifited all the prifons

for this purpofe,

conftantly performed on Sundays and Thurfdays.

two criminals and one debtor.

and much

there are fix or eight ftrong

flairs,

Allowance for each prifoner

fquare.

1776,

The common method of

mewed me the fword kept

eight times.

Above

the ground-floor.

fervice

in irons.

in

friend, Senator

to be buried

fuffered

by

it

my

have

is

kept

ten thoufand fathom

the

laft

was a woman,

a few years ago.

Work-

The JVerkund

Tucht-haus

HOUSE.
the reception of the poor

reckoned infamous.

The

inhabitants

is

a work-houfe fituated near the Alfler, and defigned for

beggarsand

The rooms

are

petty offenders.

fifteen

feet

were knitting and fpinningj

* See the Marquis Beuaria,

Confinement

in

it

is

not

wide, and have oppofite windows.

weaving ftockings,

Chap. XVI.

linen,

hair,

and

Of Torture.
wool

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

and rafping logwood and

73

(the talk of logwood to a ftrong man is Hamburg

hartfhorn
Some men and horfes worked at a fulling-mill and a
JJjJJj^
fmith was in conftant employment. At a former vifit I faw in the great room about
three hundred women and girls; and in 1 78 the whole number in the houfe was

woo

l ;

pounds per day.)

forty-five

about

There

hundred.

fix

is

kept a regular account of the earnings, of the amount

of which each perfon receives one- fourth.

I

was happy to

and

inhabitants,
directors (or

find, at

much

lad

vifit,

a great alteration in the countenances of the

them, to examine, and give

to

who meet

cannot be faid

to cleanlinefs.

as

who muft be married men.

regents)

room appropriated
their ladies,

my

in the ftate of the houfe,

at the

in praife

governed by eight

fame time to deliver out the women's work

and too

of their care and attention.

men have

In the chapel, the

It is

They meet every Saturday in a

orders.
There is alfo a room for

room below, and

the

women

An

above.

hour

is

fpent in the fervice here every morning.

There

dark rooms for the confinement of the refractory (thirteen

are feveral

four feet

nine

There

a fpacious

is

inches,)

over which are the

which Mr.

together

Ethiopia,

and convenient kitchen and bake-houfe.

both for the men and women are too fmall.

In the room where the regents meet are
lations,

names

Fan

their

But the

names and arms; and

one of the regents, was

Hajfel,

fo

kind

feet

by

London, &c.

India,

fick

rooms
regu-

alfo the

me,

give

to

as

1766 from

with a book containing an account of the institution, reprinted in

the original in 1622.

This book contains

the

inftruftions for

governors

orders

for

the officers of the

houfe (fuch as fteward, fchool-mafter, tafk-mafter, clerk, rafp-mafter, turnkey, and

porter)

and

committed

The

regulations for the

Steward

is

to ring a bell every

for the officers, the

poor, &c. to

the keys to the turnkey.

that

all

in

management of the poor, and of fuch

as

have been

(Sundays excepted)

as a fignal

for offences.

the

He

rife

and

morning

at

five,

and prepare for prayers.

his

He

is

then to deliver

wife are to diftribute the meals, and to fee

houfe are properly inftructed

as to

moral and religious

duties.

They

and preferve good order and harmony among the other

The fteward muft not permit the poor, or the wives, children and fervants

are required to eftablifh

officers.

of the other
or

fell

officers,

any thing

for

to converfe

with fuch as are confined for offences, or to buy

them.

The School-mafier muft inftrud the" children in religion, and encourage them, at
proper times, to learn and repeat portions of Scripture.
He muft alfo teach them,
reading, writing and accounts, and a decent behaviour to thofe that vifit the houfe.

He

muft take care

wife, with the wives

that they attend

of the other

divine fervice, and are orderly at

officers,

are

ojder to guard againft mifchief, and wicked contrivances, and the danger of

it

and

his

required to examine the rooms, in

fire.

The

FOREIGN PRISONS.

74

The

Hamburg
0
^*"

on

Tajk-majler

Monday morning muft

give every perfon a particular talk fof

the week, and on Saturday take an account of

to the

muft be paid

and

The

Ikill.

felf or

wife, for his

his

linen of the houfe

The

muft keep an

Clerk

money, and

The

materials

His

wife has

the care of

their

of the receipts, and expenditure, of

exacl: account,

for work provifions and furniture.

work

prepare their

to

wood and

Every Saturday the Rafp-mafter muft

provifions.

He

and thoroughly wafhed.

The

verting with the criminals.

the

all

the

tools,

and

conduct them

to

to ferve

them with

rooms

are fwept

fee that all their

never to go abroad without being permitted by the

is

He

and delivering to him the keys.

fteward,

all

regularly delivered, &c.

it

Rafp-majler and the Turnkey have the care of the criminals

and from

to,

private advantage.

fee

to their ability

not permitted to undertake any work, either by him-

is

own

and to

In giving their talks, attention

it.

which they had been employed, and

trade in

tafk-mafter

'

muft avoid

all

con-

familiarity in

tafk-mafter with the rafp-mafter, muft carefully vifiL

the bed-rooms of the prifoners two or three times every week, and examine their

bedding and ftraw, and every Saturday get

The

all

He

a leaden ftamp from the fteward.

rooms thoroughly cleanfed.

the

Porter muft not fuffer any of the poor to

go

and obtaining

out, without leave,

muft ftand before the doors of the bed-rooms,

of the criminals while they pafs to their work-rooms

in the

morning,, and alfo when

they return in the evening.

The

Poor are not allowed to be abfent

all

night, or to bring in

company.

Such,

of them as have learned to work, and appear to be reformed and induftrious,

on

humble

their

When

brought in, they muft be examined and wafhed, and if

Every Saturday afternoon they are to be difmiffed from work
after which they are to
clean themfelves and wafh their rooms, and the court
prifoners

neceflary,
to

are.

petition to be difcharged.

are

clothed.

receive clean

fliirts,

Abfence from
others

feeing

and every four or

prayers

quarrel

mafter are punifhed by

attempt

an

fwearing,

and

fight
fine,

fix

weeks, clean bed linen.

curling,

without

or

forfeiture.

efcape, together with thofe

lying

and

cheating quarelling,

giving notice to

who

All
abet

or

fteward or fchool-

the

who commit any

violence,

or

or conceal them, are punifhed by

Such

a prolongation of their term of confinement, if not in fome other way.

as

and for
work, are to be punifhed with fhort allowance, or with ftripes
After
a continued refufal, muft be ignominioufly expofed or put into the pillory.
an efcape they are recommitted and punifhed ; but for the fecond efcape they are
refufe

to

banifhed from the city and territory.

I

obferved

in

the table of

At

great feftivals.

their

diet,

that

the poor are allowed no

meals they are allowed

rye bread,

meat, except on the.

and

at

break/aft

butter

and /upper they are allowed peeled barley, oats or buck-wheat

The logwood- rafpers and
hot, with milk (which in that city is remarkably good).

with

hemp

it.

At

dinner

beaters,

arc

allowed a double quantity of bread and butter.

The

fick

are

ailowed

DENMARK.

Sect. TV.
allowed a better

by the
In

75

confiding of white bread, beer, foup or meat, juft as ordered

diet,

Hamburg.

phyfician.

the

(confinement in which

Spin-houfe,

accounted infamous), the men were

is

employed in fpinning, in more lightfome rooms than thofe of the other houfe.

In

SpinH0USE

"

fifty-two.
1776, there were feventy-three prifoners, and in 1 781,
Here, as at fome other towns, is a prifon for flight offences (Roken-Kijle). The
punifhment to be confined for three or four days to two or three weeks, and live

To

on bread and water only.

money they bring with them

when difcharged.

The

Hofpital for the

prevent the

prifoners having any thing elfe,

taken and fealed

is

up ; but

it

is

returned to

The

(formerly the pejl-houfe) (lands in the fuburbs.

fick

what

them
Hospital.

wards being crowded with beds, the ceilings low, and the windows kept Ihut in the
days, it may properly now be called a pejl-houfe.
In this city, fuppofed to contain ninety thoufand fouls, there were but three debtors
in 1776, and but one in 1781 * : and in the neighbouring town Altena, which
belongs to the king of Denmark, there were but two the firft time, and one the lad.

warmed

At

the entrance of

many towns

in

Denmark,

K.

whipping-pod dands confpicuous

on the top of which the figure of a man is placed, with a fword by his fide, and
a whip in his right hand -f
Gibbets and wheels are alfo placed on eminences, on
which the bodies of malefactors are fometimes left after execution, to deter others
.

from

their crimes.

* I here copy a few articles from the code of municipal laws.

"
"
**

emprifonne, ni aucune peine

que

le

crime ne fut pas capital.

" Aucun

jugement prealable de

Quiconque

s'etait

fes

citoyen ne put ni etre

pairs,

pourvu

enfui, s'etait mis hors

de

qu'il

donnat

la protection

des loix.

" Les

"

&

caution

infligee fans

lui

biens de la

femme

fon debiteur infolvable

" Les compofitions eurent

"

pliques, l'apoftafie,

*f

fur le fait."

la

repondaient pour les dettes du mari,

&

le

creancier pouvait tenir aux fers

nul fauf-conduit pour celui-ci.

lieu

dans

forcelerie,

la

les

moindres

trahifon,

A. Dathe's EJfaifur VHiJloire

de

delits,

furent

mais

les

meurtres,

les

punis de mort, lorfqu'on

Hambourg, p.

t Would not fome public intimations of the puuifhment

vols forces

eut

faifi

le

ou comcriminel

and 23.

to follow crimes

be ufeful

alfo in

England?

Notwithftanding the numbers of fifhermen and loofe boys about Amfterdam, the Hague, and Schevelin,
their public walks

ftriclnefs

of the

different

police,

and beautiful plantations remain uninjured; which is owing, partly to the

and partly to the warnings given by placarts painted on boards, and hung up in

places, with reprefentations of whipping, cutting off hands, &c.

Criminals

Altena.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Criminals are never put into irons before their

hended

ad

in the

application

tion,

trial,

unlefs

when they

of murder, or fome other very atrocious crime.

made

is

which either confirms, or

parliament,

to

are appre-

After condemnathe

reverfes

fentence pronounced.

Some criminals are punifhed by being whipped in the market-place, and banifhed.
Some of the lower fort, as watchmen* coachmen, &c. are punifhed by being led
through the

what

city in

called the Spani/h mantle.

is

fomething like a tub, with an

neck.
feet

meafured one

clearer idea of

in

Copenhagen.

The

it,

have reprefented

dreaded, and

particularly

place of execution

it

is

and

out of the City.

is

by the fword than by the axe.

executing this on

prifoners,

ftate

cutting off their right hands.

allowed time to prepare

attending
is

him

a kind of heavy veft,

irons

This

Decollation

two

top,

are

is

never heard of

reckoned more honour-

common mode

of execution

breaking on the wheel

but

and

in

has been the practice fometimes to begin with

it

After

for death,

fentence of a criminal

the

confirmed,

is

from eight to fourteen days,

He

thinks neceffary.

is

the

In order to convey a

night-robberies

the

is

enclofe the

to

at

This mode of punifhment

a drawing.

in

one caufe that

is

of fome more heinous crimes the punifhment

but

This

head,

one foot eight inches diameter

Berlin,

at

the

eleven at the bottom, and two feet eleven inches high.

is

able

aperture for

as

the

he

is

chaplain

confined in a cell (or dungeon) at night,

is

room in the day.

great number for child-murder

allowed to be in an upper

Executions are

rare.

are

condemned

to

work

be whipped annually on the day when, and the fpot

where, the crime was committed. This mode of punifhment is dreaded more than
in fpin-houfes for

death, and fince

crime.

The

llavery

'

it

and

to

has been adopted

punifhment

for

has

greatly prevented the

grand-larceny has

been,

fince

frequency of the

1771, whipping and

life.

At Rendsburg

Rends-

BURG

for

life,

in

Holftein, in the guard-room at the entrance of the prifon, on

and feventeen fick. They are

and irons on one leg, with a chain
faftened to their waifts.
They work on the fortifications ; in fummer from five to
eleven, and from one to fix.
Their bread was coarfe and black, and feemed by the
tafte, to be made of buck-wheat.
Befides an allowance of bread, they .have a pay

a Hate was a
diftinguifhed

of

one

ftiver

were more

lift

of feventy feven flaves

by a brown coat with red

(a penny) a day *.

clear

fixty

well,

fleeves,

They

lie

on barrack-beds.

and healthy than thofe of the

common

Their countenances

people, poftillions, &c.

who

have opportunities of procuring fpirituous liquors.

Cop'ek-1

hagen.

At Copenhagen, the State-prifon is in the citadel. In this prifon there are five
or flx rooms, about fifteen feet by fourteen, with one window, and a cafe (or bed)

The Danifh

foldiers

have the fame

fort

and quantity of bread, and only two

ftivers

a day.

in

Plate j

C OP

E N H .A

Ct

lKT..

DENMARK.

Sect. IV.

77

Thefe rooms were clean and white-warned. I obferved here one prifoner,
an officer and foldier in the room, and another at the
The weather being then very warm,
door, though the guard-room was below.
and this is all the
(thermometer 77 0 .) he was permitted to have his window open
frefh air allowed ftate-prifoners, for they are never fuffered to go out of their
each.

who was guarded by

CopenHAG-EN.

The king makes them an ample

rooms.

their

fervice,

At

allowance for diet;

doors are opened, and they hear

the time of divine

by an oblique perforation

it

into the

church, through the thick wall oppofite to the doors.

chains fattened

obferved

and Brandt had been confined

ment of

foldiers, but

the

in

the wall,

to

Struenfee

Here

rooms, where the Counts

clofe

fome dark rooms

are

for the punifli-

no dungeons.

In the prifon at the Stat-houfe (Stadens arrejl-hus) there were nine perfons confined

The

for crimes, and eleven for debt.

apartments, which

were dirty and

obferved to be clean

The

offenfive.

There

week.

female criminals were

are

in

this

prifon

in their

Stadens

feveral

but the rooms of the male criminals

granted them

allowance

work

at

three marks (27 pence)

is

damp dungeons.

arched

feveral

refident.

chaplain reads prayers to the prifoners every day.

The

bailiwick and fervants of the court)

Blue-tower (the prifon for the

confifts

There were in it eight men and two women

of four fmall rooms, on three floors.
their allowance is two pence a day, with which they purchafe what they pleafe of

B'lve-

tower.

the gaoler,
as well as

who keeps
in

houfe, and has

public

the prifon at the Stat-houfe,

women, whofe rooms were a

the

from the court.

a falary

Here,

could not but obferve the neatnefs of

The

of the men-}-.

thofe

contraft to

own

reafon

is,

and are more

attentive

criminals from the garrifon,

and con-

that the gaolers wives infpect the apartments of their

fex,

than their hufbands.

The
victs
fide

Stoft-haufe

from

is

Here

near the ramparts.

of the court belonging to

each of which, though

this

high, has two

Over them

and

alfo a chapel,

which has no

faw a hundred and forty-three

flaves,

night

and

as they

one

f a

leg,

Count

many

Struenfee

"

what a

t The

clofe

both

legs

Thefe

rooms

for the

Here

Some had
had iron

firft

off their clothes

two years, and thofe very

others

one

by a brown coat with

They never put

in

having been confined above three months, when he

terrible death, exclaimed,

two

diftinguifhed

of them almoft naked.

fome heavier chains on

of barrack-beds.

gallery, the ceiling being very low.

who were

have new clothes Only once

did not wonder to find

tiers

there are

red fleeves, and breeches likewife of both colours.

at

On

to llavery.

rooms on the ground-floor,

are two

prifon, there

only ten feet

rooms, being crowded, are unhealthy.

lick;

condemned

the different claffes of the people, are

came

collars

out,

flight,

chains

light
:

on

one was

though in view

bleffing is frefh air !"

reverfe

is

common

in

England.

chained.

StoctHAUSB.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

78
Copensiac?-

chained by his wrffis to a wheel-barrow.

On

ha use.

about fifteen

The

feet

diftrefs

fervice

who

the

at

lay

and defpair

*.

on barrack-beds.

in

My

the pale and fickly countenances of the

vifit

firft

chapel, where, of the

They

wheel-barrow was one.

fat

was on Saturday

at

door.

Service being ended, the flaves

different

parts of the

man

the

firft

down.

pafled

prifon always gave

me

to the

were properly

beyond

dirty

then

a head-ach, fuch as I fuffered

The

my

at the

revifited

their

At

defcription.

from

were

flaves

went

and two with bayonets fixed, flood

chapel,

found the prifon put into better order, and fwept.

vifit, I

chained to the

benches, and foldiers

moft of them lay on barracks,

rooms, where

the next day

few that attended,

together on

placed

my

offenfivenefs of

firft vifits

to the

prifon s.

JLngliJlj

Thefe
from

&c

down ten Heps, there are feven arched dungeons

with one window eighteen inches by twelve, in which

by feven,

fhocking to humanity.

this

underftood, were punifhments

to efcape,

the other fide of the court, and

were eleven prifoners,

third

Thefe,

upon thofe of them who had attempted

inflicted

flaves
to

five

work on

the fortifications, and their time

eleven, and

from

one

to

black bread every five days, befides a pay of one

fummer, when they work more hours, a

guard confifting of twenty

foldiers.

for

working

Their allowance

fix.

ftiver

and

is

a day

ftiver

in

in

In returning from their work,

is

pounds of

winter, and in

They were

half.

fummer,

feven

attended by a

obferved that

fome of them were chained to one another in pairs with loofe chains. Thefe, I found,
were fome of the worft, who had pafled under the hands of an executioner and were
branded
Spinhouse.

on

a flate fifty eight in this clafs

and eighty-five, of the

firft clafs.

In the Spin-houfe there were about three or four hundred prifoners forting, carding,
f*pi nn n
g wool, for the king's manufactory in this city f. The rooms are fpacious,
but notwithftanding this they are clofe and offenfive, the windows being kept fhut.

ant

In the court
rafping

or

employed
fick.

The

in

man
women were

faw feveral fmall rooms, with one

chopping logwood.

Sixty-fix

carding and fpinning in one room.

furgeon told

me he apprehended one woman had

obferved in the windows of this

all

each, employed in either

confined for

Separate rooms are

probably was a miftake, for upon examining her pulfe

diameter, on

in

the bars where

and two other

prifons,

found

life
J, and all
afligned to the

the gaoh fever

it

but

this

ftrong and quick.

an iron ring, of about three inches

they crofs each other at right angles, to prevent their bcdng wrenched

out.

t The King's military cloth manufactory was built in 1760. It is four hundred and twenty-five
long, and employs from five to fix hundred perfons.
All the wool fpun in the feveral houfes of
Great quantities, efpecially of
correftion in the Danifh dominions is brought to this manufactory.
feet

the finer fort intended for clothes for the officers, are fpun in the houfe here defcribed.

\ See page 76, line 22.

In

DENMARK.

Sect. IV.

79

The

In the Almindelige or great hofpital, there are near a thoufand poor.

of one of the wings

fix feet

two hundred and feventy-five

feet.

length

Almin-

In a paffage (too narrow)

D ELIC,

wide, are feveral rooms, in each of which about ten or twelve perfons were

employed,
earn,

is

moftly

Being allowed

worfted*.

fpinning

in

own provifions, according to

room or two which belonged to

There was a

directors f.

gentleman) whofe

keep

to

regulations

they purchafed their

all

they

fettled

can.

by the

a manufacturer, (a Scotch

out and take in their work, and to pay for

office it was, to give

it.

There being no work-rooms, the bed-rooms were crowded. The fewers are very
properly detached from the reft of the houfe, and there is a paffage to them from

* It was a hardihip on the aged and infirm, to be obligid to fpin wool, when they had been long
accuftomed to fpin flax or hemp, which

cleaner.

is

f This being a good, though not common mode of a/li/ling the poor,
regimen for the Sick, as figned by the directors, and hung up.

give the Table of

here

Diet, with the

Regulations of the price of provifions, fettled by

Soup of pork,

Sunday.

the feafon

or lamb, with

beef,
i

pot for a fkilling

N. B. A pot is about an Englijh quart

Grout made of Fekmerjke grain,

Monday.

with fauce and muftard, a

the directors, January

I,

ijSi.

cabbage, or other vegetables according to

of beef, or 3 lods of pork, a /killing.

carrots,
lads

a Jkilling, a halfpenny

lod,

half an ounce.

three quarters of a pot for a fkilling.

Iceland dried eod,

fkilling,

Peafe foup, three quarters of a pot, a

Tuefday.

Wednesday.

fkilling.
Beef and pork, as on Sunday.
Grout made of buck-wheat and water, three quarters of a pot, a /killing.

Thurfday.

Coleworts cut fmall and boiled with beef, pork, &c. one pot for a

Friday.

Gray peafe prepared with vinegar and

As on Monday.

Saturday.

The cook

/hall alfo

cheefe, and herrings

more than a

/killing's

keep and
alfo

fell

to

the

Danilh brandy

according to the

poor,

at eighteen /killings a pot,

/killing.

of a pot, a

/killing.

regulations, bread,

beer,

provided that no perfon

butter,

purchafe

worth in a day.

Regimen
Sunday Dinner.

flour, three quarters

Beef, mutton or lamb

of meat, a

flice

foup, with

for the Sick.

roots

or greens, and four lods

of wheaten bread with butter and bread upon

Monday.

Grout of Fehmerfke grain, with butter and fweet milk.

Tuefday.

Water-gruel, with fugar and vinegar.

Wednefday.
thurfday.

Grout of buck wheat, with butter and milk.

As on Sunday.

F riday.

Barley or rice foup, with fugar, vinegar and prunes, and a

butter and beef upon

of meat, or inftead

it.

flice

of wheaten bread with

it.

As on Monday.

Saturday.

In cafe the

phyfician

or furgeon finds

it neceffary to change the diet of any patient, the cook mu/l

provided it does not exceed the value of the ufual regimen. Boiling
water and water-gruel muft be always ready night and day. Patients are allowed no other provifions
but the above-mentioned, and are prohibited the ufe of -/pints and ftrong liquors. Dinner is at eleven,
and fupper at fix.

prepare

whatever

is

ordered,

Lunding.

JVendU.

Csrtfeti,

every

FOREIGN PRISONS.

00
Copenhagen-.

every ftory, by a gallery open on the fides

The

offensive.

which

is

in

at eight,

Frederick's

Hospital.

The

the centre.

on Sundays, and has a

befides fome

falary

open into the

floors

every morning, and

He

chaplain has fix rooms and a kitchen.

but he has no other charge to attend.

perquifir.es

from being

galleries of the chapel,

of three hundred dollars a year, (a Danifli dollar

is

officiates
is %s.

yd.)

clerk officiates

allowed two dollars a week.

Frederick's Hofpital, (or the royal infirmary,)

area,

which prevents the

paffages of the feveral floors

is

an elegant building, and has a fpacious

Many

with pleafant walks for the patients.

of the poor citizens are admitted

on paying feven Danifh marks (a mark nine-pence)

a week, or if they have feparate rooms, fourteen.
Thirty foldiers may alfo be admitted,
who, if fingle, are obliged to give up their whole pay to the hofpital, and if married,
and maintained

The

half.

and

felf;

Of

thefe,

gratis

others,

number was one hundred and

men, and

forty-two

bed

eighty-five

himwomen.

to

one hundred and fifty-eight were under the care of the phyfician, and

nine under the furgeon.

of patients.

The

would have

Here,

proper feparation

wards are not crowded

once every year.

it

Each of them has

wear the clothes of the houfe.

patients
their

If

were

this

and

univerfally

it

the cuftom to

is

fixty-

two

thefe

white-wafli

hofpitals

their

in

praftifed

effea. The Diet

a very beneficial

made between

is

and

forts

them

prifons,

which was hung up in the

table

wards was as follows.

FULL
Dinner
Sunday.

DIET.
Supper

at One.

Soup with forced meat balls ; veal

lamb or beef fteaks
cutlets ;
;

with

Hafty pudding
with eggs

at Seven.

butter

bread

and

butter

beer.

paftry or pudding. Bread and beer.

N. B. Bread and beer

Monday.

Bouillon

Tuefday.

Broth with

lamb

veal or

meat;
Wednefday.

with

foup

or ale every day.

barley

pearl

N. B. Bread and butter and beer

Water-gruel with

raifins,

every night.

and toafted bread.

fricafee.

toafted

wheaten bread and

Hafty pudding with butter.

roafted, or boiled.

fifh

Bouillon-foup with rice

boiled veal,

Soup of bread and beer.

lamb or beef, with fpinach, four

krout, cauliflower or carrots.

Thurfday,

Soup with bread dumplins, or green

cole

Friday.

Soup with greens, eggs and

bread

Saturday.

Rice milk

toafted

filh

Soup,

three

rye

pints,

with

beef four

bread half

a pound j

beer a pint.

Bread and

DIET.
Supper

at Eleven.

ounces, or lamb five ounces with

;

As on Monday.
Cherry-foup with toafted bread.

or fteaks.

COMMON
rice

foup, with rice or Scotch barley.

beef and horfe-radifh.

DikneI
Sunday.

Wine

broiled meat.

beer or ale every day.

Thick barley boiled

at Six.

in water with grits,

a pint,

bread
and butter a quarter of an ounce j rye
ounce ; eer
half a pound, with butter half an
a pint.

Bread and

butter

and beer every

night

Monday,

DENMARK.

Sect. IV.
Monday.

Soup and meat, with Scotch

Tuefday.

Soup and meat, with oat

81

Water-gruel, with wheaten bread, vinegar and

fugar; or cherry foup with wheaten bread and

barley.

Co penhag en,

fugar.

Thick boiled barley with

grits.

butter.

with wheaten

Water-gruel

Wednefday. 'Soup and meat, with rice.

and

vinegar

bread,

fugar.

As on Tuefday.

Thurfday.

Broth, with toafted bread and meat.

Friday.

As on Monday.

Barley- foup with vinegar and fugar.

Saturday.

As on Tuefday.

Rye

as

on

and weekly one ounce of congou

tea,

and water hafty pudding,

flour

or,

Tuefday.

Each

patient has for breakfaft

two

bifcuits

and half a pound of white fugar. The foup

For fuch

and a pint of milk

(hall

be well fupplied with vegetables according to the feafon.

patients as are confined to particular diet, the phyfician or furgeon, inftead of the ufual food,

wheaten bread.

barley-foup,

cherry-foup,

orders, veal-foup,

Broth and

water-gruel

is

forrel,

fpinnach,

codlins,

afparagus,

french plums,

and

always ready for ufe.

Frederick's Hofpital, iftjuly, 1774.

Braim.

The

Berger.

Johannffen.

Thuljlrup.

Liunge.

Hennings.

Rottboll.

Hofrnan.

Marine Hofpital contained one hundred and fifty-feven patients, feparated

Their diet and regimen are
to their different diforders.

from one another according

Their beds have no curtains

the fame as in Frederick's hofpital.

The wards

be beat and aired.

are carried out to

and

are fpacious, and

Marine
Hospital.

in fine weather

care

taken to

is

keep them cleanly, by warning them every week.

In the Hofpital for the education of poor children,
twenty-five boys
I

almoft

all

of

whom

there were two

had cutaneous diforders and

hundred and

fickly countenances.

found no proper management here, and the rooms were clofe and dirty.

director fhewed

In

me

the fick rooms,

The

chaplain,

company through fome of

beds

little

neat.

St. John's

who

was

circumftance peculiarly bad for that fort of

here in a neat houfe,

formerly

were drawn up by Major

of the building

for

lain to the garrifon

At Copenhagen

me

with his

It

is

de Pflug,

one of the quadrangles

a well regulated

who

eftablifhment.

The

is

the

regula-

publifhed them in 1773, with the plans

which fcarce publication

am

obliged to

Mr.

Trefchow, chap-

*
in the beginning of July 1781, I

7 ounces for a Danilh ftiver (equal to

20 ounces

favoured

The windows, though oppofite to one another,

The houfe was clean the floors fauded and the
the military hofpital which is now removed to

the wards.

ufe except for light.

This

refides

great poor-houfe juft defcribed.

the

Hospital.

the peft-houfe,

Chriflians Flege-huus, a fpacious building in the city;

tions

When

the rooms were Jtck rooms.

and ftands half a mile from the

is

was warm, the windows were fhut

were of

all

were about a hundred

the wards there were ten or

patients.

him,

H0USE

men and two hundred women. In each of two of

Though the weather
twelve fmall rooms for the infane.

which

John's Hofpital,

St.

city, there

told

Orphan-

penny Englifh)

of the fourth, exactly two pounds.

bought four
of the fecond

forts
fort,

of Iread; of the
10 ounces

fineftl

of the third

had
fort,

SWEDEN.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

SWEDEN,
In

travelling through the country in

Denmark

cleaner than thofe in

difference in the prifons

an

offenfive as thofe in

Sweden,

But

Some

Denmark.

me

led

this

obferved the houfes to be

hope

to

was difappointed, for

much

fhould find the fame

was told they were

efpecially as I

from the chancery.

officer

and

every Saturday by

vifited

found them as dirty and

Stockholm are near the water;

of the prifons at

the city, which ftands on feven iflands, being well adapted for that fituation.
When
I attended at the trials in the court of juftice in July, the want of frefti
air, in confequence of the windows being fhut, affected me fo much as to make me ill a confiderable time afterwards.

There
fouthern,

are three

mud

(called

The

general
is

prefent

from whence they may appeal

it can be executed.

Smed-garden)

mode

afterwards

King

of execution

fet

on

has humanely aboliflied

was prefent four or

five

and criminal caufes were

feated at one

end of a

manner of fwearing
to

to

all

in

to parliament,

one of the courts of

burgomafter

and on each

a witnefs was

the

reft

by requiring him

in

gold

his

man

for

beating his wife,

to put

In civil

The

was

The

In fome

and while one was under

in

trials

both

caufes,

In

petty

for

plaintiffs

and

a profecution

obferved that one of the fenior magiftrates pleaded

book of

laws,

called

hearing the law read and the fentence pronounced,

them

the profecution.

in

in

again

and

might be affured of the

fail,

after

they bowed and departed at

gaoler told me, that agreeably to the king's order, the door-way had been bricked up.

infilling to fee the wall that 1

civil

two fingers on a Bible,

and then withdrew with the parties concerned

judge, having confulted

The

chain)

after the burgomafter.

defendants prcfented memorials, and fome were allowed counfel.

the wife's caufe,

fcaffold,

when many

juftice,

(with

feveral

others,

adminiftered.

on a

a dark cellar applied to

were not allowed to be prefent, except

when no oath was

offences,

The

which

fide four or five other magistrates.

pronounce the words of the oath deliberately

examination,

are beheaded

torture,

The

tried.

caufes only one witnefs was fworn

of a

one in die

confumed with the body.

and ordered
be bricked up *.

hours

table,

Women

by the axe.

is

the four corners, and

fire at

this purpofe in the great prifon,

and

in the northern fuburbs,

comfirm the fentence before

which

one

in the city itfelf.

Criminals while confined in thefe prifons, are

If the offence be capital, they are after condemnation fent to the great

not in irons.
prifon

Stockholm;

prifons at

and the other

found the cellar

ftill

On my

open.

different

SWEDEN.

Sect. IV.
different doors.

83

obferved in petty difputes, a reconciliation fo hearty fometimes

taking place, that the contending parties fhook hands, and went off together fhedding

of joy.

tears

In the prifon called Norr Kiamndrs Ratt for the northern fuburbs, (which are four
times as large as the city

had

in

it

itfelf)

only three prifoners.

The

allowance,

It

there were alfo fix rooms;

four of which, having their windows nailed up, were very dark, dirty and offenlive.
five prifoners almoft

through a fmall aperture

and

and

airy,

are

full

as

His room,

of idle people

who were

In the prifon for the

city,

The

door of each room.

fometimes ufed

prifons, fells liquors.

was

in the

confequence of receiving no

in

ftifled,

an infirmary.

like thofe I

^k^tt

{id.) per day.

fix flivers

In the prifon for the fouthern diftrict Soder Kiamndrs Ratt,

Here were

Norr
**

there are two juftice-rooms and fix other rooms.

Soder
Kl AMNARS

Ratt.

except

air

other two rooms were light

The gaoler

here, as in the other

have too often feen

in

my own

country,

drinking.

rooms were very

called Stads Kiamndrs Ratt, the

dirty,

The

and the windows of all, except one, were fhut.

befpoke neglect and oppreffion. Here were two

countenances of the prifoners

rooms appropriated to criminals

Stads
Kl AMNARS
ATT "

condemned for a certain term, to bread and water. In one of thefe rooms there were
two perfons, who feemed almoft flarved, being allowed only fix flivers worth of
bread, (2d.) per day, and that fold them by an unfeeling gaoler ,
Here is no
chapel ; nor are the prifoners ever allowed to leave their noxious
coffins are

kept ready for the dead.

The

(to

cells.

obferved

which criminals are fent

after condemnation) is a brick

has a court enclofed with high planks, or palifades.
In one of the rooms on one fide of this court, I faw two barrack-beds and three men

Smed-garden

building in an airy fituation.

one of them loaded with

may

they

It

Their allowance

irons.

purchafe what they pleafe.

Two

is

fliver

fix

flivers per

Smedgarden.

day, with which

worth of bread weighed exactly

twelve ounces.

On
where
the

the other fide of the court

I

women

refts

till

is

the chapel, and the apartments of the

faw five prifoners at needle-work, but none

are never put into irons.

his execution,

which

is

There

in

irons

women

and, I was informed

a bed in the chapel
where the convict

is

fometimes three weeks

two days before

this

his

irons are taken off.

The men are allowed to walk in the court from eight to nine, and from four to
women are allowed the fame privilege, but at different times.
The Prijon for debtors is in the city, and confifts of two rooms on the frrft

five

the

and two over them.

Here were

fixteen men,

and one woman.

floor

The rooms being

Seeing thefe miferable objeas thankful for a fmall donation of bread, I faid
to the gaoler,

"

tence for twenty-eight days muft be very fevere." He replied, " it is good for their
health."
make a good conjecture of the ftate of a prifon, from the countenances of the prifoners

a fenI

can

:
complacency
and fubmiffion appear under kind treatment, even though the
apartments be bad, and the allowance

fcanty.

aU

Debtor
Prison.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Stockholm.

all

day paid by

This prifon being

was informed,
Spinhouse.

The
0

The

open, they aflbciate with one another as they pkafe*.

ftivers a

j^ Qm

is

whom

infcription

on a

one of the moft unhealthy.

over the door,

But

of prifoners was

Stockholm*

Stad

Spin-

the extremity of the fuburbs,

declivity, at

day:

in

that

all

hundred and eighty

done by any prifoners more than

is

paid for, at the rate of two ftivers a pound

to

entitled

is

airy fituation in the fouthern fuburbs.

twenty

faw in a room, forting, carding, or fpinning wool

is fix

every

obliged to fpin two pounds and a half (equal to about three thoufand

of yarn

ells)

has an
ftands

it

The number

and near a lake.

or twenty- five of
prifoner

be removed to a more

Rafp-houfe

allowance to each

on default of payment they are releafed.

a clofe part of the city,

in

to

it is

or

Spin

^ ajp

their creditors

abridgment of

an

term of confinement,

their

this,

and, as a farther reward, they

they are

become

proportion to their

in

diligence.

The women's
were

fickly,

apartments were clean

and

their

rooms

The rooms employed

of the fpruce

On

fir

inquiry,

which,

ofTenfive.

The men were

mould have been, nor the women from

the boys as they

it

as an infirmary

had

in

five fick

it

men and boys

but the countenances of the

and

dirty

not feparated from

the girls.

were clean, and ftrewed with the young moots

women, and

five or fix convalefcents.

found the fcurvy was a prevailing diforder here, efpecially in Auguft;

doubt not,

to the ufe of falt-fifh

diforder, for the

owing

is

prifoners

which they are required

want of

to clofe confinement, to the

and other

fait

Some

provifions.

their admifiion

at

to bathe themfelves,

are

cleanlinefs,

and

precautions are ufed againft this

examined by the furgeons

and to continue

after

this as a practice twice a

month.

They
the

attend prayers in the hall of the Spin-houfe every day

morning and feven

in the

perfon in the office of an

.50 per Annum,

the keeper.

which

am

care of interefted

is

vifited

infpetlor

any credit

charitable

There were

was clean and neat.

* One advantage which

Two

arifes

{hough a conftant practice here,

f "We muft look

in

and

fummer,

at fix in

four.

has a convenient houfe here, with a falary of

and four times more than the

falary of

-f.

inftitutions

rooms there were only feven beds

infpeflors

in winter, at eight

Neither the condition of the wards, nor the appearance of the

Hofpital for the fick.

all

and

perfuaded of the impropriety of trufting fuch eftablifiiments to the

men.

fome

large for this country,

prifoners, did this infpetor

Iospital.

evening

in

this

city

for humanity,

not

will

a diftinct

bed was

juft

mention

the

In the largeft of the

allotted to each patient,

and

of the rooms were appropriated to venereal patients.

from the feparation of prifoners

is

in it thirty-two patients.

common

is,

that

it

prevents taking garnijb

this,

in foreign prifons.

care and attention, only in thofe houfes where there are not refident

with large falaries, as in Holland,

Hamburg,

Switzerland, &c.

The

RUSSIA.

Sect. IV.

The

and

floors, as in the other hofpitals

in

with the young moots either of the fpruce

<e

one of the furgeons told me,

moft of the private houfes, were ftrewed

fir

or juniper tree

was done to prevent infection."

it

Akren, the principal furgeon, through the wards, and faw

Three or four pupils

and four other attendants

aflifted,

having afked the reafon,

him

one of

^AU

the patients.

drefs

whom

HL

Mr.

attended

Stock-

Ho s

was a

woman

carrying a bafon of water

RUSSIA.
In

Russia the peafants and fervants are bondmen or flaves, and their lords (or
may inflidt on them any corporal punifhment, or banifh them to Siberia,
on giving notice of their offence to the police. But they are not permitted to put
them to death. Should they, however, die by the feverity of their puniihment, the
matters)

penalty of the law

evaded.

eafily

is

notwithftanding, of great attachment

Inftances,

of peafants to their lords, in confequence of good treatment, are not uncommon.

gentleman was Ihewn

brought him

his eftate,

tion that he

Debtors in

this

at

all

mould keep

twelve roubles
cafes

me

Peterfburg, whofe peafants, hearing of his intention to

money they had

the

his land,

of private debts,

if

when he

but

if

he

fails

to

is

it

him, upon condi-

as Jlaves

by government, and allowed

which goes towards difcharging the debt

any perfon

demanded

give

will

roubles a year as long as the flave lives, or

the flave

and gave

faved,

continue to be their mafter.

ftill

country are often employed

yearly wages,

and

fell

till

fufHcient

the debt

fuch perfon

may

produce him when demanded,

is

is

fecurity

to

In fome

f.

pay twelve

paid off j as alfo to produce

him out of confinement

take

liable to

pay the whole debt im-

mediately.

There

by the

are

no regular gaolers appointed

Little or

military.

Second

lib.

fort,

coarieft, near

f One hundred
%

in Ruflia,

attention

is

9^02.

41b.

coptcks is a rouble,

f
r

but

all

the prifons are guarded

paid* to the reformation of

The feveral forts of bread in Stockholm were

The fine white,
1 lb.
-j
The

An

no

prifoners.

exactly according to the ajfize.

for two-pence Englilh.

and a rouble about four

ihillings.

impracticable fcheme has been advanced by a late author to oblige debtors in England to

off their debts

by

their

own

labour.

The Marquis

and Punijhments, had propofed fome fuch fcheme

but in the third edition he acknowledged his miftake 3

and confeffed that he had injured the rights of humanity, and was aihamed that he had adopted
fiderate

work

Beccaria, in his former editions of his EJfay on Crime?

fo incon-

an opinion.

In

Russia.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

So
Russia.

Jn

the inftructions for a

and humane
ff

diftinction

is

new Code of laws by the prefent Emprefs, however, a very juft;

made between prifoners of different claffes. " One ought

not to confine in the fame place,

"
"
"
"

only appearances,

The

punifhment.

an accufed perfon, againft

i.

who

a convict, 3. a criminal

2.

accufed perfon

only detained ;

is

but with refpect to the former of them, the prifon

with refpecl to the latter,

There

no

is

punifhment of the

knoot is

more than

often dreaded

The governor

Peters-

BURG

me

all

of the police

inftruments

the

machine (now out of

or

the

lacerating

is

death,

Petersburg was

at

for

ufe) for breaking the

and

that

fo

punifhment

marking

the

the

fix a

and another called the

The

Knoot whip,

thongs about two

is

cat,

which

feet

half,

the

(which

criminals,

is

done by

the knoot whip

to ten.

a foot long, and confifts of feveral

in length twifted together,

tough thong of a foot and

a fingle

block

inftrument for flitting

number of thongs from two

of a

confifts

wooden handle

fixed to a

common

time for fhewing

axe and

punctuation, and then rubbing a black powder on the wounds)

Knoot.

but the

it.

kind as to

arms and legs

for

and fometimes a criminal

This punifhment feldom caufes

often the confequence of

commonly ufed

noftrils

are imprifoned:

the punifhment itfelf*."

it is

has endeavoured to bribe the executioner to kill him.

immediate death, but death

there are

prifon as a

to

only a part of punifhment

is

punifhment for any crime but treafon

capital

whom

condemned
the two others
is

the end of which

to

is

faftened

tapering towards a point, and capable of

being changed by the executioner, when two

much

foftened

by the blood of the

criminal.

Auguft 10,

178-1,

When

foldiers.

into a ring

faw two criminals, a

They were conducted from

of the knoot.

man and
prifon

a woman, fuffer the punifhment

by about fifteen huffars and ten

they arrived at the place of punifhment, the huffars formed themfelves

round the whipping-poft, the drum beat a minute or two, and then fome

prayers were repeated, the populace taking off their hats.

firft;

and

after

cords to a pofl
tight.
fipft

being roughly

made

ftript to

for the purpofe,

The woman was

the waift, her hands and feet were

man

(landing before the poft to keep the cords

fervant attended the executioner, and both were flout men.

marked

his

ground, and ftruck the

taken

bound with

woman

five times

on the back.

The

fervant

Every ftroke

feemed to penetrate deep into her flefh. But his mafler thinking him too gentle,
pufhed him afide, took his place, and gave all the remaining ftrokes himfelf, which
were evidently more

fevere.

preffed through the huffars,

board.

Both feemed but

The woman

juft alive, efpecially the

fome

to receive a fmall donation with

to prifon in
after,

little

received twenty-five, and the

and counted the number

waggon.

as

man

fixty

they were chalked on a

man, who yet had ftrength enough

figns of gratitude.

They were conducted back

faw the woman in a very weak condition fome days

but could not find the man any more.

*

Inf.ruftion, (3'(. Art.

CLXXI.
In

RUSSIA.

Sect. IV.

many

In the Fortrefs there are

now

ufed for the

who work on

the fortifica-

Fortress.

vaulted rooms, fome of which are

confinement of deferters, and criminals of various

forts,

glad of the privilege of being employed in the governor's garden,

which he gave them for their labour. Others, with logs to

Some were

tions.

8*
P *" R S *

for the fake of the flour

Thirty-five were crowded into

were drawing wood out of the Neva.
one of the rooms, which therefore was excemvely hot, having only two fmall apertures
In another part of this building,
(ten inches by nine) for the admiffion of air.

their legs,

feventy-five Haves with logs failened to both their legs, were lodged

which were

(till

more

clofe

offenfive.

in

four rooms,

In a few rooms (ufed as barracks) fome

Every room was furnifhed with an oven or

were confined.

officers

and

ftove,

and moft of

them with barrack-beds.

room nine women, and

In the Police prifon there were in one

men.

forty-four

men, moft of them

fifteen

the

in irons.

two other rooms

I

perfons fick.

All the prifoners fubfift on

voluntary contributions, collected in boxes before their grates, and at church.

is

Prisons,

faw

In a room called the infirmary, detached from

of the prifon, there were feven

reft

in

In two fmall and low arched cellars (very hot and offenfive)

This

the advantage they derive from the church near the prifon, for they are never

all

permitted to enter

guards of

it,

or to

go out of

their

rooms

except on particular occafions with

foldiers.

In the Nezv government prifon behind the courts of juftice, there are barracks for the

guard near the rooms of confinement.

The number

of prifoners was fixty-eight, in-

cluding two confined for debt, and twenty-feven male and female vagrants and petty
offenders,

all

crowded together

In the fuburbs

on both

Many

legs.

were boys

into

one room.

a Prifon, confiding of feveral timber houfes, furrounded with

In one houfe

palifades.

irons

is

faw twenty-five prifoners,

Some were out

at

in

many

Prifon for Debtors

confifts

little

with

is

a large court

of four vaulted rooms communicating with one

another, and furnifhed with ftoves and barrack-beds.

mitted to go out of their rooms.

high

In tne middle there was a

They feemed under clofe confinement, though there

which they might be allowed to vvalk with fafety.

The

all

loaves of bread for the prifoners, like that

for the foldiers.

in

fix,

work, and the whole number was near eighty.

of twelve or fifteen years of age.

kitchen, in which was an oven and

another five or

They

boxes placed before the windows

fubfift

The

prifoners are never per-

by alms received from paffengers

Debtors
P*on.

in

but government fupplies them with wood for

fuel.
One told me, he had been confined for five years, for a debt of fifteen
roubles;
and another, four years for twenty-five roubles.

(or houfe of correction) is building

in this city, fituated near the
an elegant, though plain building,
with fifty- feven windows in front,
and two galleries at the back-front fupported by
pillars.
There
an afcent of

nver.

Spin-houfe
It

is

is

a few fteps to the

firft

floor; all the ftaircafes are ftone (five

feet wide);

the rooms
are

S ,i*H0USE '

FOREIGN PRISONS.

83'
Peters-

by twenty-three

a re about thirty-three feet

the

windows

from the

fix feet

floor

the middle of which are apertures fourteen inches fquare

ceilings are lofty, in

the

and

the roof confifts of thin iron plate.

I vifited

feveral hofpitals in this city with pleafure, the rooms,

being as clean as thofe

The
Military
Hospital.

Holland

in

but

and the marine

hofpital for foldiers,

chiefly of brick, in a morafs, near the

e jg nt fpacious

There

read.

I fhall

hofpital,

The

Neva.

from a great quadrangle,

a chapel in the centre, but

wooden

ftru&ed of wood, about eighty

palifades,

feet

which

in

in a ruinous ftate,

hanged himfelf in

unfinilned, becaufe the builder had

area or field enclofed with

it is

built

Military hofpital confifts of twenty-

rooms, befides two or three anatomical rooms

is

even of the infane,

mention only two or three.

it.

At

little

lectures are

having been

left

diftance in a large

there are fourteen or fifteen houfes con-

by twenty-one

in each of

or forty-five beds or cradles, admitting one patient only.

which there are forty

The

centre houfe has four-

teen fmall rooms opening into a clofe paflage, and very ofFenfive.

Marine
Hospital.

The Admiralty

or Marine Hofpital has two floors.

unc er arcades, and are clean and

airy,

on one

fide

The rooms open

into a gallery

having windows oppofite to one another, and

Four of

looking towards the Neva.

thefe

rooms were occupied, and

in

one of them there were forty beds, each admitting only one patient.
this hofpital, in an area or garden enclofed by palifades, is a row of
fummer rooms for convalefcents, each a feparate building, feventy feet by
twenty-fix. They were clean and fweet, and ftrewed with the young fhoots of the fpruce
fir.
In the centre building there are rooms for warming water for bathing
as there

At the back of

feven

were

Bathing

alfo in the military hofpital.

This provifion of fummer rooms

By

the higheft commendation.

hofpitals are contaminated

the hofpitals are

House

Educa
tion.

On

a rifing

but ever fince

the conftant practice of the Ruffians.

a wife expedient peculiar to Ruffia, and deferves

the conftant fucceffion of patients, the walls of other

but in Ruffia, by lodging patients in thefe fummer rooms,

be frefhened and purified.

left to

ground

the river Neva, there

is

is

at

is

diftance from Peterfburg, and on the fouth fide of

little

a ftately pile of buildings, originally defigned for a convent,

1764 converted by the Emprefs

Catherine the Second, into a public

eftablifhment for educating the female nobility of Ruffia, and a limited

children

The

of commoners.

remarkably lofty and

airy,

number of the

fleeping rooms and dining-halls in thefe buildings are

having large

galleries

round them

and adjoining

to the

buildings there are fpacious gardens and lawns, which extend to the banks of the river.

The

the children of

the

children of commoners, or peafants was,

number of
number of the

hundred and
*by a fund
liberal

forty

but fince

this

nobility

year

this

eftablifhment

by her imperial
8

this,

till

is

two hundred

and

1770,} limited to two

has been increafed to two hundred and eighty,

provided by the munificence of general

head and director-general of

eftablifhed

it

on

and

all

De

Betjloi,

the enlightened and

the other inftitutions of the fame kind

majejiy.

The

RUSSIA.

Sect. IV.

The
The

principal regulations for conducting this inftitution are the following.

Peters-

children are admitted between five and fix years of age,

* and continued on the
'

House

They

eftablifhment twelve years.

of nobles with

each

fifty in

are divided into clafTes according to their ages, fair

and four of commoners with fevemy

clafs,

in each clafs.

every third year on the 21ft of April, (the birth-day of the Emprefs)

of the

and feventy of commoners are taken

nobility,

in, to

fifty

In

children

replace the fame numbers dif-

charged.

Before they

them with

The
at

rife

rife

every morning, the windows of the rooms are thrown open to purify

frefh air.

firft

clafs (drefTed

in

brown, and confiding of children of the youngeft ages,)

and

feven in winter,

at

weather

coldeft

their

year, they

back

are

to the houfe,

allowed no

and from

by compulfion.

Twice

in

where

they

confifts

continue

till

to

After

noon,

to be entirely withheld

to
lefs

After

dinner

fimilar to that in the

they

morning,

continue to divert themfelves

At

it,

till

which

but care

leffons

they are

taken to render

is

this eftablifhment

dancing;

in

called

learning the French

and

this

at

is

at

laft,

while in this and the next

clafs,

in order to cure

them

in

foups,

age they are fubject, and

this

which

they are allowed meat

at firft

alfo

to

danger through the hooping-cough, meafles and

return
viz.
till

nine
in

they return to their play in the garden,

from them except

of fome cutaneous diftempers

allowed for

and never difcontinued, becaufe

For fome months

prepare them for paffing with

fmall-pox.

eleven

is

which time they are called to dinner,

at

of foup, vegetables, &c.

comes

receive

the clafTes,

all

but they are gradually weaned from

it

than water.

nothing being taught in

week they

the

reckoned conducive to health.

of them

of milk and water ; but after their

fewing, &c.

knitting,

in

common

of education

a part

each

year,

glafs

other drink

the inftru6lion they receive agreeable,

all

being warned and attending

hour to eleven are employed

this

and Ruffian languages, and

firft

and a

breakfaft, a fmall loaf of white bread,

firft

After

garden where they breakfaft, and play about in the

During

nine.

till

fummer.

in

fix

prayers, they are taken into the

at

the

to

garden,

and

four,

at

have a repaft

of bread and a glafs of water.

a loaf

Here they

feven they are called to flipper, which confifts

in winter of dried

fruit, milk and grain ; and in fummer of preparations of milk,

and fome provifions from the garden. It may be proper to add, that they read
and write ftanding, and are not allowed to fit down, except to needle-work. In

confequence of

this

management, and of living

fo

much

in

the

to exercife, and cleanlinefs and a firnple diet, they are feldom

air,

known

and being ufed

to take cold

and become capable of bearing the fevertft weather of the climate without
receiving
any harm, their clothing being only a fhort wadded cloak, wh.ilft others
are loaded
with

furs.

The Jecond
to apply

more

clafs (dreffed in

blue) enter

it

about eight years of age, and are obliged

clofely to writing, drawing, dancing,

&c.

The

burg
of

^iosf"

FOREIGN PRISONS.

9c

The

Peters-

third clafs (dreffed

rIfe at five '

House

*"

aftin

Educ.
tion."

in

becaufe

in

grey) enter

farmer, and

the

fix

They

eleven or twelve years of age.

at

it

in winter

but are called to the houfe (after break-

the g arden j) an hour fooner than the children in the firft and fecond claffes;
more time is wanted for inftructing and improving them. They are now

taught (befides drawing, dancing, turning *, needle- work, &c.) vocal and inffcrumental
mufic.
They are allowed a ball and concert every week; and a tafte for books is

by putting them upon copying and reciting

infpired,

felect

paffages

from the

beft

authors.

The

fourth clafs (dreffed in white) enter

it

are taught tambour-work, houfe-keeping, the

into hiftory,

management of

geography and natural philofophy.

and to exercife themfclves

ally give balls

The

at fourteen or fifteen years

and

in politenefs,

In order to acquire a juft elocution,

fame; but the inftruction given the

latter, is

The

is

as

the

as are fuitable to the

humbler

which they are intended.

for

on

children

degree of health.

this

Of

foundation

fifty-one

enjoy,

as

might be expected, an uncommon

children of nobility admitted in 1764, and

mitted in 1767, and fifty-two in 1770, none had died in 178 i; and of
ted at different

by the particular order of the Empre/s,

times,

1780, only two had died

and feventy

in 1767,

and

confined to needle-work, reading, houfe-

keeping and fuch other occupations and improvements

life,

claffes

regimen, &c. are concerned, the method of managing them

far as diet, exercife,

walks of

commoners, only

camlet of the colours appropriated to the different

finer

initiated

and vocal and inftrumental mufic, they occafion-

children of the nobility are diftinguifhed from the children of

by wearing a

They

of age.

&c. and

company from Peterfburg.

operas to

little

a family,

in

178

1.

Of

fixty

1770, only feven had

in

1764, thirteen had died; in confequence,

it

children

died,
is

in

178

alfo
1.

fifty

ad-

admit-

fifty

between 1764 and

of commoners admitted

But of

fixty

admitted

in

fuppofed, of having been lodged in a

part of the buildings which had been juft erected, and therefore was not fufficiently
dry.

This account

owe

to the obliging information of Dr. Guthrie, phyfician to a mili-

tary cadet corps of nobles, eftabliihed at Peterfburg by the Emprefs,

and fuppofed the

grandeft inftitution of the kind in the world.

Crok&1ADT

At Cronstadt
'

were lodged

in

(or

feveral

a hundred foldiers,

two,

who were

fick

who
:

Crownstade)

the principal

rooms enclofed by
attend

them while

the reft were

palifades,
at

work.

removing the

ftation

for fhipping,

and guarded by an

the

flaves

officer

with

In the rooms, there were only

ballaft flung

They

out of the mips.

had healthy countenances, and were robuft and ftrong, though their diet feemed fcanty.

The
* I

cay

following

was obliged

vifit tc

is

their

allowance from government.

To

to the ladies for a very curious piece ef their 'work in ivory,

each for

diet,

leventy-

which was preferred

to

me on

'Mi houfe.

two

RUSSIA.

SCT. IV.

two pounds and

a half (about

65 Englifh pounds) of rye flour*, feven pounds and a

pounds of fait, every month. For clothing, a

half of hurley or buck-wheat, and two

fheep-fk'n pelife; coarfe

and

a pair

fhirts

cloth coat, waiftcoat and breeches} woollen hat and fur cap,

of drawers every two years

of coarfe linen for

CronsrADT

and every year, fixteen

and thin drawers

arjhins (about I2-| yards)

three pair of ftockings, three pair of fhoes,

two pair of fur gloves, and a pair of fheep-lkin

cangees.

Fuel

alfo

is

allowed by

government f
in

The number of flaves, malefactors and debtors is in general about two hundred,
November 178 1, their number was only one hundred and fifty-one, viz. flaves

debted to government and malefactors, thirty-four

mifdemeanors on

lords for crimes and

is

to be

Admiral

for a

new

many

fpacious rooms,

perfectly clean, with eight

all

Two

every room, each bed admitting one patient only.

and on

their beds

Books were hung up

they belonged.

little

him

diftance

from

at the

hundred and feventeen of the

doors of the rooms, containing an account

&c.

diet,

feven rooms for convalefcents and

this building, there are

fcorbutic patients, feventy-two feet in length and twenty-three in breadth.

them were occupied, one of which had

in

it

fifty-five

common

There was here

in Ruffia,

as the cleanlinefs

alfo a

room

Four of

beds, and the reft almoft as

kitchen and bake-houfe were feparate buildings

wholefome and good.

for a

or ten beds in

were marked the names of the fhips to which

of the numbers of the beds, the prefcriptions,

are

will

and judicious countryman

Cronftadt, built by Peter the Great, and intended by

at

patients were failors

The

one, which

Greig.

In the Hqfpital

one hundred and feventeen.

ground marked out

erected under the fuperintendence of our attentive

palace, there were

At

in-

debtors, and peafants fent by their

their eftates,

fay nothing of the prifon, becaufe I faw the

but

many.

and the bread appeared to be

for the hot, or

vapour baths, which

and which undoubtedly conduce grsatly to the health,

as well

of the inhabitants

Auguft 22, 1781, the number of patients in this hofpital was five hundred and fifteen.
Thofe attended by furgeons were feparated from the reft, and the appearance of all of
them lhewed plain proofs of the care and attention paid them. An officer vifits the
hofpital every day,

and makes a report to the admiral

* The French prifoners in England have been defirous of having their allowance in flour,
that they might
make their own bread, as the Ruflian flaves do, who alfo, both here and at the fortrefs, make for themfelves

a fermented liquor called quas, two barrels of which I faw in the rooms.

t The expence
copecks

for every flave is twelve roubles a year

for clothes,

three roubles and forty-eight copecks.

namely, for
I

owe

this

diet, eight roubles

and fifty-two

account to the kindnefs of Admiral

Greig.
X ttPMofoph;cairranfa{2ions,Yo\.LX\flll.

1^78.

At

Hospital.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
At Wyschnei Wolotschok

the prifon

enclofed with palifades of thick planks.

pubhc works,

in the fuburbs, conftructed

is

Here were

fixteen prifoners

of wood,

anct

employed on the

but one, in irons; two were loaded with irons on their legs, and

all

chained together by the neck.

In the prifon at

new

is

prifon,

prifoners in

Tver

The rooms

there were twenty-fix prifoners.

were fo offenfive,

gentleman did not choofe to look into more than one of them.

that a medical

but

hope not a model

and likewife

it,

for

others,

mentioned,

in the prifon laft

has been

as

on charitable

fubfift

It

The

reported.

contri-

butions.

The

great Prifon at

Moscow,

Kalufka OJlrog

is

of a brick building there are four wooden cages,

in the
in

Near

the neck to the wall, with irons on their legs.

fuburbs*.

In the

room

firfl

which were two men chained by

this

room

there were feveral

rooms

for the examination and punifhment of criminals.

At

the back of this building

rooms

fix

The main
forty -four.

The

a court fixty feet wide, with a guard-houfe in

is

and

prifon,
It

is

on the outfide

is

two hundred and eighty

feet

by two hundred and

enclofed with ftrong pieces of timber fixteen or eighteen feet high.

entrance from the court juft mentioned leads into a walk (twenty-four feet wide),

on one

fide

of which there are three other courts, and four on the oppofite fide of
In thefe courts there are a number of wooden houfes confiding

different dimenfions.

of one, two or three rooms

every

room having

or chapels, where divine fervice

1

women,

in

which were

to allow the prifoners to

is

There

was feventy-four.

ten,

The whole number

read.
is

in

The

irons.

in the courts

and whofe crime,

appropriated to.

doors of the houfes were open

faw a Ruffian gentleman,

who was,

was informed, had been cruelly whipping

and

except the houfes in the two upper courts,

where, in a building occupied only by himfelf,

always locked up

it,

of prifoners in September

court and two rooms

diftinct

but none

walk

barrack-bedfteads or fbelves in

In two of the courts there are fmall rooms-

an iron-lattice door, with another of wood.

178

it

for confinement.

his

flaves.

One
in the

centinel flood at each corner of this prifon, one at the centre of the front, three

middle walk, and two

In the walk there

at the entrance.

is

the well, and a fhed.

or but for the fale of quas-f, apples and bread; and on the outfide of the door

boxes to receive the alms of pafTengers

many

the prifoners fubfifting chiefly by charitable

contributions

t Quas
ufed

ir.ftead

The

am

obliged to Mr. Dichinfon for a drawing of this prifon, and of the botanic magazine.

this favourite liquor

of hops.

of the Ruffians,

is

a fort

See Phdofephical Travfaclwns, Vol.

prifoners here,

who

are

condemned

of four fmall beer, in making which wild mint

LXVIII.

departure
to the mines in Siberia, three days before their

chained, through the ftreets, crying for charity, to fupport

them on

is-

1778.

their long journey, their allowance

go

being

RUSSIA.

Sect. IV.

At

the

prifoners,

New government in
of whom fourteen

a large

9.3

room on the ground-floor, there were fixty-nine

They were petty offenders, fubfifted on

Moscow,

were women.

In a room. up

charitable donations, and looked dirty and fickly.

ftairs I

law eight

criminals with irons round their necks, chained with a heavy chain to a log.

of the rooms a foldier flood with a drawn fword in his hand.

The Prifon for debtors in this city was very dirty. In

In each,

five rooms I faw above a

hundred miferable wretches lying on the floors, moft of them half naked. At a little
diftance from thefe rooms there were fix criminals in one of the moft ofTenfive rooms 1

Debtors
Prison

ever entered.

The
from

Military prifon

is

fituated in

the middle of a plain at Butirki, about a mile

a fingleroom, into

is

though only twenty-nine

prifoners,
is

It

this city.

which were crowded one hundred and

feet

conftrucled of wood, furrouided with

of barrack-bedfteads withou. beds.

tier

by

and not nine

twenty-fix,

wooden

The

palifades,

finding fo large

at

felt

a nunber

as

Prison *

feet high.

It

and furnifhed with two

pale fickly countenances of the pri-

foners befpoke oppreflion and mifc-y, and prevented the

wife

Military

thirty

wonder
the

in

fifty-five

fhould have other-

ward appropriated to

the fick, in the military hofpital.

at the door.

\ centinel was planted at each corner, and two

the outfide of tht palifades there was a well, and two or three

On

buildings or barracks, in one of

whua were

confined

nine officers,

but they had

beds.

At the back of Catherine hofpital in th invalids court,

one room, there were fifty-two men and fev nt een women.
in

weeding

in

in a prifon confifting

only of

Prisons,

The women were employed

men in m ty n g a moat at a palace about half

a
p
They had no irons, r> were diftinguifhed by a black crofs on
They work from 0 rning till night, except for two hours
clothes.

the garden, and the

mile from the prifon.

the back of their

>

about noon, and are allowed three copecks woia Q f bread in a day
held from them by way of punifhment.

One of my
all at

the palace garden, and the

At

women

offenders,
in

js

wkh _

canal, c ers cutt i ng

in

h e barcerry hedges

in

weeding.

a Convent about a mile out of the city, there

were -employed

jaU

happening to be on a Sunday was furprifed to find the

prifoners

vifits

work; fome piling and planking the

for petty

but

fawing wood, and the

is

room which

men 4

which there were two

latter

were

fi
.

work

Their drink was water, and their allowance of bread fo

js

ufed as a pr ;ron

ve women<
j

The former

n the palace garden<

R u ffian

pounds each every

day.

Here

is

a palace unoccupied,

in 1772, confifting

are about nine feet wide.

for a healthy prifon, the

rooms, of a proper
.

which was ufed

as a

of near a hundred rooms round

On

going over

it,

Lazaret in the
time of the plague
a

court,j

could not

ie corr ] dors

but^^

court being fpacious, the fituationear

0r pafiages

wag we jj

riyer

a(j a p ed

an(j

fize,

The

RETT -

FOREIGN PRISONS.

9+

The

Mimt*ry
Hospital,

Military bo/pital, founded by Peter the Great,

ground near a
in

On

river.

two of which there were eighty-eight

rooms

thefe

there

read four times in a week.

are

At

&c.

thecary,

patients,

Adjoining

greater diftance, but on a

little

but

from the

military prifon.

At

cleaner.

purified

more than

it

floor

in

Over

which lectures

for lunatics,

are

confifling

and a back room to each for

more elevated

vifit

fpot,

there

is

of four hundred patients, each

this

building there were fifty-five

the w^rds were dirty and offenfive

me w^n

company, and

his

found

moots of the fpruce^r with which the rooms were

the

all

/
building conftrucled of w>od, for drying herbs, plants,

is

there.

the complet^ houfe for the purpofe

It is

(eighty-one feet by twenty-eight).

and

riling

rooms;

flung open fome of the windows in one large ward, and this

many of which grow

firft

firft

*.

In the garden

floor,

my

a fubfequent vifit the phyfician favoured

at

them much
ftrewed

Botanic
IdAGAZ

In one part of

containing about thirty beds.

patients

houfes for the director, phyfician, furgeons, apo-

feveral

alio

wooden building

is

large quadrangular building, in which were upwards

room

on

fituatecl

the other two were repairing.

by twelve and a half)

(fifteen feet

There

a keeper.

finely

two anatomical rooms, and a third room

ar-e

of twelve rooms

is

the ground-floor there are four lofty and fpacious

or feven

fix

variety / plants were drying

men were employed

was divided into two rooms,

in

cluing them, and

wh'h were

in

in

on the ground-

The

cutting roots.

many double

&c.

ever faw

cafes, or drawers,

(the upper, half as large as the under ones' painted green, with the names of the

and

in

All the windows

Thole herbs which

were open.

On

v*"

fhutters in the houfe, and the lids

e dry,

were

as

of the

green as when they were

firft

gathered.

of herbs drying on

full

over the portic (^1X feet an d a half wide) herbs, roots,

a balcony

and feeds are dried.

cafes,

roor ov er thefe, was

The

roots and herbs they contained.

poles;

com-erfing with the phyfiLian, conce /n g t,ie treatment of the fick when the plague was at Mofcow
urs in the gaol-fever, viz. bark and good broths, with as
" it was nearly the fame

jn 1772, he faid,

Ie ^"dent of the Royal Society, in his

difcourfe at the AnniThe late Sir John
verfary meeting, 36th November 1776, ir/ms us at P aS e l6 that " the late Dr. Mounfey, F.K. S. who had
lived long in Ruflia, and had been Ar} ter nnder two frcceflive fovereignshappening to be at Mofcow
when he perufed the Obfervations on/ Jail-fever was induced to compare what he read in that treatife

,-nuch air as pofiible."

rifons of that lar e cit : but to his hrprize, after vifiting them
S
y
with what he mould fee in the feve/P
0 ( for tne late em prefs then fufFered none to be put to death)
all, und finding them full of male/

" he could difcover no

fever

known there. Upon

"

>

his

among 6m >
return'

St *

nor learn that an X acute diftemper peculiar to jails had ever been
p eterfburg, he made the fame inquiry there, and with the fame

refult."

In this ancient capital of Rtf'

1 * und

and

formerly in the caftles of Engla/

Svo.

edit.

ilill is

1780, vol.

II. p.

34./

a principal caufe of the/

n0 trace s of any fuch prifons or dungeons

as

were

in feveral foreign countries (fee Burn's Jujiice, under gaol

^ nat crue
fever

no

mode of confinement
fy

m pK>ms

in

many of our

of which fever did I

fee in

common

and

gaoler,

prifons, has been,

Mofcow, or

and

in any part

of Ruflia.

Paulowjki

Moscow

RUSSIA.

Sect. IV.
Paulowjki hofpital
trance

is

by

is

on an

fituated

a flight of feven fteps.

fitting

of feven rooms

Here

is

a chapel

the beds were linen, and not crowded, and

rooms hung with white painted

two furgeons

to which there

The

linen.

apothecary lives in

in neat houfes in the fpacious court

one

ftory

but a more

and the

it,

adjoining

There

are

in

which being
afcent

built

round an

three feet and

is

rooms hung with paper and

buildings twelve

thefe

allotted to every patient.

Thermometers

but the heat of the

are kept in the

clean,

A feparate

rooms of

this

was many degrees above that which the furgeon

air

bed

and other
faid

was the proper temperature (10 degrees of Reaumur's fcale), all the windows being
fhut.
There are fmall ventilators in the windows; but they can be of little ufe unlefs
the windows are daily opened.

or pewter

tin

fame attention

was pleafed to

fee in every

over a copper bafon^ with

cijlern,

to cleanlinefs

two pumps, by which,

in

in cafe

all

of

our hofpitals,

water

fire,

tozvels

At

may

room of

thefe hofpitals

and wifhed there were the

the front of this hofpital are

be eafily raifed to the top of

th'e

buildings.

Here were

feveral

rooms with beds

been occupied for fame time.

Adjoining,
military
foldiers

inoculated patients

for

Here were

but none of them had

alio feparate buildings for venereal patients.

another court in which there are feveral rooms, tolerably clean, for old

is

invalids.

Their number was about eighty, and fome of them had ferved

as

under Peter the Great.

I repeatedly vifited the great Foundling hofpital in this city at the particular defire

good general De

the

Betjloi

Peterfburg, which

may

my

Coxe's

readers to

The

of

air

Mr.

foundation of

the ground,

this

but having giv.en a defcription of the convent at

be thought fomewhat of a digFefTion from

pamphlet

and Paultnvfei

of

for an- account

hofpital

my

of

St

fubjet, I refer

this hofpital f.

being ftone, and elevated confiderably above the

of

level

obferved feveral apertures (twelve inches by feven) in the itonework, for caufing a circulation
under the floors. If apertures were alfo made in the floors, they would be conducive to the
health of
1

the patients by frefhening and airing the rooms.

t The public is much obliged to Mr. Coxe, for the account he has given of his examination of the prifons
and hofpitals in his tour through the northern parts of Europe, and for the many valuable
remarks which he
has made, in a pamphlet entitled, Recount
of the Prifons and Hofpitals in Ruffia, Sweden, and Denmark. Printed
forr. Cadell.
1781.

The
jo oz,

tember

bread

Peter/burg and

at

coll eight

178.1 at

Mofcow was good.

iofechy fecond-fort,

Mofcow, the

coarfe fort, 3 lb. 10 oz.

iIospiTAL

and fpacious.

this hofpital

with a number of beds not exceeding feven or eight in each room.

hofpitals,

Paulowsm

clean and neat.

belonging to

The

elegant court, and painted white, have a pleafing effect.

is

en-

a large garden.

is

Catherine hofpital confifts of feveral houfes of

a half*.

all

finifhed, containing fix airy

is juft

The

city.

of wood, and only one ftory high, con-

and very near, flood a building for venereal patients

convenient building for fuch patients

director and

about a mile from the

airy fpot

It is built

55

lb.

14 oz.

line white, 12 oz.

five

In Auguft 1781 at Peterfburg, fine white bread,

copecks

coll three

third fort,

copecks

fectnd

lb.

fort,

8
1

o.z.

lb.

two copecks. In Sep-

lb. 5 oz. three

copecks

two copecks, or one penny Englifh,

POLAND,

Ca T HE*

INE

Ho PIT At.

'

I'OREIGN PRISON

96

Warsaw

In Warsaw,

Prisons,

eight

September 178 1, there were twenty-fix men and

at the 'Town-houfey in

women, crowded

into three

rooms on the ground-floor

Down

reafon of which was, that the prifon was repairing.

dungeons

for criminals, four

on each

gaoler, the prifon being guarded

At

in irons.

for confining debtors; the

feveral fteps

were eight new

There was no

fide a paffage only fix feet wide.

foldiers.

near the palace, in two rooms there were feven prifoners, five of

the prifon

them

by

S.

Allowance a good grofche

which

a day,

more than

a little

is

three half-

pence.

The entrance to another prifon was through a guard-room full of foldiers. In one
room (twenty feet by ten) were twenty-fix miferable objects, fome fick on the dirt floor.
In another room, not fo bad, there were four.

new

In the prifon in the

and

woman

for theft

city there

their allowance

women

were a few

confined for debt, and a

date on the front of a prifon near the Viftula informed

There were eighty-one prifoners

Molt of them were employed

city for the inhabitants,

labourers

who

in

in

man

one good grofche a day.

it,

wood and

fawing

me

it

was

rebuilt in 1769.

whofe beds were mattrefies fluffed with

flraw.

other occupations in the ftreets of the

get their labour at one third

lefs

than the expence of other

the public being at the fame time eafed of part of the expence of fupporting

them.

Zucthhus.

In

the fuburbs

is

the Zugth-hus y or fpin-houfe, improperly fo called,

many of

the

Some, however, were employed;

the morning to fcVen at night, with two

miferable wretches feeming to have nothing to do.

and

their allowance for

hours

reft at

working from

feeding, or rather (as appeared

on

floors

fix

in

noon, was two grofche (3*d.) each per day, which went to the keeper for

by

their looks) for ftarving

of dirt, without medical or any other

afliftance.

The fick were lying

me fo unfavour-

them.

This gave

able an opinion of the police of this country, that I could feel no inclination to vifit

the prifons in the provinces, or, (according to

my

confiant praclice in other places) to

re vifit thofe in the capital.

Hospital.

The

Great Hofpital (or Enfant

lor urn immortali et inviftbili foli

eight hundred

Jejus)

has this

Deo, Honor

grown perfons and children of

clean, and great attention

to their ufual practice.

feemed

Moil of

infcription over the gate, Regi

et Gloria.

There were

different

to be paid to the fick

ages.

fsai-

in this hofpital near

The rooms were

all

by the good ffers, according

the children were foundlings.

Thofe who bring them

put

SILESIA.

Sect. IV.
put them

into

lame time

at

the

confequence of which notice, perfons attending within, turn

in

bell,

97

a cradle hung at the outfide of one of the rooms, ringing

Warsaw
HospiTAI

the cradle on an axis into the houfe, where the children are immediately taken care
of.

As they grow up they

and

fexes.

at the

and ringing

refpecr. to

work

in different

girls,

At both

vifit,

Convent of

ways

neat,

all

my

vifits

needles,

at their

found an

their ages

fuitable to

working

the countenances of the

attentive

and

numerous inhabitants

him.

the only inftance of the kind to which

In the fecond

The

to

belonging to the Fratres mifericordia

city

convent in this
is

it

wards

the

in

ihewed their love and

and

made

fame time a hymn.

affectionate fuperior

The

are

faw a hundred and thirty

found uncleanly;

have been witnefs

in this fraternity.

the wards were fumigated with juniper berries on burning coals.

Roque alfo I found clofe, crowded and offenfive, the windows

St.

being kept Ihut.

In the Hofpital of

miferable

objects,

Martin there were

St.

In the Hofpital of

in

many

of both fexes.

fick,

Lazarus appropriated to venereal patients, there were fixty-one

St.

clofe offenfive rooms.

one of the worft hofpitals

It

badly fituated, and in

is

all

refpe&s

ever faw *.

SILESIA.
In October

1781

informed me,

in

vifited

1689.

It

moft of which there

in

may be

criminals

none

in

irons.

there

Breslau
Prisons.

a piece

chained.

of timber on the

arched rooms on different ftories;

floor

with a ftaple in

alfo

are double

is

doors, one iron-latticed within another of

Near one of the

city

At "Warfaw there was

gates

no
I

wood

this is

the top of the

This prifon has

fteps.

and oppofite

to the

guard-room, there

two circular rooms, each of them nineteen

purchased of feveral bakers,

then

At

doors are placed for preventing efcapes in the night.

two dungeons down ten

confifts of

which

found a prifoner or two

a very proper contrivance where prifoners are always confined.

ftaircafes trap

to

it,

in fome of the rooms, but

two pounds of bread each, a day
(one hundred
pounds are equal to one hundred Englifh). To mofl of the
I

Their allowance

and twelve of their

rooms

is

the City-prifpn at Brejlau, built, as the date on the front

confifts of twenty-three

regular

affixe

of bread;

yet on

found bread chafer here than

in

feet

is

a Prifon

and a half

weighing the various

in

which

diameter.

forts

which I

any other part of Europe which I had

vifited.

One

FOREIGN PRISONS.

93

Breslau
Ptusolr

Spinnous*.

One

appropriated to

is

men and

women

the other to

each there were eleven

in

pri-

who, by the Governor's order, are employed out of doors for feven or eight hours
every day.
Their allowance is, two pounds of bread a day, befides fire and candle.
f ners >

In the Spin-houfe, fituated near the river which runs through the town, there were

are allowed meat three days in the

week

and

their

rooms and beds appeared clean

the latter are allowed meat only on the great holy-days

During

year.

The former

poor people, befides eighteen prifoners committed for offences.

thirty-fix

the

reft

They

pounds per day of tolerably good bread.

eleven every morning, and from twelve to

longing to

this

.that

is,

four times in the

of the year they fubfift on foup, and an allowance of two

work-houfe, divine fervice

is

are

employed

in fpinning

the afternoon.

fix in

In

from

fix to

the chapel be-

performed every Sunday andThurfday,

the poor fitting on benches in the lower part of the chapel, and the prifoners in the
galleries.

CoNvgNT*

In the Convent of the Frafres niifericordia, there

the fick
I

faw eight or ten

The

friars

themfelves

friars

for

ferving the fick with their dinners between ten and eleven.

dine at eleven.

went again

from any country are admitted into

Patients

every year a

of the admiffions and deaths.

lift

feven hundred and forty-eight, and the

ward with forty-three beds

and they were going

at four,

All was clean and neat.

to fupper.

thefe

is

twenty-five feet and a half wide, and the beds about three feet afunder.

it is

numbers were

fix

hundred and

two or three other

vifited

number

fifty-nine,

this

convent

and the

friars

publifh

number admitted was

In 1776, the

that died was fixtyfour.

In

1780,

and fixty-one.

hofpitals in this city, but faw nothing remarkable.

GERMANY.
Berlin
Pri'son.

AT

Berlin,

in the City Prifon called Catands Hoff,

ground-floor, and

down

ten fteps eight

dungeons

there are eight

thefe

rooms

rooms on the
by

(thirteen feet

nine feet four inches) were numbered, and had barracks and ftoves, one ftove for

The dungeons are for the more atrocious criminals, of whom I faw
who were chained to ftaples in the wall. In 1778 the number of
was eighteen men and thirteen women; and in 1781 it was fifty-eight of

two rooms.
feveral

in

prifoners

irons,

both fexes.

Two

a dayeach.

This allowance

debtor

is fet at

prifoners,

men
the

of

liberty.

when

their

thefe

were debtors;
is

The allowance
procefs

is

to

finilhed,

for an hour each time, at eight, one,

women

for

one hour only

whofe allowance

paid by the creditors, and

in

criminals

is

if

is

two grofche (3^d.)

omitted one week, the

one grofche and a

go into
fummer, and

half.

The

court;

the

are permitted to

the

and four

three in winter

the day,

in

from two to
7

three.

The

prifoner,

at

his

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

pays the gaoler a grofche a day, for the time he was confined hefore

his

difcharge,

his

procefs was

be finifhed

9?

finifhed, unlefs

in three

months

and

the judge orders otherwifc.

not, the fecretary

if it is

The

procefs ought to

required to give account

is

After three months imprifonment, the fee to the gaoler

of the caufe of the delay.

Here

only half a grofche a day.

who

a head-keeper,

is

Berlin
prison,

is

has apartments in the prifon

a furgeon whofe
an under-gaoler whofe rooms look towards the prifon windows
a chaplain
falary is fifty crowns (ecus) a year, befides the pay for his medicines
;

and a

fecretary

falary

who keeps

(greffier)

committed the

religion

place

entered

are

following particulars

the

was

the books,

magiftrate

of nativity

and the number of

ten columns.

in

whom

by

One

The time when

name age

the prifoner

of confinement

of the judges

head keeper's

In a book which he keeps

was committed

he

condition caufe

prifoners.

The

&x.

papers,

crowns and twelve grofche a quarter.

fifteen

is

time

obliged

is

his

to

of difcharge
the

vifk

prifon

once a week.
in a

There were only three or four prifoners

go

to

that

the court

into

confederates

their procefs

till

may

not be together.

in the day-time; but at night

Thefe

of the prifon.

There

no

is

it

One

example

one of the rooms of

this

my

all

Germany of

in

who have been

them

( Haus-Fbightey),

in the Pruffian

in

prifon *.

the other

the

Here

much fever er

punifhment.

Thefe rooms look

and over

into a court, to

All the rooms have barracks and

two or three good rooms

are

la

names and defcrip-

confined in this prifon, in order that

which prifoners have accefs two hours in a day.

as

dominions, for the

there are feven cells for criminals,

eight rooms for debtors and fmugglers.

ftoves

back

at the

abolifhing the cruel practice.

fhould they be found here a fecond time, they^nay fuffer a

In the Court-prifon

guards the prifon

every two hours.

prifon are alphabetically digefted,

the fentences, of

are permitted

conductor informed me),

foldier at the gate,

any of the prifons

torture-room in

whom

room, none of

finifhed (as

guarded by one within, and another

is

foldiers are relieved

prefent king has fet the

tions, with

is

for debtors

adjoining to the keeper's apartments, and feveral rooms in a back court.

Creditors

allow each debtor two grofche a day, and one for firing, befides paying one to the
gaoler.

Here were

Allowance

thirty-fix prifoners in

to criminals

is

178

one grofche a day.

nine of them criminals in the

punifhment, called Spanijh mantles (fimilar to thofe mentioned

one weighed

fifty,

the other feventy-five pounds

gate of this prifon, and

Here the criminals had

by fmugglers

fire

in

all

the

Copenhagen

at

p. 76.),

they are fometimes worn at the

at the cujlom-hoiife, one, two, or three hours.

ftoves,

though early

propriety of this, the gaoler afked me, whether criminal's

On my

cells.

here faw two of that fore of vefts foi

faying that in fome prifons they had not; he replied,

in

had not

O&ober.

fire

On my

allowed them in

" How then do they

exiji in

obferving the

my

country

winter?"

The

Court
Prison.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

100
Berlin
Maison
DE

Travail.

The
1758

Maifon de travail,
the front

The number

has a court in the centre.

hundred and

a fpacious building in

is

two hundred and twenty

is

the fuburbs

feet, the fides a

of inhabitants in

was ere&ed

it

hundred and

fixty.

1778, were about

in
It

four

including fourteen children, and in 1781 five hundred and forty-fix.

fifty,

Beggars, idle perfons, and petty offenders of both fexes are fent to

who can work

Every time

aged and infirm.

to the

this houfe.
Thofe
and proper care and attention paid
was there, I was pleafingly {truck with the

employed, fed, and clothed

are

cleanly appearance of

Old and young, men and women, were

by twenty-four. All

inhabitants.

the

all

fpinning and carding wool, in rooms about feventy-five feet

have clean linen once a week

The
and
fex

and

obferved a towel hanging up

apartments are white-wafhed once a year

Here

work-rooms.

light to the

alfo

was prefent

feven, twelve, and feven.

minutes

at

all

were

feated

fepaiate tables were at a

filence,

The

and neatnefs,

galleries,
is

after ringing

eighteen to

table, joined

after

about a quart, and they were

all

a bell, in ten

each

in

And

aH

after

which the children, who were

all

at

their cans, each containing

After fpending about half an

with fmall beer.

filled

Four

table.

fervant having called out,

went out and fetched

The whole was conducted

they had half an hour for recreation.

at dinner,

for each

the hours,

*, while they were eating, he read part of

hymn,

then fung an

which,

one

fpacious:

the fchool-mafter prayed at the defk in the middle of the room.

a chapter in the Bible

hour

at dinner-time

diftance for criminals.

little

two

hall for meals

about twenty tables,

had helped themfelves with barley-foup

one

a chapel with

is

and an apartment for the chaplain.

each room.

in

gives frefhnefs

this

with the greater regularity.

In

morning prayers,

the hall are

take their bread

and

for

breakfafl.

at

The

which

In

1781

there

were

more confined than the

poor.

Both

claffes

poor

the

firjl

tafk

is

criminals.

it.

allotted to

the fecond clafs

or lentils

of the

eighty-fix

two

into
latter

When

all

the other rooms, are two

Sunday, peafe

are

Their weekly
do more, they

Wednefday, barley

old rafp or
is

much crowded. Dinner

and half a pound of meat

Tuefday and Saturday, flour

and fuch great attention

tafted

the

who

they are fick, they are fent to the great hofpital ; where the

them, and
is,

claries,

clafs,

have the fame nourifhment, except that

(or knots), each weighing five ounces: if they

This houfe refembles the

neat,

muft attend clean, and then they

have meat twice a week, and the fecond only on Sunday.

twelve pieces

are paid for

room

all

inhabitants are divided

paid to

work-houfe
all

at

Monday and

Thurfday, peafe.

Amfterdam.

confined in

for

Friday, beans

it,

It

is

exceedingly

as prevents every

ground

the barley-foup, the bread and die beer, which were wholefome and good, and they had'

enough. They have

butter or cheefe, with their bread for fupper.

of

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

The

of complaint.

from beggars

were

there

Orphan-boufe

the

In

and good

ftrict

police preferves the

of Berlin entirely free

city

*.

boys

forty-fix

and

forty-one

girls,

healthy

all

employed in fpinning wool in two fpacious rooms. I looked into

their bed-rooms and obferved them to be clean and airy, having oppofite windows
which were thrown open. From feven to nine o'clock, and from one to three, they
and cheerful,

are at fchool

There

and from nine

two

are

to eleven,

my

there

Copenhagen

exhibits a contraft to that at

which

and three to

which

infirmaries in

conductor there pretended

they work.

fix,

was only one

This houfe
Jick child.
though the employments of the children,

be the caufe of their

to

cutaneous diforders,

are the fame.

At Spandau, about ten miles from Berlin, are two

and

hundred and

five criminals.

Some few

the talk for each, thirty-fix pounds a day

badly lodged, and

criminals were

a light chain to each foot,

They had

no women

for

and

knitting,

Sundays, in

this

fuch as were taken after an efcape had

and

Here

are

1778, there were about a hundred and fifty perfons,

manufactory in Berlin. Forty-feven of

in

fmall

for

They have

offences.

the female prifoners attended.

houfes of correction which

have feen, are without a

(^\h.)

meat

only

on.

Here were fome rooms with

and fome other houfes of correction.

filk-worms, on which

The

fpinning.

attention paid to them.

carding wool for a

men, committed

thefe were

them were

little

are ever permitted to continue a night in the caftle.

corretlion,

In the Houfe of
fpinning,

be

to

in it in 1778,
were rafping logwood ;

latter

but moft of

Fortrefs or caftle,

confined

In 1781 there were a hundred and fourteen prifoners.

a collar of iron.

none but men,

were

of the

there feems

The

prifons.

Thirty-fix ftate prifoners

furrounded with water.

is

Neither

nor any foreign

this,

chapel.

The apartIn 1 78 1, there were feventy men and one hundred and ten women.
ments of the latter were neat and clean. Their dinner was good foup made of
but the bread was not fo good as at the work-houfe at Berlin ; the daily
barley
:

allowance was twenty-two ounces, together with two quarts of beer.

work more than

few fome-

made between
the prifoners-, and fuch as are reckoned infamous, are confined in a room by themI made the fame inquiry of the keeper here that I had
made in fimilar
felves.
times

their tafk,

and are paid

for

it.

dittinction

is

houfes,

whether the work of the prifoners maintained them

The fame

general,

anfwer was given, no, no.

*

That the

police

is

indeed Arid! and extenfive

various parts of the city;

fine

all

had fome evidence by weighing the bread from,

which exactly agreed with the

affize

white bread was fomething above three halfpence a pound;

of rye bread

for the

of the fecond

fort,

by the

fine

fame money.

31b. 7 oz

bread, than

coarfe,

defigned for the advantage of the poor.

which

Hene

lafi:

alio

fort,

The

In

ftandard.

In Oftober 1781, three pennyworth of the

and of the third, 51b. 40Z.

by the

or

and there was

juft

fineft

bakers here and in

however, they are obliged

June

the

1778,

double the weight

was

Silefia,

to

lb.

i^oz;

gain mere

make

the price of the feveral forts of butchers

thi.s

is

meat

is

fixed and.pnblifiied.

At

FOREIGN PRISONS.

102

MagdeBURC"

Magdeburg

At

work on the

the Pruffian flaves were at

Their daily allowance

mafons, digging land, &c.

fortifications, ferving the

two pounds of bread, and on

is

the days they work, they have alfo in money, half a grofche, about three farthings.

The number

was only fifty-one, for many had been taken to recruit the army.

In the other prifons, nothing feemed worthy of obfervation

correction

(which was formerly a convent) was a

that the

men

women
If

imagine

The

faw of the ft ale prifons here, and

the fpacious areas,

in

nor are

had iron

the perfons confined in

all

collars,

unhealthy.

were

their

to

alter

are not fo dreadful as

a fpacious

by

five

The

feet.

prifon

fpinning.

the flaves being under the fortifications, muft be

collar,

the place of his iron.

by way of punifhment
Another was

He

told

me

and that he could not have

twenty-one pounds,

T he men
Some of them
for the women

prifon.

turns.

Among

faw four fick, and yet they had their irons on.

the broad iron about his leg.

befides

is

and

five

employment was

work, one had an iron

at

what

Lukau,

Bern, but no irons on their

as at

diftinct building

Spandau, and by the

at

fome
them unhealthy and miferable objects*.

wheel to grind corn,

in a large

At Dresden, the apartments of

Dresden.

their apartments

all

houfe of correction for Lufatia, at

were treading
was a

the houfe of

and two or three large chambers of ftlk-worms, on which the

may judge, by what

in

attended.

few prifoners

Lukau.

rafped

but

grind or beat the logwood

to

mill

it

for

thofe

making an

that

efcape,

and endeavouring fome-

fitting,

weight was marked on

that the

changed

to the other

it

leg without

paying a fmith.

Here

are

two other

The

prifons.

houfe of correftim has

ten or twelve rooms,

each

about ten feet fquare, with one window, and an aperture over the door, and barrackThere were ten prifoners, five of each fex. Three of the men were rafpbedfteads.
ing logwood in a room down twenty fteps;
labourers in building a

chapel.

and the other two were employed as

is, very
im-

This prifon and the orphan-houfe,

properly, one building.

The

other prifon

twenty-fix prifoners

for
;

the

moft of

bailliage,

whom

fattened to a ftaple in the wall.

coal and frankincenfe (which

being very offenfive.

(ten

contains

nineteen

chambers,

had a chain (fome on one

The

prifon was dirty

and the gaoler's pan of char-

his negligence rendered neceflary)

Here was one debtor, who had from

pence halfpenny) a day.

The

criminals allowance

which were
fome on both)

in

foot,

is

could not prevent

its

his creditor fix grofche

one grofche (about feven

farthings) each f.

There
*

They
feet

fix

who was
f
the

On

are not

all

high, and
fix

years in this fortrefs.

paying

liberty

confined to a {"mail quantity of bread and water, in cells of four feet fquare and
feventy-eight pounds of iron, as the ingenious and intrepid Trend,

loaded with

to

my

acknowledgments to the grand

obferve,

that

bailiff for

had feen prifons cleaner.

permitting

mentioned

me
alfo

to fee

the

the gaol, I took

feverity of

chaining

women,

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

There was nothing very remarkable

in the

two prifons

The men

Prague.

at

at the

Prague.

Maifon de Force, work out, with a guard, fawing wood, &c. for twelve creutzers a day *,

which

is lefs

common wages

than the

only four for a day's work, the

The

of labourers.

reft is

prifoners themfelves receive

Many

paid to the houfe.

were thus employed,,

with chains to one or both legs, according to the different terms of their confinement.

At Vienna,

1778,1 vifited all the prifons, and moft of the

and afford no inftru&ion.

in

The

hofpitals.

Vienna*

prifons are old buildings,

The

front of the great prifon,

Ld Maifon

Bourreau,

de

is

remarkable for a very

finking reprefentation of the crucifixion of our Saviour, and the two thieves on
In this prifon are

Calvary.

Here,

But

had found

one of the dark dungeons down twenty-four

in

me; but on examining

and finding he had a ftrong intermitting

fpots,

ture had delired

This

of that diforder.

ill

him

In the Houfe of

effefis

bread and

his

pulfe,

thought

He

was

feet for petechia or

was convinced that he was-

prifoner in an oppofite cell told

to call out for affiftance,

one of the bad

is

fteps,

with heavy irons, and chained

anguifh and mifery appeared with clotted tears on his face.

not capable of fpeaking to

not

He was loaded

a perfon with the gaol-fever.

the wall:

to

mount

horrid dungeons.

inquired whether they had any putrid fever, and was anfvvered in

ufual, I

as

the negative.

many

me,

and he had done

that the poor crea-

it^

but was not heard..

of dungeons.

were a hundred and fixty-nine men, and a hundred and

correction,

House

The women were employed in carding, fpinning, and knitting. I

was prefent on a Monday morning, when they brought their week's work, for which,
They have all that they earn for
after it had been weighed, they received their pay.
A few received twenty-fix creutzers each, others lefs. The keeper was
themfelves.
women.

forty

employed

money

in

and took

putting the

name on

the

work of each

much

as

as they

could

fpin

that

in

pans of foup and beer were brought

large

The

was paid, and the cotton delivered.

that

prifoner,

prifoners

week-f.

in, and:

down

and

fetting

faw

the cotton weighed,

At dinner-time,

Corrbc.
tion.

the

feveral

the prifoners bought what they

thought proper.

The
which

prifon was
it

is

women, which
them

for

too

applied

is

very

fecurity,

return, I gave

my

without which,

little

.{;.

much crowded,
In feveral

uncommon

being

often

in

other countries.

obliged

to

be

To

abfent

this

in

he anfwered, that

fetching

prifoners

"

the

In one

gaoler chained

from the country."

In

opinion that the attention to a prifon ought to be the -whole employment of a gaoler,,

regard will be paid to cleanlinefs or humanity.

the houfe not being built for the purpofe to

rooms the men were carding and fpinning.

In the holydays,

when

creutzer is near a halfpenny,

the prifoners are not permitted to work, each has an allowance of four, or

five creutzers.

One

or two of the

forne of their cotton.

women were
The mijtrefs

crying, and charging others with riling in the

believed the complaint, but faid

flie

night and

was not able

to

Healing

prevent fuch

frauds, becaufe there was not the convenience offerrate apartments.

room,

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Vienna
House
Correc-

room, fome of them, who were

'

ffockings, coverlets, &c.

cloth,

manufa&ured

white-waQYmg the houfe*.

In the chapel

Here, and

in

Prague, and

at

is

fome other

and

Two more

were making thick blankets for the convents.

T10fs

in the

in

another room, they

rooms were warehoufes

houfe for

a proper feparation of

of Germany, they have

parts

Too

little

attention was paid

for

They were then

men and women.

fale.

iron-grate

doors, which do not prevent the circulation of air, fo falutary and neceffary in

of confinement.

were making clothes for the foldiers

tailors,

another, fome were weaving coarfe linen at eight looms

houfes

lodgings of the prifoners, for

to the

they had no coverlets.

Though

and

the aged,

commendation the

could not mention with

muff acknowledge,

infirm

of this

prifons

city,

was greatly pleafed with the public buildings for the

which do honour

to

yet

indigent,

and efpecially to

the citizens in general,

the late Emprefs ueen.

The

Almshouse.

great Alms-houfe in the luburbs confifts of three courts.

fpacious building

and

hundred and thirty-feven

fix

The

fifty-three.

invalids.

is

inhabitants

are near

feet

Many

eighty

of age.

years

They were

cheerfully

fpinning,

front of this

eleven

including

was agreeable to obferve their order, neatnefs, and

It

The

the fides

three thoufand,

poverty and old age appeared with a fmiling afpedt.

or

hundred
military

the

Here

cleanlinefs.

of them were leventy

whatever

becaufe

they

could gain was to be their own.

Les Freres

Hospitals.

have

friars

remove

up

their

have not only wards for the

Charite

when they begin

patients

noble Hofpital for bringing up

The

fick

in

another airy and commodious houfe with

to

recover.

their

convent, but thefe

gardens, to which they

In this houfe were two wards

and each ward had fourteen beds.

flairs,

I left

de

alfo

engaged

in the

improvement of

children,

was the plan of one perfon, whom

In fixteen rooms for boys,

his liberal defign.

hundred and thirty-nine beds, and two hundred and forty-one in eight
The extent of the front is fix hundred and fixty-two feet.
In the great alms-houfe, and in feveral prifons and other public buildings, the
rooms are all arched with ftone or brick, to prevent danger and confufion in cafe
of fire. In feveral prifons and hofpitals, where I have found the ftaircafes and floors

were

five

rooms

for girls.

wood,

my mind

Before

has reverted to the wife precautions ufed in this city.

leave

this

city,

would

juft

mention, that every month, an account

of the price, weight and meafure of bread and four,

is

put

up on

the gates f.

At

It

the general

is

a year.

rule in

Dutch and German houfes of

feldom neglefted to inquire about

this

correction, to ivhite-<usajb

practice, as

we have

them once

or

twice

a claufe relative to this beneficial

-mode, in a late aft for preferring the health of prifoners in gaol.

f The

The fintfi

bills

my

mentioned in them.

Seven forts of bread were

July i, 1778.
weights) exa&ly one pound for three halfpence of our money.

obfcrved were dated

was (by

The

fecond fort

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

Guatz

At

(the capital of Stiria)

prifoners had an appearance far

at

They have beds and

Vienna.

obferved in the houfe of

more healthy than

thofe

and the guards

coverlets,

that

correction,

had feen

in a fimilar

the

Gratz.

houfe

the men takeoff

fee that

their clothes at night.

I

omit particulars concerning the prifon

word

favour of

in

at

Laubach

cannot fay a

Laubach.

clofe offenfive

rooms, each

Trieste.

in Carniola, as

it.

At Trieste, the prifon con fills of eight or ten very

The

having only one fmall window.

pale countenances of the (nineteen) prifoners

befpoke their own mifery, and the negligence of the magistrates and keepers.

But

were eighty-five Haves (condannati) who feemed healthy and well.

in the Caftle

They were

confined for three, five, feven, or fourteen years and upwards; and were

employed on the roads,

Some of them were

harbour, &c.

in the

clearing the harbour, ju(l under

lighter,

my chamber window

at

work

in a large

They were guarded

*.

by fix foldiers. They did not work harder, than other labourers would in the fame
employment. Their hours for work were from five in the morning till between five
and fix in the afternoon but they had two (from eleven to one) allowed them for
They appeared healthy,
reft, and half an hour more fometime before they left work.
;

clean and ftrong

and laboured cheerfully, becaufe when they were employed, each

of them received, as extraordinary pay,

They were

three farthings a day.

guifhed from other labourers by a light chain on their legs.

Their

was two pounds and a half of bread and four farthings a day.
over, and faw

their

ftrift

difcipline

diftin-

allowance

heard them called

pay, before they entered their chambers in the

They were

Their bread was fweet and good.

caftle.

under

them receive

common

though

treated with humanity,

were well fupplied with food and clothes

had two

Ihirts,

two pair of ftockings, &c. and they lay in good beds with coverlets (fee page 33% in
large airy rooms having oppofite windows, and not, like many convicts, in clofe dirty
dungeons, under the

was one pound and

fix

ounces for a prnny.

prices were, mobite bread,

farthings.

The bakers

fortifications.

at

Inferior

forts

made of

18 oz.; houfeholi, zlb.\ rye bread, 2

Vienna are punifhed

This machine of terror, fixed on the

fide

for frauds

lb.

by the

of the Danube,

is

rye

ox.

this

the

grofche, or feven

feverity and difgrace of the ducking-ftool.

a kind of long pole or board extending over

the water, at one end of which the delinquent, being fattened in his bafket,

would gladly purchafe a removal of

At Drefden,

were cheaper.

and half for one

machine, but the punifliment

is

is

immerfed.

continued, and

The

inflicl:ed

bakers

on delin-

quents by order of the magiftrates.

*

Two

wheels were fixed in the lighter, one of them to draw back the fcoop or bucket, and the other

(by the weight of ten

managed by

men

treading in

it)

the overfeer of the work.

mufket) accompanied a convift,

to raife the mud, which was then emptied into another lighter
Three or four times a day, a foldier (with a bayonet fixed on his

who went

to fetch a tub

of frefh water, and on his return' he fupplied each

with a tumbler of it while they were at work in the wheel.

fpread to Ihade them, the weather being very

By

the maft of the other lighter, a

fail

was

warm, Farenheith thermometer 85,

ITALY.

Castle.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

io6

entered Italy

from a

in

Y.

778 with raifed expe&ations of confiderable information,

abounding with

to the prifons and hofpitals, in a country

careful attention

charitable institutions and public edifices.

Venice.

At Venice,

the chief

of them confined in

There

rare.

v/as

had

prifoners

prifon

is

near the Doge's, palace*,

and

it

one of the

is

There were between three and four hundred prifoners, many

loathfome and dark cells for life ; executions here being very

ftrongeft I ever faw.

no fever, or prevailing diforder

On

irons.

in this clofe prifon.

weighing the bread allowance,

found

it

None

of the

fourteen ounces..

who had been confined many years in dark cells, whether they Ihould
?
They all anfwered in the affirmative fo great a bleffing is light
The chapel is for the condemned, who continue there a night and a day

afked fome

prefer the galleys

and

air

before execution.

Regulations were hung up in the prifon.

Here

is

a charitable fociety eftablifhed for

the relief of prifoners both civil and criminal, and rules are publifhed for the direction

of the

officers

Thefe

who have

There

the prifon.

the

management of

are likewife rules for

the

it,

of

whom

four are appointed vifitors of

good government of the two

infirmaries.

procured from the ducal printer, with the regulations for the galleys and pri-

many

fons, for

One of

years pafl.

twenty-feven Haves,

This was

moored two boats length from the

the galleys was

clean.

flaves

were

Ihore,

who

who were kept

Here, and

in chains of
I

Ihore, in

which were only-

here in order to be fent on board the other galleys.

in the other galleys,

which were dirty and crowded, theI faw a Have dead on the-

about twenty-feven pounds weight.

fuppofe deftroyed himfelf in defpair

as he could

have no hope of an

efcape by fwimming, becaufe of his heavy irons.

Padva,

of

I vifited the prifons

Padua

of the confined debtors would

fit

and Ferrara.

In the former of thefe

cities,

on the elevated Jlone Jlool in the great hall: and

none
I

was.

informed that not one had fubmitted to the ignominy thefe ten years -f-.
*

The rooms

the heat of

f This
at a

is

for the fate prifoners are over part of the palace

fummer almoft

fometimes called the flone of difgrace

time fixed they muft

on the

leads, - which renders confinement

in.

intolerable.

fit

upon

it

for if they

who

are infolvent would avoid imprifonment,

in a difgraceful manner three times.

At

ITALY.

Sect. IV.

At Bologna

are three prifons;

one of which

months and three days confinement,

after four

who

for debtors,

is

are alimented

one paule (about fixpence)

at

a,

Bologna.

day

each.

The

Hofpital,

S.Maria de

me

Vita, afforded

the wards were lofty, and not in the

leaft

All was clean; and

great pleafure.

The wards

offcniive.

Hospital.

men and

of the

women were of the fame fize, each containing thirty-eight beds, nineteen on each
The bedfteads were of iron, and the coverlets were white and clean. Each
fide.
ward had fourteen windows, feven on a fide, and all had curtains. They had foldThe wards of this
and on the outfide^ wire lattices.
ing wooden cafements
;

hofpital were thirty-two feet and a half wide,

and the beds were three

wide, and three feet eight inches afunder.

In the middle of each

between the beds was a cupboard, with a

fhelf,

over each curtain was a

fides

of

all

two inches

feet

fpace of the wall

concealed by a fmall curtain

On

of black marble with the number of the bed.

flip

and
the

the wards, for the convenience of opening and fhutting the windows, was

a gallery eighteen feet above the floor, and two feet broad, with an iron

The

nine inches high.

rail

two

feet

doors to the wards were iron grates, five feet five inches

wide.

Florjence are two

In

only twenty prifoners.

prifons *.

In the great Prifon, Palazzo dcgV Otto, were

Six of them were in the fecrete chambers, which are twenty-

one flrong rooms. None of the prifoners were in irons. They had mattreffes to
Their bread was good. In the torture chamber, there was a machine for
on.
decollation, which prevents that repetition of the flroke which too often happens when
lie

the axe

is

ufed.

In the other Prifon, Belle Stinche, there are five doors

The opening

to the court.

of the

high, with an infeription over

In this prifon

are

many

men's rooms are below,

feet

fquare.

The women,

is

Oportet mifereri,

entirely feparated, are

for the

The

are

men

up

you come

ought to be companionate.)
fmall branches

flairs,

In one

is

to

lie

on.

about forty-three

and have an hofpital

(forty-four feet by twenty-nine)

In this prifon were forty-two

Debtors were not feparated from criminals.

their beds.

(We

which

and look into the court, which

new infirmary

contiguous to the chapel.

to pafs before

three feet wide, and four feet nine inches

is

fpacious rooms, in

The

joining to their room.

it,

firft

men and

room were

fourteen

women.

who

paid for

eight,

bread was good

the daily allowance to each, fifteen ounces. None

:
chaplain has apartments, and refides in the gaol.
This prifon.
has fomething fimilar to the plan I propofed.
wall furronnds three fides of it;

were in irons.

The

but being very high, and only eleven

feet

and a half

diftant, renders the prifon too

clofe.

Dr. rargiom,
beneficial

who had an order from his Royal Highnefs to infpeft the hofpitals,
and report what
improvements might be made in them, accompanied me in vifmng
thefe prifons.

P2

The

Flore nc*

FOREIGN PRISONS.

iog

The

Florence
Hospitals.

&

great Hofpital of

Maria Nova was crowded, and too

fever war(j wa fQur jiun j re(j an(j

fifty. four

feet

clofe

though the men's

long, and thirty feet and a half wide.

They have feparate wards for wounds and fractures. The women are attended by the
nuns, who have a paffagc under ground from the oppofite convent.
Here are twenty
ftudents, who lodge and board in the houfe for feven years, attend the {ick, ferve thevictuals, &c *. and are diftinguilhed by a long cloak.
But the Hofpital which

ward

into the fick

clean

is

moll frequently

by a

vifited,

and was a hundred and twenty-three

There were

wide.

varnifJxd boards,

in

This

Atone end

Three of them were occupied.

is

The

di Dio.

This ward was

afcent

and

lofty

long, and thirty-three and a half

on

very conducive to cleanlinefs, and fecures

there are five

Neither the

The

brick.

rooms with

fides

beds for fick

fingle

nor floors of

this,

priefts 4

and the other

great attention of this order o friars to the fick, in every.

country where they have hofpitals, does

The

Giovan

were wood, that being more retentive of fcents or infe&ion than

hofpitals of Italy,
tarras or

feet

5.

fteps.

thirty-three beds, three feet four inches wide, placed

it

on iron bedfteads.

patients from vermin.

was

of thirty ftone

flight

them honour.
for the reception

Hofpital S. Paolo della Convalefcenza,

of recovering patients,

has clean and airy apartments, and a fpacious refectory, or dining-hall.

here four days, and by the change of air and diet their health

is

They continue

confirmed before

they go to their feveral occupations.

Almshouse.

Here

would

juft

It

The wards

more.

who
Leghorn.

advanced age.

attend

on

and

an

Ahns-houf3, S.

Bcnifazio,

for

are thirty feet wide, alL clean, and

Leghorn

mention

* I faw a friar or capuchin

fatisfied

with

come
this,

in

\ In

at

the expence of

Galleys

better,

as the

old keeper.

or hulks ought to be the punifhment

form and bh/s the meat or foup for dinner.

The numerous

patients

my

my

great obligations to the

acknowledgments to

Sir Horace

Grand

Mann our

Duh

for his permiflion

ambaffador, for his very

afliftance.

this Fortrefs,
fait

prifoners:

without any devotion of their own.

I cannot leave Florence without exprefling

Grand Duke's

nuns,

in. 17.61..

lain on jhore.

to infped the prifons, and jmaking

kind attention and

of.

twenty.

prifon becaufe of the infir-

this

Haves in the Fortrefs% appeared healthy and well

remarked, fince they have

feemed entirely

up

Ihewed the care of the

mary, which, as appears by an infeription over the door, was built

The

perfons

fitting

were three debtors, and eight of thofe called

in the fecrete three criminals.

the prefent governor, Philip Borbonio,.

Fortress.

infirm

this charity -f.

In the Prifon at
at large,

mention

had eighty beds for each fex, and they were

there were a hundred

works

at

and thirty-two

flaves

at Pifa,

were eighty-five

and

at the

Port Ferrara, feventy.

only

ITALY.

Sect. IV.

only for the molt atrocious crimes. Each prifoner had a ring round one leg;
but when they go out to work, a chain is rivetted to two prifoners. Here were
feven pontons to clear the harbour ; but the weather, when I was there, being

There were forty-feven flaves employed at the

ftormy, they could not be worked.
new Lazaretto, which is a noble fpacious building, with different apartments for
officers

their

and

mips

men

to

perform quarantine, and large warehouses for the cargoes ot

keeper generoufly ordered his fon to copy for

The
I

their

*.

me

all

the

from which

rules,

mail here give fome extracts.

Three keepers have

from the Grand Duke.

their falary

procefs againft every convict, carry

to the

it

They

receive a copy of the

government, and regifter

it

in the proper

and when required, they muft give an.-exact account of all proceedings
They make a report of the refractory to government, that they
againft the prifoners.
may be punilhed in proportion to their offences, with feverer confinement, irons, and

book

The

baftinadoes.

behaved

have

zjlritl

have

in,

on

principal keeper has

who

prifoners,

are to exhort

He

watch over them.

their heads ftiaved

power to choofe two turnkeys out of the

and inftrud the others: but the keeper

muft order that

be drafted

prifoners,

all

when they

uniform of the houfe

in the

beftis.

to

brought

are

and have irons

their feet*

The

prifoners

condemned

are

employed on the public works.

thirty, twenty, ten, or

to labour, for

or for a Ihorter term, according

to

the nature

They

of their

fent out every

are

crimes

feven years,

and

are chiefly

morning, under

guard

of foldiers, and are chained two and two together, with a chain of about eighteen

An

pounds weight.
in.

the afternoon

hour's relaxation

and

is

allowed them at breakfaft, and two hours

an hour before fun-fet, they are reconducted to the prifon^

at

and muft be well fearched by the keepers,

cealed

and two hours

fun-fet,

after

to prevent their

they are employed on the works by his royal

(about three halfpence) a dayj
four or

fix crazzies,

according

ring the bell to awake them

have been guilty of

is

if

crazzies

employed by other perfons^ they

are paid

hlghnefs,.

At day-break, the turnkeys

made by them to the keepers, if any

nature of the work.

is

Their daily allowance

during the night.

made two

When

reft.

they are paid two

and a report

irregularities

of thirty ounces, which

but

to the

having any thing con-

they are ordered to go quietly to

thirds of flour,

foup made from four ounces of peafe boiled in water, with

fait

and

oil.

a loaf

is

and one third of bran

-f-,

On

and
each

of the two Eajier holydays they are allowed a pound of meat, and three ounces of
rice.

Every two years they have a coat of gray

cloth, a waiftcoat of red

I wifti fome future traveller would give us plans of this Lazaretto, and that at
places, as they

might fuggeft fome

cloth,

Ancona and other

ufeful alterations in the conftruttion of our hofpitals

and other public

buildings.

t Their bread was very good.

I preferred

it

to that

which

met with

at

my lodgings,
and-

Lichojh
R

FOREIGN PRISONS.

no
Leghorn
Portress.

and a red cap; every year a pair of (hoes; and every fix months a fhirt, and a pair
of drawers or breeches. Their drawers are fhifted once a month, their fhirts every
For lodging, they have a mattrefs filled with ftraw, and a coverlet
week.
the
ftraw

changed, and kept in good order.

is

one attempts to defert, and be taken

If

fun-fet, he muft wear a ring, and a chain of eighteen pounds weight ; and
he muft pay half his future earnings, till it amounts to a zechin, to thofe that appre-

before

hended him

*.

If they

who

commences

their term again

are

condemned

and

for five

for repeated

years, defert,

defertions, they are

when
more

retaken,
feverely

punifhed, and fometimes tortured.

The

chaplain muft

injlruB.

the prifoners.

In the hojpltal there muft be

mutton,

all

proper provifions for the fick and infirm, viz. veal,

bread, broth, good wine, &c.

rice, fine

phyfician attends, and the diet

On

and medicines muft be according to his prefcription.

clean linen, fhirts,

examine

and

night-caps,

their victuals

and foup, to

according to the phyfician's orders

clothes.

And

fee that they

entering, the patients have

the keepers and

turnkey muft

be good, and that the quantity be

A zechin

is

about 9s. 3d.

+ In Tufcany during the ten years preceding 1765,

There were 3076 in prifon for debt,
for petty offences,

704

condemned

210

to the galleys,

executed,

17

branded.

This punifhment of branding was abolifhed by the grand-duke, Leopold. In the four years preceding 1769,
there was no capital punifhment.

The Number of debtors and

criminals in prifon during the ten years preceding 1779.

Petty

Debtors.

3+

1770

IOI

16

1771

244
264

89

I 1

1772

292

io s

IO

1773

"S

O
O

774

396
412

109

21

1775

508

150

12

1776

384

I2 9

16

O
O

*777

96
176

142

7
6

O
O

126

142

Total

A Bruxelles,

is

Executed

71

1778

above

Sent to the
Galleys.

264

The

Offenders.

1769

3036

extracted from, Indication Sommaire des Regkmens, i$c. de Leonid

Grand Due

de To/cane

&c.

779.

At

ITALY.

Sect. IV
At the

great prifon at

Rome,

New

called the

the Tiber, on a Hone tablet over the door,

in
back of which runs

Prifon *, at the

this infcription

is

Prison

CLEMENTINE
SECURIORI AC MELIORI REORUM CUSTODI/E
JUSTITI/E ET

NOVUM CARCEREM
X. PONT. MAX*
POSUIT

INNOCENTIUS

ANNO DOMINI
MDCLV.
To

and Clemency,

Jnjlice

the more fecure

For

and

Pope Innocent X.

better cvflody

eretled this

of criminals,

New

Prifon

Lord

In the year of our

1655.

On

the ground-floor; on one fide are the flaves for the galleys at Civita-vecchiar

on the other

fide

is

There

and a tap-room, over which are the women's-

a fort of cook's (hop,

whom

apartments, five of

were

in

are eighteen of thefe ftrong

for the men,

each of them having but one window for admitting

are never

more

the fecrete chambers, and twenty

rooms

which
air

are clofe

and

opened without an order from the governor of the

large.

at

and

offenfive,

Thefe rooms

light.

There were

city.

fixty-

They are not permitted to go out of their rooms at any time,

examination.
Some having been confined there many years, appeared with

eight prifoners.
for

but none were in

which were feven miferable

countenances;

fickly

prifoners, in

beds for thofe

who

are

two

and one
infirmaries:

firft

time

ward,

airy

feventy-three

whole prifon
feet

two

is

inches

inches

this I

flairs

a chamber for

feet

is

On

for the reft of the prifoners,

laft

time only feven.

by twenty-three,

one

for boys,

the upper floor

with

Thefe

The

afcent

ftaircafes are feven feet

mention, as generally,

in

are narrow, the rifes high, and

fire.

for

The

ftory,

is

three inches

is

beds,

feventeen

ten patients

a fpacious
three

pafTages are feven

by two
wide

flights

of

the rifes fivelately

the paflfages dark and inconvenient.

this

feet

The

the fide.

our prifons (even thofe that are

and fimplicity of the front of

to each

were

This infirmary

was clean, and had every thing proper

wide, and light.

* The elegance

one

priejls,

cutaneous diforders.

arched with brick, for fecurity in cafe of

feventeen Jlone fteps.

the

is

is a chamber
for diftracledThere are feveral chambers with
for which each pays one paule and a.

one, appropriated to the prifoners in the fecrete, in which were

was there, and the

three inches afunder

There

who have

In the other, which

four patients.
the

a night.

for prifoners

but'

pale

Here

are called prifoners at large,

half (about eight pence)

for Jews,

irons.

objects.

Rome

prifon occafionedme to give a plateof

built)

There
it.

is

FOREIGN PRISONS.

Hi
Rome
r.i

son St

a table

by the authority of the magiflrates hung up

of regulations

in

prifon,

this

ordering the exact times, of opening the prifon and the court, of faying mafs daily,

The

and of diftributing the alms.

iick in the infirmary

evening.

wifh

every morning

could fay

great prifon there

is

let

down

and

is

On

vifit

the

in

the

illnefs,

the fide of the

draw up malefa&ors by their

they have been fufpended fome time, by

(fee the plate)

after

ordered to

of extraordinary

cafe

in

had fcen no torture-chamber.

to

part of the way, their arms are diflocated *.

In the Prifon at the Capital, are

offences are not fo great as to caufe
in

and rope

a pulley

hands which are tied behind them

being fuddenly

times vary twice in a month, according to the

In the fame table, the phyfician

different length of the days.

two rooms for debtors, and for criminals whofe

them to be confined in the fecrcte. The prifoners

one of thefe rooms, have the privilege of afking alms of the pafTengers.

were

five debtors in

prifon

rooms which they paid

not offenllve.

is

There

is

and two

for,

There
This

criminals in the fecrete.

a conftant current of water through one of the large

rooms.

The

San
\ N"G e

lo.

(late prifoners are

The rooms

confined in the caftle of San Angelo.

appropri-

p ur pofe vvere all empty, except one, in which was a bijhop, who had been
Here were alfo eighteen conconfined upwards* of twenty years, and was diflracled.
They feemed healthy
dannati who work in the fortrefs, and had each a light chain.
atecj tQ t k at

and

well.

On the death of the Pope,

prifon, for
I

can give but

it is

little

the prifoners are brought hither from

On

St. Peter's.

built, is the inquifi tor-general's palace.

Over

was ere&ed by Pope Pius V.

year

that

it

in the

tfie

court and the priefts apartments,

one

fide

the gate

of the inquifition.

It

is

of the court round which

is

an infeription importing

The windows of the prifon

high wall. The chambers of this
to me
and yet I fpent near two

have wooden blinds, and at a fmall diftance is a

and melancholy abode were quite inacceffible

filent

hours about

the great

prifoas are thoroughly cleaned.

information refpecling the prifon

near the great church of

fituated

"

upon fuch occafions the

569."

till

my

continuance there began to

raife fufpicion.

* There

is

an account of this

in Italy, vol. I. /.

476, third

writer defcribes the

* When

queflions.

" unconcerned

mode of punifhment

edit.

at

This Letter (44th.)

manner of execution

at

Rome
is

Rome, with

criminals are carried to execution with

rabble,

who applaud them

and confider the whole fcene

in

Dr. Moore's Fieto of Society and Manners

which the ingenious

well worth pending, in

pertinent remarks, and concludes with

little

in proportion to the degree

of amufement

of indifference and impenitence they

how can

difplay,

ufe'ful

"

country in which great numbers of young inconfiderate creatures are,

as a fource

impreflion, or terrify the thoughtlefs and defperate

'*

lied to execution in this tumultuous, unaffe&ing manner,

'

of the legiflature was to cut off guilty individuals in the

not be deterred from following their example ?"

"

thefe

or no folemnity, amidft the fhouts of an

fuch exhibitions

from any wicked propenfity

fix

make any

If there

is

or eight times every year, car-

might not a ftranger conclude, that the view

leaf*

alarming way poffible, that others might

In

ITALY.

Sect. IV.

In this City, as in moft parts of Italy,

S.

many of

Giovanni di Fiorentini: as

inftitution

foner

is

called

This

church of

ancient, for the

S.

is

Gio Battijla Decollate belonged to

of about feventy, chiefly nobles, of the bed families.

confifts

It

1450.

a Confraternita della mifericordia,

Florentine extraction were the founders.

them

Rome.

in

After a pri-

condemned, one or two of them come to him the midnight before his execution,
They, with the
till his death.

is

inform him of the fentence, and continue with him

and comfort him, and give him

confefTor, exhort

his choice

him hanging

they leave
cuts

him down, and

the evening

till

him

orders

appropriated to malefactors.

when

the year

church

is

fides, is a

this

to be

opened

is

makes one

women, and

latter are interred in the

fame

dead,

is

conveyed to the burying-place which they have

fide

in

of a court, and on each of the other three

In the middle of the pavement * of the

one of the

drefs in

in

Adjoining to an elegant

to the public.

portico fupported by doric pillars.

front portico the

the prifoner

then one of the fraternity, generally a noble,

was there the twenty-ninth of Augufl, the only day

burying-place

a chapel, which

of the moft delicious food.

When

All the fraternity attend the execution, drefTed in white.

fide porticos

the

men

The

are buried.

which they were hanged j for in

Italy, coffins are

not in general ufe.

The

Hojpital of S. Michele

hundred yards long.

is

a large

It confifts

and noble

The back

edifice.

front

is

near three

of feveral courts with buildings round them.

In the

apartments on three fides of one of the moft fpacious of thefe courts, are rooms for
various manufactures and arts, in which boys

When

and inftructed.

who

are orphans or deftitute are educated

was there, the number was about two hundred,

different trades according to their different abilities

for printers,

and barbers
in all

its

fome

branches.

for weavers

When

learning

educated

and dyers, a cloth manufacture being carried on here

the boys arrive at the age of twenty years, they are

fum

In the middle of the court

honour of the founders of

them up

is

given to

is

a noble fountain,

fet

fixty

com-

in the bufinefs they

have

and feveral infcriptions to the

this excellent inftitution.

Adjoining to another court are apartments for the aged and infirm,

two hundred and

all

Some were

for book-binders, defigners, fmiths, carpenters, tailors, fhoe-makers,

and fome

pletely clothed, and a certain

learned.

and genius.

men, and two hundred and twenty-fix women.

a comfortable retreat, having clean

rooms and

a refectory.

in

which were

Here they

converted

find

wkh fome

of

them, and they appeared happy and thankful.

Here

are marble (tones, in

.Round thefe ftones

is

which are circular apertures for the interment of thofe that are executed.

infcribed,

" D amine, cum "veneris judicare,

" Noli nos condemnare."

0 Lord, when thou Jbalt come

to judge,

do not condemn us.

Another

San
MlCHEL1

FOREIGN PRISONS.

n4
Another part of the

Rome

MichLe.

hofpital

a Prifon for boys or young men.

is

Over

th,e

door

is

this

infcription:

CLEMENS

XI.

PONT. MAX.

PERDITIS ADOLESCENTIBUS CORRIGENDIS

INSTITUENDISQUE
UT QUI INERTES OBERANT
INSTRUCTI REIPUBLICffi SERVIA NT.
AN. SAL. MDCCIV. PONT. IV.

Pope Clement
For the

Of profligate
'That they,

When

who when
inftrutted,

To

XL

and

correclion

inftruclion

youth

were

idle,

might be

injurious,

ufeful,

the State.

1704.
In the

of

room

all civil

is

infcribed the following admirable Jentence, in

policy relative to criminals

which the grand purpofe

expreffed.

is

PARUM EST
COERCERE IMPROBOS

POENA
NISI

PROBOS EFFICIAS
DISCIPLINA.

// is

To

of

little

reftrain

advantage
the

Bad

By Punijhment,
Unlefs

you render them Good

By

Here were

fifty boys

Discipline.

fpinning, and in the middle of the

room an

infcription

hung

up,

SILENTIU
This room being

different

kindnefs of Mr. Jenkins,

do.

In

this hofpital

prefling, that

it

is

from any

may
a

M.

had before feen, a plan procured

give a clearer idea of

room

alfo for

women.

was erected by Clement XII.

in

it

On

me by

the

than a verbal defcription would

the outfide

is

an infcription, ex-

1735, for refraining the

licentioufnefs

and

punijhing the crimes of women.

There

ITALY.

Sect. IV.

There

Rome many

are in

Hofpitals for the fick,

ft*

but they were

in general

crowded,

-j^"*^

In the great hofpital of San

in a bed.
yet none of them had more than one patient
fifteen patients,
time
I vilited it, a thoufand and
firft
the
were,
there
Spirit* in Safta,
founded hofpinations
many
Formerly
the fecond time eleven hundred and three.
others conSome
kings.
Saxon
our
of
one
by
founded
was
This
city.

in this

tals

the Milanefe, Florentine, and Spaniih

tinue to the prefent time entirely national, as
hofpitals.

Here

a ftmreaje

is

up the

for carrying

has

on each

a rail

remarkable for

its

afcent being very eafy, for valetudinarians, and

fick in a kind of chairs or enclofed beds.

Every

fide.

ftep

is

eight inches wide, and the rife from one ftep to another
fteps are of brick, fet

It

is

feven feet wide, and

an inclined plane of three inches afcent, one foot

is

only three inches.

Thefe

edgeways, and fronted with ftone.

&

The Hofpital of S. Gio Laterano was alfo crowded and offenfive; and that of
Giacomo degV Incurabili was worfe * : but that called Benfratelli, that for the Florentines,
any offenfive
that of S. Maria della Confolazione, were clean, and perfectly free from
In this laft-mentioned hofpital, no patierts are received except fuch as have

fcents.

wounds or

fractures.

At

two chains are put acrofs the

night,

by an order of Pope Alexander VII.

hofpital,

in

ftreet over-againft this

66 1, for the purpofe elegantly ex-

preffed in the infeription,

NE PR^ETEREUNTE STREPITU QUIES AMICA SILENTII

OMNINO AB ^EGROTANTIBUS EXULARET.

Before

we take our

leave of

may

Rome,

it

may be

proper juft to mention the Hofpital for

Recovering patients, when difmiffed from the other

pilgrims and convalefcents.

hofpitals,

enter into this, and refide here three days, lodge in airy wards, dine in the refectory,

and be well attended.

The

Pope's galleys are

at

The

Civita-vecchfa.

flaves

condemned

to

them

are

confined for different terms, according to the nature of their crimes: but the fhorteft

time

is

three years for vagabonds,

who

For that,

in clearing the harbour.

are generally

the

term

convicted of forgery are always confined for

notes, or any inftruments

zn iron glove.
firms have

they have no
leg,

which

* Indeed

is

employed on bo^rd the pontons

never under feven years.

and

if

life

are chained two

fingle chain, and, at their

more than one or two

leffened as the

end of

firft

loft,

they are punifhed with

and two together

arrival,

Perfons

found guilty of forging bank-

by which large fums have been

Prifoners for

all a

life

is

thofe for limited

of the fame weight

but when

years to ferve, they have only a ring round their

term approaches.

their

faw the hofpitals under great difadvantage%

it

For

efcapes, they are obliged

being a very fickly timr, occr.fioned by the long

continuance of droughr, and the extraordinary heats of the fummer 1778,

,

0^2

10

Civita-

VECCH1A '

FOREIGN PRISONS.

u6
Civita-

UCCHIA

to finim their firfi

"

former; but

condemnation, and then receive a frefh one for the fame time as the
firft was for life, the fame is renewed, and they receive from a

if the

hundred to two hundred lames a day,

to the galleys under the age of twenty

of S. Michele

in

Rome

till

None

for three days after their arrival.

are fent

criminals of a younger age are kept at the hofpital

they are of age

and are there employed

and fed

in fpinning,

on bread and water.

The

allowance to each Have

pounds of bread

three

is

dayj and

beans or calavances to each galley, with which they generally

in

make

two or three days, and they are allowed two pounds and a half of

At

beans.

Eafler, Chriflmas,

a pint of wine a

For
two

fliirts,

have once

in

two

rice to a galley.

years, a ftriped woollen capotto

two pair of canvafs breeches, and

and

and a half of woollen cloth to wrap round their legs inftead of ftockings.

Roman

crowns and eighty-feven

At

my

being

Through

and two only remained.

in

a felucca clofe to

baiocs,

about 3

'

at Civita-vecchia, three

waiftcoat,

cap ; and every year, two feet

a woollen

expence of each flave for maintenance, clothing, and chains,

the time of

with their

oil to boil

and Carnival, they are allowed one pound of beef and half

man, and twenty-five pounds of

their clothing, they

pounds of

fifty-five

a kind of foup once

is

The

yearly

at

fifteen

computed

9-

of the galleys were out on a cruife,

the whole night there was great filence, (as I lay

them) though about four hundred were chained

in

each of the

galleys.

The

/laves here are conftantly

employed, and have a portion of what they earn for

themfelves, being paid according to their abilities and the nature of their work.

fawing

in

the arfenal, they are paid two pence a day each

pence halfpenny

and

canvafs

calico

for carrying ftones

and

in

fummer-time an hour

Here
clean.

is

At

&c.

For

for working as mafons,

Such

and mortar, only a penny.

as

work

two

at the

from two pence to eight pence, according to

manufactories, are paid

the quality of the work,

the public

works they are allowed an hour

for dinner,

for breakfafl *.

on fhore

a fpacious hofpital

In the centre of the great

room

None were

for the flaves.

in this infirmary

was an

in irons.

All was

altar for public worfhip.

room was

appropriated for fuch as had cutaneous diforders, and another

for confumptive patients.

In this country, the phyficians are perfuaded that the confump-

particular

tion is

a contagious diforder.

The fame

Patients afflicted with

it

in hofpitals

have a feparate ward.

precautions are ufed to prevent infection as in the plague.

has been in private houfes, the furniture

is

deftroyed, and the

When this diforder

rooms

are fcraped and

fumigated, before they are again inhabited.

For the preceding account

am

indebted to our countryman Mr. Denham,

who

has the fupexintendence

of the pope's galleys.

The

ITALY.

Sect. IV.

The principal

Prifon in the great and populous city of

the courts of juftice.

It contained,

when

five

was

Naples

is

La

Vicaria, under

there, according to the gaoler's account,

Naples
RIi

NS '

In about eight large rooms communicating with

nine hundred and eighty prifoners.

one another, there were

117
*

hundred and forty fickly

who had

objects,

court furrounded by buildings fo high as to prevent the circulation of

to a

accefs

In this court

air.

was a recefs, under arcades like thofe that were under the chapel at Newgate. Some
of the prifoners were employed in knitting, and others in making flioesj but mod of
them were entirely without employment. In fix chambers, which opened into a fpacious
hall,

many

were

with meets, coverlets, &c.

in

which were forty perfons,

in fingle beds,

In feven clofe ofFenfive rooms were thirty-one prifoners 3

j-

almoft without clothes on account of the great heat

municating with one another were

in irons, in a

Adjoining was a chapel, and

beds for fuch as could pay for them.

a fpacious infirmary for the whole prifon

fifty

Of

women.

dungeon, near a fmall chapel which

all

is

and

rooms com-

in fix dirty

man only was

condemned before

the prifoners, one

allotted to the

execution.

The

bread was good

There were

the daily allowance to each was twenty-two ounces.

three other Prifons

one contained eighty prifoners, another near

fixty,

the other but eleven.

The

Galleys

hundred and

were moored about ten

fixty

flaves

two hundred and feventy j and

in

from the more.

In the

firft

two hundred and ninety-eight ;

the fourth, four hundred

twenty-fix ounces a day was allowed

them

were two

in the third

moft of them flout and

Their bread was hard, but fweet.

All were chained two and two together.

healthy.

About

feet

in the Jecond

and when employed

in the arfenal

and other public works, they have an extraordinary allowance of near a penny a day.
After efcapes,
chaplain,

An

if

they are retaken, their whole term

is

doubled.

Each

galley has

and public worfhip on Sundays and holydays.

account

is

taken every year of the inhabitants of

ber, exclufive of foldiers

and marines, was

350,061,

this

1777, their

num*

6029 males, and 5571 females.

The

city;

and

at Eafter

viz.

Males

170,574
Females 165,642

Of

this

number

Priefts

3303

Monks
Nuns

4231
63 1

there were born in the year immediately preceding,

deaths in that year were 9553.

f In

vifiting the prifons

of Italy,

could not avoid remarking, that too

From
not find

the heat of the climate, one

it

in

obferved, that in general great attention was paid to the fick

little

but I

care was taken to prevent ficknefs.

might imagine the gaol-fever would be very

likely to prevail

but, I did

any of the prifons.

Ill

Galley*.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

In the Seraglio, or great Alms-houje *, there were about five hundred and

Naples
house"

Many

rooms.

-(condannati) in eight or nine

prifoncrs

fifty

of them work as labourers on

this great

building, with chains varying according to the terms of their confinement, and have

were lhoe-makers

.employment

at

work,

of the circulation of
galley-flaves

them and

number of

aged and infirm, and

for beggars

fome rooms

the former in

that are

marine.

recovering.

be deprived of the falutary

have an hofpital on the Jhore fronting the bay, entirely appropriated

their guards \.

The

will

air.

moft of the other hofpitals

the

a great

is

by which the numerous inhabitants

for a large church,

The

the galleys, but moft of the prifoners had no

and which have windows into a court, where they were digging a foundation

finifhed,

to

fome of

to be a receptacle for the

is

There

idle perfons.

effects

as in

f.

This great building

and

In thefe rooms

allowance juft mentioned, with five ounces of flour for foup.

.the extra

It

has four or five fpacious and airy wards, cleaner than

One of

in this city.

patients

Great attention

are
is

thefe

rooms

only for the guard of

is

diftinguifhed into three claffes

very

ill

fick

and

paid to them: and they are allowed good bread in

fufficient quantity.

The

Hospitals.

great and crowded Hofpitals of S. Apoftoli and UAnnunziazione, have wards ap-

propriated to the cure of

The

wounded perfons

one end of which

chiefly

of one lofty ward

and

the other end, a table,

at

table

at

is

is

clean and elegant.

room

an altar and a

on which are placed the patients

It

confifts

for poor priefts

Near

victuals.

this

was inferibed a reference to the appofite words of Scripture, Matthew xxv. 35, 36.

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat

||.

Hofpital of the Benfratelli, or S. Gio di Dio,

The

i c.

front of this building already extends near

hundred

thirteen

feet,

and probably

it

will

be en-

larged.

f As no

regular plan had been fettled for the

employment of thefe

of three hundred of fuch of them as had been condemned for

I On my telling the
my mind to our Hulks)

life,

flaves, the

furgeon, that in fome countries a part of each galley

;

he replied,

"

that muft foon

make

the

king

lately

made

a pre/cut

to the Maltefe.

nxibole

is

made an

hofpital (alluding in

an hofpital."

The frequency of affaults and afTaffinations in Italy is generally known. Many of the common people
feem to be ignorant or inienftble of the atrocioufnefs of the crime of murder. The criminals in prifon exprefs,
with feeming fatisfaftioB of mind, " that though they (tabbed they did not rob." If we confider that wards
i|

;u.d

even hofpitals appropriated to the wounded are

filled

with patients, that the prifons are crowded, and

and examine our accounts ie j#! Lifts

and the Judges Returns, we may reckon that there are more murders committed in a year in the city of
not natuNaples or Rome, than in Great Britain and Ireland. Does not this prove that the Englifli are
And might not arguments be derived from hence, for the revifal and repeal of fome of our
rally cruel ?
criminal
laws? The Marquis Btccaria jultly remarks, in Chap. 28. that " the death of a

that

many

are continually taking refuge on the fteps of churches,

fanguinary

"
<

example of a man deprived of his

is alefs efficacious method of deterring others, than the continued
of barbarity it
liberty." And that " the punifhment of death is pernicious to fociety, from the example
affords."

In

ITALY.

Sect. IV.

In many of the Italian hofpitals, and

of

friars,

in all that I

119

have feen belonging to

order

this

there are no rooms over the fick wards, fo that they are as lofty as our churches

or chapels.

At Lucca,

now

they formerly fold their condannati to the Genoefe or Venetians, but

Lucca-,

they keep them in prifon without any employment.

At Genoa,

befides a Prifon for debtors, and a Prifon for female criminals, there

great Prifon for male criminals, confuting of thirty-five

of the prifoners

room

The

tolerably airy.

To

this prifon

formed

inftrutlions

is

Genoa

faw none

belongs an hofpital, and a chapel with a

which the condemned are brought four days before

to

Their daily allowance was thirteen ounces of good wheaten

in irons.

bread for each, befides foup.

large

rooms

by

for this prifon

the

their,

execution.

fupreme fyndics, are hung up

in

and

it,

contain excellent regulations, as will appear from the following account of a few of

them.

" The keeper

fhall

have under him

fix

afliftants

and

the faid keeper

is

to be

refponfible, and liable to punifhment, if any of the afliftants mall be guilty of the leaft

fraud or neglect in their employment.

The

time he mall think proper, but when he

is

advocate

fifcal

is

once a week,

and to inquire diligently how the prifoners are treated by the keeper and
in

to death, he

keep the chapel

to

confolation

at

When any
The keeper

order to give information to the moft ferene fenate, &c.

condemned

is

immediately to be put into chains.

up

any

afliftants,

prifoner
is

is

always to

fhut, except at the time of celebrating mafs, confeflion, or adminiftering

the unhappy.

He

is

in the criminal court

take care that the prifoners do not play

to

alfo

The

any games, particularly cards.

fixed

at

leaf expefted, to vifit the cells of the prifon,

lafl

of juftice^

order

is,

that this table of regulations be

and

in the chancery,

apartments of the

in the

criminals."

In one of the Galleys juft returned from conveying fome noblemen to their country

found about three hundred ftout fellows, clean and healthy

feats, I

infirm had been

left

two being out on a

The

" That
draw

old and

home, of which there were only two, the other

the galleys at

of fuch orders,

is

on

foore-,

and

in

it

are

hung up

the regulations,

which

as the following:

five fuperintendents fhall

lots,,

for the

cruife.

hofpital for thefe galleys

confift chiefly

fhall

in

to determine

be appointed by the magiftrates,

who

every month

which of the galleys they are to infpecc. That exact

lifts

of the crews, and of the fick in the infirmary, with an account of die time of their
admiflion, fhall be taken and kept, with the affiftance of the phyfician, chaplain, and

furgeon.

That

the fecretary fhall keep a regifter of

bread, wine, meat, peafe,. beans,

rice,.

&c.

all

&c That

things necefTary to be provided

four caldrons of broth fhall be

allowed weekly to a galley, befides kettles of broth fiatedly given them in the three
winter

months. That when

cheefe, oil,

and

the fuperintendents difcontinue the allowance of meat,

ftockfiih, the chaplain fhall fee that each

of the flaves be ferved daily

with

Galleys

FOREIGN PRISONS.

12

Genoa
Galleys.

with

of wine.

half' a pint

^ meat) w ne
}

paftry,

That
That

the phyficians fhall keep exact accounts of their order*

midfhipmen

the captains and

&c.

fhall take

care that all

the regulations be exactly obferved."

The Turkifh
and for {having

The

feilles.

fummer
Hospitals.

flaves

had many

like thofe I

fhops on fhore, for felling coffee, perfumes, &c.

to have feen about fifteen years fince

bread allowance to the flaves

and three pounds

little

remember

three

is

pounds and

In the great Hofpital there were about three hundred men, and

it

and

it is

fix

hundred women.

one of the beft and

leaft

room and ward

for foundlings,

and the poor infants were cruelly bound hands and

feet with ban-

Here was

offenfive of the public hofpitals of Italy,

clofe

in

in winter.

All fick perfons of any nation are admitted into

crowded and

Mar-

at

two days

a half, for

dages, as in the hofpital at Florence, and other cities in Italy.

There were
clofe

alfo in this hofpital

and dirty

with the

noijy

and the calm and

and

The Alb ergo

apartments for the

infane.

Thefe apartments were

found inhumanly confined in the fame room

quiet, I

turbulent.

fituated

hofpital,

afylum for boys and

girls.

on an eminence within

There were

and four hundred and eighty-two of the

in

it

latter.

where numbers were fpinning and weaving,

is

is

an

fomething fimilar to the noble and

It is

Rome.

well-regulated hofpital of San Michele at

fight of the harbour,

hundred and feventeen of the former,

Over

room,

the door of the great

this infcription

Silentium et Qbedientia.

Milam
Pa I SONS.

At Milan,
of thefe rooms

is

eleven feet by twelve to

fons, but in others fix or eight

Thefe

fome of

are

the

windows

are inaccefiible but

which

is

by a

who

are towards a high wall eleven feet diftant.

narrow fpace, juft

fufficient to

rooms

in the Italian prifons, in

are imprifoned for

The

fpecial order.

general fize

In fome were only one or two per-

fifteen.

the ftrongeft and moft retired

the moft atrocious offenders, and thofe

The

twenty fecrete chambers.

in the great Prifon, there are

entrance

is

life,

are confined.

which

They

guarded by two doors, between

admit two perfons.

Into this you are locked

before the turnkey opens the inner door, for fear thefe defperate criminals fhould

murder

the keeper for the keys, and attempt to rufh out.

In the Prifon for debtors, in this great trading city, there were only four perfons
confined for debt.

There
to the
life.

are'

two prifons called UArgaftro, and

Both

country.

The

are for criminals,

moft atrocious,

work

La

Cafa di Correzione, which do honour

condemned

in chains in the ftreet

either for a

term of

years, or for

the others, only in the houfe.

In L'ArgaJiro there were three hundred and fifty-nine prifoners, healthy and ftrong.

A considerable
public walks
that purpofe

number of them were

pavements, &c.

at

work

in public

they water the ftreets and

the expence of the city) there being nineteen fmall

(at
fix

men

But

in

draw, and one

attends

behind chained.

the houfe there were at

waggons

for

Others repair the

work fhoe-makers,

tailors,

fmiths,

wheel-

SU

MAY. 1929

FOREIGN PRISONS.

GERMANY.
From
which

Switzerland

Germany

returned to

my

had not feen in

in

in order to vifit

1778,

former journies, particularly thofe

fome

prifons

in the free or Imperial

Cities.

At Augsburg,
of

It confifts

many

the prifon
cachots

is

on the

lide of a

There

examination, and two for the engines of torture.

for

fuch

have

as

back of the town-houfe.

at the

hill,

or fmall rooms, on three different floors.

been convicted of witchcraft

are alfo

There

is

Augsburg

one for

two dark dungeons

but they are in a very ruinous

condition, and feem to have been a long time without inhabitants.

The

condemned

are brought three days before their execution into two light rooms, which open into

Roman

minifter

The

catholic chapel

is

Roman catholic
The rooms were

thofe of the

a chapel for each.

Oppofite to the front windows

Munich

or Munchen,

town-houfe, had in

down

in

a pnfoner be a Froteftant, a Lutheran

it

fix

religion,
all

tzvo fides

of a fpacious court

and the other

for

there

two

are

men and two women

one

and are white-wafhed every year.

clean,

promoting

for

Proteftants, with

moft of the rooms, were high windows, of

which were defigned

circular form,

At

if

of Correction confifts of buildings on

Hotife

fide for

where, however,

permitted to attend him.

a femi-

a circulation of air.

prifons

for

prifoners *.

criminals.

One,

In a dark

in

the

damp dungeon

feventeen fteps, were the inftruments of torture.

The

other,

Ld

Prifon de la Cour,

and a black torture-room.

feven,

confided of about
In

this

room

fifteen

there

is

cells,

twelve

tabic

feet

by

covered with

Six chiirs for the magiftrates and fecretaries, covered alfo

black cloth and fringe.

with black cloth, are elevated two fteps above the

floor,

and painted black.

Various

fome of which are ftained with blood, hang round the room.
for the windows are fhut clofe,
the criminals fuffer, the candles are lighted

engines of torture,

When

to prevent their cries being heard abroad.

of the unhappy objects.

cruelty.

Even women

But

it

is

are not fpared

Two

crucifixes are prefented to the

too fhocking to relate their different

view

modes of

-f~.

In

*
is a

Once a

year, viz. on All-faints day, any perfons are permitted to enter and fee the prifon.

cuftom fimilar to

f This room
quiftian,

this in

feems

tranllated

There

Holland, at the fair time.

much

like

by Chandler,

in LimlorcVs Uijiory of the Inwas a large under-ground room,

the torture-room in Spain, defcribed

vol.

II.

page 221, 4to.

edit.

"

It

"

arched*

Mukice.

Munich.

O R E

G N

P R

O N

men and
The keeper

I" tne houfe of correction were about forty

wide cloth, but moft of them fpinning.

me

and frankincenfe

with charcoal

women

thirty

fome weaving

ordered his fervant to attend

negligence and

a certain fign of

S.

inattention,

which the countenances of the prifoners confirmed.

Hospitals.

was agreeably relieved from the pain excited by thefe fcenes, with the view of the

two

Hofpitals

forty beds;

the latter, twenty

was neat and clean,

faw

was inferibed,

The

as in

prifon

chambers

are

at

Over

All

was

the foot of each bed a text of Scripture

Italian hofpitals.

or

Regenjhurg,

in

is

town-houfe.

the

moft of them have ftoves.

and

at which two fenators,

At Munich and moft other

There

are

Many

of the

no dungeons, but
and the hang-

their fecretary,

man

places, a furgeon alfo attends

with his valets

affift.

heard of no fuch cuftom here.

At the back of
the houfe of corretlion

BURC.

wide.

patients

by the nuns

performed

bleeding

were about

feet

three dark cellars for torture,

but

Nu ren-

fome

Ratisbon

airy,

In the former

Charite.

operation of

the

with great dexterity and tendernefs.

Ratisbon.

de

Sceurs

the wards were about twenty-fix

and quiet; and the great attention paid to the

{till

where apparent.

every

and Les

of Les Freres

in

the orphan-houfe (in which were twenty boys and fifteen girls)
;

At Nurenbtjrg,

here

the prifon

to the gaoler's kitchen.

is

The

There

under the town-houfe.

are fifteen fteps

down

apertures for admitting light into the pafTages of the

This

dungeons, are level with the ground.

The

is

found only two women.

one of the worft prifons

is

ever faw.

dark unhealthy dungeons, and the difmal torture* chamber *, do no honour to

the

magiftracy

the

efcape of

of this
his

city. The

gaoler

makes ufe of a low

by terrifying them

prifoners,

under the power of witches.

In feveral of

German

the

trick

prevent

to

apprehenfions of falling

with the

gaols there

are

dungeons

for

thofe that are accufed of witchcraft, but they feem to have been long difufed

and

hope increafing

light

and good

fenfe will

entirely baniih

foon

the fears of

witches, and confequently the witches themfelves.

In one of the city-towers in which lunatics are confined, there

rooms

are three or

four

for criminals of higher rank.

" arched, and the walls

" and the whole room
" a table, fo
" and awful."
* In this
traveller but

that the

hangings.

covered with black

enlightened with candles

place

feemed

chamber on the wall

myfelf has ever feen

is

as

the

The

placed in

were fattened

candlefticks

The

them.-

inquifitor

to

the

and notary

wall;
fat

at

very manfion of death, every thing appearing fo terrible

inferibed

a gingling

verfe,

which

I.

here infert, as

perhaps no

it

Ad mala patrata, hac funt

atra tbeaira para/a.

Over

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

Over

Houfe of Correction

the gate of the

Nurenburg

at

this infcription

is

Nuren-

BURC.

Hie criminum frequent ia

Ho u s e
F

Mortalium dementia

n
LORRECtion.

Compefcitur dementia

Salva fori fententia.

The

above forty

they earn

hundred

in a

grind feven

and confequently each earns

Some men

prifoners.

and others,

work on

that twelve were at

week

Some of

*.

the

Schwais

a large houfe of corre8ion t in

were employed in

making fpinning-wheels

The women were

the road.

four

here alfo were grinding glaffes in two

different apartments,

in

buttons for clothes, wire-drawing and

grind

thirteen for a hundred,

at

on cufhions.

the margraviate of Anfpach,

in

which were ninety-three

large rooms

filver lace

Some

each hand.

in

glafles

himfelf twelve creutzers a

for

gold and

what

furplus of

pence a week each, they are allowed

or eighteen

week, by which they earn fifty-two creutzers

women were working

At Schwabach,

The

grinding fpectacle-glafTes.

in

creutzers,

The men

themfelves.

for

employed

prifoners were

and

polifhing fteel
I

was informed

fpinning, the daily

tafic

injoined to each was fix creutzers, or two pence halfpenny.

Such

have been publicly whipped are called

prifoners as

from the

guifhed

by having a

reft,

by being made the

chapel, and

laft in

infames,

and are

place appropriated to

particular

receiving the facrament.

The

them

diftin-

in

the

chaplain refides

in the houfe.

The

This houfe was clean, and well regulated.

gaoler readily fupplied

a book, containing an account of the regulations,

and

"
"

there

be able to maintain

fliould

The

greateft attention

be regarded.
It

is

fince with the

to

to cleanlinefs

necelfity for ftck

be

"

proper fupport."

is

inculcated

"
"

is

mentioned

as an efTential

one of the city magijlrates

That

accordingly,

in health

this

is

where

they

were

The

upon

bread and

be feen in the

ordered for the criminals.

vifit

"

that

the houfe, and clofely

its

management.'

a very unhealthy bufinefs

grinding.

is

lives

as will

point to preferve order, and prevent abufes,

is

evident from

employed, and from the difagreeable fenfations

thus

pointed out.

man who

fhould every week in rotation

infpect every thing relative to

reckoned an object not

is
is

conjiderabie

rooms are provided

bathing

wards for both fexes

table fubjoined, a daily allowance of hot provifions

It

a very falfe notion, that a

work hard and be kept

ceconomy, a

ftricTeft

its

and the expence of wajhing for them

The

remarked

water can

with

liberal

great error in expecting that a houfe of this kind

is

itfelf ;

annual fum will be found necefiary for

for the prifoners

to

"

obferved, that

is

me

which are fome

in

remarks that appear worth tranferibing.

fenfible

It

&c.

medical gentlemen

alvvay

the

countenances of thofe

received

prefcribe bleeding

from

the

dull

whom
in

the

faw

rooms

and phyfic to thefe perfons

two or three times a year.

.

S2

The

bach..

FOREIGN PRISON

IJ 2

SchwaBACH
-

of the daily allowance to the prifoners was

'

hung up

dming-

the

in

room*.

Bayrevth,

In a large Houfe of Corretlion near

Bay* 5UTH

The account

S.

in Franconia, the

men

were

all

working on marble, which is found in the neighbouring mountains. Many

were employed at the polifhing bench, two on each flab. Others were varioufly
engaged, in finifhing,
wheels

filing,

or in working

or carving

or in

proofs or famples

cutting

on tobacco-boxes, fhuff-boxes, &c.

contained the goods they had finifhed.

Some

large

fpecimens of the feveral

the

at

warehoufe
forts

of the

fummer, many of them are employed in fawing without

but in winter, they work in rooms
for were they to attempt this work
doors
abroad, a fudden froft might endanger the materials, but would certainly render it
marble

brought home.

In

The

impoffible to ufe the faw.

work was

their

My
this

pale countenances of the prifoners were a fign that

and that the keeper had the whole

laborious,

ingenious friend and colleague, the

late

Dr.

profit.

Fothergill,

kind for the employment of our convicts, and pointed out

which might attend the execution.

It

propofed a fcheme ot

many of

the advantages

was printed in the Gazetteer, Sept. 30, 1776.

* Regulations of the daily hot provifions for thofe prifoners

corre&ion

at

who

are fet

to

hard labour in the houfe of

Schwabach.

In the fummer months, half a pound of beef with half a pint of greens.

Sundays.

And

in the evening, a pint

of foup with eight ounces of bread.

In the winter months, half a pound of meat with a pint of four krout-

And

of foup with eight ounces of bread.

in the evening, a pint

Mondays.

In fummer, dumplings of wheaten flour.

Tuefdays.

In fummer, peafe and peeled barley.

And

in winter, peafe.

In winter, turnips, or potatoes.

Wednefdays. In fummer and winter, boiled millet.

In fummer, butter foup.

Thurfdays.

In winter, fweet cabbage.

In fummer, dumplings of wheaten

Fridays.

In winter, potatoes

And

in winter, peafe

Unto each of

Further.
a

in the

flour.

evening, foup with flour.

In fummer, peafe.

Saturdays.

and half

and

the

and peeled barley.

faid

prifoners

in the evenings, butter

and

daily,

two pounds of bread

meafure of beer.

For thofe who are put

pound and a
is fimilar, except that each has only a
and on Mondays and Fridays, they have frumenty gruel,,

to flight labour the diet

half of bread daily, and no

butter

or beer:

inftead of dumplings.

To vagrants,

and thofe who earn their bread by flight

Sundays,

Dumplings and foup

Wtdnfedays,

Millet boiled in milk.

On
To

labour.

for fupper.

the other days, no hot vidluals.

each daily, one pound and three quarters of bread..

The

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

The women

*33

were fpinning worfted, and appeared objects of compaffion.

Their

and cutaneous complaints, evidently befpoke inattention

dirty rooms, fickly looks,

Bayreuth.

and neglect *.
In the Houfe of

employed

were fpinning;

in

the

for

cloth

Wurtzburg

corretlion at

a well-regulated

in

and

work
the

and

foldiers,

the

As

man or woman was

Roman catholic chapel,

eight

Here

and the

prifoners are fometimes

ment,

as thofe

the

galley-flaves

The former

are

* I have
It

may

whole,

was

there

The

feparately.

or three pence halfpenny a day.

Roman

catholic

term of confine-

for their

are

is
;

regulations

and

honnetes

feven, nine, fourteen years,

fometimes (hortened on account of good

and a fmall chain from the girdle

fuch as have committed capital offences.

a book of the

into

diftinguifhed

for three, four,

one

to

Thefe wear a white coat

when not enforced

but of what advantage are the belt rules

be of ufe, however, to give fome idea of the nature of thefe regulations, which feem, on the
After mentioning that the two fexes are

planned.

from

the

i/i/ames ;

chapter

is

given,

treating

on

be kept

to

Mean*

the

feparate,

and

the

alfo

Correction,

of

under

heads.

three
.

latter are

well

honnetes

up

laid

fpinning or

all

kinds,

prieft lives in the houfe.

called)

(fo

condemned

Thefe wear a brown uniform

The

leg.

work was

creutzers,

according to their crimes; but the term

behaviour.

officers, the artillery,

of a different perfuafion are fent to Bayreuth.

At Hanau,
defhonnetes.

mod

at

houfes have

fuch

all

under

from other countries,

fent hither

i. Religious

inflruSlio",

twice a day, preach

in

which the Chaplain's duty

amply

is

laid

He

down.

is

to

read

prayers

and catechife on Sundays, and employ the moil folemn and eameft exhortations

occafionally.
2. Labour.

Idlenefs

being juftly confidered as the fource of moft

a conftant employment of the prifoners.

but

text;
ij

think

it

The

proper to quote one obfervalion from the book

great

vices,

nature of this employment

has

attention

3.

may be employed

in

it.

Such

is

the

paid to

is

been mentioned

of regulations, which

is,

of advantage to have part of the work of a kind that any perfon, though incapable of the

labour,

turning of a wheel, which even a blind

man may

the

in

that

it

common
perform.

The various punijhmenis of the refracl'.ry.

fubfequent chapter treats on Dift,

A
Clothing, and Cleanliness.
The allowance is two'
pounds of wholefome bread daily, and fomething hot for dinner. Meat only on a few holidays. For
the fick, there is an addition of four pfennings a day for board.
AH the money, however, is paid to the
keeper,

who

finds

the provifions.

Concerning

cleanlinefs

cccafions difeafes of the body, but alfo tends to the corruption

I

burg.

were

wheels

Here, and

The women were

perfon's

tafk for each

The

fpinning was of various

their

Wurtz-

weaving wide

in another,

pieces.

the manufacturer (for

or poor-houfe.

hofpital

room with cupboards, where each

is

and

feveral pieces of cloth for the

large room.

carding in one
a

me

women

thirty-fix

feven inches wide, and two perfons

feet

fix

In a warehoufe,

(hewed

the diameter being four feet.

are large looms,

loom.

at each

a manufacturer)

men and

In one part of the houfe they

and waiftcoat

flocking

alfo

larger than our fpinning-wheels,

houfes of this fort,

fifty-four

picking and carding wool

another,

foldiers,

were

woollen manufactory.

it

is

obferved, that

the want

of

it

not

only

and debafement of the mind.

with.

Hanau.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

134

Hakac.

with one black flceve

work out of
ments

in

the town

and

hours of work for both

The

it.

and have a chain from the girdle to both legs : they never
are put to the moft laborious and difagreeable employ-

from

April to Michaelmas,

of

ft

Michaelmas

to April,

are,

fummer, from

in

five to eleven,

Allowance
two pounds and a half of bread a day: from
and each man about two pence a day
and from

to fix

forts

winter, as the weather and length of days permit.

and from one

in

two pounds

They

a charity they have half a florin (about twelve pence halfpenny) a month.
conftantly vifited by a deputy from the regency,

every morning
at

and the colonel conveys

Of

Hanau.

to

it

who makes
the young

when he

prince,

kindnefs to them, the prifoners feemed duly fenfible

his

are

his report to the colonel

refides

and they

fpoke with grateful refpeft of the attention fhewed them by the amiable Princefs his
deceafed mother, whofe

memory

will be

long revered

they

liked

They

be

to

" Much

anfvvered,

readily

afternoon

employed,

thus

at

would choofe

or

entrances to

the

number of

more or

flaves

be confined

lefs

the town,

when

in

On

work."

at

&c.

and the keeper.

a guard of four foldiers (bayonets fixed) a fubaltern,

guard, be the

work on the road, whether

to

be thus abroad

rather

fweep the bridges,

thefe

in that country.

who were

afked more than one of the honnetes

idlenefs

Saturday

They have
This

is

the

faw them they were from

ten to twelve.

At
But

and go

to their

chambers

prifon there

in this

they were at

two

evening, in fummer-time, they bring

in the

fix

prifon,

pair of flioes

The

defhonnetes

for a

to the

are

not

rank of

room

their tools into a

man

for each

befides the

flave has,
;

all

on the ground-floor

and two

room

in the

the honnetes above.

as

which

thofe to

in

clothes

above-mentioned,

All are obliged to attend

fhirts.

The men, on my repeated vifits, looked healthy.

doomed to defpair but for good behaviour are fometimes
:

honnetes.

advancement of

late

Each

two pair of ftockings

divine fervice on Sunday.

promoted

di/J;onnetes

not a feparate

is

committed.

firft

the

converfed with one,

kind

that

in

whom

confequence of

it,

found very cheerful

working on

he was

the road.

There

is

confined

in

Cassel

it.

At Cassel,

^
a

It

has

La

four

'Tour

de

Margueretta: fo called from the

rooms on each of the two

floors-,

but

perfon

firft

they

were

empty.

all

Prisons.

another Prifon,

alfo

is

j#

new church

dejhonnetes

Here
feet

there

not fQ w ^ concm(5t ec

is

a Prifon for

One

juft built, there is a

gallery with

though the whole number, when

alfo

a large

Houfe of

correction,

by twenty-five, and twelve

to the prefent Landgrave.

galley-flaves

circumftance ftruck

feet

I (hall not,

under fimilar management,

me

as

two feparate

worthy of remark.
feats for the honnetes

In

and

was there, was only feventeen.

one hundred and ten

with a work-room

high.

It

was built by

Charles, .grandfather

however, enter into a minute

.detail

of the

difcipline

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.
difcipline in this houfe,

them

more

is

others are better conducted

and the account of

particular.

At Francfort
I

many

as

1.35

fo the Maine) there

ten

at

One

debtors, where

Franc-

creutzers, about fourpence a day,

p^oL.

are five Prifons.

found only three, who were alimented

is

for

payable by their creditors.

Here is a lightfome room,

Prifon called La Tour de St. Catharine was empty.
which criminals are generally brought from the great guard prifon, juft before
The men are hanged, and the women beheaded ; but executions
their execution.

The

to

are very rare in this city.

the work-houfe) were three prifoners, two

correction (near

In the Houfe of

The man was

women

work with two or three others in the court, beating

to powder a porous ftone, which is worked up with water, and makes, when dry,
The two women were employed in the work-houfe.
a hard cement or coat of plafter.
and a man.

at

At Manheim, Monfieur Babo, counfellor to the regency, very politely gave orders
mew me every room of La Mai/on de Force. Prifoners committed to this houfe
A
are commonly received in form with what is called the bien-venu (welcome).
machine is brought out, in which are fattened their neck, hands, and feet. Then
to

they are ftripped

and have, according

of twenty to thirty
of twelve to fifteen

ftripes
:

the

The
at

all

The

idle.

like

own

They have but

little

women

ftioe-makers, tailors,

as

trades,

rules

and

good.

orders are

effect,

nth. As

poiTible

cleanlinefs

immediate notice of

it

is

it

required of

to the infpeRor,

perfons to watch

all

Whoever

fees the

upon

ignorance of the rules, one copy of them

hung Up in his room;,

divine fervice.

It

is

and they

fhall

lean: offence

and

rooms

Not

cards.
:

yet though,

it.

The two
this,

mod

lad are to

this

to obferve all

ftridlly

againft

all

of that kind, fhall give,

pain of clofe confinement on bread and

12th.

(hall

That no one may

be.

able

to.

plead

be given to every prifoner, and another

be read

publicly

every Sunday

ordered that the difobedient be punimed

to the dutiful

fcveral

in

which are coarfe cloth and

have a copy of them.

water, and the moll rigorous chaftifement.

The

venu

-petit

weaver s, lapidaries

of the utmoft importance in fuch houfes as

it is

appearance of the contrary.

ment be given

grand vend

the

time to earn any thing for themfelves

they work entirely for the houfe, their labour does not maintain

The

the

or

go in. Some are treated

ceremony is obferved at many

Fifty-two men, and forty- nine

either at their

or at one of the manufactures of the houfe

one

orders

Germany.

houfe was. clean.

work

magiftrate

the threlhold and

after this they kifs

with the fame compliment at difcharge.

other towns in

the

as

demi venu of eighteen to twenty

morning

after

and that encourage-

diligent.

numbered; and the keys marked with the correfponding number..

Allowance to moft of the men, two pounds of bread, foup, and a quart of good beer*,,
and, except in Lent, half a pound of meat.
Women have a pound and half of bread
doors are

all

other:

ManH E I M.

;
;

FOREIGN PRISONS.
The

men.

Man

other articles as

heim.

They have all of them clean linen once

The keeper makes, every morning, a
houfe

as to

the

numbers, health,

capuchin fays mafs

At Strasburg,

that

prevail

Lutherans,

Mm fx

in

in

this

fp ac ; ous

of

in

much

pleafed to find fo

is

oppofite

with

oak

meat.

little

not in the

in

"

fide

plank,

the door

a fortnight,

clean

ftraw.

all

how clean
many women

"

houfe clean?"

which the delinquents work two hours

door

is

to the

Mo

floor

windows, for circulation

two inches thick

full

and

Thefe circumftances con-

fmall iron wicket, to give in

is

ft

of the flour in the city

is

we mould

How

"

can

it

prifoners? Surely they muft keep the

in the

is

ground

at a mill in

morning, and two

carved a waggon drawn by two Jags, two

yoke,

bafs relief at

There
I

two rooms on a

for

minifters.

prifon was, he faid,

his

with an infeription explaining the device, which

fame

of a liberal

was neat, and fhewed the attention of the regency.

at

tamed

is

much

This gaol ftands near the Rhine, and

taking notice to the keeper

the

me

is

be otherwife, when we have fo

Over

their fabbath.

leaft offenfive.

In the Houfe of correction

On my

one

own

their

high

five {lories

two pounds of bread, foup, and (except in Lent)

Only one prifoner is confined in each room, who has two blankets

the daily allowance;

and once

On

which

men

there are

were feparate chambers

there

hofpital

are double-floored with

to fecurity.

whom

had two pounds of good

that they

much

was

the

middle,

the

in

a gallery for

Proteftants and Jews are

each room has two doors, only three feet nine inches high.
tribute

Sec.

prifoners.

towers were three debtors: they informed

five

Porte de Fer for felons

landing-place

The rooms

air.

that

city,

is

from working on

which they were allowed the attendance of

At Mentz, La
a

There

another for orphans, of

the latter are excufed

bread a day, and foup equally good.

Prisons.

it

they were alimented by their creditors;

fpirit

veal,

women

report to Monfieur Babo of the ftate of the

blind before

one of the

in

white bread,

warned by the

it is

chapel every morning.

in the

ordered to their private devotions

BURG

week:

a fort of hofpital at one end of the prifon.

fixty-four in

S-RAs-

Sec.

women, with a

another for

indulged with

are

fick

is,

that

if

lions,

in

this

prifon;

the afternoon.

and two wild

boars

even wild beafls can be

not defpair of reclaiming irregular men.

faw the

one or two other houfes of correction.

a feparate

found no prifoners in

prifon
it.

for debtors.

When

La

Porte du Poifon, near the fifh-market:

there are any, they have daily at the creditor's coft

two pounds of bread, and about four pence in money.

Every prifon at Mentz, has in each room, a German ftove;

which,

in

winter,

On
heated two or three times a day.
Prifoners have clean linen once a week.
my taking notice to the brigadier of the police who went with me, how healthy his
prifoners looked, he faid that " Some years ago, they were unhealthy; and the

is

"

regency removed them from the dungeons: upon which they recovered

*c

fince

we have had them remarkably healthy." The dungeons

are

now

and ever

totally difufed.

GERMANY.

Sect. IV.

was hardly necefTary to inquire

It

The

make

keepers

if

prifons; hear complaints

the

None

wanting.

the prifons were infpeclcd

by proper

a report every day to an attentive Lieutenant of the Police

and the

in a fortnight the Confciller de Regence,

all

i j7

of the keepers

fell

Secretaire

and inquire

liquor

and Confeilkr

Mentz-

des Finances vifit

anything necefTary be

clothes, or

if

officers.

and once

but prifoners are allowed to fend out for a

They are not permitted to have any fpirituous liquors.

tower at Cologn, there were no prifoners cither for debt or for capital
In this and many other cities, the magiftrates will not permit a debtor who

quart of beer a day.

In the
offences.

has no

when

ejfccls

to be confined.

This

condemned, they

they are

city has not the

are delivered

confined in a dungeon in his houfe.

up

power of executing criminals

to an high

officer

faw one thus confined when

of the
I

but

and

elecloi's,

was here

Cologn.

fix years

ago.

men were

In the Houfe of correRion, the

mallets,

as

is

beating done to powder with fmall wooden

The women were

pra&ifed at Francfort.

fpinning,

knitting

or

ftockings.

At

Wesel,

on the

which belongs

great prifon at

a very old

man

when

they

Wesel.

work

Aix-la Chapelle was unoccupied.

In the guard prifon near the Miifon de

was

were ninety-eight flaves

Pruflla, there

or other public works, the value of three halfpence.

fortifications,

The

King of

to the

they have a daily allowance of two pounds of bread, and

or convifts

with irons on one hand,

Aix-ia-

were two prifoners; one of

Ville there

who was

whom

CHAPtLtE '

confined on fufpicion, and had

twice fuffered the torture to force a difcovery of his confederates.

Executions are not frequent

decollation,

which

is

in

this

city *.

performed by the broad

and not by a machine,

as

in

fome

parts

Citizens

fword,

of Italy

as

are
at

always

nor by the axe, as

by

executed

Hamburg,

Bern, &c.
in

England,

Denmark, &c.

The two
Porte de

St.

prifons

(diftinguifhed

by the names of the

Leonard in Ljece, are on the ramparts.

old

In two

and the new) near

rooms of the

La,

old prifon

faw fix cages made very ftrcng with iron hoops, four of which were empty.
(The dimenllons were feven feet by fix feet nine inches, and fix feet and a half high.

On

one fide was an aperture of fix inches by four, for giving in the victuals). Thefe
were difmal places of confinement, but I foon found worfe. In defcending deep
below ground from the gaoler's apartments, I heard the moans of the miferable
wretches in the dark dungeons.
The fides and roof were all flone. In wet weather,
water from the

fqffes

gets into them,

thein had two fmall apertures,

over

it

ftrongly bolted, for putting in

Io this and

Then he

and has greatly damaged the

one for admitting

is

air,

floors.

Each of

and another with a

food to the prifoners.

One dungeon

fhutter

larger

many

other cities, the convia knows not of his execution, till

three days before the time.
cqnltamly attended by his cohfefibr, and
indulged in the choice of food.

than

Liege.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

*3
Lxece.

than the

reft

was appropriated to the

difcovercd a ftove, and

felt

fome

men who conftru&ed

The dungeons in

thefe cells.

confinement in them

fo

away

the fenfes.

the nezv prifon

who

faw,

forty-feven years without

The

(as

becoming

of the fufferers

cries

are abodes of mifery

overpowers human nature,

in the

cian and furgeon always attend

the gaoler brings

piring.

" The

in

with a candle,

this,

more fhocking

flill

humanity from the

and

fometimes irrecoverably to take

went down

as I

was told) had fuflained

One

to them.

this horrid

confinement

diffracted.

may be

torture-chamber

out, and guards are placed to prevent

a bell

as

heard the cries of the diffracted

woman, however,

In looking into

lick.

furprife at this little efcape of

when

heard by pafTengers with-

them from flopping and

the torture

applied

is

liftening*.

and on a

phyfi-

fignal given

by

wine, vinegar and water to prevent the fufferers from ex-

Thus

tender mercies of the zvicked are cruel."

in

Spanifh inquifition,

the

the phyfician and furgeon attend to determine the utmoft extremity of fuffering with-

out expiring under the torture

I

add

will only

penfion

that

is,

that

in

-f.

this

prifon there

to fuch as are confined

rents, guardians or relations.

are

rooms appropriated

by the magiftrates,

mocking

practice

to prifoners en

at the delire of their

which prevails

alfo in

pa-

fome of the

neighbouring countries.
In the Mai/on de Force there were

employed

in

the houfe

who

a woollen

ninety prifoners,

ranged

four rooms,

in

manufactory of linings for foldiers clothes.

and

Perfons live in

well underftand the bufinefs, and inftruct the prifoners in forting, card-

None of them were in irons. All had feparate

good rye bread, meat three times a week, two quarts of

ing, fpinning, twitting and weaving.

beds, and were fupplied with

beer for each, every day, and foup every other day.

The

chaplain,

who

lived in the houfe, favoured

work-rooms, lodging- rooms, and the

me

with his company through the

He

entered into the true fpirit of

and lamented the inconvenience of the houfe, as not being built
He took notice of the propriety of folitary
for the purpofe to which it is applied.
for
confinement for thofe that were riotous and refractory at their firft coming
refectory.

this inftitution,

generally, he faid,

"

in four or five days they

would become very tradable and fub-

miffive."

" In the months of November

* The author of the Hijhry of the Inquifition at Goa tells us, cap. 23
" and December, I heard every day in the morning the cries and groans of thofe who were put to the
" Queftion, which is fo very cruel, that I have feen feveral of both fexes who have been ever after lame.
:

"

In

*'

tortured, ;ien

this tribunal

they regard neither age nor fex, nor condition of perfons, but
'tis

all

without diftindion are

for the intereft of this tribunal."

See Chandler's Tianflation of Limborch's

Hijl.

of the

Inquifition, vol. II.

page 222.

AUSTRIAN

FOREIGN PRISONS.

>39

AUSTRIAN FLANDERS.
In

Austrian Netherlands

the

I found the prifons in general clean ; and no fick

and yet few of the prifons have a court in mod:
confined to his room.
In fome places, as at Antwerp, &c.

nefs prevailing in any one of

of them every prifoner

is

the allowance to criminals

week

butter a

fcanty

In the prifon

at

but the deficiency

Debtors very few

&c.

is

them

is

pound and

a half of bread a day , and

made up by

fully

fupplies

.a

pound of

from the monafteries,

they are alimented by their creditors.

Antwerp

there are

two rooms

for citizens

and up

ftairs

there

is

Antwerp.

a cage, about fix feet and a half fquare, into which criminals are put before the torture.

A criminal,

while he fufFers the torture,

clothed in a long

is

and a phyfician and furgeon attend him and when

and wine has been given him, he is required to fign
:

eight hours afterwards he

In a fmall dungeon
it

is

faid that

is

is

kind

his confeflion

and about forty-

a (lone feat like fome

have feen

in old prifon towers, in

which

formerly prifoners were fuffocated by brimjlone, when their families wiflied

No

perfon here remembers an inftance of

but about thirty years ago there was a private execution in the prifon.

this prifon in

prifoners for

to

forced from him,

is

executed.

to avoid the difgrace of a public execution.

this

has his eyes bound,

fliirt,

a confeilion

In

1778 there were only two prifoners. In November 1781 there were three
debt; their allowance was three halfpence a day.

The Clergy have a Prifon in this city, which is an old tower, three ftories high,
which perfons who come under their cognifance for adultery, inceft, &c. are

committed.

June 15, 17S3, there was not one prifoner

here was a Hov.fe of correction.

in this city.

In 1778
the

keeper's

magiftrates *,

apartments;

On

on the

criminals.

who were put in by their

men were employed
the reft in

* In foreign houfes

they

may

the

river ran

warehoufe

for the zvomen.

All the

women, and

The
the

under

it

and the

on one

fide

were

room

for

the

three fides of a paved court there were thirteen cells for the -men,

and over them were the rooms

young women

other,

making

of correction there

more conveniently

is

lace.

On

one

of the court were the

fide

parents or relations
in

fpinning cotton

pound of cotton

room appropriated

to the ufe

at a

and on the other, the

fo

were fome of the

time was delivered to

of the regents or magiftrates, that

infpeel and tranfad the affairs of the houfe.

each

House
OF
tion.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Antwerp
Cokrec-

which, thirteen fou s * were paid.

found, by the books, that

each;

for fpinning

at

coming, fome did not earn more than feven or eight fous

E
fir ft

a fter

t i1C

Rye

y earned from twelve to fourteen.

each meal) and water, was their allowance

in a

week, but foon

bread (to the value of half a Jliver\

and whatever they had more than

They were

they were required to pay for out of their earnings.

clean linen every week, towards wafhing which

this,

obliged to put on

The

each paid a fou.

were

ftoves

heated twice a day, and candles and lamps were provided, at the expence of the
magiftrates.

One of them (the penitentiary

There were three rooms for the ungovernable.
room) had a floor made of pieces of wood laid edgeways four inches afunder. The
prifoner was chained

in

move but

the middle of this floor, fo that he could

a few

and being allowed no fhoes or (lockings, whether he flood or lay down, he

mufl have been in a very uneafy pofture. This room therefore was dreaded by the

fteps

The

prifoners.

other

rooms were abodes

fo

dark and

as to

fofitary,

be almoft equally

dreadful.

The men were

when they went
gallery, with

never fuffered to go out, except on Sundays and other holydays,

the chapel,

to

a lattice of

wood

which they had

in

feats

The women

below.

Here, and

before them.

in the prifon,

alfo

fat in

a tabTe

of regulations was hung up, which was read

in

after the entrance of every prifoner.

regulations confifled of thirty- fix articles,

from which

" The

Thefe

public by the chaplain, the

mufl be fubmiiTive

half after fix

at

keeper and to his wife;

to the

in

the morning from

December

The

ift

The

twelve, and

of meals

allowed, at their
broth.,

are fixed

feven,

at

own expence,

The

feven.
;

and

at

keeper

prifoners

are

or a pint of tea or ftnaU beer, and at fupper the fame quantity of tea or beer;

pound of

is

a certain quantity of boiled meat

and every
and fruit to the value of half a fliver. Every day the
prepare two forts of foup or broth, and at feven in the morning
:

butter,

obliged to

After
They

to give the prifoners their choice of either fort, or none.

the

all

at fix.

dinner foup or

and on Sundays and other holydays

week

they

if

February 15th, and

to

breakfaft a pint of tea

at

and

times fixed for rifing

but on Sundays and holydays

the reft of the year at five, or half after five

times

Sunday

have taken the following extracts.

prifoners

think themfelves injured, mull complain to the regents.

are,

firfl

men

are permitted

to.

walk

the court, and the

in

hour, under the infpe&ion of the keeper and

every time they curfe or fwear, or

make

women

officers.

fervice

on Sundays,

in the gallery half

an

forfeit half a fliver,

a difturbance in the chapel

and

alfo

every

time they are not up in half an hour after they are awakened by the keeper, and
for every hour they fleep longer.
after admonition, they

windows

faft clofed

* -K/ou

up.

is

pay a

If they perfifl in infulting the keeper or his wife,

fliver,

If they

about a halfpenny*

and are

alfo

make any

punifhed by having their doors or

noife or diflurbance after nine at night

$ A Jtivtr

is

about a penny,

to

AUSTRIAN FLANDERS.

Sect. IV.
to break the

of their fellow-prifoners, they are ordered to

rejl

of the regents

at the difcretion

to be punifhed

who

fuch alterations as they think proper in the rules

and

In

were removed

The

the regulations dill

arid

to

Antwerp.

make

or old age,

times of riling,

<kc."

chapel, though the prifoners

in the

to Vilvorde.

Hofphal of

The

ward

Elizabeth has a lofty

St.

windows do not open,

plaftered.

hung up

empowered

in cafe of ficknefs

to give indulgences to the prifoners, with refpect to their diet,

November 1781

forfeit a fchclling

are likewife

wards are

thefe

beds have no

tellers

as

all

each fex;

for

yet,

as

The beams and

offenfive.

have (improperly)

the upper

Hostit ac

not

are

joiits

the infirmaries in

in

Holland.

The

In the O)phan-houfe the bed-rooms were large, and had oppofite windows.

beds were

by

laid

feet eleven inches

on boards highly varnifhed, on iron bedfteads (five

The bed-rooms and refectories were

At Mechlin, one of the beft rooms in the

HOUSE.

rooms that the windows may be

three feet feven) and placed in the middle of the

kept open.

Orphan

quite clean.
Prifon

is

for debtors

but none

in

it.

Mechlik.

1778 there were three criminals up flairs, and in 1781, five: no dungeon3.
on Sunday
Allowance, two threepenny loaves f and a pound of butter weekly
Straw, and two
three pints of fmall beer daily.
a pound of meat, and fome foup

In

blankets.

Firing from the

week from

a charity.

November

of

1 ft

The mode

of torture

in of May.

the

to

I will

not defcribe

Clean linen every

has not been ufed of

it

late years.

At Brussels,

Each

of the alphabet.
of bread (pain

of meat,
of his

truft.

had a feparate room

prifoner

and fome foup

There were forty-nine

men, and

in

no court-yard.

is

man

fufFering

on the

In 1778

or three children with

the gate

prifoners,

one room

The

at

June 17, 1783.

in

pounds

Lent, a pound

De

him

Laecken

is

not abolifhed

is

torture-Jlool for forty-eight

;

* hfchdling

is

On

the

firft

women

(va-

the gaoler told

is

me

obliged to advance

who had

but they were not permitted to

rather,

hours.

the creditor

faw there an Englishman,

the Bijhop's prifon.

In fome large rooms

the top of the houfe ten

torture

and a large hall with feven fmall rooms or

daily allowance, two

on Sunday,, except

Debtors are fent to another Prifon (Treurenbergh)

a month's aliment.

At

Porte de Halle,

keeper of the houfe of correction was committed to this gaol for abufe

Here

he had feen a

Ld

in the Prifon

feven feet and a half by feven), diftinguifhed by the letters

d' ammunition)

there were five or fix

grants).

were twenty-four felons

in 1778, there

chambers

in twenty-four

his

wife and

two

flay at night.

floor there

is

cages with apertures

a chapel,
to them.

about fix-pence.

t The prifoners have the choice of two forts of bread.

bought both forts in the city. A threepenny loaf of

the

As

the gaoler could

fineft,

not

tell

me

the weight,

weighed exaftly three pounds, and of the

other, four pounds ten ounces.

Over

Brussels
Prisons.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

142
Brussels
Prisons.

Over
no

rooms

thefc are fix

a little bigger for

women.

June 17, 1783, there were here

prifoners.

At the

gate D'Anderlecht there

one or two, to
Hospital.

The Hofpital of St. Jean for

The wards were clofe and

the fick

under the care of the

is

In the Houfe of correRion in 1778, the prifoners were

Some

and attentive keeper.

all

committed

for

Religieufe of S. Augujlln.

"

offenfive

employed

and fhoe-makers were

tailors

are

a day.

night, as the furgeon faid,

at

careful

who

a Prifon for petty offenders,

is

Their allowance one fou or a penny

weeks.

fix

at

beyond de-

and had then a

work ; but

mod

of

the men were occupied in the manufacture of paper-hangings; carving the moulds,

The women

grinding the colours, and ftaining the paper.

making

feparated from the men, and were employed in

lace.

prifoners were entirely

In

December 1781,

this

houfe was empty, for the prifoners were removed to Vilvorde, where their apartments
are not fo airy and convenient.

The

rooms of the
Vilvorde
House
OF
C0!< RECTJON.

The

have

Brabant,

feen.

It

by

five

as

any

great canal

half,

for

Brufiels

to

except a
about two

about one hundred- and fixty-feven.

are the

and eight

feet

into

At the

counted eighty windows on a

fame number oppofite, looking inwards

high

which

cell,

near fix feet

and a long paffage eight

all

feet

and

Two

the oppofite rooms open.

were finifhed, making three hundred and twenty rooms; there were

two more unfinifhed, of the fame number of rooms.

Each of

the

two

ihorter fides

has one hundred and feventy-fix rooms, of the fame fize as the others, and on as
floors.

the

of the

Ih ucture

leading

belongs to a feparate room or

thefe

a half wide runs through each floor,

floors of this fide

the

fcale

fronting the weft,

There

Each of

and a

The ground plot is rectangular,

The longer fides are
governor's houfe.

fides,

each two feet by one.

a half

near

Vilvorde,

177?, near

in

large

as

fituated

is

the fhorter,

back of one of the longer

towards the courts.

upon

is

by water.

almoft furrounded

hundred and ten yards

and

continue in the two

ftill

latter *.

fweep before the court of the

floor,

yet the beds

Houfe of correBion which was building

kind that
is

for the maintenance of poor travellers

St. Gullliaume,

have been (hut thefe three years

provinces of Auftrian

and

and

Hofpitals of St. Jaques

for three days,

Part of thefe

fides

were finifhed

fo that,

many

including fome rooms on each fide

of the governor's houfe, about five hundred were ready of the nine hundred and
*

Nov.

14, 177*8,

The

ajjix.e

of bread was hung up on the front of the Mai/on de

and June 17, 1783,

one Jliner, or about a penny.

Nov.

3,

Ko

78 1, a

price

fine

white bread, 9 oz.

kcond fort,

fixed to the coarfe or

brown bread.

fine
is

white fenny

roll

weighed

f white bread

iocs.

Villc.

another

fort,

1 1

oz. for

ninety-

AUSTRIAN FLANDERS.

Sect. IV.

On fome

ninety-two.

Of

wanted.

fo great

vacant ground

importance

is it

On

Prifoners pafs this

for

linen

feet

term

for a limited

Vilyori

may

are octagons

a porter's lodge.

Thofe committed
and men

refeflories

of about thirty-five

totally fo

but alfo in two

and on each

feet

room looking into them. The work-rooms are numerous

fome up flairs
by twenty
others under ground for weaving fine
have

but no prifoners fleep under ground.

cells for

is

wards behind the houfe.

from thofe who are

Thefe chapels

diftinct chapels.

about forty

built if

keep every

contrived that each

is

of the court before the governor's houfe,

to their refpedtive

not only in their wards, zvork-rooms, and

floor the prifoners

dark

way

are quite feparate

life

from women

be

will

thefe Provinces, to

only.

fide the gate

each

judged by

number of rooms

prifoner at night by himfelf, that this vaft

lodge one per/on

more rooms

at the fhorter fides,

wifely

confining the refraftory.

houfe,

and

ments

for feveral chaplains

all

(lone, fix feet wide

by

proportion, and commodious.

large in

Jlaughter- houfe

Stair cafes

kitchen forty- feven feet

and proper rooms

fome

thirty- four

bake-

Convenient apart-

Two

for a military guard.

fpacious

infirmaries are defigned.

In
eight

December 1781

men and

women,

are divided into three claffes

with the

number

The

linen.

new Houfe of

there were in this

eighty-fix

hundred and

fixty-

clothed in an uniform of light-coloured cloth.

They

and the

diflinguifhes

that

room,

employment of both

principal

the men were weaving, others

making

is

There

But the paflages, into which

fine.

though

When

I firfl

took the plan,

While

faw

this houfe,

wafhed clothed

his

clothes

in.

in the

and

but fome of

Mo

ft

of the floors are of

work-rooms and
all

refectories

fhut though the weather

much

the bed-rooms open, were

conjectured this would be the cafe,

did not choofe to publifh

was there a prifoner was brought

examined by the furgeon

all

on

and fome of the women were

found offenfive, the windows being

was calm and

offenfive.

lace.

are feparate

red,

in

was fpinning cotton

or fhoes

making

to each clafs, which

more

marked

fexes

clothes,

fpinning flax, others mending the linen, or

a bad plaftcr, and cannot be wafhed.

which each of them belongs, together

clafs to

his

corrctlion

and

it.

He

was immediately fhaved

uniform

and

then conducted to

his clafs.

There

is

room

for

they too feldom attend.

the magiftrates,

but on account of

The countenances

its

diftance

from Bruffels

of the prifoners evidently befpoke inatten-

tion and neglect.

The
edicts

regulations for this houfe were publifhed at Bruffels Feb. 11,

the

firft

for the direction

of the governors, in French and

other for the difcipline of the houfe,

in

French, containing

1779, in two

Low Dutch

fixty articles,

the

which are

well worthy of attention, in any country where fimilar houfes are erected.

In the city of

Alost

thirty-feven villages.

is

the gaol for the territory, which includes a hundred and

There were

in

this gaoL,

December

2,

1781, feven prifoners.

Three

Alost.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

144
lost.

Three were confined

remaining three

in

dark room, one,

in a

a flrong cage;

They

loaded with irons.

aperture at the bottom of the door.

nity and mifery.

^"sonI

>

June

another

room

are never permitted to go out

months, and another, feven.

fined fourteen

At GlIENT

in

more horrid, and the

had been con-

one, faid he

Their victuals are given

De

men and one woman.

Mamelocker*, near the fuperb Mai/on de VtUe,

each criminal had from the city about four pence halfpenny a day

being there about one third cheaper than

and provifion

London, fome of them faved a

in

of that allowance after paying for the weekly warning of their linen.

found that
were
the

five debtors,

fevvers.

was not

their allowance

The

in

money but

and thirty-four criminals.

torture

is

in at a fmall

Their pale fickly countenances befpoke inhuma-

18, 1783, there were four

in tne prifcm called

ftill

notvvithftanding which, two of thefe three were

not abolifhed

in provifions.

This prifon

lately,

man

June

out

little

1781,

here

1783,

17,

made very

is

fat

In

offenfive

by

twenty-four hours on the

edged Jlool.

In a Prifon, governed by the magistrates for the States, criminals had four pence a
In each of the prifons the keeper had from the magiftrates two pence a day for

day.

the cuftody of every prifoner.

this prifon

is

In the Bijhop's prifon,

at the

into fmall offenfive rooms.

Here

is

a Prifon

lordfliips,

now

back of

his palace, there are feveral cages

thirty-three

and part of the

friars

in

This

the houfe.

The

city in their jurifdiclion.

Three dreary dungeons down nineteen

court-houfe.

which open

In June 1783, there were three prifoners.

belonging to the rich monaftery of Benediclines in the abbey of

There were

Sr. Peter.

In the two prifons in 1778 were four debtors, but

difcontinued, and the prifoners are fent to the Mamelocker.

ileps

fraternity has

many

prifon joins to the abbot's

little

window

in

each:

went down in 1778; but my noting the dimensions of the windows

#c. fo enraged the keeper, that he would not indulge my curiofity any farther.

no

prifoners.

May

30, 1783,

found one debtor; and was informed that there were three prifoners

in the dungeons.

The

Houfe of correction for the

of Ghent

city

kept fo clean as fome other Flemifh prifons

ceconomy, of which

and

if

may

have a copy.

he be not healthy, he

is

own.

The

not put

among

is

examined

he

prifon once a

good

at his

thofe that are fo.

of different forts of work

magiftrates meet in the

not fo commodiouily built, nor

Every prifoner

not be tempted to opprels his prifoners,

prifoners have a fet talk

is

but there are very

firft

That

rules

of

coming

the keeper

The

is

exempted from

the profits of extra-work their

all taxes.

week to infpect it ; and to appoint

week enfuing. They order the

the fort and quantity of provifion for every day of the

phyfician to fee that the fick have broth, and other nouriftiment proper for them.

The name

is

derived from the fculpture over the gate, reprefenting a prifoner nourifhed by the breail

his daughter, as related in the

Romaa iu&ory.

The

AUSTRIAN FLANDERS.

Sect. IV.

The keeper

provides

and

it,

is

paid by the magiftrates.

them employed

prifon while they were there, and faw

I fhall

my

by taking notice of a nunnery

inhabited folely by nuns

fex

is

when

gave

me no

by

fifty-three)

There

is

this city, there are

two

halls

new

Mat/on de Force.

four fides finifhed

criminals

of

whom

requisite, afliftance

women

men

that for

not

from

their

are

own

are treated by the

(one hundred and eighty

is

Vilvorde for Auftrian Brabant) and

is

there were fifty-nine.

The

near a canal.

It is fituated

one of them were,

in

at

in

It

0 Si agon*

only

men

In the middle of

plan

Another of the
court

this

is

an

is

fides

is

for

women,

a bafon of water, for

warning the linen of the houfe.

On

each of the four floors there

is

quite open to the air of the court

venience, even

fix feet

high: the door-way two

feet

a corridor, or arcade, fix feet nine inches wide,

which, however,

is

not attended with any incon-

In the recefs of every corridor, except the loweft,

in winter.

range of bed-rooms,

is

ten inches by five feet four, and feven feet eight inches

Thefe

feet.

uniformly furnifhed with a bedftead (fix

are

and a half by two and a half), a ftraw bed, a mattrefs, a pillow, a pair of fheets,

two blankets

and one in fummer. Each room has a little bench, and a

window (nineteen inches by fifteen, in the door) which, when

in winter,

fhutter to the

lattice

opened and turned down, ferves

by one, and ten inches deep.

from

ftory

to flory.

No

In the wall

for a table.

is

little

cupboard, two feet

All the rooms are vaulted, to prevent

perfbn

from running

on any pretence admitted into the bed-room of

once a week, and clean fheets once a month.
The
is

They have a clean fhirt

women have not feparate rooms. Some

another.

fire

of theirs are ten feet and a half by nine and a

half.

In order to the admiffion of a prifoner, previous notice muft be given by the city or
province that fends him.

him; and

if

healthy, he

When he
is

comes, he

breeches, and cloth waiftcoat, which are

is

is

fhaved and wafhed

marked with

alfo acquaints

a furgeon

him with

examines
coat and

I'-nen

number of his room to it he

who is appointed to that fervice,

the

conducted by one of the moft orderly of the prifoners;

and who

clothed with the uniform of the houfe, viz. a

Commitment from one

the rules of the houfe.

year

to twenty or more, according to their crimes.

The

plate in

Count Vilain% book appeared

to

me

La
Mai;>ok

1775, one hundred and fifty-nine

1776, one hundred and ninety-one.

in

from
is

men who

prifon building by the ftates of Auflrian Flanders.

houfe of correction for thofe provinces (as that

called La,

hofpitable manfion

vaulted, and lofty as a church.

is

Ghent

at

the

pleafure.

little

In the Hofpital in

into

inftitution, to digrefs

The

a foundation for the reception of twelve

the infane have,

its

in this place.

and the tendernefs with which both thefe and the poor

fillers,

feet

women

and fick aged

infane,

here

happened to go

as above.

beg leave here, on account of the humanity of

fubjedt

145

Ghent,

worth copying.

A bell

Force,

FOREIGN PRISONS.

146

Ghent
La
Maison
DE

the

rung

bell is

fummer

hour

in

after 'the bell

They

chapel.

morning to fummon the prifoners

in the

at five

into the dining-room:

winter the hour varies with the length of the days.

their

rings,

names

go

called over; and they

are

hour to breakfafl.

are then allowed half an

to

At noon

in

Half an

prayers in a

they have two

making their beds (which in fair weather they bring out to air) and
Twas prefent during the whole time the men criminals were at dinner,

hours, for dinner,

for recreation.

and much admired the regularity, decency, and order, with which the whole was con-

Every thing was done

ducted.

appeared
with as

At

and

much

this

at a

word given by

company of near one hundred and

apparent eafe, as the mpft fober and well-dilpofed afTembly in

The

night they have an hour for fupper, &c.

hours

it is

whole court

who keep

On

rung

at

window over

mould

and,

guard.

ment of the

no noife or confufion

a director;

ninety (tout criminals was governed

There

refractory

the gate-way by a centinel,

there be any difturbance,

are eight fmall

but

bell gives notice

civil fociety.

thefe fucceflive

there overlooks the

company

to give the alarm to a

for the punifh-

them empty.
Thofe

the ground-floors of the building are work-rooms.

The women's work-room

fmall for the looms, &c.

who

all

rooms ( cachots ) without beds,

always found

is

of

long, twenty-fix wide, and nine to the fpringing of the arch.

ning and combing wool, mending linen, &c.

for the

men

are too

one hundred and feventy

is

In

this,

many were

Others were warning the linen

feet

fpin-

in places

proper for that purpofe.

An
book

exact account

kept of every circumftance relating to each man's work, in a

is

that has fourteen columns.

The

ift

column contains the names of prifoners.

j.

The fort of Jiuff on which each man is employed ; as fhalloon,

The number that is marked on the piece.

4.

The day

it

was

5.

The day

it

was fnifhed.

6.

Meafure of the whole piece.

7.

Number

8.

The

9.

Surplus work upon the piece beyond tafk.

1.

1 2.

ell.

Obfervations, on occafional circumftances

piece,

Payment

it.

per day.

10. Price of the piece per

1 1

&c.

begun.

of working days the prifoner was upon

tafk due

cloth, dimity,

fuch as

Jick, lame, difficult

work,

firft

&c.
to prifoners

for furplus work.

13. Deficiency of tafk.

14. Puni/hment for the default.

This lad column

is

fometimes,-make up
to

raffing logwood.

written by the magifbrates themfelves.

in next piece

The

fometimes,

daily allowance

is

to

work

alone

I
to

faw in

it

fcldom,

often, excufe

bread and water

two pounds of bread ; fome foup of beans,

peafe,

AUSTRIAN

Sect. IV.

&c. with wheaten bread

peafe,

Each

meat.

two

priibner has

pints of fmall beer

LANDERS.

and, except Friday and Lent, half a

in it;

pound of cold

Ghent

buy near

Maison

the value of our farthing, for which he can

alfo

or fomewhat elfe which the victualler of that prifon

is

allowed
FOR.CI

to

and deliver to them

fell,

prohibited

and fo

a wicket in the wall.

at

wine, unlefs

is

Spirituous liquors

be ordered by a note from the phyfician.

it

not allowed to give any thing directly to the prilbners

money may be put

and

dice,

quarreling

all

and

gaming

all

of

this

in

French and

their

morals

To

fociety.

in

Such

difagreeable.

it

are fcrictly forbidden

mending

the future ufeful

times

at ftated

as wifli to fee

and offered
de corriger

preferving their health

them

and

Malfaiteurs

et

box

It

is

which

into

among them.

Cards-,

and making them for

would

the rules

to raoft readers be

them, together with more particulars

will find

book

in

is

and there are excellent rules for preventing

tranfcribe all

at

Ghent

1773 and 1775 both

Count Vilain XIV.

in

quarto written by

in

The

the government in 1775.

to
les

but there

equally diftributed

is

noble institution, in two edicts printed in folio

Low Dutch

are exprefsly

title

of

it

Memoire fur

is

Faineans a leur propre Avantage

de

et

les

Moyens

rendre Utiles a

les

VEtat.
faid tranfcribing

all

the rules at length,

would be tedious;

reafon

for this

only given extracts from thefe, and from thofe made for other foreign prifons.

complete copies of them, and of others which

others manufcript, which

have not mentioned

readily fliew to any

I will

I
I

have

have

fome printed,

gentleman who has

leifure

and

in-

clination to ftudy the fubject.

revifited this

were

men

eighty

prifon in

1778 with -one of the magiftrates, and found that they

carrying on a well-regulated

ftill

prifoners,

manufactory.

Mod

the houfe clodies, and were at work.

in proper order, attentive

and quiet.

lowed one

fifth

cloth,

did of the paper from i3rufTels

as

There were two hundred and

and one hundred and feventeen women.

was informed that

of their earnings for themfelves.

;

Thefe

latter

had on

of them were fpinning or knitting, ranged

which

all

the prifoners were al-

home fpecimens of the

mention, becaufe I know an idea

brought

has prevailed, that no manufacture can be carried on by convicts to any valuable

purpofe.
I

have been very particular

in

my

accounts of foreign houfes of

thofe of the freeft ftates, to counteract a notion prevailing

among

correEfion, efpecially

us, that

compelling

prifoners to work, efpecially in public, was inconfrftent with the principles of Englifh
liberty;

at

the fame time that taking away the lives of fuch numbers, either by execu-

tions, or the

fuch force

manity

is

difeafes

of our prifons, feems to make

cuftom and prejudice,

in

filencing

little

impreffion

upon

good

fenfe

the voice of

us.

Of

and hu-

The number

of criminals in December 178 1, was two hundred and fix.

They
were fpinning weaving making nets making and mending clothes
or working
in the bake-houfe and kitchen
and appeared clean and healthy. The doors of the
;

bed-

4:

FOREIGN PRISONS.

148

Ghent

bed-rooms were open while they were out

Ma^son

werc

de

RCE
*

n tne

ea ** onren ^ ve

hundred and

who were employed

fix,

mentioned; except fome who worked

the houfe.

lpinning

On

women's

the

making

in

in the

there were a hundred and

fide

and mending the linen

lift

to point out

hope

to be

are too low

fome

defects in

a day,

is

who were wafhing

fifty,

Their bread,

the kitchen.

in

befpoke the care and attention of the

is

Emperor

annually fent to the

their pardon.

inftitution,

fo

has

too

that

If,

others

the

ftories

corridors

there are

fufficiently

the infirmaries are

the fewers

work

however, venture
good an
may avoid them,
many
The building
rooms and
detached
not
not proper workwomen have not
under ground
fome
dormiof
being but once
improperly placed
bowls, being of wood, cannot
be kept
enoughand

rooms, and thofe are

tories

all

1782 twelve received

in

excufed.

or at

of fuch prifoners as behave well

(about Good Friday)

and fmiths, for the ufe of

as carpenters, turners,

foup and meat were good and plentiful, and

director.

rooms
number of petty offenders was
fame manner with the criminals above-

the day-time, and none of the

another quarter, the

the

fteps

feparate

the distribution

are

provifions,

the

not frequent

eafily

clean.

The two work-rooms

much more crowded

that were lately erected, were

Vilvorde, and yet they were not like them, offenfive.

This furprifed

than thofe at

me

at

firft, till I

confidered that the difference was owing, probably, to the clothes of the prifoners at

Vilvorde being of wool, and

At my

vifit

in

1783,

the;

and ufeful manufactory deftroyed

and the looms and

quence of the Emperor's too hafty attention

perfons.
this

That which ought

houfe.

and
alfo

do not

reduced

the

attention here paid

earn, one with another, feven

meat from half a pound

farthings-worth a day.

wonder

all

in

fold,

all

from a few

fuch houfes

them

in the

is

confe-

interefted

now

loft in

to the

men and

but now, the

number and

farthings

to fix ounces,

Their bread, made

In confequence of this vile policy

nor could

there.

the comfort and happinefs of their lives

(the former three hundred and twenty-fix in

fifty)

utenfils

a petition

to

the leading view in

to be

Many formerly afcribed

trades they here learned, and the

women

bed-rooms

particular offenfivenefs of the

found here a great alteration for the worfe; the flourishing

the latter a hundred

Their victuals

a day.

are

and greens from three to two

houfe,

is

now ammunition

bread.

found the afpect of the prifoners quite changed

to hear that a quarter of the houfe

is

foon to be

fitted

up

for

an

infirmary.

Bhuges.

At Bruges

there

is

to the Prifon a court-yard for criminals, and another for debtors

but the former are never

let out.

three pence halfpenny Engliih

fhirt

every week.

No

worth imitating.

Each

fort has

a daily allowance in

provifions rather cheaper than

in

Debtors have the allowance from their creditors

keeper a fmall fee

confinement.

at

the entrance of the prifoner, and a

dungeons.

One

is,

Two

things

penny a day during

are remarkable in

the care they take of the fick.

money, about

London a clean
who alfo pay the

There

this prifon,

are

his

and well

two medical books,

one

;
:

AUSTRIAN FLANDERS.

Sect. IV.

one for the

city,

the other for the feigneuries or lordfhips, which are governed by

but the prifon

different magistrates,
vifit

copying the

after

room where
&c.

to

fome hours

fpent

in the recipe.

phyficians

in

and

kept in the

The

prefcriptions are written with

Bark and cordials were almoft conftant ingredients

not troubled with infectious diftempers

are

is

it

court of judicature, infpedr. the prifon>

looking over them.

years paft.

fomewhat

Bruges.

every

at

carried to the apothecary

is

to hold

phyfician

of them,

apprehenfive

but perhaps the

and order thofe preventives with

them when

phyfician orders a furgeon to attend

the cafe requires one

order alfo the keeper provides for the fick, foup, white bread, &c. the

his

at

many
They

are

The

fuccefs.

meet

The

both."

book back again

the

fends

recipe,

the magistrates

regularity for

and

common

is

enters his prefcription in the respective book, which

who,

149

magistrates allowing for this fourteen pence a day, to continue

Some

the phyfician.

countermanded by

till

have been many weeks thus

fick prifoners

liberally

provided

for.

The

other exemplary practice

is,

their care of legacies

chamber, under a picture reprefenting

the prifoner, there

donors

is

frame a printed

in a

from the year 1315 to 1734

and in another fmall frame is

prifoners
:

and

of

lift

In the council-

donations.

hungry, and releafing

vifiting the fick, feeding the

given or bequeathed to the

all charities

with the names and intentions of the feveral

>

memorial of the time

which

at

each.,

bequeft

is

to be distributed.

In

December

17 81, here were three debtors and fixteen criminals.

In the Rofp-houfe, Dec. 178

Each has

weaving.

his

there were fifty-eight

1,

dormitory over the work-rooms.

One of

adjoining, are furnifhed with alarm-bells.

thirty-four years,

attempt to

for an

fet

have been arched with brick between the

friars and four fifters.

He

anfwered, fome, feven pence a day,

the prifoners had been confined

to this houfej

fire

joifts.

afked one of the

men who were fpinning and

The rooms of the turnkeys

This houfe

fince
is

how much

friars,

but, one with

RaspH0USF .

which the ceilings

under the care of four

the prifoners earned

another,

no more than two

pence.

The

Hofpital in this city

is

a very fpacious

and airy room, with a wainfcot partition

or fcreen which divides the men from the women.

diftinguifhes

them

too clofe
rife

the

a pale look,

at

and

is

in

Roman

catholic

the reafon, probably,

and are

conftantly

of the pharmacy

laft

great attention of the nuns

Their reclufe

countries.

why

life

gives

the wards of the patients are kept

here however they look very healthy.

four,

directrefs

hofpitals

The

There

employed about

their

are twenty of them,

numerous

year celebrated her jubilee

patients.

or fiftieth year of

who
The
refi-

dence.

Thefe
all

fijlers

religions."

afked, whether I was a catholic

Then,

faid they,

we hope you

anfwered, "

love good people of

will die a catholic."

The

Hospital,

FOREIGN PRISONS.

5o

The

Ostend.

no

June

Ostend, which

prifon at

May

court.

is

near the town-houfe, confifts of nine rooms, but

27, 1781, there were

in

four debtors and feven criminals;

it

two debtors and four criminals.

Eight pence a day

and

is

paid to the

gaoler for each criminal and infolvent debtor, for which they have one

pound and

21, 1783,

a half of bread, and an allowance of

meat except on meagre

The

days.

gaoler

chaplain officiates on Sundays and holydays

and the furgeon are paid by the

he,

is

The

allowed two pence a day for each, and fifteen pence at entrance, and difcharge.

city.

PORTUGAL.
Portugal.

Imprisonment
There

1774.
is

is

taken in prifons

but

for the gaoler's fees

Many from

cordia.

provifions twice a
at

for debt

Rome, pay

is

Portugal by

prohibited in

No garnifh

found the bad cuftom prevalent here of detaining prifoners

thofe fees are often paid

by

the

kingdom

week

firft

families

in

to fcveral prifons

the

a charitable fociety called the Miferi-

faw fome convidls

at

lie

in prifon

trial;

and fomttimes, even after

fome years before they

are executed *.

Lifbon going from prifon to embark for the fetrlements

Such convidls

fend

Criminals here are often kept in

great attention to capital convifts.

being tried and condemned, they

They

are of this order.

and, like the Confraternita della mifericordia

confinement for feveralyears before they are brought to

Brafils.

an ordinance made in

an entire feparation of the fexes in prifons and infirmaries.

as are defigned for India are enrolled as foldiers,

in,

the

and fent to a

houfe (or hofpital) on the other fide of the river, where they are kept fome weeks, to

and to be

bathe,

better clothed

and fed, that they may be properly prepared

for their

long

voyage.

Lisbon
Prisons.

The

great Prifon

rece p t on G f prifoners
;

at

Lisbon, Limotero, (formerly a palace)

from the provinces

as well as

for better

On

city.

the

firft

floor there

Before the Marquis of Pomhal's adminiftration, gaolers ufed often to

One

gaoler's

fummons, he immediately returned

defigned for the

There were feven

were many who paid

mifericordia.

Here

their prifoners out

on their

accommodations, and received no donations from the

parole.

is

In one of the lower wards there were

hundred and feventy-four, on Feb. if, 1783.

feventy criminals, but none in irons.

from the

let

thus favoured, was ordered for execution feven years after he had been condemned.
to the prifon

from

his

work

in the country.

For

this

On

the

punctual

regard to his promife he received a pardon.

civil

PORTUGAL.

Sect.IT.
civil

tried in a large hall called Caza da Supplica^am, which the

day-room and lodging-room: the courts of juftice are opened at

and criminal caufes are

prifoners ufe for a

eight or nine in the morning.

men

151

There

are

two infirmaries, one for each

fex

towards the river, and was fpacious, clean and

Over

from the

the fick

caftle,

and the

The
priefts,

In

this

no court-yard either to

is

( Aljube ), near the great church,,

is

of four rooms and a fmall chapel.

It confifts

and three women.

but

many of

into a paflage

wall was fix feet

;

Here were confined

may be

fix

converfed

the nobles and priefts were con-

fined in the time of the marquis of Pombal's administration.

were three doors

or to

this prifon

always went into the prifons.

In a Prifon by the rope-walk near the river,

The

a Stipulated

under the jurifdiction of

In this and the other prifons, the prifoners

with through the iron grates

nine.

who pay

fome of which (the Jecrete)

pafTage, in

(lemon grove).

ecclefiaftical Prifon

rooms open

condemned,

were beds for

country, and alfo in Spain, one

floor for thofe

firft

common

There

the prifoners are clofely confined.

the Patriarch.

for the

the wards below as well as thofe in the great prifon, are

Several fmall rooms open into a

that called Limoiero

room

In the

airy.

a large gallery latticed, there

in that for

but in prifons, never.

defigned for thofe that cannot pay

fum.

in

or private chambers.

Jecrete

feldom fees glafs windows

In the Prifon at the

thefe,

P R150Ni"

room looked

there were eighteen perfons, in fingle beds with proper bedding: their

the beds were in recefTes.

Lisbon

Here, nineteen vaulted

meafured fome of them, they were about twenty

two inches

thick.

In the entrance to each

the middle one was an iron grate with round bars.

feet

room

by

there

Over each of the

doors there was an aperture to admit light, except in two rooms called fecrete, which

were

totally

The
feveral

dark

Prifon

on the

Limoiero

*.

Bellem (about two

firft floor for thofe who

at

are here

confined.

The

miles from Lifbon) has four rooms below,

pay.

Criminals

lefs

and

atrocious than thofe fent to

prifoners fubfift by charitable donations

Bei.lfm

Pr

isori.

and the

gaoler told me, that he had a right to a fee from every one difcharged.

In the rfrfenal are four large rooms for the flaves or convicts, moft of

Moors.

Some work

at

and three or four chained to one fpot

thus confined eight years
together, and thofe that

off as foon

as

When

one of

whom

(an Italian) told

The

another, four years.

are

reft

me

he had been

were chained two and two

went out had a long chain between them, which was taken

they returned into the arfenal.

was one pound of

whom

the rope-walk, otners fetch water, a few are clofely confined,

bifcuit

a day, and

fome

Their allowance from government

rice,

and half a pound of meat three

*"
the prifon of the inquifition was rebuilt after the earthquake of
1755, a few perfons aw t,ie
One gentleman told me, that they open into a long paflage, like thofs at the prifon

rooms of confinement.

by

the rope-walk, but were fmaller and under ground.

times

l SEON
Arse NAL

FOREIGN PRISONS.

152
Lisbon.

times a week

*.

They were employed

and the great prifon

The

in carrying

water to this prifon, the infirmary,

and guarded by the military.

Infirmary for the marines and flaves confifted of

The

and quiet.

lofty, clean

flaves

had each

bed with

two remarkably good rooms,

fheets,

and great attention was

paid to them.

manufactory was begun in the Cajlle about two years ago, for the

employment of

vagrant and deferted children, in carding, fpinning, weaving, making lace, embroidery,

&c.

About

in a

But would

to idlenefs.

The General hofpital

men and fix for women.
of the

were thus employed here.

country like

this,

latter,

may

inftitution

not be better, if greater numbers of them, were employed

it

of

Such an

where young people are very much addicted

which are moft ufeful and neceffary

in the arts

Hospitals.

a thoufand children

advantage

be a great

S. Joze,

The number

of the former was five hundred and ninety-three

Some of

two hundred and eighty.

wide), and had only two rows of beds, in

paffage two feet nine inches wide.

(formerly the Jefuits college) has fifteen wards for

j

the wards were fpacious (forty-fix feet

Thefe

receffes.

The lower wards,

receffes

open into a private

particularly thofe for the infane,

are too clofe.

The

Military hofpital of S. Joab de Deos (in which were one hundred and feventy-one

patients) was formerly a convent, and not ufed for an hofpital

Here

of 1755.

till

fince the earthquake

are (twelve) wards for different diforders, but moft of

them

thought

too clofe.

The

Englijh hofptal for merchants' feamen, (adjoining to their burying-ground) confifts

of two or three rooms,

The rooms were

attends two months.

hung up

year, I faw
beneficial

The

in

which

The names
in

Englijh marine hofptal

no patients
the upper

my

The

firft vifit

March

1783, were feven patients.

3,

This hofpital has

fix vifttors,

each of whom

of the vifitors and their months of attendance for

the ftudy of our worthy conful Sir John Hort, by

mode of infpe&ion was

two miles over.

at

clean, the victuals good.

is

hofpital

firft

whom

on the fouthern

fide

of the Tagus, which

is

here about

has two wards on the ground-floor, in which

ward were fourteen Englifhmen, each of

was damp, the ground being ten feet high againft

is

rented.

this

propofed.

found

eight or ten Danifh failors had_ lately died here of a malignant fever.

dirty.This hofpital

this

On

many

whom
it,

accounts,

had a bed.

The

In

fide-wall

all the rooms were very

mould be on the Lifbon

and
it

Gentlemen
fide of the river, where every advantage of fituation might be chofen.
would then undertake the infpedtion of it; the head furgeon might daily attend;
and our feamen here would not be fo liable as they are, to be decoyed into foreign
iervice.

" In this country the pri/oners have a difpenfation to eat

nefday and Thurfday) fo that families

may

meat the two

firft

days of Lent

(wtf. Afti

Wed-

lend in to them, the remains of their flefh provifions.

Ill

SPAIN.

Sect. IV.

15

and ninety chilIn the Mifericordia hofpital for foundlings, there were between eighty
nurfe had four
Each
clean.
and
healthy
looked
Moors.
They
them
dren, moft of
infants

under her

There

care.

bell to give notice.

is

Baftardy

on the outfide which turns on an

a cradle

in this

country

not born in wedlock being allowed to inherit

the

in this hofpital

number of foundlings

The

prifoners at

Evora

and Elvas

is

attended with

is

and

The

Hofptal

were much too

Some of

The wards

tiles.

may be

by

fubfift

in

why
Evora

trial f.

as in all the hofpitals I

it,

the reafon

Some of them had been

charity.

brought to

a recefs for the bed of each patient

Evora had

at

perhaps,

with a

difgrace, children

little

fo inconfiderable *.

confined three, four, or five years, without being

lined with glazed

this,

axis,

Lisbon:.

thefe recedes were

faw in this country,

clofe.

which

the prifons

rooms, fecured on both

I vifited,

had a paffage to the

by iron grates,

fides

and to the lodging-

ftreet

which moft of the prifoners were

at

begging.

SPAIN.
I entered Spain

at

Badajoz,

March

9,

have courts
fhade.

fees

no beggars

men, with fountains or running water

for

The fame

takes place here

demand

This country abounds with

1783.

table inflitutions, and there are at prefent few or

feparation of the fexes

and

it

the

is

which

is

cuftom likewife,

of

of brown

and corridors for

in Portugal,

as

for the gaolers to

condemned

criminal, after the

After condemnation,

"

cz.

chari-

the prifons

price of bread at Lifbon.

lb.

Two

in the centre,

feldom pardoned by the king.

The

Moft of

it.

obferved in the Portuguefe prifons,

of prifoners before they are difcharged.

judges have made their report,

in

fine

white bread coft one Vintem.

two Vintems.

Vintems are equal to two pence three farthings.

t At Elvas the Marfhal de Valkre did me the favour to fhew me the new barracks, Sec. 1 could not but
remark to him, that I was perfuaded, the clofenefs of them, as well as thofe under the ramparts, gave his
foldiers their pale

and languid look.

He walked

with

me

intended infeription in honour of the chief magiftrate, for

higher efteem, had

to a

new

whom

not found poor wretches in the prifon,

who

fountain, and

mewed me

told the Marfhal, I

the plan and

mould have had an

never had been put on their examination

or trial, for three or four years.

he

Spain.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

*54
Spain.

he

called

is

from the other prifoners into the chapel, where

by a

fecretary,

he

executed.

is

and a

Monday

for the

When

friar attends to

The

fentence

is

his fentence

who

exhort and comfort him,

is

read to

him

never leaves him

till

generally read on Saturday, and the execution ordered

following.

a confeflion

is

extorted from a criminal by torture,

may

four hours afterwards, that he

either confirm

read to

it is

or retract

But

it.

in

him twentyfome of the

provinces this fhocking practice does not take place.

It

the cuftom at

is

Madrid

for

two of the privy council to

condemned

fentence of one

months

the prifons

vifit

When

often either reverfe or alter the fentences of the inferior judges.

and they

was there, the

to the Prado prifon for eight years, was altered to four

another fentenced to the fame prifon for

months, on account of

fix

his large

family was difcharged.

Asylums.

Some of
were

five perfons

was only one.

of the privilege

*.

one of

whom

Prisons.

men, and

faid

pavement round

S.

Luis for women.

he had been there two years.

thefe churches, about three feet wide,

At Badajoz mod of the

the verge

in the provinces.

prifoners in one of the prifons looked unhealthy, and were

Their allowance of bread was a pound and

deferters

and fmugglers.

There

a Military hofpital belonging to this prifon, to

in

is

found more attention paid to prifoners, and the prifons kept cleaner, in the capitals

of Portugal and Spain, than

Badajoz

At Madrid
At the former, there
At the latter, there

the churches in Spain are afylums for debtors and criminals.

there are only two, S. Sebajlian for

is

which

faw eleven patients.

of the wards open to an

There

is

The

a half per day.

which the fick are removed, and

entrance to this hofpital

is

by a court

and moil

interior court like other Moorifh. buildings.

another prifon at Badajoz.

The

prifoners were begging at the grates; for

they rubfift partly by alms, and partly by felling purfes, &c. which they

make

in the

prifon.

Talavera
Hospitals.

At Talavera
were fpacious and

there were three Hofpitals.

airy.

That

for

men had

In the largeft

(Cannon's)^ two wards

eight iron bedfteads, and the other

fix.

Adjoining to the men's ward, there was a neat room and bed for fick decayed ecclefiaftics.

* Dr. Moore, in his View ef Society and Manners in Italy, judicioufly obferves, that, " the afylum which
" churches and convents offer to criminals, operates againll the peace of fociety, and tends to the encourage" ment of this fhocking cuftom (Jiabbing) in two different manners firft, it increafes the criminal's hopes of
" efcaping fecondly, it diminifhes, in vulgar minds, the idea of the atrocity of the crime. When the popu" lace fee a murderer lodged within the facred walls of a church, protected and fed by men who are revered
" on account of their profefTion, and the fuppofed fandTity of their lives ; mufl not this weaken the horror
" which mankind naturally have for fuch a crime, and. which it ought to be the aim of every government to
:

" augment ?"

Later XLIII,

At

;:

SPAIN.

Sect. IV.

At Toledo
But

there are two Prifons.

many were
the

whom

loaded with irons, and almoft

all

March

PRli0N

two

16, 1783,

-'

lay under the corridors in a fmall court

In the two fick rooms

looked unhealthy.

were dying

feveral miferable objects

firft floor,

Toledo

In one of thefe there were only eight prifoners.

the other, which was the principal prifon, there were,

in

hundred and twenty prisoners; moft of

on

155

On my

in their beds.

obferving

to the gaoler, that the prilbn was crov/ded, he informed me, that a fortnight before

had been more crowded, a hundred having been then removed to the arfenal

at

it

Gar*

thagena (in Murcia.)

In the Hofpital of San Juan de Bios there

them placed

beds, each of

The

Hofpital of San

from the

city.

It

exactly fimilar, except that the wards for

fex,

opening to the
beds

in

lofty

The men's wards

floor.

recejes,

each

in

by

were, in recefles.

of

their

is

Hospitals.

fix

fix feet three inches.

fummer and

has

fummer

are

window

more
frefh

for

is

finely

winter wards for each

airy

windows

the

are twenty-four feet wide, with

of which

wards were clean, the furniture

men

only one ward, in which there were

Juan Baptijla (founded by one of the archbifhops)

fituated at a little diftance

the

is

in a recefs, eight feet

two rows of

The women's

air.

beds linen, but not placed, as the beds of

Adjoining to the wards there

is

a fpacious

corridor for

walking.

The

principal Prifon

Consejo se fabrisb este

"
"

of

reign

the

his

Court Prifon

this

The number
women.

(La Cared

Reynando

infeription,

this

de Corte) at

Madrid,

has an elegant front*, with

Mageftad de Felipe IV. anno de 1634,

Carcel de Corte para comodidad, y seguridad de
la

majefty Philip IV.

A. D. 1634, by

direction

was erected for the convenience and

are

many rooms on

one of them,
two

in

men and

forty

the upper floors about fifteen feet by ten,

fome

in

with a ftrong bolt between.

two

fteps.

who

will

pay him

room, the
fine,

Thefe

lay

a real vellon

In fome of the
are

men

two courts

of the prifoners had irons on both

on barracks

in

dungeons down twenty-

lay frngle,

in

and were not in irons.

to
in

thofe

one

In the infirmary, which was a large and clean

irons.

the allowance exactly one

f Near the fountains

lets

The women were

and a half (4<i.) a night.

pound per

taking fome prifoners into his houfe, each of

waihing

Here

In one of the dungeons the gaoler has beds, which he

room; none of them

bread

Some

the middle f.

legs,

large

prifoners, in others but one.

which were moil of the prifoners, was paved and had arcades on

and a fountain

fides,

of the Council,

fecurity of prifoners."

with ftone bedfteads, and iron hooks for chaining the prifoners.

rooms there were three or four

" In

los presos.

of prifoners, March 22, 1783, was one hundred and forty

There

acuerdo del

con

The

day.

whom

provifions were

The

good; the

gaoler has the liberty of

pays twenty- five doubloons for the

See Plate XVII.

in the Spanifh gaols are convenient Jfone troughs, at

which

I generally

faw the

men

their linen.

term

Madrid
Prison.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

56

Madrid

term of

Prisons.
a

He

his confinement.

^/ vellon

the payment of two dollars.

was clean

whom

The

and the gaoler,

rooms

has

for

He

can take off the irons of a prifoner, on

humane and

is

fix doubloons

my

are paid, befides

The whole prifon

courts are held within the prifon.

was informed by one of

as I

frequently vifitcd,

which

alfo

and a half a night for a bed.

countrymen there confined,

who

attentive to his prifoners,

looked'

all

healthy.

The

(La

City prifon

There were

in

Carcel de Villa)

is

like the former, but has only

about one hundred and twenty

it

and dungeons were very dirty and offenfive

I

in other refpects generous

and humane.

La

Carcel de la Corona

whom
At

gars,

had

his

thirty

is

one court-yard.

The rooms

women.

and the walls of one of the torture-rooms

was forry to find fuch traces of

was ftained with blood.

of

men and

There were

a prifon for ecckfiaftics.

among

this practice

in

people,

five priefts,

it

one

wife with him.

the gate of the poft-office, there are four or five dungeons where vagrants, beg-

&c. are confined for

here five

few days,

men and two women

till

There were

they are fent to San Fernando.

their allowance

was twelve

(nearly four pence)

quartils

a day, befides alms received at the grates from paffengers.

The Prado

is

Here were upwards of one hundred

to the floor, or to the barracks

&c.

walk of that name,

prifon, near the public

barrack-bedfteads.

on which they

lay

one long room

prifoners

fome worked on the

Others having been marines, were to be fent to the docks.

To

into three clafTes.

pence)

quartils (five

who work on

thofe

to marines, fourteen

in

roads, bridges,

They

the roads, &c. the allowance

;

and to thofe

in

irons,

which are

fome were chained

are divided

feventeen

is

who do

not work,

twelve quartils.
i

law about

fifty

coming from work, and afked fome of them, which they preferred

working, or confinement?

They

were not forced to work hard.

readily replied,

the former

but added, that they

obferved that the guard, with them and

at the prifon,

were calm znd fteady.

San Fernando, about eight miles from the

San
lR; ",NDO

'

ders, vagrants,

and beggars.

and forty-feven women.

Here were

Some were

city, is a

Houfe of correclion for petty ofFen-

three hundred and nine

carrying ftone

to

men and

a lime-kiln

>

five

hundred

fome making

and wafhing the linen of the houfe; and fome were fpinning linen and worfted.

work-rooms
houfe.

The

are

thirty-two feet wide

prifoners were clothed

fnocs and fcockings.

the cafe

in

The men's

in

an uniform, and each

the Spanifh prifons and hofpitals) were

The women

much

to fee that each

is

is

allowed two pair of

twenty ounces a day.

cleaner.

is

generally

Every one had

here have a court as well as the

and both courts are commanded by the keeper's balcony.

the bread allowance

is

apartments were clean, but the women's (as

bed, a mattrefs and two coverlets.

The

the infirmaries are fpacious, at the top of the

Two

The

provifions were

of the prifoners attend

men

good

at dinner,

ferved with his full portion of foup (three quarters of a pint).

They
are

SPAIN.

Sect. IV.

and San Fernando's- day.

are allowed three feafts in a year, Chriftmas, Eafter,

is

a fhop for

Here

the fale of wine, the quality and price of which are fixed by the

giftratesj but no fpirituous liquors are permitted to

The

trance, or difcharge.
it

157

prifon

be

No

fold..

ma-

are paid at en-

fees

attended by a phyfician, a furgeon and a chaplain

is

has alfo a guard, confuting of thirty foot and eight horfe, which

is

changed every

month.

Here
tive

is

governefs.

governor on the men's

a head-keeper or

man, who

the houfe:

refides in

The

fenfible

and atten-

there

a refident

for an

embezzlement

the prevention of fraud and

for

bution of provifion and clothing; for enforcing a

exad

employment of every

regular

fide

regulations are peculiarly calculated for the prefervation

and due fubordination

religious duties

humane,

fide, a

on the women's

as alfo

ftridt

of decorum
in the diftri-

and devout performance of

two fexes

feparation of the

individual in the houfe.

is

and for the conftunt and

fiiall

here copy only the Diet

table *.
*

The Table of Diet for San Fernando.

Twenty ounces of

Sundays, Tuefdays and Tburfdays.

bread, eight ounces of mutton, and two ounces of

garvances (i.e. yellow beans dried).

Mondays, Wednefdays and Saturdays.

garvances.

At

Twenty ounces of

bread, four ounces of meat, and two ounces of

night, four ounces of bread in broth, or three ounces of lentils

or two ounces and

a half of jew-beans.

Fridays and meagre days.

Twenty ounces of

bread, three ounces of dried

full,

two ounces of

rice,

and two

ounces and a half of jew-beans.

To make

their ollas

\\,

they are allowed, on meat days, eight pounds of

fait

butter

on Fridays, four pounds

for fupper.

On

Fridays, they are allowed, one

lentils for foupe-maigre.

pound of

On meat days,

oil

and twenty-five pounds of jew-beans, garvances, and

cayenne pepper for fauce.

Diet table for the Infrmary.

Full Diet.

Half Diet.

Common Diet.

Low Diet.

Breakfaft.

Bread two ounces.

Dinner.

Bread eight ounces, meat

Supper.

Bread

fix

is

to be

ounces.

Breakfalt.

Bread two ounces.

Dinner.

Bread four ounces, meat four ounces.

Supper.

The

Breakfalt.

Broth.

Dinner.

Bread two ounces, and broth.

Supper.

The

irotii

fame.

fame.

only.

Chocolate, bifcuits, wine and other necefiaries are allowed the fick

from the phyfician, who

fix

ounces, meat four ounces.

according to difcretionary orders

guided by the medical rules approved of by the body of phyficians

at

Madrid.
Nurfes and others who attend the fick are allowed a diet of ten ounces of meat, fixteen
ounces of bread,

two ounces of garvances, and half

J|

Olla, is a general

a quarto (about half a pint Englilh)

term in Spain

of wine daily.

for a variety of ingredients boiled over a flow fire,

ws. meat,

greens, pepper,

&c.

The

San
Fernando.

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Madrid

The

of prifon,

Hofpicio, a fort

Hospicio.

ent j re jy feparated.

In one room, an hundred and

wool.

were carding wool.

Forty or

In two rooms

wide cloth.

carding and fpinning the

a pin manufactory.

in

of the

number of men, advanced

fifty

fifty

prayers, and then

in years,

boys were fpinning worried

down of hares and rabbits

A number of tailors and

go to breakfafl

were picking

in another, fixty

looms were employed on coarfe linen; others on

Some

obferved flocking and waiflcoat frames.

for gloves

dine about noon

All

I alfo

faw at work.

commonly

and fup

boys were

and fome were employed

carpenters

boys were under inflruction in the fchool.

leafl

manufactory, in which the fexes

alfo a well-regulated

is

confiderable

Fifty

attend

rife at fix

They have

at fun-fet.

twenty-two ounces of bread, and two ounces of peafe a day, and half a pound of

There

meat, except on meagre days.

derly.

The

two rooms for the confinement of the

are

difor-

regulations of this well-conducted houfe are the fame with thofe for San

Fernando.

The Real

Hospitals.

and ten

Ho/pit al General,

by two hundred)

feet

new building round

is

which

in

The

court have corridors, twelve feet wide.

a fpacious court (three

Three

two refervoirs of water.

are

hundred

fides

of the

great wards (fifty-five feet and a half wide)

divided by a wall having feveral arches, are furnifhed with double rows of beds on iron
bedfleads (fix feet three inches by three feet two) one for each patient, and a marble flab
is

is

The rooms

placed againfl the wall for every two beds.

many
an

apertures in the ceiling, but all the

altar,

five

dirty and noify.

wide

The number

at the other a fire-place.

given me, was

The

flaircafes are light

of

women was

In

of men,

airy

this hofpital,

At one end of each ward

as appears

of

vifitors

by a

lift

that

was

rendered the wards

the fleps are of flone, fixteen inches

eafy.

three hundred and two.

hofpital being not yet built, they

than the men's.

and

are arched over, and have

fhut.

A multitude

hundred and eighty -nine.

and the afcent (four inches)

The number

windows were

were lodged
and

at

Their apartments

in the old wards,

one or two

in

in the

new

which are much cleaner

Portugal, convalefcents are put

into the clofefl and worfl rooms.

Here

is

guarded.
for

a detached ward, for prijoners, furnifhed with twenty-eight beds, and well

Here

are likewife

rooms

The

confumptive patients.

(carefully feparated) for infane, for dropfical

contagion of confumptions

is

it

was thought neceffary,

an officer

eighteen

from the horfes of confumptive patients

in

and

Danger

only the clothes, bedding, and furniture of rooms, but alfo the walls and ceiling.
has been apprehended even

fuppofed to infect not

and for

an inflance that was mentioned to me, to

this reafon

kill the horfe

of

who had died of this diftemper. Befides one principal phyfician, there are
others, who attend their flated wards
fix furgeons with two hundred pupils
;

(pyatkantes)

and twenty-three

priefls;

befides fervants,

who

all

lodge and board in the

hofpital.

The

Hofpital of San Juan de Bias

undred and

feventy-three

is

chiefly appropriated to venereal patients.

men

and twenty-eight women.

The

Here

wards for
the

the

men. are up

aperture in

flairs:

N.

women's apartment

fo contrived, as that their friends

it

The wards

them..

the

Sect. IV.

159

Madrid

on the ground-floor, and has an

is

may

converfe with

them without

Hospital

feeing

of both fexes were cleaner and quieter than thofe of the general

hofpital.

In the convent

De

la

Latina there are two rooms for fick men, one for fummer, the

other for winter, with beds in recefTes.

In the convent (or hofpital) of San Francifco, there are two wards, one with feven

beds for men, the other with eight for women.

ferving the afternoon chocolate.

much

cleaner and quieter, and

hofpitals.

-Here

In

At

the time of

my

vifit,

the hofpitals that are in convents, the

more

attention

are

paid to the patients, than in other

is

a charitable foundation for eight widows, of officers

is

they were

rooms

who

died in

the late war.

There

are at

Madrid two other

one, called the hofpital de la Corte

The

which may well deferve to be mentioned j

Hofpitals

hofpital de la Corte Sox the king's fervants,

The

has an altar in the centre, under a cupola.

(five feet high)

walls are lined

with glazed

alcoves (three feet nine inches wide,

The

before them.

have chocolate and

The

and

is

built in the

is

and

in another, three for

is

two pounds of bread,

It

The

and a half high) with linen curtains

The

patients

alfo in the afternoon.

intended chiefly for the reception and accommodation

In one room
Here is alfo a refeftory.
one pound of mutton, and

there are four beds for

The

men

allowance to each tra-

a quarter of a

pound of

lard

In the two rooms for the fick, the regulations for the phyfician, furgeon, and

a day.

patients, are

In a

women..

crofs.

lofty.

In the walls there are convenient;

tiles.

five feet

of poor travelling Auftrians, for three days.

veller

form of a

wards are vaulted and

beds in this hofpital are large and not in recefTes.

bifcuit for breakfaft,

hofpital of San Antonio

the other, the hofpital of San Antonio.

room

hung up.
in this hofpital a charitable fociety, called the

every evening, and then go about the

flreets,

the pavement with flicks fhod with iron.

meet with

in this

flipper of bread

Hermandad

del Refugio,

meet

giving notice of their prefence by ftriking

Whatever poor and

perambulation, they conduct to

this hofpital,

diftreffed

people they

and fupply them with a

and eggs, one night's lodging (in rooms which are appropriated for

them), and a breakfaft of bread and

raifins *.

The

fick they fend to the general hof-

where one of the eighteen phyficians already mentioned always attends to examine
and admit patients. In that part of this hofpital which is next the ftreet, there is a
place into which the fick put notices of their diflrefs, in confequence of which they are
immediately vifited and relieved by the fociety.

pital,

* At Madrid the/w Spanifli bread was two pounds for two

pence halfpenny. I always preferred this to
the French bread, which was fomewhat dearer .At the entrance
of Spain a meafure of wheat, which weighs

about no.

lb. coft

from twelve

to fourteen reals

of barley, from
real

is

five to fix.

2 Jd.
111.' *

Herman.
* l

Re

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Valladolid

In the city of

there are four courts, the chancery, the city, the bifliop's

court, and the inquifition, each of which has a prifon belonging to

Moft of the
it

it

but in the

bifliop's

have been few or no prifoners.

prifon, of late, there

prifoners in the Chancery or province prifon

has no dungeons.

In the chapel

is

lie

on a bench

men and

1783, there were one hundred and twenty-eight

long room:

in a

condemned.

a ftone bedftead for the

April 4,

women.

thirteen

In the City prifon alfo moft of the prifoners were crowded together into one long

This prifon was not without dungeons.

room.

damp and difnal

which

in

one,

Fees

pafied through two, into a dark and

law a poor creature lying on his back chained by

both legs to a great ftone.

Prifoners here are confined for a long time before they

are brought

are

to

trial.

About

one real.

Ferrol, they are allowed two

themfelves at the grates

prifons at Madrid.

demanded

thirty convicts

Not

long

fince,

Madrid

The prifon

allowance

is

were to be fent the following week to

The

a day.

reals

of the prifon

at

as

(prefidios)

is

not allowed to fhew

are

prifoners

and the fame

two principal

true of the

one who was put to the torture here, denied the

crime for which he was tortured, but confeJTed another (a murder) and was executed
for

it.

my

1 failed in

by the kind

attempt to gain admittance into the

but the day on which

nobility and others,

which are a

applied to

On

go

him being

in proceffion

accefs

faw the

to

fhew

me

month with

me

to church, carrying the inftgnia

a fword.

The

of the order,

next morning, the inquifitor

me

but he told

me

which

to the tribunal,

over the inquifitor's feat there was a crucifix, and before

any other part of the prifon

feven

of the

feveral

inquifitor,

with feats for the two fecretaries, and a ftool for the prifoner.

him

the in quiii tor-general,

a great holiday, he appointed

prayers, and in a few minutes conducted

at

was hung with red

to

At Madrid,

Lifbon.

inquifition at

got

holiday

this

between a palm and

crofs

me

morning.

o'clock the next

received

of Count Campomanes,

afliftance

a table

it

could not prevail on

that he

went round once

a fecretary, and afked every prifoner whether he had any complaint to

make.

The

fecretaries,

was received

at

the

inquifition-prifon

is

like

at

denounced

at

Madrid, but has

an

altar,

admifllon at
their

inquifitors,

On

the fide of

1667, when ninety-feven perfons were

in

time the Spanifh court refided

this

that

fecretary's

by the two

and two magiftrates, and conducted into feveral rooms.

one room was the picture of an Auto de Fe

burnt

my

of the fame kind friend, Count Campomdnes, procured

letters

Valladolid.

at

Valladolid

The

and a door (with three

tribunal

room

locks) into

the

room, over which was inferibed, that the greater excommunication was
againft

rooms, were, the

Pegna, a

all

inftgnia

ftrangers

who prefume

of the inquifition.

famous Spaniih

In

to

enter.

a large

inquifitor, calls the proceffion,

In

room,

two

other

tribunal

faw on the floor and

Horrendum ac iremendum Speflaculum.

fhelves,

SPAIN.

Sect. IV.

room,
prohibited books, fome of which were Englifi: in another

many

lhelves,

***

painted cap was

The
multitudcs of croffes, beads, and fmall pictures.
and the veftments for the unhappy victims. After feveral confultations,

alfo
I

few

mewed me,

Valla-

I^wisi-

was permitted

by which prifoners are brought to the tribunal; this leads

On one of
permitted to enter.
to a paflage with feveral doors in it, which I was not
;" I anfwered,
"
rooms
thefe
enter
ever
prifoners
but
none
me,
telling
the iecretaries
curiofity ; he replied, " none come out
I would be confined for a month to fatisfy my
to

go up the private

under three year

ftaircafe,

and they take the oath of fecrecy."

learned,

converfing with the inquifitors, that the

the court, and

cells

by walking

in

have double doors, and

by two walls, to prevent prifoners converfing together, and that over the
between the walls there is a fort of chimney or funnel, enclofed at the top, but

are feparated

fpace

having perforations on the

Thefe funnels,
Both the
cells.

enter.
fcrves

through which fome

fides,

The

their prifoners.

me

inquifitors allured

two

for the admiffion of light. In a

gloomy area

It is well

known

that from this court there

it

(truck terror into the

common

abufe of words, the holy and

The
feet

by

appear.

it

with windows

Burgos,

Prifon at

no appeal.

is

need not

fay

how

horrid

could not but obferve, that even the fight of

It

is

by

lliled,

a monftrous

court of inquilition.
the Efgueva: the wards are one hundred and eight

at the ends.

and two doors oppofite, which open

The

is

on any of

back of the prifon, there was no-

at the

people as they palled.

apojlolic

belt Hofpital in this city

thirty,

light

and one of them

open, have fmall apertures

cells

thing but a great maftiff dog.

the fecrecy and feverity of

and a glimmering of

that they did not put irons

fome of the

paffages into which

air

me, are double barred

the inquifitors told

Each ward

Hospital.

has twenty-eight beds in recelTes;

into corridors.

(built, as appears

furrounds a court forty feet fquare, in which

by an
is

infeription

on the

and

a fountain,

front, in

1778)

Burgos

Hone trough.

The

Prison.

by nine and a half. They have two doors, the inner one latticed.
The number of prifoners April 8, 1783, was one hundred and forty-live men and feven
women. The women, as in other gaols in this country, are always locked up in their

cells are fourteen feet

In the men's infirmary there were nineteen beds in recelTes, but only fix patients.

rooms.

The

architect has been very attentive to the conftruclion of drains

this gaol

was very dirty,

are ftocks for the

orders are

The

hung

Hofpicio

for foundlings,

in the

was not

Here

is

in,

till

In

this, as in

and fewers,

Hands near the

river,
It

is

and

confilts

men and

a water-mill for grinding corn.

Four nurfes

The

though

No

rules

and

of a houfe of correction, an hofpital

has two courts, one for

the other for

Two

rooms

women,

are appro-

are always prefent, to take care of the infants that are

they can be fent to be nurfed in the country.

in the houfe.

for

other Spanilh prifons, there

no torture-room.

and a chapel.

former of which there

brought

offenfive.

punilhment of offences committed within the prifon.

up.

priated to the fick.

made

it

The

allowance to each perfon one pound and a

bread

is

good and

half.

The

Hosprcio.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

162

The

Burgos.

diforderly are punifhed

rooms requefted, with

thefe

who

lain,

by being confined

my

tears,

in

a dark

interpofition

room

for her.

woman

in

one of

applied to the chap-

the fuperintendent of the houfe, and he readily confented to releafe her

is

from her confinement.

The

Hospital
DkLfttY.

t,

Rey

Hofpital del

at the rich

two fpacious wards

as

from

may

Thefe wards were very clean, and the beds placed

the others.

by nine

feet

convent of the Folgas, about two miles from the

each fex, that the chirurgical patients

for

feet four

inches) with curtains before thofe for the

three hofpitals at Burgos referable this noble hofpital

city,

be feparated

in alcoves

(ten

The

other

women.

and have fmall botanic gardens

belonging to them*.

The

Pamplona
Prison.

Prifon at

fmall courts

and

flocks,

Pamplona

the prifoners

alfo a

an old building in the middle of the city.

boxes without mattrefTes or bedding.

It has three

There were

dark vaulted room for the punifhment of offences committed in the

The rooms being

prifon.

is

lie in

very dirty and offenfive,

inquired whether epidemical

diftempers had not fometimes prevailed there, and was anfwered in the affirmative,

and told that about eight years ago, eighteen or twenty prifoners had died

Here were

time.

each

men and

fixty-one

floor of this

prifon

twenty-eight in four rooms,

rooms were

The term

clean.

The

One of

all

for

me

that he vifited
I

I
;

faw
the

any perfon mould choofe

this

ready to releafe her.

prifon every week, to hear any

inquired, whether the keeper went with

him

he

that he did.

replied,

The

if

offences, the magiftrates are

fmall

the magiftrates told

women.
Each had a bed

allowance one pound and a half a day.

bread was good

complaints that might be made.

in a fhort

Allowance to

ufed as a Houfe of corretlion for

is

fpinning, but not with wheels.

of confinement, from four years to eight; but

marry one confined

here

April 15, 1783.

about two pence a day.

is

The upper

to

women

three

torture

is

not ufed in this province

for twice in the year (the

the Viceroy goes with the magiftrates

whom

releafes

had releafed

to

fingular cuftom prevails

the council-chamber

he pleafes of the prifoners.

thirteen.

(Navarre).

day before Chriftmas, and eight days before Eafter),

The day

before

in

the

prifon,

and

got to Pamplona, he

few years ago, to the furprife of the magiftrates,

all

were

releafed.

Asylums.

Two,

of the four churches in this city, are Afylums for debtors and criminals, at

one of which (the cathedral) there was one criminal.

C.tadel.

In the Citadel there were one hundred and twenty flaves

into five or fix rooms,

Thofe

in

Thofe

in

the upper

the lower rooms, about thirty

and two with heavy chains, and fome

in

(or convicts)

crowded

rooms had only a ring on one

number, very

for very

flight

fickly,

offences.

leg.

were chained two

The rooms had

* San Juan, Barrantes, Conception.

barracks,

SPAIN.

Sect. IV.

There

barracks, but no bedding.

of brown bread and about

three pounds,

is

the fame allowance to

money.

five farthings each in

given to every foldier every other day

is

all,

one pound and a half

weighing exactly

loaf,

but for the prifoneis,

it is

"p

^^

di-

Thofe

vided, and one half given them everyday, to prevent them from felling it*

only a ring, find fecurities for not efcaping, and fometimes are employed in

who have

If they efcape, their fecurities arc

the houfes in the citadel, and paid for their labour.

obliged to put on the chain and to take their places.

If they are retaken, their

term

is

doubled.

Some

more

for

atrocious crimes are fent to Carthagena, and others to the African

fettlemcnts.

Here

large building called

is

which are confined beggars,

in

are here

employed,

the Mifericordia, fimilar to the hofpicio in Madrid*

Workmen

and refractory children.

vagrants,

and apprentices taken,

to

carry on

MiseriC0RDIA

alfo

manufactory of coarfe

cloth.

Near the

Mifericordia there

They

de la doBrina).

Their number was

is

an Hofpital for Orphan* or children of the poor

and work, and the boys ferve

are taught to read

forty-five

boys and thirteen

by the contributions of thofe who play at ball,

diverfion, which is here a favourite one f.
At the great

There

Hofpital

This houfe

girls.

in a building erected

is

(los ninos

in the

churches.

in part

fupported

by the city for that

found the men's wards very dirty J, but the women's clean.
and alio wards for fick prifoners.

a diflinct ward for chirurgical patients,

is

obferved, that the fame attention was paid to them, as to the other patients, for

twice

attended one

* In this City the bread

full

of the

phyficians

through the wards.

was remarkably good and cheap

and

All the patients

lie

found the loaves, at different times, the

Jiandard weight.
lb.

oz.

French bread was

10

Fine Spanip bread

iof-

five farthings.

10

two pence.

Good brown
t At Madrid

alfo, a part

bread

for three halfpence.

of the money collected at the play-honfe and at the

lullfeajls, is

appropriated to the

fupport of the hofpitals.

The

floors

of moft hofpitals in Spain, are laid with a foft and bad brick, and they are fometimes fprinkltd

but never warned.

offenfive as

many

In the men's wards no

are,

is

women

attend.

What

renders the wards in general fo clofe and

the pra&ice of continually taking fnuff and fpitting

together with an univerfal

;
prejudice which prevaikvin this country, (though fo hot a climate), againft the free admiffion of air, and

The cuftom

walking of rooms.
1

have obferved

air

and

ftration

in

cleanlinefs,

of warning the feet and hands of patients before they are put to bed, which

fome hofpitak,

is

and an abftemious

not

known here. I am perfuaded, however, that fuch a cuftom, with

of more neceffary importance in hofpitals than any admini-

diet, are

cf phyfick.

fingle;

Hospitals.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

164
Pamplona,

fingle

and

room

fhould be in that

her, that the infants

too cold for them.

her

feet in a

On my

by, the governefs lodged.

juft

Spanifh hofpitals. Near the women's

this falutary practice is general in the

ward, nine or ten infants lay bound hands and

room and not

take

my

leave of Spain,

me

Nunez the Spanifh ambaffador

in

at

muft make

my

tour through

it

my

(he faid

was

it

The French
by the fame

The

Prisons.

Flanders and

Tour de

St.

Pierre at

offenfive

Lille

and dark dungeons down

and

John Hort, Count Fernau-

FRANCE.
are chiefly governed'

France.

There were

an old building.

is

four vagrants.

Allowance

room, with only one bed.

fmall

Sir

Netherlands,

the

arret de parlement as the provinces in

three debtors, five fmugglers and

^83,
The

provinces in

moft grateful acknowledgments

by

Lifbon, and Count Campomdnes at Madrid.

FRENCH FLANDERS

is

in

it,

May

this

prifon,

at

my

one pound and a half of bread.

was glad to find unoccupied.

fifteen fteps, I

laft

ledgment to that kind hand, by which

At

vifit

and would make

The

and fmall beer.

my

grateful

caught

acknow-

have been hitherto preferved.

the City prifon there were fourteen prifoners

butter,

24,

Five were fick in a very

have reafon to be abundantly thankful for recovery from a fever which

of the fick, in

Citadel

in the kitchen

the true reafon was, that fhe thought they would difturb.

I replied,

of the kind affiftance given

In a fpacious

reft.

Before

Lille

fmoky kitchen.

mentioning to the phyfician before

their allowance confifts of bread,

The dungeons were empty.

unhealthy countenances of the prifoners at the Citadel fhew the pernicious

effects of

lying in caferns, or

damp rooms under

May

the fortifications.

here were three hundred and forty prifoners, moft of them deferters.

rooms, which were very clofe and dirty,

though dying, were

in

irons.

The

there

fcurvy has

were
lately

eighty-fix

made

26, 1783,

In

the fick-

fome of whom,

havock

great

here.

Particular attention fhould be paid to air and cleanlinefs, where prifoners have

employment.

Humanity

to

them, and

alfo to their keepers

this. The obfervation of a fenfible magiftrate

"
"
"

We have found,"

fays he,

ruin the morals of thofe

a

late

"

who

at

are

vifitors,

Hanover, here occurs to

that the convicts or flaves

condemned only

regulation in the electorate, they are

and

who

are

for a year or

now kept

apart."

my mind

committed
two

for

therefore,

Such

no

demands
:

life,.

by

a regulation

here would be beneficial in every view-

In

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

Lule

In the General Hofpital for the poor of both fexes there were about two thoufand in

May

Thofe advanced

1783.

in years are allowed

were upwards of three hundred of the

girls

Many

are rewarded with a fmall donation.

one third of

making

each piece of which they

lace, for

of the boys, though lodged and boarded

all

of both fexes are dis-

The girls looked healthy, and their

The internal regulations of this
and work-rooms were clean.

dormitories, infirmaries,

here, learn trades in the city

and

at

spitai

There

their earnings.

twenty years of age,

charged from the hofpital.

houfe, and of the infir-

mary, (Hotel-Dieu), are very good; but (taking up more than twenty quarto pages)
they are too long to be inferted.

The two

Hofpitals

the admiflion of
takes in

mewed
dries

Each

clafs has a feparate

kifles

one

foot.

fome inconveniences

warm

wounded

bed

his

arife,

is

immediately

water to him, waihes his feet,

Another brings clean meets and a clean

makes and warms the bed, and

the windows;

the only one that

is

ward, and every patient a feparate

a fick perfon arrives at either of thefe hofpitals,

are kindly attended by the nuns,

living,

Sanveur are lofty buildings, defigned only for

St.

him-, after which one of the Afters brings

them, and

fervant

and

patients are diftinguifhed into three claffes, viz.

and recovering.

When

bed.

Comteffe

for in this city the hofpital laft defcribed

The

women.

very lick

La

men,

the patient goes directly into

it.

A man

towel..

All the patients

but from prejudices caufed by their retired

mode

of

fuch as, neglect of waffling the rooms and opening

confequence of which, the wards are rendered offenfive, and very

in

unhealthy, particularly in the night-time.

Arras

In the prifon at
I

had feen

who had

obierved one circnmftance which was different from what

Of one hundred and

in France.

thirty-nine prifoners,

But upon alking one of them the reafon of

irons.

it,

faw two

he told

in the

me "

it

Arras.

court

was for

attempting an efcape."

At Amiens
Conciergerie.

are

two prifons; one

In the town-houfe,
He was

confining her fon.

fixteen years,

for

Les Bourgeois

et

Le

Libertinage

faw great numbers attending the

the other,

La

woman

for

of a

trial

Amihms.

then about thirty-two years of age, and had been confined

with a feverity which had almoft deprived

profecution was carried on by his father's relations,

him of

his

who had been

intellects.

The

long folicitous for

his releafe.

In or near

Paris

For-l' Eveque,

the principal prifons were the Conciergerie, Grand and Petit Chdtelet,

V Abbaye,

and the

But

Bicetre.

my

at

vifit in

1783

worft of them, Petit Chdtelet and For-l' Eveque, with their horrid

demolished.

The

debtors now are fent to a

new

minals are fent to the Conciergerie, or the Grand

this alteration,

airy

found two of the

dungeons, entirely

prifon, the Hotel de la Force;

Chdtelet.

The

condud of

and fpacious infirmaries for the fick

and women, and

prifons.

It

and

humane and

mentions the contraction

feparate places of confinement, and courts, for

for prifoners of different

claries

and a

cri-

king's Declaration for

dated the 30th of Attgoft 1780, contains fome of the moft

enlightened fentiments refpecting the

of

total abolition

men

of under -ground
dungeons

Paris,

FOREIGN PRISONS.

i66

upon

dungeons,

Paris.

this principle, that

who may

unjuft, that thofe

it is

poffibly be innocent,

fhould beforehand fuffer a rigorous punifoment.

Moft
'

door

have three or four doors, from four

prifons in the city

in

is,

each other by a

feparated from

half high,

fome

prifons,

The number and

a turnftile.

and

to four

feet

Within the inner

area or court.

little

lovvnefs of the

doors (at

each of which you muft (loop) and the turnftiles, effectually prevent the prifoners
rufhing out.
In moft of the prifons there are five or

one walking

French gaolers are very attentive)

them

is

ftrictly

abroad, or otherwife at

one

at the

This

lcifure.

and to pay each of them

And

one hundred

at leaft

yet in

may

fome of the
I

obliged to board them

is

makes the confinement more

number had been

there, the

firft

tolerable,

the

My

are

paved

hardly believe

how

very fenfibly once and again

had the misfortune

in

in

in

which prifons are conducted

Indeed

needful.

lefs

recently in-

reader will perhaps

fome of the gaols,

that

it

was evident,

humane

attention

them.

Moft of the courts

One would

manner

and chains

from the very appearance of the prifoners

to

No

were more criminals than in any

prifons, there

was

to conclude, that

prefently fee reafon

are

a year.

livres

creafed by an infurrection on account of the fcarcity of corn.

was paid

They

in rotation.

put them on a prifoner, without an exprefs order from

When

of our London gaols.

which

and every day one of

have

to

feeing that none of the prifoners in the courts were in irons.

at

gaoler (I was informed)

the judge.

women's ward

liberty they

on any pretence whatever. The gaoler

directly or indirectly,

at the doors

and plotting (a circumftance

from receiving any thing of the prifoners,

prohibited, under fevere penalties,

1 was furprifed

two or three

turnkeys, viz.

fix

in the court, to prevent conferring

to

and they are warned

when

in

fummer once

was

in

the chambers

feldom or ever found

had often perceived

it,

befides the

number of turnkeys, was

that

Englifh gaols.

in

One

I fometimes thought thefe courts were the cleaned places in Paris.

that contributed to

this

I felt

and an Englifhman, who

be a prifoner, made the fame remark.

any French prifon that offenfive fmell which

or twice a day.

upper rooms.

frefhens the air in the

this

circumftance

moft of them were

near the river.

As

prifoners are not

properly feparated,

king's evidence apart from the reft

up

a feparate

room

it

is

difficult

the gaoler of

Le

to

keep fuch

Petit Chdtelet

become

the

to

fit

for that purpofe.

Prifoners, efpecially criminals, attend mafs almoft every day, and

turnkey with them

as

was obliged

the gaoler or a

but fuch of them as are Proteftants are excufed.

No

perfon

is

admitted into any prifon during the time of divine fervice.

As condemned

criminals generally

throw off

and by
young and
by fending thofe who
all

referve,

relating their

various adventures and fuccefs, prove pernicious tutors to

lefs

offenders

are fentenced

care

is

taken to prevent this mifchief,

practifed

to

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

they are kept

the time

till

Some

they are branded.

two days

after fentence.

near the Port de

Tourneik,

being carried

for their

many months

continue here

St.

but their term commences

heard that about two- hundred were fent from that prifon
vifit

found only

Pa

Bernard; where

Before they are fent hither

off.

and Toulon, a week or two before I was there, in 1776. At my

fifteen prifoners, who were chained two and two together.

to Marfeilles
in 1778,

La

to a feparate prifon,

to the galleys,

Their daily allowance

1783, there were ninety-three.

one pound and

is

In

a half of

good bread, and half a pound of meat, and foup. On maigre days they are allowed
On their journey they have two pounds of bread, half a pound
peafe in their foup.
of meat, a pint of wine, and about a quarter of a
are fent from hence to Marfeilles,

Toulon,

many

10th of September, and are joined with

was informed,

that

May

in

pound of

cheefe,

They

or eggs.

&c. on the 25th of

Breft,

May

and the

other convicts from the provinces.

1778, one hundred and fixty-three went off from

I
this

prifon.

To

inferior court

the fentence

without hopes of

is

fentence; and

it is

is

Then

to- fufFer.

to death

the parliament confirms or reverfes

till

their decifion,

till

the

morning of the day

they publifh a confirmation of the former

Executions are often in the afternoon

fold in the ftreets.

faw was by torch -light

life,

and they never make known

on which- a prifoner

that

no one condemned

prevent the frequent confequences of defperation,

by the

the

laft

but the criminal was almofb dead by the torture before

his execution.

The chambers
to Eafter

day-time,

among

night-rooms

at the

in the

the morning, from

and fhut

in the

from Eafter to November.

at feven,

at feven in

November

to

This they commonly fpend

night.

their

opened

are

from Eafter

at fix,

November

ift to

Taking

garnijh, or

comer any thing of

diftrefs

at

prifoners are obliged to

forementioned morning hours

come out of

experience having (hewn, that

Women

from men.
footing,

is

that fort,

him by hiding

dungeon, and

ift

they do not choofe to be there

as

lying in bed and idlenefs, are productive of the fcurvy and other diftempei's.
are kept quite feparate

Eafter

from November

at fix,

But debtors have an hour more

in the court-,

Common-fide

felons.

evening

ftrictly

his clothes

fufFer other

prohibited.

If prifoners

on whatever pretence
&c. they are

They

punifhment.

if,

fliut

up

demand

of a

order to obtain

new

it,

they

for a fortnight in a

dark

in

are obnoxious to the

fame chaftifement

for hiding one another's clothes, or being otherwife injurious.

The
foup.

daily allowance to criminals

The

They have

foup

is

is

not made, nor

pound and

is

any other provifion dreffed,

clean linen once a week,

The

year 1753.

occafion of

it

France they

call

le

the prifons

and

to fpread in

fcorbut,

from

a half

a fociely,

of good bread, and fome

which was

in

the prifons.

instituted

about the

was the prevalence of a contagious difeafe which in

the fcurvy.

the

This diftemper was found to proceed from

Hotel-Dieu, whither

prifoners

that

had

it

were

removed*

FOREIGN PRISONS.
The

removed.

caufe of

was generally thought to be want

it

where feveral of thofe confined had worn their linen

the moft healthy new-comers that were put in the

were

ill

of

at

it

once in the hofpital of

the Hotel-Dieu had been

By

carried.

Abbe

the

a fund was raifed to fupport prifoners

occafion,

This put an

linen every week.

afterwards joined the fociety

which

the Grand Chdtelet

in

malady

effectual flop to the

hundred prifoners were provided

for

requifite for that purpofe, viz. five

foners have charge of the linen that

and return

and are

it,

Befides this, there

who

of character,
attended

general

thoufand
is

(hirts,

in the prifon

and by

fuel,

and

foliciting

was completed.
it

The

does

many kind

a lady

offices to

the pri-

procures not only the

foup twice a week,

but

-f-

be properly

the infirmaries

the charity of others,

and comforts mentioned already,

elder pri-

(every Saturday)

which continues to the prefent time*.

linen

feven

laft,

fcarce a prifon in the city that has not a patronefs

them with
;

that at

and a ftock of linen

they receive

voluntarily takes care that thofe in

fupplies

foners in

the fame manner,

by the fociety

gratified
is

in

clean

Numbers

with their contri-

it

fo

in

it

this

with

in that prifon.

King and Queen honoured

the

Eight hundred

that were fick of

all

Bretons exerting himfelf on

and the charity extended to three other prifon s

butions;

relief

room with them.

Louis, to

St.

'of cleanlinefs in prifom

many months, and infe&ed

for

and meat once a

fortnight.

There

is

alfo

annually at each prifon fomewhat like our charity fermons

fervice in the chapel, -and a collection.

faw

at

On

public

thefe occafions the patronefs attends; as I

Chriftmas 1778, and foon after found the prifoners fupplied with clothes.

Thofe who

on ftraw, pay the gaoler no fee at entrance, or difcharge

and have clean draw once a month thofe
;

lleep

they pay one fou or halfpenny a day

Thefe

dungeons, once a fortnight.

latter are

feldom

let

out

but

in

the

never in the court.

All the regulations are ordered to be read in the chapel to prifoners, the

firft

Sunday of every month, by the chaplain and they are hung up in the prifon for
common infpection. If any prifoner tears, or otherwife damages them, he fuffers
;

corporal punifliment

turnkey, he

The

is

regifter

if a

or gaoler does fo, he

is

fined twenty livres

if

difcharged.

difcipline

obferved

is

fo

exact,

that

at

the

fire

the

in

Conciergerie,

the

was informed) were removed without any confufion, or

for fupprefling proThere are good rules for preferving peace
a fingle efcape.
fanenefs ; for prohibiting gaolers or turnkeys abufing prifoners by beating them

numerous

prifoners (as

otherwife %

or

For a

forbidding their

further account of this

trnjl

furnifliing

ufefut inftitution, fee Code de la Police.

f Tre/orteres ou
I

Monfienr Guy du Roujfeaud de

la

them with wine or

Dames

1767.

fpirituous liquors,

Tom. L

/. $ 10, Sec.

de char he.

quarto, 6th
Combe, in his Traitc des Matieres Crimimlks, Paris, 1769,
condemned a gaoler to be hanged,

edition, cites at page 339, an arret of parliament in the laft century, that

becau/e he let a prifoner

periflj for

want of food.

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

by a

to the magiftrates,

They

fine for the firfl offence

are allowed to

and price mull be fuch

The

turnkeys

Keepers are punifhed for

drunkennefs. &c.

fo as to caufe excefs,

fome things

fell

to their prifoners

the humanity which

fo deficient as to

is

fo

them night and day

they

needful, order

them

fmall

twenty thoufand;
thoufand;

at

is

into his character,

fixed in

about

is

it

at Fol I'Eveque,

prifoners have no juft reafon to

nominated, he

whom

to

twenty thoufand;

complain of
to

all

and

vifit

their

men

of

in

to

remove

if

Chdtelet,

twelve

he added,

France."

after

if,

The

Grand

When

magiftrates.

man of

office is

fo that keepers are not tempted,

:

and

revenue was not

at the

confidered,"

appears that he has the reputation of a

them

the Petit-Chdtelet,

at

things

this clafs

the

the office, and takes an oath of fidelity.

without any expence whatever

totally

turnkeys find any pri-

who

llvres

propofed to the procureur general; and

places, to opprefs their prifoners

which are

was fpeaking concerning

thoufand

And

creatures are confined in

If the

to the crown,

fifteen

of a gaoler belongs

it

prifons

was forry to find

they recover.

till

man,

" They pay nothing

VAbbaye, ten thoufand.

The nomination

Poor

months together.

more wholefome rooms

at the Conciergerie,

morning when the

in the

at ten at night.

and dreadful.

prifoner of rank, a very fenfible

gaolers in 1778, faid,

"
"
"
"

but the quality, quantity

acquaint the phyfician and furgeon,

to

ftripes.

confpicuous in the forementioned, and other excellent rules,

for weeks, for

mud

by

and require.

continue the ufe of thofe fubterraneous abodes

dark, and beyond imagination horrid

foners fick,

day;

and

are opened, at noon, at fix in the evening,

when known

this,

for the fecond

and

as the ordinances of police define

the dungeons four times a

vifit

169

he has been
careful inquiry

probity, he

is

given him

freely

by paying for their

pretext for fo doing, rents which

all

they formerly paid to the crown are remitted, and the leafes given up.

As

for debtors,

their

number

is

Of

fmall.

the

the Conciergerie, in 1778, but fix were debtors.

This perhaps

more.

and imprifons a
fiilence,

i.

e.

is

debtor,

owing

to the following

muft pay to the gaoler

ten livres ten

fous, equal

Paris cheaper in general than at

two hundred and two

good
in

and

if

fo

do

As

all

expences occafioned by

The whole

provided for by

attended

to.

The

good

laws

fick

fends to

all

be properly attended
the prifons

arrefts

fum be not paid within

fet at liberty.
falls

Befides this,

on the creditor

prifoners are

the execution of

of the attorney-general (fhould)

a week, to inquire if the rules be obferved

if the

who

and

his ficknefs or death.

enabling

fubftitutes

is

of them

the beft regulations are liable to be abufed,

ftciently

bailiff

Englifn (provifions are at

the like

fourteen days after the end of every month, the prifoner

the debtor pays no cofts of arrefts, &c.

Every

arrets.

advance, a month's aliment or fub-

to nine fhillings

London)

prifoners in

In the other prifons there were a few-

two or three

is

this,

carefully

the prifons once

to hear complaints of prifoners

and the like. Befides

five times a year

vifit

not thought fuf-

them

to fee

the parliament of Paris

coimfelhrs with a fubjitute

of
the

Paris.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

170
Paris.

and two

the attorney-general,

room

other foreign gaols) a

at other

The

They go at Chriftmas,
Simon and Jude. There is

clerks.

one day before 15th Auguft,

St.

Eafter, WhitfunticTey
in,

each prifon (as in

for their reception called the council-chamber.

It is

occupied

times by the head-gaoler.

arrival of this deputation

allowed to

do

is

announced by boys, who, though offenders, are

thefe go round the court and into every

errands in the prifon

little

room, giving notice of

The

aloud.

it

deputies go, without the gaoler or turnkeys,,

room and dungeon, and

They afk the prifoners one by one,

into every
ift.

if

they have any complaint to

make of

the

But they never meddle with thofe who are confined by an

gaoler or his fervants.

order from the king.

2.

They

without
3.

of

receive the petitions

who have been

prifoners

In cafe of debts not exceeding two thoufand

debtor can

raife

How

tors.

livres

(about ninety pounds)

a third part of his debt, and no more, they receive

him of

they clear

the remaining

two

long

all

the

if

for the credi-

it

thirds, I will fliew prefently.

take notes of thefe matters in the prifon; and give an account of

at their

detained too

trial.

They

to the parliament,

general public meeting a day or two after.

who have

In behalf of prifoners

not been tried,

attorney-general to write in their

name

delay, or ordering expedition.

If a

the parliament

commonly

orders the

to the inferior judges, inquiring the caufes of

prifoner be acquitted, he

is

difcharged within

twenty -four hours.

The

laws of France do not in ordinary cafes admit a debtor to bail without the

But

confent of his creditor.

And
men
is

even

bail

this

that are infolvent.

each cafe as

have heard there

occurs.
liberty

for fees,

the parliament obliges

from the king, or

hire

is

livres.

for they fometimes take for bail

no (landing law

for this

and that

it

becaufe the parliament ena&s a particular law for

In France there are

it

moment

immemorial cuftom

rather an

the cafe mentioned above,

feems a matter of mere form

received their
a

in

of bail for the remainder of debts under two thoufand

creditors to accept

no infolvent a&s.
their

When

prifoners have

creditors, they cannot

be detained

of rooms, debts contracted in prifon, or on any pretence

whatever.

The

deputies hear no complaints of the gaoler againft his prifoners.

When

he

has any to make, he applies to the chief juftice, by whofe order the prifoner was

committed.
the

If

he

by an

was imprifoned

lieutenant-general of the police

if

order

from

the king,

without fuch an order,

to

he applies to
the lieutenant-

criminal.

Befides

the deputation

now mentioned, the parliament appoints to each prifon

They always choofe a gentleman of fortune
His bufinefs is much like
called Commijfaire de la Prifon.

one of their own body, a counfellor.

and good character

o

he

is

that

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.
that of the deputation
I learned,

and

By

his office perpetual.

humane

that thefe officers are very

frequent difcourfe with prifoners

They

to the diftreffed.

Paris,

can (as the

parliament) oblige creditors to accept one third part of debts under two thoufand
livres

The

but they ufe

power with much

this

The dungeons

piazza.

the

At the

is

vifts here

new

with a fine

lying

L'Abbaye

1783 the prifoners were

who

eyen thofe

on

lie

ft

dungeons, which open into dark paflages.

by

feet eight inches

eight)

fix feet

In

tion be

In four of thefe

faw fixteen prifoners, two in irons,

a Prifon for the military or guards,

made

and

men

for fuch debtors as are

end of an expedient

in

the partition,

is

it

to prevent efcapes

of

for if the fmalleft

perfora-

immediately difcovered, by the mortar falling

between that and the wall into the keeper's court, through the aperture which
for that purpofe.

were fometimes

Here
fifty

are fix fmall dungeons, in which, as the

On

ftraw,

in the Conciergerie,
-

In the dungeons,
Prifoners

who pay

for their

half.

A livre is jbb
f The number of

I chofe to vifit the prifoners in the

little

prefent of wine

is

1,

1776, and

99
22
13

14
25

rooms
Total

in this prifon forty five livres

June

Men
Women
Men
Women
Men

In the Infirmary,

feven and a

is

left

gaoler faid, there

confined.

* The number of prifoners

Some pay

GrandChatelet

upon ftraw f.

is

wall, anfwers the

bread,

rooms

raw pay one fou a night.

In the debtors rooms a partition of lath and plafter, detached from the brick-

rank.

*^iz'

was a tap-room, which now,

feveral vifits in

Grand-Chdtelet, as well as the Conciergerie, the prifoners pay for their

dungeons (ten

Co

infirmary, with beds

*.

this prifon there are eight

all

At

abolijlxd.

is

according to their goodnefs

and

At my former

in each.

honour of the police,

calm and quiet

There

are dark and offenfive.

admitting only one patient

to

caution.

an airy court (fifty-five yards by thirty-eight)

Conciergerie has

29

202

May

15, 1785.

126

o
18

o
16

22
182

a month fbr a room

fome twenty-two and a half ; others

10 ^d.

prifoners

May

16, 1783, in tiitGrand-Cbatetet.

In rooms,

47.

On

209.

ftraw,

In dungeons,

16.

In infirmaries,

33.

Total 305.
dungeons, on maigre days, becaufe their allowance then being only

the more acceptable.

The

L'Abbaye.

FOREIGN PRISONS.

172
AR1S

The

^
de la
Force.

Hotel de

la

Force, a

new Prifon

It

an airy and fpacious

is

building, and has feveral courts and areas for the feparation of men, and

The

the different kinds of prifoners.

The number

of

courts are

women, and

clean and well fupplied with water.

all

men and

debtors were feventy-eight

and petty

(vagrants, deferters

for debtors,

has been occupied only from January 1782.

offenders)

Over

women.

eleven

their

doors are painted the price to be paid for the beds from five to thirty fous a night.

There

rooms and beds

are alfo

cannot pay

for debtors that

the prifoners that are

all

poor have one pound and a half of bread and foup every day *.

Here

two chapels, an

are

Here

airy

mop, from which

apothecary's

this,

infirmary,

day on duty

are fourteen turnkeys, twelve every

of any riot or diforder they can readily

in cafe

the men's courts. By the

lift

number of
many were

defcriptions was

The

prifoners of

all

fent

each fex

for

into the

arret

one another

office

of the police,

more

firft

ian fourteen

days.

to

rooms (called

At my

fmall.

laft

'

The

1783, the

17,

for the

are

on

feldom confined here

ftraw.

pay

On

fix livres a

the upper floor there

The

punifhment of the refractory.

court

are

now not

women,

for

thirty-eight prifoners

ufed'.

fituated in

is

whom

fome of

a-

very clofe part of

had been confined three

All were troubled with a cutaneous diforder, and fome to a very

and price of bread was put up for public infpe&ion, which

Prix du Pain dam

Pain

A
articles

being new,

la prifon."

i. e.

is

there were one hundred and fifteen prifoners, fo that the

t Moft of the

for

month

fecond

the weight

all

-f-.

At Paris and Bordeaux, in May 1783, the fine white bread was two pence per pound
and brown bread, eight pounds for nine pence: but at fome diftance from

three halfpence

article

whom

be fixed on the doors of the

for thofe that

for thofe that lie

The damp dungeons

Here were

or four years.

rooms

are fix

Prifon of Saiut-Eloi, intended

the city.

Here

fecrete)

vifit

rooms were crowded.

SaintEl01

women, who

for loofe

is

rooms

for their beds, and four

are three

May

but

each of

zvalk in

ordered to be read in the chapels before

is

Sunday of every month, and

of Saint-Martin

Prifon.

t]

two

two hundred and feventy-one, of

chapels, and on feveral other confpicuous parts of the prifon

Martin.

departments

in feparate

affift

of parliament of the 19th of February 1782, for the regulation of this

the prifoners on the

The

furniflied

deferters.

prifon, containing twenty-nine articles,

Saint-

and a well

and the other prifons are fupplied with drugs.

1 will

of

Marquifat

plus blanc, pefant 9 livres

Pain commun,

pefant

Pain

pefant 9 livres

fol

bis,

or fou

is

equal

to

fols.

16

fols.

ftiall

it.

"

of

D Arpagon.

18

livres

fort,

lift

here copy.

3 fols.

a halfpenny

Englifti.

this arret are fimilar to thofe in the excellent arret

copy

Prifoners

le

Paris a

of

but the eleventh

Les prifonniers ne paieront a I'avenir aucun droit d? entree ni de fortie de

pay no

fee at

coming

in or

going out of the prifon.

great

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

No

great degree.

Each has one pound and

court.

*73

a half

of bread a day, and (from

Paris..

a charity) foup four times a week.

Bicetre

is

only a prifon,

women,

for

men and

the Hotel- de-ville there are two rooms, in which were two

At

The

are within

upon

fhould call

it

an enormous one

walls, not

brown uniform, and feem

a coarfe

work-houfes

the infane

Of about
The majority

one half are prifoners.

If

men that
who wear

four thoufand
are

the poor,

Each

difeafe.

fort

rooms about eight

many glazed

a grate, but not

hundred

livres

window

feet fquare,
:

there

There

and ninety-fix.

The number

two large rooms

are others in

of thefe rooms

there were

Such

upwards of two hundred.

muft produce a great corruption of manners.

their ruin to the flagitious

are

called

Ld

Thefe pay two

is two hundred
on the other

Force,

of the court (Ld Cour Royale) which were crowded with prifoners:

fide

in a

three feet and a half by two feet, with

but one prifoner in a room.

is

a year for their board.

is

Some

court and apartments totally feparate from the other, and from criminals.
in little

were

it

Salpetriere

miferable as the poor in fome of our country

as

and thofe that have the venereal

woman.

Paris.

but this for men, like the

indeed a kind of general hofpital.

is

its

eminence about two miles from

fmall

in

number confined together in

Many at their unhappy end have
a

1778,

idlenefsj

afcribed

examples they had here feen, and the inftructions here given

them.

Over

mary

the two

rooms Ld

for the fcorbut

Force, there

a diftemper very

fixty-three patients in 1778, moft of

a general infirmary

is

common and

them

of this

ill

and over

that,

an

infir-

among them. There were

diforder.
They contracted it in

fatal

a year or two, from their confinement, as they were never fuffered to go out of their

Many

rooms.

loft

the ufe of their limbs by

faw feveral fuch miferable objects

it.

where they are often admitted

at St. Louis's hofpital,

at the expiration

of their term at

the Bicetre.

In the middle of

Ld

Cour Royaie are eight dreadful dungeons

each about thirteen feet by nine

wall

and

a ftone funnel

thefe dreary caverns,

at

and the

with two ftrong doors

one corner of each

difficulty

fixteen fteps

From

for air.

that

is

my

the fituation of

found in procuring admittance,

hardly any other ftranger ever faw them

cell,

down

three chains fastened to the

reafon,

and

hope

conclude

will

be an

apology, for mentioning the particulars.

make ftraw-boxes, tooth-picks, &c. and fell them to vifitants. I viewed

men with fome attention and obferved in the looks of many a fettled melancholy
many others looked very fickly. This prifon is not fo well managed as thole in the
Prifoners

the

city

it

is

very dirty

no

fire-place in

any of the rooms

and

in the fevere cold in

1775, feveral hundreds perifhed.

Water in plenty was thought of fuch importance here, that they have a ftone weH

which

is

a curiofity.

yards deep.

It

The two

was funk

in

1735

tuckets hold each

is

fifteen feet diameter,

about three hogfheads

at

and near feventy

my

former

vifits

they

Bicetre,

FOREIGN PRISONS.

*74
Paris
BlCETRE.

they were drawn

up by

and emptied themfelves into a

horfes,

fquare, and nine deep.

bucket was drawn up

teen hours every day, not excepting Sundays

Three horfes worked

fheads.

now

T\\e French are

for

of late they have here

and twenty employed

three

prifoners to work.

rooms,

was drawn by feventy-two prifoners,

time; and

five

hundred and

Sal?.

IU

E..

number

much

are

upwards of

is

Here

embroider}-.

feen

by Grangers.

infirmaries

in

fixteen buckets

and are paid

for

Many

There

in

1783, one hundred

:

and the water

working one hour

at

an hour, and aboat two

each bucket two fous and a half *.

my

former
for

vifits.

women

and

girls,

their

of the girls are employed on the

fineft

numbers of poor and

The

is

infane

and a fifterhood of

religieufes

criminals are quite feparate from the others, and feldom

are but few of thefe

lodging-rooms are

their

three fets, each fet

healthier than they were at

eight hundred and twenty confined,

of

in

five thoufand.

are

refide in the houfe.

fix-

hundred hog-

for the fervice.

faw

or Salpetrlere, near the city,

hofpital,

five

polilhing &c. plate glafs

in

They draw

hours in a day.

forty buckets daily,

The prifoners
The great

They worked

about

of the bad police of confining perfons in idlenefs

fet their

in

daily

and twelve were kept

at a time,

fenftble

and drew

refervoir, fixty-four feet

in five minutes.

mod

fix feet ten

two of them the patients

was crowded, and had three

in

a bed.

employed.

At my

laft vifit

there were

Many

of them by their parents or relations.

inches by five feet feven.

There

are three

lay in fingle beds, but the other (for criminals)

The whole

good fitters.
may occur to fome of my

houfe was kept clean and quiet by

the great attention of the

Bastille.

The

Baftille

information would be acceptable.

readers, as an object concerning

am happy

to

a pamphlet publilhed in 1774, written by a perfon

fon.

reckoned the bell account of

It is

the fale of

extremely

be able to give

who was long

this,

confined in

fcar.ee-

this pri-

this celebrated ftructure ever publilhed

being prohibited in France under very fevere penalties,

it

which fome
by means of

it

is

; and
become

have extracted the moll material circumftances of the description,

and have caufed the plate to be copied from that in the work.
<
This caftle is a (late prifon, confifting of eight very ftrong towers, furrounded
with a fofse about one hundred and twenty feet wide, and a wall fixty feet high. The
the end of the

ftreet of St. Antoine, by a drawbridge, and great gates

F Hotel iu Gouvernement ; and from thence over another drawbridge
to the corps de garde, which is feparated by a ftrong barrier conftrufted with beams
This court is about one hundred and twenty
plated with iron, from the great court.
In it is a fountain ; and fix of the towers furround it, which are
feet b) eighty.

entrance

is

at

into the court of

united by walls of free-ftone ten feet thick

court

court

is a

large

is fifty

modern

feet

by twenty-five.

top of the towers

*

corps de Iogis,

is

which

up to the

Contiguous to

a platform continued in

Each man draws about

14Z&. or half as

top.
At the bottom of this
from the court du Putts. This
are the other two towers. On the

feparates

much

it,

it

terraces,

on which the prifoners are

as thole that are accuftomed to labour.

fometimes

The Bastille.

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

by

foraetimes permitted to walk, attended

cannons mounted, which are difcharged on

the council- chamber,

and the kitchen,

On

a guard.

platform are thirteen

this

In the corps de

days of rejoicing.

of diftin&ion, and over the council- chamber the king's lieutenant

court du Puits

is

of the tower de Id Liberte extend under the kitchen,

In the wall of

a fmall chapel on the ground-floor.

that tower

is

clofets, in

which prifoners are put one by one

Near

Sec.

are five nitches or

it

where they can neither

to hear mafs,

be feen.

fee nor

The dungeons

at the

bottom of the towers exhale the

are the receptacles of toads, rats,

a

In the

refides.

a large well for the ufe of the kitchen.

" The dungeons

is

logis is

&c. above thefe are rooms for prifoners

offices,

camp-bed, made of planks

prifoners are allowed

laid

fome ftraw

no windows, but openings

rnofl offenfive fcents,

and other kinds of vermin.

and

In the corner of each

on iron bars that are fixed to the walls, and the

on the beds. Thefe dens are dark, having

to lay

into the ditch

they have double doors, the inner ones

plated with iron, with large bolts and locks.

" Of

the five claffes of chambers, the moft horrid next to the

dungeons are thofe

There are three of them. They are formed of beams with

firong plates of iron, and are each eight feet by fix.
" The calottes^ or chambers at the top of the towers, are fomewhat more tolerable.
in

which are

They

are

cages of iron.

formed of eight arcades of

middle of the room.

There

The windows,

another.

and without, admit but

and the cold

" Almoft

in winter.
all

is

being in walls ten

little light.

They have

the other

feet thick,

is

fumifhed with a bed of green ferge, &c.

" A

The

ill,

prifoners

iron grates within

exceflive in fnmmer,.

are very cold and

damp.

All the chambers are numLered.

their tower joined to the

caftle.

they are generally removed, that they

who

is

are odlagons, about twenty feet

They

furgeon and three chaplains refide in the

dangeroufly

in the

ftoves.

rooms (of the towers)

by the name of

and having

In thefe rooms the heat

diameter, and from fourteen to fikeen high.

prifoners are called

Here one cannot walk but

free-flone.

hardly fufficient fpace for a bed from one arcade to

die there are buried in the parifh

may

number of

their

If prifoners

itv

Each

The

room.

of note are

not die in this prifon.

of St. Paul, under the

name of

domeftios.

"

library

was founded by a prifoner who was a foreigner, and died

the beginning of the prefent century.

ufe of
'

in the Baftilk

prifoners obtain permifTion to have the

it.

One

of the centinels on the infide of the caftle rings a bell every hour, day and

night, to give notice that they are

caftle they ring
I

Some

awake

and on the rounds on the outride of the

every quarter of an hour."

have inferted fo particular an account of

this

prifon,

chiefly with a defign of

inculcating a reverence for the principles of a free conjlitution like our own, which
will

FOREIGN PRISONS.

i;6

Paris

n0 [ permit

xx \\\

name

of

any degree the exercife of that defpotifm, which has rendered the

in

formidable*.

Bqftille fo

purpofe knocked hard

was defirous of examining

guard to the drawbridge before the entrance of the

gloomy manfion, an

plating this

to retreat through

the

my

of

officer

myfelf; and for that

But while

caftle.

came out much

mute guard, and thus regained

locked up within thofe walls

Many

it

the outer gate, and immediately went forward through the

at

was contem-

and

furprifed;

that freedom,

was forced

which

one

for

next to impoffible to obtain.

it is

readers, acquainted with

the ftrid

would have

of France,

police

fuppofed that the other prifons would have been as inacceffible to a vifitant as the

And

Bajlille.

indeed

pleaded

my

firft

application for admittance at the Grand Chdtelet was

But fortunately remarking the tenth

unfuccefsful.

before the Commijfarie de Id Prifon, to

it

means gained admiflion

as

of the arret

article

whom

17 17, I

was referred, and by

well into that prifon, as thofe of

Le

Petet Chdtelet

its

and

and had an opportunity of feeing almoft every individual confined

For-l'Eve'que,

in

them.

The

Hospitals.

Hofpitals

of Saint-Louis and the Hotel-Dieu for the Tick, are the two worft

They were

hofpitals that 1 ever vifited.

five or fix in

The

crowded,

fo

Hotel-Dieu

is

ward

have often feen

and

(St. Charles)

The new

fituated in the clofeft part of the city J.

In 1783, the hofpital was cleaner than at

low.

that formerly

one bed, and fome of them dying.

in the

my

former

women's wards, many of the

vifits,

wards are too

but in the great

patients were

two or three

in a bed^.

* Sir William Blackjlone obferves, that the prefervation of perfonal liberty

public

"for

if

once

it

were

left in

the

power of any, the higheit, magiflrate

"

ever he or his officers thought proper,

foon be an end of

"

||

were

all

(as in

'*

upon the Cngle ground of the famoui

Les geoliers conJuiront

les

les

bulle

Unigcmtus."

pourront etre di/lr huees dans

'*

porteront."

One

removed

is

||)

there

whomwould

les

noirs

cachots

fire

que par

Book

I.

Chap.

1.

as follows.

per/onnes qui viendrmii /aire

cannot but wifh, that after the

to

article

Commentaries,

dijiribuer, ce qu'elles fourront /aire elies-memes

"

by the crown

daily pra&ifed

have been aflured upon good authority, that, during the mild adminifl ration of cardinal Fleury, above 54,000 httres de cachet

iflued,

dejireront

it is

of great importance to the

other rights and immunities."

f The
"

France

is

to imprifon arbitrarily

les

des

fur

charites
le

dam

les

lieux de la prifon ou elks

preau ou dans lacour; mes

les

aumones

mains du geolier, en prefence des per/onnes qui

in the Hotel-Dieu a few years fince,

tie

les

the hofpital had been

a more airy fituation.

Over one of

the gates of the Hotel-Dieu

is

the following infeription, which,

from

its

application to

fuch a place, has an air of ridicule and even of profanenefs.

"

C'ejl icy la

Mai/on de Dieu,

et

Id Porte

du del,'"

The

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

There

Hofpital of Saint-Louis ftands out of the city.

The

the wards, and there

They were

no floor over them.

is

of the beds there were three patients.* According to the

is

a confiderable afcent to

dirty

and

lifts I

procured

noify,

and

at

in

my

many

vifits in

1783, the number of patients was,

Hotel-Dieu.

May

6,

1709,

16,

1707,

20,

i657>

21,

1708,

received in 1782,

21484,

Number

3899*

Died

Though

two

thefe

hofpitals

St. Louis.

662.

694.
660.

661.
3898.
899-

are a difgrace to Paris,

foundations which do honour to

and from which

it

has

it

many other charitable

may derive ufeful

country

this

information.

The

Hofpital of

La

men,

Charite for

is

one of the beft

two hundred and three beds, and another ward

All the patients

a half wide.

lie fingle

a bed

twelve thoufand

is

beds are always occupied

may be

attention

the furniture of their beds

made

lately

is

think improper, becaufe

There

in Paris.

are

now

nearly finiflied, twenty-fix feet and

green, and they

is

a convenient walk for the

bought, and defcends to heirs

the price for

The

was informed by one of the fathers.

except three or four which are referved, that immediate

always paid to a patron's prefentation.

to the order of St. Jean

I

is

as

livres,

Here

wear a uniform of the fame colour.

The prefentation of beds
patients.

is

de Dieu
it

may

This

hofpital does

honour

chambers are over the wards, which

the friars

occafion the windows of the wards to be too often

fhur.
fraternity has alfo the charge

This

of the hofpital for Convalefcents, which confifts of a

hall with a brick-floor containing twenty-one beds.

They

twelve and a half, and five o'clock.

year, Good-Friday excepted.
ceflity

the infane.

The

the

a refectory, where the

are allowed

viz. at

fix,

meat and wine every day

nine^
in the

wifh the French phyficians were convinced of the ne-

Hopital des fetites-Maifons

number of

beds

is

of ivajhing (not fprinkling) the wards.

The
a

Adjoining

(who continue here only eight days) have four meals a day,

patients

is

fituated in a fpacious garden or court, containing

fmall houfes for the aged and infirm of both fexes, and fingle

Here

new room

are alfo fix

rooms

for forty beds

is

for

which are a hundred and thirteen

not yet occupied.

The good fifters kindly attend.

me often to repeat my vifits.

neatnefs and cleanlinefs I obferved here engaged

My

rooms

for the fick, in

learned friend Dr. Price will be pleafed to find feme alteration for the ^better in the Hotel-Dieu, for

number

that died in 1782

ffLjments, vol.

I.

/>.

296. 4th

was confiderably under a

fifth

of thcfe that were admitted.

See his Revirftoncny

edit.

Rooms

FOREIGN PRISONS.

78

Rooms

Paris
Hospitals.

in the hofpital

and beds

p Qor

j-Jomeftics an(j

wards are bought by the opulent,

in the lick

as

afylums

fr encJ s#
j:

Madame Necker's hofpital is a

men and fixty women, who

feventy

noble example of private charity.

by fourteen of the

are attended

and chirurgical patients are feparated.

advifed warning the

It has

beds for

The

fillers.

men's wards

medical
but

my

advice has not been taken.

In the Hopital des Incurables there are about four hundred perfons, molt of them aged

and infirm, and clothed in a neat uniform

men in grey, the women in black. Each

The furniture is changed twice in a

the

has a bed, two chairs, a table and a cupboard.

year, in winter

cleanfed

green woollen,

The

have the care of

this hofpital.

hundred

The

vingts.

it is

in

fummer white

linen

the houfe

rooms on the ground-floor open (very properly)

pleafant garden.

five

Quinze-

the

livres,

is

provifions were good, and ferved by the

now

Formerly they ufed

by an arret of March

14, 1783.

who have twenty

a day

twenty-two

fous

two fous

is

They

married,

or twenty-three years,

Each perfon has

month.
for firing

1260
beg

to

for the

accommodation of three

churches for fubfiftence; but

in the

three

twenty-fix

pounds of

fait

day for every child under fixteen

who have

families increafe

now

thofe

thefe

fettled
;

who have been married

allowances are paid every

given him thrice in the year.

The

on them

fingle perfons,

Wood

parents of children are allowed

a

befides

fum

to put out their children

granted of walking out, vifiting friends, &c.

is

the

and

fous

thirty-fix

Every indulgence

is

are divided into three claries

given to the moft necefiitous.

alfo

to apprenticefhips.

means of

their

by keeping

fubfiftence

The

There were fifty-two of the third clafs at my vifit in 1783.

hung up on the walls in feveral places. There are two rooms

mops.
are

and

whom

prefentation here, formerly bought for ten thoufand

an income fufficient for fupporting them has been obtained, and

Several

forty of

confequence of the attention of Cardinal Rohany and an increafe of the rents,

lately, in

'

filters,

raifed to twelve thoufand.

>uinze-vingts hofpital was founded in

hundred blind perfons.

then thoroughly

is

into a fpacious

little

regulations

for confining the

diforderly.

An

infirmary

is

defigned, and oculifts are to be appointed, who, befides attending the

infirmary, are to attend twice in the

them.

An

the eyes.
fervice

FoundHospital.

At

annual fum

This

hofpital

week

to give advice to others

likewife to be offered for the beft differtation

is

a privileged place

and a chapel belong* to

it

to

on diforders of
in

which divine

conftantly performed.

is

the Foundllng-hofpital near the Hotel-Dieu, the infants lie in neat cradles with white

furniture

May

2j> 1783, there were here only

fifty,

the reafon of which

are fent into the country foon after they are received.
five

who may apply

is

or fix years, and

Salpetriere,

and the

reft

when they

are brought back,

They remain

moft of the

with the boys in the fuburb of

St.

girls

is,

are placed at

Antoine; in which

there were at this time four hundred and fifty boys and girls. I learned

that they

in the country

laft

place

from the
lifts

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

179

which are made out every month, that the whole number of foundlings on

lifts

foundation on the

May

of

ift

feven.

Thefe

at Paris.

alfo

faw

worth noting, but what has been already mentioned

little

have charitable patronefTcs,

who

to be fo

carefully infpedted as thofe in the

But

relief.

city

thefe prifons

although the arrets of

made

parliament for regulation of both are for the moft part fimilar, and were

They

year, 17 17.

are

of the complex fubjeft.

in the

drawn up with found judgment, and accurate knowledge

found many

ProvInci

take care that the prifoners be

not defrauded of their allowance; and procure them.farther

do not fcem

Paris.

>

In the provincial gaols

fame

this

1783, was thirteen thoufand feven hundred and eighty-

of them

articles

in the laws

of other nations;

but cannot fay whether the French arrets were compiled from them, or followed by

them

*.

The

3 2d article of the arret for the provinces requires that prifons be

cbaujjee," level

Yet

with the ground f.

prifoners in dungeons

Lyons, June 1776, were twenty-nine

had any other garment on than
healthy.

St. Jofeph

much

faw

better than thofe

(formerly a convent) at

criminals: the heat fo excelfive, that few of

Some of them were

their fhirts.

de

many

fick

Lyons.

them

none looked

In the nine other rooms of that gaol there were one hundred and twenty-

eight prifoners

fteps

" au raiz

aud fome other towns,

larger indeed, but in other refpedts not

In the four horrid ones at the Prifon de

at Paris.

To

at Challons,

of which number twenty-two were women.

the Pierre-en cize, a ftate prifon at Lyons,

among

the few prifoners in

it,

I fat

you afcend by more than two hundred

talking a while with one

who

faid

he was

in

the fiftieth year of his confinement.

I

cannot leave

the beft hofpital

is

this
I

form of

in the

city

without giving a fhort account of the Hotel-Dieu,

have feen
a crofs,

in

France.

It

as

it

is

near the Rhone-, the principal building

is

near three hundred feet from end to end both ways.

The

wards thirty-two

feet wide, and twenty-five feet high ^ with apertures between the
of the floor above, and two tier of windows; in many of them two cafements.
Three rows of iron bedfteads in each ward.
Under a dome in the centre is an

joifts

oclagon

altar, in view from every part of the crofs.

Prayers, which are read there
twice a day, can be heard through the wards.
This part of the houfe is for thofe

The

They
title is

are printed in quarto.

Greffiers des GeoJes, Geoliers

The

The

arret for the city

Arreft de la Cour du Parkment, portant

et

is

Guichetiers defdites Prifons

Avec

arret for the provinces, dated ill September, has the

three articles.

To

aliment of prifoners

f The

this arret

and

is

fame

annexed three others, viz. the

le

Tarif

les

it

contains thirty-nine articles.

Prifons, droits et fonaions des

des droits

mribues

aufdits Geoliers.

title,

except the Tarif.

office

of clerks, gaolers and turnkeys-the

It contains thirty-

their attendance at mafs.

foundation of this was probably the

dixedh that they

t!27

dated 18th June

Regkment general pour

firft

article

upon prifons in the excellent criminal Ordonnance

be fo difpofed that

fk

health
-

ners

a* 11

**

be

that

HotelDlEU
'

FOREIGN PRISONS.

180

Lyons
*I)ibv~

There

that have fevers.

foundlings

for the

crofs-wards are

airy,

fo

other wards for the wounded;

are

infane

as

feparate

all

not to be in the

remove

to thefe they

more

lains

flow hectic

againft the

excellent precaution
fo frequently

complain

The whole was

*.

nine phyficians and furgeons

for which

fhop, confifting of five or

that can be conceived.

fix

The

The

who make

apartments,

the

meals

and feem an

There

Thefe

are eight chap-

are ladies of a reli-

up, as well as adminiftcr,

an

is

whom

at

of which our hofpital-phyficians

fitters.

purpofe there

in

are,

and thofe

recovery;

patients

and quiet.

and twelve

gious order, dreffed in a neat uniform,

medicines prefcribed;

fever,

clean

foe

and pleafant ( chambres

They come down from them

rooms foon complete the

Thefe

refectory.

and yet there

airy

patients that are recovering

faw there faid they were very refrefhing.

to

offenfive

leaft

another part of the houfe, two upper rooms Hill

de convalefcence)

for lying-in-women

and a room for chirurgical operations.

the

all

elaboratory and apothecary's

and

neateft

mofl:

elegantly fitted

up

front alfo of this hofpital being very elegant, I give the

plate.

Bordeaux

At

the Town-houfe in

Bordeaux

twenty-feven fteps fifteen prifo-ners in irons,

rooms down thirty-one

fteps there

the ground-floor there were

many

who

told

were ten men, and

me

they were never out.

in another

In the Palais (the prifon for the province), the

The

room

In two

On

woman.

confined for flight offences.

men were

The

in the court.

dows of the women's two rooms were (improperly) towards the

win*

fixeet.

The rooms were neat and

who put on their veils when I

Houfe of correlation (Maifon de Force) is in a convent.

There were twenty-four women

clean.

down

April 27, 1783, there were in three rooms

rjsons.

at

needle-work,

entered the hall.

Hospital.

The
floor

great Hofpital

is

in a clofe part

of the

The women

round a quadrangle.

The wards

city.

for

men

are

on the

medical patients; one for chirurgical (blejfee), the other for thofe that are very

many of the wards

there were

the care of the religieufes

two

in a bed.

who have

firft

have three wards on the ground-floor, one for

This hofpital

alfo the care

is

kept clean, as

it

In

ill.

is

under

of the foundling hofpital which

is

fpacious building near the river.

St.Omer's.

At La

Prifon Royale, or the

new

and a half of bread, and foup.

Dunkirk.

In the prifon at

Dunkirk,

prifon, at St.

The

Omer's, the

daily allowance

is

pound

prifoners have clean linen every week.

the French prifoners were in two or three

rooms by

themfelves.

was induced

to take fuch

fimilar to thefe chambers

Thoughts on Hofpito.h.

and

'<

find

he

advil'es

that

particular notice of this

of convalefcence propofed by

my

hofpital,

from the

ingenious friend

had not the pamphlet then with me, but have

all

patients capable of fitting up,

recollection

of fomething

Mr. Aikin of Warrington,

fince

in his

turned to the pafiage,

mould remain through

the day in large airy

frails."

Here

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

ill

Here (January 1779) I found many of my countrymen prifoners of war. In five

rooms there were a hundred and thirty-three captains, mates, pajfengers and common
crowded together

Jailors all

who

lay

on

one coverlet for every three perfons.

ftraw, with

In three other rooms there were thirteen accommodated in a better manner, becaufe

moft of them were ranjomers, and capable of paying

The

a night for their beds *.

fix fous

court was fmall, being only forty-two feet by twenty-fix

man

former war, the contract here was twelve fous a

room was

nor was there fufficient

bread, beer, and foup were good, and the beef tolerable.

The

plenty of water.

in the laft

The

fupplied with two fmall faggots a day for firing.

were only three) were taken to the military

The

hofpital.

it

was

In a

Each

fifteen.

fick (of

whom

there

hung up

regulations were

f and French.

in Englifh

In
*

ran/omer

a perfon confined as a fecurity,

is

the

till

fum

is

paid for which a fhip has been ran-

fimed.

f B

Rules
Article

The

I.

be obferved by

to

by

orders given

Y.

THE

all

Prifoners of

KIN.GWar

None of

are to be ftri&Iy complied with unargued and undifputed.

abufe,

much

lefs

ftrike the

in the

Kingdom of France.

the commifTary of the marines encharged with the care of the prifoners
the prifoners mail infult, threaten or

turnkey, nor any of thofe appointed to do bufinefs in the prifon, under the

penalty of incurring fuch punifhment as lhall be ordered by the commifTary of the marines, and of lofing
turn of being exchanged

nay, further, they lhall be clofe confined and deprived of one half of their food cr

pittance.

All and every prifoner,

Art. II.

and

if in the

lift

makes review,

All prifoners that lhall refufe to anfwer to their

Art. III.

deprived of their food

till

fuch time as they f'bmit to the

If there happen any

Art. IV.

make an

the commifTary

fhall

anfwer to their name or names;

it

out, that

it

may

be

order to prevent the confulion that might refult from miftaking of names.

redlified, in

to

when

delivered to the commilTary there be found any error, they lhall point

damage

to the place

names

at the review, lhall

be punilhed by being

call.

where the prifoners are kept, whether

it

be with intent

efcape, or otherwife purpofely and wilfully committed, the expence for repairing fuch

damage

lhall

be paid out of the food of thofe that are found guilty of the infringement, and if there be no means of difcovering the guilty perfons,

all

the prifoners lhall contribute an equal (hare out of their food to the charges of

fuch repair.

Whoever

Art. V.

to half his. pittance:

after efcape

of food,

bringing him back to gaol, and

from

his prifon is retaken, fh'all

he has by this confinement

till

fhall lofe his

turn of exchange befides.

from that moment be looked upon and treated

Art. VI.
prifoners

forbidden to

It is

are allowed

to take

fight,

the

common failor.
or make any riot

fhall

be flinted

expences made for feizing and

fea-officer thus contravening, fhall

as a

quarrel,

air,

be fhut in a dungeon, and

fatisfied for the

in

the

prifons or places where

under pain of incurring fuch punifhment as the offence

the

may

require.

The

Art. VII.

prifons fhall be kept clean and neat

lated,

and whatever

mit to

it.

Art. VIII.

and can pay

The

for,

by

the failors, every

failor fhall refufe this fervice in his turn, his

food

fhall

man

in his turn as fhall be regu-

be withheld from him

prifoners are to inform the commifTary of the clothes or other necefTaries they

and the commifTary

(hall

till

he fub-

may want,

not only allow them to be provided with fuch things, but fhall alfo

take care they be not impofed upon in the price.

Art.

Dunkirk.
Prisoners

WaR>

FOREIGN PRISONS.
Eercues.
Prisoners

Waj

Bergues I found forty-feven EngUJh pi/oners. The table of vidtualhung up here as at Dunkirk, but the provifions were not fo good. There
were twe ve on tne r P ark m this town, nine at Bourbourg, and two at Ardres, who
told me they had procured bondfmen for their fecurity.
In the prifon at

ling was

The common

Calms.

crowded

for

Prifon

room

teen failors lay in one

on

my

complaining of

for coverlets.

Calais, being fmaller than that

at

on

ftraw, without

Dunkirk, was much

to the

this

commiffary y

he

he would fend to St. Omer's

faid,

had found captains, faffengers and

fuppofed perfons of

may

In every prifon the prifoners

Seven-

few had not even ftraw

coverlets

After informing him farther, that

mates confined in France, but that

Art. IX.

at

contained one hundred and twenty-feven Englifn prifoners.

it

this defcription

England

in

appoint three or five of themfeives, and change them at

and

their pleafure, in order to infpecl their victuals

fee if they be

good, and if they have their fhare or

portion whether in weight or meafure according to the following victualling table; and if there arife any
reafon for complaint, either of dreffing, ferving
the commiffary of

it,

who

them up, or otherwife, they are with decency

finding fuch complaint well

grounded

fhall

to apprife

give immediate redrefs and do them

juftice.

Art. X.
fit

be allowed to tradefmen or

It fhall

of ware (except fuch

fellers

to be fold to prifoners) to wait at the great gate of the prifons

in the afternoon, in order to

their

fell

ware to fuch prifoners

as

as deal in things that are not

from ten o'clock

morning

in the

till

three

have wherewithal to pay for them on the

fpot.

Whatever prifoner

Art. XI.
that are not

of this

fit

fhall

dare by

this

means

for prifoners, or fhall receive or deliver

to take or bring in flxong liquors or other thing*

any

letter, fhall

be punifhed for the abufe he has made

facility.

T A

A
Days of

the

OF V

L E

C T U

ULI N G.

Middling Beer

Week.

Bread.

or Cider.

Pot

containing

a quart and half

Paris meafure.

Monday

Beef.

Pounds

Pounds

Avoirdupois
Weight.

Avoirdupois
Weight.

Cheefe.

Ounces.

Ounces.

Peafe or Beans.

Pint

Half a Pound
Avoirdupois Wt.

ii

Butter.

"x

4-

Tuefday

V/ednefday
I

Thurfday

i|

7f

~<i

*4

Friday
Saturday

Sunday

7 Pots, or

14

3.

ii

1
4i

io|Qu.

or 6

"a

X
2

In fuch places where beer or cider cannot be had, there fhall be delivered to each prifoner three quarters

a quart of wine per day, Paris meafure.

x>f

That room was nineteen

hammocks belonging

by twelve.

feet

to the failors

for

In another fmaller room, in two

tiers,

fometimes their hammocks were given them.

were twenty-three
court of this

The

prifon was only twenty-five feet by fourteen and a half.

were

))

FRANCE.

Sect. IV.

**3

would note it down, that

were on their parole of honour, he replied, and defired I
a parole could not be granted without fecurity; a hundred guineas for captains,
Paffengers were on
mates, fixty for failors, and twenty-five for boys."

CAiAi^
p
OF

War.

feventy-five for

On

the fame footing with captains.

the fecond day of

my

being there, the rules (the

Dunkirk) were hung up, both within and without this prifon.
Many of the prifoners in this and other prifons had no change of

fame

as at

were almoft entirely deftitute of clothes, being the crews of

December

great ftorm of

veffels

and fome

linen,

fhipwrecked

in the

31ft, 1778.

There were twenty-fix of our people in a fpacious ward in the

whom great attention was paid. Each had a bed and meets j and

military hofpital, to
their bread

and meat

not break their fpirits,

were good. But moft of them having a diforder which did
equal to that in the
been
had
allowance
their
if
pleafed
better
been
have
they would
prifon.
I

mall clofe this part, with reciting a few particulars' which

think of confequence in

the Conftruttion and Regulation cfHofpitals, moft of which have been collected from the

obfervations I have

The

Situation

made

abroad.

wards for medical and chirurgical patients ( c

diftinct

one another, and even with the ceiling

their

it by a flight of eafy fteps (

a
arched, and without buildings over

the entrance to

thirty feet high,

from twenty-five to

being fhut ( d

dows (e)

apertures near the ceiling,

rows

more

readily

the beds

and the ceilings lath and

on varnilhed boards with

rooms and

refectories

defcent into
exercife

(m

it

(I

the beds

may be

the fire-

in each

(g)

eafily raifed or

ward a

ciftern

airy

a convenient bath, with an eafy

and fpacious walk to induce patients to take the

fcraped and lime-whited

their admiffion in the cold or

and

plafter (f)

in fpacious receffes

air

and

two doors to each ward, one of them iron latticed (n the wards warned

once a week

hair rriattreffes

(k)

prevent

fafb.es to

the vaults on the outfide of the wards (i)

for convalefcent patients

a piazza

the wards

them ( b

opening and fhutting the win-

the bedfteads iron painted, and with a fcrew, that the backs

bafon and towel for the patients (h)

of windows oppofite to

hafps and ftaples to the upper

a ftone gallery for

places in the middle of the longer fide of the wards

lowered

warm

at leaft

once a year ( 0

bath, and to

conform

the

patients wafhed at

ftrictly to the rules

of nicety

cleanlineis.
L

fa-J See

Rome, Florence and Madrid.

.(b) .Bologna, Florence.

(c)

(e)

lfle

(h) Peterfburg, Mofcow.

(i)

Milan, Utrecht.

(k) Lyons, Peterfburg, Vienna,

Burgos, Bordeaux.

(d) Newport in the

Regula.
Hospitals.

of an infirmary or Hofpital fhould be on elevated ground, near a

ftream, and out of a town

Construc;

of Wight.

Bologna.'

(f) .Great hofpital at Madrid, Lyons.

"
(g) Toledo, Burgos.

(I)

Par:-:.

Worcefter, Gloceller, Manchefter.

( m ) Haflar, Plymouth.

(n) Bologna.
(0)

Edinburgh, Haflar.

SECTION

PRISONERS OF WAR.

SECTION
PRISONERS OF WAR
Prisoners

W hen

I vifited

my

countrymen confined

from the French prifoners

in

England.

the commijfioners of the fick and

Englifh prifoners
aflift

ENGLAND,

in

of war

as prifoners

&c.

in France,

fome of

the

and other gentlemen informed me, that they had received great complaints

commijfaries

to

V.

me

in

France, and of

in this bufinefs, they

On my

return in January 1779, I waited on

wounded feamen, and gave them an account of the

my

intention to vifit the French prifoners.

me

very readily favoured

with

In order

letters to their agents at

feveral prifons.

Having determined

in

of the charges given by the Judges

my

begin

confequence of two
in their

circuits

late afts

to the

of parliament

grand

obfervations

in

I fhall

1782 on

firit

thefe

give fome account

in

my

whom

and

now add

narrative I

and other prifoners of war, to

and

juries, I chofe to

tour in thofe parts where moft of the French prifoners were confined

of them, therefore,

what

to take another general view of Englifh prifons, to fee

improvements had been made,

my

paid peculiar

attention.

Plymouth.

Plymouth, February 3, 1779, there were three hundred and

The wards and courts in which they were confined, were

In the Mill-prifon near

ninety-two French prifoners.

not fo fpacious as thofe appropriated to the American prifoners, nor were they fo well

accommodated with
and

provifions.

The

which had

hofpital,

fifty

patients in

In the fhip Cambridge there were three hundred and ninety-fix prifoners
day, two hundred and fifty

bad

it,

was dirty

offenfive.

and too

"Tiger,

was

At my

little

fitting

up

more were coming

in.

and the next

The bread was heavy, and

attention was then paid to the fick.

An

the

meat

hofpital fhip, called the

for an infirmary f.

July 30, 1782, the old prifon was difufed, and there were a hundred
and eighty-feven French, two Spanifh and feven Dutch in a new prifon. This is
vifit,

iituated on

an

eminence

the wards

are fpacious

14th Geo. III. Cap. XLIII. and

This was an infirmary

till

6th

Gw.

(twenty feet

III.

nine

inches wide),

Cap. XLIIT.

the hofpital which they were building near MiU-frifin

was

finifhed.

and

PRISONERS OF WAR.

Sect. V.
and there

In the infirmary, the cradles (or bedfteads) are fimilar

All the French prifoners embarked the next day in a

a large area.

is

185

to thofe in the royal hofpital *.

Prisoners
of

cartel.

windows

wards of

prifon (or in that at Shrewfbury) were

None of the
glazed; they had (Venetian) blinds fimilar to thofe in
in the

this

diftilleries (fee

who

the advantage of Dr. Farrs frequent

May

to

1777,

27,

Aug.

Dec.
1779, Dec.
1780, May

June 26, 1778,

July

7,

Dec. 24,

I,

this prifon,

American

eighty- two of

prifoners,

45.

31, 1782,

French

7673,

109.

25, 1782,

Spanifh

749,

12.

Dutch

634,

13.

10352

179.

7,

1783,

two hundred and twenty-eight had

them were inoculated

Died

American 1296,

1782,

Total
the

had

alfo

vifits.

Received into

From

War.

This

Plate II. A).

and the airy fituation greatly contributed to the health of the prifoners,

Of

Ply-

mouth.

at their

own

defire.

a hundred

the fmall-pox,

Twenty-five of the French

and

prifoners died

of their wounds.

At Bristol,

a prifon which had been a pottery, there were a hundred and

in

The wards

French prifoners, Feb. 9, 1779.

fifty-one

were more fpacious, and

lefs

crowded than thofe of the prifon near Plymouth. There were two day-rooms, in
which many fhoe-makers, tailors, Sec. were at work an advantage which the priThere
foners at Plymouth defired, but could not obtain. The bread was good.
:

being no infirmary, the fick were attended and victualled

prifon,

where feven millings a week was paid

in a dirty and offenfive room.

in that houfe,

prifon,

built

fifty-fix feet

tition,

on a

by

rifing

confifting

in each

Dutch

fo

Adjoining,

is

city

Their guard was

Here was painted on

five

there was a

new

(two hundred and

fifty

of the

militia.

a board,

that an

The bread
when

as

open market

is

by a

enclofed

feventy-four Spanifh,

good, and the prifoners had not that attention paid them,

in the city,

There were

The whole was

Here were feven hundred and

prifoners.

1782,

There was no chimney: the wards

a fpacious infirmary, which has a

ward, and a detached kitchen.

pales.

2,

houfe near the

of two floors, each of which having a par-

the wards were twenty-one feet wide.

low wall and

teen

for each patient.

March

ground about three miles from the

forty-five),

were dirty, being never wafhed.

fire-place

at a fmall

and

thir-

was not

the prifon was

allowed from ten to

three.

By Dr.

rects the

Farr's order,- a board under the beds in the infirmary

noxious effluvia, and

alfo the houfes in

Sweden, the

is

an agreeable fcent.

floors are ftrewed

In

is

brufhed with the

moil of the hofpitals in

with the young moots of the

til

of tar; which cor-

Denmark and

Ruflia,

and

fir.
'

There

Bristol.

PRISONERS OF WAR.

i86

Win-

There were

March

Prisoners'
OF

2,

a thonfand

beer were good

War.

fo

good

and fixty-two French prifoners

The wards

779.
:

but the bread (being

as that at Briftol*.

If

made

in the prifon at

The

are lofty and fpacious.

area large.

with leaven and mixed with rye) was not

two or three of the rooms had been ufed

the health of the prifoners would have been promoted, and they
indolently lying in their

and

Winchester,
The meat and

hammocks

in the day-time; as

as

work-rooms,

would not have been

obferved they were, both here

at Mill-prifon.

Several prifoners were confined in the dark hole. Forty days confinement on half

allowance,

in

order to pay ten millings to thofe that apprehend them after efcapes,

On fuch occafions, the obfervation of the worthy

my mind, " that every one muft be defirous of

feems to be too fevere a pumfhment.

magiftrates

at

Bern always occurs to

regaining liberty."

The

hofpital wards were lofty,

and upwards of twenty

Each

feet wide.

patient had a

and the furgeon paid them great attention fFeb. 26, 1782, the prifon was cleaner than at my former vifit, and there were many

cradle,

bedding and

improvements
foners

fheets;

in the

three

of pri-

hundred and forty-nine

thirty Spanifh, befides in the infirmary, nine French,

Dutch, and thirty-feven Spanifh.

was forry to hear, he had died of the

The number

well was in order.

twenty-eight French,

Dutch, and feven hundred and

thirty-nine

The

wards and courts.

was three hundred and

On inquiring

for the attentive furgeon,

which was

gaol-fever,

fatal to

many

in this

prifon.

Forton

In a prifon not very convenient at

Fort on.

near Gofport, there were a hundred

and feventy-feven French prifoners, March 2, 1779.

bad, and had been killed, as the butcher's fervant

On
faid,

meat was very

morning but it was

that day the

that

Newjham the agent procured them good meat inftead of it. Moft
of the fix-pound loaves wanted weight.
I favv the bread weighed for a hundred and
The ftraw,. by long
forty-two prifoners, and obferved a deficiency of three pounds.

returned, and Mr.

ufe,

was turned

places,

to

had been emptied

to clear

and

hofpitals could not but be dirty

took notice of

this

many of them here, and at other

them of vermin. The floors of the bed-rooms and

duft in the mattrefles, and

offenfive, the

kind of bad policy

boards having been laid rough.

in all the floors

of the new prifon which was

then building here, and almoft finifhed.

The

regulations were

publifhed in a former

in

French language, and were the fame with

the

They were

war.

* I particularly obferved the bread; for in France

are

much happier when an

t Mr. Smith
it

attention

the agent alfo was

would be an advantage

if one

is

paid to

arduous

of their

it

evidently

original

thofe

from which thofe

was remarkably good and well baked.

The

prifoners

this article.

in his department.

prieils

the

(two of

whom

He

mentioned to me, in 1779, that he thought

at a little diftance on their paro'e) were

were

permitted to attend the prifoners.

This, he faid, would be the means of comforting fome, of awing others,

and of giving information whenever there was any jujl reafon for complaints. At my vifit in 1782, the

Kcman

catholic prifoners

had

fitted

up a

little

chapel.

printed

PRISONERS OF WAR.

Sect. V.

For the fake of greater accuracy, they

printed in page 181 are tranflated.

at the

end of the book.

was informed both here and

French.

as thofe in the

be given

regulations in the Spanifh language were the

would be

It

will

Winchefter, that they had

at

Forton.
Prisoners
of

The

been hung up, but were torn down.

fame

187

them on

to paint

better,

War.

which

a board,

fhould be fattened in fome confpicuous place in every prifon.

On

complaining that the bread was too light

the prifoners

I referred

them

apply

the

to

and

agent,

"

pertinently replied,
* ?"

not

(if

How

red re fled)

the

to

One of them

commijfwners.

when every

that pofiible,

is

and the meat bad,

of the regulations, by which they are directed to

to the ninth article

examined by the

letter is

agent

At my

vifit

November

6,

1782,

found there was no feparation of the Americans

from other prifoners of war, and they had the fame allowance of bread,

There were

and a half each.

hundred and

and a hundred and thirty-three Americans; of

and nine Americans were

hung

tions

up.

wards 'were not clean

weighed feveral of the fix-pound loaves, and they

one pound

thefe, twelve French, twenty-five

The

in the hofpital.

viz.

French, thirty-four Dutch,

fifty-four

-f.

all

No

Dutch,
regula-

wanted fome

ounces of weight.

The American
Dr. Franklin.

From Lady-day
fix-pence

fhilling per

had an allowance from the

prifoners then

to

Michaelmas,

officers received

and from Michaelmas

week.

American

to

officers

Lady-day,

officers

two

officers.

this Prifon,

1777,

to

Nov.

6,

1782,

American

1200,

Died 69.

Nov.

6,

1782,

French

11720,

166.

3,

1782,

Spanifh

3028,

167.

Sept. 28,

1782,

Dutch

934,

17.

16882

419.

June

13,

11,

i779>--July

Dec. 30, 1780,

Total

There was a new temporary Prifon

at

Deal.

It

had an

below, and another above, and a convenient kitchen.

up,

and feamen one

(hillings

June 30, 1778,

From June

the loaves were

mattrefles

kind allowance.

this

one fhilling per week, and feamen

were not on parole as other

Received into

paid by order of

States,

found a gentleman of Portfmouth diftributing

full

had plenty of

weight,
ftraw.

the provifions

made my

firft

of

* I could have wifhed, that the gentlemen concerned for the

gards alfo to the French, and by their attention and

vifits

all

vifit

airy

The
(as

forts
I

and fpacious room

regulations were

were

good,

hung

and the

did always) without the

American prifoners, had extended

had obliged the contractors

to

their re-

be more careful in

discharging their duty.

It

might have been better,

if in the

rooms appropriated to the

fide, there

had been 'women nurfes,

as in

the royal hcipitals at Haflar and Plymouth, which are neat and clean.

b 2

agents

Deal.

PRISONERS OF WAR.

i88

Deal
Prisoners

agents or contractors, and

had the pleafure of hearing the prifoners exprefs

their

fatisfaction.

The

War.

the

prifon adjoins to the naval hofpital,

the wards of which were clean and not in

wounded

In this the fick and

leaft offenfive.

prifoners

had the convenience of a

ward, fimilar to that which the Englifh prifoners had at Dunkirk and Calais

and were
There were feventy-three in the prifon,
this ward, April 17, 1779: and twenty-eight French and three Dutch
1782, and only one fick.

humane

attended by a fkilful and

and

fifteen in

December

5,

Received into

From Nov.

1778,

3,

to

Dec.

8,

this Prifon,

French

1782,
-

Dutch

July

1779,

Spanifh

32,

Aug. 24, 1781,

American

13,

1.

3:63

36.

698,

Total

In the county gaol at

Of Wounds

Carlisle,

twelve French prifoners,

at

20.

Died of Fevers 24.

Carlisle.

Died

2420,

Dec. 23, 1780,

15,

May

Plymouth, Winchefter,

in

11.

Of

one large room

10, 1779.

8cc.

furgeon.

They were

15.
-

o.

the Scurvy I.

in the debtors ward, there

not fupplied with

but lay on ftraw without coverlets.

were
hammocks, as

Their allowance,

fix-pence a day.

On

Pembroke.

the 5th and 6th of

fifty-fix

French prifoners

confined.

June 1779,
in

victualling table, nor did they

were two or three who had

They
in

the prifons at

Pembroke.

Moll of them had no fhoes or ftockings, and fame were

They had no
Ihillings

I vifited

and fix-pence

lay, in general,

There were

an old houfe adjoining to that in which the Americans were

their allowance in

week each

know what was

alfo

without

their allowance.

fhirts.

There

money, which fhould have been three

for their aliment,

on the boards without ftraw;

but fix-pence was deducted.

for there

two rooms, each of which contained eighteen prifoners.

were but four hammocks

Here was a

court-yard, but

no water or fewer.

They had
Having no fupply of

In the two rooms of the town gaol there were twenty French prifoners.

fome

ftraw,

but

it

had not been changed

for

many weeks.

water in the gaol, and not being permitted, as they were at the other prifon, to fetch

On Sunday at noon, no water had

water for themfelves, they were often neglected.
been brought to them from Friday evening. They walked in a field, with a guard,
about an hour every day. Their bread was tolerable, but their beer very fmall, and
their allowance of beef fo fcanty, that they preferred to it an allowance of cheefe and
butter.
At' a houfe appropriated for an
five

of the crew of the Culloden

g

hofpital, there

man

were nine French prifoners, befides

of war, and three Americans.

Thefe lay

in

three

PRISONERS OF WAR.

Sect. V.
three

rooms on ftraw witk

four

or

coverlets,

meets,

but without

mattreffes

or

Prisoners

bedfteads.

At my

vifit

Two

October 21, 1782, there was a new prifon.

ground-floor, the other over

it

by

(thirty-fix feet

one on the

rooms;

and

fixteen) very dirty

though there were only fix French prifoners. They had been confined to
on fliort allowance from the fourteenth of September for making an efcape.
ding was on the

floor

eighteen weeks.

prifoners faid they were half ftarved

offenfive,

rooms

their

The bed-

fome of the mattreffes had not been changed

the ftraw in

The

for

the bread was very brown,

No

and the weight of the daily allowance only fixteen ounces.

up.

Pembroke.

hung

regulations were

The former agent was difmifled.

No

agent, or relation of any agent,

mould be concerned

any contract relative to

in

prifoners of war.

Such obfervations

have convinced me, that humanity and good

as thefe

that infpeclors of the prifoners of

war Ihould be appointed,

who

&c.

No

to report quarterly their ftate as to health, provifions,

policy require

fhould be

defired

doubt fome inde-

pendent gentlemen in the neighbourhood would accept fuch an humane

office without

a falary.

In another view,
are ufually guarded

by the

themfelves too ready to

inexperienced

fuch an appointment would be advantageous.

alfo,

fire

officers.

militia,

on the

and the centinels have

prifoners,

make due

Several perfons have thus been killed on the fpot,

inquiries

lhewn

which they have been countenanced by

in

The

haps there was no ferious defign of an efcape.

officers to

Thefe prifons
inftances

in feveral

and reprefentations on

agent

is

too

much

though perin

awe of the

whereas an inde-

thefe occafions;

pendent gentleman would probably exert himfelf in a proper manner.

At Chester Caftle, Aug. 27, 17)9, there were twenty-three French

They were healthy and well, and made no complaint.
At Liverpool, Nov. 30, 1779, were
French,

except

fifty-fix

animofities between the

Spaniards,

two nations.

crowded with hammocks three

and the prifon was

fituated

on a

tier

fine

five

who

hundred and nine prifoners of war,

were

kept feparate on

Thefe were
high-,

all

great attention feemed to be paid

eminence.

them by

all

account of the

confined in four or five rooms

but they had a fpacious airing ground,

There were

fmall rooms of a houfe at a diftance from the prifon.

prifoners of war.

the furgeon,

thirty-fix fick,

in

Thefe had no (beets;

fome
but

and they made no complaints.

At the prifon, the bedding wanted regulation. No table of rules

hungup, (1779) or ever had been. The prifoners rejoiced at the

or victualling was

difcharge of the

and from the character of the new agent, had every reafon to expect all
due attention and humanity. Their meat was fine and good; the beer good; the bread

late agent;

heavy. Sep.

5,

1782, there v/ere twenty French, feven Spanilh, and feven Dutch

prifoners.

Received

Chester.

Liverpool.

PRISONERS OF WAR.
Liverpool.
r

Received into the Prifon

sobers

War.

at

September

February 23,

September

5,

1779,

February

2,

1781, -- October

Liverpool*,

1782, French 1283,

to

/Vflw September 3, 1778,

5,

78

Spanifh

1,

Total

Here,

well as at

as

pri Toners

of one penny per day to

and three pence

month.

There was

to thofe
to the

Hull.

who were

The

of thefe

articles

on

ill

affairs in

France

Li ncoln, Feb.

1,

1782,

march from Hull

their

died the next day

they were kindly

fupplied

to

the reft recovered.

from

tier

of

Dutch prifoners, Jan. 30,

TheTe priToners were TenTible of

fifty-one

agent.

found eight Dutch

One

Shrewfbury.

who had

priToners,

of them, an old man,

Their allowance was fix-pence

collection

much

of feveral rooms, with two

confifts

Shrewfbury.

lately Tent to

and (hoes

linen,

and exemplary pro virion,

a noble

them by Mr. Kirman the Turgeon and

In the Cajlle at

been taken

which was regularly paid them every

There were only

raw, or beds.

many having been

1782,

kingdom where French

from the Tame court of clothes,

Hull

prifon in the fortrefs at

ft

18.

and boys; two pence to boatfwains, carpenters, &c.

beTides a Tupply

deftitute

the attention paid

Lincoln.

all failors

honour of thofe who conducted public

fhelves for the

1436.

found that there was an allowance from the French court

thofe of Tuperior rank

to

3.
1.

the other places throughout the

all

were confined,

14.

84,

1782, Dutch

8,

Died

69,

made by Dr.

day, and

chancellor of

Stlnton,

Lincoln.

Shrewsbury.

At Shrewsbury,
tne or ph an . houfe

in a large

and elegant building on the bank of the

(as being erected in

1765

foundling-hofpital at London), there were in June

Low Diet.
if butter

is

The Scheme

Half Diet.

For

bread-pudding, or in

lieu

from the

782, three hundred and thirty-

of Diet for prifoners of war in the Eofc ital at Liverpool.

Water-gruel, panado, rice-gruel, milk-pottage, or broth, eight

ordered, two ounces).

Severn, called

the reception of children

for

For

drink, toaft

and water,

ptifan,

ounces of bread,

(and

or white decoclion.

milk-pottage ; for dinner, half a pound of mutton, fome light

of it, fome greens, a pint of broth, a pound of bread, and three pints of fmall

Ireakfajf,

beer.

Full Diet.

Breakfajl as above,

bread, and two quarts of fmall beer.

f'or dinner, one pound of meat, one pint of broth, one pound of
Supper, in the two

lalt

mentioned

diets,

to be

of the broth

left at din-

ner, or if thought neceffary to be of milk-pcttage.

Rice milk, orange whey, orange and lemon water, tamarind whey, vinegar whey, balm and fage tea to
be difcretionally ufed by the furgeon.

have fince heard that a bounty was paid by the court of England to their prifoners

in France,

at the

following rates, mix. captains, mates, failing mailers, furgeens, and ftevvards, three pence per day each

common

failors,

boys, and paffengers of inferior rank, three ha'fpence per day each

made every twenty-eight

which payment was

days.

eight

PRISONERS OF WAR.

Sect. V.

Dutch

eight

fpacious, a

191

The wards were

twenty-feven of them were in the hofpital.

prifoners;

hundred and twenty

At

by twenty.

feet

the back of the prifon there

is

with water, and at the hofpital an area of one

Dutch and French were hung up. The beds in the hofpital
had fheets ; and the furgeon paid great attention to the

fine area of four acres well fupplied

The

acre.

regulations in

were not crowded

all

^j^"
p RIS0NERS

War.

patients.

Many

of the prifoners were without

flioes

and ftockings, and fome had no

for

fhirts;

they had not received any bounty from the States, as the French and Spanifh prifoners

had from

But by

their courts.

furgeon G6i

15

a generous fubfcription in the

town promoted by the

The

o), they were foon after fupplied with necefiary clothing.

Dutch government afterwards ordered an allowance.

At Yarmouth, July

The
The

clofe.

good.

1782,

8,

there were

ten French and

ninety-two Dutch

Their rooms and court, and the three rooms of the infirmary, were too

prifoners.

French and Dutch were hung up.

regulations in

prifoners looked healthy

and well

The

provifions were

moft of them had been brought

YarKV

in

but

a few days.

At Falmouth, Feb.

1783, there were fixty-five French, twenty-four Spanifh and

6,

nineteen Dutch prifoners; of

The

the hofpital.

whom,

in

fingle,

The

good

French,

prifon was fituated on a fine

The

town, and had plenty of water.

no complaint.

fixteen

Spanifh and five Dutch were in

eminence about two miles from the

provifions were good, and the prifoners then

above a mile from the prifon.

hofpital was

cradles,

fix

hair-beds,

fheets

The

The wards

and coverlets.

made

patients lay

were

tiled,

and

were the more airy and falutary for not being ceiled.
All prifons and hofpitals fhould be near towns, for the convenience of provifions

being fent in regularly, and the attendance of furgeons and agents.

The Number

From

Sept. ir, 1778,

July

to

of Prifoners,

Feb. 10, 1783,

French 2669,

Died

Spanifh

185,

5.

178 r,

Dutch

302,

6.

Jan.

3,

Total 3156

Signed R.

My
been

principal object in procuring

received

feverity

37-.

12, 1779,

and had

lifts

48.

W. Fox,

Agent.

of the number of prifoners of war

who had

died in feveral prifcns,

and inattention

to

was to refute a prevailing opinion of our

fuch prifoners. Thefe lifts, which I received from the agents,

were afterwards checked by the books of the Commifwners of fick and wounded feamen
London,

who

readily granted

me

In

that favour.

PRISONERS

Fal-

MOUTH*

PRISONERS OF WAR.

i9 1

PRISONERS
Edin.
risoners
F

found

ftraw,

two and two,

other

room they

hung

up.

lay

in

July 6, 1779, fixty-four French prifoners, in

barracks for the foldiers.
In one of the rooms they lay on

as

boxes againft the wall, with two coverlets to each box

on mattreffes

in

hammocks.

Their bread was excellent, and

thing of which they

the French court.

made

'There

diftance in the city,

SCOTLAND.

in

Edinburgh,

in the caftle at

two rooms formerly ufed

WAR

OF

complaint.

all

The

in the

regulations as to diet, &c. were

other provifions good; nor was there any

They received every month, the allowance from

were fourteen in the hofpital, which was a houfe

at

fome

where they had bedding and meets, and great attention was paid

humane furgeon and agent.

March 27, 1782, there were fifteen American and fourteen French priand ten who were faid to be Irim, who were clofely confined, being out only

them by

the

In the caftle,
foners;

one hour

prifoners
city.

In fuch clofe confinement prifoners

in a day.

doors iron-latticed.

The bread was very good

mould have been permitted with a guard

Auguft 17,
The Number

mould always have one of the

the water in the well was brackiih, the

to fetch water every day

from the

1782, there were only five French prifoners.

of Prifoners received at Edinburgh, from

French

842,

Spanifh

108,

Dutch

Nov. 23, 1778,

Died

Aug.

17, 1782.

31.
0.
"

10,

Americans

Total

to

0.

3.

990

34.

In June 1781 there were two hundred and feventeen French prifoners landed from the Jamaica
All were fickly ; moft of them had an invetefleet, who had been fourteen weeks on their paffage.
rate fcurvy

of thefe twenty-four died.

PRISONERS OF WAR
Belfast.

ON

in

IRELAND.

the 13th of July 1779, there were feventy-feven French prifoners at Belfast,
There was no table of regulations,
there the beginning of May.

who had been brought

and they feemed

to

be

ing three attendants.

in the hofpital, includ-

much

neglected.

Many

others were fick, -but in the hofpital there was neither

room nor accommodations

Sixteen of

them were

for them.

At

PRISONERS OF WAR,

Sect. V.

July 22, 1779, there were twenty-two prifoners of war, in a good

Their bread and other provifions were very
for a temporary prifon.

At Dublin,
room fitted up
good

and they were

193

Dublin.

treated with all the

Prisoners

of

War.

humanity and kindnefs that could be ex-

pected.

In the Old Newgate,

May

28, 1782, there were thirty-two prifoners of war of

crew of

feveral nations, being part of the

Dunkirk

They were

privateer.

confined

Thefe prifoners were foon

Allowance fix-pence a day to each.

one large room.

in

removed to Kilkenny.
At Kilkenny, June 9, 1782, there were a hundred and fifty-feven French*, three
Spanifh and five Dutch prifoners of war, befides eleven in the infirmary and feven-

after

They were

teen French on their parole.

had no caufe of complaint.

all

men

privateers

they looked healthy and

This was acknowledged by thofe on

the agent being attentive to

them.

September

Mr.

parole,

there

1782,

12,

PFatters,

were only three

French and four Dutch prifoners.

The Number

of Prifoners at Kilkenny, from Aug. 29, 1779, to Sept. 12, 1782.

1418,

Spanifh

162,

9.

9>

0.

1589

43-

Dutch
Total

copy of a

of the fums which the French king grants

lift

as a fupplement to

- - -

.......
.......
.......

To

all

to his fubje&s detained

at

in

England, &c.

London.

LIBERTY.

To the furgeon majors and chaplains

To the volunteers of the firft clafs To the mafters, pilots and carpenters
To gunners, captains of arms, furgeons
of

34.

what they receive from the court

AT
Kings Jkips.

Died

French

per

mates, apothecaries, fecond mailers

conditions, fecretary of frigates, and fecond pilots

the volunteers of good family

Day

s.

D,

\\

003
003
003
002

CONFINED.
King's pips.

To

the fecond

fmiths

...

To

mafters,

fergeant

the failors, foldiers,

gunners

officers,

and fhip boys

...

------They
lings

and

Second captains and other

001

five

when

pence halfpenny

deftitute

Irijb,

MEN.
-

and fhip boys.

gun-

officers, at liberty, or

Sailors, foldiers, volunteers

arc alfo fupplied

and

MERCHANT
Merchant Jhipt. Captains, at liberty, or confined

mates,

confined
*

003
002

of clothing, each of them to the amount of one pound two

for jacket, waiftcoat, fhirt, fhoes,

fhi!-

ftockings and hat.

AMERICAN

Kilkenny.

PRISONERS OF WAR.

J94

AMERICAN PRISONERS.
p LY .

mouth.

American
Prisoners.

In

near

Mill-prifon

Plymouth,

American

there were two hundred and ninety-eight

on the 3d of February 1779. Their wards and court were fpacious and
On July 30, 1782, there were
convenient, and their bread, beer, and meat good.

prifoners

feven American prifoners.

The Americans were

Forton.
I

accommodated

at

found two hundred and fifty-one prifoners, March

2,

equally well

Forton
1

near Gofport, where

779.

The table of regulations was almoft the fame with that for the French prifoners.
The principal difference was, that in the victualling table, the bread allowance was
The meagre day was Saturday ; and againfl the weekly
then only one pound a day.
The regulation,
article of two pints of peafe, was added, " or greens in lieu."
" As water and tubs for warning their linen and
Art. 5. is well worth copying.
" cloaths, will be allowed, the prifoners are advifed to keep their perfons as clean as
"

poflible,

it

being very conducive to health."

At Pembroke, June

Pembroke.

American

no

5,

Some

prifoners.

1779, there were confined in an old houfe thirty-feven

them were without fhoes and ftockings.
There was

of

victualling table, or table of

ance ordered by government.

been changed for

regulations

They

lay

or feven weeks.

fix

nor did they

on flraw on the

By

liberal

been made for the other American prifoners

know what was

floor,

and

fubferiptions,

their

ft

the allow-

raw had not

ample provifion had

was forry to find that thefe had been

entirely overlooked.

In a houfe appropriated for an hofpital, in which were fome Englilh failors and

French prifoners,

found

American

alfo three

fhould not omit mentioning that

broke) clean and well clothed

have had from

vifits in

this

the

prifoners, very poorly

accommodated.

found the American prifoners (except

latter,

at

Pem-

not entirely from the generous fupplies they

country, but in conjunction with that from their own.

At

my

1782, the Americans were with the other prifoners of war, and had an allow-

ance from the

Before

States-,

as I

mentioned

leave this fubject,

of the CommiJJioners,

who

it

will

at

Forton (page 187).

be but juftice to mention the care and affiduity

many

themfelves vifked

miffed fuch agents as had abufed their truft

of the prifons in England, and dif-

and who are ready to receive any

mation which may be for the benefit of thofe committed to

infor-

their care.

SECTION

SCOTLAND.

Sect. VI.

SECTION
SCOTCH

and

195

VI!

PRISONS.

IRISH

enter on a particular account of Englifh prifons,

not be improper, before
ITto may
mention what further occurred to me that feemed worthy of obfervation, in my
I

journies into Scotland and Ireland in 1779,

The

1782 and, 1783.

Edinburgh, Glafgow, Perth,

prifons that I faw in

Jedburgh, Had-

Stirling,

dington, Ayr, Kelfo, Nairne, Bamff, Invernefs, &c. were old buildings, dirty and

and

offenfive, without court-yards

him within

himfelf, the creditor muft aliment

purpofe, with at

three pence a day *,

-Jeaft

By the procefs of

without water.

alfo generally

upon oath that he has not wherewithal

If a prifoner for debt declares

ten days after notice

is

to maintain

given for that

but generally the magistrates order

bonorum f, a debtor after being a month in prifon,

obtain his liberty, and be fecured againft execution for any previous debts, by

pence.

ing a furrender of

all

his

among

be divided

effects to

may be

afterwards comes into better circumftances, his effects

ment of

thofe debts.

in prifon,

Perjury

words

is

after

"

great day of

"

fo

by

far

the

The

judge

in

"

to believe

Scotland.

By God

judgment, you

The

he

that

"

oath, and the

be afked

at

truth,

you."

circuit-courts

By

f See the

aft

of king William's

Principles of the

X Loulhiaiis

Form of

Law

he

his debtor

form of adminiftering

firft

parliament,

it,

The

1696, fixth

of Judiciary

c 2

at

the

truth, in

depofitions are read over

'];.

It

is

enacted by the
in every

Scotland, and the Judges thereof

of Scotland, 5th edit. 8vo.

Procefs, before the Court

God

and nothing but the

be regularly held twice

fhall

year, within that part of Great Britain, called

if

attached for the pay-

himfelf, and as you (hall anfwer to

fhall declare the

fhall

the

mak-

ailing fraudulently.

is

and figned by the witneffes and the judge

II.

though

holding up his right hand, repeats the following

witnefs,

you know, or

as

clerk,

20th of Geo.

"

good reafon

not frequent

the

This companionate law prevents a creditor putting

unlefs he has

folemn.

are very

creditors

his

fix-

may

ceffio

feffion,

Chap. XXXII.

Edinburgh,

in Scotland.

page 462 and

Edin.

3.

752. page 109.

"

mall

Scotland.

SCOTLAND.

ig6

Scotland.

"

fhall

"

circuit-courts mall be held, for the difpatch of bufinefs

continue by the fpace of

There

days

fix

at leaft,

Scotland but few prifoners

are in

difgrace annexed to imprifonment

adminiftered, and

trials

this

am

and executions conducted

and partly

to the fliame

and
which oaths are

in

to the general fobriety

take to inilruct the rifing

minijlers

-f.

indebted to Andrew Crojbie,

Efq.

for

an account,

end of the book; from 'which

a table at the

and a

owing
manner

partly

is

May

judiciary, of the executions from January 1768 to

in

each town or place where the

partly to the folemn

of manners produced by the care which parents and

generation

at

it

will

from the clerk of the

1782, which

fhall

be inferted

appear, that in thirteen years

have been only fifty-four executed, and twenty-two pardoned.

half, there

In Scotland, executions formerly were not delayed after conviction or fentence;'

fuch delays being often equally injurious to the criminal and to fociety.

Here, the

punilhmcnt of the offender was made to appear the immediate confequence of

crime

* This

good

aft

is

fimilar to

" That

Chap. XXVI.

one enafted for the counties of Wales in 34th and 39th of Henry VIII.

every of the faid

be kept and continued by the fpace of

feffions fhall

"

every of the faid fhires, at either of the faid times, as

of North Wales."

It

That
land,

provided by

is

ftatute

in the Jixth fejjion

there be a fchool fettled

and

eftablifhed,

of

is

and hath been ufed within the

Many

to.

chriftian

knowledge

fo that

no parijh

is

fix

days in

faid three fhires

1696, Chap.

XXVI.

in every parifh" in Scot-

this aft,

which has been carefully

by donations and legacies, and by the fociety for propagating

fchools are alfo fettled

fouthern parts of Scotland,

parliament,

fting William'' s firjl

and a fchoolmafter appointed

and the prefbytery has the fuperintendence of the execution of

attended

It is

his

%.

without a fchool, and in fome there are four or

five.

In the

very rare that you meet with any perfon that cannot both read and write.

it is

fcandalous for any perfon not to be poffeffed of a Bible, which

is

always read in the parochial

fchools.

By

the aft

made

in

king William's

the trial and fentence within three Suns

the Judge, net exceeding nine days

cnatts, that

execution in

feffion,

and the

**

after fentence."

169;, Chap. IV.

Execution, which

The

capital crimes are reftrifted to

all
is

hereby

nth

Statute of the

no fentence of death, or corporal puniihment, can, on the fouth

lefs

puniihmer.ts that
[

firft
;

This

than thirty, and on the north, than forty days.

amount neither

to death nor

demembration

ftatute

left

fide
is

to

of Geo.

the difcretion of

Chap.

I.

XXVI.

of the Forth, be put in

altered in fo far as refpe&s

and the law allows

all

fuch leffer corporal

punilhments to be inflicled after eight days on the fouth fide of the river Forth, and twelve days on the
north fide of the river Forth.

This alteration

which likewife empowers the court of jufticiary

is

made by

to

ft

the ftatute of the

courts for thirty days, upon caufe fhevvn, that fuch application

competent by the laws of Scotland.

of the 2,th of Geo.

II.

Chap.

The

ftatute

XXXVII. which

3d of Geo.

II.

Chap. XXXII.

ay execution of fuch fentences pronounced

of the

nth of

enatts, that

may be made

Geo.

I.

is

for

in inferiour

redrefs as

may be

referved entire by the ftatute

murderers in England

fhall

be executed

within three days.

All

SCOTLAND.

Sect. VI.

All criminals are tried out of irons

charged in open court

put

from any criminal.

fee

Women

are not

Edinburgh*,

In the Tolbooth at
;

and

in the Canongate

in the houfe of correction there

July 6, 1779, there were thirteen debtors and

Tolbooth, there were five debtors and one felon
:

were fifty-three women, crowded into three dirty and

bffenfive

Scotland.

in irons in Scotland.

nine felons

and

and whew

and no gaoler has a

197

acquitted, they are immediately dif-

here give the table of fees from the Tolbooth in this city, which

in Scotland,

ACT

COUNCIL

of

is

regulating the fees payable to the jailor and clerk of the Tolbooth of Edinburgh.

The which day

Edinburgh, feventeenth July, feventeen hundred and twenty-eight

deacons of

council,

bailies,

the only one I faw in the prifons

except a fimilar one in the Canongate Tolbooth, and one at Glafgow.

crafts,

Lord Provoft,

the

ordinary and extraordinary, being convened in council, and taking

into confideration the prefent ftate of their Tolbooth, and particularly the fees that have been in ufe to

be exacted by the jailor and clerk of the faid prifon, both from creditors at incarceration of prifoners,

and from the debitor or perfon himfelf imprifoned

and judging

it

highly reafonable, that thefe fees

fhould for the future be publicly afcertained by authority of the council for the benefit of

all

concerned

therefore the council do tax and fettle the fame as follows, viz.

Fees
The

payable to the

incarcerator of any debitor for any

for each
liberation

pound
and

fum of money

and another halfpenny

Scots,

this in place

carceration, and of the like

fterling

Jailor.
fhall

pay

at incarceration

of one penny fterling of each pound Scots

fum of one penny

one halfpenny fterling

of each pound Scots to be paid by the debitor at his

fterling

in ufe to

be paid by creditors at in-

of each pound Scots, ufually paid by the debitor

at

money.

liberation as relief

Scots.

.
Each perfon imprifoned

Item,

for a civil debt or otherwife not

the jailor of houfe dues each night attour

Each burgefs imprifoned

Item,

The
The

Item,

The

above

is

above

pay
-

fhall

D.

alfo to the jailor

-

-068
-034
of

pay
-

300

incarcerator of any perfon or perfons on laburrows by a magiftrate, IherifF, or juftice

of peace,

fhall

pay

at incarceration

Iioo

incarcerator of any perfon for exhibition of papers, or for implementing of writs

(captions of reproduction of procefles before the inferior courts excepted)

at incarceration

The

s.

pay to

incarcerator of any perfon or perfons by the lord's letters of laburrows fhall

at incarceration

Item,

is

for a civil debt or otherwife, fhall

houfe dues each night attour what

Item,

what

being a burgefs,

fhall

pay

-1100

and declares when any gentleman or other perfon fhall be incarcerate in the
defire to have a room in the prifon by him or herfelf, fuch perfons fhall be liable for

council ordains

Tolbooth, and

fhall

room to pay to the jailor ten millings fterling weekly in place of prifon fees, or
fuch as they and the jailor fhall agree, but not to exceed ten fhillings.

the conveniency of fuch

That

all

as prifoners
fliall

arife

prifoners

be liable to pay the under-keepers, and the woman who cleans the houfe
do before the act of council the 17th day of July 1728 ; but if any difpute
thereanent, the magiftrates for the time being fhall have the full power of determining the

were

fhall

in ufe to

fame.

Fees

Edinburgh.

SCOTL

198
Edineurgh.

where they work and

offenfive rooms,

AND.
March

fleep.

28, 1782, there were in the

Tolbooth, four debtors and twenty-three criminals; in the Canongate, two debtors

and

I will

only juft mention the clofe confinement of poor * criminals in the Tolbooth,

room known by

the horrid cage in the

Fees

payable to the

name, and the

that

of chaining the condemned to an iron bar

feverity practifed there

becaufe^I found that the late Provoft

Clerk

of

Tolbooth.

the

Scots.

Imprimis,

women.

in the houfe of correction, thirty-feven

Each perfon incarcerate upon any laburrows,

pay

his liberation

(hall at

Item, Each perfon incarcerate by warrant from the magiltrates,

fhall at his liberation

Item, Each perfon incarcerate by warrant from fheriff orjuftice of the peace,
tion

pay

Item, All government prifoners

pay each

fhall

Item, For each petition by a prifoner for the benefit of the

declaration thereto fubjoined fhall be paid

0120

200

-060

of grace, and for the clerk's

-

borrowing or delivering up of any diligence by which prifoners are in-

Item, For the

carcerate

(all

paid

pay

warrants at or within

magistrates
-

Item, All perfons

fhall

ad

060

pay

fhall at libera-

at liberation

D.

S.

0120

incarcerated or arrefted

for

a fum or fums

to the clerk at liberation four pennies for

above 120 Scots,

fhall

pay

at

mercks excepted)

ten

or below

at

each pound Scots

liberation to the clerk

be

fhall

040

120

Scots,

and for fums

two pounds Scots and no

more.
Item? All perfons incarcerate for exhibition of papers, or for implementing of writs (captions for reproduction of proceifes

the clerk at liberation

before the inferior courts excepted) fhall pay to

-

Item, All creditors or incarcerators of prifons for

civil

debt or otherwife

fhall

iioa

be free of

all

fees to the clerk at incarceration.

And

the council flatues

and declares,

that if any fees fhall

be demanded or exacted in time coming, by

the jailor or clerk of their Tolbooth, other than thefe above fet
their refpedtive offices

and ordain

their prefents to

down, they

fhall

incur the deprivation of

may

be printed and publifhed, that none

pretend igno-

rance.

And

the council hereby ordains James CUland principal jailor

hereof in the Tolbooth -hall, and in his

own

office,

and

his fuccefibrs in office, to

under the penalty of

Scots,

affix

a copy

toties quoties.

Extracted (figned) George Home.

Edinburgh, the Sixth

by me William

Day of

Gillts clerk to the

aft of council of the city

July, Seventeen

Hundred and Seventy-nine Years.

Tolbooth of Edinburgh, that the above

of Edinburgh, by which the keeper of the

Thefe do

certify

a true and exat copy of the

is

faid Tolbooth

and

me

as clerk thereof

are governed.

William

feme,

fay poor, becaufe fuch as have

who were

money have

too

much

liberty.

For

in

confined for a riot, drinking ivhijkey in the tap-room, in

townfmen, who weie readily admitted,

/.

as they

promoted

the fame prifon,

Gilles.

I lately

company with many

faw

profligate

the fale of the gaoler's liquors.

Mr.

SCOTLAND.

Sect. VI.
Mr.

was ufing
P

Stauzrt

his beft

endeavours to get a new gaol

and ftand

could not but admire the Royal Infirmary

exceed

it

and

in airinefs

The

1770

is

England

hofpitals in

paid to the patients, and their

the ftudents attend the phyfician in

inclufive,

to

Few

Edinburgh.

fuccefs of this inftitution

The

comparifon with the number admitted.

admitted, from

at

which fhould be

airy fituation.

Great attention

cleanlinefs.

complaints are very accurately minuted

round of the wards.

in

more

in a

built,

fubjecl: to better regulations

199

was

EdinBURCH.

is

FIR-

MA R Y

his

evident, from the few that die

proportion of deaths to the

number

one to twenty-five nearly.

In 1776

as

JN

1775
and 1777, the proportion was nearly as one to twenty-nine. The total number of patients admitted in 1780 was two thoufand two hundred and twenty-eight, of whom
feventy-fix died: the number in 1781 was two thoufand two hundred and fix, of

whom

it

Dr. John Hope, the firft phyfician in this hofpital (who lives
and gives unremitting attendance) informed me, that two or three years

feventy-four died

very near

ago, a putrid fever prevailed in

but that white-warning the walls had eradicated

it ;

the infection, and that this falutary practice had been continued ever fince

The

there were about feventy

cheerful, clean

mending

knitting,

Every

prentices.

The

fixty

girls

&x.

their clothes,

to fuch habits as

Mr. Tod,

who appeared

*".

which

in

1782,

in

clothed,

decently

OrphanHospiTAL

'

taught (befides reading and writing)

work

and the boys carding,

fpinning,

All are educated in the principles of virtue and

may

tend to

part of the houfe was clean.

about five pounds.

commendation,

girls,

are

fewing and houihold

and formed

religion,

particular

and

boys

and healthy.

fpinning, knitting,

is

deferves

Orphan-hofpital alfo

make them good

The maintenance,

and ap-.

fervants

he. for

er.ch child,

the treafurer, merits peculiar refpect for the attention

and zeal with which he endeavours to promote the ufefulnefs and credit of

this

hofpital f.

In the Tolbooth
criminals

and

at

Glasgow,

July 9, 1779, there were thirteen debtors and feven

women were fpinning, decently

in the houfe of correction., feventeen

clothed: in September 1782, there were eighteen debtors and five criminals in the

and twenty-fix prifoners in the

Tolbooth %,

houfe of corretllon.

The
*

See page

30

On my

Haflar hofpital in

vifit at

November 1782,

had the pleafure

to

hear that

there was an order to white-waih the wards twice a year.

my

muft not omit here making

they did me, by prefenting

COPY
as

of the

Fees

appointed

by

me
and

A&

acknowledgments

with the freedom of

Regulations

to the magiftrates

of Edinburgh, for the honour

this city.

to be exacled

of the Magiftrates and

Town

and obferved

in the

Council of Glafgow,

Tillootb at Glafgow
dated the

31ft

of

Auguft, 1769.
Sterling.
I.

Every burgefs incarcerated,

lhall,

night, at the rate of

And

during his confinement, pay for jaylor fee, for each

-

every perfon not a burgefs, mall pay for jaylor fee, during his or her confinement,

each night, at/the rate of

D.

S.

2.

Every

002
004

Glasgow/

;;

SCOTLAND.

2 00

The Number

of Prifoners, September 1782.

Crim'uu

Debtors.

Edinburgh Tolbooth

*3>

22.

3,

2.

O.

Canongate
Dumfries
-

Perth

4.

3-

Aberdeen

8,

6.

Invernefs

3>

5-

Sterling.
2.

Every perfon imprifoned by virtue of an

of the dues

And

1 ft

of peace, or a

IherifF, fhall

Every perfon incarcerated by

pay to the jaylor, exclufive

S.

D.

4f

exclufive of the dues in

The
And

jaylor,

pay

article, if

ft

a burgefs, pay
-

on figning an

atteftation of a

fhall receive

commitment,

029}
056}
o

on the delivery up of diligence to perfons neglecting to require the fame, within

eight days after the prifoner's liberation, he fhall receive

Ru les
It

virtue of a caption, or a judiciary, or admiral warrant, fhall,

If an unfreeman,
4.

article

fliall

every perfon incarcerated by virtue of a written warrant, from a magiftrate, a

juftice
3.

in

warning,

act of

The

jaylor fhall not

to

be obferved by the Jaylor and

by himfelf or any of

from any prifoner, or from any perfon

010

his fervants.

his fervants, directly

demand

or indirectly,

or

receive

her name, at entry, or during his or her confinement,

in his or in

any fums of money under the name of entry money, garnifhing, or any other denomination, feparate

from and over and above the

prifoners, to

fees

ftipulated

make demands of money

as

above.

Further, the jaylor fhall not fuffer any of the

or drink from perfons newly incarcerated, on any pretence what-

foever.
2.

The

jaylor fhall, from

ift

of April to

ift

half an hour after nine in the morning; open

o'clock afternoon

October to the

hour

ift

open

it

only on Sundays, the prifon

And

the jaylor

is

at eleven before

at four o'clock afternoon,

of April, he

fhall

two o'clock afternoon

after

of October, open each day the prifon at eight, and ihut

it

fhall

and fhut

it

open the prifon each day

open

it

noon, and

fhitf it

at ten o'clock at night.

at nine in the

at four o'clock afternoon,

And from

morning, and fhut

and fhut

it

at

it

half an hour after two

the
it

ift

of

half an

ten o'clock at night

be fhut during publick worfhip, any thing in this rule to the contrary.

always to keep the whole keys of the prifon in his

own

cuftody while

it is

fhut up,

and

not entruft them with any of his fervants.

The

3.

jaylor, every

perfonally

vifit

morning and evening,

in order to prevent and difcover

joins,

and

at

the opening of, and before fhutting

floors of the prifon,

all

he

and

fhall

4.

fhall

take particular care, that no inflruments be conveyed to, or

cafe the jaylor fhall,

may

effectuate their efcape, or hurt

one ano-

through indifpofition, be prevented from the execution of

his duty,

take care to employ fome faithful perfon in his abfence.

The

in to any

and

in

prifon, fhall

attempts to cut the iron ftanchers, or to break through the ftone walls,

and he

be in the pofT^ffion of any of the prifoners, whereby they

ther

up the

every room and place therein, carefully infpect the windows, chimnies, and walls thereof,

jaylor and his fervants, are exprefsly prohibited, on any account, to

of the

prifoners, fpirits, or flrong liquor,

to ufe their utmoft

whereby they may be

in

fell,

or fuffer to be brought

danger of being intoxicated

endeavours to promote fobriety ainongft thofe under their charge.

c.

The

SCOTLAND,

Sect. VI.

would, perhaps, anfwer no end to give a defcrlption of

It

At Dumfries

the court-houfe

in

the Scotch prifons that

all

only add to this account the following particulars.

I will, therefore,

i vifited.

201

is

room

called the open gaol (fixteen feet three

Dumfries;

inches by eleven feet three) with clofets and a fire-place, where a debtor that finds bail
The gaol in this town was burnt by a
has the key, and may converfe at the door.

To

fome years ago.

prifoner

rooms

this for the future, the

prevent

in

it

have been

vaulted.

The

happened to the upper

like accident

and clean

prifon, the

The Tolbooth
prifon that

and a half

floor

of which

Inverness has no

at

have feen

I
:

upper

in

Scotland

now very

window

is

twenty inches by

In one of the piers of the Hone-bridge

This room was conftrudted

for a prifon.

not been opened for three years before

of a few

fteps

feet fix,

and

more

and two

room

to the

On

fix feet high.

feet

is

the moft dirty and offenfive

Inverness.

for debtors

and

Aberdeen,

fixteen feet

is

a half fquare,

and only

by fourteen

fix feet

and a

fix.)

at Invernefs, there

in

a vaulted

is

1684, when the bridge was

my late

Near

vifit.

a trap-door twenty-two inches fquare, and a few fteps

feet three inches wide,

Aberdeen.

at

properly arched over.

and

fire-place,

(The room

*.

a neat

of the Tolbooth

floor

that for felons about thirteen feet

half high; the

is

is

room intended

down from

it,

an iron door (two

and a half high), from which there

juft mentioned,

which

is

but had

built,

the wall of the bridge there

is

a defcent

ten feet four inches by feven

the fides there are a ftone feat, a finall window, and two

apertures to dip for water, &c.

The

5.

jaylor (hall keep the prifoners

diforderly perfons,

and prevent,

as

for debt, in the

much

as

poflible,

the friends and fervants of debtors, fhall be allowed at

befl

their

rooms, and feparate from criminals and

and converfing together, and

affociating

convenient times, to bring in vivers for their

all

fupport.
6. In order to

in the
7.

make

clean, the jaylor fhall, at his

and remove and carry away

all filth

and

own expence, caufepair

naitinefs, at leaft, three times

week.

The

jaylor, in the event

as above, or in the

from

more healthy and

the prifon

the Hairs, fweep the rooms,

and clean

his

office,

or

of

his

exacting,

by

or his

himfelf,

event of tranfgreffing any of the rules

otherwife punifhed as

the magiilrates,

for

fervants,

or inftruftions

more

fees

forefaid,

than ftipulated

fhall

be difmiffed

the time being, and council fhall judge

proper.

recommended

the magiilrates, frequently to examine and inquire into the fidelity of

the
and the council hereby ordains thefe dues and regulations to be printed and
publifhed, that none may pretend ignorance ; and ordains John Rowan jaylor, and his fucceffors
in
office, to affix a copy hereof in the moll public part of the Tolbooth,
under the penalty of ten pounds
It

is

jaylor and his fervants

to
;

Scots.

As

this is

recommend

the

circmVtown

the ereflion of a

new

for feven other counties (one third

gaol.

A regard to

of Scotland),

themfelves requires this

the criminals are lodged, opens into the

court.Part of the forfeited eftates

hope the judges will

for the offenfive

room

in

which

might be appropriated to that

purpoie.

'

The

IRELAND.

202

The following defeats may be remarked in the

They have no courts belonging to them *

Scotland.

prifons in Scotland.

generally want water and fewers

are not clean

they

not vifited by the magiftrates

are

to the reparation of the fexes

moft pernicious liquors

being paid

money

in

too

little

attention

keepers are allowed licences for the

of which

confequence

the

the

to the prifoners,

whijkey inftead of

in

it

paid

of the

county allowance

the

that

is,

they generally fpend

is

fale

bread.

" We do not think it poflible, that a nation can attain to improvement in fcience,
" to refinement of tafte, and in manners, without, at the fame time, acquiring a
u refinement in their ideas of juftice, and feelings of humanity
f."

Dublin

New
Prison.

was happy

in finding

at

Dublin

in

1779, 3

New

D J.

Prifon almoft ready for the

removal of the prifoners into more airy and convenient apartments, in which I hoped
the (hocking intercourfe of the two fexes which took place in the old prifon, would

This new prifon

be avoided.

feparate courts for

is

one hundred and feventy feet in length, and has

men and women.

The

cells

on the

firft

and fecond

twelve feet by eight, and on the upper floor twelve by four,

prevent danger from

be ufed, except
at the

to

at

fire |.

all

floors are

about

arched with brick, to

was forry to find dungeons, and wiflied they might never

night for the condemned.

It

might be

beft to convert the chapel

top of the houfe into an infirmary; for the fick rooms are too fmall, and likely

produce infection*

* The original caufe of this feems to have been the following very fevere maxim in the Scotch law.
" After a debtor is imprifoned, he ought not to be indulged the benefit of the air, not even under a guard;
" for creditors have an intereft, that their debtors be kept under clofe confinement, that, by the fqualcr

"

careen's,

of Scotland,

they

may

be brought to pay their debt."

5 th edit. p.

f Hug Amors
J

have frequently referred,

lation of prifons, as containing

that

neceffary for

it is

execution, as

||

It

it is

Ad

SefT. 14.

The

June 1671.

Principles of the

Law

461.

me

Hlfiory of Edinburgh, p. 298.

in the early parts

many

to fay, that the police

commendable

in,

of

this

work,

articles highly laudable

to the Irijh adls of parliament for the regu-

and worthy of imitation.

of this country in thefe matters

is

am

forry, however,,

as defective in point of

theory.

would have been much better

if the

fame precaution had been ufed

in London

NeTgate.

la

IRELAND.

Sect. VI.

Great attention mould be paid to

In the two courts there are pumps.

from becoming

Newgate

beginning of the

in the

be, that

is,

that acquitted perfons are continued

the clerk

difcharged their fees to

confined a year or two

is
it,

fame time,

It

How

furprifing

||

The

their allowance

for

it,

of bread

they have

till

gaoler and

fheriff,

fometimes

are

no more than about

to

injuftice

!.

thus confined, generally lofe,

prifoners

night or twof.

kingdom can endure fuch

that any

that the

may

could be

cages

the age of twelve,

though amounting

for thefe fees,

a particular aggravation of

forty fhillings

p^^i

reafon of this

confinement

in

of the crown, or peace, the

Even boys almoft naked, and under

turnkey

may

One

which drunken or riotous perfons are locked up

Another reafon

at the

Dublin

them

well

country there are no houfes of correction, unlefs

this

in

called fo, in

is

and clean-

remember the dreadful ftate of Dublin

year 1775, when I faw numbers of poor creatures ill

offenfive and infectious*.

with the gaol-fever, unattended and difregarded.

The criminals in the gaols of Ireland are very numerous.

It

air

the ftaircafes, cells and vaults, and in the narrow paffages, to prevent

in

linefs

have heard that Judge Aft on (who was

paffages are three feet and a half wide, and :he ftaircafes only two feet one inch.

be an exception, that in a lioufe adjoining to old Newgate called the black dog, there were feveral

fnes, Sec. and that in another houfe (a fort of bridewell adjoining to the work-houfe in Dublin)

found in

1779 eleven young creatures ; fome of thefe for fmall offences were confined with outrageous lunatics. The
magiftrates feem to have overlooked a companionate direction in an adl of their legiflature (fee 3d of Geo. III.

Chap. XXVIII.) u

that perfons of infane

mind and outrageous behaviour"

go

are not to

in

common with

the

other prifoners.
t

There

who

an aft for difcharging without fees, perfons

is

be acquitted

fliall

"

of offences for which

"

they are or

*'

and clerks of the peace, for fuch fees," by a prefentment on the refpe&ive counties.

(hall

be indidled, and for making a compenfation to

acquitted receive no benefit by

it,

to the grand jury, and confirmed by the Judges of affize

exceed " ten pounds if it be a county at large ;" or "

town."

3d Geo.

and

five

alfo the

pounds

if

it

But many

The

fees

of the Clerk of the crown, or peace

Sheriff

Gaoler

Turnkey
N. B. One milling

Since writing the above,

feveral temporary ftatutes,

fum prefented

it

by an

aft

affr/e

mult not

Englijh

is

of 21ft and 2 2d of Geo.

has been enacled (page 827)

"

2 Irijb.

079

-079
-

thirteen pence Irijh.

III.

*'

receive the priioners allowance of bread, during the time of his or her faid confinement

his majefly's gaols within

this

and amending

for revifing, continuing

that every perfon confined or to be confined in

any of

fhall, after

one

at

be a county of a city or county of a

"
"
"

that are

the foreman of the petty jury

Chap. V. /. 100, ici.

III.

||

made by

becaufe the prefentment muft be

of the crown,

fheriffs, gaolers, clerks

kingdom, charged with any criminal

offence, fhall be intitled to

having been tried for fuch offence and acquitted thereof, be confined for

and

his or

if fuch perfon

her fees, every

fuch perfon fo confined fhall be in like manner intitled to the like allowance." This however being the

kit claufe in the aft, has efcaped the attention, as Sir Francis Hutcbinfon juftly obferved to me, of the
piler

com-

of the fmall gaol-code.

d 2

here

IRELAND.

204

Dublin

here

Fkison.

^ e discharged.

Lord

chief juftice of the

In 1779

common

pleas) often ordered the acquitted prifoners to

obtained the releafe of fome boys from the county gaol at

Kilmainham, on paying for them half fees

and of fome others from Newgate, the

of Dublin confenting to relinquifh their

But

fees.

to find that

fome of them returned

At Kilmainham

their fees

in the

who feemed

alfo I

found there were

At both

dungeons.

me

fifteen

on the clerk of the crown,

did not in the leaft

lift

of fixteen detained for their

acquitted prifoners confined for

thefe prifons I reftored to their families feveral

Some had

the moft proper objects of compafTion.

the fmall-pox, others had hardly rags to cover them.

effect

to their former habitation in a few days.

In 1783 the deputy keeper of the new prifon gave

fees.

fheriffs

boys had been affociated

many months,

with the moft profligate and abandoned felons for

wonder

as thofe

But

children dying with

had no more

this diftrefs

and gaolers, than to engage them to give up

fheriffs

half their fees.

In 1782, a

bill

was brought

for difcharging all thofe

George III. Chap.

of

XLI.)

then

confinement for fees only (21ft and 2 2d of

in

have every reafon to hope, from the attention and humanity

feffion,

fame purpofe

a perpetual aft for the

be pafTed.

On
the

by Mr. Provoft Hutchinfon*, which pafied into an aft

gentleman, that during the prefent

this

will

in

who were

paffing the old prifon frequently,

recruiting

offenders

profligacy

regiments waiting

who were permitted

at

of

this

fet

officers

from

and windows, to receive either the

any of their

to enlift, or

and daring wickednefs

could not avoid obferving

the doors

When

afibciates.

of people

the exceffive

confidered,

is

moft

the

melancholy apprehenfions muft be entertained, of the dreadful eonfequences likely

to refult from their mixture with thofe

who may have had

have entered voluntarily into the fervice of

danger to fociety

in

a fober education, and

country f; and likewife of the

general, from turning loofe fuch a fct of wretches at the clofe of
their

a war.

Our

Englifh prifons have alfo contributed their fhare towards recruiting the army,

enlifting being the condition

on which many have obtained

ment, or immunity from fome other punifhment.

this practice,

but that

if it

be a necefTary one, the

tion

from the

this

mode had been adopted

effects

of their

late falutary

their

releafe

from confine-

make no farther remark on

legiflature may receive fome fatisfacI fhall

laws refpefting the health of prifoners.

while prifons were in their former

been the occafion of carrying the moft fatal

difeafes

ftate,

it

into the midft of our

If

would have
feamen and

foldiers.

fnall

always reflett with pleafure on the unexpe&ed honour which at this time was done

College, by prefenting

me

with the degree of

me by

the

Do&or of Laws.

t Thefe dreadful eonfequences have followed

in

new

raifed re?iment,

which

faw in Scotland in

There

IRELAND.

Sect. VI.

There

is

new Marjhaljea

the infcription,

July

3,

The

prifon in Dublin.

1775. At my

In the city Marjhalfea, which

is

by

ftone was laid, as appears

firft

*.
1779, here were about fixty prifoners
Many
a very old building, there were fifty-five debtors.
vifit in

Dublin
Marshal^

SKA.

debtors in this and the other prifons, being not alimented, are objefts of compaffion.

But fome of them

are relieved

by the care of a humane fociety

London.

that called the Thatched-Houfe Society in

praife.

wifh however to

recommend

Such

at

Dublin, fimilar to

focieties defcrve the

to compaffion other prifoners (whofe

highdt
mifcries

have been long hid from the eyes of the public) who, though they feem to deferve

need

afliftance lefs, yet

more, to fave them from the ruin to which the bad

it

ftate

of

the prifons expofes them.

improvements

I obferved with pleafure, the progreffive

my

in

At

the Hoitfe of Indujlry.

the houfcr, infirmary, and cells for the lunatics were quite clean, and the

laft vifits,

numerous inhabitants quiet and orderly; which

of the governors
in voluntarily

two thoufand eight hundred and nineteen

were compelled.

Anguft

2,

owing to the

chiefly

daily inflection

25, 1782, there

came

and four hundred and

fixty

March

In the year which ended

rotation.

in

is

1783, the number was one thoufand four hundred and

forty.

There
1

is

an Irifh at for preferring the health of prifoners, paffed in the 17th and

8th of George III. Chap.

But

did not find

which

is

it

in

XXVIII.

fimilar to the Englifh act

any of the prifons.

fimilar to the Englifh aft, for

many

the Thames having cruelly deftroyed

is

f for the fame purpofe.

another al of the fame year,

" the punifhment, by hard labour, of offenders

become

v/ho, for certain crimes, are or fhall

There

be tranfported."

liable to

healthy and robuft

But the hulks on

young men,

their cries

probably reached the Irifh fhore, and prevented any proceedings in confequence of that

ad.
In 1782,

found that the Houfe of

Commons had

part of the police which refpedts prifons,

* In one of the infolvent afts in Ireland

which

(nth

George II. Chap.

wifh had been inferted in fome of our late infclvent afts

prifon, and fpending their fubftance there,

effects, in

**

taken into confideration that

and had appointed a gaol-committee for

XVI.

and deliver up

to difcover,

/. 986)

found a fngular claufe,

to compel debtors, inflead of continuing in

and

to their creditors, their eftate

order to the fatisfaftion of their juft debts."

f This differs from the Englifh, aft in one important circumftance. The Englifh aft requires " the walls
" and cielings of the feveral cells and wards, both of the debtors and the felons, and alfo of any other rooms
" ufed by the prifoners in their refpeftive gaols and prifons, where felons are ufually confined, to be fcraped

and white-wafhed, once

aft requires the

the claufe

in the year at leaft, to

fame precautions in the

" where felons

cells,
1

are ufually confined'

''

is

be regularly wafhed and kept clean, &c." whereas the

wards, and rooms of gaols and prifons without reftriftion

omitted.

have known

it

Irijh
;

for

pleaded as an excufe for not white-

warning and keeping clean the prifons in England where only debtors or petty offenders have been confined,
that, they were not obliged to it by the aft of parliament.

this

House
D

USTRY.

IRELAND.

206
Dublin,

purpofe.

this

To

this

Committee

reported the ftate of feveral of the prifons

in

Dublin*.

New

I carefully infpected the gaols

Prison.

p rym

tn ink particularly

being out of order there

Dublin

in

ftone

There

confined in idlenefs

for the penny-pot or garnifh

The dungeons

the day-rooms

my

At

vifit in

There

is

j-

Old Newgate

New comers

The proper

47

floors are

are robbed, or ftripped

City-Bridewell

30

The Number

as follows.

Men.

Women.

82

42

15

15

21

15

00
00

11
00

Thomas-court and Donore

of Prifoners in Auguft 1783 was,

Criminals.

Debtors.

The New Prifon

The Black- Jog Prifon

20

18

130

Thomas-court and Donore

o
o
o

Kilmainham

4
o

14]]

Four-court Marfhalfea

City Marfhalfea

61

City-Bridewell

||

committed

Criminals.

Women.

149

City Marfhalfea

In

as are

prifoners have not the ufe of

-.30
-20

Four-court Marfhalfea

Jiilmainham

abandoned crimi-

no bedding, though the

June 1782, the Number of Prifoners was

Prifon

mod

Such

are ufed as lodging-rooms for prifoners before they

Men.

The New

The pumps

no proper feparation

is

from the

Debtors.

In

following remarks on the

not kept clean

are detained for the fees

Spirituous liquors are fold in the prifon

and abufed

It is

or of petty offenders

Numbers of acquitted prifoners

to hard labour are

The

1783.

no regular fupply of water

is

of the fexes from one another

nals

in

worth mentioning.

No

In the city bridewell there were alfo futeen lunatics.

25

phyfician or apothecary has attended in this houfe for two or

thru

years.

noggin or gill of that pernicious and

deftru&ive liquor wabijkey,

is

fold in

three halfpence or two pence, and half a pint for three pence or four pence.

mon

liquor of prifoners

and of the lower

clafs

of people,

who

are

Dublin fo cheap as

This makes

often intoxicated

by

it

it

the

com-

almolt to

madnefs.
J Garnifh

is

three millings and nine pence halfpenny Irijh, feveral of thofe

the fame account of

whom

had releafed gave

it.

The day-room on

women's fide was always fhut up. At my laft vifit the condemned criminals were
and the women's day-room was kept locked, for two or three felons who lodged in
the deputy keeper's rooms to play in at tennis and other diverfions.

in the

men's day-room

the

are

IRELAND.

Sect. VI.

207

fick have no proper rooms or beds, and no attention was paid

condemned The
them* No bathf No divine fervice The keeper does not refide in the prifonThe act for preferving the health of prifoners not
Criminals are made turnkeys
are

to

hung up; nor any

of

table

or orders

rules

fees,

The

allowance, two-pennyworth of

bread a day; but being delivered only twice a week, and not fixed by weight,

of the prifoners are almoft ftarved

To

this

foi

||.

gaol there are ample appointments.

But fuch appointments can be of

little

confequence, while the meriffs and magiftrates neglect their duty, and fcldom or never
infpect the gaols or punifh defaulters.

Should they not be conlidered

cafioned by their neglect

Mod of the

Are not fuch

magiftrates inexcufably guilty

as acceffary to the crimes

and abufes and miferies oc-

remarks now made on

this gaol at

Dublin, are applicable to

many of the

county gaols.
I

enumerate thefe particulars, not with a view of aggravating the idea of inattention

making a comparifon between their management, and that

JIM greatly defective ) but with a view of inciting the publicfpirited Irijh gentlemen, now occupied on this fubject, to let an example of a thorough
and effectual reform, which may be imitated by this nation.
By an act of 21ft and 22dof Geo. III. all judges, from and after the 24th of June 1783,
to thefe objects in Ireland, or
in this

country ( which

is

are required to give in charge to the grand juries the two acts, one for the better pre-

venting the feverities and unjuft exactions practifed by gaolers againft their prifoners, &c.

(3d
and

Geo.
1

III.)

the other for preferving the health of prifoners

fituation of the different gaols,

in

gaol,

&c. (17th

8th Geo. III.) and the judges are further required to examine into the ftate and

Two

and the conduct of the gaolers, and to impofe a

of the committee of the Houfe of

and examined fome of the

who

fick

lay

have been fince ordered by the grand jury

nurfes are ordered for them.

was forry

Commons

in

June 1782 accompanied me

on the ftone-floors
to attend

them

to the

fine

new

on

prifon,

Dr. Clcghorn and Dr. Scotf

but no bedding, no alteration of diet, and no

totally neglefted.
;

to find in 1783, that the former ingenious

young phyfician had

died of the gaol-fever.

f The only building defigned for a bath which I faw in the gaols in Ireland, was in the court yard at
Trim, June 17, 1782. I looked into it, and found it was the gaoler's pig-fly.
J

||

The

This prifon

qfize of bread in Dublin

Jane 15,

Twopenny

loaf,

Fourpenny,
Hoitjkold

Fourpenny,
Sixpenny,

fecured by a military guard.

is

fixed every week, and put up in the Tolfey.

7g2.

Auguft 4, 1783.
lb.

White bread.

is

oZ.

lb.

White bread.

10

HouJJjold

ox.

dr.

11

Fourpenny,

Fourpenny,

Twopenny

Sixpenny,

loaf,

the

Dublin
yi\i7on.

IRELAND.

203

Dublin,

the county not exceeding five hundred pounds for neglect of repairing and enlarging
fb'ch gaols.

Lord Temple, Lord Lieutenant

of the county gaols, directing

fent

every

to

CharterbcHooLo.

falling

The

down, they are

Having taken

at the

1782, whofe fpirited and patriotic exer-

fame time the

His lordfhip

fherifF.

New-prifon and Kilmainham.

which

in

be long remembered there, ordered the fheriffs to report the

tions in Ireland will

left

Urate

(fix) adts relative to prifons * to

be

new mode of execution at the

come out of a front window on a fcaffold,

introduced a

alio

criminals

hanging.

notice of feveral of the orphan-fchools abroad,

cannot help adding an

account Q f fome particulars relating, to the Proteftant Charter-Schools.

Their number

them

vifiting

which

is

forty-one, befides four nurferies to fupply

carried with

me

added an account of

is

them with

children.

fermon preached before the incorporated

the feveral fchools) publifhed in

178

In

fociety, (to

the requeft of the

1, at

fociety.

In the two fchools near Dublin, that at Clontarf-Strand for boys, and at Santry

for girls,

was greatly furprifed to find but forty-fix in the former, and thirty-four

the latter, though the

forty

girls.

numbers given

At Kilkenny and Caftledermot

the former, and feventeen

the other fchools.

in

the latter

Thefe fchools

every week in Dublin f

error in publishing fuch

managed by

are

falfe

hundred (or near a third)

committee of

them

numbers feem
lefs

fifteen,

who meet

to be delivered

to be given

in

fome of

in

lately difcovered a confeioufnefs

accounts, and fuffering

for in the laft ephemeris the true

to about feven

numbers were twenty-fix

the deficient

in

were a hundred boys and

and there was a like deficiency

This committee has

pulpit

in the publijhed account

of their

from the

and they amount

than the numbers which had been before

ftated.

mailers of thefe fchools hold a certain quantity of land belonging to the fociety,

The
for

which they pay no higher rent than was paid when the ground was originally

Every mafter

granted.
diet,

.1:5:0
was

is

allowed a falary of

and work of the children.

Irijh; diet

3:2:6)

11

and contracts

Irijh;

Thefe contracts are

that the ftate of

fo deplorable, as to difgrace proteftantifm

fo

low

for the clothing,

annual clothing

(viz.

moft of the fchools which

and encourage popery

I vifited

in Ireland, rather

than the contrary.

committee

If the

finds a decceafe in their funds, a lefs

proper attention, will do the fociety

fickly,

naked and half ftarved children

demand

May

much more
as

found

in

number of thefe fchools with

number of fuch

than a large

credit

them.

In fhort

thefe fchools

a thorough parliamentary inquiry.

I

be allowed to hint, that there mould be one plain decent uniform for

the children Diftintt fchools for each fex

* See the

f There

is

laft

Clean

linen twice a

week

all

A convenient

note in page 203.

befides a local committee for fuperintending each fchool.

bath-

IRELAND.

Sect. VI.
bath

2cy

larger allowance to the mailers* for diet, and for wafting, fire and ca idles

crib bedftead for each child

Rooms

Charter-

fchool-rooms, work-rooms and dining-rooms, and an area enclokd

each houfe

DiftincT:

for play

dairy and pantry

The

look into the children's dormitory

Dublin put on

appropriated to the tick, and an apothecary for

matter's and miftrefs's

The

a larger plan (fince

if

bed-room

fituated fo as to

provincial nurferies abolifhed, and that at

proper attention were paid to the children, the

admiffion of a child would be a matter of favour and intreatyf)

That

check fhould

be kept on the local committees by the occasional infpeclion of one of the committee

of

fifteen,

That the
That premiums

whofe travelling expences might be paid by the fociety

orders for every department fhould be confpicuoufly

hung up

rules

every encouragement fhould be given to the molt cleanly and diligent children

and
and

And the

houfes lime-whitened once a year.

beg leave further to fuggeft, that

be

in

the vicinity of large towns

affiftance,

&c

and,

more

it

particularly, for the convenience of frequent vifits

local committees, without

found that

rally

in fchools fo fituated,

Dublin

more

will

be abfolutely

Many

of the hofpitals

in

Dublin may

the Infirmary at the Foundling Hofpital, were

of the upper fafhes

is

green; which rendered

taken out, and

all

its

Stephens's, Simp/on

Before

it.

the Military,

are

crowded

is

"
"

and

The governors of
One pane in each

fituated in

(which

In the Account of the Highland Schools in Scotland, page 26,

it is

the clofcfl part

word

in

favour of

an old and incommodious

is

building) into a kind of enclofed cafes, fwarming with vermin

moft of the windows being fattened down.

"
"

In the Blue-coat

1783) Frefher and more agreeable

vifit in

their Hofpital

in

by

place fupplied by a fine wire lattice painted

my

quit the fubject, I fhall take the liberty to fpeak a

who

rules,

have gene-

St. Patrick's

s,

falutary contrivance.

than thofe in any other hofpital in the city, though this

of

diftance.

fome of the cleaned.

new and

the wards (at

fome miles

be viewed with pleafure.

boys looked healthy and cheerful.

Mercer's Hofpital have lately adopted a

fruitlefs.

attention has been paid to the children

the perfons concerned in their education, than in thofe at

Hofpital, the

from the

whofe unremitting attention to enforce the prefcribed

the endeavours of the gentlemen in

all

feems highly defirable that thefe fchools fliould

both for a more eafy lupply of provifions, medical

faid,

"

and are almoft

trifled,

in fact the inefficiency

fchool-mafters falaries has been found to be one great fource of irregularities.

For

of the

thefe reafons,

and

confidering the advanced price of provifions in every part of the country, as well as the importance of
placing their fchool-mafters in a fituation above want, the fociety anxioufly wifh that every fchool-maftcr
in their fervice fhall

was not

who were

have

their yearly

at the nurfery at

fakry increaled."

Monivae

in

diftempered, half naked objefts.

Connaught
I

but I faw fevcral children lately fent from thence,

was further confirmed

in

my

provincial nurferies, on being informed at one of the beft fchools, that near

number of boys)

that

there was no difficulty in replenishing

it

opinion of the inutility of the

at erfor d,

(which had

from the neighbouihood,

fince

its

full

parents

frequently requefted to have their children taken in.

SECTION

Dublin
HospITALS

ENGLISH PRISONS.

210

SECTION

VII.

PARTICULAR ACCOUNT
ENGLISH PRISONS.

OF

>

S the Tables of which the prefent Section

will chiefly confift, contain feveral

which cannot be familiar to the generality of

my

readers, I

terms

begin with an

fliall

explanation of them.

In the

page of every county,

firft

city,

&c. the fecond

of the Gaoler or

article

keeper's

emolument is Fees by which are meant fuch only as are taken by him and his fervants
on the admiffion or difcharge of a prifoner. The fums fet down againft this article are
from the beft information I could procure in my repeated journies
but they differ
;

fometimes from thofe fpecified

The

in the tables of fees,

next article under gaoler

is

where fuch are found.

The fum

Tranfports.

fet

the beft intelligence I could gain) I found was allowed

fentenced to tranfportation to the refpective fea-ports

contractor what he was fuppofed to

4th George

"

I.

and 8th of

fo contracting

(hall

demand

down

them

have a property and

although by the ftatutes

enacted that "

it is

what (from

is

and for paying the merchant or

for their paffage

his prefent Majefty,

to this,

for conveying convicts

The

intereft in the fervice

perfon or perfons

of the

faid offenders

" for fuch terms of years."

With
at

refpect to the following article, Licence, I lhall obferve that in

Warwick, Oxford, Worcefter, Exeter, Chefter

Montgomery, Monmouth, Ufk, &c.

connivance, to

In thefe cafes

Under
gaols

meant

on

fell

beer,

places, as

the gaoler has no licence, and yet

is

and fome gaolers even wine to the prifoners, and

Carlifle,

permitted, by
their vifiters.

have made no diftinction.

Prifoners in the

my

fome

Yarmouth, Colchefter,

city,

fame page, the number which

different vifits

to include

is

found

in the refpective

dhtinguifhed into debtors and felons &c.

two kinds of prifoners

are understood fuch as are detained

till

chiefly

viz. fines

they pay a

obliged to find fecurity for good behaviour

and

and

petty offenders.

fum of money,

a fine:

county-

The &c.

By

is

fines

fuch as are

fuch as are committed for a limited

term to mere confinement, or (which is much the fame) to hard labour. Of thefe
latter fome have been previoufly whipped, or burnt in the hand.
The petty offenders are

fuch as are fent to gaols inftead of bridewells, for reafons mentioned in a former fection.

Thefe

alfo in

deferters,

which

fome gaols
I

are

called fines.

Befides thefe there are fometimes a few

have generally mentioned..

Wherever

ENGLISH PRISONS.

Sect. VII.

Wherever

there were tables of fees,

copies of

literal

them

have ufed the fame

Where no mention

none hung up

fome of them

in

but to prevent tirefome and

For

have abridged the formalities of preamble and conclufion.

the few prifons that have fuch

legacies.

thought myfelf obliged to give exact and

not therefore anfwerable for the improprieties of ex-

form to be found

prefTion, or defects of
ufelefs repetitions, I

the fame reafon,

am

have done likewife by the

as I

liberty, with regard to the

made of rules, &c.

Where there is no

is

in that prifon.

rules

lifts

and orders of

of benefactions and

may be concluded, that there

table of fees, I commonly note

are

it

the

defect *.

have defcribed no prifon but from

down

number of

before the

dungeon with

prifoners.

memorandum book

in

my own examination at the feveral

At each vifit I entered every room,

my

hand, in which

foot.

My

relate

circumftances, than to characterize in general terms.

be better acquainted with the real

will

of gaols

ftate

and

noted particulars upon the

fome readers appear too minute

defcription will to

dates fet
cell,

but

By

chofe rather to

thefe,

and magiftrates

the kgiflature
will be able to

judge whether the prifons over which they prefide, and to which they commit offenders,
be

fit

for the purpofes they are defrgned

may

defcriptions

poffibly

hereafter be erected

any

to anfwer.

fugged fomething ufeful

may

fince whatever

might add,

in the plans

appear worth copying

that a variety

of fuch prifons

may

of

may

be extracted from

f.

have here and there taken the liberty of pointing out what feemed to me,

viewed a prifon, an obvious remedy of fome defect that happened to

I

as

did not examine with the accuracy of a furveyor

and hope

as I

But

me.

ftrike

mall not be thought to

direct in the ftyle of a diclator.

As

in

my

had been
that the

firft

edition, I

mentioned, that the

in

a few years ago;

fo I

in this edition to erafe the notes

cleanlinefs,

formed of the condition they

have now the additional

humanity and attention of the magiftrates

much

of fome of our prifons was fo

ftate

the better, that an idea could fcarcely be

altered for

in

fome

fatisfadtion

to remark,

counties, have enabled

of cenfure reflecting the management of gaols

aliment, bedding, and the like, which I thought

it

my

me

as to

duty before to

infert.

* It

down

mould be obferved,

in a table figned

and hung up confpicuous

pounds

that

by the

by

the ftatute 3 2d George II. if any gaoler, or keeper,

jufticcs,

in the prifon

demand

and afterwards confirmed by the judge or judges of

;

fuch

demand

is

illegal,

and the offender

is liable

affize,

fees not fet

and

juftices,

to a penalty

of

fifty

to the perfon injured.

My

minutenefs with refpeel to meafurements and other circumftances relating to the conftruftion and

government of
eftabhfhments,

thefe buildings, will require no apology with thofe

it is

of ufe to be acquainted with

many

who

confider, that in the formation of

new

things which, though apparently trivial, are frequently

of material confequence to the purpofes intended to be anfwered.

THE

LONDON.

ail

THE
The

Tower

of rank.

who

The

is

TOWER.
and the only prifon

a ftrong fortrefs,

care of

it is

committed to an

him a lieutenant, a
among whom are forty

yeomen of

England

for ftate -delinquents

of the Tower,

deputy-lieutenant called the governor, and

has under

other officers,

in

officer called the Conftable

warders, whofe uniform

is

Nineteen of thefe warders have feparate houfes well furnifhed,

the guards.

governor

may

in any

of which,

fined

and the cuftom has been to affign them two of the beft rooms on the

as the

pleafed to order, the ftate-delinquents

is

then, iron bars are fixed to their

windows by the board of works.

committed

but

to clofe confinement

of the tower, attended always with

There had been no

when

in

1,

floor:

Sometimes they

are

a warder.

prifoners here for feveral years before

trial,

my

vifit in

17795 and

and confequently their con-

Six fhillings and eight pence a day are allowed by govern-

for their fubfiftence; but they

September

be con-

firft

general they are at liberty to walk in the area

there are any, they are foon brought to a legal

finement can never be long.

ment

many

the fame with the king's

feldom accept

1783, there were no prifoners.

this allowance.

Mr. Laurens was

the

laft,

who went

out December 31, 1781.

In

this Fortrefs, befides the

ftore-houfes

houfes juft mentioned, there are feveral public offices and

fuch, particularly, as the office of Ordnance,

and buildings for holding

artillery

the Jewel-office, the Mint,

and arms*

NEWGATE.

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

NEWGATE,
GAOLER,

Newgate.

Richard Akerman.

200.

Salary,

Debtors,

Fees,

Felons,

o
o

Mifdemeanors or Fines,

Tranfports,

10.

18

10.

"14

10.

14

10.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors,

Felons,

penny loaf a day, (weight Dec. 1782, %\oz. Aug. 17 8 j,

y\ oz.J notv, felons on the common fide a three
halfpenny

Debtors,

Garnifti,

Felons &c.

Number,

March

6.
Debtors.

I779,

I9O.

Au g-

l6 >

i,

3*>

29.

1782, Dec. 18,

3>

29I.

17,

46,

212.

1783, Aug. 22,

ii3.

224.

Dec. 26,

33>

152.

Rev. Mr.

Villette.

Duty,

Sunday twice ; every day prayers with the condemned j

Salary,

was 35, &c. now augmented.

once

Mr.

THE

month facrament.

builders of

(See Remarks.)

Olney.

/50, now 100, for

Salary,

all

Old Newgate feem

prifoners.

to have regarded in their plan, nothing but

the fingle article of keeping prifoners in fafe cuftody.

clofe, as

to be almoft the conftant feats of difeafe,

The rooms and

very good reafon for their refolution to build a new gaol.

idea of

it

than any defcription.

readers, than

avoided in

as a

this

out particulars.
it

All

will be in great

but

it

has

I will fay, is,

The

The

city

Many

to the

had therefore

plate will give a better

my

inconveniences of the old gaol are

fome manifeft

that without

Remarks.

were fo

give the plan, rather to fatisfy the curiofity of

model to be followed.

new one

cells

and fources of infection

deftruction of multitudes, not only in the prifon, but abroad.

in

141.

33>

May

SURGEON,

Felons &e.

5,

i776>

CHAPLAIN,

Felons &c.

Debtois.

1775'

( See Remarks.)

loaf.

6.

errors.

It

is

now

more than ordinary

too late to point

care, the prifoners

danger of the gaol-fever.

Tha

LONDON.
The

Newgate.

built

cells

Old Newgate

in

ufed for the fame purpofe.

ftill

a few years fince for

are

upon each of

on

the ground-floor meafure full 9 feet by near 6

all

the five on the

lined

The

near 3 feet by

grated,

round each

all

flory are a little

darkfome

The

chapel

the felons

that for

prefence

towards

is

at the

when brought

in

Below

the centre

is

is

the chaplain's feat, and three or four

On

condemned.

for the

each fide

is

pews

a gallery

women is towards their ward: in it is a pew for the keeper, whofe

may fet a good example, and be otherwife ufeful. The other gallery
the debtors ward is for them.
The flairs to each gallery are on the outfide of
the

the chapel.

Mr.

attended there feVeral times, and

and with propriety

who were

the prifoners

difturbed by the noife

in

Surely they

the court.

read the prayers diftin&ly,

Villette

prefent,

number, fhould be locked up

the greater

far

flied tears,

folitary abodes.

plain and neat.

that

is

In each cell

and appeared quite unconcerned

trial,

pronouncing fentence upon them, wereftruck with horror, and

to thefe

ftrong (tone wall

nails.

was told by thofe who attended them, that criminals who had

of boldnefs during their

air

The

doors are 4 inches thick.

with planks, ftudded with broad-headed

cell

a barrack-bedftead.

affe&ed an

by

firft

larger for the

little

for

Thofe

vaulted, near 9 feet high to the crown.

;

are

There

(9! by 6) on account of the fet-ofF in the wall; and the five uppermoft, ftill a
fame reafon. In the upper part of each ceil, is a window double

larger

is

the three floors five

condemned malefa&ors,

give fome account of them.

I fhall therefore

who

feemed attentive

their

in

but we were

go to chapel, who are

rooms during the time of

will not

divine fervice, and not fufFered to hinder the edification of fuch as are better difpofed.

The

Chaplain (or ordinary ) befides his falary, has a houfe in Newgate-ftreet, clear of

land-tax; lady Barnadiftons, legacy,

of

St.

Bartholomew's

commonly

fold for

25

fheriffs

/6

an old legacy paid by the governors

a year;

a year;

and

lately

had two freedoms yearly, which

each; and the city generally prefented him once in

Now

with another freedom.

180, and the

10

hofpital,

he has not the freedoms, but his falary

pay him

'

12:0.

He

is

fix

months

augmented

to

engages when chofen to hold no other

living.

Debtors have

inquired for a

was authentic.
tions

London

every Saturday from the chamber of

four ftone: and fome years felons

fines

eight ftone.

of them, and Mr. Akerman told

lift

The amount

of

it

is

^52

eight {tone of beef:

Debtors have, feveral legacies.

me

the table in Maitland's Survey

a year.

There

are other dona-

mentioned by Maitland) amounting to fixty-four ftone of beef, and

five

dozen

of bread*.

*
at

After the

my

hit

irifit

riots in

7 8o

the debtors were confined in Clcrkenwell bridewell, and the

New-Prifon: but

they were in Newgate.

To

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

To

" Robert Bow, who

thefe he adds the donation of

215

left

yearly for ever

pronounce folemnly two exhortations to

cc

to the fexton or bellman of St. Sepulchre's, to

"

the perfons condemned, the night before their execution

words

in thefe

" You prifoners who are within

" Who for wickednefs and fin,

"

after

*c

give ear and underfland that tomorrow morning the greater!: bell of St. Sepulchre's

"

fhall toll

many mercies
for

you

" thofe that are

&c. &c *."

Here
ancient

form and manner of a paffing

in

"

What

torture,

though now

Old

it

near the

ufed to be tolled for

as

Bailey are

its

feems only a matter of form.

may

pray,

origin

from the-

When

prifoners

brought up to receive fentence, and the judge

flips

whipcord noofe about

their

On

1779, the gaol was clean, and free from ofFenfive fcents.

vifit in

thumbs.

to be abolifhed.

there were only three fick, in one of the upper wards.

who had

in the forenoon,

have you to fay why judgment of death and execution fhould not be

This cuftom ought

At my

bell

cjnnot forbear mentioning a practice which probably had

mode of

awarded againft you," the executioner

fide,

tomorrow

to die

the point of death, to the end that all godly people

at

capitally convicted at the

afks,

now appointed

fliewn you, are

condemned

Of the

cells.

An

141 felons &c. there were 91 convicts and

only the prifon allowance of a penny loaf a day

contributed towards their

relief.

the felons

infirmary was building

fines,

Mr. Akerman generoufly

In the felons court, the table of fees painted on a board

was hung up.

This gaol was burnt by the

men's quadrangle
pay three

{hillings

in the other,

now

is

now

and fix-pence a week for a bed

the

women.

Under

rooms, adjoining to the condemned

my

laft vifit

1780, but

rioters in

is

court, are thofe

firft

poorer felons

in the next, the

the chapel, are cells for the refractory.

cells, are built for

Of

there were fixteen fick.

on the fame plan.

rebuilt

In the

divided into three courts.

The
who
and

Two

an infirmary, in one of which at

the two hundred and ninety-one prifoners in

1782, two hundred and twenty-five were men, and

hundred of them were

tranjports, eighty-nine fines,

and the remainder lay

for trial.

Some of

the

women.

fixty-fix

Upwards of an

twenty-one under fentence of death,

condemned had been long

fick

and lan-

guifhing in their cells f.

* MaitlanePs Uijlcj of London, vol.

t At the end of the book,

I fhall

give a table of

all

I.

p. 26. edit. 1760.

the executions for London-

and .Middlefex, during

twelve years pari.

An

execution day

is

too much, with us, a day of riot and idlenefs, and

minds of the populace are rather hardened by the

amended by having the report within a week

area before Newgate, or before the feffions-houfe ?

thefe evils be

in the

Since the above was written,

it

fpeciacle, than affected in

after fentence,

is

found by experience, that the

any falutary manner.

and the execution, foon

learn with fatisfaftion that the place of execution

is

Might not
after, either

altered according to the

foregoing idea.

TABLE,

Newgate.

2l6

TABLE OF
'Newgate.

London fc.

A Table

Fees

of

N.

FEES.

by the Gaoler or Keeper of Newgate' within the

to be taken

faid

City of London for any Prifoner or Prifoners committed or coming into Gaol or Chamber-Rent there or
difcharge from thence in any Civil Anion fettled and eftabliftied the nineteenth day of
third year of the reign

of

his

December

in

the

Majefty King George the Second Annoque Domini 1729 purfuant to an Act of

Parliament lately made intituled

An

Aft

for the Relief

of Debtors with refpect to the Imprifonment of their

Perfons.

-030
-013
/.

Every
Every

prifoner on the mafter's-fide mall pay to the keeper for his entrance fee

prifoner on the mafter's-fide lhall pay for

to the keeper there being

Every prifoner on the

pay

to the

Every debtor

And

No

two

in a

chamber-room

ufe

bed and no more each per week

faid mafter's-fide

who

at his

own

defire (hall

have a bed to himfelf,

keeper for chamber-room ufe of bed bedding and fheets per week
lhall

pay

to the

to all the turnkeys

two

keeper for

his difcharging fee

and no more

Ihillings

S.

D.

of bed bedding and lheets

Ihall

026
o

10

other fee for the ufe of chamber bed bedding or meets or upon the commitments or difcharge of any
prifoner on any civil action

Ed-u;<i

Rob t Raymond

Becker

Eyre
Tho Pengelly

R.

Rob' Alfop
In"

Barnard

Mr. Akerman fhewed me another table of fees, which was given him
when he commenced keeper. It is as follows

Fees

to

be taken by the keeper of Newgate.

For every debtor's difcharge

For every

felon's difcharge

For every mifdemeanour

Every debtor's entrance on the matter's

Every

felon's entrance

for his direction

fide

on the mailer's fide

c0

5.

D.

10

18

10

10

10

0
6

Every perfon admitted into the prefs-yard

For every

10

tranfport's difcharge

For every bailable warrant

Fix.

Bob. Willmott.
Rob. Ladbroke.

Walter Bernard.
Samuel Pennant.

HIS

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

PRISON

HIS MAJESTY'S

THE FLEET,
WARDE N,

debtors.

for

Fleet,

John Eyles, Efq.

Deputy Warden

Clerk of the Papers,

and

now

Daniel Hopkins,

William Lozve.

Salary

Fees,

8.

0:2:0
Licence,

Beer and

Turnkey.

Wine

to John Cartwright,

now

the warden on leafe the tap &c.

William Hall,

who

holds of

{See Remarks.)

PRISONERS,
Allowance, none.

0:2:0.

Gamiih,

Number,

In the Rules.

in the Houfe.

In the Houfe.

1774, April 26,

171,

71.

2,

241,

78.

1782, Jan. 8,
Dec. 30,

13,

i47

37-

i7 8 3

1776,
1779, Aug.

CHAPLAIN,

Au g*

2 7>

In the Rules.

62,

6.

159,

31.

4I*

49*

Rev. Mr. Horner.

Sunday j Wednefday prayers.

Duty,
Salary

SURGEON,

TO

None.

this prifon

the Star-chamber.

came

were committed formerly thofe

a prifon for debtors

chancery, exchequer, and

In 1728,

many

16th of Charles

In the

I.

when

who

incurred the difpleafure of

that court

was

aboliflied,

it

be-

and for perfons charged with contempts of the courts of

common

pleas.

abufes pra&ifed by the warden were the fubjecr, of parliamentary

inquiry.

The

prifon was rebuilt a few years fince.

each end of the building, there

they call

them

is

befides the

galleries,

At the

front

a fmall projection, or wing.

cellar-floor,

called

is

a narrow court.

There are four

Bartholomezv-Fair.

gallery confifts of a pafTage in the middle, the whole length of the prifon,

and rooms on each

window

in every

fide of

it

The

room.

having only a window

at

afcend by eight fteps,

are, a

about 14-!

feet

byi2|, and 9^

pafTages are narrow

each end.

On the

firft

high.

Each

66 yards

chimney and

(not feven feet wide) and darkim,

floor,

the hall-gallery, to which you

chapel, a tap-room, a coffee-room

At

floors,

(made out of two

rooms

Remarks,

LONDON.
Fleet,

rooms

for debtors), a

rooms for

prifoners.

rooms, and

room

for the turnkey, another for the

Befides the

room

the cellar-floor, except a lock-up

all

watchman, and eighteen

coffee-room and tap-room, two of thofe eighteen

The

the remainder of the leafe at public auction in 1775.

below the

hall-gallery.

of the two rooms juft

It confifts

cellar-floor

who bought
fixteen fteps

is

now mentioned,

the tapper's

kitchen, his four large beer and wine cellars, and fifteen rooms for prifoners.

and the two before-mentioned on the

fifteen,

for

from four

On

the

to eight millings a
gallery

firfi

On

prifoners.
their

large

fleeps in that

room.

upper rooms,

viz,

the tap-room, &c.

The weekly

On

lift

one end

at

an infirmary.

is

a dirty billiard-table

At

tapfter

when

is

fome tenant a

If all the

part of his

right of fucceffion to the

The apartments

for

room

vacant, the

feet fquare, with a

fire-place;

Such of thefe prifoners

are not worth five pounds, and

which
at

have

fome

ff

'

are fent to the prifon,

one of

my

viiits fixteen,

in the

charities

An

fall

to

prifoner

it.

When

room according
hire

of

Prifoners are excluded from all

rooms held by the tapfter, and let at the high rents aforecommon-fide debtors are only part of the right wing of the

Eefides the cellar (which was

24 or 25

firfl

rooms be occupied, a new comer muft

or fhift as he can.

intended for their kitchen, but

with lumber, and fhut up) there are four

fleep in.

who

of thefe

They

3^. unfurnifhed.

is.

room becomes

of fuch as have paid their entrance-fees, takes pofleffion of

to his feniority as prifoner.

prifon.

Some

being over the chapel,

the prifon was built, the warden gave each prifoner his choice of a

faid.

the other end, in

have mentioned are for mafter's-fide debtors.

by the

rent of thofe not held

for

ftaircafe,

kept by the prifoner

thofe in the wings, are larger than the reft

All the rooms

rooms

one of them, fronting the

the higher! ftory are twenty-feven rooms.

the prifoners in fucceffion, thus

the

*.

the fecond gallery twenty-feven

A room
room over the chapel, is

Thefe

the tapfler lets to prifoners

hall-gallery,

(that next above the hall-gallery) are twenty-five

committee-room.

is

upon

week

and

to confine the diforderly,

another room for the turnkey, were held by the tapfter, John Cartivright,

at

On

floors.

and on the

fides,

cannot

fubfift

the begging-box,

is

is

occupied

room about

commiffioner that they

without charity, have the donations

and the

fome other times not

but no fuch table was hung up

is

feven clofets or cabins to

as fwear in court or before a

fo

grate.

Of them

there were

many.

Report of the Committee of the Houfe of

imposition of the fame kind

each floor

Commons

1728, a table of

in the prifon f.

noted in the Report of the Gaol-Committee,

March

20, 1728.

8.

t It was ordered by the Judges Eyre, Price, Page and Denton: " that a table of gifts and bequefts
made for the prifoners in the Fleet, expreffing the particular purpofes for which the fame were given,
be prepared by the warden, and hung up in the hall of the faid prifon." See Table of Fees, Trinity-

term 1727,

in the

Report of the Gaol -Committee, page l6.

There

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

There

pumps

plenty of water from the river and

is

the prifon.

fives, tennis,

billiard- table.

And

&c.

They

alfo play in the court-yard at fkittles, miffifippi,

not only the prifoners

faw

Befides the inconvenience of this to prifoners

need not fay how

much

the gaoler keeps or

riot thefe

occafion

one or two

till

and how the fober

the tap.

lets

night there was a wine-club

each lading ufually

feveral butchers

the frequenting a prifon kfTens the

On Monday

dread of being confined in one.

Thurfday night a beer-club

among them

here as at another public houfe.

and others from the market; who are admitted

The fame may be feen in many other prifons where

behind

mentioned the

a fpacious court

and

on

in the

morning.

prifoners,

and thofe

annoyed by them.

that are fick, are

women and children, I procured an accurate lift of

on (or about) the 6th of April 1776, when there were on the
their wives (including
mafterVfide 213 prifoners, on the common-fide 30, total 243
women of an appellation not fo honourable) and children were 47 5.
Seeing the prifon crowded with

them; and found

that

was furprifed to

fee

Committee of

the

and that the date of

Houfe of Commons made

ther table was fettled after that inquiry

and that

before the

i. e.

did not doubt but ano-

contained the warden's fees

later table, I

was referred

to

that

alfo.

which

It is as follows.

up.

A Table

it

was 1727,

it

their inquiry.

But upon alking the clerk of the papers for a

hung

of fees containing only thofe of the

prifon, a table

in this

clerks of the papers and inquiries

of Fees to be taken by the Clerk of tke Papers and by the Clerk of the Inquiries of the Fleet

XX

Frifon purfuant to the Refolution of the Honourable

and Trinity Terms 13th George

I.

Common

of the Court of

Pleas in the Eafter

1727.

RESOLUT ION
.
6th.

That

there

due and ought

is

for the

That

there

is

.
-

and every eaufe exceeding three caufes

fh

a piece for each of the faid

due and ought

to

prifoner's difcharge delivered to

caufes he flood charged with

And

for each

Befides the
7th.

be pa^d to the clerk of the papers for every difcharge of

copy of every caufe not exceeding three

every aflion

And
And

to

firft

the prifoner himfelf without any regard to the

-

hahas

there

corpus

is

4d due

a fee of 5 (h

and 4 ft!

for the return

to the clerk

of the

firft

partly coincide with others

thofe which

on the difcharge of a
-

of the papers for the allowance of every writ of

fti

or orders.

for every other caufe

fo I

and no more.

They were made

to the date they bear;

do

-026
026
-026

number of

the inquiries

caufe and 2

There is in the prifon a table of rules

times, from the reign of Queen Elizabeth,
and .have prefumed

warden of fuch difcharge

That there is due and ought to be paid to the clerk of

prifoner by the creditor and not by fuperfedeas

That

026
004

three caufes

8th.

14th.

D.

be paid to the clerk of the papers for his certificate of the

for his certificate to the

S.

have put together

at very diftant

and fome of them

to

avoid repetition,

to abridge the whole.

Ffz

HILARY

LONDON.

220

HILARY
Warden

I. 2. 3.

Warden

II.

[729.

or deputy to appoint turnkeys &c. with arms: to flop perfons bringing arms, and watch

an efcape be
4.

GEORGE

3d

it

in agitation.

He, or

to diftribute charity-money.

his agent,

to

keep one key of the box ; and the

pri-

foners another.

a mailer-fide debtor

5. 6. 12. If

(hall negleft for three

not lock him up, but, remove him to the

After difcharge,

inventory.

the door of which

is

Such

B.

It

was reported

concerning

Warden

8. 18.

to

open

it,

to repair the

"

unpaid, he

his

detained in the

common-ward:
:

and then a

or dungeon.

judges whofe names are here fubfcribed, and

who made

inquiry

boarded <wholefome and dry."

whole houfe, chapel, drains, &c. and keep

9.

Againll clandelline Fleet-marriages.

10.

Thofe who blafpheme,

Warden

him

at ten, winter at nine)

divine fervice be duly performed, and the facraments adininiftered.

II. 13.

; the warden ma
y
goods by a witnefTed

chamber-rent

may be

(fummer

at night

his

delivering to

who mull go to the yard &c.

mifbehave, may be fhut up in a clofe room

to the four

to be

Hill

for thofe

it

attempt to efcape, or greatly

as

N.

dues be

never to be Unit but

watchman mull attend

7.

if legal

months to pay

common- fide

be

curfe, fwear, or are diforderly, to

or deputy to difpofe of the chambers, and tap

fet in

and

all

To

clean.

take care that

Prifoners to attend.

the flocks.

fee that

good order be obferved

in the

public rooms, Sec.

14.

Warden

to take effedtual care that

demanded from
15.

Warden

and

to caufe a table of gifts

And

hall.

no prifoner be carried

to a fpunging-houfe

and that no garnijbh*

new comer.

to fee that

bequejis,

written in a fair and legible hand, to be

no prifoner be defrauded of

his fhare.

None of

hung up

in the

the fervants to partake or

diftribute.

16.

Every prifoner not worth

37.

Two
is

five

pounds, &c. (As before in remarks.)

No

rooms to be an infirmary for common-fide debtors.

prifoner obliged to fleep with one that

difeafed.

19.

Coroner's inquefl upon the dead: and corpfe to be delivered to the friends, free of coft.

20.

Warden

not to remove a prifoner to the King's Bench by habeas corpus.

21. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.

Warden

to

keep books, and

book of prifoners delivered up

at a judge's

27.

All thofe books, except the tipflaff 's,

28.

No

ceffible to all

regifter

commitments, courts from whence, decla-

Tipflaff and judge's clerk to keep each

rations, difcharges, writs of habeas corpus.

feparate

chamber.

to be kept in the public office of the clerk of the papers; ac-

perfons for copying, &c.

clerk, officer, or fervant of any judge to take a fee

on occafion of a petition or complaint,

founded upon the foregoing orders, or any mifgovernment.

29.

That

warden and

the

humanity

his officers

do treat the feveral prifoners in

his cuflody

with

all

tendernefs and

and that fuch prifoners do behave themfelves toward the warden with that fubmiffion

and regard which the law requires.

Eyre
RobtPeice

Alex. Denton
A
J- Fortescue

R.

number, enatted by the mafler's-fide

little code of laws, eighteen in
It eflablifhed a prefident, a fecretary, and a committee,,
and printed by D. Jones 1774.
which was to be chofen every month, and to confift of three members from each gallery. Thefe were
and at other times when fummoned by the cryer,
to meet in the committee-room every Thurfday
They were to raife contributions
at command of the prefident, or of a majority of their own number.

There was, moreover, a

debtors,

by affeffment

to

hear complaints

determine difputes

levy fines

and

feize

goods for payment.

Their

LONDON.

Sect. VII.
Their

Their fcavenger to warn the

it.

them every morning before eight

No

the houfe.

The

be deemed the fenfe of the whole houfe.

fenfe to

committee to difpofe of

take of a firanger a penny for calling a prifoner to him

tion

For blafphemy, fwearing,

damaging a lamp,

for

once a week

fine

riot,

The

all

over

cryer might

and of a complainant two pence for fummoning

drunkennefs, &c. the committee to fine at difcre-

They were

a milling.

to be fpent in wine,

two millings garnijh

the

water and fweep

to

perfon to throw out water, &c. any where but at the finks in the yard.

a fpecial committee.

befides the

galleries

fweep the yard twice 'every week; and to light the lamps

to

221

prefident or fecretary to hold the cafh

one

from a new comer, on

to take

Ihilling

and fix-pence

to

the fir-ft Sunday,.

be appropriated

to the

ufe of the houfe.

Common-fide

prifoncrs to It confined to their

own

apartments,

and not

to aflbciate

with thefe lanu-makers, nor

to ufe the fame conveniences.

The above was

1780.
firft

It is

now

(lory are

He

floor.

on the fame plan.

The

in.

after the fire

here at

up

my

billiard

and

miffifippi tables are put

down, and the

little

In

1783, from July 7, to Aug. 25, not one prifoner was

Robert Baflan, a crown prifoner, was committed Nov. 29, 1776, and

of laws aboliflied.

brought

and arched

{tone,

and feveral of the prifoners keep dogs, which nuifance fhould never be

permitted in prifons.
code

Fleet before it was burnt by the rioters in

The floors of the cellar, the hall, and the
with brick.
The tapfter ftill has all the cellar-

the account of the

rebuilt

furrendered himfelf under the proclamation Nov. 17,

laft vifit.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors are

178

hung up. Now

and was

1,

alfo

is

hung

the following table of fees.

A Table

of Fees to be taken by the Warden of the Prifon of the

Commitment, or coming
Aftion.

Settled

into

Gaol or Chamber Rent

and eftablifhed the nineteenth

Day

Fleet, for

there, or difcharge

any Prifoner or Prifoners

from thence,

in

any Civil

of January, in the 'hird Year of the Reign of his

Majelly King George the Second, A. D. 1729, purfuant to an Act of Parliament lately made,
An Aft for the Relief of Debtors, in refpeft to the Imprifonment of their Perfons.

Every prifoner charged with one or more i ftions (who at

fide) to pay to the warden for a commitment fee

his

intitled to

intitled to

Every prifoner

to

pay

lhall

partake of the poor's box, to pay

Every prifoner

defire lhall

-168

go on the mailer's- .
-

Every prifoner charged with one or more actions (who

being

own

go on the common-fide) not

for his difcharge

to the

warden per week

If the prifoner finds his

own

hinder him of) then he

bed, bedding and

pay

lhall

for

0134

074

chamber room

If there be two prifoners in one bed, finding their

own

to the

now

called turnkeys,

on

his

commitment

Every prifoner on a commitment upon a furrender

tipftafF

is

in

no

warden per week

fort to
-

013
013

bed, bedding and Iheets, then each of

them to pay to the warden per week

Every prifoner not being intitled to partake of the poor's box,
gaoler,

(which the warden

flieets

D.

Every fuch prifoner on the mafter's-fide, who at his own defire lhall have a bed to himfelf, to
pay for chamber room, ufe of bed and bedding and Iheets, to the warden per week
0
If two in a bed, and no more, for chamber room, ufe of bed, bedding and Iheets, each to piy
v

S.

partake of the poor's box, nothing.

-

intitled,

pay

a judge's chamber,
.

-020

to the porter
-

at

to

to

pay

and

to the
-

068
Every

Fleet,

LONDON.

222
Flejjt.

Every

commitment upon a habeas

prifoner on a

Every prifoner on a commitment

No

corpus at a judge's

tipftafF

in court, to

chambers, to pay

pay to the

to the

tipftafF

D.

-042
-076

S.

other fees for any prifoner for the ufe of chamber, bed, bedding or fheets, or upon commitment or

difcharge of any prifoner in any civil aclion, nor any

intitled to

common

partake of

the poor's

commitment

be taken of any prifoner

fee to

box, nor any chamber rent to be taken of any

on the

prifoner

fide.

John Tbompfon.

Raymond.
R Eyre.

Rob. Alfop.

Tho. Pengelly.

Ed. Bellamy.

R.

"John Barnard.

;VD

NEW LUDGATE.

CA
TE

BISHOPGATE-STREET.

IN
Remarks.

Th

who

prifon for debtors

are

of the

free

On
them

city,

for clergymen, proctors

London work-houfe

attorneys, was formerly a bridewell to the

In each of

the ground-floor are, a long-room, a tap-room, and a kitchen.

is

ftaircafe

leading

and

adjoining.

rooms for mafter-fide debtors viz, over

room on each of the two floors above over

to eleven

firft

the long-room, a fizeable chamber, and a

the tap-room, four fmall rooms, which have iron bars at the windows, and a larger

room above them

over the kitchen, a lizeable chamber, and two rooms above.

The common-fide debtors are in two

no fire-places. The prifon is out of

never white-wafhed.

No

the main.

houfe.

The

infirmary

allowance

and Dock, which have

the walls and ceilings very black, being

fmall court, with a ciftern for river- water which

:

Chaplain, Rev.
city

the Forejl

large garrets,
repair,

is

no bath.

Mr. Henry
ten

The

chapel

is

common

now Mr.

Foulfas,

ftone of beef a

week

not from

and work-

Rofe.

to

is

to the prifon

which has been added

fince the

9th of February 1776, a twopenny loaf every other day for each prifoner (weight
Aug. 1783, 21 oz.). The lord mayor and fheriffs fend annually coals and MelTrs.
:

Calvert

and Co. formerly

ferit

of two barrels of fmall beer.

but the deputy

I always

a board

is

Keeper's falary, .70

fees,

a generous donation

He

fee table.

lives diftant

careful in his attendance.

is

found
placed

from the Peacock brewhoufe weekly

this prifon clean.

at

to 12, nor from 2

The

the gate, on which

till

is

On

fhut at ten "every night.

painted,

"

No

Sunday,

admittance from 10 o'clock

4."

1774, April 27, Prifoners 29.

1776, March 7, - - - j It

May

tap
is

15,

29 .

Dec. 26,

iq,

1779, Aug. 12, Prifoners 15.

1782, Dec. 14, - - - 20.
17 8 3 , Aug. 28,

15.

TABLE

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

To

be taken by the Keeper of

coming

his Majelty's Prifon

(hall

pay

Every prifoner

fhall

pay for chamber-room, bed, bedding and Iheets,

at his or her

two in a bed, each per week

Every prifoner on the fecond lodging

rent, bed,

bedding and

Every prifoner who

in

Iheets,

own

at his

called the

two

fide, fhall

pay

Every prifoner

at his

for

own

have a bed to himfelf

defire has a

who

at his

own

the ufe of bedding &c. per night

&c. per night

pay

for ufe

of chamber-

any of the beft rooms called

in

week

fheets, per night

in a

-003
-002

pay for

to himfelf, fhall

bed and no more,

bed

defire hath a

Every prifoner in the meaneft ward, two

S.

bed to himfelf in the fecond lodging or common-

chamber-room, bed, bedding and

meaneft ward,

in the

fhall

in the beft fide called the

-

common-fide,

D.

-010
-013

the mafter-fide, fhall pay for bed, bedding and Iheets per

Every prifoner who

Lubcate.

bed and no more, each per night

in a

defire fhall

of

LUDCATI.

Every prifoner

mafter-fide, being

New

TABLE OF FEES

for the ufe

of bed, bedding

own bedding (which the keeper fhall in no wife hinder) then they
fhall pay for chamber-room if more beds than one in a room, each per week
If the prifoner hath a room to himfelf, and provide himfelf with bed and bedding, which
the keeper is in no fort to hinder him of, then he fhall pay for chamber-room

If the prifoners find their

per

The

week

prifoners inability to find a couch

and

pay per week

The forementioned were

The

figned Feb/. 23,

Aldermen

Judges

Becber

Raymond

Alfop

Eyie
Peng el ly

Barnard

-004

to

003,.

To

1729.

the keeper for hatch-

the turnkey for ditto

date fliews that thefe fees were adapted to the old prifon,

by-

fee at difcharge

To

and

its

020
010

fundry wards*

Ordered
Whofoever on the Sabbath-day

fhall

be abfent from chapel either

may happen,

unlefs ficknefs, lamenefs,

fattory, fhall

pay a

fion

and

fine

at

morning or evening

or fome other reafonable excufe be

fervice

made appear

which ever

fufficL-ntly fatif-

of four-pence into the hands of the fteward for the time being, for every fuch omif-

in failure thereof not to be

admitted to any fhare of the allowance or tranfient benefactions,

which the following week may produce.

Signed
"James Efdale.

N.

B.

Whoever
"

is

not in chapel before the fecond

leflbn is ended,

is

forfeited as above,

A LIST

LONDON.
LIST

To

O
P

the

O N

ENEFACTORS
of

TT

CI

Brought over

Sir Thomas Grefham

Sir Roger Martin

10

John Peachy

Mrs. Holligrave,

0
0

Mr. Robert Rogers

Mr. Hugh Offley

Mrs. Joan Sanbeck

Mr. John Draper

13

4
0

10

Mr. John Symmonds

Mr. John Marlh
Mr. John Wooler
Mr. William Parker
Mr. Thomas Chapman
Mr. Richard Jacob
Mr. James Hodgfon
Mr. John Kendrick
Lady Mary Carew -

Sir

Sir

Home

William

Mr. Robert Ferebrace

Lady Eliz. Maurice
Sir William

Peacock or Seacock

Mr. Thomas

Cottle

a hind quarter

of beef, and a peck of oatmeal,

value

Lady M. North in bread

Mr. William Roaper Mr. Thomas Dawfon
Mrs.

3
1

Widow

Cooke,

of

Mrs. Margaret Dane, 18

and fome bread, value

Carried over

is

0
0

0
0

called Eleanor

0
0

0
0

10

0
0

33

to difcharge

0
0
0

10

10

10

0
0

0
0

0
0
0

10

30
22

0
0

129

14

12

worth of penny loaves,

2, and

Total

five (hillings

4
0
0

John Holby, Efq.

Gwynn's bread

Stretchley every third year

Mr. John Jackfon

Sir Ralph Freeman
Dr. Lancelot Andrews
Sir Thomas Cullum
George Humble, Efq.
Mr. Merrydith
Mr. John Corbett
Lady Rich

Mrs. Margaret Symcott every eighth week

ally. This

fione of beef

Mr. John Heydon Alder"

Lady Mary Ramfey
Mr. Peter Blundell

Mr. Thomas

David

Cooke

33

Widow

Thomas Kneefworth
Mr. James Smith

Sir

Mr. John Bennet

0
0

/. e.

annu.

two prifoners every

fifth

year

Mrs.

Eliz.

Miflbn the yearly produce of

coals

200

per cent,

-Chamber of London yearly Mr. Middleton

Company of mercers

Worlhipful
about

.-

the yearly intereft of

-

45 14:

--

annuities for meat, bread and

of the refpedive donors.

The

fums are

underftand

it

to

all

called 'in

mean bequefts

-170

14.1

Thefe benefactions are moftly paid by the merchant-taylors', mercers',

and other companies.

old S. S. annuities,

Total

fakers'

600

my

16

drapers',

copy, Yearly &c.

gifts

for ever.

POULTRY

LONDON*

Sect. VII.

225

POULTRY COMPTER.
KEEPER,

who purchafed

Chriftopher Hayes,

now

of the city for

Poultry
Com p t b r

and has

life,

fold his property to Henry Weft.

(See Remarks.)

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

0:15:8.
o

Felons,

13

4.

Tranfports, taken from the Old Bailey by

Mr. Akerman.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, a penny loaf a day (wt. Dec. 1782, $oz. Aug.
(See

Felons,

penny

Number,

on

three

called ward-dues for candles &c.

is

Debtors. Felons Sec

5.

26,

7.

90,

11.

1783, Aug. 24,

30,

19.

53,

o.

1776, March

12,

72,

May

15,

Dec.

3,

Rev. Dr.

now

Salary,

l-

loaf (weight

halfpenny

46,

10.

Duty,

FOR

6.

77,

trujler,

now Mr.

every Sunday.

Impreffed

3;

Davis.

(See Remarks.)

MetTrs. Devaynes and Higginfon.

none, they

make

matter's- fide debtors

outer gates.

>

1779, Aug. 6,
1782, Dec. 16,

26,

Salary,

Debtors. Felons ice.

1774, April

SURGEONS,

It

noz

0:1:6.

Felons,

CHAPLAIN,

day,

loaf a

Jug. 1783, 1302.;

Debtors, 0 .-4:8.

Garnifh,

1783, looz.)

Remarks.)

there

bill.

are about fifteen

For common-fide debtors,

fix

rooms between the inner and

wards within the inner gate, two of them

which (1776) were 24 debtors; and the

Ward, 9 debtors. Above thofe wards are the Middle Ward, in it were 20
debtors ; and the Women's Ward, 2 debtors.
Above them are the Upper Ward, 1 1
debtors ; and the Jews Ward, 4 Jew debtors *.
Near the middle ward, on the fame
the ground-floor, viz. the King's Ward, in

Prince's

floor, is a clofe darkifh

rooms on the fecond

room

floor

for the fick.

(called

In each ward, a fire-place.

In one of the

the pump-room), the debtors have the convenience

* It were to be wiflied that in other prifons

alfo,

thofe people

had the generous and

juft

indulgence

of being kept feparate,

of

Remarks.

LONDON,

226
Poultry
mpter.

The rooms are out of repair but

fma j] 5 |> ut being paved with flat

of water.

frefh

it is

the debtors keep their floors very clean.

.j^g court

and

and the water conftantly running,

flones

js

clean.

The tap-room

is

Adjoining

in the court.

the day-room, the Bell,

is

In a fmall court, there are two flrong rooms

women-felons.

with nails) for men-felons

and up

another night-room for men, and one for

flairs

The women's room was formerly occupied for a work-fhop by

No ftraw or bedding.
cooper; and the women flept in the Bell below.

women.
a

On

one

fide

court

of the

is

chapel;

chapel, and indeed the whole of this prifon, was quite out of repair

lafl

vifit

At

prifoner,

with a gallery for mafterVfide debtors.

The

was thoroughly repaired and white- warned.

prifoners are obliged to the fpirited

men and

for

(planked and ftudded

For

and humane exertion of Mr.

but

at

improvement

this

my
the

fheriff Taylor.

the roof of the prifon, are fpacious leads, on which the mafter's-fide debtors are

fometimes allowed to walk

but then the keeper

them

with

is

for the leads

municate with the adjoining houfes, one of which affords a ready efcape from
a prifon in cafe of

Befides the

com-

fo

clofe

fire.

penny loaf a day, which

fome

legacies to the debtors paid

60

a year:

is

from the chamber of London, there are

in this city, amounting to about

by the companies

they have alfo from the fheriffs 32 pounds of beef on Saturdays, and

they had formerly from the Peacock brewhoufe (MefTrs. Calvert and Co.), a kind

donation of two barrels of fmall beer a week.

In this prifon eight

The

other prifoners,

men

in

their wives

1776 had with them

and nineteen children.

learned, had forty-four wives and one hundred and forty-four

children, not in the gaol.

The
on

at for preferring the health of prifoners

a board at the

is

not

There

hung up.

is

now

painted

Sundays, from ten

door, that no vifiters are to be admitted on

to-

twelve in the morning, nor from three to four in the afternoon.

The
him
*

At

vi'fits

this

prifon,

humane
1776.

He

on night-charges*.

well as at

New

Soutb^ark,

refolution to

LuJgate, the Fleet, and King's Bench, I

1776; who had been defired to vifit the fick

by the committee of the Wejlminjier charity,

appropriate to this purpofe the furpks of a colle&ion

Sir Charles Whitworth-,

the chairman,

fome years, diredled the Doftor to apply

who was acquainted with

to

me

pleafure fupplied him, and at the fame time informed

for

him of

is

refunded to

pays window-tax, &c.

alfo

of Dr. William Smith in

Weftmnfter, and

for

as

a year rent, which

London 30

keeper pays to the chamber of

for his trouble

lift

my

heard of the freqeent

in the prifons

in

made

the plan I

of tendon,

confequence of
in the

their

hard winter of

had been employed on

of the feveral prifons, with which I with

intended publication.

Dr. Smiths attention feenaed to be chiefly turned towards debtors,

who fpoke

with

much efteem and

him and Mr. Co/ens the apothecary, who alfo attended; and many beneficial effefts proceeded from their management. Great alterations had taken place in prifons through the attention of
Parliament before the Doftor's vifits ; yet he difcovered many abufes and frauds ftill praclifed, which
gratitude of

he laid before the public in two pamphlets, printed for J.

Bew

in Paternojler-Rovi.

177 6'

q jj l -j/H Y

Sect. V1L

227

POULTRY COMPTER,
vise,

A Table

of Fees taken by the Warden, Gaoler, or Keeper of the Poultry [Compter within the City

Poultry

of London for any Prifoner or Prifoners Commitment or coming into Gaol, or Chamber-Rent there,

Compter.

from thence,

or Difcharge

any Civil Anion

in

3d year of the Reign of King George

IT.

and

" An Aft

Parliament lately made, entitled

fettled

the

in

and

eftablilhed

15th

the

January,

Year of our Lord 1729 purfuant

to

in

the

an Adl of

the Relief of Debtors with Refpecl to the Imprifon-

for

ment of their Perfons."

Every prifoner who

lhall

To

pay

at

own

his

(hall

go into the

bell

prifoner

in

the

difcharging fee

-- -- -the

the turnkeys upon fuch difcharge

Every fuch prifoner

a bed

in the

mafter-fide

for

who

at his

keeper

for

own

defire fhall

-- -- --

If two in a bed, and no more

pay to the

mafter-fide,

pay for chamber-room

to himfelf to

keeper per week

to

ward on the

beft

s.

D.

0
0

10

mafter-fide

ward on

bell

ward on the

to the keeper for his entrance fee

the turnkeys for fuch entrance

Every

To

defire

ufe

chamber-room,

his

have

of bed bedding and lheets, to the

-

of bed bedding and lheets to pay

ufe

to the keeper each per week

In the fecond ward on the mafter-fide to the keeper for their entrance fee to pay

To the keeper on their difcharge

To the turnkeys on fuch difcharge

0
0

10

0
0

71

Every fuch prifoner

ufe

at his

own

of bed bedding and

-------

defire lhall

have a bed to him or herfelf to pay for chamber,

keeper per week

lheets, to the

If two in a bed and no more, to pay for chamber-room ufe of bed bedding and lheets, each
''''<-

/wweck

the

To

the turnkeys on fuch difcharge

third

ward

commonly

called

difcharged to the keeper

Every fuch prifoner

lhall

In

'

fifteenpenny

ward

entrance

nothing,

when

at his

own

defire

a bed to

him or

herfelf to pay to the

keeper for chamber-room for the ufe of bed bedding and lheets, per week

If two

in a

bed and no more,

each per week

In the fourth or

common ward,

------the

have

to
-

pay
-

for

chamber-room

ufe of bed

bedding and

"

lheets,
-

for entrance and lodging nothing

When difcharged to the keeper

To the turnkey on fuch difcharge

Gg

WOOD-

LONDON.

228

WOOD-STREET COMPTER.
WoodITREET
Compter.

KEEPER,

John Kirby.
(See Remarks.)

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

0:15:8.
o

Felons,

11

Tap

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

6.

Old Bailey by Mr. Akermanl

Tranfports, taken from the

let.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, 1

Felonricc.

1779, Aug.

6,

3.

58,

12,

71,

36.

Nov.

15,

"38,

ir.

May

10,

69,

3.

1782, Dec. 15,

54,

17.

1777, Jan.

10,

85,

25.

1783, Aug. 24,

34,

36*.

77 6,

Duty.

Sunday.

Salary,

30.
Mr. Withey.

prifon,

built

appears by infcription

as

a fmall court or paflage for

common-fide debtors

ftories

room 39

this

fvvarms

lightfome; in

on the

Many

men, which

Felons &c.

45.

is

front,

apartments
their

in

1670, has only

yet but two

rooms
day-room, night-room, and
:

dark and dirty;

about 35 feet by 18, and 16 feet

many of whom fleep in 23 beds
At one of my vifits there
or broad (helves.

number of

of galleries,

debtors

with bugs.
it

prifoners.
for

is

too fmall for the

which are on three

no

all

that

kitchen, with a copper, &c.

far

Debtors.

Rev. Mr. Najh.

SURGEON,

room

felons

91,

CHAPLAIN,

were in

now

1783, i$~oz.)

Debtors.

high;

Remarks.)

(See

1,

1774, March

for

day:

0:1:2.

Garnifh,

THIS

loaf

a three halfpenny loaf (weight Aug.

Number,

Remarks.

penny

Felons, J

prifoners,

feven of them had their wives and children.

The day and night-room

Beyond

were only two prifoners.

it

for
is

women-debtors

room

The
more

is

ruinous, and

fit

for

ufe.

For men-felons there are two rooms

Two

cell.

bedding or

Of

the

dungeons, one down

ftraw.

and two

for

thirty-fix felons

Sec.

there were

at Exeter,

three

Dec. 21, 1782.

women

one of thefe

is

a dark

the other adjoining to the tap-room.

Thofe who choofe a bed pay

were fent from the high-gaol

11 fteps,

fines

The

and

is.

night

>

or

twenty-four convitts.

elfe

10s.

Twelve of

No
6d.

thefe

convifts have fix-pence a day each.

floorage,

LONDON.

Sect. TO.
and

floorage,

Near

week.

d. a

$s.

rooms are twenty-three more

thofe four

for

In the court

rooms
(i. e.

The

Com pt sit.

the chapel

is

and under

inner

within the

aforefaid are

down

the tap-room,

it

gate

which

between

more rooms

the keeper's houfe) are

in

16 fteps.

No

for mafter's-fide debtors.

act for preferving the health of prifoners

hung

not

The

up.

All the

the outer

and'

prifon

gate

infirmary.

greatly

is

out of repair; the main wall on one fide fliored and propped.

The
him

keeper pays to the chamber of London

expence on night-charges

for. his

he

30

a year rent, which

pays window-tax;

alfo

repaid

is

from

learned

him, that in the beginning of the year 1773 his prifoners were fickly, and eleven
For fome time the governors of the General Difpenfary (hewed a kind attendied.
tion to thefe poor people; and ordered their phyfician, Dr. Lettfom, to vifit them.

He

was efteemed by the prifoners.

The

bread allowance

from the chamber of London.

is

whom

Debtors (fome of

from the court of confeience, and lie till their debts are paid*) have' from the
They had formerly from the Peacock brewfheriffs 32 pounds of beef on Saturday.
houfe (Meffrs. Calvert and Co.) a donation of two barrels of fmall beer a week.
are

There

The

many

are

legacies

annual amount

* As

{hall

In

debts under

Guildhall

1518,

the

think,

it

Common

to

powers

fimilar

until they complied,

refuhng to fubmit to the

calendar

months,

which

be

to

company

the

debt.

Court of Confeience, held in

called a

obey the award of that court, were

although

were durante vita.

it

In

1750,

of the court, were

decifion

cancelled

quarterly.

drapers'

of Debtors, who are generally working-

clafs

this

Alderman

whole county of Middlefex;

the

to

&c. of the

maftcr,

by a court

court were eftablifhed by aft of parliament.

extending

The

proper to give fome account of what are called Courts of

Council of the city of London patted an aft for the recovery of

and the debtors who refufed

11.

may be

millings due to citizens,

forty

one of the City-Compters

that

common-fide debtors, who receive them

for

59

is

frequently have occafion to rrwntion

people with large families,

Con/cience.

From

liable

be imprifoned in

to

'.605,

be imprifoned

to

afts,

powers of

the

Dickenfon brought in a

with this difference, that

feveral

thefe

In

others

in

Newgate

have been

for

bill

perfons

all

for

three

framed

for

various parts of the kingdom, in fome of which the term of confinement has been limited to forty days,
I

have collected moil of thefe, and find the expences,

amounting

Now, these appears to be

man for the fame debt be

pence (for fuch

that

defirable

wherein a

criminals,

a very obvious defeft in

liable

forty days

in

Why

have known a

&c. to be very different; in fome inftances

might be

refpefting this

the police

one place to imprifonment for

life,

in

Why

matter.

mould'

another for three months,

fhould the fees, &c. be the fame for difcharging a debt of fifteen

man

comprehenfve fatute

cne

proportion

imprifonment
with

fees,

to three or four times the original debt.

in another only for

and

imprifoned for),
for

eftablifhed

the

for

thirty nine

whole kingdom,

between the

funis

on

this

indebted,

(hillings

head,

and

the

It

fhould
fees

And particular care fhould be taken, that debtors of this kind be not
who by their inftruftions and example frequently render them

is

certainly

be framed

and times of.

fuffered to

abandoned

mix
as

themfelves.
See, farther,
difcharge

and

on

relief

this

WoodSTREET

mafter's-fide debtors.

fubjeft,

a Report drawn up

of persons confined

by

the committee of the bsnevolent Scciety far the

fr fmall debts.
corns

LONDON.
Wood-

come

here once a year, and releafe feveral debtors for fmall fums, and leave
405. for
a bequeft of Mr. John Kendrick.
I was informed that John Fuller,
'

&UKr%+.

tIie

rema m der, from

Efq.

left

30

payment of
exceeding

and appointed the recorder and others in truft, for the

and chamber-rent of poor debtors confined in the two compters, not
each, and who had been confined not lefs than 16 weeks.
This

per annum,

fees

2 55.

legacy, as Mr. Kirby told me, has not been paid fince 1765.

Some

there came once a fortnight to common-fide debtors in this

none of beef, and fourteen quartern loaves j and the like relief toother
prifons alio.
The charitable hand was concealed; till, the donation failing on the
death of the amiable princefs Caroline
it was fuppofed that her highnefs had
been
years fince,

prifon, nine

the

generous

almoner

to

And upon

benefactrefs.

reprefenting

to

the princefs, the diftrefs of the prifoners,

the

lady

who had been

obtained

fire

king a renewal of the charity ; which was continued during his majefiy's

A Table
For every debtor

For

his or

that hath a

her rent per

room on

week provided

If debtor or debtors provide their

the keeper find bed, bedding

her difcharge

his or

to

pay

Compter.

two

in

S.

7.

-080

the mafter-fide

if

in the

bedding and one Iheet

ward

10
called the

fifteen

weekly

the charity wards to

the keeper provide

-

pay

bed

-013

10

12

026

pay no entrance, or rent

for felony,

mitdemeanour or

aflault

(except by proclamation at a gaol delivery, then nothing)

For the copy of commitment

if

his or her entrance there, to

For every prifoner committed

penny ward

For every debtor on the keeper's-fide, on

For each room to pay weekly
All perfons in any of

D.
o

one room,

'-

C
-

-013

for one or

late

life.

For every debtor

on

his

or her difcharge

-0*6
-

BRIDEWELL.

*Hl]
Remarks;

fheets

and

own bed bedding, &c.

weekly for the room

Ea
Each
debtor on

jtre.et

the matter- fide, for his or her entrance or floorage

If two in one room, to pay weekly each of them

| J*
I i I

Wood

of the Fees to be paid by the prifoners in

from the

This

building was formerly a palace, near St. Bridget's (St. Bride's) well;

from

became a prifon, was applied to other

prifons of the fame fort*.
It was given to the city by king Edward VI. in 1552.
That part of Bridewell which relates to my fubjed has wards for men and women
The men's ward on the ground-floor is a day-room in which they
quite feparate.
whence

it

had the name

which,

after

it

Jebnfen's Dictionary.

beat

Sect. VII.

N.

down two fteps, a clofe night-room. At my late vifits, a ffaircafe

room above, for the convenienccof the prifoners. In both this and
The women's ward is a daythe night-room, a window has been lately ftopt up.
room on the ground-floor, in which they beat hemp; and up flairs, two night-rooms.

hemp;

beat

was made

and,

to a

chamber above

to

St.

thefe

neceflary to lime-white the

have oppofite windows,

and there

is

up

fitted

is

rooms twice a

year.

Their

for frefh air.

were formerly fent

fick

The women's rooms

are large,

it

and

well as the men's, has water

ward-, as

the outfide, with

hand- ventilator on

The

for an infirmary.

All the prifoners being kept within- doors, makes

Bartholomew's hofpital.

a tube

each room of the

to

The ventilator would be of fervice

yet their rooms were ofFenfive.
more frequently worked, when the rooms are crowded with prifoners there can,
however, never be a healthy prifon, where the prifoners are not at times permitted

women's ward

if

to breathe the frefh air in a court.

The

prifoners are

employed by

hemp-dreffer,

who

has the profit of their labour,

an apartment in the prifon, and a falary of 20. I always found them at work
The hours of work are in winter from
at my laft vifit they were picking oakum.
eight to four;

fummer from

in

to

fix

lupply them as follows

On

ten ounces of drefTed beef without bone, broth,

beer:

on Wednefday, Friday and Saturday, a penny

the

12

allowance about

and three
loaf,

and three pints ef

butter, a pint of milk-pottage,

day's

fteward

is

and contracts to

Sunday, Monday, Tuefday and Thurfday, a penny

loaf,

fome

The

deducting meal times.

fix,

allowed eight pence a day for the maintenance of each prifoner

o'clock.

The

pints of ten fhiJling-'

four ounces of cheefe or

They

beer.

allowance of

bread

are ferved with

too

is

in

ftnall,

Aug. 1783,84-02. Oct. 902. The porter or keeper \s Thomas Holt. Salary, jT8o
no fees. To the women's ward there is a matron, Sarab Lyon; falary, 60. She
takes care of the fick, both men and women ; and is allowed a fhilling a day for
:

thofe that are put

on

In the winter the

rye-ftraw once a month.

In Bridewell

is

men and women

On

No

a public

chapel

are feparated

have made

and legacies

bath.

All the night-rooms are fupplied with

firing.

other prifon in

the

London

has any flraw or bedding.

to

The

prifoners JJoould attend every Sunday.

from each other, and from the

reft

of the congregation.

court-room are hung up many tables of very con-

the walls of the hall and

fiderable gifts

No

the fick diet.

women have fome

this

hofpital,

in

common

with others

fufficient to

more commodious, by providing courts ; and feveral workrooms, and lodging-rooms, for keeping the prifoners more feparate, as now is
very

this prifon

prudently done for the

faulty

apprentices

and

Bridewell

boys,

who were

formerly confined in one room.

The

Bridewell boys are

upon

a quite different

foundation, and

foreign

to

my

fubject..

To

Bhde.
well.

LONDON.

232

Bum-

To

were committed,

this prifon

WELL.

In the year 1772,

Prifoners

1709.

In the year 1778,

i779

6 8i.

777808.

1780,

1Q 84-

*7 8l >

"

"

459
4 8 4-

983.

1782,

659.

"

"

544-

i77H>

1774,

1775>

1776,
*777>

found there

1776, March 13,

Prifoners

1027,

in

1782, Dec. 18, Prifoners 32.

20.

May

1,

7.

Dec.

3,

24.

Prifoners

1783, Aug. 26,

Oft.

31,

38.

41.

NEW PRISON CLERKENWELL.

NeW

GAOLER,

Prison

well?"

James Elmore , now Samuel Newport,

Salary,

z now 7'

Fees >

^0:7:0.

(See Remarks.)

Tranfports, the expence.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

The Tap

let.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, a penny loaf; now

Number,

of bread a day.

Felons &c.

Felons fcc.

22,

87.

1779, Aug.

7,

60.

5,

37.

Nov.

15,

45.

May

10,

83.

Nov.

13,

58.

1782, Dec. 17,

1783, Aug. 2r,

79.

1774, April

1776, March

CHAPLAIN,
Duty,
Salary,

SURGEON,
Salary,

Remarks.

lib,

0:1:4.

Garnifh,

9.

Debtors 79;

Rev. Mr. Richards.

Sunday twice

Tuefday and Thurfday prayers.

$0.
Mr. Gibbes.
60,

for this prifon

and the bridewell

now 100.

former of the fame

1775, is more commodious than the
brought
are two rooms, called Night Charges, for prifoners
are
them
of
one
(In
day.
next
in the night, to be examined by a magiftrate

THIS

name.

prifon,

built in

Over the gate-way

keeper's

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

From

keeper's beds.)

you

that outer gate

In the men's court

fteps.

too low for the depth

large

is

to

the gate of the men's court

To

left.

each you defcend feven

which is their day-room.

The roof
Their night-ward, into which they are

Ihed,

has a chimney.

it

on

pafs

on the right hand, and of the women's to the

433

it
may be cool and frefh,
two apartments. Each has a
room on the ground-floor, a chamber, and an upper room.
In one part, thefe
rooms are 30 feet by 3
in the other 30 by 20: near 10 feet high: well planked
all over:
no chimneys. For the free circulation of air, every room has in front,

not permitted to go

the day-time, that the

in

in

air

a houfe on the other fide of the court, divided into

is

the

to

court,

but, very

two windows;

6d.

31.

no

properly,

two chambers, and

in

and backwards three, with iron

Barrack-beds

glafs.

in

every room;

and fhutters;

bars,

but

each

in

of the

one of the lower rooms, are other beds for thofe who pay

when

week:

thofe rooms.

in

thefe are occupied,

In this court

is

no prifoners fleep on the barrack-beds

room

a lock-up

for

the

unruly.

All the

flairs

are (tone.

On

one

of the women's court was their day-room, but

fide

is

it

now

a lodging'

room, and a new day-room, or Jhed with a fire-place is made on the other fide
of the court.
Their night-rooms are one on the ground-floor ranging with the

day-room, and called the

over
of

it

it

of the fame

fize

Low Ward

and

21

Thefe

The two

grates over the doors into the gallery.

only in front.

Iron bars and fhutters

and women's ward

The

chapel

no

are (as they fhould be) too

The ground-floors, and the courts,

and the New-River water is laid in;
lately at the

17,

and 10

very clofe and unwholefome;

are

clofets

by

feet

high
:

chamber

on the back

10 feet by 5, with a barrack-bed for two

are five cabins or cupboards, near

prifoners.

till

feet

paflage or gallery over the day-room

glafs.

larger

having no

but from

air

night-rooms have windows

The windows

of both the men's

high for them to look out.

are paved.

There

is

pump

in each court;

but not directly from the main, as

it

was

neighbouring prifon.
is

common

and the bridewell.

to this prifon

women

Men

of the two different

The

prifons are

on oppofite

nefs of the

chapel, the lownefs of the ceiling, the prifoners being in view of each

fides

below;

and

in

oppofite galleries.

fmall-

other, and the keepers not attending, are circumftances highly improper.

The
their

'them.

tap-houfe

is

near the outer gate.

liquor at a wicket

No

infirmary

made

for that

Prifoners

do not come into

but take

it ;

purpofe in the wall, that feparates

it

from

no bedding or draw.

In July 1775, the juftices thought

fit

to raife the gaoler's fees

At my vifit in 1782, two prifoners remained only

At my firft vifits, there was both here and at

from

$s. 6d. to ys.

for the fees.

the bridewell, a matron very properly

appointed, with a fixed Hilary,

generous

New
clerkbn.
weli..

LONDON.

234

generous benefactor (Mr. Pfildman, a falefman in

prifoners

and

beef

bread

twice

Smithfield) conftantly fends the

They have

week.

occafionally

other

fmall

donations.

The fines have only the prifon allowance *. The king's evidence
women in their ward, to fecure them from the refentment of the other
In December

1782,

their apartments

in

are put with the

prifoners.

found the county debtors were on the men's

Newgate were

rebuilt.

The

in

ftied

fide-f,

the court was inclofed

till

the

wards were glazed and had ftoves.

In the keeper's garden there
prifon

and

is

the bridewell, but being

If a fmall

inclofed a bath

incommodious

is

and

a copper, defigned for this

not ufed.

room (or counting-houfe) were made over one of

the keeper's door-

ways, he would have a view of the men's court, and of every perfon coming into the
prifon.

In the gate-way

is

board on which

is

painted as follows.

MIDDLESEX.
A

TABLE

Taken by

the Keeper of

New

OF

FEES

Prison Clerkenwell.
-

For keeping and difcharging every prifoner committed by warrant of commitment

For turning the key at every fuch perfon's difcharge

For going with any perfon before a

For

a copy of

commitment

Prifoners brought in

and difcharged,

juftice
-

pay two millings for

No

term.-

his or her difcharge

fpirituous liquors allowed to

There mould be an entire feparation in

by conftables of the night, and carried before

to

all

juftices

D.

014

-020

of the peace
-

o
o

s.

060

be brought in here.

prifons of thofe

Fixes

called

who

are

committed for

from thofe who are only committed on fufpicion either of felony or mifdemeanors.

f The county debtors had the allowance of a pound of bread each ;

from the ftieriffs, and the donations as mentioned at Newgate.

the 64/*. of beef every Saturday

CLERKEN-

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

*35

CLERKENWELL BRIDEWELL,
KEEPER,

Edward

Hall, afterward James Crofter,

Salary,

50.

Fees,

0:7:0.

now John Harwood.

CLERKCN'
WELL
Bride-

(See Remarks.)

well.

Tranfports, taken from court by Mr. Akerman.

Licence,

now

none.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, a penny loaf ; now
Garnifti,

Number,

Prifoners.

1774, April 22,

1776, March 8,

Duty

'

1779, Aug.
1782, April
Dec.

1783, Jan.

May

10,

Nov.

13,

136.

See

New

7 I.

l68.

21,

'55152. (See Remarks.)

5>

Aug.

108.

10,

Re v. Mr.

Prifoners.

87.

93.
113.

1777, Jan.

CHAPLAIN,

of bread a day.

lib.

0:1:4.

IOI,

Richards.

Prifon.

Salary, J

SURGEON,
Salary,

OVER

Mr.
See

Gibbes.

New

the gate two

Prifon.

new rooms

men and women have

prifon,

for night-charges, as at the

feparate

and wards.

Courts

New

Prifon.

The men have

In the
in their

(which mould be paved with

flat ftones), three fheds for day-rooms:

one,
by 16; the other two, 6 by 10 each; full 8 feet high. Then night-rooms
oppofite on the ground floor, one for fines, and one for other offenders, are about
20 feet by 14 each; with barrack-beds. One of them was fo crowded, that fome

court

feet

prifoners flept in

thofe

who pay

a fmall

clofe

hemp-mop

hammocks.

3 jr. 6d. a

room ufed

all

as

or work-fhop:

prentices; 7 feet by

3JL

on the ground-floor.
In the women's court

Over

an infirmary for men.

it

each:

is

paflage

fix

to

are

chambers with beds for

alfo for fines:

joining to which, is
In another part of the court is
a
little

work-fhops for faulty ap.

fronting thefe are their fix night-rooms (8

are three fheds or

with a hemp-fhop or work-fhop.

gallery or paflage, in

thefe night-rooms

week: and another room

Over

day-rooms

this,

fame

fize as thofe

of the

and the men's work-fhop,

which are twelve dark unwholefome

Hh

night-

rooms

by 4).

is

for

men

long

women;
9 feet

Remarks.

LONDON.
Clerk enBridewell.

Q feet by 7 each, and io-J. high (in fome of them are beds for thofe who pay)
two of thefe rooms are now made into one for an infirmary for the women.

The

and for the New-River water;

keeper pays window-tax;

very lately directly from the main *, and always on.

at a

pump

Befides

but

which was

till

they have water

this

each court.

in

In July 1775, the juftices augmented the fees from 5/. 6d. to ys. but
they are reduced to

in this prifon

fum.

the old

In

now (1783)
from acquitted

of fees

lieu

which were cancelled by the late act, the juftices paid the keeper at
20 a year from the ti me w h en that act took place. To this bridewell,
among criminals, are committed debtors from the court of confidence; who are disprifoners,

the rate of

after forty days.

charged

the 108 in January 1777, above thirty were convicts, or fines, that

Of

committed

nals

They complained of
part women of the
allowed.

There

This prifon
convenient,

were

fore

much

is

whole near

too fmall for

able

Of

men up

The

flairs -f-.

many women-prifoners
the number committed to
as

the back of this prifon.-

The

No
as

men
oakum;

bedding

ftraw or

men.
It

it.

workhoufe were taked

picking

in

crimi-

were for the molt

fick

pay for beds.

to

might be made

my

At

in.

the

women

in

laft

women

anc* boys, and 58

the 171 prifoners in 1779, 22

Thefe were employed

convicts.

is,

of thefe, and of the others, were fick.

the adjoining ground let for a

if

below, the

Some

which were quite black.

feet,

pooreft fort; not

are in the

was clean.

vifits it

term of years.

for a

two rooms

warehoufe and a fhed are erected on fome ground

at

convicts formerly were allowed three pence a day, but

pound of bread and two pence. The act for preferving the health of
New Prifon, on printed paper.
Of the 155 at my vifit in December 1782, 103 were fines; all were, unemployed.
At my laft vifit, 20 men and 50 women were convicts, and employed in picking

now have
prifoners

oakum.
clofe:

here, and at the

is

There

with

one dying,

* This
thought

on a

fine

runs

to

to take

little

it

off,

or no covering.

of water

the

rooms

are too

pipes

the fields at Iflington, near which

Company had

till

laft

year,

towards Marybonne.

when

the

In

dead.

obliged

We

did

is

here the

many

be built

one of the moll copious fprings of water, which

Dr. Fothergill and

fo

the

Niiu-Rivtr -Company

cannot but mention

a fmall pipe the Penitentiary houfes, which were propofed to

walk, called the White-Conduit.

as

the

room one was

In another

plenty continued

in

on laying new

refufal to fupply with

rife in

All

In the infirmary for men, January 1783, five were fick and

gardens, pleafure grounds, &c.

them

debtors from the court of requefts.

fix

air.

fupply

falutary

fit

Company's

refufal,

were

no thorough

a.

perfons

myfelf were the more

to

refign,

for

the

furprized

public

at

benefit,

this

their

not doubt, however, that Parliament would have compelled

to grant fo reafonable a requeft.

t This

is

falutary

employment,

as

the

ftrong

cent of the pitch and tar

may

counteract any

contageous or unhealthy effluvia in the work-rooms.

women's

LONDON.

Sect. VII.

women's

lick

ward 12 were lying

their clothes

in

237

on the barrack-bedftead and

floor,

without any bedding.

BrideWELL.

At the General Quarter Seffions of the Peace holden in and for the County of Middlefex
Hall (by adjournment).13th of July 15th year of George III. &c.

Middkfex.
at Hicks's

Clerken-

A Table

of Fee J to be taken by the Governor or Mafter of the Houfe of Correction at

Clerkenwell.

-060
-046
-010
-014
-010
-020
.

For keeping and difcharging every prifoner committed by warrant

new
For turning the key

For a copy of every commitment

Prifoners brought in

reduced to

every fuch prifoner's difcharge,

at

For going with every

prifoner before a juftice

by

and carried before a

conltables of the night

By

juftice

S.

D.

the Court

Butter*

WHITECHAPEL

PRISON,

White _
chapel.

FOR DEBTORS.
This

is

a prifon for

the

and manors of Stepney and Hackney.

liberties

by a printed

former includes,

which

lift

have,

towns, parifhes,

villages,

The
ftreets

&c. to the number of forty-fix; and was granted by king Edward VI. to
lord

lanes,

IVentworth, and his heirs for ever.

above 2, and under 5. The mafter'shave four fizeable chambers, fronting the road; i. e. two on each ftory
They pay 2s. 6d. a week; and lie two in a bed; two beds in a room. The
common-lide debtors are in two long rooms in the court, near the tap-room; men
in
In

it

are confined thofe whofe debts are

fide prifoners

one room;

women

in

begging-box from a

the other:
little

clofet

the court- yard

in the front

in

common.

They hang out a

of the houfe; and attend

it

in turn.

It

brings them only a few pence a day, and of this pittance none partake but
thofe who
at entrance have paid the keeper 2s. 6d. and treated the prifoners with
half a gallon of
beer.
When I was there in 1 777, no more than three had purchafed this privilege.

The

prifon

is

out of repair.

keeper, George Garred,

other taxes.

1776,

He

is

an

It

keeps the tap.

faw a paper

is

officer

the property of the lady of the manor? The

he pays rent .24; and window-tax, and all

Fees,

0:8:1. No

hung up, on which was

table:

but in

November

written as follows

A Table

Remarks.

LONDON.

138

A Table

White-

of Fees to be taken by the Keeper of

this

Prifon.

CHAPEL
Prison.

For the difcharge of every perfon upon any

civil

aUon, procefs or execution

For every perfon who choofes

to lie

on the mailer- fide, for the

For every perfon who choofes

to lie

on the mafter-fide after the

firft

firft

^ q
-081
-020
026

night

night to pay every

week

George Garred keeper 10th Auguft 1776.

At the fame time

It

Prifon.

comes

The

favv

another paper intitled Rrles and Orders

was dated Aug.

6,

1776.

into this prifon as a prifoner, (hall

The

firft

pay for

firft vifit

**

to be

obferved in this

That every perfon who

iod"

hung up.

were on the common-fide two prifoners in hammocks, fick

there

No

is,

his garnifh 2s.

claufes of the ad: againft fpirituous liquors

At my

rule

A companionate man, who was not a regular clergyman, fometimes preached to them on Sunday; and gave them fome fmall relief.
Lady Townfloend fends a guinea twice a year, which her fervant diftributes equally
and very poor.

chaplain.

among the prifoners.

As debtors here are
noify men at fkittles
;

were admitted here

them.

as

The court-room

generally very poor,

was furprifed to

once ten or twelve

fee

but the turnkey faid they were only vifitants.

at
is

another public houfe.

No

were

prifoners

at

found they
play with

near this prifon.

The above was the account at the time of my former vifits; but in 1779 I was
informed that not a tenth part of the ufual bufinefs has been tranfacted here fince
the act for extending the provifions of an

19 Geo.

III.

Cap.

al,

prevent frivolous and vexatious arrejls.

to

LXX.

In 1782 the prifon was in a ruinous condition, yet fometimes here are one or two
prifoners.

By an aft in 1781 ; 21 Geo. III. entitled, " An act for diminifhing the fees payable,
" and altering the mode of proceeding, in the court of record within the manors of
*' Stepney and Hackney,
&c." imprifonment is fixed " for a time not exceeding one
" week for every pound of the total of the debt and cofts." By this good act no
prifoners

can be confined here more than five or

fix

weeks.

Debtors from the court

of confcience for fums under 40*. are fent to Clerkenwell bridewell.

1774, April 27,

1776,

May

7,

Nov.

13,
8,

11,

1777, Jan.
1779, Aug.

23.

1782, April 10,

Dec. 13,

20.

1783, Aug. 25,

27.

5.

Prifoners
-

25.

Oct.

16,

Prifoners
-

o.

o.

o.

o.

TOWER

Sect. VII.

N,

TOWER HAMLETS
WELL-CLOSE

IN

1
is

by

his prifon

is

Up

The

fome years ago.

three night-rooms.

No

to two pence a day.

Fees,

1774, April 29, Prifoner

March

May

9*.

At my

ftraw.

o.

17,

1.

id.

No

in

which French

clofet

about

5.1 feet

by 34, with

table.

Allowance, from a penny

the prifon was almoft in ruins..

1779* Aug. 10, Prifoner o.

1782, Dec. 13, - - - o.

CATHARINE'S

St.

rooms;

Debtors from the court of confcience are

lafl vifit

1.

9,

large

Remarks*

prifon-rooms were towards the other

on the ground-floor a day-room or

flairs

fent to Clerkenwell bridewell.

1776,

ARE.

by an honeft Swede, who is gaoler. There

Tower Hamlets. The prifon-yard was 116 feet

At one end, were two

18, latticed over head.

prifoners were confined

a chimney.

Q_U

ifiSU

a public houfe, kept

at

a court-room in the houfe for the

end of the court

GAOL,

GAOL.

St.-

Gatha.
RI NE's,

This

prifon, rebuilt about fifteen

rooms on a

floor.

fince that, called

1779,

it

were no
1783.

it

years

ago,

is

a fmall houfe of

In April 1774, there was a keeper,

two

two or three times, and found the houfe uninhabited

was inhabited, but there were no

prifoners, and
was uninhabited.

prifoners.

In

{lories

but no prifoners.
:

December 1782

was informed there had been none fince 1779.

in

two
have

Auguft

alfo there

In Augufi

T HE

Remarks-.

WESTMINSTER.

24

THE SAVOY.

Savoy.

Remarks.

This
them

who

offenders

building over the gate

a large

two rooms called the Guard-rooms;

prifon for the military, has

are confined

room down

king's guards.

keeper's houfe.

the

is

are of the

five fteps, the Hall.

On

On

The

becaufe in

remainder of the

the oppofite fide of the court,

the left-hand fide of the court

is

is

another

hall, not fo large: at each end of it is a room with barrack-bedfteads and beds;
both rooms very clofe and unhealthy. Over them are other barrack-rooms, fomewhat more airy. N. i, 2, and 4, and the room over N. 1, and the lodging-room
called the Store-room adjoining to the guard-rooms, are of good fize
and the practice
:

of lime whiting adopted here

fince

my

firft

There

hole,

the

condemnd

are,

befides,

the

black

other parts of this irregular building, which

vifits,

is

hold,

falutary

the

cock

May

Many

25, Prifoners 37.

64

The

tranfports.

faw

the diftemper was

out of repair.

Keeper,

in provifions.

1779, Aug. 13, Prifoners 98, viz.

men, and 13 of the Guards.

Deferters, 21 Imprefled

prifoners were in

rooms over the

The whole was

Allowance, four pence a day,

Capt. Jack/on: falary, 50.

prifoners.

and feveral

of them fick of the gaol-diftemper, in the rooms

faw the fick and dying in March.

pit,

pafs over.

March 15, 1776, there were 119 prifoners; of whom 49 were

many fick and dying. The gaol was fo infected by them, that
caught there by many afterwards.

where

the

for

hall

were

health;
fitted

the

up

rooms made fomewhat more

airy,

and three

for an infirmary.

1782, Dec. 20, Prifoners 92.

The

prifon was

not dirty, nor the rooms offenfive except in the infirmary.

of the guards were in clofe confinement on bread and water for 48 hours.

was

fick

in the prifon,

and 12

other room, one of the tranfports

in

two of the

left

here lay dead.

clofe

rooms of the infirmary; in the

Keeper, Capt. OJborne.

1783, Aug. 29, Prifoners 56.

Fourteen were of the guards, of whom 10 were in the black
for

24 or 48 hours.

Some

Three

One

hole

on bread and water

of the prifoners, having received his majefty's pardon

on condition of

inlifting, and afterwards deferted, had been here from 7 to 16

rooms were very clean; they are lime-whited twice a year, and they
are wafhed every day, the prifoners being turned out of them early in the morning.
There had been none fick in the hofpital for two months.

months.

The

TOTHILL"

WESTMINSTER.

Sect. VII.

TO THILL-FIELDS BRIDEWELL,
KEEPER,

George Smith.

Salary,

keeper 20.
50, paying the widow of the former

Fees,

0:5:

TothillBridewell.

2.

Mr. Akerman.
Beer and Wine. Tap

Tranfports, taken by

Licence,

let.

Now

no licence.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, a penny loaf (weight Dec. 1782, 8$z.
a

0:1:

Garnifh

4.

Number,
1775, March

4,

109.

1779, Aug. $j
1782, Dec. 18,

1776,

6,

86.

1783, Aug. 20,

89.

May

3,

75.

22,

92.

1777, Jan.

8,

no.

Oft. 29,

52.

OVER
" of this

38.

Mr.

the gate

for fuch as will

now Mr. Thomas

Glover,

He
this

is

makes

Men

10.

Purdue.

bill.

infcription,

This prifon has

beg and

for

live idle in

" Here

are feveral forts of

work

doors are iron latticed.

city

for the

and liberty of Weftminfter.

feet

They

2 inches

poor

No

ftraw.

No

For

and

Anno

faulty ap-

the upper and lower pannels of the

day-room, and four night-rooms.

All the night-

conftantly warned every day

and are quite

are

prifoners warn their hands and faces every

their allowance.
in

by 7

For women,

rooms have barrack-beds.

The

this

men, two day-rooms and three night-rooms

prentices, five rooms, 10 feet

chapel,

Impreffed

72.

parifh of St. Margaret's Wejlminfter, as alfo the county according to law,

1655."

frefh.

74-

none.

none.

Salary,

"

Prifoncrs.

Prifoners.

1774, April 22,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

9$ oz.) and

Ocl. 1783,

penny a day each.

infirmary.

little

morning before they come

room ufed

which Mr. Smith reads a chapter, and part of the

as

a furgery.

Common

for

Prayer-book

every morning.

The women mould have another day-room: and one of the day-rooms for men
mould be enlarged. The courts adjacent might alfo be enlarged. The rooms for
women, and their court, are now more airy, the garden-pales being fet farther off. The

keeper pays window,-tax, and for water.

Over

the gate
I

is

a paper with this infcription

"No

Remarks.

WESTMINSTER.
Tothill-

"

No

perfon admitted into this prifon on a Sunday after nine o'clock in the morning

At my

well.

vifit

in 1777, there

were among the

confcience; in 1779, three; and in 1783,

fix.

felons,

two debtors from the court of

always found this prifon very clean:

There is now a work-mop with hemp-blocks, and

room over it. Two of the women's night-rooms are appropriated to female convicts,
who have alfo a feparate court with water, &c. As I have feen feveral fick objects
on the floors, the gentlemen, who are fo ready to relieve the fufferings of their fellowcreatures, will forgive the intimation that an infirmary might be made over the women's
and the prifoners calm and placid.
a

ward.

Fees

Tothili-fields Bridewell,

allowed for the Governor of

as

by Order of Court

January Seflions 1772.

-042D
-010
-014
010
s

For commitment and difcharge of a prifoner by warrant

For the turnkey

Copy of commitment
For a

night's charge

Signed in open court

by
George S. Bradjhaw

James Fielding

Aaron Lamb.

George Ried

WESTMINSTER GATE-HOUSE.

Gate .
HOUSE.

Remarks.

This

prifon, the property

of the Dean and Chapter, was over two gate-ways; but

being in a very ruinous condition, has been taken down

Tothill-fields, joining to the bridewell,
at

my

vifit

Aug.

22,

for the refractory.

and another

1783, there had been no prifoners.

and felons

ration of debtors

but was not inhabited, Aug.

and

in

Both debtors and

There

erected in

is

5,

will

1779

the court of the latter are four fmall

felons,

and

be a fepa-

rooms

though not feen by one another,

will

when they
by pipes from

be in view from the pulpit, and there the keeper can eafily obferve them
are locked up.

the main.
over.

To

The
make

The

courts will be plentifully fupplied with water,

outer walls are too low, fo that tools &c.

this a fecure prifon,

may be

eafily

conveyed

a furrounding wall (as at Hertford gaol)

muft

be built.

THE

-SOUTHWARK.

Sect. VII.

THE

BENCH PRISON,

KING'S

DEBTORS.

FOR
MARSHAL,

243

Thomas Thomas, Efq.

Mar/on, afterward Mr. Jordan,

Deputy Marshal, Mr.

now Mr.

Hill.

Salary-

Fees,

See Table.

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

Tap

(See Remarks.)

let.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, none.

Garniih,

2:0.

Number,
1776, Jan.

28,

364,

May

28,

395, (See Remarks.)

1779, Aug.

11,

511,

CHAPLAIN,

438,

1782, Jan.

2,

450,

7.

Dec. 28,

485,

30.

1783, Aug. 23,

532,

50.

80.

75.

SURGEON,

month.

o on every commitment.

none.

prifon was part old buildings, part new.

old buildings were

King-Jlreet.

On

coffee-room juft within the gate

the right hand was the tap- houfe

chapel

near 10 feet fquare, and 7 high.

;

and

fix

houfes for prifoners

back-rooms had not,

as

The

rooms, and two

called

rooms on each

four

the left-hand fide of the ftreet was the

of equal depth with the former houfes

on the ground-floor, was a

cook, a prifoner, had the

floors

a ftreet

but the

the former had, communication with the fore-rooms.

the hither end of the fore-rooms,

too fmull.

On

Remarks.

and

and four houfes for prifoners

each confifted of a ground-floor, and two floors of chambers

floor;

60.

Rev. Mr. Evans.

Salary,

THIS

1779, Oct. 26,

Sunday once; the facrament once

Duty,

The

100.

324,

In the Rules.

In the Houfe.

In the Rules.

In the Houfe.

1774, April 26,

fide the

it.

Thefe houfes

kitchen,

alfo

At
much

had ground-

All the rooms fronting King-ftreet, and the whole

of chambers.

of the houfes on the other

room over

common

way, were for mafter's-fide debtors

who paid
row was

for

each room unfurnifhed a milling a week.

left-hand

common-fide j the doors

the ground-floor they

called

their

court-room.

in

the

The back-part of the

back-front.
The firft room on

The two

houfes at the further end had

I

fix

the

rooms each,
for

SOUTH WAR

244
King's

for crown-debtors and fines; and were called

ENCH
'

all

Crown-court.

the three floors was for common-fide debtors.

in a fmall court enclofed

houje

from the

confifting of ground-floors,

each floor

total twelve.

to ten guineas for his whole time

The

of

reft

range on

this

the farther end of King-ftreet,

of the yard, was a building called the State-

reft

and two

debtor

At

K.

who

floors of

chambers

four fizeable rooms on

chofe to be here, paid the marlhal from eight

befides a (hilling a week,

like

other mafter's-fide

debtors.

All thefe old buildings were out of repair.

The new

buildings were

firft,

were very convenient; and were

new building was

principal

One

a right angle.

a houfe at the gate for the turnkey.

The chambers

who

But

let

to a prifoner

was
of

as

the

rooms on each
feet by

9*-,

The

prifon

rooms, and

of

13 feet by

my

vifits

the times

fummer
in the

part.

firft

1 1,

and about eight

8 feet

On

(which
I

feet high.

The

floor, total

and 73^ long:

forty-four; each

Among

by an accurate

lilt

room 13^

of 108 new
At more than one
much oftener than

the improvements,

many

other prifons

took the numbers) fome had the fmall-pox.

In

The

had the fame number

It

7f> feet wide,

It

was

crowded the

fo

1776, that a prifoner paid five fhillings a week for half a bed, and

chapel.

and the

other part (the wing)

fhould have built an infirmary.

repeated to this as well as

the

formed

high.

a fpacious court, they

when

on each

it

above^' total fixty-four.

each floor was a paflage

fupplied with water.

well

is

floors

but more airy and commodious.

fide the paflage,. eleven

about

parts of

part was four houfes, with four ground-rooms to each

built as the Fleet prifon

floors

The two

end of the yard.

at the fardier

fame number of chambers on each of the three

rooms were about

paid a very high rent.

many

lay

May

1776, the number of prifoners within the walls was 395 ; and
which I procured, their wives (including a few that were only

called fo) were 279, children 725,

1004: about two thirds of

total

thefe

were in the

prifon.

The above was

the ftate of the prifon in

buildings were taken down, and a chapel and

1776; but afterwards fome of the old

many rooms added

to the

new

buildings,

and another wing fimilar to that which has been already mentioned, but no infirmary.

This fpacious prifon

is

enclofed with a ftrong wall about thirty feet high, with a chevaux

de frife.

The
one

Rules, or bounds of this prifon are extenfive, including St. George's Fields,

fide

of Blackman-ftreet, and part of the Borough High-ftreet, of which a plan

is

publ: fried.

This prifon

is

vUited

at

Michaelmas term,

there was a wine-club, and a beer-club

without feeing parties

as the

act directs*; yet at

my

firft vifits

and one could fcarcely ever enter the walls

at (kittles, miflifippi, portobello, tennis, fives,

&c.

32c! Gccrge II.

The

SOUTHWARK.

Sect. VII.

The above was

and now

it

good regulations
illicit

the account of the prifon before

rebuilt

is

it

was burnt by the

on the plan of the former new buildings.

and a flop

are introduced,

put

is

245

in a great

No

1780

rioters in

Many

infirmary.

meafure to gaming and the

fmuggled goods.
the government of this prifon

practice of felling fpirituous liquors and

The

tables

of

and

rules

for

orders

required by the preamble) for

common

infpection.

prefume

are

to give

hung up

(as

an abridgment

of them.

Rules

and

Orders

for the better

The

And

Marfhal not to remove any

may

fuch

to the Fleet

remove any one from

4. Marfhal not to

None

methods of confinement.

attempting to efcape.
.

Signed the 25th of

1729.

flocks to be kept up for punifhment of blafphemers, fwearers, riotous, &c.

2. Againfl illegal

Made and

Government, &c.

November

by writ of habeas

upon

corpus.

common-fide and

the

which time, the prifoner may appeal

5. Coroner's inquefl

be confined in an unufual place or manner, unlefs for

to

appeal to the court, or a judge.

to a

its

benefits without three days notice

during

judge.

the dead.

6. Againfl garnifh and partial diilribution of dividends.

7. Prifoners to fend out for necefTaries

9.

Table of

fees, thefe rules,

Marfhal and fervants

to

and a

lilt

and to bring in their own bedding, &c.

of charities to be hung up in a public roorm

behave with the utmofl tendernefs.

10. Turnkey always to attend at the door.

11.

No

fervants to partake of, or even diflribute the charity.

12. Chapel to be kept in repair.

13.

The

14.

Dining -room

Chaplain duly to perform.

abufive to the flocks.

to

be kept in repair for devotion, or converfation

with a

fire.

Two

rooms for the

fick.

15.

Thofe who make oath before &c.

that they have not

&c. to be admitted to the charities,

offices

in

the prifon, Sec.

16.

No

perfon committed for any criminal matter to vote for fleward, &c. or to partake of any charity but
the bafkets.

17.

Lodging

r8.
19.

Any
The

20.

One

in the cabin

prifoner

may be

of any ward, gratis.

chofen

affiflant,

fuperfedable adtion

may

be fuperfeded with common-fide

cation to the court, or a judge.

2X.

and enjoy the benefits of that

flation.

of the common-fide to be kept by the mafler of King's Bench office; and not put
without the approbation of marfhal, fleward, and afliflants.
feal

The

fick to be taken care

No

money

to

any deed

more than one, not without

appli-

judge's clerk to take a fee on the occafion.

of by the fleward and

afliflants

who

are to be reimburfed out of the

firfl

county-money..
22. Debts contrafted by the fleward and

afliflants

with the marfhal's and matter's confent, for fupport of the

poor, to be paid out of the next dividend.

23. Steward and affiftants to have no pay for
24. Prifoners entered after the

ifl

common

bufinefs, or adjufling differences.

day of Eafler-term,

to

have but one quarter of the Midfummer divi-

dend.
25. All

money brought in by the bafket-mcn, or brought in at Chrifimas, Eafter and

WLitfuntide, to be
divided immediately after paying the bafket-men for their trouble.
26.

If.

King's

SOUTH WAR
King's

26. If the marfhal advance

BtNCH.

27.

Common-fide

prifoners

court or a judge.

28.

The

money for a fuperfedcas, he is to be

may cleft an annual fteward ; who
No prifoner in the rules may vote.

K.

reirnburfed out of the next county-money.

is r.ot

to be depofed, but on application to the

fteward to enter in books the table of fees, thefe rules, and a

of the

lift

charities.

All, together with

his accounts, for infpe&ion of the prifoners.

29.

A prifoner

wronged by the fteward and afliftants, on applying to the court or a judge, (hall be paid his
damages out of the next dividend of the fteward and afliftants if he complain unjuftly, he lhall make
fatisfadtion from his own next dividend.
:

30. If the fteward or

afiiftants

embezzle the money, fucceflbrs may

call

them

to account,

and

flop their divi-

dends of the grate-money, &c. for reparation of the injury.

31.

Thefe orders

to

be read publicly every third Monday.

32. Marfnal, fervants, and prifoners to obierve thefe rules under pain of the utmoft punifiimcnt of law.
33.

No

clerk or fervant of a judge to take any fee on occafion of a petition founded on thefe orders.

Raymond

R.

'

The

preceding rules

one

fill

Further Rules

and

No

Orders

Day

Made and Signed

Government, &c.

for the

of

May

1759.

perfon to bring any weapon.

who demand

z. Thofe on the mafleris-fide

a fortnight, from
3.

Doors of the great garden

The chambers

common-fide

to

to be fhut at

dark

doors of the wards at nine.

he

may

month

to

pay

his

chamber-rent; he

may be

turned over to the

His goods to be delivered to him, by a witneffed inventory.

he pays.

till

plaintiff,

fell

be excluded, not longer than

at difpofal of the marfhal, Sec.

5. If a mafter-fide prifoner negleft for a

None

for the like offence to

except (hare of the bafkets.

all profits

4.

by the

garnifh, to be turned to common-fide for a time, not longer

Thofe on the common-fide are

than a month.

6.

E. Probyn.

viz.

the 10th

1 .

Reynolds

of a large fheet of paper, on which they are printed.

fide

Another fheet has what follows,

Ja.

If difcharged

yet be detained for fees, and a month's chamber-rent.

in the prifon victuals or drink without confent

be turned over to the common-fide for a month.

of marfhal.

prifoner thus offending

Marfhal to take care that thofe who

fell

may

do keep

good order, &c.

7. Confirms the 14th rule preceding, i.e.

That

is

the great

room

for exercife

and the two rooms for the

fick.

common-fide for offending, or non-payment,

8. Prifoners turned to
bafkets

to bear

no

office

nor vote for

to

have no profit but

flbare

of the

officers.

9. Thefe rules to be fixed in the moft public places, for infpection.

Signed,

Mansfield,

A
Thofe who attempt
of the marfhal

who

or

further
afiift

aflault

Rule

an efcape

another

and

who

T. Dennison,

Order,
fell

who blafpheme

&c. made 19th

M. Forster,
May

E.

Wilmot.

1760.

or promote the fale of victuals or liquors without leave

the

name of God, fwear

or

make

a riot,

may be

fent

by

the marfhal to any one of the following prifons in Southwark, niz. the county gaol for Surry, the bride-

well

Sect. VII.

SOUTHWARK.

well for that county, or to the

Marfhalfea

and there confined for the

This rule

months.

for a fecond offence not exceeding three

firfl

24?

offence not exceeding one month

Signed)

Mansfield,

On
A Table
for

Majefty King

George

for the Relief of Debtors with

2d.

To the marfhal
To the turnkey

Bench

County of Surry,

Prifon, in the

Gaol, or Chamber-Rent there, or Difcharge

the Second, and in the

Day of June in the 33d Year of the

Year of our Lord 1760, purfuant to an Acl

of their Perfons, viz.

refpecl to the Imprifonment

for every prifoner

committed on any

on the mafter's-fide

civil action

3d.

To

the marfhal on the difcharge of every fuch prifoner

To

the deputy marfhal

5 th.

To
To

upon the difcharge of one or more

th.

action upon the difcharge

To

the deputy marfhal

upon a commitment of a prifoner

9th.

To
To

the clerk of the papers for the fame

nth.

'

To

13th.

To

at a judge's

provided by the gaoler at the prifoner's requeft, for the

of the faid prifon

For the

And

For the

like ufe

17th.

For the

like ufe every night after the

8th.

19th.

Ac

And
And

two

if

lie in

two

firit

one bed,

per

week

for the

to hinder

ufe

d.

each

finds his

own
-.

'

firfl

.
firft

night

fhall

pay

flieets

for
-

0
6

10

0
0
0
0
0

6.

bed, bedding and

him of) then he

common-

firfl:

a bed, 2 d. each

if the prifoner
fort

to the faid

night, in the

of every prifoner that goes on the mailer's -fide, for the

lie in

no

other fee

for each prifoner, if

like ufe every night the prifoner remains in cuftody after the

ijth.

if

chambers

flieets

...

16th.

and

the court,

the marlhal for the ufe of chanber, bed, bedding and

fide

by

any prifoner committed

the tipftaff that carries

prifon

14th.

To the clerk of the papers for each action upon fuch furrender
To each of the four tipftaffs, 2 s. 6d. for each prifoner's commitment

2th.

many

carried to the King's Bench prifon, in the whole

1

0
0

the faid deputy marfhal for a furrender in difcharge of bail, be there never fo

actions

10th.

Di

cham-

in court, or at a judge's

bers, on any civil action, if carried to the King's Bench prifon

8th.

the clerk of the papers for every action, execution, or other charge to be paid on
the difcharge

firft

s.

actions, executions, or other

charge, and no further fee though there be never fo many- actions

the clerk of the papers for the

4th.

6th.

Wilmot.

Settled and eftablifhed the 16th

any Civil Action.

in

his

in

E.

is

of Fees to be taken by the Marfhal of the King's

Reign of

Firft.

fame Iheet

the

any Prifoner or Prifoners Commitment, or coming

from thence

M. Forster,

T. Dennison,

(which the marfhal

is

if

In

chamber-rent to the marfhal,

-

oiq

of chamber, bed, bedding and Jhects, or upon the commitment or difcharge of any prifoner on
any civil

Thomas Howard,
Jnthony Thomas Abdy,

atlioti.

Mansfield,
T. Parker,

William Hammond,

Sjmg's

Bench.

be hung up.

to

Three

"

SOUTHWARK.

248

King

Three

Bench.
Monday

hung

excellent rules have been lately

next after three weeks from the day of the Holy Trinity in the 19th Year of

George

King

the Third.

Upon full and mature confideration had here in

man may lawfully be turned out of his chamber for the

King's Bench Prifon.

court, that any

If fuch perfon

chamber

lets his

to another, or does not

taken the benefit of any infolvent adl or the lords' aft

where there

is

up.

no

court, It

is

ordered by the faid

following caufes (that

refide there himfelf, or if fuch perfon

is

to fay)

might have

or if he be charged by a friendly or collufive aftion

real debt.

By

Friday next after

the Court.

days from the day of the Holy Trinity in the 19th Year of

fifteen

King George the Third.

King's Bench Pri/cn.

It

is

ordered that

marlhal of the Marfhalfea for the fpace of

fhall

all

prifoners

months

fix

who have been

or fhall be in the cuftody of the

after they are fuperfedcable although not fuperfeded

be forthwith difcharged out of the prifon of the marlhal of the Marfhalfea by the faid marfhal as to

fuch actions in which they have been or

room

by reafon of

in the faid prifon

which he

is

fhall

be fuperfedeable.

feniority except

And

that no prifoner fhall be intitled to

from the time of

his

all

any

being charged in the aftions in

not fuperfedeable.

By

Wednefday next

weeks from the day of the Holy Trinity,

after three

King
King's Bench Prifon.

It is

ordered by

this

George

the Court.

in the 2 1 ft

Year of

the Third.

court, that the marlhal

of the Marfhalfea of

this

court fhall

permit no perfons to enter into the prifon without their being firft fearched, to fee Whether they have any
and that he do not fuffer the wives or children of any of the prifoners to
fpirituous liquors about them
:

lodge in the prifon, under any pretence whatfoever ; and that the marfhal do prefcribe in what manner, and
for how long time, vifitors fhall be allowed to fee or ftay with the prifoners, according to the circumftances

of every cafe

in his difcretion.

By
befides, in this prifon, as in the Fleet,

There were,

prifoners themfelves,

"

(as they were pleafed to

now
I

to be

term

the Court.

certain printed rules

obeyed and obferved by every member of

Many

it).

made by
this

of them were arbitrary and improper: but

they are abolifhed.

procured a

lift

of

gifts

and donations now * belonging to the prifoners on the common

fide of the Kings Bench prifon, which

is

as follows

.
County money f paid quarterly by the clerk
at fifteen

the

College

pounds per quarter

There was a

fome benefaction

he thought

it

D.

-60 00

the wall of the old prifon, fixed there by order of a donor of

might perpetuate
By, the

S.

Chief Juftice of the court of King's Bench

-

brafs plate, on a ftone in

as

to the

his gift.

43d EUz. Chap.

II.

Sea.

15.

The

gift

O U T

Sect. VII.

K,

249
S.

D.

10

12

of Sir Thomas Grejham paid by the Chamberlain of London at two pounds ten (hillings
-

ftr quarter

Lady Bertie at Lady-day yearly (deducting land-tax)

Mr. John March one pound, and the intereft of old South Sea annuities twelve and
paid at Michaelmas yearly by the mercers company Mrs. Smith paid at Chriftmas yearly by the filhmongers company

Mrs. Joan Hackett paid

ditto

by

ditto

Arthur Moufe, Efq. paid ditto by ditto

parifh of St. Sepulchre London yearly at Chriftmas

The
The

gift

Mr.

Garrett, paid at Chriftmas yearly

at ditto

by ditto

by the

falters

Robert Ramfjion, Efq. called brafs

money

.034
0134
.034
0100
-050
-068
-

OJlorne, payable quarterly at ten (hillings per quarter

050
100

-200

fent yearly at Chriftmas

Bench.

pence,

paid yearly at Chriftmas (deducting land-tax)

Lady Ram/ay, one hundred pounds weight of beef

King's

company

five

of Sir John Peachy, paid at Chriftmas yearly by the grocers company

Mr. Home, paid

Lady

by the

parifhes

of

Allhallows Lombard-ftreet and St. Andrews Underjhaft alternately.

Mrs. Margaret Deane nine ftone and an half of good beef and
on

5 th

five

dozen of bread

fent yearly

of November by the ironmongers company.

Mrs. Margaret

Sine/ear fixty-five

The

Ieatherfellers

The

parifti

(hillings,

of

company

fometimes eight
St.

penny loaves

fent every eight weeks.

in bread two fhillings and eight pence, and calh fometimes four
(hillings quarterly.

Dunftan in the Eaft a fore quarter of beef weight twenty-feven ftone

pounds and a peck of oatmeal annually

fix

Midfummer.

at

The company of parilh clerks annually on the ft of November

The company of drapers fixty penny loaves annually in December
The company of cutlers annually in December the gift of Mr. Cray t home
The gift of Tho. Daufon, Efq. paid annually by the parifh of St. Etkelburg

-050

London

0150

090
-100

His Grace the Archhijhop of Canterbury ufually gives at Chriftmas

The fadlers company a free donation of two fhillings and fix pence per quarter

o 10

The

city

of Norwich annually

MARSHALSEA

SOUTHWARK.
MARSHALSEA PRISON.
Marshal-

DEPUTY MARSHAL,
Suestitute, Thomas

Thomas Marfan, Efq. now deceafed.

Phillips, afterwards IVilliam Williams,

now

J. Evans.

Salary-

Fees,

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

10

10.

The Tap

let.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, none.

0:1:

Garnifh,

Prifoners.

March

1774,
I775>
I77 6 ^

May

CHAPLAIN,

167.

1779,

Aug.

6>

175-

7 8 *>

J an

I2 >

*94-

15,

234.

17S3,

10,

92.

>

4^.

Dec. 19,

49.

Aug. 23,

71.

every other Sunday.

Salary,

is.

SURGEONS,

from each prifoner on difcharge.

See Table of Fees.

Meffrs. Stapleton and Walfhman.

Salary,

TO

Prifoners.

16,

Rev. Mr. Coc kane.

Duty,

Remarks.

called ward-dues for coals, &c.

It is

4.

Number,

is.

this prifon

from each prifoner on difcharge.

See Table of Fees.

of the Court of the Marfhalfea, and of the King's Palace-Court

of Weftminfter, are brought debtors arretted for the loweft fums, any where within
twelve miles of the palace, except in the city of

London

and

alfo perfons

committed

for piracy.

The deputy

marfhal,

whofe

under

particular

cuftody

this

prifon

has

is,

his

appointment from the knight marfhal of the king's houfehold for the time being.

The

great

Committee

abufes pra&ifed by this officer were reported to parliament

in

This prifon

is

at the yearly rent

in

a fpacious

of them
a

left

were

for

held under feveral Ieafes by the

of 101.

court.

for

man who was

he lived with

by the Gaol-

1729.

There

his family

women.

are, in

in

Of
let

too few for the

complained of *he bad company,

in

the other rooms,

and yet only

live

were

one of them he kept a chandler's fhop

the other two he

They were

the late deputy marfhal

the whole, near fixty rooms

common-fide debtors.

not a prifoner

widow of

an old irregular buidling (rather feveral buildings)

It is

to prifoners.

number

let

in

fix

to

two

Four rooms, the Oaks,

and the more modeft

which they were confined.

women

There were above

forty

SOUTH

Sect. VII.

ARK.

*$?

men on the matter's -fide, in which were about fixty beds yet at my
place to fleep in, but the chapel, and
firft vifits, many prifoners had no beds nor any
for in feveral rooms where four
regulation
wants
chamber-rent
The
the tap-room.
rooms

forty

for

two beds, and

in

lie

a week for

The

is

In

No

greatly out of repair.

infirmary.

&c. and

the prifoners play at rackets,

it

tap

was

let to

one bed, each pays

The

court

little

in

March 1775, when

in this
prifons,

number of

prifoners

was 175, there were with them in

they are increafing, for

yet

debtors whofe original debts are

or in other inferior courts,

the original debt

until the

amount to 10.

courts, for the fmall

adr,

action

frefh

As he bound

exceed 4.
called the

He

procured a

lift

manor of Goring

his

Oxford charity.

in

here,

many
and

debtors

in

other

but for the purpofe

the court of exchequer,

is

then taken out in the fuperior

colls

of profecution.

Thus

years fince a prifoner here, had, during his con-

learned fytnpathy by his fufferings

a year for difcharging poor debtors

100

find

expences of fuch profecutions which added to

finement, a large eftate bequeathed to him.

left

are not fo

are defeated *.

who was many

Allnott,

much under 10.

and the accumulated

original debt,

the falutary purpofes of the faid

Mr. Henry

fum-

in the

prifon wives

prifon as formerly

many

this prifon

prifoners not then liking the tapfter's beer.

the

of imprifoning fuch debtors, they are profecuted either

js

well fupplied

was credibly informed, that one Sunday

and children 46.

Since the ad of the 19th of Geo. III. Chap. LXX. there

incommodious

and

is

pots of beer were brought in from a public houfe in the neigh-

bourhood (AJlmore's) the

this

3s. 6d.

back court, the

a prifoner in the rules of the King's Bench prifon

juft within thofe rules.

mer 1775, about 600

In

in

lie

at fkittles.

The
being

fome dark rooms where two

his lodging.

prifon

with water.
Park,

in

M^ny

in Oxfordjhire for charitable ufes,

are cleared by

from hence, whofe debts do not

it

this

every year.

of the legacies and donations which are regularly paid, but no table

was hung up.

Lift of Charities belonging to the

County Money ^y^per Quarter.

Leatherfellers

May
"
"
"
"
"

(By

Common

Side of the Marjhalfea Prifon.

the 43d E/iz. Chap. II. Se&. 15.)

company, bread and money quarterly,

6s. 8d.

In the Report from the (aforefaid) Committee appointed to inquire into the
14,

1729, on the Marjhaljea prifon, are thefe words,

mitted for a debt of one milling enly

for the fmalleft

iums

for

againlt frivolous

and tho' the caufe of action

is

is

arrefts is

of the gaols,
to

be com-

but one penny, a proceis

is

iiTued,

the

pr.icefs is

fuch time as the cofts amount to above"" 40*. and

till

thrown into prifon, and by adding the

and vexations

ftate

prifoners are fo poor as

by the ufage of the faid court of record, proceffes are iffued

returned, and the proceedings are carry'd on,

thereupon the debtor

" Many

cofts to the

debt the late

ad of parliament

eluded."

Kk

Sir

Marshal-

SOUTHWARK.

252

MarshalSEA -

Thomas Grejhams legacy,

Sir

10 per annum, paid quarterly by the chamberlain of London.

Drapers company, the legacy of Mr. John Stokes, fixty penny loaves on the 5th of December.
The gift of the late Chief Baron Smyth, fifteen Hone of beef at Chriftmas, and continued by Lady Smyth.
Mr. John Marks 's annuity, the intereft of 11
18
10, South Sea ftock.
Mr. Ralph Carter's legacy, ninety-fix pounds of beef at Chriftmas: paid one year by the church-wardens
:

of Jllballows, and the other by

St.

Andrews Underjhaft.

Ironmongers company fend nine ftone and two pounds of beef, and

November,

Mr. John

Craythorne's legacy, 15

Mr. Thomas Dazvfon's

Mr. Robert Rampflons

legacy, 9

paid by the

s.

s.

legacy, 20

company of

dozen of bread on the 5th of

cutlers at Chriftmas.

paid by the church-wardens of

St. Ethelburg, Bijhopfgate, at

Chriftmas.

at Chriftmas.

s.

Archbiihop of Canterbury fends yearly

Mr.

five

the annual gift of Mrs. Deane, deceafed.

at

Chriftmas i

Kelfall fends a chaldron of coals yearly at Chriftmas.

Mrs. Smith's legacy,

Salters

company fend

Mr. Thnnas

4d. paid by the fiihmongers company yearly

3 s.

yearly 6

s.

Carter's legacy, a quarter of beef

wardens of

St.

at Chriftmas.

8d.

and a peck of oatmeal

at

Lady-day, paid by the church-

Dunjians in the Eaft.

Eleanor Guuinn's legacy, fixty-five penny loaves every two months.

William Roper, Efqr's legacy,

Mr. Jaccbs's legacy, 2

ATable

Fees

of

per annum, paid by the

company of

paid at the Grainge inn, Lincoln

at Eajler,

to be taken

parifh clerks.

Inn back-gate,

left in

by the Gaoler or Keeper of the Marfhalfea Prifon

Action fettled the 17th Day of May 1765 Purfuant

to

Ad for Relief

an

16C9.

on

of Debtors,

any Civil

Sec.

S.

To the knight
To the keeper
on the

marfhal upon the difcharge of every prifoner charged with one or more actions
for his care

firft

and

fafe cuftody

To

the keeper

To

the furgeon or apothecary on

actions

the chaplain on the like difcharge

To
To

the clerk for entering the difcharge of a prifoner on one or

the turnkey upon the difcharge of every prifoner on the

firft

action

the turnkey upon the difcharge of fuch prifoner charged with one or
firft

at the prifoner's requeft, for the

night after the

lie in

firft

night

firft

a bed id. each

more

the keeper for the ufe of bed, bedding

And every
And if two

after the

the difcharge of every prifoner charged with one or

To
To
To

No

upon the difcharge of fuch prifoner charged with one or more actions

firft

-048
-038
-010
010

of every prifoner upon the difcharge of fuch prifoner

action

D.

018

more

actions

by the gaoler

night on the mailer's fide of the faid prifon

-

otber\fee for the ufe of chamber, bed, beJding,

actions after the

fheets for every prifoner if found

and

more

or upon the difcharge or commitment

010
006
003
004

of any prifoner on any

evil afticn.

W.

Rkhardfon

Mansfield

Eliot Bijkop

C.Pratt

Lcond Houard.

T. Parker.

BOROUGH

SOUTH

Sect. VII.

W ARK.

2 53

BOROUGH COMPTER.
GAOLER,

Jeremiah Bevis.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

Felons,
Tranfports,

Borough
Compter.

o.

4.

10:6

from the contractor.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,"}
rs,l a penny loaf a day each (wen
Felons,

0:2:8
0:1:4

Garnifh,

May

1776,

March

4,

37>

11,

10,

May

18,

Nov.

13,

CHAPLAIN

none.

SURGEON,

none,

THIS

prifon,

parifhes

rooms

for

and

in

Tooley-ftreet,

a part

of a

it,

ufelefs,

into

becaufe not

two rooms.

Felons &c.

3-

2.

1.

for

2.

14,

4-

Dec. 15,
1783, Aug. 25,

15,

3-

25,

2.

flairs,

fecure. The women were

ding or ftraw.

the Rookery; and a

in the (tone kitchen,

Three of the common-fide rooms had barrack-beds.

There was a fmall court

The whole

which contains

prifon was

much

The keeper

of the court of aldermen.

is

and

a chapel,

out of repair,

An

infeription
at St.

who

lie

there

room over

then divided

Mod
till

of the

their debts

but no chaplain appointed.

and ruinous.

put in by the high

Borough Court: but the courts are held

feven

the ground-floor, in which felons &c.

long room up

debtors are poor creatures from the court of confcience,

are paid *.

Felons &.

16,

1779, for mafter's-fide debtors,

in

room on

Debtors,

1779, Aug. 10,

1782, Jan. 2,

the borough of South wark,

had

fifth,

common-fide debtors,

were with them night and day

See Remarks,

common- fide.
Debtors.

i774>

Aug. 1779, 1202.

1783, g\oz.)

mafter's-fide.

Number,

four

Dec. 1782, Soz. Aug.

in

bailiff,

No

whofe

infirmary.

office

is

No

bed-

in the difpofal

over the gate, dated 1716, called it*the

Margaret's Hill.

This prifon might have been made more commodious, by building on a piece of
at the back of it, 41 feet by 20, which the keeper ufed as a garden.

ground,
*

The

Society for relief

of pefons imfrifened for fmall debts, releafe

many

debtors from this prifon.

This

Remarks,

SOUTH

254
Borouch

This gaol was pulled down by the

below (17
fecond

by 12),

feet

which

in

floor,

(tone-floor.
at

two or three and twenty.

Here

ding.

are

rioters

in 1780,

my laft vifit there were

The women lodge in

three or

rooms

four

and the prefent prifon

no table of

fees,

an

is

for

and fometimes there have been

17,

the

thofe that

common

nor claufes againft fpirituous liquors.

No

day-room.

bed-

Debtors have 65 penny

No memorial hung up,

pay.

loaves once in eight weeks, from a legacy of Eleanor Gzvhin.

gaol, King's Bench,

The court only 14^ feet by 11. A day-room

The men's lodging-room (16 feet by 14) on the

adjoining houfe hired by the keeper.

W ARK.

Debtors here,

county

(as in the

the Fleet and Marjhalfea) have a gift every Chriftmas of 20s. from

the Archbilhop of Canterbury.

This table was

At

Southwark.
the

Town

in the old gaol.

at the

Court-Houfe on

St.

January in the 21ft Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord

It

and

Kn Mayor

John Stacey Efq. Recorder

broke

King holden

for

on Friday the 8th day

of

the General Quarter Seflions of the Peace of our Sovereign

and Borough of Southwark

being reprefonted to

this

others,

Margaret's Hill

George

&c.

the

Lord

the

Second before

Lad-

Sir Robert

Sec.

court that the fees of the gaoler or keeper of the Borough

Compter

in

regard to the prifoners charged therein with any criminal matter remain yet unfettled, for want whereof
divers impofitions

For

fettling

may

accrue to the poor prifoners therein.

and eftablilhing the fame

It is

ordered that the keeper or gaoler of the faid prifon

fhall

and

snay take of every prifoner fo charged as aforefaid the following fees and no more.

That

is

to fay

S.

D.

on

.
For the admiffion of every prifoner
For every night's lodging

To

for felony trefpafs affault or other

-

------

the turnkey for the difmiflion of every fuch prifoner

For every prifoner brought by a peace

magiflrate

mifdemeanonrs

officer for fafe

006

cuftody untill hearing can be had before a

By

the Court

Man.

Jti. B.

Two

other prifons in Southwark, viz. the

New

Gaol

in the

Borough, and

the Bridewell in St. George's Fields, belong to the county of Surrey.

COUNTY

Home

HERTFORDSHIRE.

Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

255

HERTFORD.

at

Cornelius Wilfon.

6
.39
Debtors,

Salary

Fees,

now 100,

10,

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

15

Fdons,
:

FORD.
to fupply the felons with bread, as below.

")
:

4>

o each to London.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

Number,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Dec.

1773,

10,

9-

16,

j6.

1783, Oft. 23,

9,

21.

6,

12.

19.

2>

1776,

Feb. 14,

Nov. 22,
Rev. Mr.

Sunday.

Salary,

40.

Mr.

1702, was in the middle of the town.

Their dungeons or night-rooms, one down 18

rooms, was a large lumber-room

Backward was a fmall court

and joining

for debtors,

fteps,

to

it

The ad
hung

the bridewell.

* I

fire-place.

Over

their day-

On

for debtors.

each fide of

No

chapel.

it

were

No

in-

and claufes againft fpirituous

up.

my

vifits

and two turnkeys

At my fecond

vifit

the gaol-fever prevailed,

The

pump, fhevved

fame kind.

figns

of

and carried off feven or

were on that occafion removed to

in 1776, four were fick.

*.

felons

was well informed, that a prifoner brought out

inftances of the

In front two

no

the other 19.

for preferving the health of prifoners,

In the interval of two of

eight prifoners,

up

a lodging-room for >vomen-felons.

and women-felons.

two rooms on the ground-floor, and two chambers

muajhed under the

1.

Cutler.

old gaol, built in

not

now Rev. Mr. Moore.

Scott,

fmall day-rooms, for felons, in which they were always locked

liquors,

10, now 20.

Salary,

firmary.

17. Defer

1,

Duty,

SURGEON,

Felons &c.

J 4-

3,

CHAPLAIN,

Debtors.

1779, Sep. 27,

J7 8z > A P ril 9

9,

17743

THE

of bread a day.

ilb.

0:4:6.

Garnifh,

life,

and foon

as

dead, from one of the dungeons, on being

after recovered.

Since

this, I

have known other

(See page 23.)

This

Remarks.

HERTFORDSHIRE.
This old gaol could not have been made healthy and convenient

ITert-

ford

County
Gaol.

Home

are

now

new one

in

feet

7) and courts for debtors, men-fclons and women-felons:

the

by

whole

properly furrounded by a wall

is

The

high

5 feet

looked healthy and well, which

felons

which being

obvious defect or two

corridor

is

make

circular)

am

new gaol

this

in

will juft

too narrow, but

the

rooms dark and

No

the fick, are too fmall.

Herifrdfiire

the grace

of

perfuaded was owing to the

to

At

wit.

Monday

God

the

and

pillars (not

chapel clofe, has no cupola.

the General Quarter Seflions of the

12th day of January in the

Peace of our Sovereign

of our

year

firft

Lord 1761 before

the year of our

in

not vaulted.

are

being of ftone, or

The door-ways are only 1 foot 10 inches

The two rooms appropriated for

clofe.

The

bath.

mention, that architects

The rooms

wide; and the

feet

wide, fo that no crib-bedfteads can be introduced.

Hertford on

a considerable

a convenient garden.

it
I

employed in fuch buildings may not imitate them.

The

at

crowding them into a few rooms.

gaoler's not

An

from the building, the keeper has within

diftance

but the prifoners

town, with feparate wards (16

v

fituated juft out of the

8 inches

feet

Circuit.

Sir

Doctor in Divinity, Richd Warren, James Gordon, W"' Janjfen and

Richard Chafe

Wm

holden

Sovereign Lord George

Kn

at

111.

by

Ralph Freeman

E
.

Plumer the younger, Efq". and

others, &c.

A Table

of

Fees

by

to be taken

the Gaoler

K.

3zd year of

fettled

purfuant

to an Act

made

in the

George II.

For the chamber-rent, bed and bedding of each debtor per night provided
two be put into one bed nor more than two beds in one room

that

room

For the turnkey

For the gaoler's

fees out

fees

fees into gaol

of gaol

upon each prifoner difcharged

0134

036
010
010

D.

004

For the chamber-rent, bed and bedding of each prifoner upon criminal procefs per vjtei provided that no more than two be put into one bed ; nor more than two beds in the fame

For the turnkey's

S.

no more than

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
Bridewells.

[HERTFORD.
Conlp }er

no chimneys
\6\

feet

This

_rhz
:

alfo the

is

The

windows not glazed.

by \o\, and 6

court, and

borough

feet

high:

pump, water bad; but

The

no employment.

county

the

Two

gaol.

bridewell has two rooms,

the middle

night

fmall rooms to the ftreet,

ward and

dungeon

window

for

feet 7

men

is

keeper,

is

down

inches by

prifoners are always locked

gaoler

the lower

ward:

7 fteps,

foot

6: a

up within doors:

and has 24 a year

to fupply

each

HERTFORDSHIRE.

Home Cimwit.

each prifoner daily with a pound of bread.

1774, Dec. 14, Prifoners 4.

7.
1776, Feb. 14,

Nov. 22,

HITCHIN.
over

it

i7 8 3?

4.

no ftraw t no court

24 no

Keeper's falary,

BERKHAMSTEAD. A

Bmde-

as at

WELLS.

one a Debtor.

7-

men 20-

no water

by

feet

No

a ladder.

no allowance

10.1

and

chimney

irt

no employ-

1782, April 9, Prifoners

1776, Feb. 14, Prifoners 2.

-

them by

to

fees,

fees.

1779, Oft. 2i,

Debtors

6.

3j

women, who go up

for

hung up.

1779; Sep. 27, Prifoners 1.

4.
1782, April 9,

In the work-houfe yard, a room for

two rooms

any of the rooms

ment.

Fees, .0

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

the county gaol.

57

Dec.

o.

ward

for

men, and another

for

r.

-3.

2,

women.

A dungeon

13 feet by 94, and 6 feet 3 inches high -earth floor, very damp,
Keepers falary, 20: no
no window: no chimney: no bedfteads : no ftraw.

down 9
fees

They

has the profit of the prifoners work.

ping

fteps,

are fometimes

employed

in

chop-

Allowance, a pound of bread a day.

rags.

1776, Nov. 2, Prifoners o.

u
1779, April 23,
-a.
1782, Oft. 31,

BUNTINGFORD. Two
for

women,

The

13 feet

by

rooms; one for men, 19

No

10.

keeper has a large garden.

Salary,

At

THE BOROUGH GAOL,

town-hall

in

die

St.
or

day-time

May

6,

no court

fire-place.

the other a

No

Allowance to

new one

court: no water.

1.

are*

Debtors have fometimes the ufe of the

the lodging-room of thofe that

Felons and poor debtors have two day-rooms,

rooms: no

8j;

1,

ALB AN

Compter.

by

.9:1:4.

1779, Sep. 27, Prifoner

1782,

feet

Offenfive fewer.

fire-place.

felons,

and

two

clofe

pay joins to
offenfive

a pound of bread a day.

No

it.

nightftraw

The late keeper's falary was 3.. The prefent keeper pays
corporation 10 a year, as appears by the mayor's receipt June 9,

no water.

rent to the

5781. Fees for felons, 135. ^d. Licence for beer. Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

L4

hung

HERTFORDSHIRE.

258
St.

Albans.

hung up.

The debtors from the court of

Though

here with felons.

yet as

ad

the

in prifon

1776, March

Nov.

1,

No

3,

Debtors

1779, April 24,

May

1782,

THE LIBERTY GAOL,

no

them

When

offenfive rooms.

One

in forty-two days,

table, they

7,

Felons

2.

Sec.

2.

o.

o.

1.

I#

for twenty-two parifhes,

is

Deferter

there are

of the windows

is

men and women,

up.

1 6.

Salary,

Fees, 13J.

For

Nov.

1,

No

3,

Debtor

1779, April 24,

May

THE BRIDEWELL
One

large

no

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not.hung

prifoners.
1.

o.

o.

7,

for the Liberty,

and

Felon &c.
-

no water: no allowance: no

Deferters

1.

2.

o.

all

up

ftairs,

and

airy.

Prifoners have their earnings.

ftraw.

hung up.

for the Borough, joins to the Liberty gaol.

work-room, and two lodging-rooms j

fpirituous liquors not

lately-

Noftraw:

table.

1776, March

1782,

felons, three

they cannot be properly fepa-

towards the road, through which tools were

Licence for beer*

4 J. no

1.

the property of lord SaliJBury.

conveyed,, which facilitated the efcape of an atrocious criminal.

court.

muft continue

prifoners.

two fpacious day-rooms, and three lodging-rooms.

debtors,

rated.

is

they can pay whatever the keeper demands.

till

For

clears

II.

and here

fees,

Circuit.

requefts (debts under 40s.) are confined

of 25th Geo.

does not fpecify the gaoler's

it

Home

Keeper's falary for the liberty,

No

courtt:

Claufes againft

28;

for the bo-

In 1779, I found a girl, who was fentenced for a year's imprifonment, locked up all the day with two foldiers in the work-room : and at my

rough,

no

laft vilit, a girl

fees.

and a boy were confined together.

1776, March

Nov.

1,

2,

Prifoners 2.
-

o.

779> April 24, Prifoners

1782.,

May

7,

3.
2.

ESSEX.

Home

259

Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

CHELMSFORD.

at

Sufanna Taylor, afterwards John Reynolds ,

now

his

Chelms-

Widow.

ford.

none.

Salary,

Fees

>t 'i

'

Tranfports,

to

London
feven

or Gravefend,
for each

1 15:0
1

above feven,

for each, if not

:

more than

o.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, 1 a pound and half of bread a day, and a quart of fmaU

Garniih,

Felons,

Debtors.

0:4:6, now 0 6 6.
.0:3:0, now 0:3:6.

Felons,

beer.

Number,

Debtors.

1774, Feb.
Dec.

6,

13,

31.

1779, April 7,
1782, July 12,

14*-

11,

7.

Sunday.

4* now 50.

THE

Mr.

prifon

and the bridewell

for felons,

was

clofe,

2 7>

'

19.

2I >

ffr

prifoners.

infe&ed with the

and frequently

Inquiring in October 1775, for the head-turnkey,

In the tap-room there hung a paper on which,

Xi

0d:

7.

28,

Griffinhoofte.

2 5,

old

7 8 3*

Fcloas &c.

34,

now Rev. Mr. Morgan.

Salary,

Salary,

Debtors.

30.

Duty,

SURGEON,

&c

30,

CHAPLAIN,

Felons

4,

775> oft J 9
1776, Nov. 20,

(See Remarks.)

gaol-diftemper.

was told he died of

among

it.

other things, was written,

Prifoners to pay garnifh or run the gauntlet."

Debtors have a bufhel of coals a day from about 12 th of November to the 12th of

May: and

-5 a year by a legacy of Elizabeth Herns from lands in Brentwood, paid

by the rector or minifter of the parifh of Chelmsford on the 24th of December. By a
memorial hung up in the tap-room, it appears the bequeft was acknowledged by the
teftatrix 14th June 1746.
It was generous in the jufiices to grant debtors the fame
and very judicious to fix that allowance to a certain weight.
allowance as felons

It

gave

above

me

pain to be informed in 1775, that there had been no divine fervice for

a year paft,

The new
fplendour.

except to condemned criminals.

gaol exceeds the old one in flrength and convenience as

The

county, to

their

honour, have fpared no

coft.

The

much
prifon

as in

was

finimed

Remarks.

ESSEX.

260
helms-

"ounty
Gaol.

Home

Circuit,

my vifit in 1779. The debtors rooms are

and 9 feet 10 high. At one end of their court is
a work-room 37^ feet by 14-;-, and 12 feet- 5 inches high, with a fire-place and four
large windows: here many were weaving garters.
Over this is their free ward. At
fmifhed ancl occupied at the time of

mc ^ es ky

10

^eet

J 7

5 feet 3>

the other end of the court

and a new

is

their hall or kitchen,

The

table of fees.

felons

rooms (15

feet

Near their court are

and vaulted.
the condemned.
The women-felons are feparated

againft fpirituous

claufes

Herris's legacy,

9 inches by 14^) are

rooms

two

with ftone

which

in

on a board were hung up, and the memorial of Mrs.

liquors painted

lofty, lined

a fmall area

in

for

they have two rooms, a court and

There is a chapel.
Only one
pump. The courts are paved with flat ftone.
room for an infirmary, which, being unfurnilhed, has never been ufed, though at

clofe

my

feveral

vifit

laft

were frck on the

No

floors^

being entirely out of fight from the gaoler's houfe,

The

bath.
I

beg leave

felons apartments

to obferve,

avenue for introducing

The

at all

times fpirituous

the felons rooms (as alfo in the bridewell)

ftravv in

or cradles as are in the hofpitai at

conducive to health and

hung up
too

and

common

in

new

Plymouth

The

cleanlinefs.

this gaol

is

The-

on the

The

it is

as

an

now flopped

up.'

Such

floors.

act for preferving the health of prifoners

felons are too

it

cribs

would be much more

(fee plate II.)

has not been white- wafhed fince

gaols.

&c. but

liquors, tools,

that

window might be made in his kitchen, which would overlook the felons court.
window in the debtors apartment towards the ftreet was highly improper,

was

firfl

much crowded

occupied

at night,

is

not.

a fault

when fome.

of their rooms are empty.

TABLE OF
EJJhx.

At General Quarter
Majefty's Gaol

Seffions,

&c.

FEE

Table of Fees

purfuant to an Aftmade

fettled

in the fecond

S.

to

Year of

be taken by the Keeper of

K- George

II.

For the chamber rent bed and bedding of each debtor per night provided that no more than
two be put into one bed, nor no more than two beds in the fame room

his

viz*

S.

D.

-004.

For the chamber-rent bed and bedding of each prifoner upon criminal procefs per <week
provided that no more than two be put into one bed nor more than two beds in one

room

For the turnkey's fee into gaol

For the turnkey's fee out of gaol

For the gaolei's

fee

this

upon each debtor's difcharge

Reviewed and confirmed by

of Afiize

19th

13

us the Juftices

Day of July

Eyre
Law: Carter.

-O36
-010
-010

1729.

Signed by

us Juftices

Tho Brarnfton

Tho Walford

John Cbeveky.

of Peace of and for the faid County this 19th day of July Anno Dom. 1729.

Rob 1 Abdy

Henry Maynard

Benj Moyer.

The

Home

ESSEX.

Circuit.

261

Chelms-

The new table of fees, which is dated 5th of Oftober 18th Geo. III. and figned by
fhomas Cozvper, James Raymond, and Richard Hunt, Efq"- and at the Lent Affize at
Chelmsford 1780 approved of by Mr. Juftice Gould, is the fame as the old table;
only there is added, " For every felon prifoner, difcharged by proclamation, to be
paid by the treafurer of the county

13

FORS,

4"

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS;
CHELMSFORD.
lodging-room

rooms

for the

Mr. Ford

fewers.

been

the ground-floor a large work-room, a kitchen,

over them rooms

of the fame

Prifoners always kept

fick.

by the fewers

offenfive

or

On
men:

for

'

two

and the rooms very

Neither here nor at the gaol, are there proper drains

"*.

me

(the keeper) told

of the gaol-fever, brought from

ill

within doors

BrideWELLS

and a

women:

for

fize

my

one. of

at

county

the

many had

that

vifits

His

gaol.

falary,

^30

Prifoners allcwance, three pence a day; for

16: no fees.
and three
which they have a pound and half of bread, and a quart of fmall beer
Coals, ftraw, brooms,
halfpence a. day farther allowance to each fick prifoner.
The employment of the prifoners is fpinning wool,
&c. 4:2:6 a quarter.

under-keeper's,

at

a penny a fkain

feveral fick

county has the

the

and dirty objects on the

At

profit.

with

floor,

little

my

laft

vifit,

there

were

No

bath,

or no covering.

Garnifli 2 s.

1774, Dec.

J775>

IB-

1776, Nov.20,

21.

COLCHESTER.

The.

fide

room with a

tvvo

rooms

The rooms
and

air,

fire-place

are about 13

little

on one

it

fide

which

28.

- 31^.

No

the bridewell, has

window

on another

former > a window in the farthermofh

partitions

each end, and there

ufed by prifoners.

now

is

room with

The

feet fquare.
at

J ul Y 12,
Oft. 27,

2>

of

part

a right angle with the

from the window

Court

fexes.

at

That

7%

7 8 3>

property of the late Charles Gray, Efq. was

caftle, the

formerly the county gaol.

firft,

*779? April 7, Prifoners 27.

6, Prifoners 18.

*9i

water

is

are

iron-grates for light

no decent feparation of the

here was a well of fine water,

* Thofe conveniences, which delicacy forbids enlarging upon, yet which are abfelutely neceffary to

all

houfes, and the fituation and conftruttion of which are of the greateit importance in prifons and other

crowded buildings, have always engaged

ing them

is

that under the words fewers

my

my peculiar

a principal caufe of unheal thinels in

and

attention

many of our

drain* every thing

is

am

gaols.

convinced, that want of care refpeft-

The

reader will pleafe to take notice,

comprehended which

had

to fay

on

this fubjeel in

remarks on the feveral prifons.

"bus

ESSEX.

262
Bride-

'but

has been lately arched over.

it

firing,

1774, Feb. 14, Prifoners

1776, Nov. 19,

NEWPORT.

Built in

keeper's apartments

The

1775.

the middle of which

the wards are

r.

3.

front

On

Behind

plain:

elegant, yet

is

ftraw,

fees.

1782, July 11,

for the juftices.

pump.

is

no

Circuit.

1779, April 7, Prifoners

1.

-3.

and a room

30

Keeper's falary,

a year.

employment:

or no

Little

Allowance, three pence a day

dark, and are never white-warned.

year

Home

in

it

the

are

the men's court

is

the farther fide, a large

in

work-room on the

ground-floor with a fire-place (the only one in the prifon), and a fmaller work-

room over it fo that too many need not work

room even with the upper work-room. On the
:

left

lodging-rooms on the ground-floor, and two above.

are boarded bedfteads

from two of

court

floor

mentioned rooms

back windows.

his

and one over

io^- feet

it,

Women have

all

thefe lodging-rooms

keeper has a view of this

a fmall

room on

through one of the keeper's rooms

my

you go

to

laft-

them

But the rooms being

the court quite feparate.

the ground-

Thefe, though they join to the

fquare.

men, have no communication with them

for

a lodging-

is

of the court are two

fide

In

The

the fewers are offenfive.

There

together.

too fmall for the

number of women,

men's ward.

two of the men's rooms were added to the women's, there might

If

always be an entire feparation.

Straw,

each.

now .32
partition

no

a year.

No

and door were made

in the court,

1776, Dec. 6, Prifoners

J779, Sep. 26, - - -

HALSTED.
and

vvas a

of

room

the

about

women

prifoners did fpin,

At my
^the

laft

from the keeper's door,

fix feet

1782,

3.

May

5,

July 12,

9.

truftees

Prifoners 10.
-

15.

Men

of Martins charity.

work-room, and a feparate lodging-room. There

All out of repair.
A court which men ufed one part

another.

No

water.

Keeper's

falary,

^32

no

Allowance, a pound and half of bread, and a quart of fmall beer, a day.

prifon was burnt

2 5

If a latticed

a feparate

for the fick.

day,

Keeper's falary,

hung up.

rufliing out.

This houfe was rented of the

women had

in the

Allowance now, two pounds of bread

infirmary.

Claufes againfl fpirituous liquors not

fees.

them

three laft vifits I found

Firing in winter, two guineas.

would prevent the prifoners from

it

at

but were not allowed any part of what they earned.

down

vifit,

in

March 1781, and

another

four prifoners perijhed in

fees.

The

This

the flames.

was building on fome ground purchafed by

prifon

county.

1776, Nov. 19,

3779, April 6,
J782, July II,

Prifoners 4.
-

5.

o.

Impreffed

Men

2.

BARKING.

Home

ESSEX.

Circuit.

BARKING. A

high; two

Bride-

women; 13 feet 4 inches

8 feet high
feet
one window about 2 feet fquare. They are planked all
no chimneys
and both rooms are dirty and made very offenfive by fewers

wells,

windows

by

1 1

over

room

for

men, the

court

no employment.

no

ftraw.

ter.

1776, Nov. 28, Prifoners

1.

1779, April 8,
1782, Dec. 27,

for debtors.

added

1.

3.

Allowance

tuous liquors not

Imprefled

men:

Men

^28

no

fees,

5.

BRIDEWELL.
women ; and now two

another for

Court very ofFenfive, and not fecure

pence a day

to criminals, three

Licence for beer.

no water

and a chaldron of coals

Fees,

zs. 6d.

in it:-

in

wia-

Claufes againft fpiri-

hung up.

1776,

Nov, 19,

1779,
1782,

April

July

Debtors

Felons &c.

2.

rooms towards the

another with a fire-place.

o.

4;

11,

1.

5.

Keeper's falary,

ftreet

No

2.

7,

HARWICH TOWN
a day,

water acceffible to prifoners.

Keeper's falary,

G-AOL and

ftrong ward for

to the bridewell.

Keeper's falary, 12.

Two

7 feet

hung up.

COLCHESTER TOWN
are

No

keeper has a large garden.

Claufes againfh fpirituous liquors not

room

by ioi;

feet

back-gaol, for

No

Allowance, three pence a day

15

fore-gaol;

Another room, the

to the ftreet.

in them.

rooms

263

no chimneys

court

^2:8:

o.

1778, April 18,

no water

Fees, 6s.

No

a back

no

GAOL,
room

fewer.

called the dark gaol,

and

Allowance, three halfpence

Bd. no table.

prifoners.

KENT,

COUNTY GAOL
Maid* T0NE -

GAOLER,

0:12:4.

Debtors,

Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

Watfin,

inftead of the tap.

60,

Fees,

MAIDSTONE.

at

now Thomas

Philip De'tillin,

Salary,

Home Circuit*

T,

15

4.

0:15:0

now wine.

each, and the fees.

See Salary.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

Remarks.)

( See

.Felons, a loaf once

two days {weight

in

Debtors,

Debtors.

21,

31.

*775> J ul Y 2 5
1776, Feb. 19,

7>

a6

22,

3B.

1779, April 16,

I 7 82
ec 4,

now, only Sunday.

Salary,

/30

Mr.

Waller,

augmented

5s

to 50.

j5> f r ne g al an d bridewell.

On

gaol was erected in 1746, as appears by the date.

thefe are the felons

wards near 13

(the wall being 3 feet thick)

one

for

too fmall (that for

by double wooden bars

men-felons

men which

is

being removed.

flairs,

The

3'$

felons.

air

and

There

firft

but the chapel

is

new gaol

at

Under

are three courts

the larger! only 28 feet by 27); but

at the

floor there

light are obftructed

The two

back of the

gaol.

laft

if

are

one

much

may be com-

Divine fervice was

now made commodious by

felons night-rooms have double doors;

iron lattice door (as in the

the

inches wide.

inches broad (inftead of fingle

and one for women-felons.

modioufly enlarged from the ground

performed upon the

but the

feet fquare.:

windows both of debtors and

iron ones), at the

j

23.

H>

now Mr. Peckham.

are eight rooms for debtors, which open into a paflage 6 feet 2

for debtors

Felons ice.

15,

Rev. Mr. Hud/on.

Duty,

THIS

Debtor*.

Felons $cc.

1774, April 13,

Salary,

Hemarks.

1776.

of fmall

0:1:6.

Felons,

SURGEON,

Feb.

.0:3:0.

Number,

CHAPLAIN,

40Z.

a quart

(See Remarks.)

beer.

Garnifti,

lib.

and every day

2 lb. Boz. Dec. 1782.)

the ftaircafe

one of them was an

Horlham) and was locked up in the day-time,

There are two dungeons (12 4 feet

the rooms would frefhen and be better ventilated.

fquare)

down eleven

fteps for the

j

condemned.
Felons

Home

KENT.

Circuit.

Felons are allowed yearly ten chaldron of coals

265

they have barrack-beds *, and hop-

Maidi

for years paft been fo confiderate

Cotn

This county has

bagging with ftraw; but no coverlets.

as to pay the fees of poor prifoners acquitted: and to tranfports caft at affizes,

of is. 6

entitled to the king's allowance

they had before

formerly
with

trial.

faid they

They

alfo

The baker who

lefs beer.

which

The

felons

fees for thofe convicts.

and would,

if that

were increafed, be content

ferves the felons fells thirteen loaves to the

them every

are

a week, they continue the allowance

pay the gaoler's

wifhed for more bread

debtors have amongft

d.

who

thirteenth

loaf,

dozen

and

and are now allowed yearly three

chaldron of coals.

There

The
in

1779,

to take

The

an alarm-bell

is

infirmary
I

is

and a

improperly

fail-ventilator.

No

fituated.

On

bath.

found they had no irons; and the furgeon

them

off

when he requefted

Without

hung

was always ready

it.

claufes of the at againft fpirituous liquors

the health of prifoners not

examining two fick prifoners

faid the gaoler

are

hung

Adt

up.

for preferving

up.

and the feparation of the

great attention to cleanlinefs

here will be

fick,

great danger of the gaol-fever, from the ofFenfivenefs of the wards and even the xourt

of the men-felons.

TABLE OF
Kent,

to

wit.

Quarter Seffions
year

1750

A Table

FEES.

of Fees to be taken by the Gaoler

holdenon Thurfday

at Maidjlone

the 12th day of July in the ^^.th year

fettled

of George

at the

II.

.
faid gaol

offence againft his majefty's peace to the gaoler or keeper

or keeper

turnkey

..

in a civil action, to the faid

-

mafter's-flde of the faid prifon for the

for every night after the
if

and fheets the

firft

in

fo

10

gaoler

006
003
-002
-

on the mafter's-fide for the ufe of the bed, bedding

-

Barrack-beds or bedfteads are low Rages of boards, raifed from the

xowards the middle of the room

-010
-030
-016

laft-mentioned prifoners on the

one bed then each

as (hall chufe to be

night

faid

night to the faid gaoler or keeper.

firft

two fuch prifoners lye together

For every fuch prifoner

firft

For the ufe of bed bedding and meets for each of the

And
And

D.

-0134

the difcharge of every fuch prifoner to the faid gaoler or keeper

to the

S.

of every prifoner committed for treafon, felony or any

To the turnkey on commitment of every fuch prifoner

To him more on the difcharge of every fuch prifoner
On the commitment or coming into gaol of every prifoner

And

in the

jpurfuant to the direction of the Statute in that behalf provided.

For the difcharge from the

On

General

and

.-

floor,

-006

and floping from the wall

as in the barracks for foldiers.

f Thofe

figures

10 were written upon a rafure.

Mm

For

266

Home

Circuit.
/.

flAIDSTONE

County
Gaol.

For every night

But

if

after the

frrft

two fuch prifoners lye together then two-pence each

S.

D.

If any fuch prifoner through poverty can only provide a couch, then to the faid gaoler or

keeper for chamber-rent per week

o.

Seen and allowed by us

July 12th 1750

TV"

Turner

P. Boteler

Ed. Aujlen

Ja Calder

Wm

Herb'. Palmer

Champnefs.

True Copy."

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
MAIDSTONE.

This prifon was

built

room, an infirmary and court for each

Two

in

1776.

fex.

The

rooms and

a fmall

day-

courts are paved with flag-ftones

the debtors court fhould be in the county gaol, for frequent wafhing frefhens

as

Keeper's falary, 20,

prifons*.

The

now 30.

prifoners were not in

it

in

1776;

but in 1779 I found it inhabited, dirty and offenfive.

The prifoners were at work,
The county allowance is three pence
but they have no part of what they earn.
every day, Sundays excepted, and now five chaldron of coals a year.

No

table;

7th Jam.
I

I.

Fees 3

s.

d.

but printed rules, orders and regulations eftablifhed under the acts of
17th Geo.

II.

and

126. Geo. III.

were hung up in the wards.

In 1779

faw two prifoners with the fmall-pox, lying on loofe ftraw, and their only covering

was

common

mats.

1776,

Feb.

19,

1779,

AP

l6 >

1782,

Dec.

CANTERBURY.
in

which

is

ril

Prifoners
'

2.

15.

4,

Men

their ward.

and women feparate.

The men have a hall

o-

The

Deferter

latter

r.

have the back court

or kitchen to the ftreet, and three

wards or night-rooms 15 feet by 13, which open into a palfage near 4

No

court.

men.

Out of

There

is

feet wide.

the keeper's garden or yard might be taken a court for the

no water within reach of the men ; yet

and regularly white-warned.

two pennyworth of bread

An

alarm-bell

is

day (weight Dec.

5,

lately

found the prifon clean,

put up.

1782, 18 oz.).

County allowance,

No

employment.

In 1776, the juftices abolifhed the fees 13^. 4^. and raifed the falary from

^25

See page 166.

to

Home

KENT.

Circuit.

Licence for beer. Surgeon, Mr. Le'grand. This prifon is unhealthy

to 40.
from the offenfivenefs of the fewers and the prifoners lying in their clothes, as they
have no bedding but mats.
779> April 16, Prifoners
1782, Dec.
5,

1774, April 13, Prifoners 8.

1776, Feb. 17,
13.

May

DARTFORD.
for

men io\

No

high.

by 17

chimneys: offenfive fewers

of

20:

felony,

The
felf

3*. 6

fees,

built

in

1720, confifts of two rooms: one

10 inches: one for women, 14 feet fquare: both 10 feet

feet

No

mats, but quite worn out.

falary,

4.

U.

6.

25,

This county bridewell,

feet

no

d.

and the rooms dirty

court

no water: no ftraw:

though the keeper has a garden.

His

Allowance to thofe committed on fufpicion

table.

two pence halfpenny a day.

keeper told me, they had about two years ago, a bad fever ; which him-

and every

and family,

frefti

Three

caught.

prifoner

upon

prifoners were well, and at work,

of

died

it.

a manufacture of flax-drefllng and

The

weaving

facks.

The above was

the account of this prifon

in

1776; but

two courts taken from the keeper's garden, one

fewers, and a

room

in the men's court for the fick

for each
:

1779, there were

in
feX;,

with

pumps and

but the women had no mats or

any kind of bedding.

Here are three dungeons (12 feet by 5), damp, and not fecure. The floors
mould be boarded. At my laft vifit I found one prifoner, who had been committed
months from July

for three

and the keeper's

prifoners

in 17 81,

confinement for the court

8 th, ftill in

fees,

Committed 1780, one hundred

ninety-two and
1782, one hundred and

fees,

s.

in

d.

three.

in

1776,

April 24,

i779>

i&

"

5-

3,

5.

1782,

Dec.

ys. ^d.

and feven

Prifoners 6.

CANTERBURY CITY GAOL,

Over

the Weft-gate.

two: and
no court

in
j

One

s.

Af-d.

day-room

for

men and women lately divided into

(n|feet diameter): no fewer:

and prifoners are not permitted to walk on the leads.

pennyworth of bread a day.

13

large

each of the two towers, a night-room

no

table.

He

Keeper's falary,

Fees,

keeps a public houfe adjoining,

Mm

in

Allowance, two

debtors

which

is

6
a

s.

8 d.

room

felons

or two
for

BrideWBLLS

KEN
CanterByRY
'

No

for maftcr's-fide debtors.

regard

paid

is

Home

T.
to:

the claufe enjoining that

Circuit.

" once

in

the year at leaft" the gaols fhall be white-wafhed.

CAN TERBURY

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1774, April 13,

1776, Feb. 17,

Felons kc.

3,

6.

1779, April 16,

2,

2.

3,.

2.

1782, Dec.

1,

2.

A room in the front court of the work-houfe *

City Bridewell.
Dec.

1782,

5,

5,

No

prifoners.

ROCHESTER CITY GAOL,

Under
for a

bed

court

in

is

room

for fuch debtors as can

which women-felons were kept when the

no water

and two inner or night-rooms

to the ftreet,

In the keeper's houfe

and another

No

here.

One day-room

the court-room.

and ofFenfive.

clofe

all

acceflible

aflrzes

%.

pay

were held

Allowance, two pence a day.

to prifoners.

At my vifit in 1779, I found two

falary: fees, 6 s. no table.
who had been locked up fome weeks in the clofe ofFenfive room next the
The court-room was built, as appears by the date, in 1687, and it is probable,

Keeper a fergeant: no
debtors
ftreet.

there has been no alteration in the prifon fince that time.

1776,

May

25,

ROCHESTER
bedfteads and ftraw.

Debtors.

Felons fcc.

Debtors.

1774, April 14,

Felons

1,

o.

r779, April 15,

2,

o.

o.

o.

1782, Dec.

o,

o.

Two

City Bridewell.
Fees, is.

3,

rooms down eight

ice

fteps with barrack-

Keeper's falary, 2, paid out of Mr. Watts 's charity f.

1782, Dec. 3, and 1783, June 24,

No

prifoners.

DOVER CASTLE,
For Debtors

The
Philip

in the Cinque-Ports,

t.

e.

Earl of Holdernefs was conftable

Two

Leman, bodar.

This work-houfe

building, the

rooms

is

clofe,

finely

Hajlings, Dover, Hyth, Romney,

now

rooms: one 20^

fituated,

river

and the ceilings low,

it

Frederick
feet

Lord North

is

and Sandwich.
conftable,

by I2|, the other 13

feet

by

and

n.

running between the two courts; but being an old

cannot be convenient and falutary for the numerous

inhabitants.

f This bridewell
this

charity

- by

may be

his will

" being rogues

" each '"

dated

is

The defign of
a houfe appointed for the reception of fix poor travellers.
from the following infeription placed over the door. " Richard Watts, Efq;
zzd of Auguft, 1579, founded this charity, for fix poor travellers, who, not
in

feen

or proclors,

may

receive gratis, for one night, lodging, entertainment, and four pence

OfFenfive

Home

OfFenfive fewers

1:10:

Fees,
vifit

KENT.

Circuit.

no court; one might be made from the keeper's garden

Keeper

0,

the prifon was dirty

fome weeks on

the keeper's apology for

no water.

Dover.

30. At a former
" he had been abfent

bailiff for the Cinque-Ports: falary,

is

it

was, that

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

an officer."

his bufinefs as

hung

up.

DOVER
on

1776,

Feb. 17,

1779,

April 17,

1782,

Dec.

Town Gaol.

Prifoners 4.
-

3.

6,

One room of it

2..

The

the bridewell.

is

gaol

two rooms

is

by 9^), and for debtors two above. No fire-places. All

but at my laft vifits it was much cleaner, and quieter ; and no

the ground-floor (12 feet

clofe

and offenfive

company were drinking

fees,

there,

the prefent keeper has

as

Allowance, four pence a day.

fecure.
$ s

licence.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

The

Debtors.

Felons &c.

*j

2-

r779, April 17,

'>

1776, Feb. 17,

3,

4.

1782, Dec.

1,

3.

2,

3.

ROMNEY

25,

Gaol.

This prifon

bridewell, a large

Fees* 3

room with

s.

4 d. no

SANDWICH
The

Gaol

in 1750.

Two

cellar.

Behind

with the keeper's

Allowance to felons 6

a day.

d.

no fewer.

DEAL
made

Gaol.

Dec.

an*d

6,

One

felon.

room

Bridewell.

in front

and a back room

flairs

Keeper, no

the

table.

17 82,

bedftead.

is

Keeper, no

" 1776 in the mayoralty of Jofeph Stewart, Efq. at the joint expence of the
" Sandwich, the parifh of Walmer, and the vills of Ramfgate and Sarr."
:

rooms;

two rooms. In the court two new rooms without fireover them " This houfe of correction was built in the year

above

infcription

6,

New Romney was. built

a fire-place.

1782,

called the dungeon

at

the other level

one on the ground-floor;

no water

court not

a chaldron of coals:,

i775 J ul y 2 5>

May

places.

no

10 and

id. no table.

falary.

Keeper's falary,

room

Fees,

falary.

Dec.

5,

No

s.

his efcape the night before

lives

my

1782,

diftant.

court

^.d.

prifoners..

under, the court only

Keeper* town-fergeant,

parifhes jn

No

8|

feet

by 6|, with a barrack-

did not wonder that a felon had

vifit.

Dec.

5^

No

prifoners.

COUNTY

SUSSEX.
COUNTY GAOL
Horsham.

GAOLER,

Charles Cooper,

now Samuel

ji2c of

in lieu

Fees,

Debtors, ^

late

j^

Felons,

Tranfports,

of
IO

Smart.

all fees

now/ioo.

(See Remarks.

'

2:2:0

HORSHAM.

at

Salary,

Home Circuit.

each.

Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

two pennyworth of bread a day

Felons,

0x6:

Garnifh,

Number,

11,

1774, Sept. 29,

5,

1776, Feb. 22,

13,

rooms

ftraw

in

no court

d.

week.

Lent

aflize at
;

the free-ward for debtors.

Eaft-Grinftead

affize,

Tranfports

the king's allowance of

where the prifoners are confined

formerly they were fhut up in a butcher's

Lewes and Horfham

aflize, at

The new

7.

and yet ground enough for one behind the gaol.

garret at the George alehoufe

mer

16,

for felons.

convicted at quarter feffions, had as thofe condemned at

as. 6

6.

8,

Dubbins.
:

the old gaol were too fmall, except

;

12,

(See Remarks.)

now Mr.
:

Felons Sec.

9,

8.

50.

THE
No

13 *

Salary,

lb. loaf.

Debtors.

March
1782, Nov.

1779,

Duty,

Salary,

a 2

Sec.

7.

Rev. Mr. Jamejon.

Sermon once a week ; prayers every day.

SURGEON,

Remarks.

Felons

Debtois.

1773, Dec. 17,

CHAPLAIN,

now

6.

cellar.

in a

Sum-

alternately.

gaol that was building in 1776,

found finifhed

in

1779.

The duke of

Richmond, in concurrence with the other gentlemen of the county, interefted himfelf

much

in

this

appears to

affair.

me

The

fituation

is

judicioufly chofen

particularly well fuited for the purpofe.

It

perintended the work, being tvery way fubftantial and ftrong.

room 10

feet

by

7,

and 9

feet

high to the crown of the arch.

brick, to prevent danger and confufion

in cafe

of

fire.

and the plan

is

does credit to thofe

To

Each

fuch as

who

fu-

felon has a feparate

They are all arched with

room are two doors,

each

one of them iron-latticed.

* See page

2U
This

SUSSEX.

Home Circuit.
This gaol has two

On

iron

rails.

(five

on each

and

the afcent to each

each floor, both on the debtors and felons

has a fhutter for the window,

Each

and the county

floor has

quantity to the felons, every day during the

fix

Here, are two fpacious courts with water

prifon.

Near

The

felons

the gate

on

is

by a (lone

feet

by

with

Horsham

rooms

County

ftaircafe

there are ten

2 feet 3 inches)

an iron-lattice door; and every

two blankets

a bedftead, a canvafs ftraw bed, and

fo confiderate as to allow a bufliel

is

is

fide,

day-room (28

fide a paflage 5 feet wide), befides a

lodging-room for a turnkey.

room

over arcades

floors

271

of coals to the debtors, and the fame

winter months.

each; and a wall enclofes the whole

in

a poor's box, for obtaining prifoners groats.

their entrance are

wafhed with

warm

water, and each

man

clothed in

is

a green ftriped uniform of coat, waiftcoat and breeches, and has two Ihirts, two pair of
ftockings, a pair of fhoes, a hat and woollen cap.

The county

has very prudently fettled the

number of turnkeys

(viz. three)

to each

they pay baif a guinea a week, and one of them goes twice a day to purchafe provifions

and liquors for debtors

and

it

is

properly fixed that they fhall not exceed one pint of

wine, or one quart of ftrong beer a day each.

The juftices have

loaves

fent in fcales

faw weighed were

Felons have only water for their drink.

and weights, which

is

a check

on the baker.

Several

full 2 lb.

The claufes againft fpirituous liquors are hung up, and the gaol is kept very clean.
The acl: for preferring the health of prifoners is not hung up. I would juft obferve,
that the gaoler fhould have a
his parlour towards that

county has

of

this I

fet a

window

of the felons.

in his kitchen

noble example of abolifhing

found the gaol

all fees,

and

alfo the tap

fees,
:

in

though

this

confequence

as quiet as a private houfe.

Formerly there was no chaplain, but

demned

towards the debtors court, and in

do not omit the old table of

clergyman had 5 a year

for attending con-

criminals.

TABLE OF
Suffix.

List of Fees

ta

:en

by

FEES.

the Gaoler of the faid County,

Upon the difcharge of every

The IherifF's fee thereupon

debtor

D.
4
8

026
003

Turnkey thereupon
-

For every peck of charcoal

s.

For every fagot

For every quart of fmall beer

For lodgings

Upon

in the gaoler's

beds by the week

the difcharge of every felon, to the gaoler

Allowed and

fettled at the

By

General Quarter Sefllons held at Petworth the 3d

Day

of Oftober 1737

us

John Butler

R. Mill

J. Jewkes

m Gratwicke

COUNTY

SUSSEX.

Home

Circuit.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
ide.WELLS.

35 r

HORSHAM.
LEWES.

The

Here men and women have

bed-rooms 10

five

Fees,

bridewell which was in this town

no

8 d.

s.

fquare,

feet

work-room,

my

the

all

rooms or courts of the

for the fick he

The

profits.

The

13 oz.).
prifon.

lait vifits

&c.

fieves,

feems that they are fometimes employed

bread (weight in Dec. 1782,

a kitchen,

Keeper's falary, 30.

although there were

a year;

they work, the keeper has

into the

&c.

court,

committed prifoners 45 85 65. At

work
but as there were chalk, mallets,

it

difcontinued.

of the prifoners work for three years

not twenty millings

refpe6tive years

prifoners at

now

fimilar but feparate apartments

work-mop,

The produce

table.

preceding 1776, was

is

in

making

county allowance

He

Surgeon, Mr. Turner.

the

men's

in the

When

whiting.
is

keeper has no view from

orders better nourilhment.

in

found no

\\d.
his

makes

in

houfe
a bill

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

hung up.

PETWORTH.
1

by

ney

9,

no

ment.

Feb,

1779,

April 19,

8.

I 7 8 2,

Dec.

7.

21,

7,

This bridewell has two rooms: one 17

6 feet high
glafs

Prifoners 5.

1776,

too fmall

or mutters to

the general

for

the

windows

no court

by 10, the other

feet

number of

No

prifoners.

no water

chim-

no employ-

Allowance now, a two-pound loaf every day, to be weighed by the keeper

with fcales and weights ordered to the houfe by the juftices

be kept for that purpofe only.

Fees, 6

s.

8 d.

no

table.

and which Jhould

Keeper's falary lately augmented from

But now the keeper's

falary is

augmented

12 to ^20.
^30 in lieu

to

.of all fees.

The keeper told me (in September 1774) that " all his prifoners upon
much weakened by the clofe confinement, and fmall allowance."

difcharge,

were

'Thomas Draper and William Godfrey were

committed the 6th of January 1776;

the former died the nth, the other the 26th of the fame month.

William Cox,

None of them had

the gaol-fever.

.committed the 13th of January, died the 23d.

I do not affirm that thefe
weather.

However,

men were

famifhed to death:

the allowance of bread

fince that time,

the prifoners are indebted to the kind attention of the

prifon (rented by the county) has caufed the death of

have now the pleafure to hear that

it

will

it

is

was extreme cold

doubled.

For

duke of Richmond.

many poor

creatures

this

This
:

but

foon be difcontinued, a new one being

-under the -consideration of the juftices.

1774.

Home

SUSSEX.

Circuit:

i779> March 8, Prifoners 2.

1774, Sept. 28, Prifoners 4.

8.
1776, Feb. 23,

BATTEL. Two
other,

rooms 14

feet

1782, Nov.

by

Allowance, feven farthings a day

years of his time,

Fees, 3

j.

and

in

the

No

chimney:

in the

years of his father's time.

Salary,

10.

4d.

the Eaft-gate.

Prifoners o.

o.

and

BRIDEWELL,

Has

five rooms, one of which is called the dungeon, and another

now with a pump. Allowance to felons &c. two pence a
Gaoler, a fergeant at mace: falary, 5, now 15: fees, debtors, 6 s. 8d.

the bridewell.
day.

wells.

o.

water but in the keeper's garden.

CHICHESTER CITY GAOL

no

is

the fame, the old keeper faid, in the thirty

many

1779, April 18,

1782, Dec. 7,

Over

7,

one of which

124.; in

Court not fecure.

the flocks.

2 73

Bride-

court,

table.
Dbtors.

1774, Sept. 28,

1776, Feb. 25,

RYE Town
rooms
above

is

about

flairs

Gaol.
1

o.

2,

1.

Debtors.

1779, March 8,
1782, Nov. 7,

old tower called Tpres-fort.

7 feet diameter, with a fire-place

are three

halfpence a day.

An

Felons &c.

1,

rooms of the fame dimenfions.

Fees, 3J.

4d. no table.

Felons &c.

9,

o.

o,

o.

One of

the three lower

the other two about 6 feet

Allowance to prifoners, three

Salary, none.

Keeper, a fergeant

at

mace.
1779, April 18,
1782, Dec. 6,

EAST-GRINSTEAD

Prison*.

fquare, and 5 feet 8 inches high.

The

1782, Dec.

8,

Prifoners
-

Under
conftable

No

o.

o.

the court, a
is

room 6

feet

inches

keeper.

prifoners.

See page 270.

Nn

SURREY,

SURREY.

274

COUNTY GAOL
SouthWARK.

GAOLER,

in

Home

Circuit.

SOUTHWARK.

Benjamin Hall.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

0:12:4.
o

Felons,

15

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

4.

(See Remarks.)

Transports,

The Tap

let.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,*} three halfpennyworth of bread a day (weight 17 oz. Dec.
Felons, J
13-i oz. Sep.
1776, and Aug. 1779.
13 oz. Dec. 1782.

Garniih,

0:4: 6.
0:1:0.

Debtors,
Felons,

Number,

Debtors.

1774, Feb.

30,

60.

1776, March 4,

19,

CHAPLAIN,

9,

Sunday.

Salary,

50.

Salary,

39.

59.

Dec. 15,

23,

42.

18,

15.

1783, Sep. 14,

26,

53.

23,

14.

Oft. 29,

27,

55.

Meflb. 5z#Y and Co. now

this gaol,

20, for

New

Stapleton

and Walfhman.

and the bridewell in

St.

George's Fields

and

for travelling charges to report at the quarter feffions,

the

of the prifoners.

ftate

THE

Felons

32,

Rev. Mr. Dyer.

Duty,

SURGEONS,

Debtors.

1782, Jan.

2,

Dec. 25,

Remarks.

Felons &c.

9,

1779, Aug.

Legacies {See Remarks.)

1783).

Gaol, befides the gaoler's houfe, and the tap-room, has

for

mafter's-

and four other fizeable rooms ; and for common-fide debtors,

Mr. Hall prevents their being crowded with the wives and

fide debtors, a parlour,

good rooms.

three

children of the debtors.

not admitted

For

except a few,

thefe prifoners, there

whom

is

a court; into which felons are

the gaoler has reafons for indulging with that

diftinction.

The ward
is

for

men-felons has

court belonging to

above

for the

and a court.

it.

fix

rooms on three

The ward

The

felons

floors

in thefe they fleep.

for women-felons has

courts

There
two lower rooms, two

mould be paved with

flat ftones,

convenience of wafhing, but for fafety, as pebbles are dangerous.

men's court there (hould be a

the Thames water was

pump and

a convenient bath, for at feveral of

not only
In the

my

vifits

off.
7.

Home

SURREY.

Circuit.

South-

In the two upper rooms of the women's ward, are put malefactors of either fex con-

demned

and fometimes

to die,

pirates.

have here noted eighteen rooms

yet they

county

number of prifoners. Mr. Hall is fometimes obliged to put

fome rooms of the women's ward. In fo clofe a prifon fituated in a

are not fufficient for the

men-felons into

populous neighbourhood,

No

floors.

bedding nor

did not wonder frequently to find feveral felons fick on the

The

ft raw.

A chapel

and two

clofe

rooms

for the fick, lately built

formerly was the houfe of correction

well

till

ad: for preferving the health of prifoners

that in St. George's Fields

was

Many

in each.

died of a fever

of the

thefe are

were fick on the dirty

fifty-five felons

At my

rebuilt.

&c.

floors

on the vacant ground where

1780, were ufed for a bride-

after the riots in

up, and the two fmall rooms for an infirmary

window

laft vifit

one of the turnkeys had

October 17835

in

the chapel was fitted

on the ground-floor, only one

fixteen

have the names and the fentences of twenty-five convicts, who are
fickly

and the

hung up.

claufes againft fpirituous liquors are

were

lately

and

fines,

languifhing in this

left

gaol*.

Tranfports have not the king's allowance of

is. 6d. a

formerly contracted with the county to take them

the fhip, attended

by

his fervants

at the

For thefe a merchant

week.
gaol

the gaoler fent

and received from the merchant 10s. 6d.

them

to

each

for

prifoner fo conducted.

Lent

aflize is at

There
of the

is

firft fix

tury, viz.

Kingfton

hung up

fummer

aflize at

in the gaol a printed

are 1555, 1571, 1576, 1584,

1609, 1638, 1656.

The

Guildford and Croydon

of fixteen

lift

legacies

1597, 1598.

and

Three

other feven are not dated

but debtors have them

In the

all.

gaol was formerly called the White Lion Prifon."

lion rampant.

One

this as well as

Here

would

the preceding

juft

The

dates

and one of them noted

articles
:

of the paper
feal

which feem

the others are not

it is

faid,

" The

of the prifon

is

of the legacies was bequeathed by Eleanor Gwynn, from which are

fent to this prifon once in eight weeks, fixty-five

have

title

The common

alternately.

are in the next cen-

on the lift, has. not been received fince 1726. There are alfo other
Two of the charities are for debtors exprefsly
to need infpection.
fo diftinguilhed;

-f-

donations.

penny

loaves.

Common-fide debtors

gifts.

mention, that

all

the rags left by the felons after every aflize, ought

to be immediately burned, or rather buried; as they only ferve to harbour vermin, dirt,

and

infection.

* The occafion of my vifit at this time, to this and two or three other prifons, was, that I had feen on
board the hulks a few days before, feveral fickly objefts, who told me they had lately come from this and
other gaols ; which, by the looks of thofe convicts, I was perfuaded muft be in a bad Hate.
I was forry to
find

them confirm

tional

my

fufpicions, that our gaols are

and unremitting care, the

benefits

produced of

verging to their old

late years

by attention

ftate.

Without much addi-

to this object, will

prove merely

temporary.

t During the

aflize at

Croydon the prifoners are confined in two ftables at the Three Tuns.

Nn

Surrey,

Gaol.

SURREY.

2y6
South-

wark
CountyGaol.

ATABLEofFEEStobe

Surrey, to nvtt.

nvark

for

0 ^
For

taken by the Gaoler

Home

of common Gaol Prifon

purfuant theStatutemade I2th
the

or

any Prifoner committed'Chamber-Rent there or Difcharge

re jg n 0 f our Sovereign

the difcharge

from the

Lord George

faid gaol

III.

&c. and in the year of our Lord 1772.

of every prifoner committed for treafon, or felony, or any

To

the turnkey on every

To

the turnkey on the difcharge of every fuch prifoner

commitment of fuch prifoner

to the turnkey

and

the ufe of bed bedding

fheets for each

faid prifon, for the

for every night after the

of the

faid

10

0
0

night, to the faid gaoler or keeper

firft

one bed, then one penny halfpenny each

To

the clerk of the papers on every difcharge of any prifoner in a civil action

in

as lhall chufe to be

firft

_-..

in one bed, then

two pence each

any fuch prifoner through poverty can only provide a couch, then
keeper for chamber- rent per week

r.

Seen and allowed by us

on the mafter-fide for the ufe of bed and bedding

night

For every night after the firft

But if two fuch prifoners lye together

JVm

Onflow

Haymond

Joliffe

to the faid gaoler or

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
St.

i
6

firft

two fuch prifoners lye together

For every fuch prifoner

Bridewells,

mentioned prifoners on the mafter-

if

If

But

and meets the

or coming into gaol of every prifoner in a civil aftion, to the faid gaoler

or keeper

of the

------------------

the difcharge of every fuch prifoner, to the faid gaoler or keeper

fide

D.

'3

On

And

s.

the

And

On

For

in South-

to

offence againft his majeily's peace, to the gaoler or keeper

commitment

Circuit.

N.

Herdidge.

S-

GEORGE's FIELDS.
and women.

Built 1772.
Separate wards and courts for men
In the men's ward, two rooms, and a work-fliop (about 20 feet

fquare) below;

and three rooms above:

The women's ward had

week.

in

them beds

fquare) and three rooms above: in one of

was

feparate

Window
1776,

room

for

one of thefe were beds

below, one room, and a

faulty

mutters, and iron bars

apprentices.

no

faw feveral fick on the floors

glafs.

the

floor.

The rooms were

dirty

2s.

6d. a

at 2

the

s.

6d. a week.

feet

There

rooms were planked.

There was no infirmary. In March

county allows no bedding nor ftraw-

In April, only one fick, on a bed which he paid

on the

All

at

work-mop (about 20

in

for.

In December, a

woman

two or three of them were

fick

fowls.

Prifoners allowance, three halfpence a day in bread (weight Dec. 1776, and Aug-,

1779, 17 oz.). No firing. The fines or convicts were with the other prifoners,
They all were entirely without employment.
and had the fame allowance.

Keeper a meriff's

officer:

againft fpirituous liquors,

falary,

and the

25:

licence for beer and wine.

The

claufes

of prifoners, were

act for preferving the health

both hung up.

1776, March 14, Prifoners 25.
April 30,
24.

177^, Dec. 25, Prifoners 29.

1779, Aug.

9,

44.

Of

Home

SURREY.

Circuit:

Of the

years, three

men

277

women fentenced for ten

four men for two years,

twenty-nine prifoners in Dec. 1776, were, four

one woman for three

men for one year.

for three years,

In the men's court there was a board, on which was painted as follows

Pees

to be taken

by

On

prifoner for

the difcharge of every prifoner committed

Prifoners brought in

No

ward dues

by a

garnilh to be taken

juftice's

JV.

B.

now added

It is

rioters in

was

tices.

1780, and (as appears by the infcription in

nearly on the fame plan.

In the men's court there are.

four rooms, planked round (9 feet 8 inches by

(fo called) there

No

bath.

There

a chimney.

is

Bread allowance,

releafed

all

the upper

young man

for

are

54- feet,

rooms
his

my

and 7

1302.

for faulty appren-

late vifits the prifon

(4*.

was very dirty,

At night they are crowded

The

2d.).

claufes

into

one

pay for beds.

againft fpirituous

and the table of

liquors, adt for preferving the health of prifoners,

4 inches

Aug. 1783, 1402. ani

are kept for the few that can

fees

feet

In each of the work-

now two rooms

weight, Dec. 1782,

Obi. 29th 144 oz.

Keeper now no licence. At
and the prifoners flill without employment *.

or two rooms, as

difregardecL.

high), very proper for the feparation of the drunken and riotous.

rooms

d:

s.

002

=042
.026

by order of the keeper

This prohibition

This prifon was burnt by the

front) rebuilt in 1781.

to another

three

the Keeper of this Prifoa.

warrant and difcharged

from one prifoner

years,

Of every

fees

not

hung

up.

1782, Dec. 16, Prifoners 17.

KINGSTON
keeper
fhops,

ground

1783, Aug. 22,

32.

Odt. 29,

37.

upon Thames.

and feparate wards

This bridewell, built

for

men and women

in

1775, has a houfe for the

courts, work-

with feparate

pumps, &c.
Each ward has two lower rooms, three fleps above the
and two chambers. The men's rooms are near 17 feet by 14, and full
;

9 feet high: the women's, about 15 feet fquare. Every room planked round :
a chimney in each; and two windows, with mutters and iron bars, no glafa,

* If the great quantities of old cables and ropes piled up at the

Tower were

delivered out to the fevera!

keepers of bridewells in and about London to be wrought for ufe, and prompt payment

made for the work,

would prevent the excufes of keepers for not employing their prifoners. See a fimilar mode in
Holland, where the Admiralty and India Company find the old cords, and take the oakum when fit for
ufe 1 a note in p.age_6i%
this

The.

Bride-

SURREY.

278
Kingston

wellT

The

men's court 59

feet

Home Circuit.

by 50: the women's, 46 by 36. There is alfo a room quite

by 1 1, and full 8 feet high ; it has a fire-

feparate for faulty apprentices; about 8 feet

place.

fome

It is pity that to a prifon in

an infirmary and a bath.

refpccls fo

commodious, the gentlemen did not add

Ufing any of the rooms

for the purpofe f the fick,

prevent the communication of fmall-pox, &c.

which

^5

10

Surgeon's falary,

will not

10

o, of

for travelling charges to report at the quarter feflions the ftate of

is

the prifoners.
a three halfpenny loaf a day (weight in 1779,
and a quarter;
1783, 1402.). No bedding. In 1776, they were at work, beatkeeper has the profit of it, and a falary of 25.
In 1779, the aft for

County allowance,
in

1782, 120Z.

in

ing hemp.

The

preferving

the health of

paid to

On

it.

each perfon are 3*.

was

prifon

hung up, though but little attention is

painted, " N. B. The fees for
4^."
Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not hung up.
The
and the prifoners unemployed
the keeper informing me
was

prifoners

the bottom of the board was alfo

dirty,

that they were not

committed

for

hard labour, though fome were imprifoned for a

year.

One
fent

no

of the prifoners

back

hither,

prifon.

trial to

He

who was committed

had heard of the hardfhips

fuch towns; and inquired of this

faid that

for baftardy, not rinding fureties,

from the preceding quarter

" he and

fifteen others

at

Ryegate

had been

where there

is

by prifoners when conveyed for

man, what was his fituation at Ryegate?
fuffered

were confined there two or three days in a

very fmall room; and almoft fuffocated."

the

feflions

The

keeper

who was

prefent confirmed

facTr.

In 1782, I found the prifon very dirty, and the prifoners

As

ment.

no

the county allows

firing,

ftill

without employ-

bedding or bedfteads, many were lying

fick

on

bed on the men's-fide and two women in the room

As I had been the preceding
for this privilege.
pay
they
but
apprentices,
faulty
for
morning at Horlham gaol, where proper humanity is ftiewn even to felons, I was
There is a door
the more (truck at feeing the wretched condition of thefe prifoners.

the floors.

One woman was

from the men's court

and can

let

in a

into that of the

men

women's, and one of the

any of the prifoners into the women's apartments.

keeps the key,

At my

laft

vifit,

no

alteration.

Quarter

mas

at

feflions are

held

Lady-Day

Kingfton, Chriftmas at

1776, April

26,

1779, March

11,

St.

Prifoners 4.
-

at

Ryegate,

Midfummer

at

Guildford, Michael-

Margaret's Hill.

6.

1782, Nov. 9, Prifoners 17.

12/
1783, Oft. 21,

Deferter

1.

GUILDFORD

Home

SURREY.

Circuit.

GUILDFORD BRIDEWELL,

1776, had four rooms, befides the infirmary

in

prifoners are brought from Southwark,

new rooms up

had been

flairs

Two

by

added, and fewers below.

No

lib. iioz.).

bedding nor

4 d. no

j.

None were

flraw.

The

table.

for the

but one

is

1773, Dec. 17, Prifoners

6.

1776, Feb. 24,

6.

Allow-

work.

at

Nov. 1782,

lib.

Keeper's falary,

25

and the act

claufes againfl fpirituous liquors,

preferving the health of prifoners, are both

A court,
Here

very ufeful for frefhening thofe rooms.

ance, a threepenny loaf every other day (weight, Feb. 1776,

fees,

held here, and

is

But in 1779, three

rooms have

turret above;

and an open

4,

the affize

much crowded.

(10 feet 2 inches by 7 feet) which is the only room

in the roof an iron-grate lattice, about 5 feet

men and women

that has a chimney.

lately

is

it

pays entrance-money one {hilling.

ufe of which every prifoner

day-room for

Yet when

and the condemned room.

(lately a ftable)

2.79

for

hung up.

1779, March 9, Prifoners

1782, Nov. 8,

3.

Deferter 1.

3.

KINGSTON TOWN GAOL.

Two
rooms

No

lower rooms, and 4 chambers

Lent

at the

Fees, 2

falary.

March

1779,

1782, Nov. 9, Debtors 4.

11, Debtors

In the Town-hall there

is

" a

7 8 3> Oct. 21,

the faid town, Sir

"

the faid town

Edward Coke

the two

bailiffs,

are the feveral fees of the bailiffs

chamber

fees,

and

No

table of fuch ordinary fees as are

" town clerk and other officers and miniflers of the faid town."
" of December 1 603 and confirmed by Charles Lord Howard,
te

hung up.

26, Prifoners o.
3.

prifoners.

due
It is

the bailiffs

to

dated the 10th

&c. high fleward of

attorney general and learned fleward of the court of

the recorder with the affent of the freemen."

town

at laft orders to

clerks

attorneys

fergeants

gaolers

arretted wanting fureties

For every one

fent

to

fent to gaol

other heinous crime

committed

for

-020
-008
-020

For

arrefting

any freeman of

For the attorney's

Every

fee

this

counfellor's fee in this court

to a jury,
..

articles

town inhabitant within the watch

upon evidence delivering

S.

D.

felony or fufpicion of felony or for any

am

or arretted for a trifle or being very poor

tempted to tranferibe many more

cannot omit the two or three following.
I

fee of the irons of every one

cryers

be obferved.

ward upon commandement

not above

For the

and

There

For every one

The

court, not fecure.

Gaoler keeps a public houfe.

prifoners.

Claufes againfl fpirituous liquors not

(fee table).

s.

1776, April

the ceilings low.

crowded with

affize are

when
-

of this curious ancient table

there

.
is

no other counfell
.

-006
026
-

068

BUCKING-

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

28o

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

AylesBURV,

Norfolk

Circuit.'

AYLESBURY.

at

Thomas Smith.

Salary,

.70.

(See Remarks.)

Fees,

Debtors,

15

10.

18

4.

Felons,

Tranfports,

u. a mile

each.

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

(See Remarks.)

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,")

Garnifh,

& P ou

Debtors,
Felons,

Number,

Debtor*.

17.

12,

4,

8.

10,

10.

1776, Jan.

3,

Duty,

Sunday.

Salary,

j[4'

29

feet

in

this

night-rooms are fmall

feet

by

interval of
vifits

in

c,~,

my

7,

13.

6,

12.

20,

6.

Deferters 2.

room
;

and 6
firft

and the bridewell.

by 264 ; now a pump, and water

and fundry rooms for the

women felons
8

for debtors, felons,

20,

ONE court,
;

Debtors. Felons ice.

1775, Nov. 2,
1779, Feb. 25,
1782, April 29,

Mr. Ludgate, now Mr. Hayward.

Salary,

for debtors

Remarks.)

Rev. Mr. Hopkins.

SURGEON,
Remarks.

/c,

b rcac a day.

Felons fee.

6,

CHAPLAIN,

>

0:8:0.
0:2:6.

1773, Nov. 27,

*774

Felons

is

an oven for purifying the clothes.

one under the

feet

high

and fecond

to the yard.

laid in

vifit,

flairs,

6 feet 8 inches by 4

no windows.
fix

Two

The women's two

feet

10

the other

condemned rooms.

or feven died of the gaol-d idem per.

1776, after the appointing Mr. Ludgate,

all

A hall

Only one day-room for men and

mafter's-fide.

the

In the

At

prifoners were well.

my
In

1779, two men fentenced for three years had continued here two years and a half;
one of them was much emaciated by confinement without work *.
At my laft vifit
five
is

were

fines,

one for feven years, another for

three.

No

performed in the fhire-hall which joins to the prifon.

infirmary.

Divine fervice

table of fees

is

* The furgeon and gaoler both informed me, that three men brought from Hertford gtol the Lent
3778, had
eafily credit

their toes mortified

which being

fimilar

to

what

once faw in that gaol,

now

affize

could the more

it.

painted

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

Norfolk Circuit.

hung up

painted on a board, and

The ad

in the debtors hall,

for preferving the health of prifoners not

and

to fupply the poor debtors

tranfports to

London

^70

for

but not confirmed by a judge.

hung up.

Mr. Smith contracted

two hot dinners a week; and

felons with

At fummer

a year.

281

affize,

to

convey

Ayles-

^v*y
Gaol.

moved from

prifoners are

hence to Buckingham.

lady at

Wefton

List of Fees allowed

to

4 J. which

an annuity of

left

among

of Aylefbury, and diftributed

is

paid

by the church-wardens

debtors and felons.

be taken by the Keeper of his Majefty's Gaol at Ayljbury in and for the County

by the Hon. Sir William Stanhope, Knight of the Bath, Richard Lowndes
and Jehu Rivett Efqrs. three of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace for the faid County of Bucks at
their General Quarter Seffion of the Peace holden at Jylejhury
on the 21ft Day cf April, in the tltt

of Bucks, examined,

fettled

Year of the Reign of

Second and

George the

in the

Year of our Lord 1748.

From Debtors on

their difcharge for the

the fum of
For every warrant he

is

--------___
-------

To

the IherifF for his liberty the

the turnkey

Felons at the

affizes

the

fum of

the turnkey

At

the quarter feffion or otherwife the

To

the turnkey

Chamber

rent if the debtor

If he finds his

own bedding

Searching the

files

for

fum of

is

furniftied

unlefs

he

78

1.

Michaelmas

Allowed

with bedding per week the fum of

lie in

common-room

the

the

fum of

By

Seffion.

the

...

be paid by the

0
0

D.

4
0
6
6
0

13

4
6

0
0

any warrant

to

For a copy thereof

For every declaration or other pleadings whatfoever
On delivery to the turnkey the fum of
1

fum of

To

S.

warrant on mefne procefs, execution or otherwife

charged with aftenvards the fum of

To

From

firft

O
O

plaintiff or his agent,

Court.

in Court.

William Hayton Clerk of the Peace for the

County of Bucks.

Vtrnty.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
AYLESBURY.
the latter

54-

lately enclofed

Mr.

The two work-rooms, and

feet

by

4,

and 6

feet

high.

the lodging-rooms, are fmall

one of

court in front only 84 feet wide,

from the fpacious court of the keeper's behind the county gaol.
is keeper; falary, 30.
Prifoners have from him

Smith (the county gaoler)

one pound of bread a day.

hung

Fees, 4s. 6d.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

up.

1774, Nov. 12, Prifoners

2.

1779, Feb.

25, Prifoners 3.

1776, Jan.

3.

I7 s 2j April

29,

1.

Nov.

3,
2,

2.

NEWPORT

Bride
WELLS

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

282
Bride-

NEWPORT PAGNEL.
6-i,

and 6

allowance

Two

The

feet high.

guineas rent for the

as the doors

cells.

the back court of a public houfe, 7 feet

cells in

apertures in the doors 10 inches

no employment.

Norfolk Circuit.

Keeper

The prifoners muft be

now open under

Salary,

diftant.

lives

by

No water
He pays

9.

20.

by
no

two

almoft fuffocated in hot weather,

went out who had been

From January 1780 to January 178 1, here were comprifoners.
From January 4, 1782, to July 2, here were thirtya penthoufe.

deferter lately

confined here a fortnight.

mitted twenty-nine
three

deferters included.

1779, March 24, Prifoners

WEST-WYCOMB.

o.

Oft.

13,

1782, July

15,

o.

Nov. 28,

o.

This prifon was

lately

o.

removed from High-Wycomb, and

the keeper was difmifTed at the Michaelmas feffions 1778 for inattention.

of two garrets

in

the prefent keeper's houfe.

by ftrong planks nailed

acrofs for fecurity

The windows

his falary,

^20.

It confifts

up

are almoft clofed

In 1782

found

this

again removed to High-Wycomb.

It confifts of two fmall rooms in the
back court of the keeper's public houfe, about 7 feet by 3, and 6 feet high
prifon

apertures in the doors

committed

to

a court about 10 feet

by

fix

no

water.

Prifoners are here

hard labour.

1779, April 23, and 1782, June 25,

No

prifoners.

BUCKINGHAM TOWN GAOL.

Two
by 12.

rooms below; one of which

Over thefe are two rooms

Keeper's falary, 2.

on a board

is

the bridewell: the other for felons 16 feet

for

debtors.

No

this infcription

:.

"

ufe of this town and county

*'

fixed here

hung up.

" The Right Honourable Richard

be erected

this edifice to

The fummer

act of parliament in the year

1779, Oct. 14,

1782, April 30,

Gaoler no

water.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

u Lord Vifcount Cobham caufed

by

is

affixes

at his

Over

falary.

the gate

Grenville

Temple,

own expenfe

for the

being reftored to this place and

1748."

No

prifoners but a raving lunatic.

No

prifoners.

BEDFORDSHIRE,

BEDFORDSHIRE,

Norfolk Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

283

BEDFORD,

at

Bedford.

Thomas Howard.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

Tranfports

If only one,

Licence,

Beer.

Felons,

if

two,

each

all

above two,

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, two quartern-loaves a week each.
Felons,

two halfpeck-loaves a week each.

Debtors,

Garnifti,

Number,

o.

Felons &c.

5 t0 I0 >

Debtors.

6 t0 9-

i773

"

1776,

Feb. 12,

8,

5.

1779,

Oct.

7,

2. Deferters 2.

CHAPLAIN,

"

16,

Rev. Mr. Lloyd.

Sunday and Thurfday.

Salary,

20.

Salary,

Mr.

Gadfly.

12

for the gaol

this prifon there is

on the

firft

July 17,
7,

Felons &c.

7,

3.

8,

9.

floor,

a day-room for debtors, which

is

ufed as

on the ground-floor, two day-rooms,

women, without fire-places, and two cells for the
two dungeons, down eleven fteps, one
feet high

one for men, and the other for

The rooms

2,

and bridewell.

a chapel, and four lodging- rooms

condemned.

J78

1783, Sep.

Duty,

SURGEON,
IN

Debtors.

are 8-i

for felons,

of them dark; the window of the other 18 inches by 12.

allowed to the gaoler for ftraw, which

is

Five pounds a year

is

not on the floors, but on frames or bedfteads.

The juftices in winter, upon application, grant coals both to

is common to both.
No apartment for the gaoler.
Claufes of the ad againft fpirituous liquors are not hung

debtors and felons.

The

court

culpably ignorant of that act.

gaol-fever was in this prifon

was Mr. Darnel the furgeon,

No

infirmary nor bath.

fome died

who

there,

and many

attended the prifoners.

up.

in the

His

when

was,

About twenty
town

fheriff,

years ago the

among whom

fucceflbr,

Mr.

Gadfly,

judicioufly chan'ged the medicines from fudorifics (generally ufed before) to bark and
cordials

and a

fail-ventilator

being foon

after

put up, the gaol has been free from the

fever almoft ever fince.

This prifon
not

hung

is

kept very clean

but the act for preferving the health of prifoners

is

up.

O0

Fees

Remarks.

BEDFORDSHIRE.
^ ees on

Bedford
Co nt y
Gaol.

perfons that

come

difcharged,

to

a P r nte ^ P a P er >

figned

'

this

place,

either

the late Gaoler as follows

by warrant, commitment, or verbally

and four pence

fifteen millings

by

Norfolk Circuit.

mult pay before

and two millings to the turnkey.

to the gaoler,

T. RUhardfon.

At

my

At

County of Bedford.

and for the

1782 there was a Table of Fees painted on a board.

vifit in

General Quarter Seffions of the Peace holden

the

County of Bedford on Wednefday

in

Week

the

at

the

Town

of Bedford in

next after the Feaft of

St. Michael
October in the twenty-firft Year of the Reign of our
Sovereign Lord George the third by the grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King De.

faid

the Archangel that

to fay the third day of

is

fender of the Faith and fo forth and in the Year of our Lord

One thoufand Seven hundred and Eighty-one

before Sir Philip Monoux Baronet William Gery John Nefbitt and John Miller junior Efquires Hadley

Cox

Henry Hinde Peter Lepipre William Smith and John Hawkins Clerks JulKces of our faid Lord the King
Affigned to keep the Peace in the faid County and alfo to hear and determine divers Felonies Trefpafles

and other Mifdemeanors

fettled

in

the faid

County committed

The

following Table of Fees were perufed

and approved of to be taken by the Gaoler of the faid County of Bedford but

to the Judges of Aflize at the next

Lent

to

firft

be fubmitted

Aflizes for their approbation.

Debtors Fees to Gaoler and his Turnkey.

.
pay the gaoler

and every other action

For each debtor difcharged

Of him
To

for the fecond

to

the turnkey at the difcharge of every debtor

To him

of every fuch debtor for the fecond and every other action

For every debtor

for each

weeks lodging on the chapel

fide the gaoler finding

If two lye together in the fame bed to take of each

Of

every debtor for chamber rent finding his

For a copy of every warrant of detainer

For a certificate for want of a declaration
For a

certificate in

own bedding and

week

Iheets, per

order to fue for a habeas corpus

of fuperfedeat

For the entering every declaration delivered to the debtors in cuflody

To the under-lherifF for his liberatur to gaoler for the difcharge of a debtor fox each

Felons Feet to Gaoler

To

0
0

0
0

0
6
0

and

his

6
6
0

2
2

Turnkey.

the gaoler for every prifoner fentenced to be burned in the hand fined or imprifoned

when difcharged

And

To

10

adlion

0
0
0
0

in order to take a writ

D.

bed meets

and blankets

s.

to

pay

the gaoler for the difcharge of every perfon

committed for want of

fureties

peace, mifdemeanor or any other crime not being felony

And

to the turnkey for each

For a copy of every commitment

to the turnkey for each

if

demanded

'7

0
0

17

4
0
0

of the
2
2

For

BEDFORDSHIRE.

Norfolk Circuit.

285

-026
.

For a

certificate

For attending

of commitment in order to fue out a habeas corpus

in the

town of Bedford with every prifoner

in order to give bail or

John

County
o

GaOL >

-0134

Approved

Nejbitt

James Eyre

William Smith

7 th

Jeremy Fijh

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
rooms about

134- feet

March 1782

Palmer Clerk of the Peace of

the

Confifts of three

Bedford

be other-

.
ways difcharged
For the difcharge of every prifoner committed for felony or on fufpicion thereof and no
bill of indictment found, or difcharged on his or her trial, or delivered by proclamation,

to be paid out of the county rates

D.

S.

at

County of Bedford.

BEDFORD,

by 114, on the ground-floor ; no fire-place

Allowance to each a
:

the court 36 feet by 24; no water acceffible to the prifoners.

quartern-loaf every other day.

no

The

prilbn clean.

Keeper's

falary,

^30; now ^20:

fees.

1776, Feb. 13,

Prifoners

3.

Ocl:. 16,

2.

1782, July 17,

4.

779,

BEDFORD TOWN GAOL.

Two new

rooms with

fire-places.

No

apartment for the gaoler.

No

court

no

water.

1779,

Od.

16,

1782, July 17,

Prifoner
-

o.
1.

HUNTINGDONSHIRE,

BrjdeWELI"

HUNTINGDONSHIRE,

286

COUNTY GAOL
Hunting-

GAOLER,

at

Norfolk Circuit.

HUNTINGDON.
now John

Henry Blane, afterwards Robert Nunn,

don.

Randall.

none.

Salary,

Fees,

Debtors, .0

12

6.

'15

10.

if

more, 9 each

Felons,

Tranfports, If only one,

12

he paying the clerk of

afiize

a guinea for each.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

Garnifh,

Felons,

four halfquartern-loaves a week.

Debtors,

0:2:6.'

773>
i774>

Jan.

Salary,

7>

4-

1776, Sep. 27,

29

7>

3-

1779,

3,

22,

11,

9,

4,

1782,

May

THIS

gaol

room

or kitchen

felons

it

is

fteps a

but

dungeon

for the

court; in which

No

gaol, 4.

is

dungeon

No

in

For

Near
which

for

is

hung

at

my

would have continued

^4

No
:

The

ac~t

a fmall

prifon

day-

condemned
the floor of

and court
at

my

are too

viiit in

1779.

for preferving the health of pri-

bath. Salary for the bridewell,

16

a day-room for

women-felons

The

chimneys.

up.

debtors,

is

it

This has two rooms below for

the bridewell.

is

infirmary.

very conflantly twice

exprefsly forbidding

At
ju a

'Town Gaol.

for men-felons

women..

Straw,

was forry to hear

officiated

He

hung up.

town

Perkins.

7 fteps,

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

foners not

4,

always found' the whole remarkably clean, except

6.

14. Deferters 4.

( See Remarks.)

a large lodging-room.

it

down

for

Felons ice.

o.

and over

and two above

fmall:

no Chaplain

the County Bridewell and

alfo

In another place,

level with the

men

Mr. Hunt, now Mr.

and down 9

room.

5-

Now

Rev. Mr. Brock.

Debtors.

Nov.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Nov.

Remarks.

0:2:6.

Debtors,

Number,

24

16

o;

o a year.

1776, that Mr. Brock, the late chaplain, who

week, and had a falary of only 20, was difmifled.

vifit in

his attendance,

without the falary

but an order was

made

it.

the back of the prifon a hemp-dreffer has a fmall houfe, and alfo a falary of
year, to find

work

for the prifoners in the

pence a ftone.
3

bridewell, in beating

hemp

at three

TABLE

HUNTINGDONSHIRE.

Norfolk Circuit.

TABLE

OF

287

FEES.

Huntingdon

A Table

Huntingdonjbire.

of the antient accuftomed Fees demanded taken and received time imme-

morial by the Gaoler for the time being of his Majefty's Gaol in the

County of Huntingdon

as well for Civil Prifoners as

As
For the

commonly

to Civil Prifoners,

difmiflion fee for each debtor, to the keeper

For the like, to the turnkey

For debtors, bed per week

Town

of Huntingdon and for the

Criminal Prifoners.

called Debtors.

. S. D.
o 10
o

-026
-024
-036

For the bed per week,

if

For the

of each criminal prifoner difcharged out of cuftody, either by the

two debtors

lie

together

As
difmiflion fee

to Criminal Prifoners.

magiftrate, or by the courts of aflize or feflion

Eor the

like to the

turnkey

For the bed per week

to

For the bed per week,

each

if

two

fine,
lie

trefpafs, or felon

together

Robert

-026
.036
-048
o

13

Nunn
Keeper of the County Gaol of Huntingdonjbire Oft. 14, 1774.

There
date

is

a rafure,

when he

office,

figned.

Oc"L 6,

which cancels the name of the former gaoler Henry

There

is

Blane,

and the

added, the date of the prefent gaoler's coming into

1778.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE,

TY
^qUA0L
q
'

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

288

Norfolk Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL, CAMBRIDGE CASTLE.

Cam-

GAOLER,

Simeon Saunders.

BRIDGE*
Salary,

12

Fees,

Debtors,

14

o.

14

10

Felons,
Tranfports,

6:6:0 each

Licence,

Beer.

8.

8.

he paying the clerk of affize 1

for eacTi

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

(See Remarks.)

Felons, two pence a day.

Garnifh,

Debtors,

0:5:4.

Felons,

Number,
1773, Nov. 4,
1774, Dec. 13,
Feb.

1776,

9,

CHAPLAIN,

none.

SURGEON,

Mr.

THE

prifon

3-

is

Felons tec.

Debtors.

Felons

ice.

8,

2.

1776, Sep. 27,

IO,

O.

6,

4.

2.

6.

1779, Sep. 23,

1782, Feb. 6,

21,

8,

3-

5>

Prince.

none

Salary,

Remarks.

Debtors.

he makes a

bill.

the gate of the old caftle.

rooms

On

the ground-floor, called the low-

one for men-felons (30 feet by 6 feet 7 inches) ; another

for women (16 feet by 9) with a chimney
the other was not finiflied.
There is an
afcent of 2 2 flone fteps on the outfide to the debtors apartments, called the high-gaol.

gaol, are three ftrong

On

the

rooms.
fizeable.

floor is a room
Above them are

Claufes

of act

Thomas Cockran, Efq.

have not the ufe of

it.

Debtors have fome

from

Sidney college,

fixteen

a large kitchen

The act for preferving the

The caftle-yard is fpacious,

it is

relief

and 20 s. a

each has a

legacies

Ihirt

and two or three other

health of prifoners not

but not

fafe

hung

and prifoners

and donations paid by feveral colleges

every year, and a fack of coals

collection

from
is

St.

John's,

made

in the

town, by leave of the mayor, which amounts to about j a year

year, deducting land-tax,

memorial

the gallows.

from

pennyworth of bread, every Saturday morning.

univerfity and the

No

In

turnkey

rooms and a condemned room. All the rooms are

againft fpirituous liquors hung up, by a written order of
five

fheriff.

Straw, 20 j. a year.

up.

for the

firft

is

paid from an eftate at Croxton in

this county.

in the gaol.

Cambridge/hire.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

Norfolk Circuit.

The General Quarter

Camlridgsjbire.

19th

of April

Ezuen Efq" juftices

of the Peace

Seflions

of Geo. 1765

year

in the 5th

purfuant

held

the

at the Shire-hall in Cambridge-

Edward

Leeds Hale Wort bam and

W Hozvell

to a late

Adl

Infolvent Debtors &c.

Gaol.

pafTed in the 2d

of

George

hung up publickly

to be

FEES.

O F

Intituled,

II

in the Prifon

An

AO. for the Relief of

of the Caftle of Cambridge.

To
To

the gaoler for the

commitment

fee to

be paid

at the

time of commitment, only

To the merilf for the difcharge of every prifoner to be p^id on fuch difcharge
To be paid for the weekly rent of an entire chamber, with one bed only, and clean linnen
And in cafe more prifoners are put into a room, fo that there is occafion for more beds in the

fame chamber, Then there

be paid for the ufe of the chamber, and of every bed

(hall

and linnen and cloaths belonging

to it the

Edward

fum of

COUNTY BRIDEWELL

It confifts

and over them two rooms; one for men, with four cages
for

women, with two

work, which
keeper:

no allowance

beating hemp, and

is

falary,

He

1.

Sep. 27,

There

Town Gaol.
whom

prifoner,

weeks

Below

I favv

no allowance.

The

Above
:

are

rooms

no water

of two work-rooms,

feet

6--

have the profit of their

the prifoners

Mr. Saunders

the county gaoler

is

1782, Feb.

8.

feet

by

6,

1.

ilfb at

room

there in 1776,

St. John's, Trinity, Chrift's,

court

are
a

is

H Ei

i779> Sep. 23, Prifoners 7.

-6.

9,

humane.-*

1774, Dec. 13, Prifoners 4.

1776, Feb.

making mops.

attentive and

is

a
a

by 4; and the other

court: no water acceffible to prifoners: only one

No

cages.

fewer, and that very offenfive

o
o

CAMBRIDGE

at

and joins to the gaoler's houfe.

Is in the cattle-yard

S.

016

Hale IVcrtham

Leeds

D.

054
054

the gaoler for the difcharge of every prifoner to be paid at the time of his difcharge,

only

CAMBRIDGE

for criminals, the hole-,

was a miferable

from

7.

The

he had been confined fome

object.:

prifoners receive relief

the

about 21

feveral of the colleges, viz,

&c.

for debtors

and criminals, one of which

acceffible to prifoners.

is

called the cage.

Claufes againft fpirituous liqu'orc, and the

for prefcrving the health of prifoners not

hung up.

Gaoler no

falary.

No
acT:

Licence for

beer.

Number,

Debto

1774, Dec.
1776, Feb.

776, Sep.

Cambridge

County

Sec.

TABLE
Settled

Eefore

Ill

289

28,

Ftlons &c.

Debtors

Felons &c.

3.

1779' Se P- 2 3>

I,

2.

2.

O.

1782, Feb.

2,

O.

I,

I.

7,

An

Bride
well.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

290

Cam-

An

Norfolk Circuit.

Account of the Pees that have been anciently and cuftomarily paid

BR1DGK

Tolbooth Prifon

in the

Town

of Cambridge,

Gaoler or Keeper of the

to the

<viz.

Town
Gaol.

For every debtor

The commitment
The withdraught

fee

or difcharging fee which

is

The
faid

S.

D.

068
026

paid afterwards to the mayor at every port

For the care of the prifoner and chamber per week

At

17 January 1765

Town

the General Quarter Seflions of the Peace held for the

Town having

Wbtjkin,

Mayor

Edward

King Whittl ed

Town

We

the Juftices

of

the-

W H Ewen

On

for

ftraw or coverlets.
feet

Ellas SowJIer

Leeds

Norfolk

the ground-floor, one room for men, 21 feet by 6 ; and

women, 9 feet by 5.
In thefe are lately put bedfteads for
There is a dungeon or dark room for the refractory. Above is a

Bridewell.

two lodging- rooms

work-room 19

of Cambridge

reviewed the abovefaid Table of Fees, do allow and confirm the fame

fquare, for

women.

confined in the day-time, and fome of

women

In the fpring 1779, feventeen

them

at

were

room, which has no

night, in this

fewer.
This made it extremely offenfive, and occafioned a fever or
among them, which alarmed the Vice-chancellor, who ordered all of them
Two or three died within a few days. There are now added two
be difcharged.

fire-place or

ficknefs
to

rooms,

one of which are

in

five cages

about 7 feet fquare.

There

is

a fmall court

no

water.

The

Vice-chancellor's prifoners, have four pence on Sunday, to prevent the necefilty

of their working on that day

No

a day.

Straw,

The

as formerly.

Thofe of them

allowance of bread for town prifoners.

that are

for the

anfwer the intention, the keeper appointed

is

this

a wool-comber.

many

only fevcral hands upon the foundation of the charity, but

his prifoners.

His

falary

is

Sep

no

fees.

town.

28,

who

He

others

The

bafis

died 1630.

employs not

among them

paid out of the charity.

1774, Dec. 13, Prifoners

1776,

which was bought and

encouragement of wool-combers and fpinners of

of the inftitution was a legacy of the famous carrier 'Thomas Hobfon,

To

30

a year.

bridewell ftands in the back yard of the keeper's houfe

endowed

have three pence

ill,

Keeper's falary,

3.

1779, Sep. 23, Prifoners 6, and one lunatic.

7.

1782, Feb.

7,

3.

ELY

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

Norfolk Circuit,

ELY
GAOLER,

291

GAOL.
Ely

John Allday.

Gaol.

none.

Salary,

Debtors,

Fees,

Felons,
each.

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Debtors,

Allowance,

none.

Felons,

Garnifh,

4;

Number,

Debtors.

THIS
of

Ely,

the

O.

1776, Sep. 28,

Dec. 13,

1,

2.

Sep. 23,

1782, Feb.

3-

9,

6,

7/
7.

1.

4j

2.

Lunatic

1.

none.

none.

gaol, the property of the bifhop,

was

cruel

Debtors.

6,

1776, Feb.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

Felons &c.

30,

1774, Jan.

in

part

rebuilt

method which,

tor

who

is

by bifhop Ma-ivjon

want of a

fafe

gaol,

lord of the franchife of the

1768,

in

upon

complaint

ifle

of

took to fecure his

the keeper

prifoners *.

For

mafter's-fide

condemned
room,

i8-| feet

Below

No

flairs

is

infirmary.

for the

ifle,

of

* This was by chaining

room on

a foot fquare.

and

the fame floor for

their

There

is

cell

late,

hung up.

No

their

fheriff's

officer for the ifle,

Lent

at Ely,

Summer

at

Wifbech.

backs upon a floor, acrofs which were feveral iron bars

with an iron collar with fpikes about their necks, and a heavy iron bar over their legs.
magiftrate, James Collyer, Efq.

king

but no free
aft for pre-

table of fees.

twice a year, viz.

them down on

Keeper, a

or night-

a court for felons,

county of Cambridge.

Afllze in this

No water. For debtors a court with a pump

No flraw. Claufes againfl fpirituous liquors, and

ferving the health of prifoners, not

and

flairs

the felons day-room;

by 10, with a window about

with an offenfive fewer.

ward.

rooms up

debtors three

felons.

An

excellent

prefented an r.ccount of the cafe, accompanied with a drawing, to the

with which his majeity was

much

affecled,

and gave immediate orders for a proper inquiry and

xedscLs.

At

Remarks.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE.

11)1

Ely.

At my

laft vifit,
s.

$\d. the charges

j.

s.

and gaol-fees, 3

d.

One

the debtors and felons were together *.

fined for 3
for cofts

Norfolk Circuit.
of the former was con-

3d. another, who had a wife and

s.

five children,

only

6d\.

BRIDEWELLS.
Bride-

ELY.

This prifon (built 165

15 feet 4 inches)

No

prifon out of repair.

garden.

1)

for

court;

February 1776, a

In

of one -room below for

confifts

and two above

No

women.

men (16

feet

by

water acceflible to prifoners;

one might be made from the keeper's large

woman

fick

Claufes of aft againft fpirituous liquors not

no

hung

apothecary.

No

allowance.

Keeper's falary,

up.

10: no

fees.

1774, Dec. 13, Prifoners

2.

1779, Sep. 23, Prifoners

2.

1776, Feb.

9,

3.

1782, Feb.

3.

Sep.

28,

1.

WISBECH.

This

is

alfo a gaol.

There

is

a defcent to

below (the work-room

15 feet by 12),

acceflible to prifoners.

Allowance, a penny a day

6,

of 5

it

ileps.

No

and two above.

Two

court:

rooms

no water

ftraw, twenty fhillings a year.

Claufes of aft againft fpirituous liquors, and the aft for preferving the health of
prifoners not

hung up.

Keeper's falary,

16: no

fees.

This

prifon might be

improved on the keeper's garden.

1776,

Feb.

1779,

March

29,

Oft.

10,

Feb.

4,

may be

an honeft

1782,

An unhappy

debtor

3,

Prifoners 2.

Debtors

man;

but,

Men

2.

ImprefTed

1.

Felon &c.

1.

1.

Deferter

1.

" Evil

Lunatic

1.

communications corrupt good manners"

t By an adt for the more eafy and fpeedy recovery of fmall debts, within the
Cambridge.

3.

IJle

of Ely, in the county of

1778.

NORFOLK.

NORFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.

293

COUNTY GAOL, NORWICH CASTLE.

GAOLER,

Norwich.

George Gynne.

none: he pays the under-fheriffj/ji

Salary,

Debtors,

Fees,

Tranfports,

13

4.

15

6 each.

o per annum.

7:8.

Felons,

10

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,
Felons,

"7

two-penny loaf each per day ( weight

and every week

20 oz.J

in winter
.

Debtors,

Garnifh,

Felons &c.

30,

14.

1776, Nov.

Dec. 10,

16,

15.

1779,

29,

16.

1782, July

5,

Friday.

Salary,

30.

SURGEON,

Debtors.

March

Mr.

Palgrave, Mr. Brown,

now Mr.

caftle

on the fummit of a

fituated

is

31,

24,

29.

6,

25,

23.

That part which is called

for them to walk

low gacl has feveral rooms for debtors, felons &c.

made fome improvements fuch as

There is a dungeon down a ladder of 8

pump,

rooms over

fteps,

which has been fometimes an inch or two of water

room

diftinct

from the

from thence.

nets,

&c. of

There
furgcon

is

their

of

reft

The

well as debtors,

women-felons

for

mo ft

decency would

fell

require

ir.

gaoler
at

is

here are

now

a bath,

and fome

for men-frlons

in

barracks and ma:s.

and they cannot be feparate from the men, when

There

of the prifon, that there

are
is

three airy

rooms

for the fick

fo

no danger of fpreading any infection

humane, and refpected by

his prifoners.

Thefe, felons as

the grates of their feparate day-rooms, laces, garters, purfes,

own making.

a nurfe or

orders

all

on.

fmall area in the middle

a

it.

the

and leads

of the gaol, in which are

a fmall

32.

18,

Rigby.

hill.

upper gaol, has ten rooms for mafter's-fide debtors

Only

Felons &c.

17,

^0.

Salary,

The

fix bulhels.

Rev. Mr. Willins.

Duty,

THE

fummer

twelve bufhels of coals, in

1,

1776, Feb.

1774, and 1782,

a (lone of cheefe

o.

Debtors.

1774, Feb.

in

common

0:1:0.

Felons,

Number,

CHAPLAIN,

in

it,

matron

broth,

to

gruel,

attend the fick; and provide for them,

milk-pottage

and

extra-firing.

It

is

when

the

alfo

her

bufmefs

Remarks;

NORFOLK.

294

^Norwich

Norfolk Circuit.

bufinefs to fee that the prifoners be duly ferved with their allowance of bread,

Castle.
|s

The

remarkably good.

Lent
which

defcribed

is

moved from hence

are

affize, prifoners

in

In

that place.

to Thetford *

At

and put into a dungeon

and

twenty-feven prifoners,

1779,

which

of prifoners not hung up.

a6l for preferving the health

eighteen were carried thither, and confined four nights, moil of

them

in

1782,

the dun-

in

geon.

Mrs. Frames Kemfe formerly bequeathed certain

and Heyden

bound an
ties

poor of Norwich

charities to the

For payment, me

and a ftipend for preaching three fermons a year.

eftate in

Heyden

were fome to prifoners

Among

her by her father John Mingay, Efq.

left

in

and

this caftle,

the chari-

Thefc have

in the city gaol.

for

fome

years pall received nothing; although the legacies are paid to the other objects.

TABLE OF
A Table

Norfolk.

of the Rates Fees and Allowances to be

Gaol or Pri/on -within the faid County

the Caftle of Norwich

Debtors

FEES.

31 July3d

fettled

at the

George

of

taken by

every Gaoler or Keeper of any

General Quarter Selhon

1729

in

purfuance

any prifoner for debt

II.

That

Scz.

is

holden by Adjournment

of

a late

Acl;

for Relief

to fay

050m

For

commitment

the

or

coming

into gaol of

For chamber rent where the gaoler

or herfelf, per

Where

finds

there are two in a bed not exceeding per week

the difcharge of thofe in execution

We his IVIajefty's Jufiices

upon common proce/s

of the Peace

the difcharge of thofe upon outlawry

the difcharge of thofe

per week each prifoner

fet

".

have hereunto

'

our hands

s.

-020
-006
-054
him

to

W here there are three in a bed not exceeding

For
For
For

bedding and linncn, and a prifoner hath a bed

--week

at

of

the day and year above written

31 July 1729 Confirmed by us

TV" Bacon
1

Jatnes Reynolds

Edm d

R. Bacon

Tom. Turner

Miles Branthwayte

Miles BranthwayU

m Brantbivayte

Here

would

juft

mention the Norfolk and Norwich Hofpital,

The

one of the beft of our county hofpitals.

up

flairs

the bedfteads are iron, and they are not crowded.

furniture linen
ing, and airy
in the

wards

and there are no

is

The

in

fummer, and

little

The

is

177 j,

as

being

only -one floor

beds are ftraw, the

wards are kept clean by frequent warn-

by the oppofite windows being generally open.

fpmetimes properly indulged.

There

tellers.

built in

wards are lofty; there

Bacon

There

are

Dutch (loves

coppers for tea water, with which the patients are

There

is

a fine area enclofed, in which the patients walk.

no warning, brewing nor baking

* See

laft

in this houfe.

note in fag; 13.

COUNTY

NORFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
S

WAFF HAM.
(10

clofe

Three rooms below

one of which, a lodging-room for men,

9 inches by 7 feet 9 inches):

feet

A window

perly flopped

up

Surgeon, Mr. Say: he makes a

licence for beer.

1774,

Dec.

1776,

Feb.

1779,

March

-p,

3,

in

one of thefe

room

another

feet

n,].

5,

5,5

clofets,

4.

almoft to duft.

15^

by

feet

8,

with three clofets on one fide of

women, in which, at
work with padlocks on
There

The
a

is

who had

my

is

lie

There

is

though they are never out

in the

dungeon down eight

fteps with the flocks in

it.

It is

and 6 feet high; now arched with brick; a dirt floor; has two

The

feem to have overlooked a

Chap. XLI1I.) " to prevent the

juftices

from being kept under ground, whenever they can do

it

conveniently," as

Neither the rooms nor the fpacious court

Prifoners in this bridewell are not only confined within doors, but generally

in irons.

Keeper's falary,

four pence a day.

16: no
1

Straw,

Allowance to thofe fufpected of felony,

fees.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

a year.

up.

AYLSHAM.
which

for night-

it,

of being obliged to

1779, there were four dirty and

their legs,

abundant room on the premifes.

fecure.

hung

very fmall quantity of draw on the Moor was worn

claufe in a late act of parliament (14th Geo. III.

there

me

a cutaneous diforder.

vifit in

apertures at the top, of a foot diameter.

prifoners

16

hung up:

bill.

prifoner complained to

with two boys

court except on Sundays.

but

impro-

{-including
0 the lunatic.

by

no

with a lunatic.

for

fickly objects at

5,

29,

WYMUNDHAM. A day-room
rooms, about 6

too

Prifoners 7.

11,

Feb.

1782,

is

falary,

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

ftraw.

is

"but

feet fquare,

Keeper's

the prifoners are confined to their rooms.

by 15,

kitchen which overlooked the court

in the keeper's

and twenty millings a year for

feet

Court enlarged, now 28

employment: and four rooms above.

no pump.

work-room, 17

is

1776,

Nov.

17,

1779,

March

30,

1782,

July

6,

5.

9,

In the floor of the work (or day) room

9-I feet

by

6.

Above

are three

flairs

no ftraw: court not fecure; prifoners

no implements for work
vagrants.

Prifoners 5.
,

Keeper's falary,

in

it

is

a trap-door into a dungeon,

rooms, not fecure.

No

fire-place

only on Sundays: no water: no fewer:

no allowance, but two pennyworth of bread a day to

13

1779,

April

8.

Prifoners 4.

1,

ACLE.

Bride.
WELLS *

296
Bride-

ACLE.

NORFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.

Down

nine fteps are two dark dun-

day-room, and two rooms over

geons, 8 feet by 5 feet 10 inches.

on

1633.

is

it

prifoners

No

no

1779, April

WALS INGHAM.

and 1782, July

room 15

no water

by

feet

7,

No

hung

up.

Prifoners

in

the keeper's court, with two dark

8 in

NORWICH CITY
Norwich.

GAOLER,

none:

Fees,

Debtors,

flie

Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

GAOL.

Widow.

40

a year.

6:8.

13

4.

5:5:0

COUNTY

his

pays the fherifFs

walls of

Prifoners 2.

and
now

Benjamin Fakenh am >

Salary,

The

Fees, is.

Oft. 10,

1779,

floors.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

irons.

13:6:8.

Keeper's falary,

date

prifoners.

lodging-rooms about 7 feet fquare, and ftraw on the brick

the court not fecure.

The

acceffible to

Keeper's falary, 16.

ftraw.

2,

quite out of repair.

is

a fpacious garden

court: keeper has

no allowance

it.

This prifon

each.

Beer and Wine.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,

Garniih,

in

1779, 11

oz.

was reduced to a penny

it

of bread; in 1782, 140s.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

52,

7.

1776, Nov.

Dec. 10,

17,

5.

1779,

31,

17.

1776, Feb.

5,

Debtors.

1,

1774, Feb.

March 3 1,

19,

5.

16,

5.

1782, July

6,

Rev. Mr. Buckle.

Prayers, once a fortnight) fermon one Tuefday in a month.

20.

ONLY
the felons

Mr. Matchett, now Mr. Keymer.

one court.

mon-fide debtors,

10.

11,

Salary,

Salary,

Felons &c.

17,

Duty,

SURGEON,

Remarks.

td'afj

0:1:0.

Number,

CHAPLAIN,

a two-penny loaf each: in 1776,

")

Felons,

who

o for debtors and

Many rooms
are freemen.

day-room ; which

is

felons.

for mafter's-fide debtors.

There

is

One room

none for thofe who are not

damp room under

the other, and

down 13

for

combut

free,

fteps

in

this

NORFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.
found

this I

297

The

1782, one or two court of conference debtors*.

down eleven fteps; one of them quite dark

in

or night-rooms, are

The women's dungeon down

ten fieps, has a fire-place

another night-room, about 104 feet by

now 1

o a year, but

adjoining to the

The ad

In 1779 there were

were

in

it,

10

is

it

two rooms

The

alterations.

their

for debtors.

The

good day-room

Straw was -only

feet high.

two chaldron.

hung

keeper's ftable
for there

no

is

but

is

up.

about three

cells for felons,

over.

Over them two

airy

all

g.'.ol.

they had

below

feet

and

22

fect

bath, but not convenient

rooms

for the fick (each

high), with iron bedfteads, and bedding.

feet

trial;

late vifits

fo.

court paved; and fome old fheds, that

Three night-rooms or

Gaol-delivery once a year

before

my

at

for preferving the health of prifoners not

many

taken down.

by 16, and near 12

Coals

but

peculiarly neceffary in thofe places where the affize

the ground, eight feet fquare, planked

over

and but

54-,

o.

room, would make the women

laft

proper feparation, which

once a year.

Norwich

felons dungeons,

the other almoft

three prifoners were confined from eight to ten

two were committed November

as

6,

1778,

months

woman

one

and

Auguft 22, 1778.

TABLE

OF

FEES.

Guild
At
holden
General Quarter
fame
of Norwich and County of
16th of the fame O&ober before
5th Odlober 33d yearof George andadjourned
of
Tcmpfon Efq. Mayor Edward Bacon Efq. Recorder
Marfi Efq. &c. &c.
Ordered by
Peace
Court
purfuance of an A61
Fees
Relief of Debtors That
here underwritten, and no other or greater Sums be taken by any Gaoler o Keeper of any
City

the

the

City.

in

the

to

Robert

iNockold

this

It is

in

City

of Norwich

For the commitment or coming

into gaol of

For chamber-rent where the gaoler

felf or herfelf,

Where
Where

(That
finds

by the week

is

the feveral

to fay)

any prifoner for debt

by

the

week each

For the difcharge of thofe upon outlawry

For the difcharge of thofe upon common

We his Majefty's

thofe in execution

Juftices

prccefs

of the Peace

Nockold Tompfotiy

for

Mayor

f. Spurrell
Confirmed and allowed

at the Affize

By

Norwich have hereunto

By an

is

fet

our hands

Peter Colombine

yerem

The Twenty-ninth day of

July

Ives

and general Gaol Delivery of our Lord the King held

in

and for the

One Thoufand Seven

us

aft for the city of

Norwich, 12 and 13 of William III, 1701.

to remain without bail or mainprize, until he fhe or they perform

al

John Nuthall

T: Parker
*

D.

Ed. Bacon

City of Norwich and County of the fame City.

Hundred and Sixty

the faid City of

S.

him-

week each

there are three in a bed not exceeding by the

For the difcharge of

to

-034
-009
-008
-054
-054
-034

bedding and linen where a prifoner has a bed

there are two in a bed not exceeding

the

Juftices

for

fhall

Prifon within the

Plall

at the

Sefllons

II

fimilar to that for London.

T: Dennison.
Court of Confidence debtors are

and obey the order of the

faid court

which

See page 229.

Q_q

NORWICH

NORFOLK.

298

Norfolk Circuit.

NORWICH CITY BRIDEWELL.

Four rooms, 21
wood.

and damp,

clofe

But

cribs.

down 15 Heps

are

more

other part, three,

rooms, are

and 10 high, with

feet fquare

The dungeons

is

it

provements in their gaol,

be

fire-

and two warehoufes

places,

one part, four for the men;

women.

for the

fo confiderate as to

unlefs to fuch as are very refractory

In thefe, and

and

in

for

in an-

the other

and difobedient.

order thefe cells to be barred to

Only one court

river,

and

all,

pump

Allowance two pennyworth of bread daily, two hot dinners in a week, and

water.
firing

in

hoped the gentlemen, who have made many im-

to be

will

from Michaelmas

The

Lady-day.

to

fick

have four pence a day and firing

Employment, cutting logwood, of which

when wanted.

This employment

ton in the warehoufes.

of the prifoners are women.

1774,

Dec. 10,

1776,

Feb.

1782, there were 15 or 16

in

too laborious and fevere, where moft

is

Keeper's falary, '25.

Prifoners 3.

*779>

March

1782,

July

5,

5.

Prifoners 7.

31,

6,

4,

the

firft

THETFORD TOWN GAOL

Is alio the

are four

The

town brideweU.

rooms

for debtors;

ground-floor for the keeper.

and two

For

for delinquents.

felons,

On

ftory,

down

a dungeon

a window 18 inches by 14 : and

and 9 feet high
an aperture about 2 feet fquare, lately opened into the pafTage.
At affize once a year, from fixteen to twenty prifoners brought hither from Norwich
Keeper no falary. Licence
caftle are confined in this dungeon four or five nights.
ladder of 10 fteps;

At

for beer.

my

18 feet

by

9-i,

here was an infcription

laft vifit,

" This gaol was repaired and

The new part confifts of

enlarged in the mayoralty of William Holmes, Efq. 1781."

one large room and two over

hung up, but

it.

pump.

court and

table of fees,

&c.

1774,

Dec.

9,

1776,

Nov.

18,

Prifoner
-

A Table

Ihetford.

of F

e e s

1.

1779,

Sept. 24,

o.

1782,

July

to

be taken in

this

6,

Prifoner
-

the

coming

If the debtor
If two

lie in

in

is

Gaol.
S.

D.

of a debtor, no garnifh to be paid.

furnifhed with a bed, to

one bed

If he finds his

own bed

Searching

for warrant

file

1.

o.

On

now

is

not figned.

For delivery of any declaration

pay

for

it

per

week
-

.-

againft a debtor or any other proceeding

o
o
o

o
o

016
o
1

0
For

'

NORFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.
For copy of every warrant

To
On

the difcharge of every debtor if on one execution or

Turnkey
Bed per week each
in one

felon

bed

13

4
0

0
0

9
6

difmiflion of each felon or criminal prifoner,

For

mefne procefs

court of aflize or feflion

D.

If on two

lie

the gaoler's certificate for fuperfedeas

If two

299
S.

dilcharged either by a magiftrate or by the

-

Rules and Orders to be obferved.

Each

man

felon

is

allowed one penny per day at the expence of the town, and each debtor the fame.

to attend the felons while

let into the

day, and are to be

to

under fentence of death.

yard where a trough

is

clergy-

Debtors and felons are to wafh themfelves every

fixed with

frem water

for that purpofe.

And

they are

fweep and fprinkle their rooms every morning.

YARMOUTH
rooms

Town

for matter 's-fide

Gaol.

Befides the gaoler's houfe,

there are for

debtors,

all

the prifoners,

and court; and two or three lodging-rooms for fuch

down

or night-rooms

February 1776,

in

pay for them

as

health of prifoners not

three

dungeons

Table of

now hung

fees

Gaoler's

The

up.

falary,

in

The
i$

act for preferving the

hung up.

1776,

Feb.

6,

1779, April 3,
17S2, July 8,

Great Yarmouth.

July 1782, g^oz.), and four chaldron of coals a year.

corporation fends out a begging-bafket three times a week.

licence for beer and wine.

which are four

Allowance, a penny loaf a day (weight

a ladder of 10 fteps.

130-2.

in

only a fmall day-room

A Table

Debtors 6,

Felons

Sec.

14.

4,

4.

4,

2.

this

Eurgh purfuant

of Fees to be taken by the Gaoler of

to

an Order of

Affembly, A. D. 1671.

-008
-006
-010
001
.

For the commitment

releafe

and difcharge of every prifoner

For the garnilh of every prifoner

For every prifoner that will diet with the gaoler, for every meal he takes
For every prifoner lodging in the common chamber, finding his own bed for every night
For every prifoner lodging in the common chamber in the gaoler's bed for every night

chamber finding his own bed for every night

For every prifoner lodging in the private chamber in the gaoler's bed for every night
For every freeman lodging in the free room for every week
.

For every prifoner lodging

in the private

For going abroad with a prifoner every time

For the key turning

for every prifoner

being an inhabitant of this town for every week

For the key turning for every other prifoner for every week
For every prifoner committed upon any action except actions of debt

charge out of the prifon whereof he

is

to

pay

to the

Qjl

mayor
2

to

be payed upon

if fureties

be given

s.

D.

002
004
-006
-

"2

-006
-008

his dif-

And

NORFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.

-004
-006
-002
-006
-004
-004
-010
-068
.

Yarmouth.

And
And

in fuch cafe to the clerk

to the ferjeant

of the court
-

;
-

But

if the action

for

the withdrafts of the court in every adtion agreed

be agreed to the clerk of the court

Except actions of debt for which they are

to

compound with Mr. Mayor or pay

For every grand jury or petty jury keeping

to the town-hall the party plaintiff to

pay

as

he can agree with

the gaoler.

For every perfon whipped

at the feflions

For every one branded

For every one executed

YARMOUTH
fire-place in

fewer

In the work-houfe yard.

fmall court,

to

which

Four rooms
no

prifoners have

No

accefs.

no water. Court of confcience debtors fometimes confined here, and difcharged

months

in three calendar

mon

Town Bridewell.

>

one of them.

D.

if. for

every zos.

For goods attached and brought

S.

by 'the

acl:

(1758) they may be carried " either

to the

com-

gaol, or houfe of correction."

1776, Feb.

i779>

AP

6, Prifoners o.

ril

LYNN REGIS Town

are convenient,

the felons
liquors,
falary,

the court

and the

20

fees,

is

Debtor

8,

Gaol.

and were clean

at

fmall,

"

"

1782, July

1,

Petty Offender

The rooms

my firft

vifit.

for debtors, felons

and petty offenders

Cribs with ftraw and two coverlets for

and has fowls kept

act for preferving

in

Claufes againft fpirituous

it.

the health of prifoners, not

debtors 3$. \d. felons &c. 55. per table, dated

hung up.
ift

Gaoler's

of March, 1729

figned, John Goodzvyn, mayor, Thomas Bemey, recorder.

By

the Aft 1770,

court of confcience debtors (hall remain in confinement for

no

longer fpace than three calendar months.

Debtors.

1774,

Dec.

1779,

March

11,
29,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

1,

o.

1779,

Oft. 9,

3,

2.

3,

4-

*7 82 >

Feb

4a

2.

4a

SUFFOLK.

SUFFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

301

IPSWICH.

at

Rowland Baker, now John Ripjhaw*

Ipswich.

none.

Salary,

Debtors,")

Fees,

Felons,

IO

g>

Tranfports,

6:6:0

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

each

he paying clerk of

affize

1:1:0

for each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

(See Remarks.)

two pence a day

Felons,

July 1782, 20

Felons,

Number,

Feb.

CHAPLAIN,

7,

5.

1779, April

5,

24,

23.

1782, July

9,

27,

10. Deferter

and

day-room

cleanlinefs

Mr.

Buck.

40

for debtors

alfo the

is

chambers

Each

raifed a few inches

ward

is

to be warned.

The women

men

for the

health.

head

and

at the front grate.

ftrong feet, low fides.

The

good
I

pump

which

from being

fmall,

For
made

debtors, a kitchen, or

a free ward.

For

felons

with beds well contrived for

10 or 12 inches high

Thefe are

eafily

the

moved when

the

county allows to each crib a ftraw bed, and a blanket.

garters,

found

water from the

is

lately

a ftrong night-room

enough from the

like thofe at Lincoln,

is

prifoner has a crib-bedftead,

have no feparate day-room

fick; not diftind

is

felons.

one of thefe

One of the two drinking-rooms

place.

(See Remarks.)

town gaol: yet only one court-yard.

feveral

and

and

&o

6.

17.

Sunday and Friday.

Felons

29.

50.

THIS

15,

15,

Salary,

day-room

Debtors.

1776, Nov. 18,

14.

Duty,

Salary,

fell

22,

Rev. Mr. Brome.

SURGEON,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1774, Feb. 3,
Dec. 7,
1776,

bread (weight in Dec. 1774, lS % ozl

0:2:6.
0:1:0.

Debtors,

Garnifh,

in

02.).

is

reft.

and

their

ward, or night-room, has no

called the garntjh-room.

No

bath.

Two rooms

fire-

for the

Debtors weave in hand-frames,

&c. and make purfes, nets and laces which they

this clofe prifon clean,

though

full

of prifoners.

The

conveyed through the fewers, which prevents the court-yard,

offenfive.

Remarks^.

SUFFOLK.

302
^n

Ipswich

Count y

^e

Norfolk Circuit,

centre of the ceiling of a neat chapel lately built,

a [ma \\ turret, which keeps the

is

an aperture covered by

room airy and pleafant. (All prifon chapels mould be

Mr. Brome, the chaplain, does not content himfelf

thus lupplied with freQi air *.)

merely with the regular and punctual performance of his ftated duty
the prifoners on

all

Affize always at Bury

prifoners

there

is

now an allowance

The a&

Gaoler, a fheriff's officer.

prifoners thither.

he

the gaoler

to

conveying

for

for preferving the

of

health

not hung up.

is

Debtors have on Sunday from a legacy of Mr. John Vonhcrton, each

broth, a penny loaf, and a pint of
is

a friend to

is

occafions.

now hung up

The

ale.

i~lb.

of beef for

following memorial of this kind donation

in the chapel.

July 17,1780.

At

this, the

annual meeting of the truftees of

fhould provide as the truftees fhall fee

fit,

Mr.

Pemierton's charity,

for the debtors imprifoned in

it

ordered, that the treafurer

is

any of the

by a proportion of bread, meat, and beer,

Suffolk, either for their relief therein,

as

jail, as

Neverthelefs, fuch

do not regularly attend divine fervice (unlefs prevented by ficknefs, or fome rea-

fonable caufe, to be allowed of by the chaplain), and behave decently and reverently,

from

benefit or allowance

county of

think neceffary,

fhall

or for the delivering them out of prifon, until the treafurer fhall receive further orders.
debtors in Ipfnxich

in the

jails

he

fhall

not have any

this charity.

Trustees,
Geo. Drury.

From

No

Edtp*. HafelL

another legacy the town fupplies them with five chaldron of coals yearly.

memorial of

this in the gaol.

TABLE OF
At

Suffolk, to nvit.

July

Pb. B. Brooke,

Lott Knight.

-1729,

the General Quarter Seffions

Table of Fees

for the Relief of

fettled

Debtors &c. at the

by the

FEES.

holden by Adjournment

Juftices

County of

affize for the

at

Bury

St.

Edmunds

of the faid Divifion purfuant to a

Suffolk

at

Bury

St.

late

fl

Act

Edmunds the 24th day

of July 1729.

To

the gaoler for the

Out of which

To

is

to

commitment

and difcharge of every perfon

fee

be paid to the fherifF

the officer

For the rent of every chamber weekly

Jafper Outturn
I

have reviewed

this

'-

G. Golding

D.

-020
-020
-026

M.

Jermyn Davers

Table of Fees and do think proper to moderate and reduce the fame
fhillings to be paid to the Officer and deducting

and eight pence by difallowing the two

S.

-0128

to

Shelton.

fix

fhillings

pence per week

out of the Chamber-Rent

Tho. Pencelly.
* See Priejllefs Experiments, Qfc. p. 281.

t Erafed.

COUNTY

SUFFOLK.

Norfolk Circuit.

303

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
IPSWICH. On

the ground-floor

a work-fhop

is

and a night-room

for

men

up

Bridewells.

Claufes
women. None of them, nor the court fecure.
Keeper, a worded manufacturer
falary,
againfl fpirkuous liquors not hung up.
Employment, fpinning worried, and
17. No fees. Prifoners, no allowance.
a night-room for

flairs

turning a twifting-mill.

The above was

it

the Hate of the prifon in 1776, but at

The

my

The two work-rooms and chambers

greatly improved.

vifit in

1779,

nozv are

20

feet

found

by

14,

court 40 feet by 34.

1774, Dec.

8, Prifoners

1776, Feb.

7,

-3.

18,

Nov.

WOODBRIDGE.
and bedding

Two
court

is

is

To

9 feet high.

alfo enlarged out

feet

by 16

in thefe are

beds

each are three windows and a

of the keeper's

garden,

No

Prifoners allowance, two pence a day.

15.

Salary,

2.

rooms, lately enlarged, 28

the lower one

The

fire-place.

fecure.

779> April 5, Prifoners o.

2.
1782, July 9,

1.

and made
firing:

no.

water: no employment.

1776,

BECCLES.

1.

4.

room on

In the ward

Prifoners 9.

7,

1782, July

9,

day-room with

is

window

a fire-place

which

to the ftreet

always feen numbers of idle perfons crowding about

men and women.

the

jii

10

liquors not

0.

When

At
which

my
I

hung up.

prifoners

vifit

in

Only one

The

court.

and
is
it.

women,,

fteps

highly improper, as

No

under
I

have

proper feparation of

Salary,

Claufes againfl fpirituous

Allowance, a two-penny loaf a day {weight,

Fees, 6s. 8d.

Thirty fhillings a year for flraw.

work they have

for

keeper has a large garden.

Licence for beer (a riotous alehoufe).

July 9, 1782, 200%.).

chamber
dungeon 7

the ground-floor, called the ward, a

called the upper ward, a

ground.

Feb.

1779, April 4,

^5

a year for. coals*

half the profit.

1776,

Feb.

6,

1779,

A P"1

>

"

9-

1782,

July

8,

15.

Prifoners 3.

1779, the keeper (hewed

me

an old table of

fees

on parchment,

here copy.
The*-

SUFFOLK.

304
Beccles.

The

Gaoler's

Fees

for the

County of

Suffolk

Norfolk Circuit^

agreed upon 29 of March 1676 by the

Juftices

of the Peace

underwritten.

Inprimis for every perfon

committed in court

Item for every perfon committed out of court

Item to the turnkey

Item for every perfon

upon

D.

0
0

Item for every perfon committed upon warrant or procefs

Item for every perfon committed upon execution

S.

U!'"
-

0
0

10

0
0

0
0

his acquittal for felony

Item for every perfon committed upon outlawry

Item for every prifoner lodging in the gaoler's bed for every night taking no diet in the

Taking

If he find his

diet

diet

own bed and take

-

If he take no diet

Item for every prifoner that

is

not a felon that will go into the ward and lye there for every

"

night

0
6
0

Item if two lye in one bed and take diet in the houfe for both

If they take no diet

Eor the two belt chambers

in the houfe as they

Henry

0
0
0

6
8

can agree.

Anthi

Felton

'.

Gawdy

Rob'. Brake

Tbtfi.

Bacon

The Smith

Tbtfi.

Bade

Tho

%
.

Edgar

Charles Milton

Ex per

Ro. Clarke V. C. P.

am.

Since allowed by the Judges at the Aflizes at Bury.

Bridewells.

LAVENHAM. A
women
I

work-room below:

chamber

The

none of them fecure.

prifon

men;

for

only one room for

out of repair.

is

At

a former vifk

heard that a prifoner had efcaped, for which the keeper was fined, though the

mgleft lay in the magiftrates.

Two

Prifoners always kept within

doors;

Keeper's falary, .15

14

8.

no proper feparation of female

might be made convenient

No

more,

lately efcaped

through the

for them.

no

Employment, fpinning wool.

fees.

prifoners.

plafter wall.

no water:

the court not fecure:

An

At

ftraw.

There

is

old out- houfe and ftable of the keeper's

my

lafl vifit,

found the

magiftrates

had

fent to the keeper a number of thumb-fcrews for fecuring prifoners.

1776, Nov. 18, Prifoners

1779, April 6,
Sep.

CLARE.

2.

3.

25,

3.

1782, July 10,

1.

work-room.

Two

Men

Impreffed

lodging-rooms

with

15.

boarded

The work-room

No

Prifoners have no accefs to the well of fine water.

court.

clofe

glazed, and

made

offenfive

No

bedfteads.

chimneys.

by a

clofet

The

in

prifon

it.

is

thatched,

Norfolk Circuit.

U F F O L

K.

thatched, the walls are clay, but the men's lodging-room boarded;

and the whole

of

No

ruinous: the prifoner in 1776, a

it is

Each

jC 1 3

vifit

firft

penny a day

prifoner pays a

'

no

women,

work, in

&c.

ftraw,

for

at

irons.

hung

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

fees.

allowance.

Keeper a weaver

falary

At my

up.

1779, the three prifoners, though they were women, had each a heavy
two imprefied men had chains and logs. No Juftices have vifited

in

chain, and the

many

this prifon for

years.

1776, Dec.

Prifoner

6,

1779, April 6,

1.

Sep. 25,

by

No

8.

hung

up.

10: no

fire-place:

The

prifon

rooms the lower 10^ feet by 10, and the upper 12 feet
no fewer. Claufes againft fprituous liquors not

no court:
is

not fecure: keeper has a garden:

ruinous;

1782, Feb. 5, Prifoner

BURY

No

were repairing

it,

without paying a

The

and making

On

No

No

Edmund's,

St.

is

fpacious, but not fecure:

i:

fecure

a week.

fliilling

the barrack- bedfteads.

me

court

a work-room.

{eldom ufed.

On

by chevaux

one

fide

the other fide,

of

it

ftraw.

There

proper feparation of

is

at

* The work-houfe, or houfe of induftry

ever faw.

for

Here were upwards of

this

are

men

nine, whofe countenances befpoke their fatisfadlion

had been

as

careful

to

promote

cleanlinefs

fituated

at

my

down
The

No

near the

firft

vifit,

and the attention paid

and induftry in

their

down

three fteps

are chained to ftaples fixed in

women-felons.

parifti,

forty perfons

1779, they

none had the ufe of it

feveral rooms for debtors: one

another dungeon

men and

the property of

vifit in

de frife:

a large dungeon

is

is

my

that in the winter of 1773, five died of the fmall-pox.

cleaneft I

rooms

EDMUND's GAOL.

St.

the day and night-room for felons: the

is

Two

prifoners.

This prifon for the franchife or liberty of Bury

Sir Charles Davers.

which

falary

1.

Is in the bridewell hofpital for boys.

1782, July io,

is

his

fees.

IPSWICH Town Bridewell,

No fire-place.
feet by io.

of them

2.

o.

1779, Sep. 24, Prifoner o.

17

Men

1.

1782, July 10,

MILDENHALL*. Two

Imprefied

3.

to

ftep or

late

apothecary then;

church, was

and

two;

gaoler told

at

them.

own work-houfes,

my
If

laft
all

one of the
vifit

fixty.

the parilhes

there would

been no occafion for parilhes uniting in houfes of induftry, moft of which I have vifited in

this

have

and

the adjoining county.

Rr

but

SUFFOLK.
Burt.

but one

is

appointed

falary

fince;

^50. Keeper, no
now hung up, the fame

week:

falary,

of fees

is

and wine.

falary:

ad

county gaol

pre-

for

and prayers twice a

chaplain;

debtors 8j. Sd. felons 6s. 8d.

fees,

as in the

no bath;

infirmary:

as at a

table

Licence for beer

at Ipfwich.

number of people drinking,

always found a

No

40.

not hung up.

of prifoners

ferving the health

Norfolk Circuit..

common

alehoufe.

Allowance, debtors none, felons a three-penny loaf every other day (weight, July

and from the

1782, lib. 6oz.);

fifth

of

November

to

the Saturday before

Lady-

day, felons have two bufhels of coals a week, and debtors four; both from a legacy
In a Defcription of Bury printed 1771, there
of which no memorial in the gaol.
an account of feveral ancient donations and bequefts to prifoners.
Whether

is

they be now totally funk, or the coals be from fome of them, I cannot fay.
A poor
widow of eighty years of age, committed March 6, 1780, for a fine of ^5, was here
at

my
At

laft vifit.

aflize,

twice a year, prifoners of both fexes brought from Ipfwich, are confined

four or five nights in the dungeon here defcribed.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

9,

10,

15.

1779, April

8,

11,

18.

1782, July

Nov.

18,

5,

6.

BURY
It

Debtors.

1774, Dec.
1776, Feb.

Bridewell.

has a large

and out of

it

room

Nov.

SUDBURY

was

in

a fire-place.

tuous liquors not

11.

former times a Jewifti fynagogue.

9,

Prifoners

8,

18,

fees,

one milling.
779, April 5, Prifoners
1782, July 10,

2.

Keeper, no

o.

1.

Gaol and Bridewell.

court, not fecure

2.

1.

Has

for debtors a

little

have no allowance.

16,

for

rooms for them to lodge in, about 7

for men-criminals, with a fire-place and a loom: another
place; and two

5.

10,

four pence for each prifoner's ftraw

1774, Dec.
1776, Feb.

is faid,

18,

men, and another for women; all up flairs,

fmall court (13 feet by 9)
no water. Keeper's falary 6; and

work-room

repair.

This,

Felons &c.

5,

feet

for

day-room with a

by 5

each.

women;

fees,

4^.

no

table.

fire*

room

this alfo has

and the water not acceffible to prifoners.

falary

They

Claufes againft fpin-

hung up.
1776,

Dec.

1779,

Sep. 25,

6,

Prifoners o.
-

o.

WARWICK-

WARWICKSHIRE.

Midland Circuit,

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

William

Warwick*

'Roe.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

14

6.

13

4.

Felons,

8:0:0 each,

Tranfports,

WARWICK.

at

he paying clerk of aflize 1

for each.

Licence, to turnkey for beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

0:2:

Garnilh,

(See Remarks.)

a loaf of 3$. every other day.

6.

N Umber,

Debtors.

1773, Nov. 22,

i774>
>

23,

1776, Jan.

24,

CHAPLAIN,

6,

Felons Ice.

3>

22,

7-

1779, Mar. 26,

22,

28.

May

17^2,

33.

Duty,

Sunday and Friday.

50.

SURGEON,

ONE

3-

Felons &c.

30,

3 2>

1,

Rev. Mr. Mujen.

Salary,

Salary,

Debtors.

1776, Odl.

9.

(See Remarks-)

Mr. Weak.
for gaol

20

and men-felons.

debtors,

court for

and bridewell.

Women-felons have a feparate court,

day-room, and two fmall night-rooms (7 feet 10 inches by 6 feet 8),. aperture only
They ufed to be loaded with irons-, now they have none. Men7 inches by 6.
felons

have

diameter,

day-room

down

a prefervative.
tried in the

Debtors

ward.

gaoler

their night

fleps

Two

is

in

offenfive

dungeon

an odtagonal dungeon about 2

the gaoler

is

the

ten or twelve rooms,

which

hall,

fome of them

All the debtors rooms were very dirty.

to the

prefent) died in

No

men, and
alfo

is

the

fix for

Prifoners are

ufed as a chapel.

Rooks Nejl, where alfo

No infirmary
now

plenty.

feet

women*.

no bath.

1772, of the gaol diftemper

water then, but

on going down took

the condemned.

for

there are twelve fuits for

common day-room

Mr. Roe (uncle

is

in another

cells

did fome of his prifoners.

of bread

room

damp and

county clothing

mafter's-fide,
free

The

For
is

the

The

late

and fo

felons allowance

judicioufly fixed by weight, not variable with the price.

* See a better pra&ice

at

Reading

Rr

in Berkjhire.

Debtors

Remarks.

WARWICKSHIRE.

3o8

Warwick
C
Y
Gaol"

Debtors have

common from

in

Midland Circuit.

a legacy thirty millings a year;

No

legacy eight three-penny loaves twice every month.

up

and from another

memorial of either hung

in the gaol.

The

county have taken the gaol and bridewell under confederation,

juftices of this

and propofe that debtors and

entirely feparated.

that gentlemen fo

confiderate

which has only an aperture

will

level with the court,

which open

were

feems by what

done, that the plan

firrifhed,

is

in

May

damp and

not continue the

roonis for debtors

is

men and women,

and alfo

felons,

chapel and infirmary alfo are defigned.

not be hoped

dungeon

offenfive

diameter?

3 feet

both, (hall be
it

In

into paffages only three

many

1782,
feet

wide.

It

adapted more for (hew than for fecurity,

healthy or convenience.

Therte were hung up in the debtors

fome

hall,

rules

againft

profanenefs, rioting

was forry to find among them that

coming muft pay for garnim, 2s. 6d."

and drunkennefs, with penalties annexed; but

" Every debtor at his or her firft

At my laft vifit, I was informed
condemned,

for near

there had

been no> divine fervice except to the

two years.

TABLE OF DEBTORS FEES,

As fettled by his Majefty's Juftices of

the 10th day of July 1759 according

the

Peace at

the General

of an

to the directions

Quarter Seflions

Adfor

held

at

Warwick

the Relief of Debtors, Sec.

Every prifoner

that lies

on the keeper's

fide if

prifoners on the keeper's fide and have a bed between two, pay each by the week
For entering every action againft each prifoner
For difcharging every action againft each prifoner

Thofe

To

the under-fheriff for every difcharge

For receiving and entering every declaration

For a copy of each warrant againft each prifoner

For every

certificate

of the caufe of a prifoner's being detained in prifon

being difcharged

the judges of Aflize

F
We

Stratford

for the county

Table of Fees.

Wife

in order

D.

-0106

040
-010
-010
-

for
-

Huddesford

S.

026

he has a bed to himfelf, pays by the week

Bird

030

C Bean

of Warwick have reviewed, and do hereby confirm the above

Given under our Hands

this

24th day of Auguft 1759.

T. Parker

Ja Hewitt
"

true

Copy."

In this gaol

O
Wariuickjbire,

to

uuit.

At

General

is

hung up

the following
R.

Quarter Seflions 12th January

13th

of

George III and

in

the year 1773 before Jofepb Davie Clerk, John Ingram, Samuel Aylivorth Efqrs-

Ordered

WARWICKSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.
Ordered and

is

it

Court

the opinion of this

39

always kept clofe fhut up and no

gaol be

the

that

Warwick.

perfons admitted therein, or permitted to continue there after nine in the evening between Michaelmas

and Lady-day, and ten

evening between Lady-day and Michaelmas, except in cafes of real

the

in

neceflity or bufinefs.

J Hewitt Clerk of the

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
This prifon, the only county bridewell,
(19

feet

court.

by 16) and two lodging-rooms.

No

water

the handle of the

and

whole prifon clofe

is

now hung

%d. table

For men, a work-room

too fmall.

For women, two rooms

pump

on

little

feparate

The

wall.

ground adjacent.

the

Keeper's falary now,

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

up.

in

on the outfide of the

is

Allowance, one pound and a half of bread a day.

4 j.

WARWICK.

at

might be enlarged

ofFenfive:

Peace.

hung

^40

up.

fees

Mr. Mu(fen

(chaplain to the county goal) formerly read prayers here once a week.

Committed
eleven

the year 1772, prifoners eighty-five

1773, one
one hundred and twenty-three
1775, one hundred

in

1774,

hundred

and

and twelve

1778, one hundred and two

1776, eighty-nine^ 1777, one hundred and three
78 1, one
1780, one hundred and twenty-fix
1779, one hundred and thirty
1

hundred and eleven.

At my
or

laft

the

vifit,

or carding

jerfey,

quarter, to

12

prifoners were

wool.

Their

all

at

earnings

the

for

m
5:8:0.

78 1 , to April 24,

to Jan.

1782,

July io, 1780, to Oft.

Jan.

9,

Oct.

3,

2,

in

one

15,

s.

16

o.

1:2.

r.

1779, March 26,

1776, Jan.

6,

5.

1782,

Oft.

30,

12.

1774, Nov. 10, Prifoners

fpinning flax

county amounted,

3
.

And from

beating hemp,

work;

May

1,

Prifoners 12.
-

10.

COVENTRY

BrideWELI-

WARWICKSHIRE.

3io

COVENTRY CITY
Coventry.

GAOLER,

Midland Circuit.

COUNTY

and

GAOL.

Bafil Goode.

now

Salary,

jTiz,

Fees,

Debtors,
Felon,,

'

taken
")

off.

'5:4.

Tranfports, .8 each.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

of bread a day.

i lb,

0:2:0.

Garniih,

Number,

Debtors. Felons Ice.

1773, Nov. 20,

9,

1776, Jan.

7,

16

10.

Od.

30,

5-

......

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

Debtors. Felons ict.

1779, March 26,

Nov.

25,

1782,

May

1,

3-

4. Deferters4.
2.

none.

Mr.

Harper.

none: he makes a

Salary,

bill.

THIS

Rsmarks.

gaol, built about 17*72, is in a clofe part of the city.

I was (hewn a fine
which fome gentlemen very judicioufly preferred. It has eight lodging rooms

fpot

for

debtors;

mafter's-fide

room, and that without a

there

a defcent of

is

about 9

feet

by 6

at

and the
fire-place.

2 fteps to

common ward. Women-felons have only one

The men have a day-room. To their dungeons

a pafiage only

All are very damp, dirty and ofFenfive

court for
for

prifoners.

all

feet

the upper corner of each, a

No

ftraw:

criminals in the area where

wide

little

the four

window,

we went down with

no infirmary: no bath.

the old county-hall flood

torches.

liquors,

fpirituous

nor the

ad

for

preferving

inches

are

by

7.

Only one

Rooms might be made

in

which

dungeons need not be ufed, and the fexes might be feparated.

againft

dungeons

1 1

cafe, the

horrid

Neither

claufes

the health of prifoners,

are

hung up.

One
his

of the felons, James Ward, received

going to

Mr.

fea.

his

majefty's pardon,

on condition of

Francis Waters, clerk of the affize, wrote in the

letter

which

was dated Auguft 25, 1781), " The fecretary of date's

" fee is \
o and my fee /i
t
o. which you'll take care to receive on the
7
il
back of the pardon from the officer who receives him."
As no officer would
enclofed the pardon (which
:

take

WARWICKSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

him on condition of paying

take

his

in

May

the

4d.

lgs.

TABLE OF DEBTORS

of the Peace held

Parliament

the

George

32

City

the faid

at

the II.

FEES,

Peace for the Ciry of Coventry at the General Quarter

JulHces of the

fettled by his Majerty's

Sefllons

the

12 day of January

for the Relief

1778, according

to an

Aft of

of Debtors.

Every prifoner

Thole

that lies

on the keeper's -fide

if

he has a bed to himfelf pays by the week

pay each by the week

prifoners on the keeper's-fide, and have a bed between two,

If on the

To

----...

common-fide each prifoner weekly

the gaoler for difcharging every prifoner committed or detained in his cuftody

To the turnkey on every fuch difcharge

To the under-fherifF for every difcharge

For receiving and entering every declaration

For

and

gaoler*s

1782, knguifhing in prifon on

pound of bread a day.

Coventry.

As

together with

this,

found the poor wretch

under-flieriff's fees, I

3"

-------

a copy of each warrant againft each prifoner

For every

certificate

D
6
6

13

4-

0
0

of the caufe of a prifoner being detained in prifon in order for being

difcharged

ao March 1778.

s.

Sam!. Vale, Mayor.

John Minjier.

John Clark.

ThoK L. Smith.

have reviewed the

above Table of

Fees, and do hereby eftablifh

and confirm-

fame

the

W.

H. Ashurst.

COVENTRY CITY BRIDEWELL.

Two

rooms

for

men;

two

water acceflible to prifoners

for

women;

no fewers

all

clofe

and

no employment.

No

offenfive.

court:

Keeper's falary, .5

no
fees,

one milling.

This was the

(late

in

but now the old town-hall adjoining

1776;

a work-fhop, and two lodging-rooms for

and court, and water

were

flags,

is

laid

men

the

into both apartments.

women have

is

made

their feparate

into

room

If the floor of the

and the lodging rooms had crib-bedfteads,

work-room
might be kept

this prifon

very clean.

1776, Jan.
Oft.

1779, March

7, Prifoners 6.

30,
?,6,

3.

1779, Nov. 25, Prifoners

1782,

May

1,

1.

4.

i.

BIRMINGHAM

Coventry
Gaoj..

WARWICKSHIRE.

312

Midland Circuit.

BIRMINGHAM TOWN GAOL.

Bixmivq-

Town
Gaol.

The

gaol for this large populous town

is

called the Dungeon.

The

court

about

is

Keeper's houfe in front; and under it two cells down

25 feet fquare.
7 fleps:
On one fide of the court two night rooms for women,
tne draw is on bedfteads.
8 feet by 5 feet 9 inches; and fome rooms over them: on the other fide is one fmall
day-room for men and women, and the gaoler's Jlable (from which the litter is flung
into the court)

above was a

free

ward

for court of confcience debtors, a

room, with only one window 18 inches fquare.

At fome

Over

it

is

times here are great numbers confined.

particular

fizeable

another room, or two.

Once

in the

winter

1775 there were above 150, who by the care of the magiftrates had a fupply of
proper food, broth, &c. In November 1782 1 found thirty-nine perfons who had
been apprehended the preceding night by a fearch-warrant, but moft of them were
difcharged that morning.
beer:

fees,

2*.

no

Allowance, 4^.

a day in bread and cheefe.

Neither claufes

table.

preferving the health of prifoners, are

againft fpirituous

Licence for
nor aft for

hung up.

1774, Nov. 10, Debtors 7,

Offenders 2.

1776, Sep. 11,

7,

1779, Aug. 23,

o,

8.

1782, June 24,

o,

o.

Nov. 26,

o.

BIRMINGHAM

liquors,

Court Prison

Deferter

1.

1,

3.

Debtors.

Two

rooms below: and two

Only one dayroom for men and women: a court 13 feet 10 inches by 13 feet: no water. Court
of confcience debtors are here confined, who by 25th Geo. II. are difcharged in
for

above with beds, for which each prifoner pays

forty days.
foners

are

Fees,

6d. per week.

againft fpirituous liquors not

not permitted to work.

to pay a fhoe-maker's

him

Claufes

5 s.

i*.

The

keeper informed

me

hung
that

up.

The

pri-

he was obliged

debt of fixteen or feventeen fhillings and cofts, for permitting

to finifh a piece of

work which he had begun before

1782, June 24, Prifoners

7.

1782, Nov. 26,

3.

his confinement.

LEICESTERSHIRE.

LEICESTERSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

now

Samuel Jordan,

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

3'3

LEICESTER.

at

William Jordan.

Leicester.

5
Felons,

Tranfports, If only one,

if

more than one, y each.

Beer, to deputy *.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,') a four-penny loaf every other day (weight
Felons,

Debtors,

Garnifh,

Debtors.

16,

3.

1774, April
i775> J an

4,

16,

11.

*5

Nov.

11,

17,

2.

C HAP LAI N,

Rev. Mr.

Duty,

Sunday.

Salary,

30.

SURGEON,

and

(See Remarks.)
Debtors.

1776,0a. 29,
1779, March 27,

*7>

May

20,

1782,

5-

10.

2,

4.

Deferter 1.

Pigot.

Mr. Mafoa.

Day-room common. The

down 7

mafter-fide debtors nine or ten rooms.

the cellar,

dampf

Felons &c.

.15 for debtors and felons.

Salary,

FOR

o.

Felons &.

1773, Nov. 16,

ward,

0:3:

Felons,

Number,

once lib. SoZ.

twice lib. 50Z.)

is

a dungeon, 294. feet by 9, and 6 feet 8 inchds high,

two windows

the largeft about 15 inches fquare.

free
fteps

Felons day* and

night-rooms are dungeons from 5 to 7 fteps under-ground. They fleep on thick mats
on the floor ; which, if cribs and coverlets were added, would be better than draw.

The whole

Two

clofe

rooms

and

offenfive.

lately built

Court

36 feet by 17 feet 4 inches. No chapel.

but the gaol is not convenient or healthy.

{"mall,

for an infirmary

1774, three debtors and a felon died of the fmall-pox. Of that difeafe I was
informed few ever recover in this gaol. The caftle-hill is near the fhir^-hall, and is

In

a fine fpot for

air

and water.
*

t This feems
1

3th

Nov.

to

be the low

was complained of by a debtor

690, fent to Mofes Pitt> a prifoner in the Fleet

soners, in his Cry of the Opprejfed 1691.

it

See page 26.

moijl dungeon that

appears that fome inconveniences which

By
I

this,

who

printed

it,

and one or two more of the

obferved in gaols, and have

fet

in this gaol, in his Letter

with other
letters

down

in

letters

from

pri-

in that little tract,

my

remarks, are of

long ftanding.

S f

Claufes

Remarks.

LEICESTERSHIRE.

Leices-

County
Gaol.

Midland Circuit.

Claufes of the act againft the ufe of fpirituous liquors painted on the fame board
tne ta l e f fees

as

Here,

An

health *.
for

many

as in

The

infeription

by turnkeys or

act.

other gaols,

an ufelefs

on a board

make an annual

tub,

collection
it

collection in their refpective parifhes.

The

clergymen by name, were inferted in the

and a

mod

of

inclement feafon.

The

promote the

thanks of the grand jury to forty-eight

Leicejier

Journal of Feb. 16th 1775

There

is

collections

in

1774 amounted

for the

fum

a table of the

of debtors clothed or difcharged

lift

The

brief.

whom

account of the expenditure of the remainder in feeding and warming

in the

to be alked

by a kind of voluntary

to the clergy

of thofe gentlemen and other contributors.

received from each parim

" No money

any other pretence whatever."

gentlemen of the grand jury recommend

fatisfaction

up.

and

fixed over the gate,

is

prifoners, for garnifh or

In this county they

hung

inftead of a bath for cleanlinefs

preferving the health of prifoners not

for
is

all

and an

the prifoners

to 74..

found in

1776 the accounts were kept, and the application of the money chiefly directed by
I wifh every county would imitate this exemplary
John Simpfon, Efq. of L.eicefter.
benevolence
affiduous.

12

6;

and

am

wifh every county that does fo, a fteward equally faithful and

forry to find the collection fall fhort.

in

1780, to

A Table

Le'ceferjhirc

9;

of

and

Fees

It

amounted

1781, to 3

in

to be taken

by

the

18

Keeper of

in

1779 only

this

Gaol.

-024

For lodging of every prifoner per week

For gaol-fees for difcharge of every prifoner
the turnkey

For

A room of every prifoner who finds his own bed per week
A room, called the cellar, for debtors if they find their own
For the copy of every warrant or commitment

For figning the

Thomas a Becket

We

whofe Names are hereunto fubferibed

Leicejier,.

certificate in order to obtain a fuperfedeas

his

do hereby allow of the above Fees

JV Wrighte.

SeJJions.

S.

13

D.
4

-02.0

.000
-010
-010
o

bed

to-

o.

July Io. 1759.

Majelly's Jaftices of the Peace in and for the County of

to

be taken.

Ch Hutchinfon

John Danvers

TV. Cant.

"We the Judges of Aflize for the County of Leicefler have reviewed and do hereby confirm the above Table
Given under our Hands this 17th Day of Auguft 1759
of Fees.

T. Parker
" The above

In

my

is

prifons I

Ja.

Hewitt.

a copy of the original."

have mentioned that there

is

no bath,

though baths are ordered in

all

gaols in the

I would here alfo remind gentlemen, that when baths are proAil for preferring the health of prifoners.
vided in compliance with the acl, if they be not made convenient, fo that felons in their irons may commo-

dioufly ufe
benefit

them

and

if there is

from them, and

no allowance for foaf> and towels

will never bathe

thefe

prifoners will receive

little

or no

but when actually compelled.

LEICESTER.

Midland

LEICESTERSHIRE.

Circuit.

3 T5

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
LEICESTER.

Three rooms below

No

not ufed, becaufe not fecure.

allowed the ufe of

" By

women; one

of thefe

fafe for prifoners to

hung up.

be

after

There was

order of the Court at Eafter Seflions 1778, that there

be no ale or beer brought into

o'clock in the

for

Court not

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

painted on a board,
fhall

above

five

Allowance now, two pennyworth of bread a day,

it.

month's confinement.

"
"

men

for

chimneys.

Prifon on a Sunday, nor after Seven

this

Evening on a week-day."

In a former edition

fuggefted, that if a wall were built with brick, inftead of

the clay-wall, there would be no need of a chain and log, to fecure the prifoners in

The apartments

the court.

if

the keeper for

6 per

At my

laft vifit,

This prifon

would be more

airy,

and men and

women might
let

by

annum.

a proper feparation of

The

alfo

the narrow court were enlarged from the orchard, which was

be feparated,

found the court enlarged, and a wall built

men and women.

The

now

prifoners

but there

is

not

are without the chain.

white-waflied once a year; and kept remarkably neat and clean.

do not lie on the floors, but very properly their mats are on cribs or
Keeper a wool- comber, his falary ^21
he pays window-tax 14 s.
is

prifoners

bedfteads.

Committed from Eafter

to 1781, fifty-nine

Seffions

and from

to

1779

1779, Mar. 27, Prifoners

i775> J an
3> Prifoners 3.
2.
1776, Oct. 29, -

MELTON -MOWBRAY.
Keeper's
built

falary,

him a

little

He

4.

1780, prifoners forty-four

from

1780

1781 to 1782, forty-eight.

Two

May

2,

rooms about eleven

feet

1782,

by

8.
2.

nine: no chimney.

formerly paid rent for a cottage, but the county has lately

dwelling of three rooms.

No

court,

nor any room for one.

No

water.

1776, Sep. 25,

HINKLEY.
another for

779> Sep.

This prifon has a work-room

women (10

feet

by

1782,

21.,

May

2,

prifoners.

vaulted lodging-room for

Mats upon bedfteads

8).

No

no water.

'

men ;

Keeper's

fees, 2s. 6d. no table.

He vyas alfo mafter of the work-houfe adjoinwhich the poor then looked healthy, were cheerful, clean, and at work;

falary, .4:
ing-,

but

at

in

my
3

laft vifit,

it

775, Oct. 5Q,

was

far otherwife.

1779,

March
Sf

2 S,

1782,

May

1,

No

prifoners.

LEICESTER

BrideWE Ls#

LEICESTERSHIRE.

3 i6

LEICESTER TOWN
L

ES "

G A0jler

and

Midland Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL.

Henry Coulfon, afterwards Samuel Jordan,

>

-Jer

Salary,

none

Fees,

Debtors.")

now

William Jordan.

he pays rent 3.

Felons,

Tranfports,

10

Licence,

Beer to deputy.

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, 7 1
Felons
Garnifh,

pence a day each in bread (wt.

Felons,

Number,

Remarks.

1776, 06t. 29,

1,

2.

1779, Mar. 27,

1,

o.

17.82,

May

2,

See

Felons

1,

2.

3,

2.

2,

3.

none.

Mr. Maule.
none

Salary,

Debtors.

5.

5,

11,

&c

Felons

Debtors.

1774, April 4,
i775> Jan.
3,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

11

0:4: 6.
0:2:6.

Debtors,

Nov.

May 1782,

he makes a

bill.

A common
five fteps

debtors.

day-room 12 feet by 9: two rooms above for fuch as pay. Down

dungeon for men-felons ; another for women ; another for common-fide
This gaol is too clofe, and is never white-wafhed it has a court with
a

plenty of water,
fpirituous liquors,

but there

is

now a

and yet the

nor the

ad

fevvers

for

very offenfive.

are

Neither claufes againft

preferving the health of prifoners, are

hung up

table of fees.

At my laft vifit, William Slack, one of the felons had received his majefty's free
pardon (April 9), and was ordered " to be fet at liberty" figned Shelburne ; but for
the fees of the fecretary of ftate

doned criminal was

ftill

(1:7:6)

Borough of

A Table

of

Fees

and clerk of

aflize

(1

o) the par-

in prifon.

to

Leiceficr in the

County of Leicefer.

be taken by the Keeper of his Majefty's Goal for the

faid

Borough.

For

his

own bed

the gaol fees for the difcharge of every prifoner

fer

week

D.

,024
.010
.

For lodging every prifoner per week

For a room of every perfon who finds

S.

4
For

LEICESTERSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

317

.020
-000
-010
-010
-010
.019
.

For the turnkey

A room called the debtors room

For

if they find their

the copy of every warrant or

For figning a

At

certificate in

commitment

own bed

to

order to obtain a fuperfedeas

the delivery of every declaration

pay

S.

D.

Attending upon every prifoner to give bail, fpecial bail, habeas or any thing neceflary to
go out of goal for every mile travelling
'

Michaelmas

We

1776.

whofe names are hereunto fubfcribed three of his Majefty's

Leicejler aforefaid

Seffions

/.

to the turnkey

jury,

Juftices

of the Peace for the Borough of

do hereby allow the above Fees to be taken (the 13*. ^d. above

where the prifoner againft

and who, on

his

or her

trial fhall

whom no

bill

of indictment

(hall

to the gaoler

and the

be found by the grand

be acquitted, or who mall be difcharged by proclamation for

want of profecution, only excepted.)

Will Burkton, Recorder.

We

the Judges of Affize for the

borough of

above Table of Fees.

Rob*. Peach.

Leicejler aforefaid

Given under our hands

Jofh

Jobnfon.

have reviewed and do hereby confirm the

this

22d day of March 1777.

G. Nares.
S. S. Smythe.
" This

is

a true copy of the original."

LEICESTER TOWN BRIDEWELL,

Is

in the

women.

town gaol; down

five fteps,

two fmall rooms for men, and two for

Keeper's falary augmented to ^5.

3776, Oct.

29,

1779, March 27,

1782,

May

2,

Prifoners o.
-

o.

o.

DERBYSHIRE.

Leicester.

DERBYSHIRE.

COUNTY GAOL
Derby.

GAOLER,

Midland Circuit.

DERBY.

at

Blyth Simpfon.

Salary,

20.

Fees,

Debtors,")

(See Remarks.)

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer.

17

Felons,

'
'

o each.

'

(See Remarks.)

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, ") per week,
Felons,

each two nine-penny

annually for coals i : 12:0.

0:3:6,

Garnifh,

Number,
1773, Nov.

Debtors.

an(j
Felons

18,

4,

3.

2,

8,

10.

1775, Nov. 13,

12,

8.

1774, April

CHAPLAIN,

Rev. Mr.

Seal,

Debton.

1776, Oft. 29,

May

10,

felons

Felons &c

7.

14,

12,

6.

1782, Jan. 23,

13,

12.

1779,

the Rev.

Imp.

Def. 3;

5.

Deferter

ti

Mr. Henry.

Duty,

Tuefday, Thurfday, Saturday.

Salary,

30.

SURGEON,

and

2 for coals, &c.

cc.

now

loaves,

Mr. Harn/on.

Salary,

Three guineas

&c.

for debtors, felons,

30

for travelling charges

to quarter feffions, to report the ftate of the gaol.

.Remarks.

THIS gaol, built in 1757, is in an airy healthy fituation. The debtors court
and ward very properly feparate from thofe for felons, but not from the bridewell.
The debtors floors are bad tarras, not eafily warned. The windows in general too
fmall and clofe glazed.

The

bridewell, in the debtors court, has a large

and two lodging-rooms for women, and

30

a year as keeper of the bridewell, and

court there
for

women

fquare.

is

for

men

rooms

for

feffions

an infirmary.

in lieu of tranfports.

3 fteps

copper juft by to

There

is

court

work-room,

The gaoler has

In

dungeon, 234

the felons

feet

diameter:

the latter are too clofe, 74 feet

a bath

warm

the

prifoners wafli in

Above

it

before

two
new room or parlour at the keeper's houfe,
circumftance keeps them quiet and orderly.
water.

are

alfo a
this

county allows eight guineas a year for ftraw.

perfon goes round the county about Chriftmas to gentlemen's houfes, and begs

for the debtors.

tion.

condemned room.

day-room, and two fmall night-rooms

with windows to the felons

^10

day-room, and down

neat chapel, but the ceiling too low

and quarter

affize

The

alfo the

He

carries

The whole amount,

a book, in

which the giver enters

his

name, and dona-

generally about 14.

TABLE

DERBYSHIRE.
TABLE OF FEES.

Midland Circuit.

Derbyjbire, to <wit.

3*9
Berbtt

Ba lewttt on Tuefday the

firfl:

County

week

At the General Quarter Seffions held at

Thomas the Martyr (to wit) the ioth July 4th year of George III. 1764.,
John Every, Bart, the Rev. John Simp/on, Clerk, Philip Gel/, John Twigg, Henry

Gaol,

after the tranflation of St.

before the Rev. Sir

and Jo/efh Briggs, Efquires,

Tbornhill,

Sec.

Juftices,

Leonard Fojbrooke, Efq. Sheriff.

It is

ordered

that the

following Fees

be

Keeper and no

taken by the

other.

>
in his houfe per

For the lodging of every prifoner

week

For the difcharge of each prifoner out of cuftody

To
For

the

the turnkey

copy of every warrant

For figning a

it is

Gaol do

Peace do caufe

as

This houfe, given,

a

room

to be printed,

and the

E. Clive.

CHESTERFIELD.

at

was informed, to the county

for a bridewell,

was built

or cellar 17 feet fquare under the keeper's houfe-,

but level with the ground behind

Heathcote Clerk of the Peace,

the Court,

COUNTY BRIDEWELL

6 inches fquare.

in the floor,

o
o

Order

this

T. Parker.

8 fteps

County of Derby have reviewed and do hereby confirm the above writtea
Given under our hand: at Derby the ith day of Auguft 1764.

Table of Fees.

For men,

o
o
0

obferve the fame upon pain of being profecuted according to law.

the Judges of Affize for the

1614.

By

We

in order to give bail, or be otherwife difcharged

further ordered, that the Clerk of the

the

For attending with every prifoner

And

in order to obtain a fuperfedcas

certificate,

For regiftering each declaration

Keeper of

room

it

for

in~

down

provifion generally put through a hole

women up

ftairs.

No

ftraw.

Nothing

Keeper's falary, now .30.

allowed by the county for conveyance to quarter feffions.
No fees no allowance no employment. Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not hung
A court is now made from one of the keeper's gardens; and there is a cellar for
up.
:

the zvomen, of the fame dimenfions as that for the men, in which

committed
I

am

year

to the houfe

but the

.Da//.

woman

CM.

is

Burn,

faw a fick object

c. 4.)

juftices

of the peace

of correction, there to be confined and

not to be apprehended

fet to

the child be born,

-

till

are-

empowered

to

commit

labour, for the cerm of one whole

and fhe has recovered her ftrength.

10J.
Before this rigorous law is put in execution, however, gentlemen would do well to inquire whether
p.

overfeers of the poor have not procured fuch warrants only to fatie parijh expences

aggravated the crime and mifreprefented the condition of the

many

others which I have

known,

I believe this to

exercifed both on the mother and child,

while yet in a very

weak

apprized, that by an adl (7th James,

lewd women
See

for baftardy

ftate,

culprit.

have been the cafe

and for that purpofe,

In the prefent inftance, and in too

;

and that much cruelty has been

by a commitment of the woman

to her

miferable habitations

DERBYSHIRE.

320
Chesterfield.

1776, Jan. 10, Prifoners

Ocl. 28,

May

1779,

2.

14, Prifoner 1.
-

1782, Jan. 24,

1.

Midland Circuit.
Def

Impreffed

3.

Deferter

1 *.

3.

r
.

I.

DERBY -TOWN GAOL

Is

Two

the bridewell.

alfo

rooms

by 34, not being

fecure,

is

of

for debtors

up

Prifoners always locked

offenders.

The whole

ufe.

little

No

Gaoler has a large garden behind the prifon.

paper

in the

1776,

Oct..

29, Debtors

2.

Felons

1779,

May

14,

o.

1782, Jan. 23,

4.

to

under

cellar

The

-defcend through a hole in the floor.

firft.

them

who

prifoners,

borrowed a book of Dr. Minton's

refpective

and

fliilling

Two

parifhes.

it

2.

is

me

the property of

pays

iZ

12

had not been cleaned

when

had

their groats

No

bailiff,

lives

diftant.

left

was there

one of

it

from the

allowance

creditors

no ftraw

Each

to the reft.

was

it

They had

faid.

caft

on

their

and out of that

no

firing

water

put in (as other things are) at the window.

found in

by a poor

many

for
I

they were almoft ftarved

the whole thirteen children,

in

which the prifoners occafionally

to

cellar

told

pittance they relieved the other two.

been compaffionately

fix

o.

one of them was reading

and they had

wife-,

a halfpenny for about three gallons,

this prifon a ftrong bedftead,

prifoner,

that

it

might be fome

which had

relief to

his

fucceflbrs.

1776, Jan. 10,

Debtors 4.

Odt. 28,

* This

keeper of

Sec. 2.

Their meagre fickly countenances confirmed what they

of them had a

unhappy

as

with tears in his eyes, " he had not eaten a morfel that day

afternoon.

Gaoler a

offenfive.

Garnifh 3s. 6d. on a

prifon-door had not been opened for feveral weeks,

There were four

faid,

gaoler

as

table.

Gaol, For the hundred of Scarfdale,

whom, or to his fteward, the gaoler

Only one room with a

The

falary

feet

and

Licence for beer.

in bread.

CHESTERFIELD

months.

three for petty

Allowance to debtors and felons, one

debtors kitchen.

the duke of Portland;

a year.

for felons

ruinous, dirty

no

Fees, debtors 6s. Sd. felons 35. 6d.

bridewell, .5.

pence weekly

one

the narrow court or paffage, only 7

deferter

fame offence

had been before confined here

for defertion,

they followed the example of their father,

tranfported ; and
was never taken.

their grandfather

The

keeper's

his brother

who wa6

was a dragoon, who deferted with

mother,

who was

May

1779,

14,

1782, Jan. 24,

1.

was

Debtors
-

o.
o.

in another prifon for the

a deferter, and was afterwards

his

horfe and accoutrements, and

a near neighbour to the grandfather,

was

my

informant.

M
3

OTTINGHAM-

>

Midland

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

321

NOTTINGHAM.

at

Nottingham.

Richard Bonington.

20.

Salary,

Debtors,

Fees,

Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer.

'

17

6 each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, three-halfpennyworth of bread a day.
three-halfpennyworth of bread and a halfpenny in

Felons,

i^\oz.

lib.

Number,

10.

19,

12,

5.

1782, Jan. 21,

n>

6.

12.

1774,

April

3,

12,

2.

1779,

1775,

Jan.

4,

10,

Nov.

12,

4,

11.

Rev. Mr. Anderfon.

Sunday and Wednefday.

50.

SURGEON,

Mr.

now Mr.

Bettefon,

20, now 30,

Salary,

on the

is

fide

Patridge.

and

for debtors

of a

For

hill.

28 fteps are two rooms for criminals

felons.

23 feet by 13, and 7

the

At my

feet

mafter's-fide debtors only three rooms.

condemned room.
fandy rock, very damp: one of

who can

12 fteps more are deep dungeons, cut in the

diameter

FIons See.

4,

4,

Duty,

is

1775,

1776, Sep. 25,

17,

Salary,

which

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Nov.

gaol

money

Jan,

1779, lib. 30Z.J

in Sep.

1773,

CHAPLAIN,

THE

loaf in

prohibited.

Garnifh,

Down
Down

three -penny

day (weight of

every

pay, and a

high: another, nearly circular,

is

about 12 feet

draw on barrack-beds.

laft vifit,

the felons court was

more

airy, the wall

being palifaded

they had

both well and river water ; and there was an entire feparation of debtors and felons.

The women
than two

have one bed,

women, they

For bathing here

ufelefs

tub

juft by, to

it

room

are at night in

(not, as in

but) a large and

warm

The act for

The juftices

is

in a

when

in the turnkey's lodge.

When

there are

more

one of the dungeons.

moft other county gaols, an inconvenient and almoft

commodious

neceflary.

bath, fupplied with river water; and a copper

The

infirmary

preferving the health of prifoners

is

is

near

it,

which has two rooms.

neatly painted over the keeper's door.

have allowed the gaoler to fupply the fick with better nourishment, &c. to

she

Remarks.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

3^2
Not t

nc-

amount of feven

the

The

Gaol.

fo

remarkably confiderate and humane

prifoners have the choice of wheaten or houfehold bread; the weight of the

former, three fourths of the

latter.

Tranfports condemned at
fix

Gentlemen

week.

hope, abolifh the unwholcfome dungeons.

will, I

County

(hillings a

Midland Circuit.

had, with the king's allowance of two millings and

afiizes

pence a week, the county-bread.

Here

(as at

Derby) a man goes round the county about Chriftmas, and begs

He

tlemen's houfes for the debtors.

The amount, about 30

names, and donations.

No

Service

chapel.

performed

is

a year

in a parlour,

in 17 81

which

is

gen-

at

a book, and gentlemen write in

carries

their

it

was 34.

it

too fmall.

Prifoners are tried in clothes provided for that purpofe by the county *.

In the account fent up to

of

For

8.

tranfports

thefe,

and the gaol

fees, the

flate

1776, was one

gaol in

in this

his majefty's pardon.

with the pardon, charges

in his letter fent

affize,

fees

London of

This man obtained

William Berks.

Mr. Francis Waters, clerk

office fees f 1
6, my
7
:

pardoned criminal was detained

in

prifon.

TABLE OF
NotHnghamJbire.

FEES.

For lodging and board of each prifoner when he lodges and

week

'*''

For each when he hath a room of the gaoler, and

And

to the

S.

D.

own bed and

by

the

diet per

week

week

-014

"

020
006

'-

'

.
with the gaoler, by the

diets himfelf,

finds his

turnkey for the fame

diets

"

For each when he hath a room and bed of the gaoler and
For the difcharge of each prifoner

January 1760.

Seflions held at the Shire-Hall 14th

At the Quarter

gaoler is to take notice if he takes more than the above fums he is liable to forfeit to the
party aggrieved for each offence the fum of fifty found* (exclufive of the penalties infli&ed by former

The

afts).

We

direft the

Deputy Clerk of

the Peace betwixt

in the refpeftive Courts within this

fome confpicuous open place within the

faid

may

require,

and be preferved

now and

County where

in the faid

the next Seflions to put Copies of this Table

the General Quarter Seflions are held, and alfo in

Gaol, in order that the fame

Gaol, to be reforted to

may

be infpefted as occafions

at all feafonable times in the

day time

without paying any thing for the fame.

M.

W.

Mujiers

J. White

Bilbie

W>. Kirke

Having reviewed the above Table of Fees,

do hereby confirm the fame.

H.

Sherbrooke

Geo. Mafon.

Witnefs

my hand

the 26th day

of March 1760

H. Bathurst.

A true

copy examined with the original by

me
John Hurjl deputy clerk of the peace.

* Se

more

judicious praftite at Reading.

Nottingham/hi'e.

Midland

Nottingham/hire.

common Gaol

in the

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

Circuit.

323

Table of the feveral Gifts, Legacies and Bequefts for the benefit-of poor Prisoners
of

County,

this

by us

as fettled

Peace this

of the

his Majefty's Juftices

8th day of

Purfuant to the late Aft of Parliament and according to the belt information we'can get, as

Jan. 1760.

Notting-

ham
County

follows.
eftate at
Efq. of Nottingham, the yearly fum of four pounds, paid quarterly out of an
Mr. Sherwin's father of fome of the defcendants of Henry Handle/

By John Shtrwin

Bramfcote, in this county, purch'afed by

Efq. who left this charity.

By Abel Smith Efq. of Nottingham,
fhillings

We

monthly

purfuant to the directions of the will of Mr. Abel Collings deceafed, four

for coals for the prifoners.

are informed that forty (hillings a year, was formerly left

But that the prifoners have not received the fame

Efquire.

We

do not know of any other

gifts, legacies, or bequefts,

by fome of the family of

twenty years

for thefe

Hutchinfon,

paft.

except the general colle&ion

made

county

in the

for the prifoners every Chrilhnas.

We

order this table to be tranfmitted to the deputy clerk of the peace for this county, to be entered

the

rolls

of

made and hung up by him

the feflions, and copies thereof to be

the general quarter feflions are held

there to remain and be infpetted

to be tranfmitted to the keeper of the faid gaol to be forthwith

and

in a confpicuous

manner,

fo as the prifoners

may have

among
where

in the refpe&ive courts,

And

copy

alfo to caufe another

hung up by him

fome public place,

there, in

free refort thereto, at all feafonable times in

the day time, without paying any thing for the fame.

M.

Mufiers

J. TVhite

TV. Bitbie

H.

TV'-. Kirke

Geo.

examined with the original by

true copy

A. C.

Sherbrooke

Mafon

me
John Hurft,

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
This

is

alfo

SOUTHWELL.

at

ufed as a prifon for thofe manors in

county which belong to the

this

archbiihop of York.

In front of the court,

fteps,

The
the

14

feet fquare

and

date on this part

ground

is

room on

is.

of them fentenced for three

-]\ feet

1656.

high

In

and two above

floor,

the ground-floor, in which were two

other for feven: and a

years,, the

the

window

is

in this court:

for the

women,

latter

a court might be

hung

Claufes of act againft fpirituous liquors not

he makes a

weighed

1 lb.

hold bread, 2

bill.

5!
lb.

my

11 oz.

at

firft vifit;

my

lad

at

vifit,

my

keeper

fells

them

for three-pence)

the keeper's garden.

Apothecary, Mr. Hutchinfon-,

up.

of bread.
lb.

my

at

three-penny loaf

third,

of good houfe-

the three-halfpenny loaf weighed

at

2 oz.

Some

three-halfpence a thoufand (the

and fome fpinning

No

allowed by the county.

is

made out of

fecond, 2

of the prifoners were making fhoemaker's pegs

inches.

new building with two rooms on

is an infirmary.
The rooms are

Allowance, three-halfpennyworth

oz. at

about 15 feet by 12, and have chimneys, but no firing

pump

men one
down 10

du.igeon

2 feet 10 inches, by only 8

the back court

one of the

damp

flax

half the earning

is

the

keeper's.

Brtd

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

3H
Southwell.

Here was committed

keeper's.

fhoemaker

improper) that he mould not work

no table

but now there

this place is,

common

He

for twelve months, with an order (highly

Keeper's falary,jf45: fees, 3^. 6d.

trade.

painted on a board over the keeper's door,

is

N.

and fix-pence.

three millings

vagrants."

own

at his

Midland Circuit.

informed

me

None

B.

is

" The

fees

of

exempt from paying but

that a few years ago, feven died here of the gaol-

fever within two years.

4>
1775, J an
1776, Sep. 24,

9.

i779> Sep. 20,

Prifoners 17.

13.

1782, Nov. 17,

9.

Prifoners

-'

NOTTINGHAM TOWN
GAOLER,

COUNTY

and

GAOL.

Richard Bonington, the county gaoler.

Salary,

^8.

Fees,

Debtors,

0
o
o

Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

if

under 10.

14

if

from any court

14

8.

17

in

London.

each.

See County Gaol.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

(See Remarks.)

Felons, three-halfpence in bread, a day.

prohibited.

Garnifh,

Number,

Debtors.

1773,

Nov.

i775>

J an

THIS

ice.

1776,

Sep. 25,

o,

o.

4,

3>

i779>

*9>

2>

12,

5,

2.

1782,

Jan. 21,

1,

1.

none.

none

ftated.

The mayor

orders one

gaol has been lately repaired and

:

a year.

Three rooms on

the

dungeon down twenty-two Heps, which

was informed has not been ufed for fome years

when wanted.

much improved.
a

Debtors have from a legacy one milling a week for

prifoners about

Felons &c.

2.

ground-floor, two chambers, and two gjrrets

I

Debtors.

5,

Nov.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

Felons

17,

back court fupplied with water.

coals.

Collected in the town for

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

hung up.

was hung up, dated the 10th of April 1777, figned by Vbo. Sands,
Mayor, Rich. Butler and John Fellows, Aldermen, and confirmed by W. H. Ashurst,
table of fees

fimilar to that in the county gaol.

NOTTINGHAM

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

NOTTINGHAM TOWN BRIDEWELL.

Two
there

there

rooms

no

fire-place

is

fpirituous liquors

Here

No

Water

in

town,

their

may

it

no

1779,

o.

1782,

Jan, 21,

2.

TOWN

GAOL,
up

largelt

flairs

where

Allowance, a threeClaufes againft

^d.

is.

o.

and

BRIDEWELL.

12 feet by

The two windows

1 1.

impoffible to prevent fpirituous liquors, &c. from being

No

court

no water

ftraw.

Among

no fewer.

fees,

Keeper

lives at a public

Allowance,

4 s. notable.

improvements

the various

not be hoped the corporation will

ground behind

BASFOR

Prifoners

falary, for the bridewell,

fees,

conveyed to the prifoners.

three-halfpence a day

Sep. 25,

ftreet, it is

at a little diftance

falary,

Sep. 19,

upon Trent

court, although
a kitchen,

a mill for grinding horfe-beans.

1776,

rooms arched with brick, the

being towards the

from

is

Keeper's

not hung up.

NEWARK

in this

fteps.

fewer.

bed for prifoners who can pay two pence a night.

penny loaf every other day.

houfe

No

ground before and behind the houfe.

is

Two

dark dungeon down nine

make fome

that are

making

addition to this prifon

it ?

1776,

Sep.

23,

1779,

Sep.

.20,

1782,

Nov.

Prifoners
-

17,

Prison, for Debtors.

This

is

2.

o.

o.

Deferters
-

2.

4.

his majefty's gaol or prifon

of the

court of record of his honour of Peverel, and additional limits of the fame in the
counties of

Nottingham and Derby.

with three beds.

The

having none of that

Fees, 13

s.

Thomas Lord Middleton high fteward.

keeper faid he had another

fex,

he made ufe of

^d. by the court-roll.

but now are from ten pounds * to

The
fifty

1776, Sep. 24, Prifoners

it

little

room

for his fervants.

One room

for women-prifoners

The

houfe

is

debts were from forty millings to

but

his freehold.
fifty

pounds,

pounds.
3.

177 9, Sep. 20, Prifoners

* See 19 Geo. III. Cap.

2.

LXX.

LINCOLNSHIRE.

Nott
HAM.

LINCOLNSHIRE.

3 26

COUNTY
Lincoln.

GAOLER,

Ifaac

Salary,

none.

Midland Circuit.

GAOL, LINCOLN CASTLE.

Wood.

But 154 a year to fupply prifoners

&c. ( See Remarks.)

as

below ; and

to

pay

land-tax,

Fees,

Debtors,")

Felons,

}<>

8:8:0

Tranfports,

14

4.

for each:

and 13

s.

^d.

He

(fee "Table of Fees.)

paid the

clerk of affize a guinea for each.

Licence,

Beer

He

which the gaoler brews.

Tap.

the

lets

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,

Remarks, fame

if certified as in

Felons,

as felons.

each weekly Sib. of bread, and id. for beef:

common

in

yearly 2, for coals: 2, ftraw: 2, oatmeal.

0:2:

Garnifh,

6.

Number,
i

776

Jan. 27,

22,

if,.

Oa.

29,

14,

Jan. 31,

23,

18.

Sep. 23,

12,

CHAPLAINS,

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

774j

Felons &c.

May

6,

22,

14.

1782, Feb.

1,

30,

3.

1779,

Dutch

prifoners of war 7 *.

3.

Rev. Mr. Simp/on;

and Dr.

Waldgrave by

his

curate the

Rev.

Duty,

Mr. Welling, now Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Simp/on, Wednefday and Friday

Salary,

Mr. Simp/on 5,

Dr. Waldgrave about

35 per

The

{hillings a

Sec. fee

Remarks

Mr.

Bennet, Sunday.

legacy of Rebecca Hupy.

SURGEON,

THE

Remarks.

caftle

year.

The

acres.

(6 A.

Mr.

Parnell.

20.

Salary,

belongs to the duchy of Lancafter.

gaoler, per contract, to

3 R. 27 P.)

On

keep

it

in

repair.

county pays ten

fpacious area of near feven

the ground-floor are the gaoler's apartments, the tap-

room, &c.

For

The

mafter's-fide debtors, fix fizeable

floors

of both

ftories are

tarras,

rooms on the

firft

ftory

and

and cannot be kept clean

as

many

garrets.

the paffages fix feet

wide, with windows clofe glazed.

The
It

is

free

ward

for debtors

paved with fmall

is

(tones,

only a

room

and

a thorough-fare

is

at

the end of the building,

to

down

fundry places.

2 fteps.

Firft,

by

Sec page 190.

a trap-

LINCOLNSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.
trap-door

the

in

pavement there

faid

dungeons for criminals,

the other, within

14 inches;

9 inches by 18

a paflage to the

little

it,

condemned

the

draw on the

fhort

of 10 fieps

a defcent

is

two vaulted

to

high; one, the Pit, 14 feet by 21, window 2

feet

floors

women-felons ward (which

is

both dungeons offenfive.

11 feet

by 8);

and

by

window about

by 7;

feet

14

cell,

feet

It is alio

the felons court

to

no water: no fewer;
(43 feet by 26-|), and their fizeable day-room (15 feet by 19)
and to a room for the clofer confinement of debtors who do not behave well. There
:

are

who

two rooms with beds for felons

can pay for them

to which there

is

another

way.

No

chapel

fervice

is

performed

act for preferving the health

repair *

befides the forementioned articles of his contract,

foners with pails, and other utenfils, to the

order of the juftices

allowance,

it

is

hung up,

is

amount of 3

The

no bath.

prifon

out of

is

to furnifh his pri-

is

and to pay yearly

a year;

and Marjhalfea, two guineas

to prifoners in the King's Bench

minifter,

infirmary

The whole

and never white-warned.

Mr. Wood,

*S
An

No

the Shire-hall.

in

of prifoners not hung up.

all

out of his falary of

that for a debtor's being admitted to

county

required that he produce a certificate of his poverty Jfigned by the

churchwardens and overfeers of

quantities of garters, purfes,

The

his parifh.

&c. of a very good

fort

make

debtors

confiderable

moft of which they weave

in a

cheap, but convenient hand-frame.

Mr. Simp/on's falary, 5, is from a legacy of 'Thomas Hejleden and for attending condemned criminals he has five guineas from the fheriff. Mr. Thomas Hejleden left alfo
;

a year, for the better maintenance of the poor prifoners in the caftle.

ment of
will

two

thefe

legacies, he

bound an

eftate called

Works Chantry

at

For the payLincoln.

His

was proved September 21, 1720.

Thomas Robert Jenkinfon, by

120

to the debtors

Eafter

Monday

in

this

(proved February 13, 1772,)

will

prifon, to be equally divided

with this provifo, that

if the

whole

the intereft of

left

among them

intereft for

one year

is

annually on
fufficient to

difcharge any one debtor, within fourteen days of the time of payment, the faid

fum

ihall

be applied for that purpofe, at the difcretion of his truftees.

Rebecca Hujey, by her will, proved
intereft

the benefit for

many

* If the gentlemen

county hofpital in

On

in

London 10th May

of 1000. to releafe poor debtors from this caftle

17 15,

bequeathed the

but no debtors have received

years paft f.

mould build a new gaol,

this city,

and not with fuch

a tomb-ftone in the cathedral,

is

an

it

may be hoped

it

will

be a more

fubftantial building than the

tarras floors.

infeription, noting that Cltment

Wood, interred there, was thirty-

eight years gaoler of the caftle, and of the city gaol.

Tabu

Lincoln
c

LINCOLNSHIRE.
Lincoln

A Table

Fees

Midland Circuit.

to be

taken by the Gaoler or Keeper of the Gaol for the County of Lincoln
of
and Rules for Government fettled purfuant to a late At\ for Relief of Debtors* &c.

County
Gaol.

...

Every prifoner
Every prifoner

pay

fhall

pence

firft

coming

if

And

two or more debtors

that the four

lie

in the fame

chambers on the

firft.

bed then

floor fhall

his

If he will have the whole bed to himfelf, to pay weekly

But

pay to the gaoler for

fhall

amongft them weekly

to be paid

D.

S-

and eight-

into gaol fix lhillings

any chamber in the houfe

that will lodge in

weekly

to the gaoler at his

-068
-013
-026
026
bed

be held and kept for fuch only as board in

the houfe.

Every

prifoner for debt to

pay but one fee

to the gaoler for his difcharge out

though he Hands committed in feveral a&ions, and the fee

and eight-pence

To

felon to

pay

pence

upon

to the gaoler

the turnkey on the faid difcharge, one (hilling

The

when he

..

that will eat at the

to the act
to

table

to

pay

ale a

day

common

have neceflaries of

between

brought
whom two

life

grate

fome houfehold bread, and

Every debtor

(hall quietly

\lb.

go

to

between

fix in

040

the morning and fix at night from

neceflitous *

Lady-day

no more than one

at eight

and no

later

Lady-

quart of

&c.

and every

felon (hall have 816. weight of whole-

weight of beef f delivered to them weekly.

his chamber, between Lady-day and Michaelmas

and between Michaelmas and Lady-day

and
-

provide himfelf with a bed, bedding and fheets, and purfuant

from any place

adjudge

-050

for his diet

eight and four from Michaelmas to

juftices

0134

to the gaoler for his

week

in to one prifoner, to prevent difturbance,

Every debtor

week

may

-0134

five (hillings
-

that lies in the

Michaelmas

fometimes three

and four-pence

firft

lodging and diet having three meals a day

day

010

or feflions to pay to the gaoler

aflize

If he eats at the fecond table then he (hall pay but four (hillings a

Every debtor

-013
-

taken out of gaol thirteen (hillings and four-

is

for his difcharge thirteen lhillings

lodging

and four-

for tranfportation,

Every prifoner committed from the bar, by the judge of

Every prifoner

(hillings
-

months, and often longer, to be paid for each felon by the treafurer

fix

out of the county-money

pence

condemned

gaoler having the. care of the felons

months, fometimes

of prifon thirteen

068
010

fix (hillings

his difcharge out

of the prifon

be no more than

the turnkey on the faid difcharge, one milling

Every

To

to

whofoever

at nine in the

(hall refufe

(hall

evening

on proof be

deprived of his beef and bread by a juftice for a time at difcretion.

If any gaoler, turnkey or other officer, or any prifoner

either for garnifh

cver, Shall

money, chamber-money

cards

if a prifoner, lofe his allowance for a time at

money from a new-come prifoner

Tower or any other account whatfo-

require any

feeing Lufey

the difcretion of a juftice

if the gaoler, Sec.

be punifhed as an extortioner according to law.

If the gaoler or any of his fub-officers fhall at
irons,
Ii

if a

common

felon he fhall pay the

any time from hence think

fum of two

fhillings

a gentleman or better fort of criminal then he fhall take the

more

it

fafe to take off

any

felon's

and fix-pence a week and no more

fum of

five fhillings per

week and no

{.

* See Rimarks

f
\

preceding,

Inftead of this they have

This order being (bmewkat lingular,

two pence.

lave tranferibed

it

verbatim.

Any

LINCOLNSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.
Any

perfon removed by habeas corpus to pay the fame fees as other prifoners

prifoner

a time,

We

his

making water

fo

to

as

annoy

329
when

bucket to

or wafliing hands in the

Lincoln

difcharged.
lofe his allowance

for

Count y
Gaol.

Sec.

Majefty's Juftices of the Peace for the Divifion of Lindfey, in the County of Lincoln, Affembled

have examined the above Table of Fees with the Rules and Orders and do allow
and confirm the fame the 12th day of April 1768

at

Spiljby

H:

IV" Majfingberd
.

We

his

the

Majefty's Juftices

fame 13th

April 1768

John

We

his Majefty's

Ed mils

Marfiall

Divifion of Keflevtn affembled at $leafordc\a allow and confirm

the

for

Ric Wright

Bejl

Juftices

Dcd Jones

Rob' Burne

Tliorold

the divifion of Holland affembled at Bojlon

for

do

Leo

Brown.

allow and confirm the

fame 14th July 1768

Ri

We

H. B.

Falkner

Ri

Pacey

Fydell

Linton

Jun r .

R.

the Judges of Aflize for the County of Lincoln have reviewed the above

Rules and

Orders and do hereby confirm

the fame.

This 25 th day of July

Fydell

Calthorp.

Table of Fees with the

1768.

T. Parker.
E. Clive.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
GAINSBOROUGH.
rooms up
no ftraw

ftairs

Two

a court

no allowance

33

lodging-rooms*, and a day-room below, and two

which is a new work-room: no water :

feet fquare, in

the prifoners were beating

Conveyance to quarter feflions at keeper's expence.

Might be improved on the keeper's garden.
1776, Jan. 30,

May

5.

1782, Jan. 31,

4.

FOLKINGHAM.

His

at

four pence a {tone.

falary,

^30.

Lunatics
-

who was

for a lunatic,

men's lodging-room (18

feet

2.

by 9

is

12 (called the old gaol),

a horrid

no

pump
I

dungeon (10
:

no fewer.

was furprifed

inches high,

In

you go down by a trap-door

feet fquare,

Yet

to find a lunatic

54.

woman

rooms,

The

inches and 6 feet 9 inches high), has

feet 9

13 feet by 8, and 6 feet 2

damp

confined here fome years.

The women's

only an aperture in the door a foot fquare into the work-room.

room

fees.

3.

In this prifon under the keeper's houfe are five

two of which were ufed

No

Prifoners 3.

6,

1779,

hemp

feet

high).

with a child

another

room 204

in the floor

No
at

feet

by

feven fteps into

chimney:

fmall

court:

her breall was fent hither

of the other fex lodge in the room appropriated to the ivemer.

for

Bridewells.

LINCOLNSHIRE.

33
Bridewells.

year and a day

for a

expence.

His

falary,

1774, Oct.

28,

May

Fees,

Prifoners

9,5.

4^.

he

no

to quarter feffions at keeper's

muft allow

e^ch

prifoner

Lun.

2.

fix-

table.

1782, Feb. 2, Prifoners

4.

5,

which

out of

pennyworth of bread a week.

1779,

Conveyance

the child died.

37

Midland Circuit.

2.

1.

SPALDING.

This prifon, lately built, has feveral (izeable airy rooms 13 feet
by 10 chimneys in two of them. A work-room 28 feet by 9.1. The underrooms vaulted, 1 2~ feet by 94, and 7 feet high the entrance is by a trap-door
from the upper rooms. There is a pump now in the court, which not being
:

have no accefs to

fecure, the prifoners

Allowance, three pence

it.

they work they have three fourths of the profit

againft

hung up

fpirituous liquors

as alfo

turnkey, the remainder.

is

the

late

health of prifoners, neatly painted on a fmall board.

5;.

no

Surgeon's

table.

there were

473

falary,

prifoners, of

In

12.

whom

41

the

act

for

were debtors.

By

Claufes

preferving the

Keeper's falary,

twelve years

When

a day.

38

preceding

fees,

1782,

the act for the court

of requefls for the hundred of Ellas, in this county, the debtors mail remain in

confinement three months.

1776, Feb.

Prifoners

2,

1779, Mar. 29,

4.

13.

LINCOLN CITY
GAOLER,

Francis
,20.

Fees,

Debtors,

>-

Felons,

Tranfports,

10

Beer.

Prifoners
-

2.

4.

COUNTY GAOL.

Ttyn.

Salary,

Licence,

and

1779, Oct. 11,

1782, Feb. 3,

8.

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

Garnifh,

one

Number,

Debtors.

Felons ice.

2.

1779,

May

6,

I,

O.

o,

I.

1782, Feb.

1,

I.

I.

Debtors.

1774, Jan. 27.

1776, Jan.
Sep.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

one (hilling a week.

(hilling,

31,

23,

Felons

&c.

2.

none.
none,

THIS

LINCOLNSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

THIS

gaol,

flairs

inches by 12 feet 2 inches)

vifit,

was locked up

The

aft

the

preferving

for

No

at night.

damp

a cage in

court

of

health

fpirituous liquors, fairly written

no water

fickly criminal

accefiible to

hung

not

prifoners

for criminals

them (13

In one of

earth floors.

which the

men-debtors, one

for

The rooms

in each a fire-place.

fteps

is

one large room

has

Stone-bozv gate,

two dungeons down three

are

the

at

women, both up

{"mailer for

faw

prifoners

up.

no

Claufes

on parchment, were framed and hung up

feet

my

at

laft

ftraw.
againfl:

*.

City of Lincoln a>id County of the fame City, to ivit.

A Table

Rates and Fees

of

within

the Guild- Hall

14th day of

on the

wit,

the

firft

by the Juftices at a General Quarter

fettled

whole week next after

33d

the

in

July

of

George

II

1759

purfuant

an

to

held

at

Martyr

to

Seflions

Thomas the

the Tranflation of St.

At for Relief of

Debtors &c.

Every debtor
no more

Any

bed belonging

that lies in a
-

lodging

is

to

pay one

though he ftands committed

and eight pence

Every

felon

is

to

pay

is

millings

fix

and eight

Ihillings

fix

If not continued in prifon above a week then to pay only three fhillings and four pence

Every prifoner

that

will

eat with the

gaoler

is

to

pay for

We

the

Mayor

is

more

pay the

Drewry

Ger. Gib/on

Jn\ Hooton

Ew d

John Broivn

Rob'. Thlckfion

John TVUfon

Jn. Davies

Edw*. Letherland

Fowllr

Brox m Brown
.

City have reviewed

fame

Judges of Aflize for the city of Lincoln and County of the

Table of Fees and do hereby confirm the fame.

-046
-034

to

Rob'.

Rob. Obbinfon,

068
068
o

or feflions

aflize

gaoler for his difcharge three fhillings and four pence and no

lodging and diet weekly

his

four (hillings and fix pence having three meals a day

Every prifoner committed from the bar by the judge of

00

of prifon

of prifon

for his

for his difcharge out

D.

-010

pay nothing

to

S.

weekly and

Ihilling

a&ions and that fee no more than

to the gaoler for his difcharge out

pence and no more

pay one

fee to the keeper

in feveral

to

common room

for debt

prifoner

in the

it

is

debtor that finds a bed and places

Every

to the keeper

Given under our Hands

this

this

9th day of Auguft 1759.

Parker

Ja Hewitt.
Examined by

On my

Jofp.

Peart Clerk of the peace.

obferving to the keeper,

up, he informed me, that both the

houfes;

but that upon

how

properly thefe claufes

and

debtors

having nearly

loft,

his

felons
life

ufed to

againfl:

fpirituous liquors

be ferved with

from one of the

felons

were hung

them from the public

who was

intoxicated,

he

copied out the claufes from Burn, flawed them to the publicans, and thus put an end to the practice

When

have inquired, in fimilar prifons,

frequently replied,

How

is it

whether thefe claufes were hung

poflible for us to prevent liquors being

Uu

handed

up?

in at the ftreet

the keepers have

windows

BOSTON

Remarks.

LINCOLNSHIRE.
BOSTON Town
rooms about 14

room 9
by 5)

feet 3

Gaol.

alfo the

is

Two damp

bridewell.

them two rooms

women

for

offenfive

(one the bed-

inches by 6 feet 4 inches, with only an aperture in the door

7 inches
rooms adjoining for debtors.
No court : no water. Claufes

and two

againft fpirituous liquors

Fees,

This

fquare, and over

feet

Midland Circuit.

2 s.

hung up.

not

Salary,

as

10;

gaoler,

as keeper,

5.

6d.

1779, Oct. 11, Debtors o,

o,
1782, Feb. 2, -

STAMFORD Town
down, and

new

prifon

The

Gaol.

is

Felons &c. 2.
-

o.

gate which was the old

built at the town- hall.

prifon

One good room

for

taken

is

debtors in

for other prifoners two cells, 10 feet by 8, and 74 high

the
the keeper's houfe
window in each only 2 feet by 5 inches: and a bridewell- room 16 feet by 8 : the
window here alfo too fmall, 2 feet by 1 foot 8 inches.
Salary, as gaoler, 4; as keeper,
Allowance to felons, two pence a day.
:

3:6:8.

Licence for beer and wine.

being on a more humane plan,

is

Adr. for preferving the health

hung up.

not

and claufes againft fpirituous liquors,

This new gaol,

new

cells.

gaol, I tranfcribe for the Angularity of

1776, Feb. 10,

Sep.

26,

The Town

A Table

of Fies fettled &c.

up

in

offenfive

their

an

arreft

For waiting

upon bair

for bail

o,

i_

o,

2.

Felons Sec.

Debtors.

779, Sep. 21,

1782, May 3,
1

o,

o.

o,

2.

or Borough of Stamford in the County of Lincoln.

at the

Quarter Sefiions held by Adjournment 28th Auguft 1729 &c.

For

room each week

diet each day, if not find themfelves

For lodging each night,

if not find themfelves

If they find themfelves bedding, then for cleaning the

For Felons &c. that

For Gaoler's

To
To
To

fees for the gaol

the fmith ironing and taking off

Lodging

for each night

the perfon

who

lie

S-

D.

0100

060
-010
-004
-

on the Common-fide.

0100
-020
002

executes fentence of pillory, burning in the hand, or whipping

the keeper of the houfa of correction for every perfon committed for the

Every day

one milling per hour

Bail fees to the gaol

and

article or two.

Felons &c.

.
For every

of

The

which, though not figned, nor hung up in the

Fees, fee Table;

Debtors.

inftead

worfe than the old prifon was for felons;

court not being fecure, the prifoners are always locked

unhealthy

of prifoners

that perfon continues in cuftody for attendance

firft

010
006
-001
-

night

RUTLANDSHIRE

RUTLANDSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

William Lumley>

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

now Henry

10

Licence,

Feer.

OAKHAM,

Lumley.

~)

Felons,
Tranfports,

at

353

14

IO -

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,
Felons

one

Garnifh,

'

Felons &c.

Debtors.

o,

o.

1775, Nov. 10,

1,

2.

1776, Sep.

o,

o.

Salary,

23,

1774, Jan.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

f
three-halfpence
a day each, in bread.

Ihilling.

Number,

THIS

>

2.6,

Debtors.

1779, Mar. 28,

Sep.

1782,

May

Felons &c.

5,

5.

21,

3,

1.

3,

2,

3,

Deferters

none.

Mr.

5.

now Mr.

Bullivant,

:.

Berry,

o.

the county bridewell and the

town gaol ; yet I found it twice

day-room or kitchen for debtors
a day-room,
and two fmall vaulted night-rooms for felons; one of which being quite clofe (11 feet
alfo

is

On

empty.

the ground-floor

is

by 6 feet 4 inches), the gaoler has made apertures in the door. Up flairs are two
rooms ftrongly planked with oak in each of them are two beds, for thofe that pay.
There is a large work-room, but there were no rooms proper for the feparation of
:

men and women,

fitted

up

The

felons

pump,

the

is

Lately one room has been

The whole

parted off with ftrong wooden palifades

They have

deftitute prifoners.

fees.

not

court

chimney.

the juflices have been fo confiderate as to put

felons court.

mod

or of bridewell prifoners from felons.

in the barn for that purpofe, with a

alfo

His

down

prilbn

is

thatched.

which intercepting

another

pump

in the

ordered the gaoler to provide fome clothing for the

falary as

keeper of the bridewell

is

20.

No

table of

Act for preferving the health of prifoners, and claufes againft fpirituous liquors,

hung up.

The

prefent

gaoler's

father}

grandfatl-c;

iui

great

grandfather,

held

the

fame

office.

NORTHAMPTON-

Remarks.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.

334

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

NorthAMPTON.

John

Midland Circuit.

NORTHAMPTON.

at

Scofield.

.
Salary,

now ^30.

He

Fees,

Debtors,")

pays the county

1^

Felons,

*
'

Tranfports, If two, -] each

more, 6

if

40

a year.

4>

16

6 each.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

two pennyworth of bread

Felons,

and now two pence

Debtors,

Garnilh,

Felons,

day (wt. Jan. 1775,

0:6:0.
0:2:6.

Number,

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Felons

1773> Nov. 15,

9,

8.

1779,

M ar

25,

9-

1774, April
'775* Jan.
*77 6 >

5,

6,

4.

Nov. 24,

15.

2,

8,

7.

1782, July 14,

10.

5>

7>

I2

CHAPLAIN, Rev.

i\oz.)

lib.

meat.

for

Sec.

Mr. MTfcr.

Sunday, Tuefday, Thurfday.

Duty,
Salary,

SURGEON,
APOTHECARY,

THIS

Remarks.

from

gaol

is

Mr.

felons.

Mr.
Mr.

Kerr.

Breton. J

alfo the
Scofield

Salary, none.

They make

bill.

but petty offenders are kept feparate

county bridewell;

had a

falary of

^36

10

keeper, and now as gaoler

as

he has 30 added. Three courts; but the two for felons are too clofe. No ftraw.
The county have built feven commodious rooms (7 feet 9 inches by 6 feet), for
felons

yet there are

day-room

for

one room, with a

a fewer.

The

(till

felons,
clofe

two horrid dungeons

1 1

fteps

and the condemned room.

under ground, over which

The

is

bridewell part confifts of

made very offenfive by

humane to his prifoners.
work, fpinning, making pegs for fhoe-

bed-room, and a room over them,

all

prifon was clean, and the gaoler attentive and

Debtors, felons, and petty offenders were

at

makers, &c.

The

chapel was the upper

room

in

the gaoler's houfe,

painful for prifoners loaded with irons to

more conveniently

fituated.

No

when

go up and down the

infirmary,

nor bath.

The

it

flairs

aft

rauft
;

but

have been

now

for preferving

it

is

the

health

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.

Midland Circuit.

health of prifoners, and claufes againfr. fpirituous liquors,

fees

now

is

hung up

figned and

was neither dated, figned, nor hung up

edition,

" no

to

At

nvit.

the General Quarter

County, on Thurfday

faid

- the

Efq.

Ijled,

Brok

and

Bridges,

Seffions

Day

Sixteenth

Sovereign Lord George the Third

Reign of our
Ambrofe

occafioned

me on my
my faying

table of

former
in

vifits

the

firfl

table of fees."

Northampton/hire,

and for the

which

hung up.

not

which the gaoler mewed

that

335

before

of the

Reverend John

the

Clerks;

Addington,

Charles

Peace holden

at Northampton,

in

of January, in the Seventeenth Year of the

Do&or

Hill,

Juftices

of

of Laws

our faid Lord

the

King, afligned to keep the Peace within the faid County, &c.
It

by

ordered,

is

Court,

this

that

Majefty's Gaol for the faid County

the

following Rates

and no other

and Fees be taken

by the Keeper of

-020
-0134
.

For the lodging of every prifoner

For figning
For

For the copy of every warrant,

regiftering a declaration,

fo

it

further Ordered,

is

confirmed,

Copy

that a

Copy

Grand -jury

in the

in

oio-020
oio

laid before

and confirmation

their revifal

hung up

above Table of Fees be

County, for

thereof be

the

020

Judges, at the next

and, if the fame

D.

ft

020

or be otherwife difcharged for

order to give bail,

the

that

to he holden for the faid

in

debt, within the town of Northampton,

And

for debt,-

a certificate, in order to obtain a fuperfedeas,

For attending with every prifoner

Affizes

week,

for debt, in his houfe, per

For the difcharge of every fuch prifoner out of cuftody

Ditto to the turnkey,

his

fome confpicuous part of the

(hall

be

Prifon, and another

gallery.

By

the Court,

Morgan, Clerk of the Peace,

We,

the Judges of Aflize for the

above-written
fourth day of

Table of

Fees.

County of Northampton, have reviewed, and do hereby confirm, the

Given under our hands,

at the

Affizes

holden

at

Northampton,

the

March, 1777.

SmythHo
G. Nares,

S. S.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
KETTERING.
On

the front

burnt Nov.
is

This prifon

is

5,

1766."

room

a lodging-room 8 feet by

Court

is

the

in

an infcription, that
for

54.,

tf

back court of the keeper's public houfe,

This houfe with fixteen dwellings were

men

184. feet

by

154., in

which down

fteps

with an aperture in the door 15 inches by

n.

fize as

For women, a feparate court and a room about the fame

the men's day-room: dirt floors: windows clofe glazed.
No water: no

fewer.

Claufes

94

feet fquare.

againft

fpirituous

liquors not

hung up.

Keeper's

falary,

12,
Fees 5

County
Gaol.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.

336
Fees, 2

BrideWELLS.

Receives rent of the county

6d.

J.

1780, to

78 1, here were a hundred and

1779, Oct. 12, Prifoners

OUNDLE.
the whole

15

10

Midland Circuit.
o.

From new year's-day

five prifoners.

1782, July 14, Prifoners o.

2.

Separate work-rooms, lodging-rooms, and courts for

in a ruinous infecure ftate.

is

men and women;

at 12 a year*

by the county

rented

It is

Fees 3*. 6d. no table.

Keeper's falary, 12.

1779, Sep. 22, Prifoners o.

Oct. 12,
o.

May

1782,

4,

1.

NORTHAMPTON TOWN
Two

rooms and a court

Both

for debtors.

The

a day each.

no

falary

gaoler

1779, Mar. 25,

PETERBOROUGH
thirty-two towns,

is

meriff's officer

license for beer

Gaol,

For the

the property of

pence
he has

table.

Deferter

a court

allowed two

are

779> Nov. 24, Debtor f.

o.
1782, July 15, -

2.

Felons

the ftreet.

13^ \d. no

Fees,

5, Debtors

1776, Jan.

towards

a bailiff and

is

pays rent, ^3.

and petty offenders, and a room and

felons

for

are

courts

GAOL.

Lord

the

liberty called

Exeter.

It

is

now

Soke,

1.

4.

which contains

alfo the prifon of the

dean and chapter of the cathedral church of the Borough of

Peter otherwife

St.

Peterborough.

Two
which

good rooms
the

is

window

the gaol

in

for

door 13 inches by

and down

debtors,

condemned room

No

Claufes

allowance.

preferving the health of prifoners, not

for

beer:

ys.

fteps

room being now flopped up,

7.

for

fees,

room

the court having power of

%d. the table

hung

there

againft

is

called the Gaol;

life

only an aperture in the

liquors,

fpirituous

Keeper's falary,

up.

near

The

and death.

neither figned nor dated.

He

12:

and

act

licence

pays window-tax

1:6:0.
1774,

Od.

1776,

Sep. 26,

3.

1779,

Sep. 21,

1.

o.

1782,

May

1.

3.

PETERBOROUGH
floor a

for

large work-fhop, and

women

no chimney.

a hemp-dreffer.

28,

Debtors

3,

Bridewell.
a

room

Up

lately

ftairs,

two

fmall court (9 feet

2.

Deferter

f.

For the Soke, as above, has on the grounddivided into a part for men, and another
the keeper
rooms or hemp-warehoufes
:

inches wide), not fecure

prifoners always

within

BERKSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

No

within doors.
falary only

6d. no

s.

hung up.

1774, Oft. 28, Prifoner

1.

1779, SeP- 2I > Pnfoner

i.

1782,

No
l

Gaol. A room
no court: no

BRACKLEY

Gaol.

room

Aperture

cafe of the town-hall.

The

water.

Nov.

1779,

5,

1.

o.

3,

conltables are keepers.

1782, Nov. 27,

24,

called the dungeon,

in the

door 8 inches by 6.

Oft. 13,

1779,

May

3 feet under ground called the dungeon, \^\ feet

fire-place:

ll6> Jan.

Keeper's

table.

1776, Sep. 26,

DAVENTRY
by ii.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

water.

fees,

337
Peterborough,

No

No

prifoners.

feet fquare,

The

under the

conftable

is

flair-

keeper.

prifoners.

OXFORD CIRCUIT.

BERKSHIRE.
COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

The Widow

Salary,

20.

Fees,

Debtors,

Tranfports,

Licence,

15

10.

14

4.

2:2:0

READING.

Wi[eman-> afterwards John Hill

Felons,

at

now

Widow.

his

Reading,

each.

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

Garnifh,

Felons,

three pence a day each.

Debtors,

0:5:6.
0:2:6.

Felons,

Number,

Debtors .

1773, Dec. 11,

11,

11.

1774, July 29,

10,

6.

9>

15.

1776, Jan.

CHAPLAIN,

i,

Duty,

Rev. Mr. Webjler.

Sunday and Wednefday.

Salary,

31

SURGEON,
Salary,

10

Felons &c>

Deb{ors

1776, Sep.

Fdonj &<

25,

3,

8.

1779, April 21,

9,

9.

19,

11.

1782,

March

5,

ImprefTed

9.

Mr. Ty Heard.

10

for gaol

and bridewell.

Xx

READING.

BERKSHIRE.

33*

Oxford CiRcu-m

READING.

Reading
COU NTT

The

Gaol.

following verfes are written over the debtors grate to the ftreet

Oh

ye whofe hoars exempt from forrow flow,

feat of pain and want and woe

Think, while your hands th' entreated alms extend,

Behold the

That what

THIS

Remarks.

gaol

too fmall for the general

is

have their courts feparated only by iron

many rooms and now

The night-room for men

prifoners broke out

now

number of

The

dungeon down four

a large

more

lately fitted

difficult.

feparate night-room for

The

women.

up

this

is

room

for

an infirmary

a fmall

(n

condemned room

Near

the

men
the

fteps:

turnkey has

that an efcape

fo

There

by 10).

feet

and another room

and for

Felons, one day-room for

a free ward.
is

Debtors and felons

prifoners.

former have a kitchen

a lodging-room, over the felons dungeon, with an alarm-bell

will be
is

lately.

ye lend.

rails.

the mafter's-fide

and women.

God

to us ye give, to

two

or.

but no

made for feparating men-felons at night, except the convicts,, who have
now two rooms and a fmall court on the debtors fide. Tranfports have not the king's

provifion

allowance of is.
ftraw:

6 d. a week.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

The

offenfive fewers.

chapel

the health of prifoners was painted

vifit,

church.

at

At

the rules and orders.

I

obferved that

the

much

is

on a board

Lent

in

in

afiize

The

too fmall.

hung up.

No-

aft for preferving

the debtors court

and

at

my

women were not only chained- together by

the

laft

1782, none o&the prifoners attended

their

hands, but had heavy irons alfo on their legs, as they were conducted to the fefiions
houfe.

When

come

felons

two check

Ihirts,

to

this

they are wafhed,, and clothes provided by the

a Ruffia-drab coat and breeches, a flannel waiftcoat,,

and two pair of yarn hofe

a flannel petticoat,

petticoat,

prifon,

The men have

county are put on.

two dowlas

clothes are ticketed and

hung up

on again to appear

on

in

till

trial.

:.

the

fhifts,

women,

the quarter fefiions or afiizes;

men and

five

women

coft only

26

the prifoners thirty-fix rugs or coverlets

The Rules and

hofe.

gown

when they put them

8.

The

clothing aforefaid for

A gentleman

fent to this gaol for

which are now worn out.

Orders- of this Gaol as fettled by the High-Sheriff and Juftices for this

County 1781.

-030
-016
.

Lodging

for each debtor per

If occupied

On

week

if

furnifhed by the gaoler, for each

by two prifoners, each prifoner

ditto

bed

the diicharge of a debtor, gaoler's fee on each warrant

Turnkey

and.

Their own;

Afterwards the county-clothes are wafhed, mended,

and purified in an oven, for the ufe of future criminals.

twenty

a linfey woolfey

two pair of yarn

--

S.

D.

026
x

The turnkey to attend the prifoners three times a day to bring them fuch piovifions and neceflanes as
twelve to one; for
ihall be required, <viz. For the hour of breakfaft, from nine to ten; for dinner, from
fupper, from

fix to

feven.

COUNTY

BERKSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit,

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
READING.

This

town bridewell.

alfo the

is

was formerly a church, and

It

is

fpacious room, with four dark fufFocating huts on one fide for night-rooms, one

men

for

worn
10

16 feet by io\ and

changed

to duft, not

pays rent to the corporation.

no

a year to

Keeper's falary,

them

find

1776, Jan.

worn

The

to

April 28, 1778

the county;

dirty

March

1782,

day-rooms

to duft,

pence a day.

2,

at

my

laft vifit,

eight were women.

fees,

for

Allowance,

At

4 s. 4^. notable.

1782, Dec. 25, Prifoners 13.

Prifoners 3.
-

Keeper no

1776, Nov.

1,

J779, April

21,,

all

to attend this bridewell

He

the town.
;

falary-:

Debtors

of

No

it.

fees, 4.S.

is

court

no water.

The

^d. no

table.

March

Mr. Hodgkin/on

me

is

5,

Prifoners o.

falary

am

informed, that Mr. Wcbfler, the

appointed to fucceed him at the gaol

of

10

10

and

alfo

o from the county, and the fame

with fome alterations both here and at the gaol, which

never mention any particulars except from my oivn

feveral vifits, I mull

Felons allowance,

Prifoners o.

dead, and that

alfo acquaints

1.

Compter.

or

1782,

2.

on Sundays and Fridays, with a

but as

Def.

3.

a letter I received, Jan. 1784, from the Rev. Mr. Hodgkrnfcn, I

late chaplain to the gaol,

my

13.

public houfe ( the Reading Anns ) belonging to the town.

in a

threepence a day.

for

5,

the prifoners had no employment.

rooms

prove beneficial

work:

and three offenfive night-rooms: that

Keeper's falary, .18

cldeft fergeant has generally the refufal

from

the town:

1779, April 21, Prifoners 7.

READING TOWN GAOL

By

2 from

1776, Jan.

allowance to felons,

one of the women's, 9 by 8 the other 4^ feet fquare: the ftraw,

fwarmed with vermin: no court: no water accefiTible to prifoners.

1779, Apr. 22,

Two

**.

6.

petty offenders were in irons

vifits

no water

and

hung up: and

be obferved, approved by J. P. Andrews

8 feet fquare:

if felons, three

my

fome orders

1,

Two

18 from

Prifoners 6.

1,

Nov.

men

court

lefs.

Men

and out of repair.

dirty,

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

ftraw.

Collins, juftices,

ABINGDON.

is

15 feet 8 inches by

two other rooms

the

licence for beer: half the profit of the prifoners

table.:

there were on a board,

and Fcrd.

It

women

one for

and to petty offenders, two pint loaves each, every Sunday, and

one every week-day.

/\.d.

No

together in the day-time.

three pence a day

fees, 4s.

months

for four

aperture in the door 7 inches by 5

feet 9 inches;

The county
women are

6\ high: aperture in the door 8 inches by 5: ftraw

infpeftion

hope

may

on the days marked

beg to be excufed -from noticing them.

Xx*

ABINGDON

BkideWELLi
-

BERKSHIRE.
ABINGDON
for debtors

mace: no

Women

Allowance to
falary

court

no fewer

3.1.4^

felons 6

The

acceflible

Keeper, one of the fergeants

8 d, no. table:

s.

floor

firft

no water

licence for beer.

in irons.

1782, Dec.

WI NDSOR
proprietor.

Debtor

The

25,

Felons &c. o.

1.

of Montague

who

1,

Castle Prison, for Debtors.

The duke

the janitor appoints a deputy,

the duty.
three

No

pence a day.

felons, three

debtors

fees,

1779, April 22,

is

rooms over a gate-way.

Several

above are rooms for felons &c.

to prifoners.
at

Town Gaol.

Oxford Circuit,

need not obferve that hisMajefty

conftable: he appoints a janitor with a falary:

is

and certain perquifites, does

for a houfe rent-free,

prifon out of repair.

3.

It confifts

of three rooms on the

firft

and

floor

rooms over them.

At .my

laft vifit

who

a foldier,

inftance I have

murdered

I found that the old keeper had been

and was then

alfo killed another,

known of

himfelf.

fliot

in the

This

is

tap-room by
not the

firft

Such

perfons being murdered- in the tap-room of gaols.

are

the bad effects of felling liquors in prifons.

The preamble

of fees for the honour and

in the table

caftle

of Wind/or

recites,

"

that

" complaint having been made to me of fome abufes and irregularities committed in
" demanding and receiving fees the table being defaced, fo that the words and figures
" are hardly legible," &c. This table was made May ioth, the firft year of George II.

1728, fubfcribed

There feems the fame ground of complaint with

Carlifle.

As

the prejent table being defaced.

the table

mould be preferved

March

i779>
1782,

Prifoners 2.
'

"

14

1,

o.

Nov.

Two

Town Gaol.

1,

10>

rooms on the

firft

falary: fees, 6

s.

no

8 d.

March

WALLINGFORD
for

flails,

felons.

Nov.

Bailiff's

Under them

is

in

one: no

fells

beer:

Ward

Prifoners 3.
_
"
-

i,

Town Gaol.

one of them, called the

is

1,

IO >

1779*

1782,

chimney

Allowance, three pence a day.

table.

1776,

floor; a

Keeper the oyer;,

court: no water, though laid in to the adjoining houfe.

no

to

to prevent impofitions.

1776,

WINDSOR

refpecl:

the fees are lower here than in moil other prifons*

large

Two
is

o.

rooms under

for debtors

dungeon,

filled

the

the other

council-chamber:
(planked round)

with market

benches for

&c.
1776, Nov.

Deferter

1.

1779, Apr. 22, Prifoner

i.

1,

1779, Oct. 20, Prifoners o.

o.
1782, Dec. 25,

OXFORD-

OXFORDSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

COUNTY
GAOLER,

OXFORD CASTLE.

GAOL,

Oxford

Solomon Wifdom.

10.

Salary,

341

Debtors,

Fees,

Felons,

Tranfports,

He made

Licence,

Beer and Wine..

2.

15

10.

of the expence.

a bill

PRISONERS,
(See Remarks.)

Allowance, Debtors, none.

Felons,

County,

week

in bread ; City,

1 s,

(See Remarks.)

cancelled.

Garnifh,

Number,
Nov.

26,

1774 July

4>

1,776, Jan..

iy

Oft.

CHAPLAIN,

1779, Feb.

14,
I

I>

4;
10.

Dec. 25,

Rev. Mr. Swinton,

now Rev. Mr.

15-

1782, April 28,

14.

7>

12,

25,

July 29,

17.
IO.-

31,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Felons &c;

Debtors.

1773:

31..

25,

Cotton.

Duty,

Sunday, Wednefday, Friday ; the facrament four times a year.

Salary,

50, now 40.

SURGEON,

Mr. Rawlins.

FOR

for felons.-

25

Salary,

county pays

the caftle gaol the

the general

own

number of

beds

40

prifonerj.

they muft pay is. 6

No
a

d.

free

ward

week

Mr.

a year to

Debtors apartments fmall

Chrift church college on leafe.

their

6 d. each per

for

Etty,

who

holds

it

of

and not enow of them for

lodging even in the tower on

fee the table.

Their court

is

too fmall.

Felons day-room or hall for men and women down 5 fteps, 23 feet by 11, the men's
down 5 more 3 only fmall apertures: the women's nightdungeon (i8| feet by

room 6^

by 4

feet

feet 2 inches.

The

court

common

to both,

29

feet

by 23.

The.

gaoler has a fpacious garden.

Since the north-gate was taken down, this prifon has been alfo the City gaol

which Mr. Wifdom

1774, that diftemper

has

ftill

a year.

in the gaol

debtors and a petty offender

no ftraw

the prifoners

with vermin
in

1782,

lie

in

in

.In

in 1775',

June

were

fines.

The

acH

one debtor died of

three recovered.

their clothes

yet not white-warned for

fifteen

1773, eleven died of the fmall-pox.

on mats.

many

years.

No

it

in

In

May;

infirmary

for

three-

no bath

The men's dungeon fwarms

Of the thirty-one felons &c.

for preferving the health, of

prifoners

not

hung

Remarks*

OXFORDSHIRE.
hung

up.

In

1782, one of the prifoners was a

April

tempt, with no

"
"

fatisfaftion to the holy

unto

be wanting to the holy church

to

as well

attach

the contempt

for

After his difcharge, he had bequeathed

as

much

of

that bsqueft,

But finding fome

to the prifoners.

he altered

the

injury

done

government,

built

for

as

not

made

fhe has

till

con-

in

eftate

Oxfordshire

eftate

this

now only

death, the prifoners have

difficulties

4 a year for a chaplain; and

would obftrudt the execution

For the payment, he bound

month.

he bound an

eftate,

having been recovered againft the charity ftnee

now

is

always two of the twelve truftees.

paid by the principal of Trinity,

memorial of the procefs and

benevolent intention hangs up in the gaol.

his

month, which was paid by

thirty-three millings a

and

the redtor of Lincoln college,

and to make up any deficiency of that

But

Berk (hire.

in

Auguft 6th, 1709, to a legacy of 24. a year, to be

it,

prifoners of both forts, at

among

ciiftributed

Horde

complaints

its

confined here for fome offence againft

who was

'Thomas Horde,

eftate

church

in

woman committed for

As Royal Power ought

it."

the chapel.

an

warrant runs, "

The

or fine.

charge

Oxford Circuit.

have a copy of

who

refult
it;

are

of Mr.

too long to

transcribe.

There is another legacy to prifoners of both forts 8 s. 2d. paid quarterly from
Magdalen college. From which alio in Lent there is about forty (hillings, commonly
Debtors have in common every Saturday fix pounds of mutton
called forfeit-money.
;

fent

Chrift church and

three times in a fortnight

It

at the

at

Oxford

Mr. Wifdum
ftones

for

*.

crowded,

if

them broth; generally

man who

brings

it.

At

my

(the gaoler) told

the

AJfize.

The

I fliould

not greatly wonder to hear of another fatal

fome of the

laft vifit

me

wards, pafTages and ftaircafes are clofe

rooms were white-wafhed.

debtors

that fome years ago, wanting to build a litde hovel, and digging

purpofe, from the ruins of the court, which was formerly in the caftle, he found

under them a complete Ikeleton with light chains on the legs

probably.,

other colleges they have in

college fend

the prifoners pay four pence to the

time of the Black

and offenfive; fo that

sijfize

New

very probable, that the rooms in this caftle are the fame as the prifoners

is

occupied

up

From two

by a gentleman of Chrift church college.

bread about is. a week.

the bones of a malefaftor

who

Thefe were,

the links very fmall.

died ia court of the diftemper at the Black JJJJze mentioned

fage 9.

At

feveral of

ing, and

may

my

few remarks upon

From

this fault,

are offenfive
tefters

vifits to this city, I

walked over the County Ho/pUal; and

perhaps be taken as a model for others of the fame kind,

it.

The

and the

ftories are too

clofenefs

beyond conception.

and the kitchen

is

The

Were

The fan-lights

they open,

in

it is

a modern fhewy buildin

making a

fhut, the wards, efpecially the men's,

fewers are not fufficiently attended to

it

the beds, improperly, have

over the doors of the wards, in

would greatly tend to purify

noxious effluvia would become fo fenfible through the

gentlemen who only attend

as

hope to be excufed

the height of the loftieft wards not being above fifteen feet.

of the windows, which I always found

not well placed.

other hofpitals, are glazed.

low

^e

air

this, as in

or,

many

at leaft,

the

of the houfe, as might induce the matron, and the

the committee-room, to infijl upon effectual itreaiis being ufed for a proper
reft

ventilation of the wards.

<>

The

OXFORDSHIRE.

Oxford CrRCuiT.
The

felons

day-room

paved with

is

confequence of their taking up the

ftones, in

flat

343

For the fame reafon

pebbles for defence, after an attempt to efcape.

their court fhould

Oxford
Ca5tle *

be thus paved.

Michaelmas

Oxfordjhire, to ivit.

A Table

Fees and

of

Seffions

fettled

Chamber-Rent

8th George 1734.-

in

II.

purfuance of an Aft

for the Relief

of

Debtors &c.
s.

To
To
To
To

the mailer-keeper for every warrant charged upon any debtor

the under-keeper

him

...

by any

or any other mifdemeanour

juftice

or committed in court

for receiving and entering every declaration againft any debtor

To

no declaration

his certificate that

fherifF's

<y

13

4
6
0

0
0

of peace for treafon, felony,

To the under-keeper
To the mafter-keeper
For a copy of every

for every other warrant

the mafter-keeper for every prifoner committed

filed

warrant

0
0

For a copy of every other warrant

Every prifoner that lyeth in the great chamber on the gaol fide in the keeper's lodgings pays
by the week
0
Every prifoner that lyeth in any other room or chamber in the keeper's lodgings on the gaol fide
payeth by the week
0
Every prifoner that lyeth in the great room in the tower upon his own bed payeth by the

...

week.

Every prifoner

that lyeth in the faid great

room on

bed payeth by the week

Wehis Majefty's Juftices of the Peace of the County of Oxford

reforted to

in a

Table in fome open and public

by every Prifoner

as

Occafion

Room

allow thereof and dirett the fame to

or Place in the faid Caftle there to remain and be

fhall require.

Tbo s Pardo

Thomas BlackalL

Wilfa Holmes Vice-chancellor*

John

0
0

(whereof fome of us are of the Quorum)

have perufed the Fees and Chamber-Rent above mentioned and do

be hung up

--

the keeper's

D.

Dew*

John

Philip Powys.

Willis.

Seen and allowed

E. Probyn
J.

COMYNS*

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
THAME.

was informed that

for a bridewell

prifon there

is

Y but
only

this houfe,

the greateft part of

left,

up

ftairs,

built in 1708,
it

is

common

now

was given to the county

a parifti work-houfe.

For

the

day-room, and two fmall infecure

lodging-rooms: and down 11 fteps a dungeon,,

in

which

are three night-rooms,

the

g RIDBa
vwtws

OXFORDSHIRE.

.344

Bridewells.

the cubs, each 9 feet by 7.

ufed as a bridewell,

of fending petty offenders,

all

firft

is

now

done, to the county gaol

women

at

No

night in the cubs.

allowance

and the whole

would be no need

repair,

there
:

nor of locking up

fame room

in the

no employment

nor

at

my

but in Feb. 1779, tne prifoners were carding and fpinning: no water

vifits,

acceflible to prifoners

Keeper's falary,

at

as

Then

commodious one.

day thofe few that are committed hither, men and

of confining either fex

good

If the houfe was put into

would be

it

Oxtord Circuit.

no fewers.

16:

^s. 6

fees,

hung up.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

d.

no

table.

At my two firfl vifits the keeper farmed the work-houfe and the reft of the poor
480 a year for the whole maintenance, clothing, medicines, &c. At my two
he farmed them

laft vifits,

and infecure.

In 1782, the prifon was quite out of repair

500.

at

From Midfummer 1778

was

mitted to this prifon

twenty-fix

Midfummer

to

1780, nine;

to

1779, the number com-

to

178

eighteen;

1,

to

1782, fourteen.
3, Prifoners 2.

1776, Jan.

Nov.

2,

1779, Feb. 25,

WITNEY.

One day-room

3.

.4.

1782, April 28,

0&.

feet

2 inches

by 6

The

only a grate of 9 inches fquare in each door.

ftraw

no water.

20: fees, 4
At my laft
cells 7 feet

rooms

fick,

s.

who have

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

found a

room

built for
in the

men 16%

8 feet 4,

No

houfe does not belong to the county

houfe,
;

for

their

which he pays 14
window was formerly

crowd of men talking

women

No

hung up.

high); with

feet

No

not fecure.

at

feet

by 12^,

doors 9 inches fquare.

(9 feet 2 inches by

for the fick

ufe of the court

a

is

1.

allow-

chimney

no

Keeper's falary,

id. notable.

.vifit I

by 4^ with apertures

the keeper's

prifon

o.

men and women

and d\

feet 7,

fix-pence a day and medicines.

apertures in the doors of 14 inches by 12.

The

26j

(16 feet 4 inches by 14 feet 4) for

two night-rooms adjoining (9

ance but to the

20, Prifoners o.

Ocl:.

1779,

and 6

feet

in

which are two

Up flairs

are

two

5 inches high), with

chimney.
the prifon

14

is

a year.

in the

court-yard of

Prifoners have no

accefiible to paffengers.

who were

all

the grate with the prifoners,

and was informed there was fometimes

riot

and confufion

then faw

of them

on fuch

occafions.

At my
facturer,

vifit

in

1779, the prifoners were at work: the keeper now is a manuHe pays them for their work, two pence a pound

and employs them.

for the chain, and three-halfpence for the Jhoot

fo that each earns (as he faid)

about three pence a day.

To

OXFORDSHIRE/

Oxford Circuit.
To
In the year 1773,

44-

1780,

3 6-

73-

i'78 ii
r

3 s-

31,1776,

67.

at

any one time

was there

iS.

1776, Oct. 31,

1779, Feb. 26,

in

OXFORD
no

City Bridewell.

Allowance,

OXFORD

26,

Two

garrets

One

in

7.

2.

the keeper's houfe

Salary,

5:

no court

.fees,

%s. ^d>

felon from the caftle, being king's evidence.

University Bridewell.
1782, Dec. 25,

BANBURY Town
one of which
debtors

is

who can pay

pays rent

Gaol.

not hung up.

a year.

5-^r),

Town

Gaol.

Keeper, town-fergeant
night,

(built

1706) has two rooms below,

room up flairs for

Allowance to felons

Fees, debtors and felons 13

which open into

garrets in the keeper's houfe.'

prifoners.

No

s.

Claufes againfl:

and

prifoners.

Near the town-hall.

licence for beer.

a day.

4d. bridewell prifoners 6s. 8d.

paflage 34- feet wide.

and fix-pence every night

<\d.

gaoler keeps a public houfe,

Salary none:

1782, April 30,

HENLEY

No

This prifon

a week.

is. 6d.

Two

the other the bridewell; and one

called the gaol,

fpirituous liquors

firfl;

Od.

table.

1782, Dec. 25,

by

Prifoners 6.

4d. each per week in bread.

is.

BRIDEWELL.

Prifoners 51.

1782,

no water.

In 1779,

*775>

The mod

When

Witney

were committed,

Prifoners 49.

1774.

To Oct.

this prifon

346

Two rooms are cages (6i feet

No court: no fewer: no water.

Fees, one milling

for

every prifoner the

after.

1782, Dec. 26,

Prifoners 4.

WORCESTERSHIRE.

WORCESTERSHIRE.

346

Oxford Circit

COUNTY GAOL, WORCESTER CASTLE.

W
?er"^

GAOLER,
Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors, o

2.

15

10.

Felons,
Tranfports,

No

afterwards John

Amphlett, now

Widow.

his
,

Widow;

William Crane, then his

benefit to the gaoler.

Clerk of the peace contracted with the

merchants.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons, three-pennyworth of bread a day each (weight Sep.
1783,
lib. 130Z.).

0:2:6.

Garnifh,

Number,

Debtors.

Felons &t.

17..

1779,

18,

19,

8.

1774, July

2,

13,

12.

15,

7.

1775, Dec.

1,

25,

17.

1782, April 25,

1783, Sep. 28,

26,

33,

9,

10.

1776, Sep.

10,

Rev. Mr.

Duty,

Friday-

Salary,

zo.

SURGEON,

Caftle-yard

bill'.

fpacions: county

is

Deferf

Taylor..

Mr. Hallward.
none he makes

Salary,

THE

Debtors.

May

15,

CHAPLAIN,

Remarks.

Felons &c.

1773, Nov. 23,

members

are chofen

in

In the gaoler's-

if.

houfe are eleven good lodging-rooms for mafter's-fide debtors; and two fmall day-

one of which

rooms;
former
that

vifits, as

common-fide debtors:

for

is

a chapel

now

but

there

is

a larger

one of thefe was ufed,

at

my

and more convenient room for

The two free wards, or night-rooms for debtors, are at another part"
The way to them is through the women-felons night-room, which has no
The day-room (called the romd-houfe) for men and women-felons is in the

purpofe.

of the yard.

window.

middle of the area: only 14

in order for a

ground, and circular, 18

*

The

feet

by 12*.

Near

it

is

a hand-ventilator (which

guinea a year) for airing the men-felons 'dungeon, which

Mag'tftrates

may be

feet

diameter, with barrack-bed fteads.

fully

only one day-room, if they examine the

is

Over

26

it is

is

fteps

kept

under

an aperture

convinced of the impropriety and (hocking indecency of having

women

lately fent

from

this

gaol to the bridewell.

in

WORCESTERSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.
the court,

in

diameter, with

feet

iron

The

grates.

.347

work

felons

hour before they go down, and

cheerfully about a quarter of an

the ventilator

long when they

as

and cools the dungeon amazingly we could hardly keep

There is another very damp dungeon
our candle burning below while it was working *.
with the ground.
Straw, 4
154. feet fquare, the window (18 inches by 12) even

come up

for

frefhens

it

Excellent water at a

a year.

pump

No

yard.

in the

Mr. Hallward

infirmary.

the

furgeon caught the gaol-fever fome years ago, and has ever lince been fearful of going
when any felon is fick there, he orders him to be brought out.
into the dungeon
:

The

fmall-pox was

in this gaol

and

at

my

laft

vifit

found the gaol-fever pre-

which had carried off fome of the prifoners, the gaoler, and Dr. Johnjione,
Two rooms were
a phyfician, whofe humanity had led him to attend the prifon -f-.
vailing,

taken from the bridewell for the

requeft, the irons of thofe

The

of their

many

in too

(as

prifoners

chain through the links

There

now

is

The

is

other gaols) are

in their fetters

flrong

this

2:19:0

The

night chained together, by a heavy

all

lives

window

of

many

a bath as there

is

prifoners.

Claufes of act againfl fpirituous liquors

tax.

act for preferving the health of prifoners

is

written on paper,

may be made commodious by feparate wards, day-rooms,

it much ground belonging to the county.

this

in

kingdom, there are but

fails

at

Londo.i

fix

little

of thefe machines;

brideixtll,

have not been ufed for many years pad.

however,
the

am now

fully

and

is

letter
*'

&c.

ftill

all

the

at

Maid/lone and "Bedford, where

Wcrcejler caftle, Stafford,

and Sh evufbury ; and the two

This

<viz.

fufrkiently lhews,

how

more of eradicating,

the

liable

With

confirmed in an opinion I have long entertained,

purpofe of preventing, and

dungeons

courts,

attended to in pra&ice, that in

to fall into negleft, if not conftantly the objecl of care and attention.

floor.

Such

round

they are worked with

latter

faft.

my

At

ftraw.

I doubt
and deep dungeon,

and iron rings fattened to the

celebrated contrivance of Ventilators has been fo

The

prifons

to

even in

for

a ufelefs tub lined with lead, called a bath.

gaoler pays

This prifon

is

on

clothes

off.

up.

There

illnefs

county infirmary, might fave the

not hung up.

hung

lay in their

were taken

ill

uneafy fituation of the prifoners at night in the horrid dungeon, has,

not, been one caufe

in the

who

fick,

who were

any new regulation

refpeel to ventilators,

-that

gaol-diftemper,

they are inadequate

while

the

ufe

of

continued.

from Dr. Jobnjlone,

prifoner fome

"

in

**

fevers have

fenior,

dated the 18th

time ago difmiffed

from the

of December 1783;
jail

Droitvjych, fix miles from this place, and famous for

feldom been heard of but from contagion

here, carried
its

fait

informs

me

of the following

the fever to his

fprings and works

own family

a place

where

the contagion from the above occafion has

"

fpread to the poor neighbours of the family above-mentioned, and fourteen individuals have already

**

died of it."

Yy

Cbuk'j

Worcci

*
c

Ll

WORCESTERSHIRE.

348

WORCES.
TER

County cf lVo"cejn,er.

made

to a Statute

in the

A Table

of Fees

Oxford Circuit.

be taken by the Gaoler of the faid County purfuant

to

Second Year of his Majefty King George the Second.

Castle.

C
-060
-026
-026
-068
-026
S.

For the difcharge of every debtor,

To

the turnkey

the turnkey

For the difcharge of every

To

the turnkey

-.

deferter, to the gaoler

For the lodging of every prifoner

For figning every

in the

houfe per week

certificate

to the gaoler

For the difcharge of every felon,

To

to the gaoler

Allowed according

to the faid Statute

D.

13

by us

Soley

TV

Bromley

Fra Meyfey.

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
This prifon joins to the
the prifoners were
profit.

Two

a quarter:

vifit

fix

is

Here

too clofe.

are

employed, beating hemp, fpinning, &c.

courts.

Keeper's falary,

Claufes

againft

20:

my

At

no other allowance.

remarkably clean.

It

caftle.

WORCESTER.

at

is.

fees,

vilits

in

Straw,

ten

(hillings

1779 and 1782 the prifon was

fpirituous liquors

new rooms were added; and each

\d.

two work-rooms ; and

Keeper has half the

prifoner

not

hung up.

my

At

had a three-penny

Jaft

loaf a day,

weight lib. 15 oz.

If there

were a chapel

in the

county gaol (the

caftle), thefe

prifoners

might

(as

thofe in Shrewfbury bridewell) have the privilege of public worfhip.

Dec. 1, Prifoners 3.
j 775,
18.
1776, Sep. 10,
1779,

May

18,

1782, April 25, Prifoners

1783, Sep. 28,

3.

23.

6,

WORCESTER

WORCESTERSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

WORCESTER CITY
GAOLER,

Richard George,

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

No

his

GAOL,

Widow.

0:9:2.
0:5:0.

Felons,
Tranfports,

now

COUNTY

and

benefit to the gaoler.

Licence, Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
three pence a day each.

Felons,

0:2:6.

Garniih,

Number,
1773, Nov.

23,

4,

5.

1779,

18,

6,

4.

Def. 2.

1775, Dec.

1,

5,

o.

1782, Apr. 25,

4>

2.

3.

10,

4,

o.

1783, Sep. 28,

7>

5-

1776, Sep.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

Mr. Halhvard.
none he makes
city

The

bridewell

debtors free ward

is

which he

paid window-tax;

flopping up fome windows.

made

like

For

On

the

copy of every commitment

to the faid Statute

Epiphany

At

the

The

8,

down

eryer

is

fteps,

faid

City purfuant to

-092
050
-026

by us

Gaol.

Edu/

Wellings,

Mayor

Two

under the market-houfe.

Willes
rooms

No

s.

D.

Tho

010

Giles

Timy Edwards*.

Haden
E.

Lent Aflize 1771 allowed by us

he

hung up.
the

week

Seffions 1771.

KIDDERMINSTER Town
by

by the Gaoler of

and turnkey

in the houfe per

the delivery of every declaration

Allowed according

court:

vifits

of the reign of his late Majefty King George the Second.

to the gaoler

of every felon

For the lodging of every prifoner

former

brought him under the difagreeable neceffity of

of Fees to be taken

in the thirty-fecond year

For the difcharge of every debtor

The

faid

my

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

A Table

City of Worcefter.

3.

Only one

fpacious.

One common

day-room for criminals, over which there is now a work-room.

At
another might be taken from the keeper's large garden.

a Statute

Imp.

a bill.

alfo the

is

May

none.

Salary,

THIS

Debtors. Felons &c.

W: H:

Ashurst.

called dungeons about

court:

no water:

10 feet

no feweiv

keeper, has a (hilling a month for attendance, and a milling for ftraw.

1779, Aug. 30,

No

prifoners,

STAFFORD-

STAFFORDSHIRE.

35

COUNTY GAOL
Stafford.

GAOLER,

William

now

Scott,

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

15

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

STAFFORD.

at

Lyttleton Scott.

ly

Felons,

Oxford Circuit.

4.

10.

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,

each per week i$d. bread, and gd. cheefe; and for the

">

Felons,

felons

Czvt.

of coals a week from Michaelmas to

May-day.

0:2: 6.
0:1:0.

Debtors,

Garnilh,

Felons,

Number,

1779,

15,

40,

14.

ImprefTed 11.

1774, April

1,

44,

17.

1782, Nov. 24,

38,

20.

Deferter

1775, Nov. 15,

40,

18.

Duty,

Rev. Mr. Unett.

Sunday, Wednefday, Friday; a fermon once

Salary,

augmented from 20

THIS

gaol

free- ward are

is

is

it;

done

be very proper.

In the latter

Heep

is

in

fum of

Worcefter

Only

one day-room
feet

offenfive,

There

only one fewer and that

felons court

is

An

to

their

for

as lately

many

dungeon

Were

years.

might always be kept

it

in

would

men and women-felons, down 3 fteps,

The dungeon where the men-felons

having no window, and

is

about 2

feet

below the

too fmall, and the gaoler keeps his poultry in

alfo
is

quite expofed.

confideration,

that

when

they not only inftruft each other in wickednefs, and rob

of many

debtors court and

alarm-bell in this crowded gaol

It is pity that

might here properly refer the magiilrates to what has been

and further fubmit

effeft the efcape

The

prifoners.

inches high*.

The

tajik)

about two months.

hand-ventilator for the men-felons

a guinea a year,

caftle.

paffage.
is

is

but being out of repair, has not been ufed for

by 12, and 6
very clofe and

feet

number of

too fmall for the

fpacious.

under

is

in

30.

{See Remarks.)

the county to allow the fmall

order, as

to

1.

Mr. Ward, now Mr. Richard Hughes.

^20.

Salary,

15

Felons &c.

20.

SURGEON,

which

Debtors.

May

39,

CHAPLAIN,

Remarks.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1773, Nov. 19,

happened

at

felons

are

alfo

one another;

Derby, Maid/lone,

faid in the

firfl:

it.

the ftream juft on

note

confined

under Wcrcejier

together at

but one ingenious

night

man may

Sec.

the

STAFFORDSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.
the outllJe of the walls
Jlrazv in the

them.

not within

is

top of the houfe.

the

infirmary

it

was owing to the generous

but allowing the gaoler to order

The

themfehes.

the

preferving

for

adl

it,

painful for prifoners loaded

It is

The

flairs.

was pleafed to fee plenty of clean

men's and women's dungeons; and found

and exemplary practice of not farming

wanted, and the county paying for it

35}

is

Gaol.

and at the

fmall,

down

hung up.

No

not

prifoners

County

whenever

it

with irons to go up and

of

health

chapel

Stafford

no bath.

Mr. Hughes
8 of

receives

apothecary to the county infirmary, which

is

the falary of

20

is

He

near the gaol.

allowed by the county; the remaining

12

paid

is

to the infirmary for drugs.

A Table

of Fees

General Quarter Seflions

fettled at the

For entering the aflion whereon each prifoner

capias latitate execution or writ of excom

is

firfl:

writ of fuperfdeuj or otherwife

plaintiff in fuch aftion

certificate for

For a copy of each warrant

in order to fue out a writ

againft each prifoner

020
-036
-026

For the under keeper or turnkey upon difcharging of each prifoner by

-

by the
-

offupe'r/edeas

For the under keeper or turnkey upon every action or writ

otherwife

-0134

againft prifoners to be paid

want of a declaration

proce/s

ad capiendum and difcharging each prifoner by

For receiving and entering every declaration delivered

For a

18th day of April 1732.

brought into cuftody either on

fuperfedtas- or

LODGINGS.
Every prifoner that lies in the matter's
the gaol mail pay per week if a bed

fide

of the gaol in a bed provided by the keeper of

to himfelf

lies

keeper of the gaol

And

if

two prifoners

lie

in the upper

(hall

pay

per

rooms or garret

week

together then

that Hes in the fame fide and finds his

Every prifoner

that lies in the county

E
We

Littleton

Hum:

in a

Every prifoner

chamber

all

If two prifoners or more lye together in one bed then between them

Every prifoner that

016

fhall

own

bed and bedding found by the

1

linnen and bedfteads

-

pay nothing

Wyrly

R. Rider

Fi/h Littleton

Jn". Dolphin.

the Judges of Aflize and gaol delivery of the Oxford Circuit have perufed and do approve of the
above written Table of fees this 2d day of Auguil Anno Dom. 1732.

E Probyn

Comyns

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
STAFFORD. At the North-gate. Three
A room below (called the dungeon) with
No

employment.

fecure.

Keeper's

rooms

for

and cheefe the fame

25.

Fees,

as at the gaol:

3/.

for

women.

Br di1

Prifoners always fhut up, and

falary,

men and two

four apertures about

6d.

no

in

irons;

table.

inches fquare.

the fmall court not

Allowance

for

bread

and now two hundred weight of coals a week

from

WELLS.

STAFFORDSHIRE;
from Michaelmas

She appoints

The

May-day.

to

man, who,

Oxford Circuit,

keeper a woman,

who

the county baker.

is

for living rent free, looks after the prifoners.

1775, Nov. 15,

May

1779,

Prifoners 4,
-

15,

g.

1782, Nov. 24,

6.

WOLVERHAMPTON.

Only two rooms about 12 feet fquare, viz. a common

and a night-room above, for men: women
The prifon dirty, and moft of the draw worn to dull.
fleep in the day-room.
The court not fecure no water no employment. Weekly allowance fupplied by
day-room on

the

the keeper,

bread, fourteen pence

ground-floor;

Keeper's

have

hung

prifon

is

cheefe, feven pence

beer:

for

licence

fees,

is.

ftraw,

Claufes

three pence.

againft

fpirituous

up.

greatly out of repair

offences,

flighteft

^25:

falary,

liquors not

The

in

are

kept

in

and

prifoners,

fo infecure, that

The

irons.

may

county

redrefs

large garden clofe to the prifon (which they did let

even

this

for

for

the

they

with an old houle

on the fpot) now occupied by the keeper.

Sometimes, here are fourteen or
fifteen prifoners, and to prevent fuffocation, they are let out into the court,
which is 174- feet by 154-.
4 Men.

1776,

Sept. 11,

1779,

Aug.

23,

1782,

Nov. 25,

Prifoners

Women.
Men and

Woman.

LICHFIELD CITY and COUNTY GAOL and Bridewell.

Two

clofe

cells

64

ones, and two rooms

The

fewer.

Act

for

hung

by

feet

for

prifon dirty,

as

No

Licence for beer

water
:

1776, Jan.

Water might be

Stafford,

"

cilterns

is

To

high.

enclofed,

added two new

thefe are
in

always the cafe where there

is

Bean, gentleman,

8,

to

acceffible

no

fees 135. \d.

1773, Nov. 20, Prifoners

feet

a court

which
is

is

an offenfive

number of dogs.

preferving the health of prifoners, and claufes againft fpirituous liquors, not

up.

"
"

and

5-^-,

debtors

by feoffment

of the yearly value of

and pipes, belonging to

17S2,

eight

city

feoffees

for ever."

flraw..

to

it

lands

Debtors
-

is

falary,

^2.

in

3.
2.

Felons &c.

r.

...

2.

a houfe adjoining

for

"

HeSIor

and tenements within the county of

fupport and

This

Keeper's

6d. a week.

s.

25,

a fmall expence, as

to

100 and upwards

this

no

Allowance,

1779, Nov. 26,

2.
1.

laid into the court at

gave

prifoners*

table.

maintain the publick

conduits,

copied from an infeription in St. Mary's

church in Lichfeld.

WALSALL

Oxford

SHROPSHIRE.

Circuit.

WALSALL

Town

Two

Gaol.

many

In this (and

has a fire-place.

are confined only for a night or two,

debtors have friends

who

refort to the

1782,

rooms under

fuch prifons which

353

the town-hall; that for debcors

I

have not mentioned) offenders

And

they are carried before a magiftrate.

till

windows.

Nov.

25,

No

prifoners.

SHROPSHIRE.
COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

SHREWSBURY.

at

Shrews-

Samuel Wilding.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

0
o

Felons,

Tranfports,

6:6:0

9:0.

14

each.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, two fix-penny loaves
Felons,
cancelled.

Garnifh,

Number,

Debtors.

16,

15.

1776, Sep. 12,

11,

24-

Mr.

23,

10.

I782,june23,

19,

19.

Def.
-

Imp.

1.

1.

1.

now Mr.

he makes a

Wheeler.

bill.

Mr. James Winall.

and felons

day-room

1 1

18.

24,

Aug.

prifon was built, as by date

in

21,

now 10,

Salary,

is

but the

fteps

for

latter

the debtors

in

that court.

large free wards

down

Cooper,

none

APOTHECARY,

together

Felons Sec.

Debtors.

i77 9 ,Mayi5,

Rev. Mr. Humphreys, now Rev. Mr. Rowland.

Sunday and fhurfday. (See Remarks.)

Salary,

THIS

week each.

35.

SURGEON,

for debtors

bread a week each.

Felons &c.

18.

Salary,

in

(See Remarks.)

12,

Duty,

their

$\d.

1774, Mar. 31,

1 7 75, Nov.27,

CHAPLAIN,

1 s.

the

that for

the debtors court, 1705.

in

both debtors

court,

Commodious apartments
For

common-fide.

men was

a few years

window: and might be frefhened by

For

have no water.

and

felons

are

felons

there

are

courts

and becaufe

commonly

for mafter's-fide debtors

and two

two night-dungeons

ago made more airy by an additional

a hand-ventilator
,

Separate

this reafon,

which

is

in

the

room over

the

chapel,

Remarks.

SHROPSHIRE.

354
ShrewsB V RY

frefhened by the fame.

G aol.

many
The day-room

chapel, but has not been ufed for

day-room

for felons

Mod

women when moved

of the

county has enclofed another court, which

it

The women's dungeon might

years.

is

fmall,

15^

neceflary to prevent the dreadful confequences of the

is

together.

Oxford Circuit.

Here

has not yet been ufed.

by

feet

alfo

men and women

being

The

bridewell are with child.

to the

be

5-t: a feparate

thought had been defigned for women, but

are three large

tamps

in the

court fupplied at the

county's expence.

No

no bath:

infirmary:

againft the gaol-fever,

improvements

the propofed

if

which of

late years has prevailed

will

When

not fecure prifoners againft the fmall-pox and other difeafes.

finds that a fick prifoner

and

mould have
amount

figns his bill for the

be fome protection

here more than once, they will

the apothecary

better diet, he orders the gaoler to provide

which

it,

readily allowed by the juftices at quarter

is

feflions.

convicts, one of

my

at quarter feflions

had from the king's allowance, viz, is. 6

aflize

whom

thofe convicted at

as

In 1779, there were feveral

in the

fummer

aflize

At

1777.

till

the appointing of a chaplain, read prayers three times a week,

was employed

a year,

the fame falary,

The

much

a week.

d.

had been ordered to the Thames

Mr. Wood, who, before

and had 5

in

as

here were 6 convicts.

laft vifit

more,

The

14 were convicts for tranfportation.

the 24 felons in September 1776,

Of

county allowed tranfports convicted

his death.

the fame fervice, and received of the chaplains

in

made

believe the magistrates

the chaplain's falary^5

favour of Mr. Wood.

juftices

confiderate and

of

county, at the general quarter feflions

this

humane,

the

into this gaol, or into

garnijhy or
laid order

of debtors,

as

to prohibit the

demanding from

nth

Jan. 1774, were fo

prifoners at their entrance

county bridewell, any money for drink, by the name of

any other name: and to require that two or more

fair

copies of their

fhould be hung up in the moft public places of the gaol, for the infpection
as well

felons

as

that the unfortunate

might not afterwards be impofed

upon.

The
of

fees

claufes
j

were

againft fpirituous liquors

all

the prohibition of garnifh

hung up, and very confpicuous

in the

debtors hall

and a new table

and thefe

tables,

with the act for preferving the health of prifoners, were hung up in the chapel.

Shropjhlre.
fettled

by the

A Ta ele

Rates

of the

Juftices of the

Peace for the

and
faid

Fees

County

to be taken

The Chamber

To

the gaoler for lodging and his furniture

himfelf per

week

on the

two lodge in the fame bed on their own

But

if

To

th;

per

for the

County of

Salop,

Rent.

mafter's-fide, each perfon

-

by the Gaoler

the 14th day of July 1778.

election, then

jr.

s.

d.

having a bed to

each to pay per week

-010

gaoler for lodging of each perfon in the garrets on the gaoler's bed and furniture

week

That

SHROPSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.
That no perfon pay any

money whatfoever

rent or

No

Note.

perfon

to

is

be moved out of a room where he

lhall

is

s.

D.

Shrews-

on the common-fide unlefs he

for lodging

ufed the gaoler's bed and furniture, in which cafe he

355

pay per week

Gaol.

confent, or the confent of two juftices of the peace for the faid county, or negleft of

own

BURV

Count

placed by the gaoler without his

paying chamber-rent.
Fees for the Gaoler for Debtors.

To
To
To

commitment of each debtor

the gaoler for the

To

the gaoler for entering in his books every charge

For the copy of every

(herifF's

warrant

(if

the gaoler for the difcharge of each debtor

upon fuch debtor

demanded)

-050
-030
-010
-010

But the debtors to have recourfe to fee the book of commitment (if demanded) gratis.
the gaoler for every debtor if detained upon two or more adtions, fifteen Ihillings, including
the five (hillings

upon commitment and no more

For receiving and entering every declaration againlt debtors

-010

certificate in order for a fuperfedeas, or in order to fue out a rule

For every

-0150

in cuftody

of court

013

Fees for the Gaoler for Felons or other Crimes.

To
To
To

the gaoler for the difcharge of every prifoner found guilty of felony

If at aflizes

the gaoler for the difcharge of every prifoner found guilty of felony

If at feflions

peace

or bailed out of gaol, or fuperfeded byajuilice or juftices of the

until paid,

continued in gaol three months or upwards

But

if

For

the

copy of every commitment

For every

certificate

(if defired)

-010
-026

of commitment, in order to fue out a habeas corpus

The

following Articles to be allowed by the County.

the gaoler for the difcharge of every perfon charged with felony, or other crime, or as an

acceflary thereto, againft

who on

his or

her

trial

want of profecution

whom

(hall

no

bill

Auguft 13th 1778.

of indidlment

be acquitted, or

who

(hall

lhall

be found by the grand jury, or

be difcharged by proclamation for

Cba?.

W.

Baldwyn,

If at aflizes

If at feflions

Y. Davenport,

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
THIS,
women, and

like

the county gaol,

work-room.

Two

faw a poor young creature- too

the floor in

There

is

13

090

TV>. Smith,

Juftices.

Allowed and confirmed the above Table of Fees, by us

G. Nares,

J. Si-cynner,

090
078
-090

the gaoler for the difcharge of every prifoner committed for a certain time, or fined and

committed

To

confumption.

is

only one day-room for

ill

to

come down
for

By means of

2 2

flairs

men

is

a door

fhe

men and

them
was languifhing on

women.

night- rooms above for

The night-room

a fmall court with water.

SHREWSBURY.

at

too fmall:

Judges of Affize.

In one of

dungeon down ten

from

this

fteps.

into one of the

gaol

Bride WELL
-

SHROPSHIRE.

3St
Shrews-

gaol

courts,

prifoners

thefe

have

(which few

privilege

bury
Bridewell.

attending public worlhip in the chapel on Sunday.

difcharge of a felon, 8

s.

bridewells

in

Keeper's

falary,

of one guilty of a mifdemeanor, 6

Allowance, to each

6 d.

Oxford Circuit.

4^

1 s.

week

d.

weekly, from Michaelmas to the Lent

of

Fees

at

of a vagrant,

and half a Cwi. of coals

in bread,

no employment

Little or

aflize.

s.

enjoy)

50.

keeper

has,

half the profit*.

May

1774, Mar. 31, Prifoners 4.

1779,

1775, Nov. 27,

5.

1776, Sep.

11.

Aug. 24,
1782, June 23,

12,

SHREWSBURY TOWN GAOL

At

On

the caftle-gate.

are fet to work.

confifts

He

the front

is

laid in to feveral houfes very near

is

to criminals, three halfpence a day.

Fees, debtors 5

s.

8.

16.

An. Dom. 1636."

eat.

A fmall

of fundry rooms on two floors over the gateway.

water, though water

houfe the poor of the town

this

him not

BRIDEWELL.

and

" In

infcribed,

that will not labour let

15, Prifoners 6.

It

court: no fewer: no

no employment.

6 d. criminals 3

Allowance

6 d. no table.

s.

Gaoler's falary, $.

1779,

1782,

LUDLOW
was

airy, for

fergeant at

Prifoners

24,

Debtor

For

front, in 1764.

Two

with chimneys.

mace keeper, each of

1774,

July

1,

May

16,

Town

but

prifon,

&c. two lower

felons

rooms above, more fpacious

No

Allowance, three-halfpence a day.

1779,

court

no

water.

the three in annual rotation.

Prifoners o.
-

o.

Deferter 1.

One room

Bridxwell.

No

by 6^), with a bedftead.

feet

1.

12.

Tower, was an ancient

called Gaolford's

5 feet fquare,

o.

Petty Offenders

June 23,

by infeription on the

debtors.

LUDLOW
(14

15,

Aug.

Town Gaol,

rebuilt, as appears

rooms vaulted, above

and

May

fire-place

at

1779,

July 27,

1782,

Sep. 27,

the

Prifoners 2.
-

o.

back of the work-houfe

no window

aperture in the door

10 inches fquare.
1782,
*

This

is

Sep. 27,

No
The

the only houfe of correction for the county.

prifoners.

gaol being too fmall and enclofed with buildings,

and the windows of the bridewell opening into the courts of the gaol, if the whole were converted
houfeof correiliou, every convenience might be

made

then be built that would do credit to the county.

of

24th of July, 1782, laid a

fine

peifuaded, had the Baron

known

building

it.

/2000 on

for labour

am

and

folitary confinement.

informed that Baron Ho/ham,

at

firft

have

the aflize the

the county, to oblige the juftices to build a county court.

the fate of the gaol, he would

into

new gaol might

laid a fine for the

am

purpofe of re-

HEREFORD.

HEREFORDSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

Thomas

at

357

HEREFORD.

Ireland.

Hereford*

none.

Salary,

Fees,

Debtors, ^
:

Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer.

10

14

o each*

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

(See Remarks.)

a three-penny loaf each, every other day.

Felons,

0 -.2:6.

Garnifh,

Number,

Debtors.

1774, Feb. 23,

Felons

29.

Aug.

9,

11,

13.

1775, Dec.

2,

17,

4.

CHAPLAIN,

Debtors.

&c.

14,

1776, Sep.

Felons

&x,

3.

9,

8,

1779, May 17,

1782, Apr. 26,

19,

9.

23,

6,

Impreffed

6.

Rev. Mr. Bay lis, now Rev. Mr. Underwood.

Duty,

Sunday, Wednefday, Friday.

Salary,

40.

Twenty of

it is

a legacy of

William Bridges, Efq. of Tibertonr

in this county.

SURGEON,

Mr. William Cam, now Mr. Thomas Cam.

^15, now 20.

Salary,

APARTMENTS,
A day-room

ward.

19 feet by

15-I,

and court for mafler's-fide debtors, fpacious: but no

for felons

but are lately

large, but the felons are not

no flraw or bedding.

The

againft fpirituous liquors,

Here,

as in

Ireland,

had

made more commodious:

chapel was very damp, but

No

it is

now

act for preferving the health

behind the gaol

infirmary

common

my former

debtor

who

fhilling

Thomas White.

Claufes

of priioners, not hung up^

has been there above forty years, faid at one of

who

is

no bath

floored and dry.

other gaols, feveral perfons were drinking as in a

alehoufe.
vifits,

Mr,

he never

obtained the groats.

William Bridges, Efq. bequeathed

day one

their court

kept feparate from the debtors.

and

free

the men's night-wards, the two camps, were too clofe,

is

No

a year to

poor prifoners

and on

St.

Thomas's

given to each debtor, and fix-pence to each felon, by legacy of Sir

table of bequefts.

The

table of fees not

hung up.

A H

Remarks,

HEREFORDSHIRE.
TABLE OF FEES.

358

Hereford

At the General Quarter

Scffions

held

County

Martyr

(to wit)

Gaol.

Edward

Goodere Bart. Herbert Aubrey

of Debtors &c.
.

It

at Hereford

14th of July in the 4th

the

in the

week

firft

Sums

after the Feaft of 5/.

1730 Before John

&c. purfuant
an Aft

George

Richard Hopton Efqrs.

ordered that the feveral

is

of

Oxford Circuit.

II

to

for the Relief

herein after mentioned and no more

may be

taken.

(That

For the entering of every

To

acYion or procefs

is

to fay)

To

the turnkey

upon every declaration

in order to take out a writ

For a copy of a warrant or commitment againft each prifoner

Every prifoner that lyes in the keeper's lodgings in the fiieriff's ward
by the week
For two in a bed with meets by the week

Every prifoner

own lodgings
their own lodgings each

For two perfons or more

in

is

is

Stratford

Edw d

Hopton

H Thctnas

quite out of repair.

at

Indeed

fewers

no court

He

ment.

told

me

no water

Six prifoners,

They were

fami fried.

no

ftated allowance

whom

CoMYNS

fent hither

at

from the

the fentence ufually runs) for fix months.

it

that

6
0

TheK

is

not only ruinous, but dan-

No

it

abutted.

In

fire-place: offenfive

Keeper's falary,

after three

weeks confine-

complained of being almoft

few days before to hard labour (as

ordered the keeper to fupply

but he had neglected them.

They broke

cannot be convenient.

both fexes,

11

feet
8

In 1779 they were repairing it;

But the fpot on which it is built is fo confined,
There are only two rooms for work and lodging for

the ftate of this prifon in 1776.

the crofs wall had fallen

it

aflize a

after.

The above was

for

firft vifit,

The juflices had

each of them daily with a two-penny loaf

out foon

my

HEREFORD,

came, a prifoner died

faw there

no employment.

Rg r Hereford.

parted a great way from the wall againft which

that a little before I

0
0

H Aubrey

Goodere

the day-room there was a large quantity of water from the roof.

10.

bed and meets,

in a fingle

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
the caftle-green,

J.

On

of fuperfedeas

P..c.
Ro.
Ro Price

gerous: a crofs wall

0
6

D.
6

that lyes in his

0
0

in cuftody

want of a declaration

certificate for

s.

For the receiving and entering every declaration delivered againft the prifoners
For a

0
0

of every prifoner

for the difcharge

the turnkey on the difcharge of every prifoner

To

&

whereon a prifoner mall or may be charged

the turnkey or under keeper on each adlion

For entering of the difcharge, and

Bridewell.

Thomas the

Stratford Efq.

in.

9 inches by 21: no chimneys: no ftraw

as

there

is

no court,
the

HEREFORDSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.
make

the fewers

men had

the

rooms very unhealthy.

better, if the gentle-

The women

county gaol.

9,

1775, Dec.

3,

1776, Sep.

9,

them, 2

liquors not

d. a

Prifoners 6.

City Gaol,

and they have a

hung up.

o.

1.

in the

May

779>

The

one of the gates.

is

17, Prifoners in county-gaol.

1782, April 26, Prifoners 4.

The

lower

room

widow

Debtors

9,

1779, May 17,

1782, April 26,

falary,

3.

none

debtors rooms are com-

for felons too clofe

gaol clean, but out of repair.

Keeper

1776, Sep.

court.

little

The

day.

they had no chapel, the prifoners (as

in irons.

1774, Aug.

HEREFORD

if

might have had the privilege of public worfhip

thofe in Shrew/bury bridewell)

to

might have been

It

erected the bridewell in one of the two very fpacious gardens joining to the

county gaol, and occupied by the gaoler ; then,

modious

359

allowance

Claufes againft fpirituous

fees, 6

8d. no table.

s.

Felons o.

4.

o.

o.

o.

Deferter

1.

MONMOUTHSHIRE.
COUNTY GAOL at MONMOUTH.
GAOLER,
Salary,

Fees,

John T) averel; James Baker-, his Widow,

^20

none.

Debtors,

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer.

J^

Felons,

now James

Baker.

a year to fupply felons as below.

I0 '

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors, none.

one-pennyworth of bread a day each

Felons,

worth a week ( weight of a

Garnilh,

Debtors.

i774> Feb.

Felons &c.

1782, 7

Debtors.

10,

12.

1776, Sep.

5,

6,

i779> J une 2 >

1782, Oft. 24,

6>

Aug.

10,

16.

1775. Dec.

4>

5a

8.

Salary,

now twelve-pennyoz.

6.

Number,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

-penny loaf 031.

10,

Felons &c.

9.

I2

1.

none.

Mr. Powell.

10

10

o,

augmented

to

12

12

o.

MONMOUTH.

Hereford
Bride-

MONMOUTHSHIRE.

360

M O N M O
Remarks.

ONLY
room

one court

day-room and

a finall

bed-rooms

fix

up and down

Belides the difficulty of going daily

fo high, and the ftaircafe, like this,

and healthy.

Felons night-

for debtors.

is

irons

in

when water

narrow and inconvenient, a room

is

to be carried

is

feldom clean

fo, if it be crowded.
At my fir ft vifit in 1774, they
of which J. Daverel and feveral of his prifoners, and fome of their
bath
no infirmary there is room to build one at the bottom of the

This cannot be

gaol-fever,

friends died.

H.

top of the houfe, 22 feet by 15, with only one window about 3 feet fquare.

at the

had the

U T

Oxford Circuit.

No

court, where the county has been at the unneceffary expence of building a

the brewhoufe were ufed for a felons day-room,

After the mortality mentioned above,

all

men and women might

ft

If

able.

be feparated.

the prifoners were new-clothed by the

duke of

Beaufort.

At my
mer

vifit in

affize in

1779, ten of the twelve felons were convi&s, four of them

1775.

Mr. James

Act

for preferving the health of prifoners not

Gabriel, fenior, of this town,

who

March

died

26,

very kind to the prifoners in his life-time, and at his death

vefted in the turnpike fecurity

Mr.

of

Deetors Fees

the 10th Auguft 175

as fettled

by the

According

feveral Juftices of the

to the Direction of

Imprimis for entering the action whereon each prifoner

procefs, capias latitat execution or

is firft

execution

brought into cuftody either on

-

wr// of txcom ad capiendum

againft each prifoner

the under keeper or turnkey upon each aclion

For receiving and entering every warrant againft each defendant

in cuftody

and writ

LODGINGS.
Evry prifoner

that lies in the keeper's lodgings in the fheriff's

Every prifoner

that

lies in

the fheriff's

ward

The Names of the

Th\ Morgan

Juftices

ward pays by the week

own lodgings pays per week

who

S.

D.

13

026
-016

figned and allowed the above Fees.

Cafel Hanbury
Charles

>

in his

.
o

-020
068
-026
-026
-

againft prifoners in cuftody

of the want of a declaration in order to fue out a writ of fuperfedtas

For a copy of each warrant

Sec.

frocifs capias latitat or

For receiving and entering every declaration

certificate

Peace for the County of Monmouth

an Acl of Parliament intituled

For entering and difcharging every fecond and other action upon

For

1754 {at. 75), had been

them 100, which is

left

hung up.

A Table

For the

fum-

at the

up.

from which each prifoner receives by order of the Rev.

but there is no memorial of the

Gabriel his fon every quarter day a fix-penny loaf

legacy

hung

Van JunK

Examined and allowed by

Ja*. Tuder

Morgan

John Cbambre

J. Lewis
E. Bradbury.

the

Hon bIe

Sir

Thomas Dennison Kn

f
.

AND THE

Hon b!e Mr. Baron Cljve.

a

COUNTY

MONMOUTHSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
On

This prifon was formerly a chapel.

(21 feet by
but

and another

7.1),

The

faw no prifoners there.

was crowded; and

There

are two

keeper's wife told

herfelf, her father,

family, had the gaol-fever

the ground-floor

women.

for

who was

me

much

is

USK.
a lodging-room for

rooms

at top

men

of the houfe,

many years ago the prifon

many others of the
prifoners died of it. The danger
that

then keeper, and

three of them, and feveral

of fuch a calamity for the future would be

at

361

leflened, if proper

rooms were

built in

the keeper's large garden.

The rooms which

There

prifon.

The

now

built for the

pump.

keeper are fome fmall improvement of

hung

work.

up.

Salary,

^21

licence for beer;

Fees, 5*. 6d. no table.

This prifon

is

now kept

2.

1779, June

1776, Sep.

3.

1782, Oft. 24,

MONMOUTH TOWN
A
court

The

keeper has

claufes againft

1774, Aug. 21, Prifoners

6,

8, Prifoners 7.
-

Deferter

2.

Licence for beer

no

1.

GAOL.

55. 6 d.

the

clean.

fecure.

lary .4.

all

fpirituous liquors

good room on the firft floor for debtors over it one for felons, not
no fewer
no water. Allowance to felons, two pence a day.
:

this

Tlie prifoners allowance, two pence a day.

fpinning-wheels, &c* are not provided by the county.

profit of the

not

are

a court with a

is

claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

hung

No

Gaoler's fa-

up.

Fees,

table.

1779, June

2,

1782, Oct. 24,

Prifoners o.

Debtor

1.

Petty offender

1.

NEWPORT

Town Gaol. Two rooms; one below, the other over the gateway; out of repair; no court; no fewer; no water.
1782, Oft. 24,

No

prifoners.

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

Oxford Circuits

COUNTY GAOL, GLOCESTER CASTLE.

Gloce^ter.

GAOLER,

now

William Williams,

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

Robert Giles*
.
.

Felons at Affize

Quarter Seffions

at

10.

0:17:
0:13:

4.

8.

Tranfports, ,6 each.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons, each a fix-penny loaf in
weigi ht Sep.

Garnifh,

.0

783, 3 lb.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1773, Nov. 24,

8,

20,

48.

1775, Dec.

5,

13,

24.

1,
1779, June
1782, April 27,
Dec. 23,

1776, Sep.

5,

8,

35-

1783, Sep. 30,

10,

41.

A "g-

1774,

CHAPLAIN,

Sunday.

Salary,

4'

SURGEON S,

caftle

is

they

make

The

free

part of the plafter wall

2 4.

38.

3>

46.

bill.

(11

feet

though up many (tone

cannot be wafhed.

for fines,

was much out of

&c.

Thefe have

repair,

inches

by

for debtors is 19 feet by

broke down for light and air.

ruinous, that

it

ward

is

for men-felons,

rooms

24,
a*

one of the county bridewells: yet only one court for

alfo

and one day-room

women-felons.

24.

Meflrs. Powell and AfiSr.

none

Salary,

kc

Felons

16,

Rev. Mr. Ewhm.

Duty,

THE

(good' houfehold bread,

6.

Number,

prifoners

two days

fteps,

is

clofe

prifoners died here in 1773,

but

at

and

alfo

my
I

r,

feet

7,)

for

all

men and

which having no window,

night- room (the Main)

The

and dark

and the

floor

is

fo

Adjoining to the Main, there are other nighttheir feparate day- room.

and had not been white -warned

rooms were the bridewell

10

laft vifit

for

The whole prifon

The upper
an infirmary. Many

many

they were ufed for

years.

generally law fome lick in this gaol

* In the city of Glocejler there

is

eight died

no affize of bread.

about

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

about Chriflmas 1778 of the fmall-pox

Only one

the gaol-fever.

quors, nor the

ail:

.and in 1783, feveral died of that diforder and

No

fewer.

Neither claufes againft fpirituous

bath*.

li-

hung up.

for preferving the health of prifoners, are

no feparation of the women, or of the bridewell prifoners. The licentious

Many children have
intercourfe of the fexes is Ihocking to decency and humanity.
been born in diis gaol. There is a fmall chapel, but all the endeavours of the chaplain

There

to

is

promote reformation among the prifoners muft

neceffarily be defeated,

good

tention of the magiftrates, and their neglect of framing and enforcing

Perhaps

this

Of the

is

at

September and December 1776, thirteen were transports. mod

About twenty were fines ; who, not having the
afiize 1775.
:

Lent

county allowance, nor any employment, were

half naked, and almoft famifhed.

inat-

regulations.

the reafon the chaplain feldom attends.

felons &c. in

of them convicted

deed

by the

But

in

September very

in

December

their

pitiable objects in-

appearance was

much

Mr. Raikesf and other gentlemen took pity on them, and generoufly contriMr. Raikes continues his unremitting atbuted toward the feeding and clothing them.

altered.

Eleven

tention to the prifoners.

of.

the twenty-four in 1779, fixteen in 1782, and four-

teen in 1783, were fines without any

employment

or allowance.

The

gaoler has

^10

a year as bridewell keeper.

In this gaol were fome prifoners,

an officer

is

commanded "

"

Weftminfter

ee

contempts, and offences, Sec."

At
laid

my

with flone

When

of air.

The windows

in the

The

by exchequer

writs; in

by fuch

at

trefpaffes,

writs.

found fome improvements made

which

prifoners are called contempts. In different parts

prifoners detained

boxes or bedfteads

wafhed.

drinking

many

Dec. 1782,

vifit in

arretted

body before the barons of the exchequer

our fovereign lord the king concerning divers

to anfwer

of the kingdom, there are

who had been

to bring the

for the felons

and

fines

in the cattle

the floors

and the whole prifon white-

prifons are repaired, particular care fhould be taken for the admiffion

fhould not be dole glazed.

tap-room here,

was happy to hear

in

as in too

many

obferved numbers of the townfmen

other gaols.

October 1783, that this county has determined to build a new

which is principally owing to the fpirited exertions
;

gaol, and to reform the bridewells

of the chairman of the grand jury Sir George Onefiphorus Paul.

"*

batb, like that in the county hofpital, with an eafy defcent,

irons to

go

in.

would induce

felons even with their

This would frefhen and revive them, and might be the means of preventing the gaol-

fever.

f This gentleman
this city.

is alfo

the founder of a benevolent

Having obferved great numbers of them

an idle and diffolute manner, he eflablifhed feveral

day; which, by

his attention

the younger claffes

many

and
of

Perhaps Mr. Raikes's frequent

youth from coming there.

liberal

ufeful inftitution for the children

little

fchools for their instruction

encouragement, have h*d a happy

whom now
vifits to

and

in this manufacturing place to fpend

effect in

of the poor in

their

Sundays

in

on the evenings of that

improving the morals of

look up to their kind benefactor with great eliecm and affection.

the caflle fuggefted to

him

this plan, as the beft

means of preventing

Glocssi b*

Ca "' u

'

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

64

Glocester
Castle,

A Table
hall

of

July

15

19th

Debtors Fees allowed by the Juftices

Approved by the Judge of Aflize

1729.

for the

Oxford Circuit.
County of

Gloticefter

Booth-

at the

month according

fame

an Aft

to

entituled &c.

To

wit

'.
'im^ii
for entering the adtion whereon each prifoner is

&ft
Imprimis,

brought into cuftody either on

of excom ad capiendum

procefs, capias, latitat, execution or writ

For entering and difcharging every fecond and other action upon
execution

For the

certificate

-020
068
-034
-026
-026

For receiving and entering every warrant againft each defendant

For

-0134

in cuftody

of the want of a declaration in order to fue out a writ of fuperfedeas

For a copy of each warrant againft each prifoner

the under keeper or turnkey

upon each

adlion or writ

in

0180

procefs, capias, latitat or

For receiving and entering every declaration againft prifoners

*>

s-

firft

cuftody

LODGINGS.
Every prifoner who

lies in

by the week

Every prifoner who

the keeper's lodgings in the

lies in

The Names

ward

the ftierifPs

who

of the Juftices

in his

own

-026
016

week

lodgings pays by the

figned and allowed the above Fees at the

laft Seflions.

J Temple

Ed Field

Tho* Cooke

K Delabere

J Stephens

Nathi Lye

Fr

Mayn't Colchejler

Tho 5 Hayvjard

Reg Winniat

TVilfr.

The Names
laft

Hodges

Hyatt

Tho

Willis

Syke.

who allowed and confirmed

of the Juftices and Judge of Aflize

the above Fees

the

at

Aflize

Tho Cooke
I

ward, being thecaftle; pays

ftieriff's

Ed

Stephens

Field

Tho*

Hayward.

have reviewed and examined the above Table of Fees and do confirm the fame

Rob. Price.

other
COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
Bride-

LAWFORD's GATE,
the

Bristol,

built

7 1 6,

has two rooms below and two above

There
in thofe above are beds for thofe who pay.
by 16
dungeon (11 feet 10 inches by 7 feet 2), in which felons ileep.

18 feet

Court 22 feet by 18; with a pump.

confined in their rooms.

It

It

is

may be enlarged from the

may ufe it, and have

table.

day

gifler

me

in that opinion.

Straw, ten millings a quarter

no employment.
kept in the prifon,

there were committed to

chimneys.

not fecure; and prifoners are always-

be made fecure, that prifoners

keeper readily agreed with

No

room,

a dark

is

allowance,

accefs to the

Salary,
if

mould

keeper's garden; and

^10

fees,

6s.

hung

up.

no

Zd,

a prifoner be very poor,

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

The

pump.

By

<id.

a re-

it

appears that in eight years and a half to September 1776,

it

572

prifoners.

>774i.

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

Oxford Circuit.

1774, Aug. 23, Prifoners

8,
1775, Dec.
16,

BERKELEY..
4

inches by

not glazed

on

no ftraw

this prifon thefe

idlenels,

in

He

penny

a bufhel

was not ground here

which

his prifoners,

Account

of

6.

the

for men and women, 18 feet

window (near 4 feet fquare)

Nothing has been

working

falary,

^20

fees, 4s.

victualler

done no work

years they have

his

prifoners.

fome weeks

for

out

effects

after

his prifoners ufed to grind malt

would not licence any

late

laid

keeper lamented the bad

whofe malt

it

me

lifts

but he pays out of

He

4d. no table.

No

at all.

wrote

here tranfcribe.

Prisoners
Sent to the

In

fenfible old

to the poor of the parifli for ground-rent

of

fome years ago

Keeper, Francis Norman

allowance.

1782, Mar. 2,

quite incapable of

juftices

but that of

5.

upon the health of even young ftrong

that

and the

court not fecure.

The

known

me,

told

9 inches high

no chimney

i,

Only one room

repair.

7 feet

fuch, he faid, he had

their difcharge.

for a

and

Sep.

6.

twenty years.

of clofe confinement

Many

Quite out of

5 feet 4,

B * f ?!"
WELLS.

1779, Feb. 8, Prifoners 4.

2.

-3.

1776,

3 65

in the

Bridewell

at

Bsrkeley,.

House of Commons*..

771, committed to labour and

correction,

Prifoners

21.

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.
Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

1772, Ditto,
1773,

1774,
1

Midfummer

to

775,

feffions,

ditto

20.
19.

15.

ditto.

4.

Francis Norman.

farther

Account

1778

of Prisoners committed to labour and

correilion.
Men.

Women.

6.

4-

committed

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

J
779> Ditto,
1780,

Nothing expended, Nothing earned.

178c,
1782,

to

Michaelmas

1774, Aug. 22, Prifoners

3,

1775, Dec.

o.

Many

6,

feffions,

ditto

two men, one woman.

fuch accounts would have been received at the Houfe of

crder to fend the account of

money expended and earned),

if,

ditto.

7>

2;

2.

I.
~

2.

&

'

O.

4-

1779, June 9, Prifoners

o.

1782, Odl. 25,

i.

Commons

(in

confequence of their

keepers had been equally honeft with

F. Kcrman.

CIRENCESTER,

GLOCESTERSHIRE.

66

CIRENCESTER.
his kitchen,

corner of

On

The

On

&c.

it is

ground-floor

the

firft

ftory

is

room

a larger

is

the court not fecure

No

enough

employment.

the town.

hung

-Fees,

Keeper's falary, 1

6s.

8 d.

no

and

men: one

feet 3 inches.

out of repair; and

Felons are

it.

No

nothing to any others.

for

by 5

8 feet

have the ufe of

to' let the prifoners

6 feet by

The whole

women.

for

occasionally allowed three pence a day

in

room about

parted off for a bed-room, called the cub,

the fecond flory

ftraw.

the keeper's Ihop for garden feeds;

a

is

Oxford Circuit.

now

bedding or

he pays rent, 12 to the juftice

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

table.

up.

1776, Sep. 4, Prifoners 3.

1779, June 9,
1782, Oct.25,

WINCHCOMB.

In

Now

the cellar.

clofe-glazed

rooms

6.

3.

window

in

each

8 feet

one,

women

in

all

together in

another

high to the ridge

in the

each

middle.

Prifoners always confined to their

county have never expended any thing upon the

Fees,

fpirituous liquors not

put irons on

13J. ^d.

hung up.

worth of bread a day.

No

no

Allowance,

ftraw.

May

No

19,

Claufes againft

charged with felony, three-pennyfaid, that

" he

fliould

be obliged to

IN

Felon, and 2

Petty Offender.

THIS COUNTY

IS

BRIEVELL's GAOL,

in the foreft of

Women.

Prifoners.

One

782, Dec. 24,

is

if

The keeper

1776, Dec. 14, Prifoners,

St.

Licence for beer.

table.

the prifoners to fecure them."

all

1779,

cattle

1.

many years and the whole is quite out of repair. It was the freehold of
who was upwards of fourfcore his falary per receipts ^12 10 o, re-

ceived only 12.

The

in

no chimney.

The

the keeper,

*'

men

roof and floors meet

Deferter

bridewell prifoners were formerly kept

this

court not fecure.

houfe for

they are in the garrets

about 14 feet fquare

ALSO

for

debtors.

Dean, the property of Lord Berkeley,

One room for men, greatly out of repair

no firing. One of the two fickly objects I found

ranger.

who

is

the chief

no court: no water: no allowance:

there, told me he had been confined

a twelvemonth, and never once out of the difmal and offenfive room; the other almoft
as long.
fees,

A room above for women

none

there.

Keeper no

falary: licence for beer;

2s.6d. notable.

1775, Dec. 4, Prifoners 2.

I
o.
779> J une 2 *
1782, Dec. 22,

o.

GLOCESTER

GLOCESTERSHIRL

Oxford Circuit*

GLOCESTER CITY
GAOLER,

COUNTY

and

William Jeynes* afterwards his

(he paid

Salary,

none

Fees,

Debtors,

0
o

Felons,

9
ia

*4
:

GAOL.
G

Widow.

0 a Y ear t0 the

67

toeriffs.

s*

8.

Tranfports, jT6 each.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, three millings a week.

Garnifti,

0:3:4.

Number,

3,

4.

1775, Dec.

5,

7,

7.

1779, June
1782, Apr.

1776, Sep.

6,

2,

2.

1783, Sep.

Dec. 15,

THIS
No

none

27kl^rifonersin coanty.
.

30, J

all

is

but

women

city pays debtors in

common,

but as they are not figned,

act for. pre-

three (hillings a

week

they have not received,

On

by the corporation.

the

The

did not copy them.

No

memorial of

it

in the

for garnilh are fpecified ;

gaoler alfo kept the city

but that being taken down, offenders are committed to

gaol.

The

above was the

was taken down, an

gaol,

The

hung up.

of December, prifoners have ten millings worth of bread from an eftate in

bridewell at the Eaft-gate

it

"

in

ftate

act

of this prifon in

1779

but

of parliament having pafled

fome convenient and healthy Jituation

as

it

my

at

in

vifit

in

April 1782,

1781, for building

anew

will tend greatly to the fafety

and

health of perfons confined therein."

In September
built

Remarks.

feparated at night.

debtors have the privilege of walking upon the leads.

Hemftead near this city. It is- fent in two-penny loaves.

There are fome rules, dated 1694, in which the fums
gaol.

this

Debtors, felons, and petty offenders,

too fmall.

together in the Main

for nineteen years pad, the fixteen fhillings formerly paid

13th

g^ L

but on applying to the mayor.

ferving the health of prifoners not

The

1.

1,

6.

2,

gaol, the North-gate,

1,

none.

cannot pay for beds,

court

Felons ice.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1773, Nov. 24,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,
who

(See Remarks.)

three-pennyworth of bread a day each.

Felons,

on too fmall

783 the new gaol was nearly finifhed, but not occupied.
a fcale, the walls

This

is

and rooms are low, there cannot be a proper fepa-

ration of the fexes, or of debtors and felons

and the fewexs

will be offenfive.

'GLOCESTERSHIRE.

3 6S

Gloucejlir City.

a Table

Gloucester

Oxford Circuit.

of

Chamber Rent

Gaol.

and Fees belonging

CHAMBER

to the North-gate

Gaol &c.

RENTS.

The bell room for each man three millings per week.
The three bed rooms for each man two millings and four pence per week.
The chamber called Daw''s-nejl three millings per week.
The little chamber called Catt-bole two millings and four pence per week.
The little room on the firft floor two lhillings and four pence per week.

FEES.

Sheriff's

of writs

warrants

turnkey is. ^d.

out

of King's Eench and

All execution-warrants the fame

City double aftion

City Angle aftion

-1

Civit Glouc fs

Ad Gentralem

Pleas,

gaoler

Shiartialem Sejponem

tiff.

8/.

-..

Executions out of court of confcier.ee

Mittimus'' %

Common

Mar:

4/0 Georgii

s.

D.

-098
-098
-084
048
-026

\d.

12

IO

II 1750

his prefent Majefty for the relief &c.

no Fees
by three or more Juftices at the Quarter Seflions and
And whereas upon the examination of the
figned by the Judge of Aflize with three or more Juftices
it appearing to us that the above are the ancient
gaoler of the Prifon of the North-gate of this City

Whereas by an Aft made

or

Chamber

in the fecond year

rent to be taken

till

of the reign of

and accuftomed Fees

we

fettled

having reviewed and moderated the

hereby allow and confirm the fame as they are

now

faid

Table of Fees

in

fome Articles do

fettled.

Signed by us

John Smal^ Mayor

Cutli

Tbo

Payne
Carill.

HAMPSHIRE

HAMPSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

HAMPSHIRE,

or the county of

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

at

3^9

OUTHAMPTON,

WINCHESTER.

John White.

Winchester.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors, i
Felons,

Tranfports,

waggon

o each, and hire of

or other carnage.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

(See Remarks.)

a three-penny loaf each, every other day (weight in Sep, 1774,

150Z. in Feb. 1782,

lib.

and the

i^oz.)

lib.

college allowance.

(See Remarks.)

0:2:6.

Garnifh,

Number,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

*773> Dec. 16,

i774> Sep. 24,
1775. Dec. 28,

21,

18.

13,

21.

15,

29.

"77^ Feb.

15,

23.

CHAPLAIN,

27,

Rev. Mr.

779, Mar. i,
1782, Feb. 25,
1

Nov.

2,

26.

12,

3528.

33>

JVejicomb.

Sunday, Wednefday, Friday.

Duty,
Salary,

SURGEON,
Salary,

augmented from 30

to

50.

Mr. Lip/comb.
augmented from ^30

to

^50

common-fide debtors, and

for felons,

bridewell prifoners.

THIS
prefent

gaol

is

kept very clean

dungeon, 48

feet

by 23,

is

and the alterations

down but

5 fteps:

in

it is

it

are

improvements.

lofty (12 feet), boarded,

The
and

has 3 large windows. The former deftru&ive dungeon was darker, and down 1 1 fteps
Mr. Lip/comb informed me that more than 20 prifoners had died in it of the gaol-fever

and that his predecelTor died of the fame diftemper. There are two
in one year
rooms over the dungeon, for common-fide debtors ; three rooms with beds for felons
who pay, and two rooms for women. The felons day-room is commodioufly en;

larged.

weather
towel

Their ftraw mattreffes and coverlets are brought out and aired when the
is

fine.

hung on

The

a roller:

beds are

all

on crib bedfteads.

the prifoner

who took
3 B

care of

They had every day

it

and delivered

it

a clean

next day

was

Remarks*

HAMPSHIRE.
Winches-

County
Gaol.

paid a penny.

vvas

If a

little

court, which

now

is

Western
up from

{hut

were cleared, and opened

towards the 1prifon,
r

ufelefs,

it

The

Crofs's

St.

hofpital bread

year;

prifoners fix times a

3

The

very low and inconvenient.

is

(the dole)

about a penny loaf given to each of the

is

on the eve of the following days,

viz.

College allowance to felons is,

once

week, an ox's head, four fheep's heads and

three pints of

twopenny halfpenny ones, about twenty-four gallons of

week

The
bills,

now

and,

alfo take care of this matter;

fame number of

to

no more than they did

Ad Generalem

Fee

Quarteriakm

but, there

SeJJionsm

purfuant

fettled

and

a day,

prifoners..

was painted on a board, and hung in

act for preferving the health of prifoners

the court, by order of the juftices

of

account, to check the

confequence, the quarterly

and baker's time, when the allowance was but a penny

there was about the

ATable

in

amount

the prifoners have three halfpence a day,

in the laft gaoler's

Southton.yJ

and generally three

the broken vi&uals.

The juftices

The

twelve loaves the fize of

fait,

table beer,

gaoler has two guineas a year for keeping a bread

baker.

loth Auguft,

May, and Whitfunday.

hcrvges, about feventeen pints of oatmeal,

times a

to

chapel

Oclober, Chriftmas, Eafter, 3d of

ft

the gaol, and totally

would be very conducive

health and convenience.

Circuit.

no bath.

is

apud Winton

to an

Ad the

1. Jan*' 5'

Georgii

II 173 1

coram

fecond year of his prefent Majefty

c.

entitled

an Aft for the Relief of Debtors &c.

At

and finding candles and

the entrance of every felon for cleanfmg the gaol

common

To him

neceflaries

At the difcharge of every

felon to the gaoler

for the fecond and every other indictment

the gaoler for every felon for his

If two lye in the fame bed he

may

At the entrance of every debtor

Of every

bed on

'the matter's fide

weekly

take of each for lodging in fuch bed

for cleanfing the gaol

to the gaoler

Of him for the fecond and every other action

To the turr.key at the difcharge of every debtor
To him of fuch debtor for the fecond and every other

D.

-0 20
-154
-020
-030
-02a
040
026
-100
-020
-010
o

12

10

and finding candle and other neceflaries

debtor for each week's lodging in the gaoler's bed on the mailer's fide

For each debtor difcharged

At

S.

other

At the difcharge of every felon to the turnkey

For the kcond and every other indictment to him

To

all

action

the difcharge of every perfon committed for felony and whofe bills

be brought in

fliall

ignoramus and at the difcharge of every perfon committed for not finding bail or for
ether mifdemeanors under the degree of felony no

For copy of every warrant for a debtor

For the copy of every commitment of a

And

it

is

fees

ordered

&c

And

that the
for the

more than

felon

gaoler fhall not receive

direftly

better information of prifoners

or

that the

indirectly any

0134
-010
-010

other or

under-wrkten claufe

Aft of Parliament be fubferibed at the bottom of the Table of Fees to be hung

greater

in the

up in

faid

each and

every room &c.

And

HAMPSHIRE,

Western Circuit.
And be

it

any

that every fherifF, under iheriff, gaoler &c.

further enafted

'*

arretted to fend for

"

and

have

alfo to

3/i

fhall

permit

him

or

her

Winchester.

beer ale and victuals or other neceflary food from what place they pleafe

fuch bedding linnen &c.

-as

he

ftie

or they fhall think

fit

&c

*."

Copy

Ed

Ed Hooker

Rob Pyke

TboK Durnford

ThoK Bates

R.

Benj Woodroofe

Ric

John

Stawell

Foyle

New

C. Chaloner Cobb

John

Alivick.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
WINCHESTER.
paved, 37

The

commonly numerous

and the court (which

four rooms are too clofe,

by

5 inches,

feet

feet 10)

13

quarter feffions,

efpecially at

when they

from the other bridewells.

There

ches) for men and women.

The lodging-room below

by 10

3 inches

room 15!

feet

by

women, and

in

laft vifit fix

were

to vaft

At my

five,

king's evidence.

The

of act againft fpirituous

no

two days

and

years he fent

for feveral

A pump

not hung up.

liquors

779, Mar.

1782, Feb. 25,

One day-room;
The court airy.

women.

allowed by the county.

table.

for their

oum

No

21.

fees,

ft raw.

other gaolers,

conduct,

i, Prifoners 11.

fheriff's

have exprefTed to
debtors,

me

officer

23.

but no fuel

falary,

40

fees,

Allowance, two-pennyworth of

their fincere wifh, that

as well as the felons

orders, the debtors in their irregularities often fet at defiance the keepers,
in-

oven to purify the clothes,

Keeper a

and for that of the

of knowing how they are to proceed

lodging-room below for men, and two above

An

Licence for beer and wine.

* Mr. White, and feveral

were given

Claufes

Allowance, a three-penny loaf in

1775, Dec. 28,

no

40

Keeper's falary,

1774, Sep. 24, Prifoners 13.

6s. Bd.

them every week

lately funk.

no employment.

GOSPORT.
for

Licence for beer and wine.

table.

in-

mifery of the prifoners formerly excited the com-

panion of the duke of Chandos

d.

17 feet

faw alfo a girl about 13 years of age, committed

This prifon has been
to her bed.

about thirty pounds of beef and two gallon loaves.

ys. B

feet
is

vifit in

had been long confined

numbers.

by 20

1779, there were four young

among the prifoners, fome of whom were felons: at my

11 feet 2 inches.

17S2

are brought hither

feet

for the former,

6d. a week, though three in a bed.

s.

for two years, and

fatal

only one day-room (26

are

In that above (21 feet by 17 feet 5 inches) are beds, for

Adjoining is the women's

feet 3.

which each pays

is

not

is

who

too fmall for the prifoners,

is

who

fome

fince for

precife ord- rs

want of fuch

are embarrafTed for want

treating them.

bread

Bride-

HAMPSHIRE.

37*
Bride.

bread a day (weight Nov. 6,

WEILS.
act againft: fpirituous liquors

1782,

hung

1774, Sep. 27, Prifoners

1776, Feb. 26,

ODIAM.

Some

and one for

women

feet

3 inches

feet

(11

No

made

Keeper was a

employment.

by

11 feet 3).

Deferters 2.

to

fherifF's

for

thofe that pay

lodging-room

for a brew-houfe,
2

s.

week.

d.

the keeper's houfe, but none for the

officer:

falary,

15:

Allowance about a pound of bread a day

licence.

Claufes of

inches by 7 feet, and 6 feet 10 inches

the largeft, the keeper ufes

is

additions have lately been

table.

779, Mar. 6, Prifoners 9.

782, Nov. 6,
3.

There are two lodging-rooms

&c.

benefit of prifoners.

no

2.

5.

Another room, which

high).
dairy,

no employment.

up.

Only one day-room (12

men

for

exaftly lib.):

Western Circuit.

Claufes of act againft fpirituous liquors not hung up.

6 s. 8d.

fees,

no ftraw

An

no

offenfive

dunghill in the court, and the prifon not clean.

1776, Feb.

5.

17.82, Nov..

4.

ftraw

is

^3.

no water

and the town- gaol, are now both

acceffible

19

15

1782, Nov.

near

Eighty acres of land,

of the poor,
laft

are

the

two keepers

one for

o; the other for the gaol, whofV

nor claufes

5,

o.

o.

Petty Offenders

2.

are removed from the old work-houfe to an Houfe of Indujlry built in the

of Parkhurfl,

At my

in

chimney: no

hung up.

1774, Sept. 27, Prifoners

1779, Mar. 5,

The Poor

There

prifoners.

to
is

No

Neither the act for preferving the health of prifoners,

againft fpirituous liquors

foreft

BRIDEWELL,
GAOL.

four rooms being appropriated to that purpofe.

the county bridewell, whofe falary

falary

Wight

NEWPORT

bridewell for twenty-eight parifhes;

no court

1,

in the IJle of

and

old work-houfe

8.

N EWPORT
The

28, Prifoners

1779, Mar. 10,

March
vifit

Newport, for the twenty-nine parifhes,

ftatute

21,

meafure, was
for

1772,

and

thofe

or

whole ifland^

grant from the crown, to the guardians

years, at the yearly rent of

17
9 *.
L50 women, 155 boys and 146 girls. The
lodging-rooms were frefh which had apertures

099

there were 65 men,

houfe was neat and clean

a.

16th George III. Cap. LIII.

HAMPSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

(r8 inches by 12). The women's

and the beds were not crowded *

in the ceilings

clean,

The

principal

work of the houfe was making

there were tailors and

and boys were clean,

The ceconomy
is

a fault

(which

the milling,

common

is

all

mould be ufed

to

for

Debtors,

Out of

high.

(when there were

Fees,

hung

j.

up.

the girls

not for the advantage of the houfe.

is

fuch buildings), that the dining-hall, work-

in

too low.

In the paflages and

rooms, one 17

of fuch

houfes-,

is

near 9,

fquare, the other

the
and-

garden into which prifoners who give fecurity

is

feet

of the duke of Chandos did fupply this prifon every week,

one gallon

prifoners) with

lod. no table.

ftaircafes

air.

the Cheney Court in and for the liberty of the Soke

There

repair.

The bounty

are admitted.

provisions were good

promote the circulation of

Two

property of the Bilhop.

64

facks, bifcuit and nail bags, befides,

WINCHESTER

At

A Prison

wide) was quite

of giving them (efpecially the elderly people) no more of their

rooms, and bed-rooms, are

all expedients

feet

of fine healthy children.

a fet

earnings than one penny in

Here

ward (28

fick

The

fhoe-makers employed.

373

loaf,

Licence for beer.

and about twenty pounds of beef.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not-

Several' people drinking, as in a disorderly alehoufe.

ec 28, Prifoners
775>
1779, Mar. 1,
1782, Feb. 25,
l

In

this

The Bar Gate:

no chimney.

County

6.

are

alfo

ward

Sheriff's

o."
1.

SOUTHAMPT ON f

at

Two

for Debtors.

rooms:

in that for

women,

In 1779, there were ibme alterations in thefe rooms, but the fewer

* I obferved an excellent contrivance in the

upper fafh and flaples in the frames,

when

windows of the women's fick-ward.

By

a fmall hafp in the

that

fafti is in part, or entirely down ; a padlock prevents

the
immediately up, as they generally do in the county hofpitals, and at Plymouth,
and Hajlar, when the medical gentlemen leave the rooms. Dr. hind told me that in fummer time he nails

nudes or patients putting

down fome of
t
laft

the fafhes in the paiTages,

went over the Pocr-houfe in

(the twenty- fourth).

to plead ignorance

of

it

thefe houfes,

"

thereof." I

which

&c.

town, where there are fome good rules and orders; I copy the
That thefe orders be publicly read once a week, that no one may pretend,
this

fhall

take this opportunity to

think of importance.

It

is

well

places are generally the flothful and idle, and will

do no

perform, and are

cannot

fail

full

of contrivances

make an obfervation refpeding the conduit

known that the grown-up inhabitants of thefe

more work than they are abfolutely compelled to

from labour. Their precepts and example

to excufe tbemlelves

of having a very mifchievous effect u on the children

P

befides a feparation- of the different fexrs,

years of age, from the adults.

jndultrious fervants

The want

come out of poor

who

would recommend a

of

this,

am

affociate with

them.

On

this

total reparation -of all children

perfuaded,

is

the

reafon

why

fo

account,

above feven

few good and-

houfes.

was

Newport..

HAMPSHIRE.
was

There

offenfive.

now .10:

falary,

ration allows

The

4df.

no court

is

fees,

Keeper, the oldeft fergeant

1776, Feb. 26,

for Felons (the

18 feet 9 inches by

8f

1779, Mar. 3, Debtors

1782, Feb. 24,

2.

Tkew^

court

no water.

\d. no

s.

flairs

o.

1776, Feb. 26,

2.

or kitchen for debtors

lodging-rooms with beds.

no

No

table of fees

30th June 1738.

**

faid

o.

no court

fees,

ten

1.

1.

flairs

it

for

there are five

where

women

once

are very

Neither the adt for preferving the health of

Gaoler

is

fergeant at mace:

Prifoners allowance, debtors none

felons four

bedding nor draw.

is

hung up

He

in this gaol:

writes at the title,

borough, which

" informed

1.

falary,

for felons,

This room and two over

licence for beer and wine.

pence a day.

no chimney

and up

room

nor claufes againft fpirituous liquors, hung up.

GAOL.

ftreet,

a large

is

having never been white-wafhed.

falary

Felon

J 779> March 3, Prifoner

I/82, Feb. 24,

towards the

is

In the court

found debtors lodged with them.

prifoners,

rooms,

now^ic.

bedding.

PORTSMOUTH TOWN

black,

clofe

three-pennyworth of bread a day

allowance,

1774, Sep. 24, Prifoners

The ward

3,

1782, Feb. 24,

Keeper, a junior fergeant at mace

Prifoners

table.

(hillings a year for

2.

Gaoler's falary,

1779, Mar.

Three rooms up

joins to the gaol.

no employment.

up.

3.

Two

the lower end of the town.

at

very dirty.

1774, Sep. 24, Felons o.

1776, Feb. 26, - - o.

Bridewell,

hung

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

corpo-

three-pennyworth of bread a day.

Prifoners allowance,

no water

mace

at

The

the houfe nozv perfectly clean.

Sep. 24, Debtors 2.

1774,

Circuit.

Prifoners pay yd. a week.

table.

a day to poor debtors.

old keeper dead

Gaol

no water.

no

135. 4*/.

Western

known

have

it

"

is

figned by the town-clerk George Huifb

Fees due to the fergeants

to be paid

at

mace of the

from the year 1693 and have been

were antiently paid."

For every commitment

Debtors.

Felon &c.

2,

4.

2,

1.

1774, Sep. 24,

1776, Feb. 26,

BASINGSTOKE

10 d. out of which the town- clerk hath 3/. 6d. &c. &c. &c.

Prison,

houfe, which he rents at

for

a year.

1776, Feb. 28.

Debtors.

Debtors,

He

is

6,

1.

1782, Nov. 5,

6,

4.

is

one room

in

the keeper's public-

town-fergeant and has no falary.

1782, Nov.
'

Felons ice.

779? Mar. 6,

1,

No

prifoners.

WILTSHIRE.

Western

WILTSHIRE.

Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

375

SALISBURY*.

at

Thomas Biggs.

*vVx.

But ^80 a year (raifed from 5) to fupply felons

none.

Salary,

as

(See Remarks.)

below.

Tranfports,

1:1:0.
0:7:8.
Felons,
4:4:0 each.

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

Debtors,

Fees,

PRISONERS,
(See Remarks.)

Allowance, Debtors, none.

Felons,

penny

2d. a day

loaf a

day each (weight

\\d. bread (weight

i.e.

(See Remarks.)

pint of fmall beer.

Debtors Mafter's-fuie,

Garnifh,

Felons and Common-fide Debtors,

Number,

8.

1776, Sep.

3,

7,

12.

1774, Sep. 23,

1775, Dec. 27,

12,

9.

1779, Mar.

1,

17,

15.

2i,

15.

1782, Feb. 27,

20,

16.

Rev. Mr. Vanderplank.

once a fortnight, fermon.

Friday prayers

40; of which 20

SURGEON,

Mr.
jio

Salary,

Crompton,

10

a legacy.

is

now Mr.
for felons

it

ftands)

No

(no fuel

Remarks.)

and common>fide debtors, now 21.

is

near a fine ftream,

day-room

is

alfo

name of

common-fide debtors, nor felons

for

Women-felons have a

Biggs has

.6:13:4

feparate

falary

and

:.

in

The common-fide

room, about 15

for the bridewell

prifoners acquitted at quarter feffions,

the parifli

one of the county bridewells.

allowed by the county) on a brick hearth raifed

refpe&ive lodging-rooms, without a chimney.

the felons.

Mr.

(See

Cwtoys.

prifon in this city called Fifier ton- Anger Gaol (from the

one court.
fire

Felons &c.

Felons Sec.

14,

Salary,

which

Debtors.

Debtors.

Duty,

THE

0:8:8,
0:4:4.

1773, Dec. 13,

CHAPLAIN,

in

1774, 8 oz.): now

1782, i$oz.) } and a

in Sep.

in Feb.

75. 8d.

for

each

fort

Only

have their

the middle of their

debtors

room over

feet fquare.

and

^10

a year for fees of

the fees of each felon.

He

pays land and window-tax.

*

When

his Majejlj pafled

debtors confined for Aims

through

lefs

than

1778, he was pleafed to leave 200

by which benefaction eleven prifoners were

city in

this

50

for the difcharge

fet

of

at liberty,
Iri

Remarks

WILTSHIRE.
Salisbury

G aol.

776, there was a

In 1

houfe

new building

in the court

with an infirmary over them, one

room

Western Circuit.

a ftable,

cart-houfe, and brew-

men, another

for

for

women.

could

not help wifhing that the lower part inftead of ftable &c. had been two day-rooms

was the bridewell

at

prifon-gate was a round ftaple fixed in the wall

is

who

faw there

which

through

was

it

each end of which a common-fide debtor padlocked by the leg, flood

offering to th'ofe

whom

part of the prifon

not fecure; and petty offenders are confined in the gaol.

is

Juft without the

put a chain,

That

one for debtors, another for felons.

with fire-places,

laft

&c. made

pafs by, nets, laces, purfes,

were crown

in the prifon.

not cleared by the infolvent ad.

debtors

The two
Now, this

not permitted.

At Chriftmas,

together are permitted to go about

felons chained

one of them

carrying a fack or bafket for food; another, a box for money.

Twenty pounds

a year of the chaplain's falary

is

paid by Lord JVeymouth by a

who bound for payment the manors of Weobly and

Rofs in the county of Hereford. The bequeft was recognized by Lord JVeymouth in a
deed of fettlement dated 2d of November 1709.
bequeft of Thomas Thyme, Efq.

Lord Pembroke pays a legacy

county

by him

diftributed

of

a year out of the

among

the

No

The

act for preferving the health of prifoners not

Die
Fees now

A& intituled

Entering and difcharging every capias utlcgat

Ad

an

and

alfo for

and writ

the gaol.

Chamber-rent &c.

FELONS.
For every commitment and difcharge by a juflice of peace or in court
For every commitment for not finding bail for good behaviour
For every commitment and difcharge of baftardy

To

in

for the Relief Sec.

latitat

aftion

For every ignoramus upon felony

For every commitment and difcharge on the

the intereft of

y. Georgii II Anno Dom 1729

Julii,

For entering and difcharging every aclion or prccefs capias or

Entering and difcharging of every fecond adtion -

For the under-keeper or turnkey each

left

hung up.

and heretofore ufually demanded

according to an

Cliff in this

the remainder to be

memorial of any legacy hung up

to

of

Mr. Smith of Salifbury

prifoners.

be divided among them.

^50

A Table

manor of Swallow

chaplain himfelf, viz. a guinea for a hat

part to the

ftatute

the under keeper on each of the caufes

of pramunire

-100
-0100
-010
-154

S.

D.

10

13

13

4
4

0134
-154
-010
-

LODGINGS.
Every prifoner that
the

We

lyes in the keeper's lodging in

week

the Prize or Sheriff's ward pays

-

-026

by

whofe Names are here under written at the General Quarter Seffions held at Warminfter
hereby

allow

the

do

fame

H Coker

J Montague

Jn. Cooper

Jn". Eyks

Tbo*. Pbipps

Edwd

Edwd

AJhe

Toutige

OTHER

WILTSHIRE*

Western Circuit.

377

OTHER

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
DEVIZES.

men, and two

Bride-

women: but the day-room (19^ feet by 18) and court-yard, common. A fmall
work-mop I faw no body in it. An infirmary of two rooms. Four rooms for

WELLi>

This

town

alfo the

is

two night-ro&ns

It has

gaol.

for

for

Clean and white-warned

inafter's-fide debtors.

Allowance

March 178

18 oz. in

my

at

to offenders, three-halfpennyworth

late vifits.

of bread a day ( weight

14 oz.J and a pint of fmall beer.

2,

In 1779, the bread allowance was one pound and a half.

employment

the mutters of the

the prifoners

There was

s.

cods and fees

at 7
s.

s.

There was

miles diftance.

2d. and 10

finement clears fuch debtors

6 d. for bringing

alfo a

woman

Twelve weeks con-

6 d. for conveyance.

s.

few years ago the gaol-fever carried off

many

but

the infirmary and

as

in

the

falary

fome of which

apartments built for that purpofe,

and the

men

to prifon,

for a debt of

*.

fome of the other rooms mentioned above have been built fince
is now little danger of that diflemper
provided care be taken to
the keeper,

demanded of

fees are

for each.

Befides the coils, &c. he was charged 10

2d.

now made
are wirhout

In 1782, a weaver

though only from Calne

is. 2d.

8 d.

is

prifoners

No

nailed up.

s.

1776,

1776 from the court of requefts ; he had a wife and four

who had five children, was confined for a debt

a debtor in

fmall children.

of 10

work-room

the county pays the gaoler 7

window

The

keeper's kitchen which overlooks the court.

the

in

in Sep.

Straw, 2 guineas a year.

all

crowded into

of 10, and keeps a public houfe.

one

night-room.

that time, there

feparate prifoners

found occupied by

The

keeper has a

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

hung up.
Debtors. Petty Offenders.

Debtors. Petty Offend.

1774, Aug. 4,

3,

17.

1779, Feb. 27,

1,

14.

1776, Sep.

1,

13.

1782, Mar. 4,

5,

25.

4,

MARLBOROUGH. A

common work-room 13^

feet

by

Lunatics 3.
-

1.

lodging-room

women 23 feet 2 inches by 9 feet 8 another for men this is 13^ feet by io^
window 1 9 inches by 1 5, not to the open air, but to the work-room, which has
for

but one window.

All thefe rooms

within doors, they are

which, when

By an

aft for

made very

was there

firft,

Chippenham, Cains, Sec

<;

are

on the ground-floor

offenfive, efpecially the

and

by a fewer

men's night-room

in

faw one dying on the floor of the gaol-fever.

Geo.

HI. cap.

ix. fitnilar to .that for Bradford, Mett-jbam, .;$ic

Tftfc

the 3 of Geo. III. cap. xix.

WILTSHIRE.
The keeper
court

none

me

told

Up

difcharge.

that jufl before one had died there, and another foon after his

flairs

rooms

are three

felons, three-halfpennyworth

falary lately

no

s.

d.

a week.

fees,

8 d.

s.

at

formerly, as in a table dated 167

Licence for beer.

of bread a day and a

pifit

of fmali beer.

(The

the difcharge of every prifoner.

^1 16:4} petty

1, felons,

furgeon; his falary

10

1776, fome prifoners were at work; but none

No

Allowance to petty offenders,

ftraw.

Keeper's

from 20 to 50, to fupply the prifoners with bread.

raifed

county pays the

who pay

for thofe

no water acccmblc to prifoners

Western Circuit.

10

The
were

offenders, 14J. \d. &c.)

At my vifits in 1775 and

One of them faid, with
1779.

in

fees

o.

evident concern, " he had been there thirty weeks and had not earned one half-

them

On

In 1782, no employment.

penny."

work; they

afking the prifoners,

readily anfwered in the affirmative.

wool,, but the

had viewed the

faid, their

keeper would not permit them to fpin

outfide

1774, Aug.

Two

of

, Prifoners 6.

There

they defired to

heard the juftices

this prifon.

1775, Dec.30,
1776, Dec. 17,

it.

if

wives had brought

is

8.

17.

alfo at

1779, Feb.

27, Prifoners 4.

1782, March 4,

SALISBURY

11.

Deferter

1.

the

City Gaol the property of the bifhop: out of repair. Two rooms for felons, and
them for debtors. No court no water no ftraw. The late gaoler paid
:

three above

thirty fhillings
officer.

worth of meat, and ten

Licence for beer:

two pence a day.

&c.

at 2

j.

At my

fees,

\\s. 8

laft vifit,

His lordfhip fends

a year to a domeftic of the bifhop.

fhillings

d.

no

the lower

to the prifoners at Chriftmas

worth of bread.

table.

Keeper, a fherifFs

Allowance, debtors, none: felons,

rooms were

let to

the military for deferters;

a week.

1775, Dec. 27, Debtors

3,

1776, Sep.

Felons &c.

2.

3,

2,

o.

1779, Feb. 28,

1,

1.

1782, Feb. 27,

i,

q.

Deferters

2.

I*.

DORSETSHIRE

DORSETSHIRE,

Western Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

James

DORCHESTER.

at

Dorches-

Chaffey.

ter.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

Felons

at Afiize,

12:6

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

9.

3:8.

0:17:4,

Quarter Seflions,
:

379

each.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none; but on applying tojuftices.
three-halfpennyworth of bread a day (weight in Sep. 1774,

Felons,
1

2^ oz.J

Debtors,

Garnifh,

Felons,

Number,

Debtors.

Felons ice.

1773, Dec. 14,

1774, Sep. 21,

21,

9.

*779> Eeb. 6,

14,

6.

19,

9.

1782, Aug. 3,

17,

8.

1775, Dec. 26,

14,

7-

Friday

Salary,

raifed

SURGEON,

is
;

altered to

from 30

to

Sunday and Wednefday.

50.

Mr. Kenn.
and

felons.

quite out of repair.

The

30

Salary,

rooms

Rev. Mr. Dobney.

Duty,

THIS

Remarks.)

Felons &c.

CHAPLAIN,

There

'ee

Debtors.

gaol

is

for debtors

court

is

in front, in

which

only one day-room for felons of both fexes, near which

alfo

on the ground-floor

is

is

the

is

the chapel.

condemned

the men's lodging-room, and adjoining a fmall

On

room

for

women

ten

rooms

me

they had lived five or fix weeks on nothing but the county-bread, and water.

(8 feet by 6) with a

window

into the paffage.

for debtors in a paffage 5 feet wide.

December 1775,

millings a year for bread to be diftributed

$>

this

floor there are

In September 1774, two debtors told

In

garden and a

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors, and the act for

preferving the health of prifoners, are not

By

firft

tne fmall-pox in the gaol: no infirmary: no bath.

ftream at the back of the gaol.

no memorial of

the

hung

among

up.

Mr.

John Derby

left

twenty

the debtors on the four quarter days

hung up.

the exertions of

Mr.

Pitt,

and the gentlemen of

be built on the fame ground, and near the

3

this county, a

new gaol

is

going

fine ftream.

Edward

Remarks*

DORSETSHIRE.
DorchesTER

Gaol/

Edward Morton

This kind donation has been continued many years by

beef.

Lord Digby

and himfelf.

father

each prifoner at Chriftmas fix-pence in money,

Plydell, Efq. fends

and two pounds of

Western Circuit.

his

fends at Chriftmas two guineas to this gaol, and one

to the county bridewell.

Mr.

Chaffey has been

orders figned by

A Table

Dor/et.
fettled

gaokr from the year 1728.

the

requires garnilTi of a

laft article

at

of Fees

Shajlon 15th July

by

to be taken

34th

II

1760

new comer.
vifit.

Keeper of the Sheriff's Ward

the Gaoler or

George

of

copied a paper of rules and

my firft

following table in the gaol was hardly legible at

The

him

purfuant to an Aft

at Dorchejler

intituled an

Aft for

Relief of Debtors &c.

.
Imprimis for the commitment fee of every prifoner for debt
in civil fuits

though

it

be on feveral actions

For the chamber rent of every prifoner

although there are more beds in the fame room and

fheets

weekly and every week

committed who

fo

S.

D.

damage contempt or otherwife

fhall

who

If there be two prifoners and no more in one bed finding their

to himfelf

and

bed bedding and

finds himfelf

have a bed

-0

own bed bedding and meets

week for chamber rent

o
own defire has a bed to himfelf and although there are more beds
each room and the keeper judge
bedding and meeting

then each of them to pay weekly and every

Every prifoner who

than one in

pay

fhall

at his

chamber rent and for the

for fuch

week

fheets then every

But

ufe

if the

For the

of the

in

common room

--

The above

fees

faid prifon for debt or otherwife in

-

o
o

...

and difcharge of every prifoner out of the

civil fuits or actions

For the turnkey

the prifoner finding his bed and bedding

keeper finds bedding then

liberate

one bed and the keeper finding bed bedding and

of them to pay weekly and every week for the ufe of fuch bed bedding

and chamber rent

For the

of each bed and bedding weekly and every

more

prifoners in one bed and no

ufe

Ric Brodrepp

Riggs

Jn" Jennings

Okeden

John Freke.

written Fees have been perufed

the Affizes held at

Dorchepr

in

o
o

of every prifoner difcharged

by Us

and for the

his Majefty's Juftices

faid

County of Dor/et

Hanham

of Aflize for the Weflern Circuit at

the 24th

day of July 1760 and we do

approve the fame

E WlLMOT

W Noel.
Examined with the Original by John Walln Clerk of
of the County of Dor/et.

the Peace

COUNTY

DORSETSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
Four rooms, two
large garden:

two days (weight

in

No

lib. 3 oz.J

of

^40:

The keeper

not extend to bridewells," but now a furgeon

The

juftices

31

1780,

fhall

it is

who

me he had fpoken in behalf

" he thought the late act did

appointed.

is

and 45

faid

in

178

The

There were 26 committed

1.

of prifoners going

relief

Their order, dated 12th April 1774,

is

to-

as follows.

great inhumanity that frequently happens unto the feveral prifoners conveyed ta

the different quarter feffions to be tryed

fideration

half-quartern loaf, in Aug. 1782,

have very judicioufly provided for the

different quarter feffions.

Sberborn, Dorfet.

in

formerly told

of the peace,

his lick prifoners to the clerk

to this prifon in 1779,

now

1774, lib. i$oz.

in Sep.

Keeper has

Allowance, a three-penny loaf

13^. 4^. no table.

fees,

employment.

SHERBORNE.

at

one day-room and one court.

for each fex, but only

falary,

381

by

and order of

the refolution

the walking loaded with heavy irons

this

being

taken into con-

court that for the future the gaol-keeper and bridewell-keeper

provide for one prifoner only a horfe, for two or more a convenient cart or carriage for the conveying

them: and

to be allowed the

fum of three pence per mile

for one perfon; for

two or more the fiim of

fix

pence

a mile &c.

1774,

Sep. 22,

1779,

Feb.

6,

2.

1782,

Aug.

2,

13.

Prifoners 9.

DORCHESTER TOWN
Two

rooms

the lower one called the blind-houfe

GAOL.

the other over

No

(11 feet 4 inches by 10^, and 7 feet 2 inches high).

water.

Allowance \\d.

room upwards of

The

in bread.

fourteen weeks

it

is

for debtors,

chimney: no fewer: no

debtor had been confined in this offenfive

he had eight children, and had not earned a half-

penny.
1782, Aug. 3, Debtor

POOLE Town
Keeper, no falary:
a

week

each.

and

At

my

J-.

\d. no

laft vifit

Felons &c. none.

Two

County Gaol.

13

fees,

1.

table.

rooms, down three

fteps.

Allowance to debtors and

No

water.

felons, is.

3d.

the floors were boarded, and the walls of the court

raifed *.

1776,

Feb. 26,

1782,

Nov.

3,

Debtor
-

*.

o.

* I do not defcribe the fingle rooms or rages that are in

drunken or diforderly perfons,

falijbury)

is

in Poole, i%\ feet

Felons o.
-

o.

many market

towns, for the confinement of

for a night, before they are taken to a magiftrate.

by

One

of the largeft (called

In fome market, and- even borough towns,, indeed, there are no places

of confinement whatever.

Poole,

Bride-

WELL

DEVONSHIRE.

3 $
Poole.

Poole Bridewell,
Keeper

two.

in the

is

work-houfe yard.

Western Circuit.

Three fmall rooms now made

the mafter of the work-houfe, which the late keeper farmed

is

both that and the bridewell rooms are cleaner than at

my

former

into

but now,

vifit.

1776,

Feb. 26,

Prifoners none but a lunatic.

1782,

Nov.

One

3,

prifoner.

DEVONSHIRE.
HIGH GAOL

EXETER,

at

FOR FELONS.
Ixeter.

GAOLER,
Salary,

none.

now James Waber.

( See Remarks.)

Fees,

Felons,

Benjamin Sherry,

Tranfports,

Licence,

14

4,

1:1:0

(See Remarks.)

each.

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Felons, twenty -two ounces of bread a day each.

Garnifh,

lately abolifhed.

Number,

Felons &c.

20.

1779, Jan. 31,

33.

Sep. 12,

14.

I7 82 > July 27,

25.

1775, Dec. 16,

25.

1783, Feb.

57.

CHAPLAIN,

Sunday

Salary,

gaol

is

for gaol

the property of

houfe and court are too fmall

is

rooms

ufed as the chapel.

for fines,

condemned.

John Denny

there

Over

it

Rolle, Efq.

late gaoler

paid

whofe family had a grant of

him

only one day-room for

is

the

are

more unhealthy

as at

men and women

women's lodging-room.

&c. one below and two above; that below

There

three night-dungeons (about

is

under a

one part they are 7 or

20

is

There

felons

are three

fometimes ufed for the

feet

ftaircafe.

feet

The

rent 2^2 per annum.

is

Heps; the fmall window of one of them

the

( See Remarks.)

and bridewell.

from the duchy of Cornwall: tne

this

prayers.

Mr. Rule, now Mr. Walker.

42

Salary,

THIS

week

a fermon, and twice a

/40.

SURGEON,

it

2,

Rev. Mr. Stabback.

Duty,

Rf marks.

Felons &c.

1774, Feb. 18,

by 12)

down

three

Thefe dungeons

are

Mr. Rule

the

under ground.

late

rSTi tua

late

DEVONSHIRE.

Circuit.

me

furgeon told

that he was

by contract excufed from attending

There

any prifoners that fhould have the gaol-fever.

mary, but the

The

court

is

At

made cabbage-nets

jailors fined a

(flag ftones

for

two pence a dozen

better).

an alarm-bell.

is

dungeons

for an infir-

no bath

In

an

The

and purfes of different

is

it

prifoners
forts

from

Two

the turnkey found the twine and thread *.

^1:1:4

milling each had

in the

now two rooms

would be much

the top of the gaoler's houfe

four pence to feven pence a dozen

are

men's rooms are intolerably bad

to the

paved with pebbles;

offenfive fewer.

formerly

up

lead

flairs that

3*3

each to pay the clerk of the peace, befides

the gaoler's fees.

It

was commendable and exemplary

the juftices of this county to fix the felons

in

allowance by a certain weight of good bread, not variable with the price.

There

But by the

no table of fees.

is

clofe

of the preamble

at the Sheriff's

Ward,

The

gaoler

the table there feems to have included originally the fees of this gaol alio.

had for each Iran/port two guineas from the merchant, to

whom

county paid per

the

5. The act for preferving the health of prifoners is not hung up.
About Chriftmas, the gaoler permits his prifoners to folicit charity in the city. When
was there in December 1775, the box was broke open, as was fuppofed, by the perfon

contract

who conducted

If any gentleman

them, as he abfconded.

of the contributions,
for meat, firing,

this

would not only prevent fuch

&c. would be

far

more

would undertake the

a fraud, but the

beneficial than

money

difpofal
laid

fpending moft of

their

out

it

in

liquor.

At my vifit in 1779, J 7^ 2 an<^ l 7%3> * found the men together encouraging and
confirming one another in wickednefs, and the women are obliged to afTociate with them
in the

An

day-time f.
elegant fhire-hall

is

now

finifhed

may

it

not be hoped that the gentlemen will

turn their thoughts to this crowded, offenfive and deflructive gaol, efpecially the proprietor,

who

(in

his majefty's fleet

* This art

is

1782) liberaHy fubfcribed 1000 to encourage feamen to enter intoj

and who

pofTefTes an eftate to

very foon learnt, and

when

uphold

this prifon

the prifoners were thus employed, I found

them cheerful and

healthy; they faid they earned from three halfpence to two pence a day each, with which they got a
milk, or beer to their bread

and the old keeper

t From good information,

might

faid

juftly refer

"

it

little

kept them out of mifchief."

the magiftrates to

what

have

faid

under Clocffer caftk

(page 363), and the note at Stafford (page 350).

SHERIFF'S
\

Exeter

High

DEVONSHIRE.

3*4

EX

SHERIFF'S WARD,
COUNTY PRISON

the
Exeter

KEEPER,

Sheriff's

Ward

Western Circuit.

E T E R;

for debtors.

John Jutfum.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Licence,

Beer.

14

4-

PRISONERS,
Allowance, none.

Garnifh,

4.

Number,

Debtors.

Debtori.

1774, Feb. 20,

43.

1779, Jan. 31,

36.

Sep. 12,

24.

1782, July 27,

23.

1775, Dec. 15,

34.

CHAPLAIN,

On

none.

Sunday

prifoner

reads

prayers

and dines with the

keeper.

SURGEON,

THE

Remarks.

none.

Sheriff's

county of Devon.

and

alfo

rules

he

his time,

about

work-room on the common-fide.

fifteen years,

had continued here from

but

my

at

laft vifit

May

1760
to

Sheriff's
--wit.

At

his

fees

good

for a falary of

no more than

Good

Court fpacious.

fire for

common-fide debtors

100

and

five or fix debtors

me

told

that

had obtained their

who would not take the benefit of the infolvent

Here is ftill an older prifoner, Grace Hooper,
dated 30th of November 174 1.

1758,

he was dead.

whofe warrant of commitment

Devon,

the parifh of St. Thomas the apoftle, in the

In 1779, one debtor, on attachment from the court of chancery,

aliment, the groats.

in

A humane keeper. He has

he would gladly relinquifh

faid

adts

is

has feveral large and convenient rooms for mafter's-fide debtors,

rooms and

fix

of oeconomy.

during

ward or prifon
It

is

Ward.

the General Quarter Seffions

of

the Peace held at the Caftle of Exon the 15 th

Jan. 1760 before Richard Beavis Efqr. George Tanner, William Clifford Martin, William Kittfon, Efq.

and others &c.

The Court having

confidered the report of Sir Richard

Warwick Bamfylde

George Tounge Bart. Henry Crewts Efq r . and John Snow, Clerk, Juftices of &c.

appointed

Bart.
to

Sir

enquire

into Fees taken by the prefent Keeper and Gaoler of this County, and having confidered the Table
of Fees heretofore taken by the Keeper of the Sheriff's Ward, and the Fees taken by the Keeper of
the High Gaol and Keeper of the Bridewell of this County doth in purfuance of an A<ft
entitled Sec.
fettle and eftablifh the following Table of Rates and Fees of the Keepers of the faid feveral

Prifbns &c.

.A

Table

DEVONSHIRE.

Western Circuit.
A Table

of the

Rates

Fees

and

385

allowed to be taken by the Keeper of the Sheriff's

Ward

for the

Exeter
Sheriff's

County of Devon.

Ward.
For the commitment

fee of every prifoner for debt,

To

the turnkey

damages, and contempts though

ufe of the

------

common room

if the

do hereby approve and

Rd

in a

bed each perfon

nothing

Table of Fees above written purfuant

ratify the

E.

JVarwick Bamfylde

N/c/j'

keeper finds bedding each perfon by the week

If the prifoner finds bedding

We

be

For every libtrate

For the ufe of a bed in a fingle room for one perfon by the week
The ufe of a room where there are two or more beds and two lodge
by the week

The

it

on feveral actions or proceffes only

to the faid Statute

Wjlmot

WM

Nutcombe Bluett

Noel.

Henry Crewes.

Rules

and

Orders

to

be obferved in the Sheriff's

Ward

or Prifon for the County of Devon.

Cha'Hayne, Sheriff.

No prifoner

to abufe the turnkeys

if

they do

to be confined.

If turnkeys ufe them ill to complain to under-fheriff or keeper.

Doors of lodging-rooms

to

be unlocked

in winter at

Prifoners to be called over within the fore-door

fun-rifing

at candle-lighting

in

fummer

at fix.

and locking up

in their feveral

rooms

at nine at night.

Fore-gate to be locked at nine at night in fummer, at eight in winter.

No prifoner to go outfide of the rails towards the fore gate.

No comber or weaver to work in lodging-rooms.
No prifoner's family, or wife, to lodge in the prifon without confent of the keeper.
No prifoner to be without the fore-door of the prifon-houfe on Sundays in time of divine
No perfon to bring any fpirituous lique.s into the prifon.
After the door

is

fhut at night

no

la.-ge

fervice.

jugs of beer to be brought, but pints or quarts

may be

put in at

the window.

No prifoner to throw any rubbifh in the pump-yard.

No prifoner to keep any dog.
No wood to be cut or cleaved in the chambers it fpoils
Keeper

No

to place

prifoner to

the plaflering.

any prifoner where he thinks proper for

remove

his

fafety.

bed without keeper's confent.

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
in
At my

firft vifits

yet no cafements.

this

An

st.

at

prifon was out of repair

infirmary. Keeper's

falary,

manufacturer, and did employ fome of his prifoners.

employed

in the large garden

EXETER,

thomas's.

and court

3D

at

the

windows fmall and glazed

j6o: no fees.

He

was a woollen

Others of them might have been

rope making, packthread fpinning, &c.

His

Bride,
well.

DEVONSHIRE.

386

Exeter
TY
B"de
well.

Western Circuit.

h; s number

of prifoners for three years was in 1772, 92;

I44: anc

m ^ a ^ er feffions

from

fr

78 1 to 1782, 227.

were women; and yet the houfe was

day (weight

in Sep.

in 1773, 163;
in 1774,
1780 to 1781, 184; and
1779 to Eafter 1780, 171;
When I was there in 1775, eight or ten of the prifoners

1774, 19T

Allowance, two-pennyworth of bread a

dirty.

July 1782, 18 ounces).

in

ounces',

The county

a year, but lately this houfe was taken into the prifon, and the falary

is

appointed
for

.36: duty

no

a chaplain, with a falary of ^30, and a houfe joining to the prifon which he

let

fixed time.

Soon

my

after

vifit in

1775 the furgeon and fome of the prifoners died of the gaoland improved. On the men's fide there is a

fever: afterwards the prifon was repaired

hall or chapel

ing-room

and two large lodging-rooms

The rooms and

on the women's

The

and the courts are feparate.

prifon

fide

two rooms and a lodg-

now white-warned

twice a year*

No

court for the fick are fometimes ufed for vagrants.

bath

no

employment.
779> Feb. 5, Prifoners 27.
1782, July 28,
43.

1774, Sep. 12, Prifoners 22.

34.
1775, Dec. 24,

EXETER CITY
GAOLER,

now John

Sarah Strong,

Salary,

20.

Fees,

Debtors. jCo:

16:4.

Felons,

14

COUNTY GAOL,

and

Herbert.

4.

Tranfports, the expence.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
(See Remarks.)

Allowance, Debtors, none.

Garnifh,

Felons,

three-halfpenny worth of bread a day each.

Debtors,

Number,

6.

Feb. 20,

11,

r.

1775,

Dec. 15,

7,

2.

J an

2j

2.

779*

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

Debtors. Felons &c.

>

i7 82 > J"ty 28,

Feb. 2,
1 78

3,

f.

4,

3.

on the other

Defertcr

1.

none.

But ordered

none.

for felbns

by

the chamber

upon

occafion.

gaol, called the South-gate Prifon, has in the keeper's houfe,

(the long-room,

chimney:

1774,

THIS

Debtors. Felons fcc.

and

JJooe)

fide of the

no court:

and feven lodging-rooms,

for

debtors.

The

two rooms
three wards

gateway, for felons, are very clofe, dirty and offenfive

no water.

In 1779,

found a

woman

lick,

no

who had been

confined

DEVONSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

The

confined three years on the felons fide.

and

claufes againft fpirituous liquors, not

Here
if

aft for preferving the health of prifoners,

hung up.

are fent 51 penny loaves (weight, July 1782,

only one, he has the whole;

what legacies they come

every week to the debtors

8 oz.J

more, they are equally divided amongft them

known

not

is

if

S^7

in the gaol, as

no other account

is

from

hung up than

two painted boards, which contain memorials of fundry bequefts. They are not dated;
one of them feems ancient. I will tranfcribe the legacies from thefe after the table of
fees.

The

tailor's

company

fend them is.

4a on
.

Eafter-evej and at the fame time they

receive from the chamber 36 penny loaves.

City and Coun'y of the City of

Fees

of the Gaoler or Keeper

General Quarter Seflions

A&

fuance of an

though

it

held

for the Relief

For the commitment

To

of

fee

at

Exon

(to <wit.)

called the Compter the South-Gate fettled

the Guild-Hall 10th of April nth George
1738
the

Gaol

nt

of lnfolvent Debtors &c.

every prifoner for debt, damages,

for

be on fevend a&ions or procefTes

contempt or

liberate

room

For the

ufe

of a bed

For the

ufe

of a room wherein are two or more beds, and two lodge

in a fingle

ufe

week
in

of the common room the prifoner finding the bed

But the keeper finding the bed then per week

Arthur Culme, Mayor

The above Table of Fees

the Wedern Summer

S.

D.

13

4
0
0

6
0

each bed. then for

each bed

For the

for one perfon per

.
othervvife

the turnkey

For every

at the

in pur-

II

Nath 1 Dewdney

Tho s

CoppL-Jlone.

hath been reviewed and confirmed by us his Majefty's Juftices of Aflize for
Circuit held in and for the City of Exon and County of the fame City.

24th July 1738.

Wm Thompson.

Fortescue

LEGACIES.
A

MEMORIALL

Seldon

and Elizabeth

as followith

of certayne Guyftes to the yeerlie value of Twenty Poundes geeven by Laurence

his

Wife,

to

be diilributed by the Maior and Bayliffes of the Cittie of Exon for ever

Shills

yeerly
Prifoners in the kinges gaole neer the caftell of Exon

In bread weeklie
to the poore

The

Prifoners in the fherives warde, gaole, and county

the cittie of Exon

26*

of) S
\

other articles in this piece of antiquity, fuch as 2 s. 6d. a year to the

the city, &c.

muft omit as foreign to

For many years pad the prifoners

my

in the high gaol

mayor of

purpofe.

have not rceived

this legacy.

The

DEVONSHIRE.

388

The memorial on

Exeter

the other board

is

Western Circuit.

as follows

Exon.

City.

Mrs.

Southgate.

Hejler

Reed gave fix-pence a week for ever, to

called Ven, in the parifli of Cuhntton,

the prifoners in the

There

is

and

laid out in

no memorial

laft wills,

to

be paid out of a tenement

Skew *.

mentioned

in the prifons at Exeter of the following donations,

in Richard Izacke 's Alphabetical Regijler,

perfons

this prifon,

middling wheat bread, and diftributed always to

&c. printed

Such valuable

in 1736.

Regijlers

of

would prevent the mifapplication of many

grants, &c. in other cities,

charities.

Reynold Hayne in 1354, bequeathed

of the

faid city to the cathedral

imprifoned in the

common

all

church of

his lands

and tenements lying

the fuburbs

in

Peter there, for the relief of thofe that are

St.

gaol in the faid city.

William Paramore by will 2?.d Feb. 1570, bequeathed to the needy prifoners in the
king's gaol in Exeter, in the South-gate gaol there, and in the Counter, to every of

them ten
in

by

(hillings for ever, yearly, to be paid

his heirs out of his lands in the

Cookrow

Exeter.

Thomas Bridgman by

will

3d of April 164.1, gave to the

continued as a perpetual flock, whereof the

prifoners in the upper prifon

and the

interefl

faid city the

fum of ^60

to

be

of 40 to be beftowed upon the

interefl of the other

^20

to

be beftowed upon the

prifoners in the lower prifon, and this likewife to continue for ever.

Edward

2"oung,

D. D. 6th June, 1663, by "will gave twenty millings a year to the

by the Dean of Exeter for the time being, on

prifoners of the caflle, to be diftributed

the 29th of

May.

TIVERTON

Town Gaol. Two

Keeper no

in each towards the flreet.

1782, Aug.

TIVERTON Town
three above.

In the court there

not been ufed for fome time.

and puts

in a deputy.

half their earnings.

The

is

is

No

s.

is

window

Licence for beer.

prifoners.

is

now an
and

an old work-fhop and three malt mills, which have

is

dirty.

,8:8:0.

the

1,

Fees, 35. 4^. he lives diflant

Allowance, three half-pence in bread and

Claufes againfl fpirituous liquors not

or (perhaps the) Shoe

^d.

This was formerly a chapel, and

Keeper's falary,
prifon

Fees, 3

a work-room, and three fmall rooms below;

1782, Aug.

* The $b;w
down a fhoe.

1 ,

Bridewell.

old thatched building, in which

rooms under the town-hall, with

falary.

hung up.

Prifoners 5.

common ward

for

poor debtors, who ufed

to

beg by

letting

PLYMOUTH

I'latz 22.

DEVONSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

PLYMOUTH TOWN
Three rooms
former, the
in the

for felons

GAOL.

&c. and two rooms over them

15 feet by

clink,

One

debtors.

for

and about 5^

8 feet 3 inches,

389

of the

with a wicket

feet high,

Ply-

mouth

To this, as I was informed, three

door 7 inches by 5 to admit light and air.
were confined near two months under fentence of tranfportation, came by

men who

turns for breath.

The door had

not been opened for

He

entered to fee a pale inhabitant.

and

noifome

In another

cell.

much

he had

tranfportation,

faid

room (13

whom

one of

weeks when

by 5f and 6

inches thick),

me

allured

feet 9 inches

The

room

other

live

diftant;

they are the

No

vifit

there

where they were almoft

for

three

fergeants

mace.

at
:

Fees,

4a

155.

no

table.

two-pennyworth of bread a

felons,

ftraw.
Felons &c.

Debtors.

1774, Sep. 15,

1775, Dec. 17,
In the

laft

women (17 feet by 10). The whole is dirty,

many years. No court no water. The gaolers

Allowance to debtors, none but on application

day.

my

at

in that

window

for

is

and has not been white-wafhed

high, the

he had been there upwards of feven

weeks, and fometimes, with four or five other prifoners,

fuffocated.

with difficulty

hanged than confined

rather have been

feet

only 18 inches by 14, and the wall 2 feet

were two prifoners

five

had been there ten weeks under fentence of

Debtors.

1.

1779, Feb.

3,

1,

o.

o,

o.

1782, July 30,

4,

4.

Royal Hospital

the patients

at this place,

might be advantageoufly adopted

As

page 39.

lie

in a

kind of

cradles,

particularly in the fick rooms.

in prifons,

the conftrudion of the hofpital

have already defcribed

in

refpefts Angular, and

apparently well contrived,

buildings, which

Felons &e.

3,

give a view of

which

Thefe

itfelf is in feveral
it

(omitting two

think improperly placed)-,

and fubjoin a particular defcription of

the whole, with which, together with the annexed plan, I was favoured by my friend
Dr. Farr, the worthy and ingenious phyfician of the hofpital.

*The

Royal Hospital

for the

of fick and hurt feamen and marines

reception

nearly equidiftant from the two towns of Plymouth and Plymouth Dock

by

Stcitehoufc,

under the Hofpital wall, admitting of boats to land,

a fmall

at the

is

fituated at Stemhoufe,

arm of

the fca which pafles

outer gate, by the time of half-

flood tide.

of eleven large buildings, and four

It confifts

other,

fuch manner, as

The
in front

beft prevent the fpread

of

air,

as

alfo

of claffing the feveral diforOers, in

of contagion.

buildings are of rough marble, raifed in the neighbourhood, with purbeck rufticated coyns, and
is

which ferves

The

may

the whole forming a fquare, but detached from each

leffer,

for the purpofe of admitting a freer circulation

handfome colonnade, fupported by moor

as

an airing ground for convalefcents

in

buildings are numbered, viz. ten buildings

containing

fix

wards,

in all

fixty

each

jecovery wards, if required, twenty-five

ward
fo that

ftone

pillars,

with a

flat

roof covered with lead,

bad weather.
(exclufive of the center,

will

conveniently

hold

or chapel building) each

twenty cradles,

and in

Royal
HospiTAI

the

with four under-ground wards, in the 7th, Sth, and

9th

DEVONSHIRE.

39

Plymouth
Roval

may

9th building?, exclufive of the fmall-pox ward, fifteen hundred patients

modated.

Hospital.

the ground, and

in

n the attic ftory, length

Each ward

The ground-floor of
difpenfers apartments

is

60

by 23

feet

and breadth the fame, height 9

on an emergency be accom-

and 12

feet 8 inches

feet 2 inches

6 inches.

feet

the center or chapel building, contains the difpenfary, laboratory, furgery,

the

floor

firft

firft

and

council room, with apartments in that and the attic fcory,

floor, the chapel,

for the matrons, afliftant furgeons, afliftant difpenfers &c.

The

area in the middle of the hofpital

whole, containing in

At

all

handfomely

is

walks, which are kept in very good order

befides

with grafs plats interfered by gravel

laid out

which there

is

a large airing ground, furrounding the

about twelve acres.

the higher end of the airing ground to the north,

is

a large refervoir of water, which by

means of a

chain pump, throws the water into a leaden cillern, which being higher, conveys the water by means of
leaden pipes, into every ward, for the ufe of the patients, cleanfing the water clofets,
Sec.

every building being furniftied with a bath and copper for heating the water

filling

to the

the baths

temperature

required.
Befides this refervoir, a

new one

5 feet 6 inches deep, capable

has lately been conftrufted upwards of 43 feet long by 2; wide, and

of containing 180 tons of water, intended for the purpofe of fcouring all

the main drains, as alfo the leading drains from the five higher buildings

by fcavengers employed
through them

when

the

wind

by
is

this

means they are now kept

in certain directions,

probably

prevent any offenfive fmell

fuflicient to carry off the foil at

but as

fo

the others are regularly cleanfed

conftru&ed as to admit of a

tolerably fweet, the only fmell

from the

arifes

cifterns

man walking

which remains, efpecially

(or fink-traps as they are called)

from the pipes and kept covered with water,

they mult be emptied by hand, provided a fall could be got

which are funk for the purpofe of receiving the

to

being

that purpofe, the drains

for

foil

once from the leading

main

to the

drain,

it

lhould feem to be more eligi-

ble than this contrivance *.

Patients on admiflion are wafhed and fupplied with hofpital drefles,

fumigating houfe.

nurfe

is

allowed for every ten

men

and

their

own

the greateft attention

clothes carried to the

is

paid to cleanlinefs,

and the keeping the wards always well ventilated.

Some few erections are Hill wanted to render this Hofpital complete, e. g. the building a chapel diftincl
on fome part of the airing ground, and converting the prefent one into a dining hall for patients on full
diet ; two pavilions at the entrance, one for a receiving room for patients, on admiflion before they are
warded, the other for a council room, furveying invalids See. for want of which many inconveniences in
time of war have been experienced.

Regulations refpeding the nurfes, and other fervants of the royal hofpital;

The

the Orders to be obferved by inpatients are

A
lit.

Low Diet.

neceflary.

2d.

Water

For drink,

Half Diet.

bread pudding, or in
beer

3d.

the

men upon

Full Diet.

toaft

Scheme of Diet

and

in the hofpital.

be ufed at Plymouth Hofpital.

gruel, panado* rice gruel, milk pottage, or broth,

and bread and butter,

if

and water, ptifan, or white decoftion.

breakfaft, milk

For
lieu

to

hung up

of

it,

pottage;

fome greens

this diet to dine in their

for

pound of mutton, fome light

pound of bread, one quart of fmall

dinner, half a

a pint of broth, one

own wards.

Breakfaft as above; for dinner one pound of meat, one pint of broth, one pound

of bread, three pints of fmall beer; fupper in the two

laft

named

diets, to

be of the broth

left at

dinner;

or, if thought neceflary, to be of milk pottage.

Rice milk, orange whey, orange and lemon water, tamarind whey and water, vinegar whey, balm tea,
Thefe to be difcretionally ordered by the Phyfician and Surgeons.

fage tea.

Thus

it

is

done

in the

New

Prifonat Burgos, p. 161.

CORNWALL.
5

CORNWALL.

Western Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL

LAUNCESTON,

FELONS.

FOR
GAOLER,

at

deputy, under the conftable of the

John Mules,

now John

Carpenter, Efq.

augmented by the county from ^8

Fees,

Felons,

13

caftle,

Laun-

Coryndon

ceston.

Anthony Roe, Efq.

Salary,

391

to 12,

now 16,

4.

Tranfports, \d. a mile each.

none.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Felons, a three-penny loaf each in two days; white or brown at
their option (weight
brozvn,

Number,

lb.

11.

Dec. 1775, of white

Sep. 13,

1775, Dec. 23,

4,

4.

8.

1782, July 31,

o.

6.

1783, Feb.

1.

Tuefday and Friday.

50, for

Mr.

Salary,

this

and the county gaol

gaol,

thefe

laft for

damp

3,

at

Bodmin.

Bennett.

though

belonging to the old ruinous

built in the large green

The

vering half that ground.

dow

10 as.

15.

very fmall; houfe and court meafuring only 52

one window

lib.

Rev. Mr. Lethbridge.

Salary,

SURGEON,

head

Felons, &c.

1779, Feb.

Duty,

THIS

2 oz.J.

Felons, &e.

1774, Feb. 19,

CHAPLAIN,

is

prifon

caftle,

by 44; and the houfe not coa room or paffage 23-7 feet by 7-5-, with only

is

feet

by if: and three dungeons or cages on the fide oppofite the winare about 6f feet deep
one 9 feet long ; one about 8 ; one not 5
this
2 feet

They were

women.

earth floors

mitted to go out to
lives diftant.

all

no infirmary.
it.

No

very offenfive.

The

chimney

court not fecure

Indeed the whole prifon

is

no water

no fewers

and prifoners feldom per-

out of repair, and yet the goaler

once found the prifoners chained two or three together.

Their provi-

was put down to them through a hole (9 inches by 8) in the floor of the room
above (uled as a chapel)
and thofe who ferved them there, often caught the fatal
fion

fever.

At my

firft vifit

(an old foldier) fick of

of

it;

found the keeper, his

I
it

and the keeper and

and heard that

his wife in

affiftant,

and

all

the prifoners but one

few years before, many prifoners had died

one night.
I

learned

Remarks.

CORNWALL.

392
learned that a

woman who was

Weste rn Circuit.

difcharged juft before

my

firft vifit

the grand

(by

jury making a collection for her fees) had been confined three years by the ecclefiaftical
court, and had three children in the gaol.

The King,

of his royal bounty, offered

been done by the county

in

There

^2500

no

is

table of fees.

towards a new gaol; but nothing had

1776.

In 1779, five hundred pounds of the king's bounty was appropriated to

this

gaol.

Tn a paffage 5^ feet wide there were for men four new cells (8 feet by 6-i, and 8 feet
4 inches high) a day- room, and a court. Over thefe rooms are the gaoler's apart-

Adjoining

ments.

is

the old gaol, which

is

for

women and the court

is

made

fecure

no water.
I

was edified by the ferious behaviour of the chaplain

fpect

him, and were very

The mayor

The

at prayers.

prifoners re-

attentive.

fends the prifoners weekly one {hillings worth of bread

no memorial of

Tranfports had not the king's allowance of zs. 6d. a week.

the legacy in the gaol.

Neither claufes againft fpirituous liquors, nor the act for preferving the health of
foners, are

hung

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
Bride-

WLL

The county
walls

pays

^20

a year for this

round the court not

fafe

enough

few years ago the gaol-fever Was very

Keeper's falary railed from

prifon.

It

much

20

to

it.

out of repair;

The
I

and the

night-rooms are two

was informed that a

not only in the prifon, but alfo in the

2 8

no

fees, 16s. 8d.

a three-penny loaf in two days (weight, Dec. ijjs,

well: his falary

is

clofe glazed.

by 12,

fatal,

BODMIN.

at

to let prifoners ufe

garrets, with fmall fky-lights 17 inches

town.

pri-

up.

310Z.).

table.

Allowance,

furgeon to this bride-

20.
1774, Sep. 14, Prifoners 19.

The above was

1775, Dec. 22,

29.

1779, Feb.

13.

4,

the account in 1779, but

prifoners are fent to the

new

now

the prifon

is

difcontinued,

and the

county-gaol in this town.

SHERIFF

'$

CORNWALL.

Western Circuit.

WARD

SHERIFF'S

KEEPER,

Jofeph Gatty, afterwards his

Salary,

25.

Fees,

Debtors,
befides

13

BODMIN,

at

COUNTY PRISON

the

39?,

debtors.

for

Widow.

Bodmin.

4.
1

to the fheriff.

none.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, none.

Garnifti,

Number,

Debtors.

19.

1779, Feb.

13.

none.

with

18.

4,

none.

which the

prifon, for

back court

o.

1774, Sep. 14,

1775, Dec. 22,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,
THIS

fherifT paid

ftream running

20

through

and fome windows were flopped up

above twenty years

a year, was out of repair.

it.

*.

The

He

This was the account

new

have mentioned

fpacious

faid

he had been

in that office

and during the whole time had but four prifoners who obtained

from their creditors the allowance commonly called the

are fent to the

keeper paid window-tax,

in

1779, but now the prifon

is

groats.

difcontinued, and the debtors

gaol.

this drcumjfanee in the

beginning of my work, page

8.

and have belides often oecafion-

made of this tax in prifons; and where it is, the gentlemen in the commiflion of the peace probably do not know or attend to it. Keepers always pay it with
grf at reluftance ; and it is a temptation to them to flop up windows the air from which may be very effential
ally noticed it, fince in feveral counties,

no demand

is

to the health of the prifoners.

COUNTY

Remarks,

CORNWALL.
COUNTY GAOL
Bodmin.

GAOLER,

Western Circuit*

BODMIN.

at

James Chappie.

Salary,

30.
Debtors,

Fees,

17

13

14.

Felons,

5:

Tranfports,

none.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

men &c.

of meat
Debtors,

Garnifh,

of bread,

lib. 302.

and on Sundays half a pound

(fee regulations.)

0:2:0.

Felons &c. none.

Number,

Debtors.

1782, July 31,

CHAPLAIN,

(fee Launcejlon).

THIS

is

gaol

built

is

8,

fine

eminence,

at

little

is

good houfe

Here

diftance

and a chapel.

for mafter's-lide debtors,

each fex of debtors, of felons,

for

and of

feet high),

condemned

houfe there

is

cells.

which

There

are

is

furnilhed with a

two rooms

for an

In two of the courts are baths.

a turret with an alarm-bell

and clock.

from the town,

for the gaoler, in

There

are feparate

petty offenders or bridewell

and each prifoner has a feparate lodging- room (about

and 7!

blankets and a coverlet.

three

on a

a conftant current of water.

rooms and courts

feet

his curate.

Mr. Hamley.

which there are apartments

prifoners;

30.

new

where there

by

Saturday

Salary,

Salary,

Remarks.

Petty Offenders.

Rev. Mr. Lethbridge.

Duty,

SURGEON,

Felons.

14,

feet

inches

by

bedftead,

ftraw-bed, two

infirmary,

and under them

In the centre of

The

men who

the gaoler's

are confined for

petty offences, are employed in fawing and polifhing ftone, and, as they have the

county allowance, have only one fixth of what they earn.

liquors are

hung up.

but the gaol

is

The

Claufes againft fpirituous

acl for preferving the health of prifoners

now kept very neat and

clean*

is

not

hung up,

CORNWALL.

Western Circuit.
By

395

the gentlemen of this county have erected

a fpirited exertion,

humanity, and attention to the health and morals of prifoners

Here were committed from Jan.

1780, to

13,

July

a.

monument of their

*.

Gaol.

Debtors 75,

1782,

27,

Felons &c. 92, Petty offenders 94.

The following tables of fees and regulations were printed and hung up, though no
figned.

A Table

of

Fees

and

Rates,

propofed to be taken by the Head Gaoler and Turnkeys ,

at i Oil, nin.

DEBTORS.

From

FIRST CLASS.

Every debtor voluntarily going

To the turnkeys,
To keeper at difcharge,
To the turnkeys,
Every debtor lodging

Two fuch

into the matter's ward, to

-

bed

week,

to himfelf, per

own bed

in mailer's houfe, bringing his

for

SECOND
turnkeys,

in the mailer's houfe, a

Every debtor lodged over the arcades,

To
To
To

at entrance,

debtors in a bed each,

Every debtor

pay the keeper

lodging-room,

keeper at difcharge,

Every fuch debtor over the arcades lodged

in the keeper's

Common debtors
To turnkeys,

For figning every

For

to himfelf, per

having only ftraw, mattrefs, or their own bed, to keeper

-

DEBTORS
For copy of

bed and room

of court,

*'.

For difcharge of every debtor on compofition, or by any aft of infolvency, or

"
profecution, (of which zs. c,d. is to be the turnkey's fee)

For every convift difcharged,

From

beg leave here

to

pay

my

..

<

for

0
0
0

6
0
0
0

5
2

0
0
0

0
6

9
0

'

0
0

wa#t of

for

which the fee

is

not paid by the county,

perfons committed to

For every perfon difcharged from bridewell,

who

felons.

From
For every felon acquitted and difcharged
For every perfon bailed out, or difcharged,

0
8

regiftering any declaration againfi: prifoner,

.4

GENERAL.

IN

warrant, if demanded,

at difcharge,
-

certificate to obtain a fuperfedeas, or a rule, or order

Iheriff's

D.

week

fuch debtors in a bed, each per week,

s.

0
0
0

turnkeys,

Two

0
0
0

CLASS.

to the keeper at entrance,

acknowledgments to

*3

4
4
4

13

bridewell.

"John Call, Efq.

a worthy magillrate of this county,

has taken unwearied pains in this bufinefs, for the prefent of his very elegant drawing and plan of

this prifon.

q1

Articles,

CORNWALL;

39 6

Bodmin

and Allowances, eftablifhed for the Gaol,

Regulations,

Articles,

County

Bodmin

Gaol.
I.

II.

No garnifh or other exactions

No abufe, ill-treatment, or

at entrance permitted to

at

and

Bridewell,

Ward,

Sheriff's

at

be taken.

between the prifoners

affray, to be fuffered

and abettors to be punifhed

actors

Western Circuit.

the difcretion of the head gaoler,

by

if

fuch do happen, the

clofer confinement, harder

labour, or reduced allowance.

games

III. All forts of

money

for

or liquors, are ftriftly prohibited, and muft be prevented, and inno-

cent exercifes and fuch as are conducive to health only to be allowed.

IV. Irons to be provided at the county expence, and kept ready, but not ufed, except they are abfolutely
receffary for punifhment or fecurity.

V. Mailer or principal debtors of property, are to be lodged, at their own requeft and choice, in the
rates and no more, for rooms, beds, and diet.
Ordinary debtors
are to be lodged over the arcades in beds of the keepers, or their own, according to their choice or ability
of paying the eftablifhed rates.
VI. Every man felon, and bridewell criminal, fhall be allowed every day one pound and three
ounces of good wholefome bread, and every woman felon, and bridewell criminal, one pound of the

keeper's houfe, paying the eftablifhed

fame

of

fort

bread,

allowances fhall be reduced by order of

fuch

unlefs

the head gaoler

for

ill-

behaviour.

VII. All felons who receive a daily allowance, fhould be kept

to

hard labour

The

ployment.

The

fhall

be

kept thereto

ftrictly

ftated time

and

fome work.

to

All perfons committed

other criminals in bridewell fhould have fome

all

of labouring to be ten hours per day

in

fummer, and eight hours

keeper to have one fixth part of the earnings, the perfons labouring one fixth part for their

befides the full

amount of

their extra

work, and the remaining two third parts

em-

in winter.

own

ufe r

go

to the

be

at fix o'clock in

the

of March, and at eight o'clock during the

reft

to

county ftock,

towards the expence of their maintenance.

The head

VIII.

evening, from the

firft

of November to the

fuffered to

go

to be kept

always

to

be

is

is

to

to be at fun rifing in the morning,

day time,
let out,

unlefs to

wafh or clean them

from the

No

perfon to be

the doors

and windows

except the doors at the foot of each

ftaircafe,

which are

fhut.

night

any

courts, nor

thirty-firft

of March, and at fix o'clock the reft of the year.

into the night cells in the

cells to

thought neceflary,

ment

thirty-firft

open when the prifoners are

The

JX.
if

day of October to the

ring alfo at opening the cells, which

To

of the year.

gaoler to ring his bell at the hour of locking-up, which

firft

be cleaned by one of the prifoners daily, and wafhed once a week, or oftener,

which mops and brooms

flicks, ftones,

to the offender,

X. The chaplain
in the chapel, at

for

and indulgence

will read prayers

which

all

will

be allowed.

or other obftructions thrown

down

No

filth

of any kind

the houfes of office,

to be left in the

under fevere punifh-

to the informer.

and preach every Saturday, government

faft,

and thankfgiving days,

perfons in the feveral wards muft attend, (if in a condition fo to do) otherwife

they will be punifhed at the difcretion of the gaoler.

XI. All the felon and bridewell delinquents,

behave well,

fhall

who

attend divine fervice the preceding Saturday, and

have, befides the eftablifhed allowance of bread, half a pound of meat, at the county

expence, made into broth, every Sunday for dinner

XII.

It is

and every

requefted and

juftice

recommended to

the juftices at Bodmin fcflions, the grand jury at the afiizes,

adling in the commiffion of the peace, to infpect, as often as poflible, the gaol and

bridewell, and to enquire into the treatment of the prifoners, and the diftribution of their refpe&ive allow-

ances.

The

fheriff

and

his

deputy,

it

is

to

be hoped, will often

vifit,

and enquire into the Mate and treatment of

the felons, as well as the debtors.

XIII.

The

CORNWALL.

Western Circuit.
The head

XIII.

gaoler to keep a book

which he

of regifter for each ward, in

397
is

to enter the following,

who lhall be committed to his cuftody. Date of confinement Perfons name

abode By whom confinedFor what offence Stature, complexion, &c Where difcharged

particulars of every perfon

Place of

how

difpofed of

Remarks on behaviour,

or

&c.

FALMOUTHTOWNGAOL.
Two
court

rooms, the largeft 10

inches

feet 8

by 9

no chimney

dirt floor;

feet 8,

Keeper one of the town-fergeants,

no water.

lives near

no

falary

no

fees,

6 s. %d. no table.
j 775, Dec. 19, Prifoners
1783, Feb. 5,

Feb.

TRURO Town

Gaol.

the two fergeants at

which

confifts

chimneys

are the

No

775> Dec. 18,

At

A Prison

Gaol.

full

11

floor

feet

for

his

houle,

with

fquare, and

very damp.

He

to

little

laid,

for

the prifon

is

two upper ones are vaulted, and have

Two clofe rooms

No prifoners.

PENZANCE
the

Hundred and

Two

to

prifoner.

no court

is

no water,

alfo

Liberties of

rooms
fight

the

in

Pen with

keeper's

ftable-yard

away the

for

no chimney.

not been opened for four weeks

clear

The room

and hearing.

window 18 inches fquare

6 high:

The door had

One

1783, Feb. 4,

when

is

Earth

went

but

men
in

There was only one debtor, who-

dirt.

have been robuft, but was grown pale by ten weeks clofe confinement,
food, which he had from a brother,

the dampnefs of the prifon, with but

with forrow)

to fend for

He has

the

who was poor and. had

little

a family.

draw, had obliged him (he fpoke

bed on which fome of

whom died
written me a leLter

and ten children, two of

ftarving.

the

and quite out of

and then the keeper began

feemed

houfes in front,

Dec. 21,

property of Lord Arundel.

from

Two

In the back court

keepers.

prifoners.

1775,

The

2,

water.

PENZANCE Town

diftant

3>

Built about ten years ago.

mace who

of four convenient rooms

no

o.
o.

his children lay.

fince

he came

thither,

fince,

by which

learn

and the
that

hb

He
reft

had a wife

were almoft

diftrels

was not

mitigated,

Bodmin.

Penzance,

A L

Western Circuit.

L.

and that he had a companion, miferable

mitigated,

Keeper no

C O R

39$

falary

fees,

few years ago

s.

\d. every action

prifoners,

five

no

LOS TWIT HI EL Gaol,

fheriff's

ward

family,

that

he had

The

white-wafhed once a year.

are

the

of
firfl

(There are

eftate

who was

continual

infolvent act freed the prifoner and the eftate.

arreftcd for

plaintiff paid

the

for

The

extend over the whole borough.

rules

a prifoner

his

room on

a large

Duke

of the

the property

confinement, and they were ufed one year as the

and not a bad character; yet the

and dying then, bound

Is

1.

room below

vaulted

Thefe

for

for the county.)

me

keeper told

it.

rooms defigned

Debtors,

for

Cornwall, lord of the Stannaries.

and three rooms over

allowance.

was informed, grew defperate by what they

1775, Dec. 21, Prifoner

feveral other

No

and broke out.

fuffered in this wretched prifcn,

floor

himfelf.

as

table.

him

the

man had

his groats for

payment of them

Keeper no

falary

fees,

a large

two years

13

but the

4^. no

s.

table.

PENRYN
feet fquare

1774, Sep. 14, Prifoners

1775, Dec. 18,

4.

1782, July 30,

2.

Borough Gaol.
chimney

in each.

1783,

PENRYN
earl

inches.

for beer.
as

Prison,

at

for

One room
Keeper now pays

of Godolphin.

Two
The

No

Feb. 6,

Debtors.
12

2.

rooms adjoining

con liable

13 feet by
rent,

12

to the town-hall,

prifoners.

and 6^ high
:

o.

Fees,

prifons,

the property of the

window

2 feet

by

inftead

and even county-gaolers houfes, on the

foot

Licence

135.4^. notable.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not hung up

fome other

about 74

keeper.

Leonard's chapel

St.

12-i,
:

is

of which, here,

outfide,

is

written,

Spirituous liquors fold here.

1775,

Dec. 19, Prifoners

o.

1782^ Feb.

6, Prifoner 1.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

at

399

IVELCHESTER.
Ivelches.
TER.

Edzvard Scadding.

Salary,

25.

Fees,

Debtors,

Tranfports,

12

Felons,

6:8.

o each.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

two pence

Felons,

Aug. 2,

bread (weight,

in

Debtors.

Felons See.

31,

22.

1779, Feb.

7,

33,

15.

2,

45,

18.

1782, Aug. 2,

38,

14.

1775, Dec. 14,

34,

17.

Aug.

CHAPLAIN,

Rev. Mr. Dttmett, afterwards Mr.

Duty,

now, only Sunday.

Salary,

50, now 30.

SURGEON,

Mr.

Salary,

now Mr.
now 16.

Shorland,

j8,

THE gaol
in

lately

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1774, Feb. 21,

felons

0:3:6.

Garnifli,

Number,

court, a

day each, money

1782, lib. 20Z.J

is

near the river,

day-room and
;

now Mr.

Pear/on.

Palmer.

and has no ofFenfive fewers.

Debtors have the front

and a lodging-room (42

feet

by

18), called the long-gaol^

which two fmall windows towards the river are improperly flopped up

the ftone floors

court, in

which

The women

no bedfteads.
is

no water.

Thefe have

felons

have

no feparate

Remarks.

The

lodging-rooms, five of which are fiee wards.

fifteen

have a day-room

Pejler,

ft

lodging-room and

day-room

raw on
a clofe

a room, which

is fit,

and feems to have been defigned for that ufe, is taken by the gaoler for a ft able. No
infirmary: no bath. This gaol is too fmall for the general number of prifoners. Aflizes
never held here.

Prifoners are

Bridgewater, where the prifon

and

eight days.

From

Midfummer

the bridewell at

for trial to

only one room

is

Taunton

or to Wells, where

there

or to
is

no

1775, the prifoners were kept in that city

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors, and the act for preferving the health a

prifon at all:

prifoners,

removed

not

yet,

No
.

afllze

hung up.

a legacy of

Midfummer.

at

Mr.

Kelfon of

Norton, the pooreft debtors have

fifty (hillings

at

memorial hung up.

Semer/elf

SOMERSETSHIRE.

4oo
IvelchesTER

County
Gaol.

At

Somerfet, to <wit.

Before

the General Quarter Seflions

Edward Phelips,

Efq.
*

A Table

Gaol

For

To

in

fettled

and for the

and eftablifhed
faid

allowed

day of March

31ft

to

Iwlchejler 1761

at

be taken by the Keeper of the

virtue of an Aft

County by

the difcharge of every debtor

the turnkey

the

Sec.

Rates and Fees

of

-held

Western Circuit.

33d of

s.
0 13
1
0

For every debtor's lodging fingly weekly including the ufe of a bed and bedding
But if two debtors lodge together then each weekly
The gaoler is not to compel any debtor to lodge fingle.
If a debtor has a bed and bedding of his

own

If he lodges in the outfide ward, then weekly only

If a bed of his

own

then nothing for

common

Geo. II.

Edw*

4
0

0
0

it

D.

m Rodbard,

Pbelips,

Giles Strangway.

J?i Brickdalc^

Tho Camplin,
s

29 July

76 1.

W*

do hereby approve and

ratify the

Table of Fees above written purfuant

to the faid

ltatute.

Eardly Wilmot

W
Stmerfet,
faid

At

to tx.it.

County of

the General Quarter Seflions of the

Somerfet, the

Gun/ion,

Peace held at the City of Wells

in

and for the

15th day of January in the year of our Lord 1760, before John Brickdak,

the Honourable Gro>ge Somerville, the

Pincbnan, Thomas

Noel.

Rev. Thomas Camplin Doctor of Laws, William Porburd, "John

Efquires, and other their Companions,

Charles Slrangiuay, John Somen,

Jufticesof our lord the King, afligned to keep the Peace of our faid lord the King, and alfo to hear

and determine divers Felonies Trefpaffes and other Mifdemeanors done or perpetrated
and

in the

fame County

fo forth.

A Table

of

Rates

and

Fees

fattled

and eftablifhed

at this faid

General Quarter Seflions of the

Peace, allowed to be taken by the Gaoler and Keepers within their refpective Gaols or Prifons in

and for the faid County, together with Rules and Orders to be by them refpe&ively obferved and kept

by Virtue of an Adl of Parliament

for that Purpofe

made

in

the

3 2d

Year of

his prefent

Majefty's

Reign.

To
For every

For every day's diet after the

faid

from the

twenty-four hours

arreft

For every other expence, the guard and every charge included, for the whole time he
remain in cuftody

To

not be paid)

For

fhall

the Keepers of the Publick Houfes of Correction in the faid County

For the difcharge of every prifoner (except

To

the turnkey

in

cafes

where the court

fhall think

the prifoners bed and bedding weekly if found by the keeper if fingle

pay only one half

if

D.

-004
-010

a Bailiffe:

night's lodging after twenty-four hours

it

S.

036

lhould

-0134
-010

-010

double each

To

SOMERSETSHIRE.

Western Circuit.
To
For

the Keeper of the

in

and for the

faid

County

IVELCHES-

D.
and felon (except in cafes where the court

the difcharge of every debtor

the turnkey

fliall

think

it

ought

TER.

County
Gaol.

not to be paid)

To

common Gaol

401

fingly weekly, including the ufe of a bed and bedding

For every debtor's lodging

If a bed and bedding of his

own

If he lodges in the outfide wards then only weekly

If a bed of his own, nothing for

it

Rules and Orders to be obferved as follows

Prifoners to be carefully fhut

and Lady-day

at eight

up every evening

of the clock

in the

at fun-fet; to

be

let

out every morning between Michaelmas

morning and between Lady-day and Michaelmas

at fix of the

clock in the morning

To

have liberty

The
Each

buy

to

own victuals and drink in or out of the prifon

pound weight of clean dry wheaten ftraw every week

their

felons to have ten

felon to have a two

penny loaf of houfehold bread according

to the affize of bread for the time

being

each day
Felons

men and women

fick felon to

The whole

to

be locked up feparately from each other every night

be kept feparate from the

reft as

conveniently as poflible

prifon bog-houfe finks and gutters to be kept as clean as poflible

W.

John Brickdale
This
pf

is

a true

May

copy of the original

1782 by

filed

Rodbard

Tbo. Gun/Ion

J. Somers

Examined

with the records of the county of Somerfet.

this

zd day

me
Geo.

Warry Deputy clerk of the peace of the

faid

county of Somerfet

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
TAUNTON.
which
the
a

it

This prifon, called Wilton gaol (from the name of the parifh

ftands), has

condemned

cell,

on the ground-floor, a work-room,

On

and the chapel.

the

firft

lodging-room for men,

floor the

women's lodging-room,

ftraw-room, and feveral rooms with beds for prifoners

and

women

are togethei

day-room.

in the

No

who pay

vifit

Keeper's
in

irons.

1779,

Two

falary,

all

25

fees,

14

the prifoners, and at

my

inconvenient bathing tubs

The county had

4^. no

s.

table.

laft vifit

two

for them.

Some

employment.

eight prifoners, out of nineteen, died of the gaol-fever.

day.

in

Men

years ago,

Allowance, two pence

women and

At my

Licence for beer.

man, were

in

never ufed.

generoufly gone to the limit of the act; and appointed to the

chaplain of this bridewell, and of that at Shepton-Mallet (as well as to the chaplain

of the county gaol) a

falary of 50, but the chaplains in the county gaol and at

Shepton-Mallet having neglected their duty, I was informed in 1782, that the
juftices had reduced the falary here to^ 2o, and taken off the whole at Shepton-

Mallet.

1774, Aug.

2,

Prifoners 7.

Sep. 10,

5-

1775, Dec. 14,

16.

1779, Sep.

2,

1782, Aug.

1,

Prifoners 10.
-

and Prifoner of war

3F

1.

SHEPTON-

BrideWELLS.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

402
Bridewell.

HEP TO N -MALLET.
and women.

The

me

his prifon

week: no

The women's

clofe.

no

it,

for

men

night-room, 16 feet by 7

to

make

his malt-loft.

He

was fome years ago fo unhealthy, that he buried three or four a

He

infirmary.

fees, 14s. Afd.

One day-room

date over the door, 1625.

Men's night-room too

the keeper has taken what feems to have been part of

told

Western Circuit.

a Iheriff's officer.

is

Licence for beer:

falary,

Allowance, twopence a day: no employment.

table.

hung up.

againft fpirituous liquors not

This prifon

is

25:

Claufes

white-warned twice a year.

Chaplain, now none.

1774, Feb. 21, Prifoners 44.

Aug.

3,

10.

1775, Dec. 13,

29.

TAUNTON

Town Gaol.

rented by the keeper at

Keeper no

prifoners.

10

Two

Fees, 6

falary.

s.

Fees,

Debtors,
Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

^5

rooms

12.

in an old houfe

No

court: no fewer: no water accelfible to

8 d.

no

table.

Licence

COUNTY

and

now William

Gown-money, 2

none.

for beer.

Prifoners 2, and one prifoner of war.

1,

Henry Williams>

Salary,

2,

infecure and offenfive

BRISTOL CITY
GAOLER,

1782, Aug.

per annum.

1782, Aug.

Bristol.

i779> Feb. 7, Prifoners 19.

GAOL.

Driver.

a year.

6:8.
13

4.

o each.

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
a pennyworth of bread a day, before

Felons,

of bread
Garnifh,

after

Debtors.

1774, Feb. 22,

Felons &c.

53,

38.

Aug.

23,

33>

*5i

i775> Dec.

7,

36,

16.

16,

35,

18.

CHAPLAIN,
Duty,

two-pennyworth

0:2:7.

Number,

1776,

trial

convi&ion.

Debtors.

i779> Feb.

8,

44,

Sep.

1,

47,

1,

33,

1782, Mar.

Felons &c.

21.
9-

32. Pirates 10.

Rev. Mr. Eajlerbrook.

Sunday, Wednefday, Friday.

(See Remarks.)

Salary,

SURGEON,
Salary,

Mr. Abel Bagge, now Mr. S afford.

none he makes a bill.
:

BRISTOL

SOMERSETSHIRE.

Western Circuit.

403

BRISTOL NEWGATE.
THIS

Newgate

(as that in the metropolis) {lands in the midft

number of

too fmall for the general

The

yet no free ward.

rooms

of the

It

city.

is

there are about fifteen

For debtors

prifoners.

week

pooreft pay ten pence halfpenny a

others,

two

For women-felons, a day-room and feveral night-rooms. For

men-felons, a day-room, which might be conveniently enlarged a court adjacent 20 feet
and fix-pence.

fhillings

Their dungeon, the

12, very clofe.

by

8-jhigh: barrack-bedfteads
fmall window.

There

Pit,

no bedding nor

down

18 fteps,

ftraw.

It

is

a convenient bath,

There

are

keep the prifon healthy.

clofe.

nor of

in diverfions

found

it

paifages

clean

Here

out of order.

A room or two

&c.

at the

it

no proper

is

top of the houfe

the utmoft attention

considering

with the

In this court

felons.

is

requifite

was fo crowded and fo

was fcraped and white-warned once a year before the act for prefer ving the

It

parts of

fines,

many narrow
I

That act
commodious and has a

health of prifoners.
is

Pumps

but feldom ufed.

men and women,

for an infirmary.

which

mix

by which, they become more daring and wicked than the

feparation of

to

and offenfive ; only a

another yard, the 'Tennis-Court, larger than that of the felons

is

here (as in feveral other gaols) I have feen the debtors

felons

17 feet diameter, and

is

clofe

is

it.

neatly painted

is

gallery

on a board hung up

the chapel,

in

feveral texts of Scripture are painted in fundry

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors are not

No

hung up.

table of gaoler's

fees.

The Rev. Mr. James

temporal

interefts

Rouquet has been unwearied

of the prifoners

had only once a gratuity of 20

noted in

its

*.

officiating near

Mr.

Eafter brook

to the fpiritual and

in attention

twenty years without a

now

place, there are thirteen fermons a year, for

appointed.

He

falary.

Befides the fervice

which the preacher has 4 from

a legacy.

John Hey don

left

100

to be

lent to

two merchants, each paying annually to the

1 13 4. Mrs. Aldjworth

corporation for the prifoners as intereft of his moiety,

left

5 a year, to be paid by the parifh of All-Saints; two thirds of it

who receive the money ufually on Chriftmas eve; the other third part

about

debtors,

generally laid out in coverlets or blankets for felons.

No

memorial

in the gaol

to
is

of any

legacy.

A Table

of

Fees Town

Clerk

Brtftol.

Discharge of prifoners from the highell felony to the Ioweft mifdemeanor

ij

This was written before November 1776, when Mr. Rouquet died in the forty-feventh year of

his age.

The

general forrow, and the fermons preached and printed on that occafion, more than jaftify what I have

faid

concerning the zeal of

this

pious divine.
3

BRISTOL

Remarks.

SOMERSETSHIRE.

44
Bristol.

BRISTOL
common

of a

City Bridewell.

footway

fide, are three

rooms

The common-fide,

one a day-room

The
ufe
the

in

it

is

in the keeper's houfe,

on one

fide

In the keeper's houfe, the mafter's-

fide.

the other two are beds at fix-pence a night.

the bridewell, over the way, confifts of two parts feparated by a

Each

court of about 50 feet by 17.

Total eight rooms (22

chambers.

Part of

and part on the other

Western Circuit.

part has

feet

two rooms on the ground-floor, and two

by 17^)

windows

no chimneys.

to the court;

court being quite out of fight of the keeper's houfe, he does not fuffer prifoners to

it

nor the

rooms

pump

in

it.

are very dirty,

They have no

Keeper's falary raifed from

employment.

water but what

handed to them

is

and made offenfive by fewers.

20

to

He

30.

and

no ftraw

Little or

money

receives the

all

no

for

bread allowance, two pence a day: but the prifoners often allured me, that what he gave

them from
acquitted

his

own

woman

loaf was far fhort of two-pennyworth.

prifoner detained for fees 3

s.

1774, Aug. 23, Prifoners 6.

-5.
1775, Dec. 8,
1776, Dec. 16,

BATH

City Gaol.

times overflowed,

by

is

The

In Dec. 1775,

releafed an

1779, Feb.

8, Prifoners 8.

1782, Mar.

1,

19.

7.

afcent to this prifon, built in a

a fine flight

d.

of ftone

On

fteps.

meadow which

the ground-floor

is

fome-

is

the keeper's

rooms for petty offenders. Above are three ftories ; five rooms
on each: one or two of them ufed by the keeper: the reft for debtors; one bed in a
room, in which if two prifoners fleep, they pay two (hillings a week each if one has it
Two rooms on the fecond ftory are free wards,
to himfelf, he pays four fhillings a week.
kitchen, &c. and four

one for men, the other for women

the court of requefts, 3

s.

6 d.

on the upper

is

their work-fhop.

officer

Debtors for large fums, 7

s.

no

falary

8 d.

no

There
fees, if

table.

is

from

Licence

Allowance, to debtors, none (they are liberally fupplied by voluntary dona-

for beer.

tions); to offenders

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors, and the act for

id. a day.

preferving the health of prifoners, not

hung up.

Debtors.

Offenders.

Debtors.

Offenders.

1774, Aug. 6,

16,

2.

i779j Feb. 10,

10,

2.

1775, Dec. 12,

14,

1.

1782, Feb. 28,

3,

5.

16,

11,

o. Deferters 3,

1776,

BRI DGEWATER Town Gaol.

two windows flopped up.

up twenty-feven
women. AfFize
plained to

long

floor

Keeper, a fherifFs

fmall court with offenfive fewers.

me

prifoners.

Only one middle-fized room

room at Midfummer quarter

At fummer afilze the fame year,

In this

generally laffs from

Monday

to Saturday.

feflions

and one of the

1774, were fhut

thirteen

The

two of them

keeper's mother

com-

of the confufion and diftrefs occafioned by confining prifoners thus for fo

a time.

1774, Sep. 10, and 1779, Sep.

2,

No

prifoners.

YORKSHIRE.

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit,

GAOL, YORK CASTLE.

COUNTY
GAOLER,
Salary,

Thomas Wharton, now William Clayton.

none.

Debtors,

Fees,

Admiflion,
Tranfports,

10

8:8.
9:6.
3:4.

Felons,

Licence,

405

10

o each.

Beer and Wine.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,

by

certified

their parifh,") a fix-penny loaf each

Felons,

Garnifh,

cancelled in 1774.

Number,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

no,

33-

49>

1776, Jan. 26,

Sep. 21,

1774, Jan. 25,

Nov.

CHAPLAINS,

on Ttiefday

and Friday (weighty Nov. 1774,

3 Ik 1 oz.)

3,

Debtors.

May

Felons &c.

7,

76,

14.

30.

June 28,

73,

16.

8 9,

44.

1782, Jan. 27,

69,

38,

32.

1779,

Duty,

Rev. Mr. Peacock, and Rev. Mr. Bridges.

Mr. Peacock Monday, Tuefday, Wednefday, Thurfday ; and only
from Lady-day to Michaelmas, Sunday. Mr. Bridges a fermon on

Salary,

Mr. Peacock 50 from

Friday.

Not

SURGEON,
Salary,

IN
full

is

the

Mr.

Stillingfeet,

for debtors

an afcent by a

is

Mr.

the county;

Bridges

25 from

now Mr. Favelh

and

felons*.

which does honour to the county.

a noble prifon for debtors,

fine flight

of ftone fteps to a

16 feet fquare, near 12 feet high.

Above them

or two of thefe for common-fide debtors.

is

on which are eleven rooms,

the fame number of rooms
one

floor

The rooms

the ground-floor are the gaoler's apartments,

The
juft
in

felons court

is

down

5 fteps:

on the outfide of the palifades.

it

are three cells

it

is

is

no work-room.

&c.

too fmall, and has no water: the

The day-room

in another place nine cells:

are in general about ~[\ feet

The

and healthy.

are airy

debtors weave garters, purfes, laces, &c. in the paffages, as there

On

a legacy.

lift.

^40

the fpacious area

There

ir

by 6, and 8| high;
6

men

is

only 24

and three

in

another.

for

clofe

pump

fe.et

by

The

and dark; having only

is

cells

either

a hole

Remark!.

YORKSHIRE.

406
York

a hole over the door about

Castle,

inch diameter: not any of

of

4 inches by 8, or fome perforations in the door of about an

them to the open air, but into paflages or entries. In mod
up

thefe cells three prifoners are locked

hours

on the ftone

ftraw

about 7

and

at night

brought

to be

is

in

from fourteen

in winter

There

no bedfteads.

paffages often

makes

by the gaoler's

to fixteen

condemned rooms

are four

thefe parts of the gaol

Indeed a clean prifon

cannot fay they are clean.

where the water

feen,

floors

A fewer in one of the

feet fquare.

very offenfive

Northern Circuit,

is

The

fervants.

fcarcely ever

next houfe to

the caftle-gate, and others in the neighbourhood, have river-water laid in at a moderate

expence, and at

No

court.

my

Women-felons

down
room

laft vifit it

was brought into the caftle-yard, but not into the felons

bath.
are kept quite feparate

they have two courts, but no water

in another part

is

of the gaol

near

it is

room

you go

Their condemned

four fteps to their two clofe rooms, a day and a night-room.

to confine debtors

who do

not

behave well.

The

infirmary near the gate

is

only one middle-fized room.

fex are there, thofe of the other are excluded

at

one of

my

When

prifoners of one

vifits a fick

man was

kept

out for that reafon.

At affize fome prifoners appear in court on

The county pays Mr. John Sherwood 21 a year
deliver

Friday.
befides

it

He

to the prifoners.

The

gaoler

is

The grand

s.

to

infpect and

weigh the bread, and

conftantly attends for this purpofe on

a IherifFs officer.

Tuefday and

Tranfports convicted at quarter

the bread allowance, one milling a week.

allowance of 1

county-clothing *.

their trial in the

Thofe

caft at affize

feffions had,

had the king's

6 d. a week.
in the caftle-yard is

fhire-hall

now

finifhed.

May

it

not be hoped the

gentlemen of

this great

for felons, in

which boys may be feparated from old offenders, and the other inconve-

county will not flop there, but proceed to build a proper prifon

niences of the prefent gaol avoided

At my

to the fhire-hall, confifting of feveral

Torkjhire.
Orders and Fees fettled by the
of York and confirmed by the Juftices of Affize

Juftices

which

prifoners until the fame

fhall

laft vifit,

an additional building, oppofite

rooms, was nearly finifhed f.

of the Peace of the feveral Ridings of the County
are to be obferved and kept

by

the gaoler

and

Firft

For

That every knight

his fee if

Every efquire

fhall

pay

commons

at table

t The

public-fpirited

improvement of
active

for his

committed by warrant on a
for his

this

all

be legally altered.

weekly commons

at table if

civil action

weekly

if

he eats with them

he eats with them

s.

D.

013

10

See a more judicious pra&ice, page 338.

Gentlemen of

branch of police.

this
I

County have fhewn themfelves particularly

have to return

my

and worthy magiftrate, the Rev. Mr. Zoueb) for the

attentive to the

acknowledgments (tranfmitted to me by

polite

notice they were pleafed to take of

that

my

fuggeftions relative to the ftate of their county gaol.

For

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit.
For

his fee if

committed by warrant on a

Every gentleman

commons

for his

civil aftion

weekly

at table

he

if

efquire for the fame

Every gentleman

for the

Every yeoman tradefman or

And

that

when

fame

artificer for the

fame

more

them

bed they

fhall

D.
4

-034
-006
006
-004
-002

prifoners in one

s.

10

080
-080
068

eats with

.
o

the gaoler lodgeth two or

them

eats with

For his fee if committed by warrant on a civil aftion

Every yeoman, tradefman or artificer for his weekly commons at table if he
For his fee if committed by warrant on a civil aclion
And it is further ordered that every knight (hall pay nightly for his bed

Every

407

pay

for their

lodgings amongft them after the rates above

And

every prifoner

who provides

his or their quality

And

that

and

his

fhall

own bed and bedding

pay nothing

upon the difcharge of a debtor

from any place whatfoever

to fell the

at all feafonable times for their

week

fhall

pay for

every perfon committed

to

their

commitment

to the turnkeys

aflize

fee only

and gaol delivery

-

found not guilty and be thereupon difcharged,

-

fhall

be

turnkey

pay

fhall

to

-068
-02
pay

the gaoler for his

committed

to

076
-020
-020
-

every perfon that fhall appear upon recognizance for fufpicion of felony and

is

thereupon

gaol and fhall not be indifted but acquitted by proclamation, fhall be

difcharged paying to the gaoler

all

upon

fhall

by pardon

reprieved and difcharged

difcharging fee
to the

ufe only

perfon convicted or attainted of felony or found guilty of a mifdemeanor

that every

which

own proper

the gaol for fufpicion of felony, or for mifdemeanor, if

to the gaoler for his difcharging fee

And

and no more

fame

his or her trial he or fhe fhall be

And
And

-068
-020

the gaoler fhall

every prifoner committed from the bar by the judge or judges of

in the aflize

And
And

him

every prifoner fhall have liberty to provide and fend for victuals drink and other

and not

And

againfi:

the difcharge of every debtor to the turnkeys

necefTaries

And

have a room afligned fuitable to

be feveral attions

if there

take no more than one fee and that to be

And upon
And that

fhall

fame

for the

others that fhall be committed to gaol before the aflizes or gaol-delivcry and fhall

not be indifted but acquitted by proclamation be difcharged paying to the gaoler

020

to wit.
At the Aflizes held at the Caftle of 2V/ 14th July 1735 the 9 th of George II.
before the Honourable Alexander Denton Efquire one of his Majefly's Juftices of the Court of
Common

Teripire,

Pleas,

Bench,

and the Honourable William Lee Efquire one of

his Majefly's Juftices

Thefe Orders and Fees, were allowed and approved of by

of the Court of King's

Alex Denton

Wm Lee.
Torkjhire Eaft

Riding

John Grimjlon

Ramfden Barnard

Weft Riding

of Torkjhire

Geo Nelthorpe

N Hawey.

John Dodfworth

John Milbanke

North Riding of

Torkjhire

Tho. Grimjlon.

John

JVaJlcll.

An
8

York.

Castle.

YORKSHIRE.

>408

York

An

Account of the

Charity

Northern Circuit.

given to the Prifoners in his Majeft>'s Gaol the Caftle of York.

CaSTLE

'

The Lady

Lumley, to be given yearly on St. Thomas's day and paid by the lord

.The honourable and ancient city of York weekly in bread

Mrs. Frances Thornhill

Dr. Pbineas

for ftraw, the lord

Alderman White

in his

hands for that purpofe

that hear fermons

all

S.

D.
o

-026

o
o

10
2

bread by the name of Sixain's bread, paid out of a clofe belonging to John

Legg, quarterly 6 s. 6 a".

Mr.

mayor of York has 30

Hodgefion paid weekly in rolls to

mayor of York

-160
-100

Boives gave twenty (hillings to be paid quarterly in bread

Mrs. Mary Laiv/on of Micklegate in the city of York widow by will dated the 22d July 1729 gave 100
for the difcharging of poor prifoners for debt out of the county gaol of York whofe debts did not
exceed the fum oizo
with faid

The

money

and her executrixes Mrs. Catharine Bower and Mrs. AnnMaxnell difcharged

thirty-two prifoners.

right honourable Richard earl of Burlington and Sir George Savile Bart, gave each of
for the like

ufewith which twenty

guineas the Rev.

Mr. Kayley ordinary of

them ten guineas

the faid gaol difcharged

eighteen prifoners.

C O
Bride-

UN TY BRIDEWELLS.

WEST-RIDING, WAKEFIELD.
ground
but

all

fo that

it is

to floods.

is

though adjoining

court only half an hour in the day.

utmoft attention to cleanlinefs.

A prifon

Keeper's

contracting to fupply ftraw and

or no employment.

are fpacious

made very

offenfive

by

Prifon and court out of fight from the keeper's houfe,

They

and fome prifoners have efcaped.

upon low

unfortunately built

Four of the wards

the wards and the men's three lodging-rooms are

fewers, which are dark.

little

This prifon

damp, and expofed

The

coals.

on ground

fo

falary lately raifed

No

fees.

now

are

low

let

out to the

as this, requires the

from^8o to,fio5; he

Allowance, two pence a day

rooms arched with

infirmary confifts of two

brick,

i\ \ feet by 17, and 10 high.

May

1774, Nov. 4, Prifoners 27.

1779,

1776, Jan. 11,

32.

1782, Jan. 26,

-Oft. 27,

19.

NORTH-RIDING, THIRSK.

13, Prifoners 20.

-

rooms on the ground-floor,

Six

ImprefTed 4.

26.

in

one of them

The county has ground enough about this prifon to enlarge it, and
feparate the men and women.
If they do, they fhould think of an infirmary for
the keeper told me his prifoners had the gaol-fever not long ago.
His falary,

a chimney.

0.6

10

o.

Fees, is.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

7/6 )

Jan.

779>

June 28,
Mar. 23,

1782,

13,

hung up.

Prifoners 3.

2,

9.

and one lunatic.

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit.
EAST- RIDING,

No

half a year.

On

pump, but a

In the court not only a

a

ftraw.

1774, Nov. 2, Prifoners

1776, Jan. 28,

Sep. 2 r,

Coals, two chaldron

of rain-water.
faw fome tile-fherds, which probably were
cittern

Keeper's falary, 30: fees, 4s. no table.

defigned for employment.

May

7, Prifoner

2.

1779,

1.

1782, Jan. 29,

2.

YORK CITY
GAOLER,

Brim-

the ground-floor, three fmall night-rooms*

above, four rooms for thofe that pay.
with a chimney

BEVERLEY.

and a new work-room

and

49

now

Francis Meggefon.

He

pays

10

nowjfio.

Fees,

Debtors,

i.
1-.

COUNTY GAOL.

and

Quint in Ackam,

Salary,

10

York.

o a year to the under-fheriff.

0:6:8.

0:7:8.

Felons,

Tranfports, probably the fame as at the cattle.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none but legacies.
Felons,

of

(See Remarks.)

nine pence a week in bread.

late,

0:7:0.

Garnilh,

Number,

Debtors. Felons &c.

Felons &e.

Debtors.

11,

7.

r77^j Sep. 21,

10,

2.

3,

5,

1.

1779,

7,

12,

2.

1776, Jan. 26,

9,

3.

1782, Jan. 27,

5,

3..

1774, Jan. 25,

Nov.

CHAPLAIN,

none.

S.URGEON,

Mx.fValiiSy occafionally.

THIS

May

Deferters 2

gaol upon Oufe-bridge, called the Kidcots, has on one fide of the bridge

four convenient chambers for debtors, about

feet fquare

for thefe they

pay

fix-

Below them is a free ward with barrack-beds; and a room to the

At the window they fell nets, purfes, laces, &x over it is an infeription on a
The ad for prcferving
ftone tablet, " He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord"
the health of prifoners, painted on a board, is hung up in the debtors hall.
The men-felons ward on the other fide is down 1 fteps that adjoining, for

pence a week.
ftreet.

y.'omen,

down

10.

There

is

new room,

with oppolite and lofty windows,

At

the inner doer of this prifon,

for

level

prifoners

which was of
3

with the ground, 31 feet by 14,

committed on fufpicion of felony.

iron grates,

have feeh liquors handed

to

"R EM

AS

K!

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit.

who feemed to have had enough before. At my firft vifits there was no water
but when there was too much
that is, in a very high flood
then it
Gaoler, a lheriff's officer for city and
flows into the rooms: now water is laid in.
county.
There is now a table of donations hung up.
to thofe

in this prifon,

At the General Quarter

City of York.

Honourable

Sir

Seflions

John Lifer Kaye Eart. Lord Mayor

Guildhall

at

15th

Thomas Place Efq r

July

1737

Right

before the

Charles Sl;r:Jy fq r . of

Recorder

Counfel Sir Tancred Robin/on Bart &C.

Gaoler's Fees

fettled

Orders

and

made &c.

And

for the

firft

action, to the gaoler

for the difcharge of every other action to

To the porter or
And for every

turnkey for the

firlt

action

other action to him

For the difcharge of every other perfon from the

And

to the

For the

And

turnkey

firlt

week's diet of

for all further time as

afiizes

own

diet after the

upper gaol

every week

week

firlt

have liberty of finding the fame

or his deputy on
fhare of

demand? and on

box-money

difcretion

fhall

refufal

or fland in charge

amongft the moll needful

Every prifoner who attempts

or

affifts

pay

to

in the

for

to

mailer's fide

fheets for

he thinks proper.

two beds

in each

who

room and no more.

fhall ufe fwearing,

curling,

every fuch offence twelve pence to the gaoler

be levied by

diftrefs

on goods

or

flopped out of

the fines to be diftributed at gaoler's,

low gaol.

an efcape

weekly payments aforefaid

permit

if

to

be paid before releafe

to be ironed.

Thofe who mutiny on gaoler or deputies or hinder or

default of

is

Ordered that every perfon of what degree or condition foever

own bed, bedding and

the gaoler fhall have liberty if he fees occafion to have

railing or other indecent behaviour

On

the gaoler

s.

night

firft

And
And

is

And

his

Audit

If two in a bed each

fhall

if the prifoner finds

every prifoner

if the prifoner pleafes

bed bedding and fheets for the

if the gaoler finds

in the

and gaoler can agree.

the prifoner

And for every other night

And if two lie in one bed for the firft night each
And for the fecond and every other night each
For lodging

or fcffions to the gaoler

perfons in the upper gaol

all

prifoners to provide their

For lodging

him

D.

-054
-010
-010
-006
068
010
-070
-006
-003
-004
-002
006
-003
.

For the difcharge of every debtor

after

diflurb &c.

demand and

to be kept in

refufal

a prifoner

clofe confinement.

may be moved from

the

to the common room.

J L
Donations

Ci'y cfYork, to ixit.

Mrs. Elizabeth Tayl.r; by

will,

Kaye, Mayor.

to the Prifor.ers in the

T.

Sam.

Place

Gaol upon Oufe-bridge

in the

Clarke.

faid City.

dated 21ft October 1580, gave three fhillings and four pence yearly, to

be divided amongil the prifoners, on Ludy day.

The

corpoiation of York pay yearly Peacock's gift, being three pounds four fhillings, to be divided amongft
the poor prifoners.

Mr. William Edmcnfou's

gift,

being

one pound

fix

fhiilings,

is

diftributed weekly

in bread

to

the

prifoners.

YORK

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit.

YORK

City Bridewell.

Has

day-room

for

411

men, and another

for

women

Down

4 fteps are five night-rooms for men ; and a large one,

with barraek-bedfteads for women.
The whole dirty and offenfive, not white-warned
the latter

damp.

is

No

court
no water no fewer. Keeper's falary, .20 fees, 2 s.
One chaldron of coals annually from the
no bread allowance.
corporation.
At one of my vifits fome prifoners were employed, in beating or pounding tile-fherds for the bricklayers, which is fold at 2d. or gd. a bumel.
thefe thirty years.
ftraw,

a year

St.

1774, Nov.

is

3,

Prifoners 3.

779>

May

8, Prifoners 4.

1776, Jan. 26,

1.

June 28,

8.

Sep. 20,

4.

1782, Jan. 27,

3.

PETER's Gaol,

the property of the

for the liberty of St. Peter of

Dean

who

York, near the Minfter-gate,

He

holds his courts here.

adjoining tenement for his gaoler to live

in

in

has lately purchafed an

confequence, the two rooms in which

he lived before are added to the debtors apartments, and they have now four rooms.

Under

No

thofe .are

two

cells

All

for criminals.

out of repair

no court

no fewers.

allowance.

There
liberty

is

a printed

of St. Peter.

fixty-two

towns, and parts of towns which are in the

of parifhes,

lift

Within the

city

and

ainfty,

nine places

in the Eaft-Riding,

Wefl-Riding, forty; North-Riding, fifty-one: and there

each of the following counties

is

one place in

Devonfhire, Glocefterfhire, Lancafhire, Lincolnshire,

Northumberland, Southampton, u e. Hants. In Nottinghamfhire, feven places.

fees, 6 s. Sd. no table.
Gaoler a bailiff no falary. He pays rent, 4
:

1776, Jan. 27, Debtor

Sep. 20,

1779,

May

8,

BEVERLEY Town

1.

1779, June 28, Debtors

1.

1782, Jan. 28,

2.

Felon

5.

Felon

2.

r.

o.

1.

Has on the ground-floor two rooms for menwomen: and two for debtors. No water: no
ftraw.
Keeper no falary, but as fergeant at mace has .3
fees, 45.
no table.
Licence for beer. A common alehoufe, like many other town gaols.

criminals

Gaol.

and above, a room for

Debtors.

1774, Nov.

2,

1776, Jan. 28,

Sep. 21,

The Hall-Garth,

Criminals.

Debtors.

May

Giminals.

1,

o.

1779,

7,

2,

o.

2,.

o.

1782, Jan. 29,

o,

o.

1,

1.

for Debtors,

in

the

liberty

of

St.

John's

of Beverley, the

property of Charles Anderfon Pelham, Efq. built a few years fince, has over the hall

nve rooms (16

feet

by 10); two of them have

2

fire-places.

No

court: no water:
fees,

York
City.

YORKSHIRE.
fees,

4*. id.

no

There

table.

is

lift

Northern Circuit*

of 113 towns or parts of towns, that are within

the liberty of St. John's of Beverley or Beverley-Hall-Garth.

1774, Nov.

o.

o4

Sep. 21,

RICHMOND
mondfhire,

Gaol, For

Lord

by
ft

and 6

6,

no

falary for the liberty

pays window-tax

2..

Richmond and Rich-

of Sir Thomas Dundas.

It is

Here

the aperture in the door only 6 inches by 3.

hung up.
court, and a well.
Gaoler

for the bridewell,

is

a table of fees, dated

feveral articles for the

Aug.

17,

be

which the

the table at the caftle, of

it

dition

10

o:

at difcharge

latter

is

of knights, efquires, gentlemen

York.

at

properly

The two

following are

omitted there.

" And

every perfon or perfons of what degree eftate or con-

further ordered that

whomever they

caftle

being or remaining a prifoner within the faid gaols that

be.,

"

fhall ufe or

"

conference of any matter whatfoever, at anytime or times whilft he

"

that every fuch perfon or perfons fo offending, fhall forfeit for every

the

borough,

for the
fid.

1671, and figned IV: IVylde and Ty: Lyttleton.

commons, and commitments

and yeomen, are the fame as thofe in the

in

13

debtors, 6s. 8d. at entrance, and 6s.

fees,

i6j. 4^.: allowance to the latter, four pence a day.

criminals,

The

high

feet 8 inches

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

raw.

a bailiff

ie

now

Holdernefs,

1.

For debtors, a kitchen and bed-room*

For criminals, two arched dungeons down 5 fteps ; the inner one 151.

clofe glazed.
feet

not

7, Prifoner

1782, Jan. 29,

the very extenfive liberty of

the property of

late

May

1-779,

the bridewell, and the borough gaol.

alfo

No

2, Prifoners 2.

1776, Jan. 28,

frequent any unlawful fwearing, railing, reafoning or other undecent

fum q 12 d.

to

is

a prifoner,

fuch fault

be levied upon his goods, and to be bellowed upon-the poor

" men and women in the low gaol or prifon, or every fuch perfon fo offending to be.
" committed to the faid low prifon, at the difcretion of the keeper of the gaol or his.
" deputy there."
" Every perfon or perfons that fhall be committed upon any warrant upon his her

'

or their

*'

their gamijlo."

commitment

to gaol fhall

pay to the

1776, Oct. 26, Debtors

RIPON

1779,

May

8,

1.782,

Nov.

19,,

Liberty Gaol,

king Edward IV.

free

ward.

6.

13.

Petty Offenders'

^d.

for.

1.

2..

the property of the Archbifliop, by a charter from

is

called the

For debtors, four or

For

2.s.

6.

His court adjoining,

includes twenty-four parifhes.

houfe; but no

Is

of the prifoners,

reft

felons,

Court Military.

five

good rooms

one ftrong room quite dark

The

liberty

in the keeper's

another with a
little

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit.
little

Formerly there was a deep dungeon, but the prefent fteward, inftead
very humanely ordered it to be filled up. Allowance to felons, 6d. a

window.

of repairing

it,

he

Keeper, no falary; he pays rent:

day.
table

1776, Oct. 26,

RIPON
Ripon.

10

is

15 s. \d. no

Fees, debtors,

bailiff.

May

8,

17-82,

Nov.

19,

Debtors

2.

-3.

o.

the Canon-Fee Court, belongs to the dean and chapter of

not only a gaol for that court, but a houfe of correction for the liberty.
for debtors, but

No

court

no

free ward.

no water.

No

1776, Oft.

Prison,

gaoler

keeper of bridewell,.

as

Keeper a

bailiff.

o.

Debtor

for

bridewell part, two dark rooms-,

licence for beer.

Prifoners

26,

8,
1779, May
1782, Nov. 19,

KNARESBROUGH

The

falary as

13s. 4^. no table

Fees, debtors,

0.

1779,

Gaol, For

It

Three rooms
8 feet by 7.

10

is

licence for beer.

Petty Offender

1.

o.

Debtors,

In

1.

o..

honour

the

Knarefbrough, the liberty including nineteen townfliips &c.

the

is

or

foreft

of

property of the

duke of DevonJlAre, leflee to his Majefty. It is almoft the only remains of a caflle
One room about
granted by king Edward III. to John of Gaunt duke of Lancajier.
another
fquare, is nozv boarded, has a chimney, and the window is glazed
1 2 feet
"

inner

room

about 8

is

Keeper

water.

feet

lives diftant

fquare,
falary

and has no window.

none

No

court:

no fewer: no

6s. Sd.

fees,

1776, Oct. 26, Prifoners o.

1779,

May

8,

o..

17.82,

Nov. 20,

1.

KNARESBROUGH

Prison,

difficult

accefs

12 feet fquare
a

common

an

Town

window

17 inches by 6.

Debtors,

Earth floor

fewer from the town running through

it

no

Is

under the

hall.

to defend

face

much

him from vermin

disfigured

laft vifit

Of

Only one room, about

fire-place

uncovered.

very offenfive

was informed

confined here feme years flnce, for only a few days, took in with

officer,

dog

At my

for

the door about 4 feet from the ground.

that

him a

but the dog was foon deftroyed, and the prifoner's

by them.

the door-way was altered, the floor paved with flag-ftones

and the

drain covered.

1776,

Oct

26,

1779,

May

8,

and 1782, Nov. 20,

No

prifoners.

KN A R E'S-

YORKSHIRE.

4H
Knaresbrough.

KNARESBROUGH Town
fljgh ts 0 f

up

fteps, that lead

ft orie

two windows 18 inches by

6.

Gaol,

mention

under the landing-place between two

Is

Only one room about

the hall.

to

Northern Circuit.

this fmall prifon,

becaufe in

it

8 feet

by 5

are fometimes

men and women,

made more convenient (now

confined for a night or two at quarter felTions fix or feven prifoners,

At my

lad

vifit this

by 5

13 feet 8 inches

prifon was arched with brick, and

feet).

1776, Oct. 26,

DONCASTER Town
debtors
Fees,

is.

No

</.

and 1782^ Nov. 20,

rooms

for

BRADFORD
Court not fecure

who

5,
1775, Jan.
1779, J une 2 7>

Prifoners 2.

1782, April 4,

Debtor

Prison,

In

and two over them

felons,

for

laft vifit this

^20, and he
a

new

1.

confifted of four rooms,

The deputy

keeper paid rent

2:5:0
whom

1779,

It confifts

receives

for

his houfe

he was appointed.

Fees, 5 s*.

of four rooms about twelve feet fquare.

rent for the prifon.

five children,

and he

faid

One

Keeper's

of the prifoners whofe debt was

he never before had been

in prifon.

Cap. lxv. (on a plan more humane than the former)

are reduced, and confinement " not exceeding fixty days."

May

chimney

lately efcaped

no court
by

Four rooms fronting the ftreet, I2feetby9, and a fmall one.

Keeper lives diftant. Two deferters

filing the bars

fince this the

1774, Nov. 4, Prifoners

o.

1776, Jan. 12,

1779,

13,

7.

no water: no fewer.

can be conveyed to the prifoners

May

1782, Nov. 21, Prifoners

13, Prifoners 12.

LEEDSTown Gaol.
files

for Halifax,

and a work-room.

act 20th Geo. III.

the court fees

No

for

mace,

prifon was difufed, and another occupied at the back of the

only four fhillings, had

By

at

Debtors from the Court of Requefts,

1779 the prifon

no water.

"

paid rent to the clerk of the court, by

keeper's public houfe.

falary

prifoners.

Keeper one of the fergeants

water.

Prifoners were difcharged at the end of three calendar months.

At my

No

Allowance to felons, four pence a day.

Bradford, &c. &c.

to the gaoler,

8,

Two

Gaol.

have chimneys.

all

May

1779,

o.

o.

By

windows

are double barred, fo that

no

-f

1782, Jan. 26, Prifoners o.

Nov. 20,

1,

the 17th Geo. III. Cap. xv.

t In this town is a fmall neat infirmary of forty-eight beds. The wards are lofty, and were not offenfive ; and the conftrucYum of the building feemed to me better calculated for the health of the patients,
than that of moll of our county hofpitals and infirmaries.

Kingjlon

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit.
Kingjlon upon

HULL Town

by 164.

Over

both for

criminals.

and County Gaol.

one as large for men, and over

it

The ground-room

debtors to walk on

for

no court

no water

Mr.

table.

day.

collection

and Thurfdays.

is

preferving the

for

Felons &c.

Debtors.

May

7.

8,

1.

1776, Jan. 29,

6,

3.

1782, Jan. 30.

7,

4.

Sep. 21,

4,

5.

HULL

22

feet

no fewer

Two

Bridewell.

by

or the

no draw.

common-gaol,

rooms below, two rooms on the

2 feet fquare

not fecu'rej and

10;

no allowance

no

firft

fire-place.

not permitted to go to the

prifoners

Debtors from the court of conference

three calendar

for

very o Ten five

months by the 2d George

III.

^5

a chaldron of coals

1774, Nov.

Prifoners 2.

1,

5.

Sep. 21,

o.

SHEFFIELD

lunatic f,

Prison,

wards

Both

fquare.

there are

this

and

belongs to his lordfhip.

turfs

1779,

for

May

now

prifon

Keeper no

b,

Keeper's

no

6d.

table.

2.

Petty Offenders

of the earl of Surrey.

4.

lunatic.

The

The two

court

is

lower rooms

only about 10 feet

might be enlarged on ground

falary

adjacent

that

he rents a public houfe joining to the

See page 15.

at fuch total inattention to the houfe

Mx. S

2 s.

Debtors, For the liberty of fMkrnfliire, was the

was the more furprifed

have i^d*.

7, Prifoners 11.

neatnefs and cleanlinefs of the poor-houfe, do the gentlemen of this town

molt profane lunatics,

they

1782, Jan. 30, Debtors

two rooms over them.

the

fees,

and the two lad times another

property of the duke of Norfolk,

free

mortar (for which

in

are allowed 4-^d. per ftone).

and four thoufand

1776, Jan. 29,

Every time a raving

act

1779,

xx xvi 1.
The prifoners pound tile-ftierds to mix
and pick oakum (for which they
bufhel)

f The

three pence a

to felons,

o.

Cap.

are

no

5,

fent hither,

falary,

no

1,

Court only

d.

the claufes againlt fpjfituous liquors.

and three on the fecond, about

i^s. 4

to report at the quarter

Felons &c.

Debtors.

pump

The

three years *.

in

hung up, but not

1774, Nov.

Kingji'on upon

In

made, from which the debtors receive fome fupply, on Sundays

is

Gaol delivery once

health of prifoners

floor,

Allowance

the fiate of the health of the prifoners.

feflions,

feet

week-

criminals

to

Fees,

Hilary.

has two guineas a year,

Whitehoufe the furgeon

22^

women

(hilling a

accetfibte

Gaoler no

fewer; and the felons rooms are offenfive.

is

for the military.

who pay

the keeper's houfe are five rooms with beds, for thofe

Leads

ward

debtors

dungeon, now ufed

is

The

another fmaller for

that,

to continue there for fo

much

credit

therefore;

of correction, that they permitted one of the

many

years.

prifon,

YORKSHIRE.

4.6
She?FILD
'

Debtors from the court of requefts are difcharged

prifon.

weeks.

Northern Circuit.

At my

pence, and the charges feventeen

fifteen

at the

one of the debtors, a cutler, was

laft vifit,

1776, Jan. 10, Prifoners

Oa.28,

SHEFFIELD Town

May

14, Prifoners 8.

6.

*779>

4.

1782, Jan. 25,

When

the quarter fefTions for the

town, offenders are locked up a night or two

1776, Oct. 28,

May

1779,

14,

ROTHWELL

1.

Prifoners

o.

new

prifon

BATLEY.
front

is

is

Behind

feet fquare

four

rooms were ufed

prifon.

On
much

and a dark room

women-debtors

Debtors, Belongs to the liberty of the honour of

for

for

and

rent

.1774,

but

at

There arc

in a feparate

Fees, fee

Nov.

4, Prifoners 25,")
-

day-rooms

the day

court

the

two

and work-

two rooms

for

believe, peculiar to this

The

keeper

He

table.

is

a bailiff

pays the chief

has

bailiff

RothweU

18, iBatlej.

1782, Nov. 21,

25,)

4,-^

faw both times

woman who was

faid

two of the warrant." For

the holy church in its complaints attach the
contempt as

he had
was there, one William Carr, a weaver
lhe cited him to the
good one
:

not to deferve a very

court; and he was imprifoned 4th of

the holy church as well for the

22,J

May

will tranferibe a line or

jz6th July 1776

Two

laft vifit

five or fix

^60.

* In the old prifon at Rotbwell, I

ecclefiaftical

my

13,

given a bad name to a

men-debtors

for

very kind and prudent, and,

1776, Jan. 25,

Oct. 27,
1779,

Plan rectangular

the prifon.

rooms

larger for two beds in each.

for the unruly

lodging-rooms.

provifion

is

three fides are

Licence for beer and wine.

^21 per annum

"

out of repair.

All the prifon rooms are on the ground floor.

falary.

*< to

Is

houfe for the keeper

gate.

about 10

at this

lately built at

the wall and

work-rooms

no

Prison,

Aperture in the door of

Weft-Riding are held

o.

duchy court of Lancafter.

Pontefract in the

3.

in this prifon.

Deferter

1782, Jan. 25,

Lobbies under the town-hall are two fmall

rooms, the largeft only about 8 feet fquare, and 6 high.

6 inches diameter.

thirteen

his debt only

and fix-pence.

fliillings

The

Gaol.

end of

work

at

for

by the infolvent aft; a claufe being

May

as

1774.

much

faid

He had

as the royal

W.jC. until

the injury

he

a wife and three children.

power ought not

lhall

have made

by him done unto it." He

to be wanting
fatisfaftion to

was, difcharged

then inferted for thofe jprifoners.

J wifh

YORKSHIRE.

Northern Circuit;
my

I wifli

Yet

think

reader be not tired with fo

muft not omit the

becaufe fome of them are high

regularly figned,

my

At
fums

firft

nth

vifit

fees

and

many

which
at

417

tables of fees, even for the counties.

faw

in this private Prifon at Rothvvell

The

Halifax they are the fame.

table was

January 1732.

at Batley, I

found a new table of

fees dated

26th July 1776, the

entirely the fame.

That every gentleman mail pay

commitment fee

Imprimis,
his

And

week following
Every yeoman, tradefman, or

commitment
be

it

for

is

alfo
(hall

the

week's

firft

commons

at

and

table

artificer,

ordered that when the

pay nightly

for his

bed

lodging in good room3 and on feather beds

gaoler lodgeth

D.

-0160

pay amongft them per night according

two or more prifoners

to their

numbers

him or

that every prifoner fhall have liberty to provide for

fhall

further ordered, that every gentleman fhall

it

every yeoman, tradefman, or

he or Ihe

And

fee

week following

for every

they

And

artificer,

s.

week's commons at table, and for

firft

for every

Item.

And
And
And
And

for his

in

050
0134
O40
004
002

one bed

-003

herfelf whatever neceflaries

want from any perfon or place whatsoever.

that every prifoner

fhall

be fumifhed with neceflaries according to

his,

her or their

degrees and quality, paying a reafonable price for the fame.

And

that but one fee fhall be taken

there has been

And
Item.

Item.

to the turnkey

For

more than one

-

by the gaoler

for

corpus

conduft

befides

-010
-068
-068

fee fhall be

allowing every fuperfedcas in every aftion

For allowing every writ of habeas

any prifoner's difcharge, although

him or her, which

aftion againft

money

to

be

removed

Hen. Wickham

Wedo hereby confirm the fame this

paid and

allowed according to the diftance from the faid gaol to the place where the bedy
to be

17

is

H.

P. Mines

Vouch.

z6th day of July 1776.

J. Norton
P. Milnes

H.

W.

H. AsHURST.

Zouch-

HALIFAX

Batlev.

YORKSHIRE.

4i8

Northern Circuit.

HALIFAX PRISON*,
Halitax.

For the manor of Wakefield, dated 1662, is the property of the duke of Leeds
mafter's-fide debtors, four rooms in the keeper's public houfe.
Through this
you pafs to a court about 14 yards by 7
at the further end of which is
a
fizeable room on the ground-floor for common-fide debtors, it is called the
Low Gaol: over it a chamber (the Low Gaol Chamber) where prifoners pay one
The whole prifon greatly out of repair: it rained in upon the
milling a week.
For

the rooms were

beds:

Keeper, no falary:

clean.

and pays window-tax for the gaol.

Here

is

he pays the duke 24 a year;

Fees, fee Batley, preceding page.

distributed to the prifoners

j.

4d. in bread the

firft

Saturday in every

month, from a legacy of Mr. Jonathan Turner, who died about

mentioned

Turner

"
u

of Halifax,

Halifax

in

" houfing

to

jail,

in

" Southgate to
who conftantly

butcher,

left

by

will

Bull green."

"

This

is

Jonathan

forty millings yearly to the poor prifoners

be given them in bread.

Cheapfide, in

1724.

4W. IJJ5, page 645.

Watfons Hijlory &c. of Halifax,

in

Halifax, or the

Thefe houfes

This annuity

charged on fome

pofleffion of

in the

are

is

from the north end of

leading

ftreet

Mr.

Waterhonfe,

pays the legacy, and his name almoft enfures the continuance of the

benefaction.

24,

Sep.

16,

1779,

Ma y

i3>

1782,

Nov

21,

* In this town, formerly the barons

had power of
axe

life

and death.

When

in

the

week or

Two men

thereabouts, and on

public flocks

and

either

many

upon

it

7.
57.

other places), and after them, various proprietors

in 1650 were the lafl

bailiff

who

fufFered

by

The

it.

immediately returned him back to prifon for the

every market-day, there being three a week, the felon was

his back,

if the

thing flolen was portable, or if not, then

before his face the goods were fo placed, that they might be noted by
If

9.

of execution was decollation by an axe in an engine.

any felon was here found guilty, the

fpace of one
fet in

(as

The method

prefer ved in the gaol to this day.

is

Debtors

1776, Jan.

all

pafTengers.

was a horfe, an ox, or cow, &c. that was taken with the prifoner,

it

was

thither brought along

with him to the place of execution, and fattened by a cord to the pin that flayed the block, fo that

when

the.

time of the execution came

the bailiff, or his fervant,

(which was known by the jurors holding up one of their hands)

whipping the bead, the pin was plucked out, and execution done.

But

if

there was no beafl in the felon's cafe, then the bailiff, or his fervant, cut the rope.

See Halifax and

its

Giblet-La<w*

DURHAM.

DURHAM.

Northern Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

now Thomas

Bainbr'dge Watfon,

DURHAM.

at

by patent from the

Bungey,

bifliop

Durhai

durante bene placito.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

10

16

Quarter Seflions, o

*3

Felons, at Aflize,

10

Tranfports, about

10

o each.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

Garnifh,

[See Remarks.

Felons,

two pence a day.

Debtors,

0:4:6.
0:1:0.

Felons,

Number,

Debtors.

1774, Mar. 20,

1 775> J an
6>
-

Felons &c,

21.

1776,

9>

2 -

i779> J une 2 9>

1782, Mar. 24,

'43

CHAPLAIN,

Sunday and Tuefday.

Salary,

4-

SURGEON,

THE
Sir

Mr.
none

high gaol

Hedworth

debtors

is

14,

22. Deferter 1.

20,

19.

is

Bainbridge.

he make a

bill.

By

the property of the Bilhop.

Bart,

fVilliamfon,

is

perpetual

patent from his lordfhip

The

IherifF.

court

for

mafter's-fide

only 24 feet by 10: they are permitted fometimes to walk on the leads.

They have beds

in

upper

the

they

hall

might

and
be

rooms.

other

feveral

in

Their rooms

prevent

fliould

be ceiled,

orders,

and that great nuifance of bugs, of which the debtors complain

and

at other

that

places.

Lozv Gaol, are two

way:

Common-fide
damp

and mified them

No

fewers:

lain

there

about 70

at

to

at chapel,

There

their

infectious

dis-

much

here

free

wards, the

10 feet 4 inches fquare, by the gate-

go out of
they told

to

have no court;

debtors

thefe,

and not always to that:

more than one of

many months.

lime-whited,

unhealthy rooms

they are never fuffered

mafter's-fide debtors hall;

there,

Sec.

25,

Rev. Mr. Decent.

Duty,

Salary,

Felons

Debtors.

oa.

37,

me

my

vifits, I

is

a double

unlefs to
for

chapel,

which

on a Sunday when

is

the

was

they were not permitted to go thither.

learned that the dirt, afhes,
barrelled

pump, which

&c. had

raifes

water

feet.

Felons

Remarks.

DURHAM.
Durham
0

Northern Circuit.

Felons have no court; but they have a day-room and two fmall rooms for an inThe men are P uC at n 'g ht mto dungeons: one 7 feet fquare for three

firmar y-

G aolT

prifoners: another, the great hole,

faw

fituation they

floor almoft

of

flairs

Long

to dud.

room

a feparate

The common- fide

little

window.

chained to the

In this
In that

floor.

Their ftraw on the ftone

fickly.

confinement, and not having the king's allowance

urged them to attempt an

There

chained them as above.

and up

12, has only a

tranfports,

had been many weeks j and were very

worn

6d. a week, had

zs.

by

164. feet

moft of them

prifoners (in 1776),

fix

after

efcape:

which the gaoler

another dungeon for women-felons 12 feet by 8;

is

or two.

debtors in the low gaol,

whom

faw eating boiled bread

and

upon for near a

They have from a legacy one milling and fix-pence a week in winter,
twelvemonth.
and one milling a week in fummer for coals. No memorandum of it in the gaol
water, told me, that this was the only nourifhment fome had lived

perhaps this

may

time be

in

loft, as

the gaoler faid two others were, viz.

one of

bifhop Crewe, and another of bifhop Wood; from which, prifoners had received no

fome years

benefit for

But now the bifhop has humanely

paft.

filed bills in

chancery

and recovered thefe legacies, by which feveral debtors have been difcharged.
a crown a week

two rooms on the

hung

not

foners

fide of the

The

up.

At

delivery once a year.

fifteen years

woman

paid to a

is

gateway.

claufes

feveral of

for

The

againfl

my

for

preferving the health of priliquors

are

hung up.

there were boys between

Gaol

thirteen

and

of age, confined with the moft profligate and abandoned.

lumber.

adjacent, of

extends to the river, and

It

once and again advifed the enclofing

little

aft

fpirituous

vifits

There was a vacant piece of ground

occafional

Half

fupplying the debtors with water, in the

expence, and

it

this for

little

ufe but for the gaoler's

22 yards by 16.
might be done with

meafures about

a court: as

it

appears that formerly here was a door-way into the prifon:

was there in January 1776, I had the mortification to hear that the
furgeon, who was uncle to the gaoler, had obtained from the bifhop, in October
but when

preceding, a leafe of

He

had

it

for

built a little flable

twenty-one years, at the rent of one fhilling per annum*

on

it.

TABLE OF FEES
Rules and Orders
at their
faid

eftablifhed

General Quarter Seffions

Gaol and

by

the-

and

Durham and

his officers as follows.

^
.

Imprimis, For every prifoner lodging in either of the

low gaol, no chamber-rent

Item

For an

entire

chamber without a bed-fellow

For lodging with a bed-fellow

prifoner every week

in

Sadbergt

Fees allowed to betaken by the Keeper of the

6th July 1729:

&c.

JulKcss for the County Palatinate of

common- fides commonly

-

in the high gaol

any other chamber except the

-

common chamber,
-

S:

D.

called the

-036
-020
-

for each

For

Northern Circuit.
For lodging with a bed- fellow

For lodging

in a

in every

week

in the

bed

fingle

common chamber, of each prifoner every

common chamber without admitting

be

Item

Durham
County

Gaoi>.

findeth

made

own bedding

his

and

bedcloaths

and admitting

fheets

For Diet of
for

we'

of a bed-fellow

fhall

a bed-fellow with him every week

Item For every knight

M.

in that

Out of which abatement

For every prifoner that

Prifoners.

every week

Of every efquire or gentleman not exceeding for every week

Of every yeoman artificer or labourer not exceeding weekly
For wine ale and brandy at the common rates ufed in the town.
For

o-

of Prifoners.

Liberates or Final Difcharges

Item For the difcharge of every prifoner upon procefs or order from the court of chancery

For the

firft

liberate

hem For every knight

efquire or gentleman for the fecond ditto

For every one more

Item For every

yeoman

artificer or labourer for the

For the fecond

firft!

For every one more

Fees to the

Under Keeper and Door Keeper.

Item For attendance of every prifoner that goeth abroad into the town every time

For every knight efquire or gentleman

For every yeoman

for his final difcharge

artificer or labourer for fuch

Z.

and enlargement only

difcharge only

Tho Burdus

Hen!

Jo s Morland

Giles

Fo/ler,

Mayor

Raine

Mic Brabin

We

Sir

Bam.

Francis Page Knight

Hale

oht

Knight one of the

of the

Juftices of his Majefty's Court of King's Bench

and Sir
Barons of his Majefty's Court of Exchequer at
Wejlminfler now

of Affize for the Northern Circuit have reviewed the above Table of Fees and have
thought
week for lodging with a bedfellow in any other
chamber except the common chamber to be paid by each prifoner, and inftead thereof do appoint
Juftices

fit

to moderate the item or article of two fhillings a

one

ftlilling

and

fix

pence fer week to be paid by each prifoner fa lodging with a bedfellow

which

faid-iable with fuch alteration

is

Dated

hereby confirmed by. us.

the

zd day of Auguft 1729

F Page.
B-

Hale,

COUNTY

NEWCASTLE

422

T Y N E.

upon

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
Eride-

WLL

'

Was
a hill,

DURHAM,

at

appears by the date over the door, in 1634.

built, as

rooms

the

Northern Circuit.

are

No

airy.

court

now

pump

Being on the

the late keeper IVatfon had a garden which he let for a guinea a year.

the high gaol;

fince

and put

woman

in a

to take

widow

is

work, and

their

my

At

ing houfes.

Claufes

he

is

lived at

But the juftices

now dead and

his

in

vifit

Salary,
,

.9:2:0

^30, and

againft fpirituous liquors not

14,

Oct. 25,

7.

6.

NEWCASTLE
NEWCASTLE TOWN
GAOLER,

John

CASTLE.

upon

from the rents of the adjoin-

up.

T Y N

E.

COUNTY GAOL.

and

now Thomas Hark.

Crofter,

Salary,

50, and 2 gown-money.

Fees,

Debtors,

0
o

Felons,

hung

*779> June 29, Prifoners 9, and three lunatics.

8, and one lunatic.
1782, Mar. 24,

6, Prifoners 5.

1775, Jan,

1776,

He

1779 the houfe was clean, the prifoners were at

At my laft vifit too,
looks befpoke the attention of a good keeper.

keeper.

the houfe was very clean.

New-

care of this prifon.

very properly put in a keeper to refide in the prifon

of

fide

with good water

in the prifon

10

8.

14

4.

Tranfports, only expence.

Licence,

now Beer and Wine.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, two pence a day, on petition.

two pence a day.

Felons,

Garnilh,

cancelled.

Number,
l

775> J an

1776,

CHAPLAINS,
Duty,

6,

2.

8,

12,

4.

15,

14.

3.

1779, June 30,

1782, Mar. 25,

month

SURGEON,
Salary,
7

Felons &c.

13,

4.

12,

1.

Rev. Mr. Brunton, now Mr. Brown, and Rev. Mr. Brand.
on Sunday none.; but on Wednefday and Friday prayers:
once a month a fermon.

Salary,

Debtors.

Felons ice.

Debtors.

1774, Mar. 21,

and

chaplains officiate alternately a

each.

10, the corporation, and

Mr.

The

Bacon,

now Mr.

none: he makes a

^10

Sir Walter Blacket.

Maxfield.

bill.

NEWCASTLE.

NEWCASTLE

Northern Circuit.

TYNE.

upon

423

NEWCASTLE.
IN

Newgate, which

this

the gate at the upper end of the town,

is

except the condemned room are up

clean, {brewed with fand

and candles

They

England.

and

debtors

coverlet:

plenty:

in

(lairs,

felons

thus

are

near the gaol

There

amount

articles,

is

to

all

40

12

the

are in clofets: if on iron bedfteads

be more

falutary.

No

and

in

is

on one

of

fide

wards (as

tiie

if

The

equally worthy of the

This

files, See.

exadt

his

fide.

town,

this

is

debtors beds

hofpitals)

at

it

would

For fome

the corporation

paid

once a year.

But

was dead.

vifits

his fuccelTor

the prifoners very afliduoufly without

one of the few inftances of the kind

ere&ed

by 34.

feet

little

diftance

have met with.

was hung up, both on the debtors

hung up.

from the

felons

window,

to

prevent

being conveyed to them.

the

Rates

Gaol

called

Copy of

Majefty's

General Quarter
1730.

is

Crqfier

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

palifaded wall

one

two

truft.

adt for preferving the health of prifoners

and felons

An

Gaol delivery

the prifoners were poor.

Dr. Rotheram, a phyfician in

fee or reward.

is

that lies weft of

prifoners here have fetters, unlefs they be riotous.

was concerned to find that the humane gaoler

Mr. Harle feems

38

is

The

it.

fome

in

years paft, prifoners acquitted have been difcharged in court

the gaoler's fees

This

Part of

rules.

in the prifon-liberty.

is

expence, as the town-wall

little

in

The fums

8 per annum.

no court: but one might be made of the vacant ground

the gaol, at

prifons

neceflaries.

London

called in

few other

in

fuch

debtors walk on the battery at the top of the gaol, which

is

the rooms

all

always found them remarkably

accommodated

mops, and

of the very few gaols that have what

The

The corporation allow both debtors and felons firing

and every prifoner has a chaff bed, two blankets, and

generoufly allowed for thofe

ftreets

airy.:

&c.

allow brooms,

alfo

and

Newgate

Seffions held at

And approved

faid Majefty's

and Fees to be from henceforth received by

of at

within

this

Town

of

Neivcaflle

the

Gaoler or Keeper of

upon

Tyne

Guild-hall in Newcajlle aforefaid, on the

the

fettled

following by Francis Page and John Forte/cue

Aflize

Judges of Affize According

to

an Aft of Parliament

civil acYion (hall

Every prifoner charged by

mayor and Iheriff of

pay

to the

keeper at his

at, the

two of

his

{-<uizj,

k
-030
jr.

Every prifoner upon any

15th of July Ann"- Dow"'

firft

coming

in

d.

procefs or proceffes out of the court of record held before the

the

faid

town of

Ne-ivcaftle

upon Tyne reflectively lhall pay to

the faid keeper upon his difcharge from the faid procefs or procefl'es only

Every prifoner charged upon any execution or executions out of the court of confcience
held within the faid town mall pay to the faid keeper upon his difcharge from the
faid execution oa executions

Every prifoner on any criminal account or accounts whatfoever

keeper upon his difcharge only
.

lhall

pay unto the

-

068
020

faid
-

0134
Every

Remarks.-

NEWCASTLE

424

castle

TYNE.

upon

Northern Circuit.

y perfon appearing upon a recognizance at the affizes and afterwards tried upon any
indidment or indidments whatfoever and fhall be committed thereon mall pay
to
the faid keeper upon his difcharge
Every prifoner Ihall pay to the turnkey of the faid gaol or prifon upon his difcharge

Confirmed by us

Henry Reay, Mayor.

John

Recorder.

Jfaacfon,

Richard Ridley,
Nathanael

We do

approve of

'r
Stephen
'"y
Coulfo
r
J

Francis Page

There

A fmall Gaol, the

No court no fewer
10.

Table of Fees July 27. 1730,

this

Clayton.

"":'7^']Aldermen,

J
J?
o *'ja
Francis
Rudjton,

'Tower
:

is

alfo

at

John Fortescue a

NEWCASTLE,

the Clofe, confifling of three

in

no water.

Judges.

rooms over the gate-way.

Allowance, two pence a day, and coals.

Salary,

Fees, is.
I 775>
i

J an *

8, Prifoners 2.

15,

77 6,

1.

The Old House of Correction,

for men, the other

firft

1.

1782, Mar. 25,

2.

called the

committed

to the

Salary,

Tower

Tallow-House: two

women, and a dungeon now not ufed:

for

allowance two pence a day, and coals.

Criminals are

1779, June 30, Prifoners

15.

rooms, one

no court:

no water:

Fees, is.

in the Clofe

for a

day or two, and

if

not

difcharged by a magiftrate, are removed hither or to the other prifons.

1776, Jan. 15, Prifoner

1782, March 25, Prifoners

1.

2.

women. A new building is now

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. The walls of the court not being fecure, the prifoners have no accefs
to it.
Their allowance is two pence a day, and firing. The keeper is a fergeant

Bridewell.

added, confifling of

He

mace.

at

not

men; another

for

water

is

brought near the prifon

*.

whom

always found

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors

hung up.
1

775, Jan.

1776,
*

for

rooms with chimneys.

has no falary, but the profit of the prifoners work,

The

employed.

room

fix

Where

8, Prifoners

, 15,

1.

5.

prifoners are always locked up, there

779> J une 3>

I7 82, Mar. 25,

mould be water

laid

in to

P ri ^oners
-

7-

5.

each ward, as

have feen

an foreign houfes of correction.

NORTHUMBERLAND,

NORTHUMBERLAND.

Northern Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

at

MORPETH.
Mo

John Kent.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

0:12:6*.
1
3:0,

Felons,

Tranfports, only expences.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none
Felons,

Garn'rih,

i77 6 >

CHAPLAIN,

8.

1779, July

1,

10,

6.

e>

7-

1782, Mar. 25,

15,

4-

6>

U-

Sunday, Tuefday, Friday.

SURGEON,

for

condemned

Mr. Leidman.
none he makes

Salary,

felons

lately raifed to

Only one

bill.

Some commodious rooms

court,

In die women's room

which

is

Of

occupied by the

lately built are

Felons are always (hut up

for debtors.

faw (Jan. 1776) two;

who, the gaoler

one in Sep. 1773, the other in Nov. 1774:

found they had been humanely releafed at the affize.

tranfportation

(14

30.

debtors have fix fizeable rooms which are out of repair, and a free ward

called the Middle -tower.

Debtors. Felons Sec

8,

j IO > and

Salary,

gaoler.

once a month.

Rev. Mr. Nicholfon.

Duty,

THE

juftices.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1774, Mar. 22,

775 J an

on applying to

4.

Number,
J

btit

two pence a day each, paid

but

faid,
at

my

in the tower.

were

c aft

vifit in

for

1779,

the other two rooms, generally appropriated to men-felons, one

by 6

feet 2 inches

inches

by

9.

In

feet

9), the

the latter

were three

an efcape, were chained to the

intending

is a day-room
window only 18
(1776) who, upon fufpicion of

other an oflfenfive dungeon, the

tranfports
floor.

They had not

the

king's allowance

of is. 6d. a week.

Gaol delivery
veyed;

damp dungeon down

the water

is

Atfize held at Newcaftle, whither prifoners are con-

once a year.

and men and

women

6 fteps

confined together feven or eight nights in

in the old

fome inches deep.

The

caftle,

which having no

roof, in

a dirty

a wet feafon

felons are chained to rings in the wall,

3 I

The

Re

NORTHUMBERLAND.

426
Morpeth
County
Gaol.

The county

for

fome years paid the

and clothed fuch tranfports

The

as

Northern Circuit.
acquitted prifoners, if poor

gaoler's fees for

were quite indigent.

debtors court fhould. be allotted to felons

or two courts

might be taken from

the gaoler's fpacious garden.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors are

of prifoners, painted on a board, was

following table of fees

Table

of Fees &c.

hung

The

up.

for

acl:

preferving the health

the debtors hall or chapel

in

The

no bath.

framed and glazed.

is

and allowed

Settled

by the Judices

tc

be due to the Keeper of

at the Quarter Sefiions held

Commitment
Every debtor

at

his Majefty's

Gaol

at Market h-

Hexham 1759.

Fees.

Every

felon

8.

---------------Chamber-Rents.

To

room

the

room with one bed

called the green

pay weekly

to himfelf, to

If two perfons therein to pay each

To

room

the

called Burton's

linen, each perfon to

one will have a bed

But

if

To

the

room having two beds, and

to

pay

If two therein only to pay each

To

room

the

called

the fencing

the
is

room

little

to pay

room

and

There

called

it

the gaoler finding bedding and

will

have

it

to himfelf he

is

to

D.

026
016
010
020
016&
o

S.

called

is

Mr.

Johnfon's

linen each perfon to

room

Every

debtcr

upon

the turnkey

Every felon on

room

pay

own bedding,

a large

three beds and the gaoler finding wholefome

Mrs. Carr's room the gaoler finding beds and linen each perfon

being on the fame

-

the gaoler finding bed

floor,

only

that prifoners

pay nothing

which holds a great many beds,

for,

-----------

called the middle tower

To

room with

weekly

If they find their

To

have

pay weekly

If the prifoner finds the bedding

To

will

the gaoler finding good and wholefome bedding

linen each perfon to

To

one perfon

only,

green room having one bed and if one perfon

little

pay weekly

To

and if

it

pay weekly
is

in

his difcharge to

pay

to the gaoler

his difcharge

the turnkey

John Orde
Step.

W*,

Waifon

Ward.

COUNTY

BERWICK

TWEED.

upon

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
A work-room
high.

and two fmall bed-rooms

That above the women

and appear

are always locked up,

(72

which

feet)

he employs his prifoners; the

no water

fpirituous liquors not

He

fees.

1,

Prifoners 3.

1782, Mar. 25,

6.

^30

1779, July

8.

BERWICK
BERWICK* TOWN

No

Claufes againfl

Fees,3

Debtors, Freemen,

TWEED.

upon

COUNTY GAOL.

and

John Richard/on, now John

Salary,

Hill.

Berwick.

6-

Felons,

Debtors, not

Licence,

women from

no

falary,

9, Prifoners 2.

i6}

1776,

gives them alfo firing.

hung up.

1775, Jan.

GAOLER,

His

no fewer.

week

millings a

eight to five, at one milling and fix-pence a week.

:

now

Beer,

free,

~)

> none.
J

0:2:6.

none.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, Freemen, four pence a day, and
Ditto,

not free, 7.
-

0:1:4.

Number,

Debtors.

Felons &c.

1776, Jan.

17,

5,

2.

1779, J ul y

2>

1782, Mar. 26,

2,

o.

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

coals.

ir

J-two pence halrpennv

a day.
L
y
*
'
5

'

Felons,

Garnilh,

Bridewell.

and fickly. Over the way is a long room

work-mop: and above it another workfhop.

The keeper a clothier, now refides at a diftance

men and boys from eight o'clock to four, at two
county allowance

the ground- floor, only 7 feet

court not being fecure, the prifoners

dirty

a warehoufe and

is

MORPETH.

at

men on

for

The

larger.

is

427

Impreffed

Men

8.

none.

none

but on application to the magiftrates.

* This place, though a diftinft jurifdi&ion, in

none of the

the end of the Englijh and Welch counties, becaufe

laft-mentioned county, and

it

falls in

its

circuits,

fituation

here in the order of

my

gives

is
it

journies

inferted here, rather than at

a natural connexion with the

through the northern part of

the kingdom.

3I2

BERWICK.

CUMBERLAND.
BERWICK.

428

Remarks.

THIS

gaol

a fine fteeple
floor are

part of the grand town-hall,

is

the only one in the town.

damp, and

two long rooms, or

the debtors

The

1754, and has

in

four rooms or cells on the ground-

them, but over the hall, where there are

and feven other rooms, fizeable, but dirty.
No court

prifoners are not put into

galleries,

and the

againft fpirituous liquors,

hung up.

which was finimed

The

permitted to walk on the leads

are

Northern Circuit.

me

gaoler told

ad

no water

no

Claufes

fewer.

preferving the health of prifoners,

for

he went to the gaol thrice a day

not

one >

at nine,

and eight.

CUMBERLAND.
COUNTY GAOL
Carlisle.

GAOLER,

Brathwaite Atkinfon,

Salary,

Fees,

Debtors, >

CARLISLE.

at

now Thomas

Dixon.

Felons,

'

Q%

Tranfports,

1 each

Licence,

Beer.

to

Whitehaven.

The

tap

let.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, on applying to the juftices fome obtain a fhilling a week,
fome nine pence.
Felons, nine pence a

Number,

Debtors.

1774, Mar. 23,

49,

1776, Jan.

20,

Sep.

19,

CHAPLAIN,

1779,

29,

7.

1782, Sep.

15,

2.

Rev. Mr.

20.

is

a (hilling after,

Mr.

10,

32,

1,

30,

Felons &c.

1.

firft

Sunday

in the

as

12*..

Lofb.
:

court fpacious,

built,

month, fermon,.

Medicines paid for by

for attendance.

85 yards by 36:

it

was common to

all

appears

by the

date,

in

1734.

Five

bill.

prifoners; but

appropriated to the felons, and feparated by iron palifades.

a chapel,

French prifrs

9.

Farijh,

Sunday, Wednefday, Friday

THE

Debtors.

May

4-

Salary,

Salary,

a part

before conviction

Felons &c.

Duty,

SURGEON,
Remarks.

week

0:1:0.

Garnifh,

rooms

now

In the court

is

for mafter's-fide

* See page 188.

debtors

CUMBERLAND.

Northern Circuit.

many on the common-fide. Four of tbefe are 23 feet by 184. They

have windows now opening into the court, as well as the ftreet. Where there are
fo many rooms, not to feparate the men and women is certainly inexcufable.
The wards for felons are two rooms down a ftep or two dark and dirty. One of
them, the day-room, had a window to the ftreet through which fpirituous liquors
and tools for mifchief might be eafily conveyed but it is now bricked up. The
debtors

and

as

night-room
together in

feem

is

only 11 feet by 9

Two

it.

at

my

one of

be intended for the women only, but

to

men and women were lodged

vifits,

rooms over the felons wards, which have been ufed

one of thefe

in

alfo

and four women lodged together. In the court, near the pump, there
nuifance of a dunghill, which feems to have been accumulating

No

Tranfports had not the king's allowance cf 2s. 6d. a week.

rooms

hung up.

preferving the health of prifoners not

AcT: for

for three

Gaol delivery

years.

common-fide debtors.

for

no table figned

themfelves

of

by the magistrates
fuch

It

Few

year.

once

is

gaols

common

for a year

infirmary

men

or two.

no bath.

many convenient

fo

becaufe there

here,

Some

the free wards.

to particularize

three

the too

Prifon not white-warned

have

more remarkable

the

is

tap rooms,

as

found

is

gaolers avail

a circumftance, and demand rent for rooms which were un-

doubtedly defigned for common-fide prifoners.

The gaol- fever, which fome years ago carried

Mr. FariJIo from vifiting the fick every day.

off

many

of the prifoners, did not

deter

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
Is

behind the keeper's houfe, and part of

Up

floor, the Jlrong room.

All out of repair, and infecure

many

that

for

and

it

fo

No

allowance

1776, Sep. 18,

no
1

the

ftraw.

779,

and a

clofet called

the court, which

is

fmall offences are fent to

county bridewell.

A room

his freehold.

another room

flairs

COCKERMOUTH.

at

county gaol

on the groundthe lunatic room.

fuppofe
this

is

Keeper's falary or rent, 20

May

10,

No

the reafon

being the only

:

no

fees.

prifoners.

CARLISLE CITY GAOL,

Over the

Scotch-gate.

It

was only one ruinous room about twenty

has been repaired lately and

made more

but

it

No

allowance, but a very fmall quantity of peat taken as a

convenient.

feet fquarej

The window 4
toll

upon

that

feet

by

i~.

commodity,

and water brought twice a day.

I

was told that many a poor

traveller

from the north, who by fome calamity had

contracted an unavoidable debt of forty millings, has been confined at a diftance

from

his

procuring

friends
it.

in

this

prifon, where

there

is

no

provifion,

nor any means of

Carlisle

qI

WESTMORLAND.

43
Carlisle.

jyyS, Jan. 20, Debters

Sep. 19,

1779, Ma Y *o> Debtors 3, two

1782, Sep. 1, o.

3.
r.

WHITEHAVEN Town
flairs;

and a dungeon

be (hipped.

Gaol,

Men, one Woman.

part of the work-houfe.

is

which they ufed

in

Northern Circuit.

Two rooms up

to

confine tranfports brought hither to

No

prifoners.

All dirty and offenfive.

1779, Sep. 18,

WESTMORLAND.
COUNTY GAOL
Appleby.

GAOLER,

Benjamin

Salary,

APPLEBY.

Ainjley.

(See Remarks.)

10.

Fees,

at

Debtors, \

.
:

0
8*

Felons,

Tranfports, a (hilling a mile each to Whitehaven.

Licence,
Beer and Wine.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

Garnifh,

Number,
1774, Mar. 24,
1776, Jan. 22,
Se P- *9>

four pence a day each.

;

o.
Dekors.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

7,

4.

1779,

9,

8,

2.

3,

o.

1782, Sep. 2,

8,

o.

3>

3-

May

Felons fcc.

CHAPLAIN, none.
SURGEON,
THIS

none.

gaol was built by the county.

pays the gaoler his

prefent gaoler

At page

is

21,

a
I

falary.

man

Happily

The

for the

earl

of Thanet

is

hereditary (heriff, and

prifoners in a gaol fo circumftanced, the

of temper and humanity.

complained of

this

prifon being

within reach

of floods;

but

in

January 1776, there was a new building on the higheft part of the yard.
It confifls
of four vaulted wards for felons, 14^ feet by 13 ; a window in each, but no chimney
and over them three good rooms with chimneys, for debtors.

Gaol

WESTMORLAND,

Northern Circuit,
Gaol

year.

deliver)' once a

health of prifoners, nor

No

claufes

Neither the

table of fees.

againft

liquors,

fpirituous

43*

ad
at

preferving.the

for

my

vifit,

laft

Appleby.

were

hung up.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS;
APPLEBY.
no chimney
to floods.

by the

Built, as appears
:

No allowance.

Keeper's falary

1776, Jan. 22, Prifoners

Sep.

KENDAL.
about 2

rooms 11

no

May

o.

1779,

9,

Prifoners o.

o.

1782, Sep. 2,

r.

year.

falary,

No

^6:10:0,
fees.

The

them fix-pence a day

clofe

13, with one

fewer.

8-1:

Brii>e-

fubjed

wells.

which he

window

The

keeper

for

twenty

lets

town fometimes commits prifoners

23, Prifoners 3, two

Sep. 18,

o,

May

11,

o.

1782, Sep.

3,

1.

1779,

little

hither,

and

the county, four pence.

1776, Jan.

and a

by

feet

fees.

Only one room for men and women, 18 feet by

no chimney no court no water no

has a garden

allows

19,.

feet fquare

fhillings a

Two

date, 1659.

each has a window (only 18 inches by 12) into a liable

Men, one Woman.

Deferter

KENDAL TOWN

1.

GAOL.

Only two vaulted dungeons under the chapel, called black holes: 15 fteps under
feet by 11, and 7-I high).
In one of them was a bedftead with ftraw
on it. No court: no water. Allowance, fix-pence a day. The two town fergeants
keep the prifon by turns j a week each *.
ground (12

1776, Jan. 23,

*
It

1779.

May

11,

and 1782, Sep.

3,

No

prifoners.

here take the liberty to extol the ceconomy, induftry and cleanlinefs of the Kendal work-houfe.

makes fome amends

for

the

inconvenience of the town gaol, which occafior.s the fending town*

prifoners to the county bridewell as above.

LANCASHIRE,

LANCASHIRE.

Northern Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL, LANCASTER CASTLE.

L * c asTER.

GAOLER,

John Dane,

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

Higgin.

o.

13

4.

Felons,

Tranfports,^

now John

each.

(See Remarks.)

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,

")

....

0:7:2.
0:2:6.

Felons

Number,

S eac " on Saturday morning.

Debtors,

Garnifli,

nC

Felons

Debtors. Felons Sec.

Debtors. Felons ice.

1774, Mar. 25,

74,

13.

1779,

May

11,

72,

11. Impreffed 17.

1775, Nov. 20,

48,

17.

1782, Sep.

3,

57,

17.

1776, Sep.

CHAPLAIN,

17,

Sunday twice

Salai7>

5-

THE

Mr. Dixon, now Mr. Wright.

now 10

Salary,

caftle-yard

is

them which they

10

o.

and

fpacious,

bowling-green.

enclofed

now Rev. Mr. Wat[on.

Wednefday and Friday once.

Spicer.

Duty,

SURGEON,

19.

32,

Rev. Mr.

is

Mafter's-fide

call the oven,

faid

is

with

fupplied

to

water.

Part of

have

been

ufed as

fuch

in

is

an

One

of

it

have many apartments.

debtors

the

time

of John of Gaunt duke of Lancajler

the diameter, 24 feet ; the height, that of an

:
Debtors are allowed to walk and work (fpin, knit, &c.) in the

ordinary room.

crown and

One

The

(hire halls.

latter

is

ufed as a chapel *.

of the rooms for debtors (60 feet by 27)

century, vaft

is

a free ward, and called the Quakers

when thofe people were

numbers of them were confined in it.

room-, becaufe,

is

it

faid,

fo

cruelly perfecuted in the laft

Petty offenders are fometimes fent hither, becaufe the bridewells are diftant.
is a

Men

Women
*

room

large

Over

for

them near the gate

and women
fleep

in

felons have their

their

day-room

the judge's bench in the

righteoufnefi as

and they are kept feparate from

day-rooms apart,

at the

but the court being

(hire- hall is

this

text;

"

There

felons.

upper end of the court.

common,

Let judgment run

the men afTociate

down

as waters,

and

a migkiy Jlream."

with

LANCASHIRE.

Northern Circuit.
with them.

Men

low dungeon,

have for their night-rooms two vaulted cells. One of them, the
10 fteps under ground *, 21 feet by 9, extremely clofe, dark, and
very hot even in winter. Their other cell, the high dungeon (20 feet

is

unwholefome

by 11

2 inches

feet 2,)

clofe

is

and

though not under ground

offenfive,

and has an

iron-latticed door.

In one of thefe dungeons, there were three felons fick

gave immediate orders

No

recovered.

infirmary

When

a week.

us. 6d.

for

relief

their

Mr.

the recorder,

better nourifhment, &c.

Fenton,

and they foon

Tranfports had not the king's allowance of

no bath.

by

from

prifoners are convicted at Prefton or Manchefter, and

thence brought hither, the gaoler has a milling a mile conduct-money for each.
If the large ftable

which

is

much

not

ufed, and the great

(in which there was only one poor lunatic

fince dead) were

converted into night-rooms for felons,

the court divided, and an infirmary were built, this

Mr.

humanity, and the regard that

Fenton's

lome of

made

about 2

which
(e

feet

upper

my

of the fix

cells

laft vifit

rally

wanted

The

act

The

1776
10

him,

good

gaol.

in

my

at

vifit in

by 6

feet

fitted

painted on a board,

is

new
Here was

there were three

gaols.

This

gaol

is

hung up very confpicuoufly.

up

and

the court rooms.

had the pleafure to find

each having an aperture

for an infirmary in the dungeon

" This room

(10

cells

for unruly

mifbehaved

by 6^), two doors in each, one

women, which is gene-

feet

alfo a feparate clofet for

and kept very

regularly white-wafhed,

The gaoler

from the county

is

is

behave well."

the

claufes

and from the dutchy

it

is

.4,

not authentick

Much

good,

hope,

may be

expected from the exertions

the gentlemen of this county, for the further

improvement of

the Gaoler of Lancajler Caftle.

The

a debtor

The

difcharge 8 s. and zs.

is

Sc

gaoler's wine cellar

different purpofe

to

is

down 20

which

it

is

fteps,

now

and has evidently been ufed

applied,

is

s.

D.

10

080
024

dd. for the meriff's certificate

furrendered in difcharge of his bail

now

('viz.)

common

of

their prifons.

For every debtor's difcharge when by a fuperfedeas

a

lift

an order for attending divine fervice, which are hung up in one of

Fees taken by

On

clean.

againfl fpirituous

lives diftant.

give a copy of the table of fees, though

making by

1779,

feet 8 inches,

preferving the health of prifoners, and

for

donations,

When

From

cannot but hope for

appropriated to drunken and riotous debtors, over

is

chaplain's falary, jjO,

I will

would be

juftly paid

to be confined in, until they promife to

of which was iron-latticed.

liquors,

in

ftable,

by 1^, and two good rooms

this infcription

debtors,

At

in the

One

tower.

is

thefe improvements.

Thefe remarks were made

fix cells

room under the ihire-hall

there many years, and is
one fmall room for each;

who had been

for the confinement

the only inftance I

know of

the

of prifoners.

benefit

of taps

in gaols.

When

LANCASHIRE.

434
LancasTtR
Cast li.

When

a debtor

is

bar and is.

When

charged with a declaration is.

&

^d. with the remandato

&

for all

and 2 s.

&

4^. for the Iheriff's certificate

crown prifoners

Lately altered to

\d. with the rule to take the prifoner to the

a debtor takes the benefit of the infolvent aft

the bar by rule, and is.

Fees

&

Northern Circuit.

-048
-058
0180

\d. to bring the prifoner to

-

-0134

John Dane Gaoler.

At
there

my
is

1782, the two

and the gaoler's name were erafed, and

now inferted " Crown prifoners to pay no fees." John Higgin, Gaoler.
in

vlfit

Charity Legacies
From Mrs.

Lift articles

to the

Debtor Prifoners

m Laneajler

foners five (hillings each paid by Doctor Fenton and the

day of March every year

mayor of Laneajler about

Paid under a decree of the court of chancery of

Sand

called

by the

late

belonging

to Peter

this

rent of land in Scotforth purchafed by the

St.

firft

treafurer of the county in bread

eftate in

Th-mat\ day

Skermifdak

pound

money

-60*

fifteen millings

fuch purpofe by the faid will, paid

left for

yearly, or half the

-1150

At the general quarter

(So

-20c

in the lift.)

feflions

of the peace held

at Laneajler in

and for the

faid

Laneajler, the 15th day of July in the feventeenth year of king George the third's reign
to this court
his cuftody,

on the reprefentation of the keeper of the gaol or the

being members of the Church of England and

felves during fervice,

the faid caftle

'(except

her or themfelves,

It is

the contiary.

And

Catholics and Quakers)

is

fhall

names out of

appears

in the faid gaol,

make

common

and mi/behaving them-

his

faid caftle,

abfent him
way milbehave,

fnall

or lhall in any

immediately be deprived of the county allowance until further orders to

further ordered,

upon receiving a complaint from the

or

it

of Laneajler, that feveral prifoners in

and having no lawful excufe,

from attending divine fervice within the

it

county palatine of
whereas,

therefore ordered by this court, that if any prifoner or prifoners confined in

Roman

fuch prifoner or prifoners

caftle

having no lawful excufe,

from divine fervice performed

practice of abfenting themfelves

name

800

Abigail Righj's executors paid by Doctor Fenton and the mayor of Laneajler every

[Qry. Jeb/ln's legacy.]

their

of Auguft

diftributed at every Auguft affize,

the will of William Edmund/on of Outhwoaite, one

From Mrs.

firft

of the faid Peter Latham or their order, paid by Mr. Ratcliffe of Ormjkirk

truftees

attorney at law

by the

county out of an

Latham deceafed;

-300

the

From Mrs. Langton paid by Lawrence Raivjlhorn Efq. each affize

From Sir Thomas Gerrard of Gart/hvood paid by Mr. Starkie, due about the

By

Caftle 1770.

Henrietta Rigbys executors to twelve of the moft neceifitous and well behaved prj-

that the treafurer of the faid county ftock,

faid keeper

againft

(hall

any prifoner or prifoners to

immediately

ftrike his

her or

books, and to forbear to pay fuch prifoner or prifoners any more money

until

further order.

Ken yon.
N.

B. Whereas

this is therefore

to

many of

the

debtors of late have abfented themfelves from attending divine fervice,

give them notice, that for the

future the above rule of court will be ftrictly put in

execution,

COUNTY

LANCASHIRE.

Northern Circuit.

435

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
PRESTON.
floor

is

This prifon, a

a paffage, in

diftant

little

from the town, was a

which are eleven offenfive

Over

and another room, the dungeon.

to fleep in;

friary.

On

the ground-

by 6),
are a large work-room for

clofets, called boxes (6^- feet

thefe

men, and a lefs for women. The prifon out of repair: but at my
work-rooms were clean, and the prifoners were fpinning worfted.

vifit in

1779, the

court in front

(of which the prifoners have no ufe) and a liable; and a fpacious garden backwards

No

for the keeper.

Thefe
the

prifoners
at

lift

fible

to prifoners

to

The

Lancafter Caftle.

/80

from others,

^50

obliged to pay

mented

bath.

have the other moiety of William Edmundfons legacy mentioned

no allowance.

no

To

who

18, debtors 4.
in

1782, to

died in 1780;

this

prifon in 1778,

but

now

1774, Mar. 26, Prifoners

8.

water accef-

the

keeper was

his falary

is

aug-

10 s. 6d.

there were committed

19.

1776, Sep.

11.

16,

MANCHESTER.

May

12,

1782, Sep.

3,

'779*

1775, Nov. 18,

112

Prifoners 17.
-

Rebuilt as per date, in the year 1774.

ImprefTed

5*

19.

Separate courts and

men and women. Two rooms for an infirmary (14 feet by 1 1

The men nave work-rooms, over which are chambers. Their

apartments for
8 inches).

in

No

mifdemeanors 46, vagrants 15, deferters

in 1780,98;
In 1779, there were committed 133
in 178 1, 115;
Sep. 9. 88*.

prifoners, viz. for felony 14, baftardy 15,

them.

for

Fees, from thofe tried at feffions,

of the tap.

table.

it

Keeper's falary, .60

to his predeceflbr,

in lieu

ys.

keeper receives

feet

four

night-rooms or cells in a paffage 45 feet by 6, are clofe ; 11 feet by 8; 11 fteps

below the court; but not properly under ground, being on the declivity of a hill.

Women

have three rooms on the ground-floor, and three chambers here is a

dungeon, down 9 fteps, 14 feet by 13 ; an inconvenient bath, no water in it. The
iron-grate door into each court has a lock and faftenings of a contrivance Angularly
:

No

curious.
fees,

and

The
liquors,

is

allowance.

now- raifed

of the tap.

adt for preferving the health of prifoners,

hung

up.

The keeper

fpinning candle-wick
* In thefe

Keeper's falary was raifed from .25 to 60, in lieu of

to .80 in lieu

at

and the

claufes againft fpirituous

and employs fome of the prifoners

three-halfpence a pound.
In the front of the prifon

numbers are not included the

is

a chandler,

corporation prifoners,

who

are confined here, there being

in
is

now no

town -gaol.

a ftone

Bride-

LANCASHIRE.

43 5
Eride-

WELL

Northern Circuit.

a (lone with an aperture into a box, having this infcription

and ye

vijited

me

16,

6.

1776, Sep.

15,

12.

by

Town Gaol.

which there

in

114.,

and

Sick,

in prifon 3

1 779> May 12, Prifoners 11. Imprefled

14*.
1782, Nov. 22,

5, Prifoners 21.

1775,

LANCASTER
feet

Matt. xxv. 43.

not."

1774, Nov.

is

Aroomjuft finifhed
window and fire-place.

new

the

at

6.

15'

town-hall,

No prifoners.

1782, Sep. 3,

LIVERPOOLf BOROUGH GAOL.

Seven clofe dungeons in a pafTage 11

by 5

6-L feet

and 6

feet 9 inches,

wide, 10 fteps under ground;

feet

Apertures in the doors

feet high.

commonly locked up in each of them at

dungeon, larger, but not fecure. Only one day-room for
No infirmary. The keeper told me in November 1775, that

Three

and

faid

been

ill

prifoners were

his

of

it

at

in

led

dungeons, and the number of prifoners.

me to
The

criminals of both fexes.

after I

was there

Rofendale Allen, fergeant at mace, paid the

prifon

is

widow of

who paid him ^65 a year.

Chaplain, duty, Tuefday and Friday:

Allowance

in

common on

the late gaoler,

20

table.

falary,

Felons are generally fent to Lancafter

vifits

vifits

12

and

6d.

no

o.

the prifoners kept here are for the

mod

health of prifoners, and the claufes againft

act for preferving the

hung up.

in

the unhealthy

dungeons

\vaSjio (which

is

now

ftill

Lyon: his

falary,

in ufe.

The

late

furgeon, Mr.

Shertcliffe,

whofe

falary

many more had the

The gaoler now is 'Thomas

paid to the difpenfary), informed me, that

gaol-fever, in 1775, than

mentioned in

my

publication.

io.

The

debtors about Chriftmas receive 10, left by a lady.

the Calendar at the quarter feffions at Manchejler, the

By

/\s.

1779 and 1782, this gaol was much cleaner than at my former
the aft for preferving the health of prifoners hung up ; but
the court paved

my

At

caftle

12

Gaoler,

a year

Fees, debtors, felons &c.

fpirituous liquors, are both

year

furrounded with other build-

J.

put in a deputy

The

laft

Firing from O&ober to May.

Sunday, bread 45. beef and broth about 6 s.

part debtors.

6.

another

think fo was, the offenfivenefs of the

and cannot be made healthy and convenient

ings,

is

each

by

danger of the gaol-fever, twenty-eight of them had

What

one time.

There

night.

prifoners are

inches

1 1

No

memorial

in the gaol.

22d of January, 1784; there were fifty-one per-

fons in cuftody.

f The Gentlemen of
done

this

Corporation will pleafe to accept

me inprefenting me with

\ I have the pleafure of being informed (1784)

the corporation have refolved upon building a

1

my

grateful acknowledgments for the honour

the freedom of the town.

new

by the prefent worthy chief magiftrate of this town, that

gaol.

*774>

LANCASHIRE,

Northern Circuit.

437

1774, Nov. 7, Prifoners 58.

6o 2 3>
I775
1782, Sep.

LIVERPOOL

30,

1779,

Debtors

5,

Bridewell.

courts, &c.

men

Imprefled

Felons &c. 14.

Deferters

2.

2.
jr.

This prifon was built in 1776, on an eminence

adjoining the work-houfe*, near the town.

The women have

25.
19.

fix

Bhide-

The men and women have feparate rooms,

rooms below, and the fame number above

Thefe

have four rooms below, and four above.

are

the

12 feet by 10, and 8 feet

9 inches high ; are furnifhed with bedfteads, blankets and coverlets ; but are too
clofe, having no window, only an aperture in the door about 9 inches fquare, and

They have

another near the ceiling.

this

room

men's court

in the

In this court

receive difcipline.

At one end
ed a chair.

of

it

is

a work-room, 20 feet by 16 feet 9 inches.

Near
a pump, to which the women are tied every week and

is

alfo a bath, with

was a ftandard for a long pole,

In this

an

ufe of a bath, which

lingular contrivance.

which was

in their late act they ordered baths with a

health

of prifoners

view to cleanlinefs and preferving

not for the exercife of a wanton and dangerous kind of feverity.

fevere weekly difcipline of the

prifon

is

women

in

the men's court

kept remarkably clean by the matron.

picking oakum.

a few

and underwent a thorough ducking,

I was glad to find this ufe of the bath has been difcontinued fince

The

fatten-

after

dare fay the legillature never thought of,

when

new and

the females (not the males) at their entrance,

all

queftions, were placed, with a flannel fhift on,

thrice repeated

at the extremity of

The

week, an apartment and

Keeper's falary, ^30.

Hill

my

vifit in

continued.

1779.

This

All the prifoners were employed in

claufes againft fpirituous liquors are

pennyworth of bread a day.

is

the

But

hung

up.

Matron, 10.

Allowance, two-

Turnkey, 6

s.

firing.

1779, Nov. 30, Prifoners 8.

1782, Sep.

WARRINGTON

5,

12.

Town Bridewell. Two rooms

in the

work-houfe yard

one about 9 feet fquare, with bedftead and draw ; the other about 9 feet by 5
no
Allowance for diet, the fame as the poor, who, by their appearance,
windows.
:

feem to have a humane attention paid to them.

The

conftables

of the town

are

keepers.

1776, March 20,

* This poor-houfe

honour

to the

is

a large

1779, Dec. 30, and 1784, February 24,

new

building

No

prifoners.

and the management of it Ihews a humane attention which does

gentlemen concerned.

CHESHIRE,

WELLS

CHESHIRE.

Chester Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL, CHESTER CASTLE.

Chester.

GAOLER,

Thomas: he held

Faithfull

king's patentee, to

18:5:0

Salary,

of the

it

whom

late conftable George

he then paid

from the exchequer.

40

Nofuer the

a year.

(See Remarks.)

Fees
*

'

andi

Tranfports,

Is

Licence,

Beer and Wine.

each,

for expences.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,

Garnifh,

D&Mtti

Felons &c.

Debtors.

22,

24.

1776, Sep. 14,

7,

12.

June 24,
1775, Feb. 1,
----- Nov. 25,

23,

12.

1779, Aug. 27,

19,

4.

9,

15.

1782,

May24,

22,

5.

11,

6.

1783, July 25,

33,

15.

Salary,

30.

SURGEON,

THIS

debtor officiates as clerk, for which the county allows

Mr.

caftle

the

is

he makes a

a fmall court, which

pales

clofe

it

to four

was

rooms

common

day-room,

for

felons,

No

with grates

in

room

and

in

which men and

a hall

is

there are

two

Down

18

debtors.

It is lately

divided,

fo very fmall,

deprive

felons.

and.the keeper has no view of the

air,

women

are

their

in

day-room, the

king's

together:

kitchen.

each of them about 35 feet by 22.

Under the king's kitchen is the king's

the pope's kitchen

the court.

firft

mafter's-fide

which feparate the two courts, now

below the court:

demned room.

a year.

the debtors,

in

(improperly called their free ward, as they pay one (hilling a week

the pope's kitchen

the

The

to debtors

both debtors and felons of the benefit of frefh

felons court or

bill.

property of the King.

up from

leading

but the high

1.

Williamfon.

none

Salary,

ftaircafes

Deferter

Rev. Mr. Bo/wel, now Rev. Mr. Willan.

Sunday.

each);

Felons &c.

1774, Mar. 29,

Duty,

is

breac* a vveek eacn

0:3:6.

Debtors,

CHAPLAIN,

.fteps

P ounds of

Number,

Remarks.

1 r

Felons

is

dark paflage 24

window

feet

to

is

Under

quite ufelefs.
it,

is

by

fteps

the con-

21 fteps

from

only two apertures (lately made)

the ceiling into the pope's kitchen above.

c

the former

cellar;

by 9: the defcent

not a breath of frefh air

Both thefe are 6

Near

On

one

fide

of

it

are fix
cells

CHESHIRE.

Chester Circuit.
cells (Jails)

door about

each about j~ feet by 3, with a barrack-bedftead, and an aperture over the

by 4. In each of thefe are locked up at night, fometimes three or

8 inches

They

four felons.

of them,

heard of the black

The

my

and

was

one

in

brought to mind what

fituation

had

bole at Calcutta.

day-room

felons

when

pitch thefe dungeons two or three times a year:

ordered the door to be (hut

439

is

They

not fecure.

efcaped in 1775, by breaking through

the flight floor into the king's cellar below ; and through the decayed walls of that
The keeper, who is careful and humane, was not
they made their way down the hill.

blameable.

Of the

Tranfports had not the king's allowance of zs. 6d. a week.

faw

in

1776, five were imprifoned by exchequer writs; and

five alfo in

whom I
The coils

debtors

1782.

of fome were equal to the debts.

The

county has

The

clofe a prifon.

The

two good rooms

lately built

But there

for a chapel.

is

and

for the gaoler,

aft for preferving the health of prifoners not

prefent conjlable

is

up one room

fitted

no infirmary or bath, which are peculiarly neceflary in fo

Mr. Ferdinando

hung up.

He

London.

a furgeon in

Gillio

18

gaoler to pay rent .30 a year, and takes himfelf the falary of

obliges the

o, the gaoler

o thereon. I need hardly mention the impropriety of one

13
receiving the falary, and another doing the duty *,

paying the tax of 2

TABLE OF FEES

To be taken by the Conftable of the Caflle as the County Gaol fettled In the Quarter Seflions
15th July 1729 and afterwards confirmed by his Majefty's Chief Juftice of Chejler
at Nampi-ivicb

and Judge of Afiize

and

Juftices

of the

Peace

of a

in purfuance

late

Act for

Relief of

the

Debtors &c.
Commitment fee, for every prifoner
Chamber rent, prifoner finding his own bedding

Bedding per week

" There

is

if

a Angularity in the

punifhment out of their dreadful

or his deputy,

at a ftone

week

-082
-010

manner of the treatment of the prifoners who

cells,

which merits mention.

called Glover' s-Jlcne,

" into the hands of the fherifFs of

" of the caftle precincts, and from
*'

per

found by the conftable

**

the city

who

They

about ninety yards

receive

them

diftant

s.

D.

are releafed

from
which

the
is

by

capital

by the conftable

are delivered

at that ftone,

>

outward gate,

the extreme limit

thence convey them to the place of execution, which they alfo have

the charge of."

Mr.
I have in three of my vifitsfeen the place of confinement for deferters

care of the gaoler, but of the invalids of the garrifon.

It is a

Pennant's Tour in Wales, p. 165.

in this caftle,

bad unhealthy

cell

gaol fever; a room fhould be appropriated to the lick, for the furgeon told
there.

An

officer at Worcejlcr

here, three of

informed me, that having fent a ferjeant and two

them died a few days

after they

came

without military honours, to the furprife of the foldiers,

to their quarters,

who knew

who

are not under the

often productive of the

me he could
men for two

not attend

them

deferters lodged

and he had them buried privately,

not the reafon.

Difcharging

Chester
Castle v

CHESHIRE.

....

440

Chester.
Castle.

Difchalging fee

f0

turnkey on difcharge

t ] ie

For

brought there by rule of court

felon

s.

D.

010
006
010
010
050
006

into court with every prifoner

"

week

the ftone parlour, bed and furniture if required per

For every

>

For a copy of every commitment

For attendance

Chester Circuit.

committed per week

Signed by eight Juftices.

J.Willes

Confirmed by

We

whofe names are fubfcribed

the additional Fee of fix pence per week.

Signed by

List

of

Gifts Legacies &c.

all

Prifoners

five Juftices *

in money

to

beft

the Caftle of Chejler.

Examination

by

his will

for

the

10th O&ober 1615 left

&c-to

be diftributed on Candlemas yearly for ever by the mayor

of

to be diftributed at

of

poor

fix Ihillings

the poor prifoners

Chejler alderman
by his will 16th June 1603 left thirteen Ihillings and four pence
Michaelmas and Lady-day yearly for ever by the mayor to the prifoners in the caftle

portions, or twenty days after.

The above

written Table of Fees

and Liftof Giftsare

true Copies

The Tagg

Rules
1 ft.

Benefit

or bread.

Valentine Brougbton

by equal

given

upon the

within

Mr. John Norney citizen and merchant-taylor of London

and eight pence

Sep. 13. 1729.

of the Peace do approve the above Table of Fees and

Witnefs our hands April 7. 1730.

his Majefly's Juftices

All prifoners to

to be obferved within the

behave refpettfully

to keeper

Gaol of the Caftle of

whoever

CI. Pacis.

Chejler,

ftrike or affault

any

to

be puniftied by a

juftice at difcretion.

nor
No gaming
rooms from Lady-day
morning from
be out

2.

No

3.

Prifoners to retire to their refpettive

curfmg or fwearing

to

Lady-day

Michaelmas
4.

at eight

to

longwithout
5.

Felons &c.

6.

Whereas

to

it is

to bring neceflaries,

being fearched

in ficknefs nor

prifoner to

to

at

nine from Michaelmas

Michaelmas

at fix

and from

for inftruments if required

Not

to ftay

after the hours of locking up.

be in the lower court except leave &c.

ufual for the prifoners to
feftions

&c.

go

None

into the caftle-yard an hour

to

go

foldiers

the

* The

table having

hung

againft a

damp

morning and afternoon

for air

pavement leading

&c

to the caftle-gate or over the

nor intermix with the

keeper's beds &cnor
remove

nor out of the limits

No

Lady- day

at eight.

leave, except

except in time of aflize

.7.

Michaelmas

to

in the

let

to

Lady-day

Friends or relations

in private.

in the hall

on guard.

his

own bedwithout

wall, the juftices

names

gaoler's confent.

are not legible.

8.

Prifoners

CHESHIRE.

Chester Circuit.
may bring

Prifoners

8.

(hilling at the

the gaoler

Upon non-payment

bed-pay

If they choofe the keeper's

beds, and take them away.

own

their

end of every week.

44<

may

take the bed, and put the

Chester
Air

prifoner to lie in the pope's kitchen or any other free ward.

The

9.

public hall to be fwept and cleaned by the prifoners daily.

At

We

the General Quarter Seflions of the Peace held at

faid

Namppwhh 14th July 4th

George II. 1730

of the Peace aflembled in open Seflions aforefaid do approve of the

Rules to be obferved in the Gaol of the faid Caftle of Cbefier.

whofe names are fubfcribed

Juftices

Three more not

We

do approve of

T CholmondeUy

F Poole

Cha Dukenfield

legible.

thefe rules

J WlLLES

COUNTY BRIDEWELL

Jessop.

MIDDLEWICH.

at

This prifon has been improved by the addition of a work-room; a

end of

which they

it,

work-room

is

Jhop; and three chambers over them.

call a

bench againft the

a ftrong brick

and fronting the

fire-place

now

lower rooms have

another brick

is

window

in each

doors of about two inches diameter.

two, employed in picking

own

trade

but

at

oakum

my two

wall, long

feat,

enough

little room
At one fide

for feveral to

Two

almoft a femicircle.

at the

of the
fit

on

of the four

the other have only three perforations in the

found at

my

vifit in

1776

all

the prifoners, but

the other two were fhoe-makers, working at their

laft vifits

all

The

were without employment.

court

is

fomewhat enlarged from the keeper's garden, and flagged with broad ftones, which are
very convenient, not only for cleanlinefs &c. but particularly for drying the oakum.

The

partition

between

and the garden,

this

of the height, and the

is

a brick wall 6 feet high about one third

contrivance for keeping the court and houfe airy and healthy
court has been contracted by fome

houfehold bread a week

fpirituous liquors not

appointed, Rev.

This

ftrong palifades with tenter-hooks.

reft

fcale.s

but

is

Allowance to each,

buildings.

a judicious

I fince learn

fix

this

pounds of

and weights are provided by the county.

Claufes againft

chaplain lately

hung up.

Mr. Leigh:

new

Keeper's falary,

falary,

20:

50.

No

fees.

Surgeon, Mr.

duty, three times a week.

Graves: he makes a bill*.

1774, Nov.

8,

1776, Sep. 14,

* Since

my

lafl:

vifit,

1779, Aug. 28, Prifoners

Prifoners 3.
-

1782, Nov. 23,

9.

the gaol-fever has been in this prifon

and

5.

14.

in the Chefter papers, a teftimony to

Mr. Graves has been publifhed by order of the

having been fent from Cbejler aflizes. However, only three

the care, attention, and fuccefs of

juftices.

was crowded, feveral

prifoners

The

prifon

and a child

died.

CHESTER]

BridevvtLL

'

442

CHESTER CITY
Chester.

GAOLER,

Samuel PFaterwoods,

Chester Circuit.

E,

COUNTY GAOL.

and

now Thomas Woodworth.

\o.

Salary,

Fees,

Debtors,

Felons,

Tranfports,

8:8.
6:6.
io

each.

Beer and Wine.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

a pennyworth of bread a day.

in Feb.

Garnifh,

Debtors.

Felons ice.

1774, Mar. 29,

8,

10.

1775, Feb.

1,

6,

2.

25,

8,

2.

Nov.

CHAPLAIN,
Salary,

Au gMay

1779,
1782,
Price.

Felons &c.

1,

2.

2 7>

7>

5-

24,

5,

1.

(See Remarks.)

many

gaol, called the North-gate prifon, rebuilt in 1722, has

night-room (which

air,

Debtors.

1776, Sep. 14,

5.

apartments for debtors.

is

The

felons

day-room

is

14 feet by 8) the defcent

is

fpacious

now by

convenient

but to their dungeon, or

18 fleps

for at

my

vifit in

found that the room was very injudicioufly, (not to fay cruelly) funk fome
In

feet*.

1782.)

(See Remarks.)

Salary,

( Little more than half a pound

May

^10.

SURGEON,

1779,

ten ounces in

Rev. Mr. Duke, now Rev. Mr.

Tuefday and Thurfday.

Duty,

THIS

6.

Number,

Remarks.

1775

it is

a barrack-bedftead.

No

light,

nor any communication with the external

but by two leaden pipes of about an inch diameter laid in from the gate-way.

The

March 1774, complained of exceflive heat. The women-felons lie up

room called the upper dungeon, which has no window, only an aperture in the

prifoners in
Hairs, in a

door (14 inches by 7) into one of the debtors rooms.

court

is

common

in the keeper's

Mr.

Price

is

to debtors

and felons

No

bedding or

ftraw.

The

but the former have the privilege of walking

garden.
chaplain to the blue-coat fchool
hool.

and

officiates in little St. John's

navigation parts that from the prifon-yard

* There feems to have been the fume negled here of a claufe in a late adl, that
which Would fcarcely have happened, had the act been hung up as therein directed.

is

chapel

and a foot-

noted in page 295

bridge,

CHESHIRE.

Chester Circuit.

made

bridge,
fervice

Few
In

for the purpofe, gives thefe prifoners

when

it is

performed

prevailed

fevera l prifoners were

No

infirmary

(which impropriety the

of

it

privilege.
in

ill

bed of the cold which then generally

them

yet the furgeon had not, for three weeks, either feen

his afliftant.

A legacy

an opportunity of attending divine

prayers twice a week, and fermon once a month.

is,

town gaols have fuch a

prifoners in city or

November 1775,

that

443

of 1

late

13:4

himfelf, or fent

nor any convenience for the proper feparation of the fexes

keeper mentioned).

is

paid annually by the corporation, but there

no memorial

is

in the gaol.

TABLE
The

FEES

of

rules for this gaol being in fubftance,

four Rules for the Caftle,

I will

RULES.

and

and almoft

not tranfcribe them

in

words, the fame as the

but defire

my

reader

firft

refer to

to'

them.

THE

GAOLER'S

FEES.

Upon any

arreft for

any perfon that mall be brought and committed

For every execution charged upon the prifoner

Upon every commitment by

If a foreigner

the

mayor

to a

mifdemeanor

if

gentleman committed prifoner, per week

For lodging every night

in a feather

In a flock or chaff bed

bed

s.

D.

10

a freeman

For the blue room

for a

to the faid prifcn

Chamber-rent per week the prifoner finding his own bedding

For every felon committed to prifon the keeper's fees for irons and continuance

4
0

0
0

0
0

0
6

0
0

0
0

0
0

If any perfon attached by form of attachment out of the exchequer at Cbejler be brought to the
faid prifon the keeper's fee thereon

If any perfon (hall be arretted

brought to the

by form of a writ out of any of the

faid prifon the keeper's fee

For every

felon

committed per wt^k

To

the turnkey on difcharge

it

No

chains

to

table

was neither figned nor dated.

In the keeper's houfe there

and there

is

is

now

built a

fpinning.

is

room

or two

work-fhop and a room over

Dov/n 10

fteps

are

two new

water: no allowance: claufes againft fpirituous liquors not hung up.

Keeper's falary, 4.

Here were

The employment

25 feet by 16^.

_/.

City Bridewell.

for thofe that can pay for a bed

dungeons.

-----

The above

CHESTER

For attending the court with every prifoner

For a copy of every commitment

courts at Wefiminjler and be

feveral

o.

leaden weights

each: thefe are fattened,

marked 30, 40, 60 pounds, with

as

the magiftrates

order,

or the

ring and

keeper finds
needful,

Chester.

CHESHIRE.

444
Chester
CiTY
'

Chester Circuit.

needful, to the legs of refractory prifoners, fo that they cannot

the weight.

The keeper

faid that

it

was extremely

to

difficult

walk without carrying

make

prifoners behave

orderly, while they were kept together.

1775, Feb.

Nov.

o.

14,

12.

1776, Sep.

MACCLESFIELD
and

foreft

1779, Aug. 27, Prifoners

Prifoners 2.

1,

25,

Prison.

1782,

This prifon

May

24,

for the liberty

1.

Impreffed

3.

1.

of the hundred, manor,

of Macclesfield, in the pinfold or pound for that hundred,

is

the property of

Lord Cholmondeley. It has four rooms; and a dungeon down 7 fteps (11 feet by 9), rhe
window 6 inches fquare. The building is flight, and the whole of it ruinous. Keeper
is

a bailiff, keeps a public houfe

and pays rent 18.

No

falary: fees,

6 d. no

s.

table.

1776, Sep. 15, Debtors

1782, Nov. 23, Debtor

2.

MACCLESFIELD Town

Bridewell,

Only one aperture 10 inches by

houfe.

obliged to confine

men and women

together in

room behind

a ruinous

is

The keeper

6.

1.

told

me

the keeper's

he was fbmetimes

Salary, twenty millings

it.

fees,

one

Ihilling.

No

1776, Sep. 15, and 1782, Nov. 23,

NANTWICH

Prison,

Nantwich, or Wich-Malbank,
or three

rooms

the property of

Lord

the

for

manor

Cholmondeley.

or barony of

It confifts of

two

in the keeper's public houfe.

1779, Aug. 28, Prifoners

As

This prifon

for Debtors.
is

prifoners.

the table of fees

County of Chefer,

to

is

wit.

other Officers within the faid

1782, Nov. 23, Prifoner

2.

of a late date, and fo comprehenfive,

A Table
County ;

Charles Mainwaring,

here give the copy.

of Fees, to be taken by Sheriffs, Under-Sheriffs,

Made,

fettled

and allowed,

at

Bailiffs,

or

the General Quarter Seflions

held by adjournment at the Cattle of Cbejier, in and for the faid County,

1777, and in the 17th

1.

the Fifteenth Day of April

George III. before Sir Thomas Brought on, Baronet, George Heron, John Townfiend,

Samuel Barrow, Samuel Finney, and Henry

Robert Hill, and John Baldwin, Clerks, Juftices

in

Ojfley

Wright, Efquires

purfuance of an Aft

made

in

Samuel Alderfey,

the 3 2d year

of

. S.
o 10

D.
o

George II.

To

the Bailiff for every Arreft, as under.

For an arreit or an attachment for contempt,

For a debt of

10/.

and under 20/.

For a debt of 20/. and under 30/.

For a debt of 30/. and under 50/.

For a debt of 50/. and under 80/.

10

-0150

-150
-

For

-:

CHESHIRE.

Chester Circuit.

445
1

11

D.
6

iz

.
For a debt of

and under 100/.

80/.

For a debt of 200/. and under 500/.

make

-oof

made (except on an attachment

to be

fuch arreft, in cafe the arreft be

For Attendance on Arreji

for contempt) each mile

Where
Where
Where

For a debt of 1000/. and upwards

Travelling charges to

For a debt of 500/. and under 1000/.

-22c

For a debt of 100/. and under 200/.

S.

taken as follows (except on an Attachment for Contempt).

the debt does not exceed 100/. for each day zs. and each night zs.
the debt does exceed 100/. and

not 200/. for each day 3/. and each night 3;.

is

the debt does exceed 200/. for each day \s. and each night 4/.

Nothing

to

be taken

for Attendance

Defendant does not

unlefs the

offer

good Bail in

fx

hours, or

is

not difcharged in that Time.

For executing every writ of Ca

fa : Fi : ffa

Levari facias, and writ of poffeffion, or other

execution, befides fheriff's poundage

<

0
0

10

Travelling Charges as in Cafe cf Arreft.

For conducting every prifoner

Houfe expences

whilft in cuftody before carrying to gaol (but not

expences of prifoners and

For making every

For

20/.

diftrefs for rent,

bailiffs

and

his

way

after the rate of zs. 6d. for every twenty-four hours,

all

be conduced, in

to gaol, or fo far as fuch prifoner fhall

to gaol, each mile

on the road)

fo in

to

be allowed

proportion for a

lefs

time,

included.

under 20/.

and under 100/.

For above 100/.

For attending goods under
fale is finiftied,

make

-040

or taken in execution, for each twenty-four hours, until the

one perfon zs. 6d.

Travelling charges to

No

diftrefs,

if

two perfons

fuch diftrefs, and houfe expences, as in cafe of arreft.

further or other allowance to be taken on account of bailiffs

followers, but every bailiff to pay his

own

followers out of the above fees.

And

it

is

ordered by the faid Court, that

Table of Fees be printed, and immediately difperfed

this

throughout the faid County, by the Clerk of the Peace thereof.

Sheriff, Bailiff, or other Officer or Minifter,

may

And

to the

plead Ignorance of the

them are to take any other or greater Fee or Reward than what
upon the Pains contained in the faid K8i.

that none of

By

end that no

Law,
is

may

they

above

Sheriff,

Under-

hereby take notice,

fet forth

and allowed,

the Court,

W. Widdem,
Clerk of the Peace for the faid County of Chefter.

NANTWICH
the county in 1782.

room arched with

no chimney

Town
Two

Gaol.

This prifon (called the round houfe) was

rooms and a kitchen

for the

brick (12 feet 3 inches by 10 feet

no court

The gentlemen feem

to

down

2 fteps

2),

built

by

prifoners, a

with a barrack-bedftead

two dungeons with apertures

have overlooked a claufe in 14th Geo.

e

For

keeper.

III.

2 inches by

Cap. xliii.

9.

"

to

" prevent

Nakt-

FLINTSHIRE.

44^

NantWICH
'

" prevent the prifoners from being kept

The

" veniently."

Only one

water has been

HAULTON
number of

Nov.

Castle Gaol.

Lord

No

23,

it

con-

dungeons.

in thefe

prifoners.

fhould fcarcely have mentioned thisprifon, fmce

years paft no perfon has been confined in

in an infcription in the court-room, dated

yard.

whenever they can do

by the marks,

fire-place, that in the keeper's kitchen.

1782,

for a

undtrr ground,

inches high,

1 8.

Chester Circuit.

Cholmondeley

it

is

ftill

proprietor under the crown

is

Two

here for the manor.

1737,

it,

had

not found that

called a gaol with a court-

and quarterly courts are held

appear to have been ufed for the purpofe of confining

cellars

prifoners.

March

1777,

19,

No

prifoners.

FLINTSHIRE.
COUNTY GAOL at FLINT.
Flint,

GAOLER,

now James

John Williamsy

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,
Felons,

Terry.

0:6:0.
0:3:6.

Tranfports, the expence.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors,
Felons,

")

each weekly

and 6

Number,
1774, June 25,
1776, Sep. 13,

CHAPLAIN,

rooms.

weekly

Debtors.

1.

1779, Aug. 27,

1,

o.

1782,

in

bread

May

24,

Felons &c.

1,

3-

-9,

3.

Rev. Mr. Davies, now Mr. Parry.

Wednefday and

gaol

money afterward

1 s.

( See Remarks.)

Felons &c.

20.

THIS

now

4,

Salary,

and tap-room.

money.

d.

Debtors.

Duty,

Mr.

Ingleby at

none

Salary,

Remarks.

6 d. in bread, and 6 d.

0:1:0.

Garnifh,

SURGEON,

1 s.

one pound of bread a day

is

alfo

Holy welL

he makes a
a bridewell.

For debtors there

They have

alfo

Friday.

bill.

On

are,

the ground-Moor are the gaoler's apartments

up

flairs,

a court, backwards.
5

For

common ward

and two other

felons and^etty offenders,

two dark
clofets,

FLINTSHIRE.

Chester Circuit.

12 inches by 6 in the doors

years

ago,

when

rooms: they

the debtors

clofets, the black holes, in

dungeon

447

are each 5 feet

by 4 with apertures
till a few

and were the only receptacles for criminals

the yard was added, which

in

This

16 feet by 11.

is

is

8 fteps.
A court before it about 5 yards fquare water laid in When men are
women are put in the dark clofets. The claufes againft fpirituous liquors are
hung up. The act for preferving the health of prifoners not hung up no infirmary.
The debtors and felons not being fatisfied with the kind allowance from the county of

down

here,

is. 6 d.

in

bread and 6

pound of bread
Great

feffions

money per week,

d. in

the juftices very properly ordered only a

day to each.

at

Mold

conveyance thither

falary of 30 as keeper of the bridewell.

is

He

expence.

at the gaoler's

There

has noiv a

no work-room nor employment for

petty offenders, nor day-room for felons.

About

five

and twenty years ago, here was a debtor who

to any orders but fuch as fhould be

to the gaoler, nor

Upon

hung up

are

was informed, the

this occafion, as I

well in July 1759,

made fome

the gaol.

in

It

government of

man knew

probable the

fubjecl

enjoined by the magiftrates.

juftices at the quarter feffions held at

falutary rules for the

is

upon not being

infifted

this prifon,

Holywhich

he had a ftatute to fupport his

claim, namely, the act the 3 2d of George II.

TABLE OF
At

Flin/foire, to wit.

reign Lord George III

and Montgomery

Court of Great Seflion held

the

1765

Hon blc John

before the

and Taylor White Efq.

FEES.
on 22d of Auguft 5thof our Sove-

at Flint

Morton Efq. Chief Juftice of

Chefer, Flint, Denbigh,

Ordered that
It is
do take no more than the Fees and Allowances hereafter mentioned which,
be fufficient and reafonable
his Majefty's other Juftice there afligned

&c.

the Gaoler for the time being

the court conceive to

(That

A Table
For

is

the receipt of every prifoner for debt

For the

ufe

to fay)

of Fees to be taken by the Gaoler of

-

week then

For a copy of every commifmenc

Fee on prifoner'* difcharge

The above Table of

is

ratified

Fees

own bedding

Turnkey's fee on prifoner's difcharge

his

Attending every prifoner brought by rule of court

-026
-020
-010
-010
026
-010

of the bedftead and chamber by the week the prifoner finding

If the bedding found by gaoler per

County.

this

S.

D.
o

and confirmed by

John Morton'.
Rules
1.

All prifoners to

to

behave refpe&fully

be obferved within the Gaol of Flint.

to

keeper Whoever ftrike

or aftuult

any to

be punifhed by a

juftice at difcretion.
2.

No

curfing or

fwearing No gaming

in the hall nor in private.

a.

Prifoners

Flint
Gaol.

FLINTSHIRE.

44?
Flint

3.

To ^

t0 Lacl y- da y at e 'S nt

Gaol

mas
4.

to

Lady-day

The

* et

at eight.

Friends or relations

long
5.

Chester Circuit.

rooms from Lady-day to Michaelmas at nine from Michaelmas

out M tne morning from Lady-day to Michaelmas at fix
Michael-

Prifoners to retire to their refpelive

to bring necefTaries,

beingfearched

for inftruments

if

without leave, except in ficknefsnor after the hours of locking up.

prifoners for felony

and then not

6.

No

7.

Prifoners

prifoner to

may

and mifdemeanors

in the

upper ward

except

to ftay

leave to the contrary,

to intermix with the debtors.

remove

the keeper's beds &c. nor

bring their

own

beds, and take

prifoner to lie in any other

room

without

own bed

his

them away.

as

is

gaoler's confent.

If they chocfe the keeper's bed

Upon non-payment

the end of every week.

lhillings at

keep

lhall

required Not

may

the gaoler

who cannot

ufual for prifoners

pay two

take the bed, and put the

bring beds or pay chamber-

rent.
8.

That

9.

That no

the public-rooms

prifoners

be kept and made clean daily by the

lhall

have any ofFenfive weapons

or

prifoners.

inltruments

that

may conduce

to

their

efcape.

At

We whofe

the General Quarter Selfions held at Holywell

Names

12th July 33d George

II.

1759.

are hereunto fubferibed his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace affembled in open Seflions

aforefaid approve of the above Rules to be obferved within the

Gaol of

Flint,

Roger Mojlyn,

David Pennant,

Jb n Glynne,

Thomas Thomas.

Thomas Hughes,
William Wynne, Clerk of the Peace.

ANOTHER
COUNTY BRIDEWELL
BmdeWELL

'

Two

rooms

in a ruinous thatched houfe

water: no employment:

hung up.

fees, 3s. 6 d.

Keeper's falary,

10 j

no

at

HANMER.

no chimneys

table.

in

them.

No

court: no

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors net

out of which he pays rent for tke houfe.

1779, Aug. 29,

No

prifoners.

DENBIGHSHIRE.

DENBIGHSHIRE,

Chester Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

449*

RUTHIN.

at

Ruthin,

Jo/epb Stoddard.

10.

Salary,

0:6:0.
0:3:6.

Debtors,

Fees,

Felons,
Tranfports,

Licence,

none.

each to Chefter.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

1 s.

Felons,

Number,

8,

5.

1779, Aug. 26,

2,

2.

1776, Sep. 13,

2,

1.

1782, June 22,

8,

7.

Rev. Mr.

Duty,

Sunday.

Salary,

20.

SURGEON,

gaol (lately built)

27 feet by

alfo

is

a county bridewell.

by

feet

and another
6-|

as

large for

two on each

fide

criminals

A window

blankets and a coverlet.

clofe,

is

now

open.

ward.
fender.

and

rooms

and for the

In each there

each 3 feet by

1,

for debtors

is

The

cells are

a bedftead with

which was glazed

two

but being

In both the debtors and felons day-rooms are 8 cup-

(about 13^ feet by

In each of the debtors rooms

is

nf), and

his

Above

provifion.

a neat chapel, but

no

free

an iron bedftead, two chairs, a table, and a

Separate courts for debtors and criminals; in each

pump with

excellent water,

copper &c. made fo convenient that they are

a bathing-room, with a

only four

latter,

feet wide.

and keys, that each may fecure

boards with feparace locks

are nine

in

of a paflage but 3

arched with brick, and lired with oak planks.

found too

In the front are the gaoler's

Backwards, on the ground-floor, a day-room or kitchen for debtors

apartments.

7^

Pierce.

Mr. Nicholls.
now \2.

Salary,

cells

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1774, June 25,

CHAPLAIN,

THIS

6 d. a week.

0:2:6.
0:1:0.

Debtors,

Garnifli,

in conftant

ufe.

Gentlemen
from men,

fo confiderate, will

as

windows of the
the debtors.

this

is

felons

This

day-room

gaol

fcarcely forget

county bridewell.

is

an infirmary, and feparating

If a door-way was

into their court, they

the

might be more feparated from

kept clean, but has not been white-w allied fince

3

women

made between
it

was

occupied

r EM arks;

DENBIGHSHIRE.

45
Ruthin

occupied

Ccujnty

prifoners not

of

feffions,

common

a fault too

hung up

late,

at

new

in

The ad

prifons.

Chester Circuit,

for preferving the heal

but the claufes againft fpirituous liquors are hung up.

The

Wrexham.

gaoler has a falary of

20

as

of

Great

keeper of bride-

well.

TABLE OF
At

Denbigh/hire, to nuit.

the General Quarter Seffions

of our Sovereign Lord

others
Whereas

Geoxge

5th

III

1765

Under- Sheriff of

FEES.

Denbighon the 16th day of April in the

Edwards Jun>\ and John Conway Efqrs. and

at

before John

County has applied to this Court to have the Gaoler's

made, it is therefore Ordered that the Gaoler
do take no more than the Fees and Allowance hereafter mentioned (That is to fay)
Juftices

Fees

fettled

and

the

this

fixed, purfuant to the Statutes in fuch cafe

A Table

of Fees to be taken by the Gaoler of

this

County.

-026
.

Fees on the receipt of every prifoner

For the

ufe

of the bedftead and chamber by the week the prifoner finding

]f bedding be found by the gaoler then by the

For a copy of every commitment

week

prifoner's difcharge

The above Table

of Fees

is

_
-

ratified

own bedding
.

Turnkey's fee on prifoner's difcharge

his

Attending every prifoner brought up by rule of court

Fee on

S.

D.

-020
0.10
-010
026
-

and confirmed by

John Morton..

By

the

Court

John Hoficr Clerk of the Peace.

OTHER.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
BrideWELL$
*

WREXHAM.

This

only part of an houfe, the whole of which feems to have

is

been formerly the bridewell; but moft of

is

it

now

the parifh poor-houfe.

prifon has

on

two dark

ofFenfive rooms, with apertures in the doors 10 inches

the ground-floor the keeper's

6 feet of the doors

fuffocated
fide

out of repair.

Up

No

liable;

The

and for prifoners,

by 7

a wall within

prifoners have, with juft caufe, complained of being almoft

and begged to be

of the houfe.

rooms and

flairs

pump.

let

out for

are three

The

late

air into the

rooms

keeper's garden, on the other

for thofe

keeper was a

who

can pay.

The

prifon

^8.

Fees

fherifF's officer: falary,

uncertain, not being fettled by the juftices.

1774, Mar. 30, Prifoners

2.

1779* July 26, Prifoners 2.

1776, Sep.

i.

1782, June 22,

DENBIGH.
falary,

12,

No

Part of an old houfe.

court: no water:

out of which he pays to the parifh

town-hall, the black hole,

24

feet

by 10,

1779, Aug. 26, Prifoners o:

1782, June 22,

o:

is

1.

no fewer.

rent for the houfe.

Keeper's

Under the

ufed as a prifon.

diffracted

2 paupers.

man, 2 paupers.

MONTGOMERY-

MONTGOMERYSHIRE.

Chester Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

William Davies

MONTGOMERY.

at

Mo k t g o-

MERY

12:0 from the fherifF.

Debtors, 0
8:0.

12

Salary,

Fees,

Felons,

Tranfports, about

Licence,

10

14

10

4.

o each.

none.

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors, on application, the fame as Felons,

0:2:

Garnifh,

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Debtors.

4-

1779,

16,

4>

3-

1775, Nov. 29,

2,

o.

1782, Sep. 26,

it,

4.

Sunday.

Salary,

20.

gaol

Now

two, in quarterly rotation.

^7

is

10

all

clean.
vifit

firft

finely fituated

on

No

conveyed
up.

'1

now

Great

ufed.

expence.

Here

8 feet

7,

turned

is

are eight

rooms

for debtors,

and a condemned
fine

cell

for

ftream of water, which

off.

large brew-houfe

is

room over it much more convenient for a

always at Welch Pool; whither prifone-rs are

feffions

Aft

by

The

Court common.

day-room.

There might be

at the gaoler's

only Mr. Stephens.

ground.

a rifing

was running through the court,

built for the gaoler.

chapel than that

x.

Now 3.

o each.

three of which are free wards, and two cells

j

Impreffed

Rev. Mr. Powell.

Duty,

Salary,

my

Felons &c.

3,

SURGEONS,

at

May

1774, June 29,

CHAPLAIN,

felons

a.6d. loaf every other day

6.

Number,

THIS

Now

two 14^. loaves a week.

from the gaoler.

Felons,

for preferving the health

of prifoners not hung

he gaol has been white-wafhed but once fince the aft paffed.

No

though

bath,

very conveniently fituated for plenty of water.

Debtors are fent from the county-court for fmall fums, and no term
is

here confined for

gaoler faid,

is

generally ordered in the affs for the court of fequefts.

their difcharge, as

11

6,

cofts^i

many had been committed

ii, exclusive

much

for

lefs

of the gaoler's

fixed for

One was
The

fee.

fums, and lay for feveral years in

gaol.

The

table

of

fees not legible.

COUNTY

Remarks.

ANGLESEY.
COUNTY BRIDEWELL
Bridewell.

Two
ky 13

rooms
feet

no fire-place: and down

3 inches, with ftocks

ance.

thatched houfe

in the keeper's

out of repair

Keeper has a garden

the largeft of which

not fecure.

13

his falary,

Circuit.

MONTGOMERY.

at

fteps

North Wales

is

damp dungeon

No

8 feet

materials for work.

13:4: no

inches

No

allow-

fees.

1775,

Nov.

29,

1779,

May

16,

1.

1782,

Sep.

26,

o.

Prifoner

13 feet by 9 feet

o.

NORTH WALES CIRCUIT.

ANGLESEY.
COUNTY GAOL
Beau-

GAOLER,

maris.

at

BEAUMARIS.

William Thomas , afterwards John Prkhard,

5 from

Salary,

Fees,

now

his

Widow.

the meriff.

Debtors,

~t

Felons,

Tranfports, the expence.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors, none.
a milling loaf a

Felons',

Number,

Debtors.

Felons &c.

1774, June 27,

2,

o.

1779' J u] y 2 4>

4,

i-

7,

1.

1782,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,
Remarks.

week, and one pound of butter.

May

26,

none.
none.

In 1780 it was altered much for the better.

gaol is alfo the county bridewell.
There are three bedhas five rooms and a court for debtors, and a court for felons.
and a day-room
men-felons,
for
fire-place
rooms and a day-room (21 feet by 14^) with a

THIS

It

in

which there

is

a fmall

night-room for women-felons.

perly towards the felons court.

No water

liquors, nor

ad

as
/<: a year
}
*

of bridewell.
keeper
r

for preferving the health

No

no

ftraw.

The

keeper's

of prifoners, are hung up.

table of fees.

window

is

pro-

Neither claufes againfl fpirituous

The

gaoler has

CARNARVON-

North Wales

CARNARVONSHIRE.

Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL

453

CARNARVON.

at

Carnar-

GAOLER,

Thomas Prichard.

Salary,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,

o
o
o

Felons,

von.

3:6
2:6

13

entrance.
difcharge.

4.

Tranfports, the expence.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

Garnifh,

Number,

by

7,

week

1782, June 21,

7,

o.

*779> J ul y 2 4>

5>

SeP- 2 4>

3>

gaol,

none.

none.

which

a large

is

the bridewell, was formerly a

alfo

is

Two

rooms

for debtors,

all

of them very

and two

for

no fewer

Conway.

The

gaoler has

felon's allowance ftx-pence a

No

in

latter

lately ufed

by

ftrolling

Neither claufes againft fpirituous liquors,

a year as keeper of bridewell.

for

is

one of the

by 3; the other under the ftairs only 9 feet

and never white-warned. Joining to

no water.

week

dirty,

room, formerly a houfe of correction, but

court, but

chapel, and

felons

nor the act for preferving the health of prifoners, are hung up.
at

Felons &c.

Debtors.

1.

11 fteps, with an aperture 18 inches

players.

( See Remarks.)

2,

with no window

the gaol

each.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

ruinous condition.

down

1774, June 27,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

THIS

4 d.

s.

a milling.

(what he

calls) his trouble

Great

He

feffion in

flops

Lent

from each

of weekly payments.

table of fees.

Among

the various

improvements that

are

making

in this

town,

may

it

not be hoped,

that the county-magiftrates will think of a better prifon.

MERIONETHSHIRE.

Remarks.

MERIONETHSHIRE.

454

COUNTY GAOL
Dolce lly.

GAOLER,

North Wales

Circuit.

DOLGELLY.

at

Rice Edwards.

Salary,

$.

Fees,

Debtors, ^
Felons,

}C

<

Tranfports, the expence.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.

now 3 s.

Felons,

Number,

1,

1.

1779, Aug. 25,

3,

2.

1782, Sep.

8,

Prayers on Friday.

Mr. Owen.

now 10.

Salary,

The windows were

no water

Lent

Six rooms for debtors, two

gaol was repaired about twenty years ago.

below and four on the

firft floor,

all clofe

in the court.

but no free ward

glazed, but

now have

rooms above

four

cafements.

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

health of prifoners, on paper,

hung

No

up.

The

for criminals.

court not fecure

hung up.

table of fees.

Aft

for pre-

Great

fcflion

at Bala.

John Davis, committed Oct.

years,

2.

10.

fer ving the

for each; but paid to the gaoler.

Jones.

Salary,

SURGEON,

in

25,

Re v. Mr. John

Duty,

THIS

week

Felons &c.

1774, June 28,

CHAPLAIN,

Remarks.

Debtors.

was here

in

6,

1774, and fentenced for tranfportation for fourteen

September 1782.

COUNTY BRIDEWELLS.
Bride-

DOLGELLY. Two
the county gaoler.

rooms under the town-hall.

1779, Aug. 25, and 1782, Sep. 25,

BALA,

Two

fhillings
falary,

No

court: no water.

No

prifoners.

feet

fquare.

Keeper,

Salary, 6.

rooms joining to
week for each, paid

the town-hall,

11

to the keeper.

No

court:

Allowance, three

no water.

Keeper's

2.
1779,

Aug. 26,

No

prifoners.

CARDIGAN-

CARDIGANSHIRE,

Carmarthen Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

at

455

CARDIGAN.
Cardioah

Charles 'Thomas.

Salary,

formerly 11,

Fees,

Debtors,^

now 10.
:

Felons,

4-

Tranfports, the expence.

Licence,

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors, none.

two millings

Felons,

Number,
1774, Aug. 13,

i779> J une 4,
1782, Oct. 20,

CHAPLAIN,
Duty,
Salary,

SURGEON,
Salary,

THIS
was

firft

week.

Felons &c.

4,

O.

2,

o.

3,

1.

Rev. Mr. Davies, now Rev. Mr. Evans.

Sunday.

20.

Mr. Davies.
10.

gaol, which

there.

Debtors.

alfo

is

flight

the bridewell and

building.

It

confifts

town gaol, was

juft finilfred

by 13, and two over them. They were clofe glazed, but now every pane
There is a dungeon down 11 fteps. The rooms, and the court (35

air.

were very

dirty,

which

for preferving the health

up.

of

No

is

when

of two rooms below about 15 feet

often the cafe where there

is

no water.

is

broke for

feet

by 24),

Neither the

ac~b

of prifoners, nor claufes againft fpirituous liquors, are hung

allowance from the county, either of bedding or ftraw

or of fuel.

No

table

fees.

PEMBROKESHIRE.

Remarks;

PEMBROKESHIRE.

45 6

COUNTY GAOL
Haver-

GAOLER,

FOR DWEST.

Richard

Fees,

HAVERFORDWEST.

at

Griffith.

nowi6.

none,

Salary,

Carmarthen Circuit.

Debtors, i
Felons,

'J

4-

Tranfports
Licence,

none.

PRISONERS,
Debtors, certified by their parim, a penny a day.
Felons,
a penny a day.

Number,

Debtors .

4,

1.

1779, June

1,

2.

oa.

1782,

CHAPLAIN,

21,

o.

6,

Rev. Mr.

now Rev. Mr.

Jones,

Duty,

Wednefday and Friday.

Salary,

20.

SURGEON,

THE

'

Phillips.

Mr. Davies, now Mr. Thomas.

20, now 15.

Salary,

Remarks.

Felons &c#

1774, Aug. 14,

5,

(See Remarks.)

old gaol was alfo the bridewell.

dungeons

snd then

his life

in

one of
:

thefe, as I

fince that time,

upper rooms were dirty and

The two loweft were very damp

Six rooms.

was informed, a prifoner

loft, firft

none have been confined

ofFenfive, with fmall

windows.

the ufe of his limbs

of them.

in either

No

fewers

no

The

court.

No

table of fees.

But

new gaol

and a kitchen
for debtors,

is

now

for felons,

Here

built within the walls of the old caftle.

and a bridewell room

for

men ; and

and a room called the women's bridewell.

The

five
cells

are five cells

rooms over them

(12

feet

by 6

feet

Thefe cells being four ifeps under ground

9 inches) open into a paffage 4 feet wide.
and damp, makes it almoft abfolutely neceffary to have bedfteads.
Ffere is a chapel
but there

is

There

no infirmary or bath.

A pump

court.

is

neceffary, for wells

aV for preferving the health cf prifoners,

h Jng

is

a fine well of water in the

and ropes are dangerous

in gaols.

fpacious

Neither the

nor claufes againft fpirituous liquors, were

up.

Mr. Martha

Bowen declared

in

her will, that

by an unknown perfon, about the

nds

btors,

and the poor: which

7

faid

100 had been

year 17 51,

fum of 100 was

for

the

invefted in

depofited

benefit

New

in her

of infolvent

South Sea annuities

in

CARMARTHENSHIRE.

Carmarthen Circuit.

The

to the re&ors of St. Mary's Haverfordweft.

truft

in

457

prefent reclor, the Rev.

Charles Ayleway very wifely diftributes the intereft, in bread weekly, a fixpenny loaf

each poor debtor, and the remainder in twopenny loaves

to

the poor

to

in

HaverF0RDWE,T

the

town.

HAVERFORDWEST

At

Town

and

County Gaol

which

is

No

court

no water.

alfo the

likewife the bridewell.

The

one for debtors, the other for felons.

is

bridewell, a

Gaoler, R. Griffith the county gaoler.

1774,

Aug.

14,

779>

June

5,

1782,

oa.

Two

rooms below,

room above (13^

No

feet

by 13).

falary.

Prifoners o.

Debtor
-

21,

1.

i.

PEMBROKE

Town Gaol. Two rooms (24^ feet by 12) the lower one damp
and dirty j no fire-place: no court: no water: no fewer. (See French Prifoners, p. 188.)

No

Oft. 21,

1782,

prifoners.

CARMARTHENSHIRE.
COUNTY
GAOLER,

none.

Fees,

Debtors,.

Licence,

CASTLE.

John Williams.

Salary,

Tranfports,

CARMARTHEN

GAOL,

Carmar.
them.

13

4.

Felons,

13

4.

Petty Offenders,

0:3:4.

each.

Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none.
Felons,

a milling a week.

Number,

Debto.

Felons &c>

16,

10.

1779, June 4,

14,

8.

4,

7.

1782, Oft. 20,

15,

3.

i774> Aug. 15,

1 77 6, Sep.
8,

CHAPLAIN,
Duty,

Rev. Mr. Davies.

Sunday.

Salary,

12

SURGEON,
Salary,

Mr.

12

Dekors>

Fe]ons

&c

Price.

20,

3N

CARMARTHEN

CARMARTHENSHIRE. Carmarthen Circuit.

CARMARTHEN CASTLE.

45?

THIS

Remarks.

gaol

is

alfo the

Both the old and new

county bridewell.

too clofe, about 7 feet by 6

are

The day-room is ufed as a chapel. Over it is

room for the fick. The condemned dungeon is damp
floors.

but

it

A houfe

fpacious.

is

a fmall

but he

and an alarm-bell

No

of the felons.
be laid

in

from

itill

water

at

The

is

little

ufelefs

No

hung up.

liquors, are not

To

court-

for mafter's-

a debtor prevented an efcape

it,

and the gaol

diftance,

rooms

has convenient

it

by ringing

act for preferving the health

keeper of bridewell.

One

window.

Water might

offenfive.

which the debtors have frequently

for

Tranfports had not the king's allowance of is. 6

petitioned the Bench, but in vain.

a week.

top

at

the well

a conduit

earth

and over that a

of four rooms on a floor for the gaoler, lately built

lives diftant, as before:

in the court
fide debtors

ward

a free

yard

cells for criminals

apertures in the doors only 8 inches fquare

d.

of prifoners, and claufes againft fpirituous

table of fees.

J. Williams has

this prilbn there are rules or

12

12:0

a year as

bounds, which extend about half

a mile round.

Two

of the offenders,

They had not

The

whom

faw

in

1776, were for fines which they could not pay.

the county allowance, and were almoft ftarved.

gaoler was defirous of farming the allowance

gaoler at Brecon had been detected

At two of my

vifits,

number of

here were a

but the abufe of fuch a truft by the

and the requeft of

idle

CARMARTHEN

At

this

gaoler was not granted.

and profane people playing

is

at tennis *.

alfo the

COUNTY-BOROUGH-GAOL.
To

the four

No

outfide.

my

firft vifit,

rooms of

young

and was fick on the

whom

prifoners
as in the

this

gaol at the gate, there

court: no water.

committed

creature

floor.

At

an afcent by ftone fteps on the

another

for a petty theft

who

me

At

lives diftant.

lherifFs,

had been there four months,

a debtor fick in bed.

vifit,

faw in 1776, the fheriff told

county gaol, debtors

is

Keeper, one of the town

Befides the four

he had one in the rules: for here,

give fecurity, have the privilege of the rules

for

which they pay the gaoler a guinea each, and the fame on the appointment of every
fheriff*.
Food, &c. for the prifoners was put through an aperture at the bottom of the
tloor

&c.
and

a little girl, the daughter

of a prifoner, could juft get through

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

full

of vermin.

hung up.

At my two

it

to fetch water,

laft vifits,

very dirty,

Fees, debtors 13J. 4^.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

Debtors.

Felons &c.

1774, Aug. 15,

o,

1.

1779, June 4,

o,

1.

1776, Sep.

3,

1.

1782, Oct. 20,

2,

1.

8,

See pages 13, 26, 219, 238.

Deferters

2.

RADNORSHIRE,

RADNORSHIRE,

South Wales Circuit.

COUNTY GAOL
GAOLER,

at

459

PRESTEIGN.

John Thomas, now William Thomas.

Salary,

io from

Fees,

Debtors,

the

Felons,

afterwards

ftieriff;

0:
:

10

Tranfports, the treafurer has

o,

now 10.

8.

o.

each.

Beer.

Licence,

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors, none but on application.

Garnifh,

0:1:0.

Felons,

a three-penny loaf for two days (-Weight Sep. 1782, \\lb.)

Number,

Debtors.

1779,

7>

2,

2.

1775, Nov. 30,

3,

1.

1782, Sep. 27,

9,

4.

gaol

of which (18

are

ftill

is

none.

is alfo

feet

At my laft vifit I found fome alteration.

now five rooms and a hall for debtors, two

the county bridewell.

by 12) are new, but no free ward; a

The

No

ftraw.

bridewell

now taken

Down

room (11^

feet

is

(n-j feet by 6),

into the court, but debtors are not feparated

all clote

glazed.

from

felons.

There

Neither claufes againft fpirituous liquors, nor the

at for preferving the health of prifoners, are

cell for criminals

damp dungeon, which I hope is

by 10^) has no window. The keeper's

three fteps

wanted two rooms for criminals, an infirmary and bath, and cafements to the

windows, they being

has

none.

and a day-room.
never ufed.

Felons &c.

3.

Befides the keeper's apartments, there are

garden

Debtors.

Ma y

4,

CHAPLAIN,
SURGEON,

THIS

Felons &c.

1774, June 30,

2l

hung up

no

table

of

fees.

The

gaoler

year as bridewell keeper.

A day-labourer, who

had a wife and two fmall children, was confined here from the

county court, for a debt of only 9

s.

cofts, 6

s.

8 d.

gaoler's fee, 3

s.

4 d.

BRECON'S HI RE.

re

BRECONSHIRE.

460

COUNTY GAOL
Brecon.

GAOLER,

at

South Wales Circuit.

BRECON.

Magdalen Williams, now John Lloyd.

o a year to fupply felons with neceflary food
10
(fee Remarks ) j now, falary none.

Salary,

31

Fees,

Debtors, 1

Felons,

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer,

'

*'

each.

now no

Licence.

PRISONERS,
Allowance,

Debtors, none but on applying to juftices.

now one pound and

Felons,
Garnifh,

Number,

Debtors.

7,

3.

1776, Sep.

4,

1.

Re v. Mr. Hugh

Jones.

Sunday, Wednefday, and Friday.

Salary,

10, now

THIS

Felons ice.

3,

3.

1,

2.

15.

Mr. Thomas

Salary,

alfo

9,

Debtor*.

1779, June 3,
1782, Oft. 18,

Duty,

SURGEON,
Remarks.

Felons &c.

1774, Aug. 11,

CHAPLAIN,

a half of bread each.

6.

Williams.

Two

gaol was out of repair.

lodged together.

courts

common

At my

dark dungeon.

firft

to debtors and felons: they

vifit

the prifoners were almoft

Two gentlemen of the county, who were then in the gaol with
abufe.
No ftraw. No claufes of aft againft fpirituous liquors no

fhrved by the gaoler.

me, refented the

At my

vifit in

the river, and

may

Tranfports had not the king's allowance of 2

table of fees.

14), into

In

two of which are

court five rooms or

cells
cells,

1782
free

The

it

for the future.

it

wards

was
:

finifhed.

day-room

There
for

are five

courts

by a

This new

gaol

paved with

flood, but
is

fick.

flag-ftones.

fome precautions

not kept clean

In another

For women

and two rooms for the

are properly

cells

it

rooms above

men-felons (26^ feet by

about 6\ feet by 4^, and 8 feet high.

been three feet high in the

vent

week.

open, and in the front court a lodging-room.

court, a day-room, five lodging-rooms

it.

d. a

1779, a new gaol and bridewell was building out of the town, near

which two

a bell over

then obferved that the fituation was too low, fo that fometimes

be expofed to floods.

for debtors,

j.

a feparate

chapel, with

The

water has

are taken to pre-

fowls and dogs were in the

courts.

Here were hung up

regulation of prifons

printed claufes from feveral acts of parliament

and

alfo,

made

for the

the following rules for the Breconfhire gaol.

RULES

BRECONSHIRE.

South Wales Circuit.

RULES

BRECONSHIRE

the

for

461

Gaol.

Brecon^

County

CHAPLAIN'. DUTY.
To

do duty three times a week, of which Sunday to be one.

To

adminifler the Sacrament as often as required.

To be

who

a check on the gaoler, and the perfons

irregularity to the court of quarter /e/pons

fupply the gaol with provifions, and to report any

but in the

Gaol.

mean time

peace.

SURGEON
No prifoner

to apply to

two

juftices

of the

'%

DUTY.

to be admitted into either of the infirmaries without order

from thence

from the furgeon, and to be difcharged

recovered by order from the furgeon.

as foon as

FEES.
No

garnifh to be allowed.

For the difcharge of every

Pri/oners to be

conveyed

prifoner feven fhillings.

to the Hulks

on the Thames, or to the penitentiary

lioufes

not exceeding four pence

per mile for their conveyance, and four pence per day for their maintenance.

GAOLER'S DUTY.
Not

to

be concerned

in fubfifting or felling

any thing to the

them with provifions do not defraud them

That he

pri/oners, but to fee that the perfons fupplying

and to infpect the

cells

twice every day.

obliges the pri/oners to wafh their day-room, yards and cells once in every twenty-four hours, between

the hours of eight and ten in the morning in the fummer, and twice a
refufal to confine

To

them

lock up the pri/oners at

out of their

cells at

in their cells until they

week

in the winter,

and

in cafe

of

comply.
and nine

to let

them

eight of the clock in the morning in the winter, and fix in the fummer.

No

fix

of the clock

in the winter evenings,

in the

fummer, and

ftranger whatever to be admitted into the cells, or fpeak with the pri/onert, but in the prefence of the

gaoler or turnkey.

The pump

in

each yard to be locked up, and a fmall ftone cittern under each

pump

to be filled with water

twice every day, or oftener if found convenient.

No lights, candle, or
To wafh the felons

fire

to be admitted into

any

cell.

on their entrance into gaol

in the cold bath,

and before they are brought up into

court.

No
No

wives or children of any pri/oncr to live in gaol, or lodgers of any kind.

fowls, pigs, or any other animals to be kept in gaol.

Filth to be taken

away every week, by

Convifts to be confined in the

No
No

edge

tool to

be

the gaoler, on penalty of ten fhillings.

cells.

in the gaol, but fuch as

may

be ordered hereafter by the juflices.

gaming whatever.

Scales and weights to be kept in due order.

That

the gaoler fhall by order of the quarter feffions put the pri/oners charged with felony or other mifdemea-

nours to work.

That

the feveral denominations and fexes of pri/oners be kept feparate, and never to have communication.

Riot, drunkennefs, and obfeenity to be feverely punifhed, by order of any one juftice.

All family bufinefs to be done in that part of the building appropriated for the correction.

That
That

the gaoler keeps the debtors rooms and his

own apartments

clean.

the gaoler keeps the glafs windows, together with all fetters, locks,

and doors

in repair.

COUNTY
7

GLAMORGANSHIRE. S.outh Wales Circuit.

COUNTY BRIDEWELL at BRECON,

462

Bride-

In 1779, was difcontinued, and the prifoners fent to the old county gaol, but

WELL
'

new

the

27

feet

cells.

bridewell joining to the gaol was finifhed.

by 14), and

Two

rooms

pumps and

prifon was clean.

are

a weaver and dyer.

is

women,

work-room and

Salary,

three

Prifoners have two thirds

10.

and cards for wool being found by the county.

This

Claufes from fix acts of parliament relative to houfes of correction,

hung up.
1782, Oct. 18,

BRECON
now

confifls

Town

Gaol, was over

of only two rooms

']\ feet

no water: the houfe quite out of

no

for

door opens into the chapel, where there are two divifions for

Keeper

their earnings, fpinning wheels

of

In both the men's and women's court, there are

for an infirmary.

baths.

thefe prifoners.

lodging-rooms

five cells or

in 1782
men, a work-room (about

It has for

One

prifoner.

the gate-way, which has been taken down.

fquare

no

fire-place

Sergeant at mace

repair.

no allowance

is

keeper.

It

no court:

Fees, 3

s.

6d.

table.

1776, Sep.

1779, June

9,

and 1782, Oft. 18,

3,

No

prifoners.

GLAMORGANSHIRE.
COUNTY GAOL at CARDIFF.
Cardiff.

GAOLER,

Thomas Lewis, afterwards William

Cobb-,

now John Owen.

Salary,

none: but he farms the debtors allowance.

Fees,

Debtors, >
:

Felons,

(See Remarks.)

'

each.

Tranfports,

Licence,

Beer and Wine, afterwards none, now for Beer.

PRISONERS,
Allowance, Debtors, none but on application to the
ten pence halfpenny each

Felons,

Garnim,

Number,
1774, Aug. 19,
1776, Sep.

CHAPLAIN,

6.
Debtors.

Felons &c.

14,

2.

2,

2.

6,

Sunday and Wednefday.

Salary,

3Q> now 20.

Salary,
J>

Debtors.

1779, June 8,
1-82, Oct. 23,

Felons &c.

3,

o.

16,

5.

Rev. Mr. Evans.

Duty,

SURGEON,

juftices.

on Saturday.

Mr. Williams.
/io,

now/
* 20.

CARDIFF.

GLAMORGANSHIRE.

South Wales Circuit.

463

CARDIFF.
THE

new gaol

The rooms

between them.

ftood, behind which

on

At

a floor.

fifting

No

finilhed

is

is

and

confifts

for debtors

of three feparate buildings with courts

and a chapel are

in the front

a court with water: then the gaoler's houfe, which has two

the back of this

is

No

water

in the felons court.

The

Above,

are three chambers.

gaoler's houfe being in the middle,

he might have the felons court as well as the debtors conftantly in view,

were made

may

in the

upper rooms

but his palling to the

him when they prove riotous.

week to fuch debtors as

be dangerous to

always at Cowbridge.

Neither

ftreet

The

year to pay a milling a

fefiions

rooms

the felons court and beyond that their wards con-

of three vaulted rooms, and a room for the turnkey.

infirmary.

where the old gaol

if

two windows

through the debtors houfe,

gaoler undertakes for

the juftices mall appoint*.

^40

Great

the act for preferving the health of prifoners,

nor claufes againft fpirituous liquors, were hung up.

At my

vifit

the juftices

at

Glamorganjhire.
Rates he

ftiall

in

1779

my

found the following table of

laft vifit

A Table

there was

of Fees and

no

fees

hung up, but

figned only by

table.

Chamber. Rent

to

be taken by the Gaoler and

Government of the
made and provided.
his

made

Prifon and Prifoners in Ids Cuftody,

in

the gaoler or turnkey at the receiving each prifoner into his cuftody, and

paid by fuch prifoner before he

To

the gaoler

the

purfuance of the Statute in that cafe

To

alfo

impofe on each Prifoner that makes ufe of the Gaoler's Bed and Bedding, and Directions for

difcharged

is

upon the difcharge of each prifoner

which

(hall

D.

s.

be

For the lodging of each prifoner in either of the fore-ftreet chambers (the largeft of which
ftiall contain no more than three beds and the other two beds) fuch prifoner finding his

own bedding and bed

cloaths each night, feven farthings

For the lodging of each prifoner

in either

of the

fore-ftreet

chambers when the gaoler

finds

fuch prifoner with a fufticient feather bed, bolder and bed cloaths, three pence half-

penny per night

For the lodging of each prifonei

flock bed, duft bed, or other coarfe ordinary

per night

in

fit,

any prifoner
(hall

any or either of the other chambers or rooms

in the gaol,

and bed

cloaths,

bed and. bedding, one penny per night

the prifoners in his cuftody fhall be at liberty to fend out of the gaol for what viduals and drink

all

they think

bed and bed cloaths, two pence halfpenny

flock, duft, or other ordinary

That

at the gaoler's finding a

the gaoler finds fuch prifoner with a fufticient feather bed, bolfter

two pence per night

For a

rooms

For the lodging of each prifoner

when

3i

in either of fuch fore-ftreet

gratis

and that the gaoler for the time being

in his cuftody to

ftiall

buy any meat or drink of him, but

not

by compullion or otherwife oblige

if the prifoners or

any or either of them

out of choice deal with fuch gaoler for their provifion or other thing, that then fuch gaoler fhall fupply

fuch prifoners with fufticient proviiiens and drink at reafonable rates.

A late

gaoler informed

me,

that an txebejuer debtor confined ten years for feven pounds, died in the gaol juft before I

was there.

That

Remarks.

GLAMORGANSHIRE.

464
Cardiff

County
Gaol.

That
"

ot

if

any difference fhould happen

to arife

South Wales Circuit.

between the gaoler and prifoners with regard to the goodnefs

he beds or bed cloaths or the goodnefs and price of the provifions the gaoler

(hall find

fuch prifoners with,

that then fuch difference (hall be fubmitted to the arbitration of the treafurer of the faid county for the time

who

being,

hereby defired, and

is

we

as far as

can,

empowered,

and adjufl fuch differences and give

to fettle

fuch relief therein as fhall be reafonable and juft to the party grieved, and if

may

himfelf aggrieved by fuch adjuftment, he

fhall think

treafurer fhall

make

in the matter to the next

it fhall

happen that either party

appeal from fuch order or determination as fuch

General Quarter

of the Peace to be holden for the

Seffions

faid county.

In order

pay duly and regularly for fuch chambers

to enforce the prifoners in the faid gaol to

as they fhall

take, or fuch beds, bed cloaths, meat and drink as fuch gaoler fhall find them with at the prices and in

We

do hereby give the gaoler, upon

aforefaid,

month

together, liberty to turn them out of their faid rooms and chambers into the

until fuch time that they fhall

have

their neglect

and bona fide paid what

fully

gaoler.

Mich 1
Michaelmas Quarter

Seffions,

"

1739.

Wm

Richards,

Befides the old

of

room towards

back court; each 15

in the

The

late

keeper told me,

about a year before

fecure.

up.

No

the ftreet,

Keeper's falary,

5 apertures

25

12

1779, June

SWANSEY
for felons

Gaol.

8,

Debtor

Two

s.

8 d.

know

not

how

my journies,

I have

of about a foot diameter in each

no

ill

man and woman

a-

of

Court not

it.

hung

table.

rooms arched with

2.
2.

brick, under the town-hall.

1782, Odt. 23, Debtor

One room

built

in the caftle for debtors:

1.

and a dark room

&c. under the town-hall.

1779,

all

two rooms

for the circulation

i779> J une 7> Prifoners

1782, Oft. 23,

i,

Town Gaol.

made

daughter were alfo

1774, Aug. 19, Prifoners o.

o.
6,
1776, Sep.

CARDIFF Town

is

Claufes againft fpirituous liquors not

Fees, 6

o.

ufed, there are

died of the gaol-fever

his

no employment.

Roger Powell,

COWBRIDGE.

at

now feldom

many had

when himfelf and

allowance

Morgan,

In them provifion

feet fquare.

window, there are

for befides the

air

room.

common rooms,

be fo due from them to the faid

fhall

Copy."

COUNTY BRIDEWELL
BrideWILI"

and refufal of payment for one whole

manner

June

7,

No

prifoners.

to clofe this account of prifons without

by night and day, through

all

never once been flopped, or even

I mention this, (with a devout

making

the following obfervation.

In

the different counties of England (for ten years paft)

known

myfelf in

any great danger from

acknowledgment of a kind providence

!)

robbers.

becaufe foreigners

In this country generally travel in terror, and often give difmal accounts of the dangers they, have
encountered.

HULKS

HULKS.
HULKS
Jn my

firft

edition (page 75), I paffed

convinced of the
as to
it

attract

faults

to

March

1778, out of

26,

The

had obferved.

the notice of parliament.

appeared, that from Augull 1776,

Jujlicia,

fome cenfures on the management of convicts

labour on the Thames; and in a fubfequent vifk

to hard

committed

THAMES.

the

on

when

effects of thefe

became

ftill

more

fo alarming,

public inquiry was inflituted, by which

the convicts were

put on board the

firft

hundred and thirty-two prifoners who had

fix

been received, one hundred and feventy-fix had died.

with pleafure that

It is

account, which will fhew in a ftriking light the

give an

was

can

beneficial effects of this

Parliamentary Inquiry as to the health of the prifoners, and the obligations the public

were under to the committee appointed on

man,

this occafion,

and particularly

to

its

chair-

Sir Charles Bunbury.

At my vifit, Nov. 16, 1779, there were at Woolwich, for the reception of convicts,
an old Indiaman, called the Jujlicia ; and a frigate, the Cenfor.
In the former were
two hundred and
was

patients.

by

fifty- fix

Another,

and

called the Jujlicia,

firft

is

in

the latter,

two hundred and

That which

fifty.

converted into an hofpital fhip, in which were twenty

called the Reception,

was empty:

convicts were examined

in this,

the furgeon, and continued three days, before they were fent either to the hulks, or

to the hofpital (hip *.

The prifoners on board the Jujlicia looked healthy and well

They had bedding their provifions were good of the fort
;

(as at

my

former

fo healthy

Jujlicia

yet,

and contented an afpect

portion of this
fufpicion

without fhoes and flockings.

vifits)

deck, cleaner than the

company was

(hip's

that fomething

and found
proper that

that they
a table

was wrong.

were the fame

I
found the Cenjor, below
on carefully viewing the convicts, they had not

as

thofe in the other

fent
I

to the

examined

hofpital.
all

and a

much

greater pro-

This created

their provifions,

on board the

as

Jujlicia.

It

in

me

bedding, &c.

would be highly
fcales,

weights,

check the purfers who give out their provifion

j.
on the two decks (one of which is for recovering patients) were

t See
% Purfers weights are

and there were not any

of their ftated allowance mould be hung up, and

and meafures afligned themf,

In the hofpital (hip,

the decks were clean.

By
a

the

ad

to

19th Geo. III. Cap.

good regulation

knowu on board

LXXIV.

p.

1418.

for the prifoners of war, Article

(hips to

IX.

be two ounces in the pound fhort, their meafures

in

proportion.

twenty-

Hulks.

HULKS.

4 66
HtfLKSi

but

twenty-five cradles,

Plymouth, where
were

The

off.

It is to

fmaller than thofe in

Of

all lie fingle.

the few

royal

the

who were

hofpitals

very

fick,

Haftar and

at

found their irons

and quietnefs of the hofpital did honour to the conductor.

cleanlinefs

be wifhed that the patients had better nouriftiment, as that in

many

would

cafes

be more falutary than medical prefcriptions.

There were about one hundred and

them clothed

brown uniform.

in

efpecially for thofe

little,

work

in

the warren in 1779

moft of

obferved that the fituation of thefe unhappy

Yet

people was altered for the better.

was too

fifty at

their bread

allowance of one pound a day

who worked, although

they had an extra allowance

of beer.

At my

Of

four.

Dec. 27, 1782, the Cenfor and the Reception were laid up. There were
one hundred and eighty convi&s, and in the hofpital fhip twenty-

vifit,

on board the

Jujlicia

one hundred and fixteen were employed

thefe,

on fbore, and

ing, &c.

Ihip was very clean

thirty- fix

were heaving

removing

in

of the

mould be

coiwifts,

bed

to each

Oct. 19,

plank-

The

hofpital

the other not dirty.

Some alteration is made in the bread allowance. The mefs of

The diet table is hung up in the cabin of the Jujlicia*. I could
infpetlion

ballaft,

the lighters.

ballaft in

and that

fcales

fix

men

wi(h

it

now

is

ylb.

were for the

There

and weights were provided for them.

in winter an additional blanket.

there were on board the Jujlicia one hundred and feventy-two, and

1783-f-,

in the hofpital fhip twenty-two.

The men

in the Jujlicia

looked well, which

doubt

not was in a great meafure owing to their being employed, and alfo reftrained from fpi-

Of

rituous and other ftrong liquors.

that their fituation

criminals

is

is utterly dejlrutlive

Breakfaft.

Every day

Dinner.

Sunday.

me/s

is

fo

(hews

many

to morals.

for fix

fait

Jujlicia hulk daily.

men, with feven pounds of bread every day.

a pint of barley or rice

Six pounds of

made

into three quarts of foup.

pork or feven pounds of beef, with

Monday, Wednefday, Friday.

Six pounds of bullock's head.

Tuefday, Thurfday, Saturday.

Two

Sunday,

this

but the aflbciation of

Table of Diet expended by the Convias on board the

Each

Supper.

but few of them have died

late,

better with refpect to health

pounds of cheefe, and

Monday, Wednefday, Friday.

five quarts

five quarts

pint of peafe and barley

of beer.

of beer.

made

into three quarts

of foup.
$

t The

Tuefday, Thurfday, Saturday.

Cenfir had

A pint of

oatmeal made into burgou.

one hundred and thirty feven convifts for our fettlements ; many of
1 was perfuaded would die in the paffage.

objeds, and in want of clothes and bedding,

to the Porivgurfe

method with

their

convids

for India.

(See page 150.)

nation to be outdone in humanity and attention to prifoners by fo

It is,

many of

whom

My

being fickly

mind reverted

furely, difgraceful for thi&

our neighbours.

REMARKS

GAOL-FEVER.

REMARKS
THE

ON

GAOL-FEVER.
I shall
faculty,
ter,

may

If

it

hope to be pardoned, from the confideration that my experience

fome refpect fupply my want of other means of knowledge.

were afked, what

"

in

this

is

the caufe of the gaol-fever

the want of frefh air and cleanlinefs."

abroad,

prifons

obferved

dungeons

and

cells

country,

that the fudden change of diet

and

lodging

is

common

to fee

them ficken and

die

in

in

affects

bodies.

On

this

without firing

which they continue,

in winter,

account, the gaol-diftemper

Their diet
;

any

am

have

am

of opinion,

new convicts,
upon them. Hence

the fpirita of

little

apparent

who have been accuftomed

Thefe are ironed, and thruft

down, fome of them, without ftraw

is

our prifons during winter than fummer *; contrary,

putrid difeafes.

general be

lodgings, and vigorous exercife.

of the twenty-four, in utter inactivity, and immerfed

own

as

a fhort time, with very

into clofe offen five dungeons, and there chained

or other bedding

in

have found in

production.

its

Convicts are generally flout robuft young men,

to free diet, tolerable

as

dirty

that the general caufes of putrid fevers exert an immediate effect

illnefs.

mat-

in this

diftemper was unknown,

this

fo

would

it

But

and

as onenfive

where, however,

obliged to look out for fome additional caufe for

it

-,

have invaded the province of the gentlemen of the

in

readily replied,

fome

remarks on the gaol-fever

take the liberty here to fubjoin a few additional

in which, if I (hall appeaf*to

is

at

and the powers of

fixteen or feventeen hours out

in the

noxious effluvia of their

always obferved to reign more in

I

prefume, to the nature of other

the fame time low and fcanty

life

they are generally

foon become incapable of

relifting

fo

many

caufes of ficknefs and defpair.

* In converfation with the

phyfician to the military hofpital at Mo/cow, on

windows of the wards were Inut

'*

enclofe themfelves in hot rooms,

he anfwered,

and

" Almoit

all

diflike the frefh. air,

my

obferving that the

our diforders are in winter, for the Ruffians

even before the cold months commence."

On

GAOL FEVER.

4 68

On my vifits in 1779, I found only one perfon ill of the gaol-fever: he was in
Newgate, under fentence of death. In 1782, I did not find a fingle perfon labouring
under that diforder throughout the whole kingdom. But in 1783, when the prifons
became crowded from the peace, I was forry to obferve, that through the original
faulty conftruction of

many

of them, and the want of attention in magiftrates properly

to infpect them, and enforce the orders of the act for preferving the health of prifoners,

they were beginning to return to their former wretched

Several

of alarming and

inftances

municated to me; fome of which

remark, however, that

it

fatal

ftate.

ficknefs in

have noted in

gaols have fince been

their proper places.

com-

have to

appears doubtful to me, whether, in fome of thefe,

diforder was the proper gaol-fever, produced in and peculiar to fuch fituations

an epidemic

which attacked prifoners only

difeafe,

of the fame town.

to prevent the difeafe

common

or

with other inhabitants

cannot be expected that gaols Ihould be preferved free from

It

fuch vifitations as thefe

in

the
;

it is

only to be hoped, that care and attention will be ufed,

from becoming more malignant and

fatal in thefe,

than in other

places*.

*
tifed

It

by

may

not be Improper here to put perfons on their guard againft an artifice not unfrequently pras-

gaolers, in order to prevent a proper examination of their prifons.

come with an
accompany him, but at

larly a magiltrate, has

willingnefs to

fome danger

in it, as

he

is

intention to

vifit

the gaol,

When

the keeper

the fame time has artfully dropt a hint that he fears there

apprehenfive that the fever has

made

its

appearance among them.

alarmed, returns thanks for the kind caution, and inftantly leaves the houfe.
always the more
dirty, indeed,

infilled

on the

a gentleman,

neceflity

of a clofe infpe&ion

particu-

has pretended the utmoft

On

The

may be
vifitor,

fuch occafions I hav.e

and have generally found the prifon very

and out of order, but no fejvtr.

CONCLUSION.

CONCLUSION.

CONCLUSION.
It was

my

once

this

in

fome

inftances to fuggeft remedies to the evils of

and aware of the

mend

them-,"

conduce

common

imagined

improvement

to

have publifhed the preceding account of Englifh

to

But thinking, from a clofe attention to the fubject, that

volume.

power

intention

any of the introductory matter which compofes the former part of

prifons, without

more

perfon of

but the object of

miserable,

proverbial objection

"

mould be culpable

in

in a

with

ability,

my

matter

had

fo

that

devoted

my

time to their

at heart.

in

my

than to

might

of facts, would have written better

Hearing the

In order to procure

relief.

the authenticity of

was

it

had been witnefs

eafier to find faults

ambition was not the fame of an author.

bufinefs to collect materials,

fuppreffing any thing which

much

my knowledge

it is

which

it,

made

which could not be difputed.

of the

cry

it

my

For the

warmth of fome expreffions where my fubject obliges me to complain, and for my

eagernefs to remove the feveral grievances, my apology muft be drawn from the deep
dijirefs of the fufferers, and the impreflion the view of it made upon me An impreffion
too deep to be effaced by any length of time

What

have propofed throughout

and thefe

doubtlefs, be

it. is

to prevent the reformation of abufes

Yet

pend.

hope not to be

is

of

fenfibte,

fome objec-

to

on which

their eafe or

my

emolument may de-

and

countrymen

if this

to this

alleviating the diftreffes of poor debtors

publication

important

and other _prifoners

procuring for them cleanly and wholefome abodes; and exterminating the gaol-

fever,
leaft

am

entirely deferted in the conflict

fhould be the means of exciting the attention of

national concern of

liable, I

heightened by the Cavils of thofe whofe intereft

tions

will,

my work

which has

fo often

fpread abroad

its

dreadful contagion

of. abolifhing,

reducing, the oppreffive fees of clerks of affize, and of the peace

of
of introducing

the falc of liquors in prifons

tions of bailiffs

or at

of preventing

checking the impofitions of gaolers, and the extor-

a habit

of induftry Into our bridewells

and retrain-

ing the fhocking debauchery and immorality which prevail in our gaols and other
prifons-

if

any of thefe beneficial confequences

in the pleafing reflection that

creatures

and

will

(hall accrue,

the writer will be

happy

he has not lived without doing fome good to his fellow-

think himfelf abundantly repaid for

all

the pains he has taken, the

time he has fpent, and the hazards he has encountered.

TA

BL

E&

TABLES.
TABLE

I.

GENERAL HEADS OF REGULATIONS

PROPOSED TO BE

ESTABLISHED

PENITENTIARY HOUSES
O R

HOUSES OF CORRECTION.
Should

the defign of erecting

plan, fimi lar

Blackjlone

to

to

that

the

in

Houfes of Correction on an enlarged and improved

excellent^? 19th George

and Mr. Eden, be carried into execution

frame a

fet

it

III.

drawn up by

will

be a

of regulations for their proper government.

mod

Sir

IVilliam

important object

In order to facilitate the

have put down under a few general heads, thofe circumftances which appear to me mod deferving of attention ; examples of which, carried into practice, may be found in different parts of my book.
confideration of this point,

I (hall

in

the

firft

my

place, however, declare

in reality, be executed with

opinion, that no regulations will,

due care and attention,

near the Metropolis or other capital towns, as to be

be entrufted with the infpedion of them.

confequence, as

to

And

this

if thefe

houfes are not erected fo

eaftly accejfible

appears to

me

by thofe who may

a matter of fo

much

overbalance every confideration which might be fuppofed to render

a different fituation more

eligible.

SECURITY.
Situation contrivance of the building lodging up

turn-ftiles

number and
yard

collar,

flairs

alarm-bell double doors,

guard
turnkeys

and low gates

difpofition of

ring,

or

fomewhat of

military

that kind to be

if

worn

or over arcades

two colours

clothes of

one iron-latticed high wall furrounding

neceflary

gaoler's

for difcovery

winoo

on efcapes

vs

lookup on

times

and (hutting up to be ftri&ly obferved caution in admitting vifiters only to be admitted

not many at once to be fearched for tools, fpirituous liquors, &c.
times

the

of opening
at certain

HEALTH.

TABLES,
HEALTH.
Frefh and fweet air open windows and apertures for a thorough draught of
to

go out and

air

Cleanlinefs.

meals

water in

times privies properly

themfelves at proper
i

The

prifoners perfons

the courts and wards

ufe of baths at admiffion

towels,

finks,

air

prifoners

made

the fewers fpacious.

and other times to warn before

fituated

&c. in proper places

heads

fliaved

encou-

ragements to the moft cleanly.

linen clean, how often other clothes bedding beds brought out and beat.
wafhing and fweeping of work-rooms ftaircafes galleries &c. fewers

2.

Their clothes

3.

The

drains

houfe

cells

yards plenty of

water wafte

water through the privies

fcraping the

walls

lime-whited

twice a year.

DIET.
hot provifions daily

meals

allowance

and

fummer and winter

to work difference

breakfaft dinnerfupper what manner of dividing and fharing hours of

weight infpectors of provifion houfe weightsliquor what meafure of
purchafe, what and when.

Provifions, quantity

proportioned

quality

in

in

prifoners allowed to

CLOTHING.
A

prifon uniform

materials colour,

linen provided ftockings fhoes, &c,

&c.

LODGING.
Separate cell for each prifoner fexes feparatedlinen, and bedding

and winter
winter

upon

barrack-beds or iron

time allotted

or wooden bedfteads

what difference

flues or ftoves to

warm

in fummei'

the cells

in,

for fleep.

FIRING.
Fuel what kind and quantity

when and how long

fires,

where

to be

made

ftoves

flues,

&c,

RELIGIOLS INSTRUCTION AND MORALS.

what and
punifhment
behaviour

Bibles, books provided grace

when

Chaplain, his duty

chapel

manner

of placing

for

the

at

private admonitions

prifoners in

perfons

vifitors difmiffed at fervice

at

meals

-no

gaming

time

young offenders

to

overlook

to

their

prifoners reading

or drinking

reward and
catechifing

behaviour

chapters or prayers

minifters of

different perfua-

fions allowed.

EMPLOYMENT.
Proportioned to ftrength
without doors
genuity

number

the labour

and

to degree

working together

of criminality

taflcs

mere

hours ofkinds ofwithin doors

manufactures

labour

of each diftinguifhable from that of another

clothing, &c. of the houfe

made by

prifoners

warning baking

requiring

or

working

at their

own

and
in-

trades

proportion of profit to be allowed

to prifoners.

Wholefomenefs of an employment
manufacture

tools required,

ready

fale

not dangerous ones

of manufacture

returned

conveyance

at night.

of raw materials and

REWARD S>

TABLES.
REWARDS.
.

Shortening term of confinement

better provifion
charity

degree

advance

more
work
more convenient

money given

order of being ferved at

agreeable

lighter or

of liberty allowed

profit

cells

into a higher clafs

at difcharge

clothes

of work.

meals-

diftribution of

given at difcharge a cha-

racter at difcharge.

PUNISHMENTS.
Abridgment of
collar, Sec.

rooms

or
term

coarfer kind

diet

ftripes

hard

TREATMENT
An
fire

medical attendance medic

number

infirmary

frefh air

in

difgrace;

wearing

the refractory in ftrong

confinement and work,

folitary

linen

work marks of
{hutting up

or difagreeable

lengthened on attempts to efcape

of

nurfes,

an oven

or buried room

nes

OF SICK.

freer allowance of diet, wine,

precautions againft infection

for convalefcents

gradual

fumigation

bark,

clothes

&c clean
expofed to

return to ufuai diet and labour.

PROCEEDINGS ON DEATH OF PRISONERS.

Coroner

jury

how compofed

funeral

without

the precincts

how attended expence allowed

for.

GOVERNMENT

OF PRISON.

and examine
without previous notice
feparately
rewards or punifhments room
duty time of continuance
By whom appointed
how
and hear pnfoners complaints
view
unexpected times
whole
examine and
enquire conduct of
weigh
and
proper
favour

To

Magijlrates.

vifit

at

proper periods

to fee

to fix

soners

their

Infpeclors.

the

to

at

provifions

Gaoler.

no

His duty

falary

infpection

complaints

of

fees,

pri-

often to

vifit

to

reprefent

prifoners

but fome honorary

allowed no profit in provifions, liquor,

payno

in office

prifon,

the

to

tendance at chapel

all

for in the prifon.

objedts for

at-

diftinctions.

againft admitted

&c-falary of manner

obliged

of choofing

to conftant refidence

himno

rent or taxes to

or private emoluments from prifoners.

duty.

Matron.

Salary of

Turnkeys,

number of

by whom appointed falarytheir

duty.
Salary of duty.

office,

Manufaflurer. Salary of
Tajkmajler.

"REGULATIONS MADE KNOWN.

Tables hung up

intelligibly

of opening and (hutting

mer.t?

of attendance

of

on divine

board printed and given

of keepers of prifoners of hours

of the du of
of behaviour of prifoners keeper, &c. of rewards and punifhfervice of
where hunghow made knownpainted on a
certain times by chaplain or keeper.
prifoner to be read

drawn up

work

to each

ty

officers

to

diet

at

TABLES.
TABLE
Regulations

De

par

Prisoners of

le

Soin des Malades

que

tous

les

England, &c.

des

de

la

Marine,

Bretagne,

et

Vtrtan&t

Blefies

et

pour

Guerre.

Grande

dans la

de Guerre,

Prifonniers

in

&

Prifonniers de

PEchange des

REGLES

War

for

Comminaires pour

les

II.

doivent

obferver.

I.

T ES
1 v

ordres donnes par P Agent, aiant foin des prifonniers, doivent etre obferves fans replique ou

guichetier,

ni

perfonne par

PAgent employe aux

de

affaires

la prifon,

II.

Tous

les prifonniers,

Iors

que Pagent en fera

fe

trouve,

fion qui refultcrcit des meprifes des

Tous

III.

arrive du

S'il

contrevenu

et

les

fi

aux

frais

dommage aux
;

d'echange

noms

noms

et

fi

dans la

et ainfi prevenir la

lifte

confu-

feront punis par la privation

a la revue,

ru

lieu

les frais

de

la

les

prifonniers feront gardes,

foit

en voulant s'echapper, ou

reparation feront payes des vivres de ceux qui auront ainfi

coupables ne peuvent etre decouveits, tous

les prifonniers

enfemble contribueront de

de cette reparation.

de vivrei, jufqu' a ce qu'il aura

fon tour

leurs

noms.

s'ec'nappera de prifon, etant

V. Quiconque

a.

la corriger

qu'ils s'y foumettent.

autrement, de propos de'ibere

leurs vivres,

repondront

la revue,

Pindiqueront, afin de

ils

prifonniers refufants de repondre a leurs

de leurs vivres, jufqu' ace

IV.

qu'ordon-

d'etre etroitement enfermes,

de leur vivres.

donnee a Pagent quelque erreur

les

encore moins frapper le

fous peine de la punition

neront Meffieurs les CommilTaires, et de perdre leur tour d'etre echanges

et prives de la moitie

&

ofe infulter, menacer, maltraiter,

Qu'aucun des prifonniers

difpute.

paye

ainfi

un olhcier

ainfi

les

repris,

frais

contrevenant,

fera mis au cachot

pour

faits

fera

le faifir et le

des-lors

et n'y

rame ner

aura que demiration

et

regarde

et

dans

prifons,

de plus

il

comme

traite

perdra
fimple

matelot.

ou

VI.

11

il

fera

eft

defendu de

permis

aux

battre,

fe

prifonniers

de

fe

quereller,

ou

faire defordre

prendre Pair,

peine

fous

les

ou aux endroits

de punition felon

que

Poifence

l'exigera.

VII.

Les prifons feront tenues

Pordonnera

&

nettes

&

propres par

les

matelots, et cela tour a tour,

tout matelot qui refufera ce fervice a fon tour,

&

comme Pagent

qui en aura ete averii, fera prive de

fes

vivres jufque' a ce qu'il s'y foumette.

VIII.
beioin,
qu'ils en

Les prifonniers doivent informer Pagent, des hardes, ou autres chofes dont ils peuvent avoir
pour lefquels ils auront dequoi payer; et Pagent a ordre non feulement de permettre

et

foient

fournis,

mais

aufli

d'avoir

un

foin

tout

parciculier,

qu'on nc

leur

en impofe

dans

les prix.

IX.

TABLES.
IX. Dans chaque 'prifon

quand
le

il

les

prifonniers pourront

leur plaira, pour l'examen des vivres

poids, foit pour la mefure

de plainte,

fur la

foit

neglige,

ils

nommer

de voir

trois,

s'ils

ou cinq d'entre eux,

&

font bons,

s'ils

Et

fuivant la table d'avituaillement ci-deflbus.

maniere de

bienfeance, le faire favoir a l'agent

S'il le

afin

les

qui,

appreter,

trouvant

s'il fe

ou dans quelqu'autre chofe

fervir,

la plainte

et les

ont leur ration,

changer
foit

pour

trouve quelque fujet

ils

doivent, avec

fondee, doit immediatement y mettre ordre.

doivent en avertir Meffieurs les Commiffaires, qui ne manqueront pas de leur rendre

juftice, a tous egards.

X. Les boutiquiers (excepte ceux qui trafiquent dans des chofes

qu'il

ne convient pas de vendre

a des prifonniers) feront permis de refter a la grande porte, depuis dix heures du matin jufqu' a trois

heures de Papres midi, pour vendre leur merchandifes, a

fur le

tels

prifonniers, qui font en fonds pour les payer

champ.

XI.

Celui d'entre

les

prifonniers qui ofera par ce

moyen procurer

des liqueurs, ou autre chofes

&ca.

qui ne conviennent pas a un prifonnier d'avoir, ou qui recevra, ou livrera aucune lettre, fera puni de Tabus
qu'il aura fait

de cette indulgence.

TABLE D'AVITUAILLEMENT.
Jours.

Bierre.

Pain.

Bceuf.

Beurre.

Fromage.

Pois *.

Quartes.

Livres.

Livres.

Onces.

Onces.

Pintes.

"4"

Lundi

Mardi

3_

J_

a
-

Mecredi

Jeudi
3

Vendredi

Samedi

Total

44

'

Ou un

livre

Onces.
i

Dimanche

Sel.

ou 6

T
T
T
T
T
T
i

2f

de bon chou chacun.

TABLE

TABLES.
TAB
List
and

Fees due

of

their Officers,

Whipped

III.

to the Clerks of Ajfize of the feveral Circuits in

from Prifoners charged with Felony

Acquitted Difcharged

by Proclamation

or

Burnt
againft

in

England,
Hand

the

whom

are

Bills

returned by the Grand Jury not true Bills.

HOME CIRCUIT,

Burnt in the hand

Whipped
Acquitted

s.

Difcharged by proclamation

Recording every ignoramus in felony

NORFOLK CIRCUIT,
Acquittal and order of delivery in murder

The

like in all other felonies

Order of delivery on proclamation

Ditto on ignoramus

bill

MIDLAND CIRCUIT,
Acquittal and difcharge fee in murder

The

like in all other felonies

Difcharge fee on recording ignoramus

bill

Difcharge fee on proclamation

OXFORD CIRCUIT,
For every prifoner acquitted of felony on one indictment difcharged
For every

acquittal after the nrft

For every prifoner difcharged by proclamation

Guilty burnt in the hand or whipped and difcharged

WESTERN CIRCUIT,
Acquittal including plea and difcharge

Ignoramus i$s. \d. and difcharge 13/. \d,

Difcharge by proclamation

Conviction in man-llaughter

NORTHERN CIRCUIT,
Not

guilty difcharged

Difcharged by proclamation

* " We

prefent this as a very hard and unreafonable fee to be executed

being found Ignoramus) to be innocent of the charge alledged againft

14

and taken of a perfon who mult be fuppofed (by the

him

in fuch a

bill

and therefore in our opinion

is

Bill

not to be

juftified."

Report of his Majeftfs Commiffwners appointed

of the Courts within the Home-Circuit.

JP

to

inquire into the officers

Dated Dec,

ift.

1735.

and

their fees

M.S. page

&c.

11.

TABLE

TABLES.
TABLE
An Account

Number

of the

Whipped and Dijcharged

Oxford Circuit

within the

E R K

of Prifoners Tried and Acquitted

and

R E.

of Prifoners
for

Oxfordshire.

SI

3-

Seven Years ending

Worcestershire.

B.

This table

is

to be read acrofs

Prifoners Convicted

by Proclamation
at

Michaelmas

City of

85

* N.

D ifcharged

at the feveral

77 1

Worcester Glocestershir e.

p-

a.

44

from one page

to the other.

06

TABLES.

477

IV.

and Sentenced

to be Burnt in

the

Hand and

T)lfcharged

of

Affizes and General Gaol-Deliveries held in and for

City of Glocf. STER .

MON MOUT HS H IRE

w
c

0
e

t-rt

OP
P-

and
Difc

harg

arge*

Difc

rgc

cL

a.

nt

nt

i
the

aj

cr

Proc!

3
5'

Difch

arge

ippe

P-

PS

p-

and

p-

Z
o

Difch

arge

p.
cr

Wh
ippe

P-

3
Difch

Proc

:harg

lama

re

5"

Difch

in
the

p-

P-

and

in

Nc
arge

O
c

ex.

arge

3/

S-

o3
re
Cu

CU

Difch

Whi

0
.arge

ppec

p.

lama

and

arge

Procl

Difc:

Difch

harg*
ama

ippe

&.

p-

arge

p-

cr

arge

Cu

a.

S'

the

Cu

D-

Difch

cr

Proc

harg

Cities

w
n

"

and

Staffordsh IRE.

E.

the

Difc

re

PL.

S HROPS HIR

a
the

Herefordshire.

w
c
Difch

Prifoners Sentenced to be

the feveral Counties

p-

o"

and

b
^
P
jjf

rge

Proc

Difc

r
OQ

lama

re

P.

a.

0
3

Crq

Cu

P.
years,

13

10

IO

16

10

7
I

20

68

35

Ttfta/.

5
2'

IO

20

49

112

11

"

33

77

in the

Hand and Difcharged

Whipped and Difcharged

3
1

615

47

293

Great Total

1765

I766

I767

1768

I769

I77O

I77I

49

28

Difcharged by Proclamation

22

20

22

12

Not Guilty Difcharged

Burnt

10

983

TABLE

TABLES.

478

TABLE

V.

HOME CIRCUIT.
Total Account
by Proclamation

Counties of

of

Prisoners Burnt

or

againft

whom

in the

Bills

WhippedAcquittedDifcharged

Hand

have been returned Not found

Hertford, Essex, Kent, Sussex and Surrey,

from the Year 1764 to 1770

in

the

for feven Years,

Inclufive.

Bills

Burnt

in
the

Difcharged

Whipped.

not

Total.

Proclamation

Acquitted.

found.

b)

Har
EL.

Hertford

12

36

47

32

136

Essex

24

35

7'

62

223

Kent

75

20

*3 2

9'

34

352

Sussex

*5

23

16

69

Surrey

40

*4

124

77

24

279

*59

96

386

293

12;

1059

Total

TABLE

TABLES.
TABLE
An Account

of the

Number

Sentenced to Transportation:

of Criminals

H-

VI.

Condemned to Death

feveral Counties

&c.

in the

P75 1

15

P753

9
2

*7

'755

>"*.-

1756

o*

11

1758

'759

1760

1764

1765

14

1761
7 62

1763

1766
1767

1768

1769

4
2

1770
1771

1772
Total

20

93

65

21

10

24

16

12

12

24

28

'3

28

21

10

18

33

13

20

29

54

20

16

18

"

i7S7

Norfolk Circuit.

5"

75+

and

tf

1752

Executed ;

5r

1750

with their refpective Offences: from the Year 1750

1772 Inclufivej within the

to

479

6
2
1

36

12

34

23

31

13

*S

12

46
2

57
29
27

*3

10

*3

19

27

*9

20

16

29

52

45

30

17

27

38

34

16

16

35

18

24

16

-5

72
1

55

34

43

22

'25

28

874

18

117

29

30

434

18

10

44

19

29

24

44

36
2

27

12

202

"

10

*7

35

308

523

35

TABLE

11

TABLES.

480

TABLE
An Account
Sentenced
to

of the

to

Number

VII.

of Criminals Condemned to Deatli

'Transportation: with their refpe&ive Offences:

1772 Inclufive; within the

feveral Counties

&c.

in the

Executed ;

Midland Circuit.

Gran

and

in

Petty

Six

Offences

Capital

J
Condemned

Stealing

si

Houfe-b]

Burg]

Murdei

Robb

Treaf

Day

other

Tr

and
Returnin

ranipo

Tranfporte

other

ery.

time.

eaking

OfFencf

Pet

ary.

and

made

Execu

Cro

"on.
ealbn.

and

from the Year 1750

9f

to

ted.

rjU

rtation.

Crimes.

from

Death.

Vi

1750

1752

16

16

32

13

47

23

45

29

5&

4
6

1753

17

1754

20

29

10

2;

*7

4
4

14

16

175

,756

7S7
1758
J

1759
1 760
1761

1762

1764

1765

35

54

3i

43

*S

32

28

23

*4

45

62

1763

23

25

22

63
45

23

49

23

27

*4

45

9
20

36

21

42

518

116

1057

12

10

1
1

1770

5
3

'77*

Total

So

49

177a

20

279

63

44
60

26

1767

1769

23

1766

1768

63

4+

30
22

12

Jo,

TA B L *

TABLES.
TABLE
Felons

VIII.

Newgate

delivered from

to

a
London.

be

Trail/ported.

Cap

2
S3

cks's

Sessions.

4 8r

ital

wer

Middlefex.

Total.

1'

Seflion.

Hall.

1773

January

Refpites.

10

19

24

IQ

February

16

April

38
4'

20

93

May

10

29

July

'4

49

September

24

Oftober

10

17

December

10

89

20t

77

18

February

16

33

April

IS

24

13

May

22

3^

July

22

12

3=>

90

September

22

16

10

'4

22

16

99

,65

73

29

29

20

>9

12

'774- January

Odober
December

'775- January

February
April

May

July

11

'

20

10

December

79

125

62

74

44

41

*7

37

43 S

25

60

70

10

28

13

66

44

420
61

38

52

16

Oftober

September

S3
-

20

49

40

32
11

22

3i

Great Total

36

324
1

179

TABLE

TABLES.
TABLE
Abstract
Executed-,

of Sir

IX.

Stephen Theodore Janssen's Table of Criminals Condemned;

at the Old Bailey, London, from the Year 1749 to

and Pardoned,

1771 both Inclufive.

Peace

Condemned.

Executed.

1749

61

44

1750

84

56

28

1751

85

63

22

1752

52

47

1753

57

41

16

754

50

34

16

1755

39

21

Pardoned (Jc.
17

'

428

Peact

(17:6

numb

18

306

30

13

122

War J

War

175-7

37

26

11

1758

32

20

12

1759

15

1760

14

10

1761

22

17

1762

25

15

10

[1763

61

War
7

Peac

29

236

Peac
f

97

139

1764

52

31

ZI

1765

4i

26

15

1766

39

20

*9

767

49

22

27

1768

54

27

27

769

24

47

1770

91

49

42

1771

60

Total

26

34

457
1 1

233

678

22 4

44 3

TABLE

TABLES.
Table
The

IX.

Continued.

refpeftive Offences,

>

X
s
Forgery.

Coining.

orfe-ftcaling

Murder.

ufe-breakinj

a.

||5'

g
0
-

lifting,

other

Total.

Defrauding
Creditors.

? I

Riot,

Sentenced to Deati

81

208

362

90

9S

II

31

240

72

Il8

251

22

7i

IO

22

I09

678

90

1 1

68

24

13'

443

Executed

Pardoned, Tranfported, "l

or died in Gaol

Of

Crimes,

the hundred and twenty Seflions in the fifteen Years of Peace (eight in a

was Maiden

Sir Stephen

column

in 1749.

Of

intending a

for tranfport

the fixty-four Seflions in the eight Years of

lift

only of thofe

But

convi&s.

at the

who were condemned

Year) only one

were Maiden.

to die, has not in his table a

5*99

number he adds

Tranfported by the King's mercy

(after receiving fentence of death)

Total Tranfports

The

nine

bottom of the fheet he notes that there were

Tranfported for feven or fourteen years

To which

War,

121

fecond number of tranfports 401

is,

doubtlefs, part

of the

401

5600

number 443,

the laft of the

three totals above.

When
pofleflion.
is

referred
I

now

to

this

add, that

defirous of a copy, one

is

Table
if

in

page 9,

mentioned that the Copper-plate was in

any Gentleman, who has

much

leifure

and inclination to ftudy the

my

fubjeclrj

at his fervice.

T A

B L

TABLES.
T A

Number

of

Convicts

If

Executed,

during the

X.

London

for

Twelve Years

laft

and

Middlesex,

*.

Murder.
Men.

From Dec. 1771

to

Dec. 1772,

Dec. 1772 to Dec. 1773,

Dec. 1773

to

Dec. 1774,

Dec. 1774

to

Dec. 1775.

Women.

Various Crimes.

Coiners.

Men.

Women.

Men.

Women.

Rioters.

Men.

Total.

Women.

32

37

29

32

40

3
1

burnt

32

31

46

Dec. 1775 to Dec. 1776,

24

38

Dec. 1776

to

Dec. 1777,

29

32

Dec. 1777

to

Dec. 1778,

31

33"

Dec. 1778

to

Dec. 1779,

Dec. 1779

to

Dec. 1780,

Dec. 1780

to

Dec. 1781,

Dec. 1781

to

Dec. 1782,

Dec. 1782

to

Dec. 1783,

2
1

This

table, together

burnt

23

'9

24

33

*9

40

44
6
16

27

with Janffens, rives the total

1
:

number

45

388

59
10

7.1

467

of executions for thirty-five years paft.

TABLE

TABLES.
TABLE
An Account

Number of

of the

from

ift

,XI.

Prifoners convicted of Capital Crimes in

January 1768 to

This mark * denotes a per/on pardoned;

Southern Circuit.

Northern Circuit.
Edin-

Aber-

burgh.
1705

Perth.

Inver|

ness.

Dum-

J--

BURCH.

fries.

May

the reft

Scotland,

1782.

were

executed.

Western Circuit.
Glas-

cow

Stirling.

Crimes.

Forgery.

Ayr.

ift

Vj

Horfe-ftealing.

1769

Murder and Robbery.

Murder.

Street-robbery.
-"

1770

1.

Forgery.

Houfe-breaking and Theft.

Sheep- ftealing.

1
'l

1771

*i

Robbery.
Murder.

Theft.

Child-murder.

1772

Horfe-ftealing.

Houfe-breaking and Theft.

Houfe-breaking and Thelt.

"

"

Shcep-flcaling.

Murder and Robbery.

_

1773

Horfe-ltealing.

2
:

Murder.
Robbing the Mail.
Theft, Robbery, &c.
Robbery.
Houfe-breaking and Robbery.
Murder.
Returning from Tranfporration.

Horfc-lrcnling.
Sheep-ftcaling.

1775

Houfe-breaking and Theft.

Theft of Cattle.
Rape.

Murder.
Theft.

Robbery.
Child-murder.
Shop-breaking and Theft.
Murder.

2
:
1

1776
1

"

Theft.

Stealing a letter from Poft Office.

-

1777

1778

Child-murder.

Theft of Cattle.

Murder.

1779

1780

Murder and Robbery.

Robbery.
Shop-breaking.
Forgery.
Houfe-breaking and Theft.
Murder bv Poifon.
Theft from Pofl Office.

r
1
1

*2

*1
1781

1
I

Robbery.
Theft from Poll Office.
Houfe-breaking and Theft.
Shccp-ltcjling.

I7S2

3a

3
2

23

Robbery.

9
2

76
22

^4

Total Condemned.
Pardoned.
Executed.

TABLE

TABLES.
TABLE
An Account

of the

Number

and Wales,

As fome County

at the

XII.

they were vifited in 1779, and 1782.

gaols are alfo the county bridewells,

where

petty offenders are not

always feparated from

felons; in thofe places I fometimes include petty offenders under the article felons csY.

diftinguifhing the
gaoler's houfe

women

may

probably be

plan for a county gaol

times of

name,

it

my

debtors,

{edit,

vifiting in thofe

i.)

is

to

general

was not

have omitted mentioning

all

thofe prifons in which, at the

Where

Debt

Felons

Petty-

&c.

Offenders.

0.

12

0
0

0
0

Barking

Basford

Bath

a
10

0
2

Batley

17

4
0

0
2

Appleby
Bridewell

Aylesbury
Bridewell
Aylefoam

Beaumaris
Beccles

Bedford

>

>

Bridewell

Town

Berkley

Berkhamftead

Berwick

Beverley

0
2

0
0
0

Town
Hall- garth

Birmingham

>

Men.

0
Sheriff's

Bofton

Ward

Brecon

Offenders,

6
0

i9

0
z

.0

jd

OO

0
0

0
0

0
0

0
0

2-

000100000

;..

V,. 0

c>

38

Ol

31

85

22

'4

ol

47

1
-

12

'

"

a
0

0
0
0

0'

,.''
1

c>

13

&c.

25

c)

Petty

Worn.
li

(>

12

Bradford

oppofite a

Court prifon
Bodmin

is left

1782.

1779.
Worn.

Bridewell

a blank

vifited that year.

Debtors.

It

my

my

them, initead of a feparate ward, as propofed in

for

this table I

Men.

JIbingdon

reafon of

in the

two years, there were no perfons confined.

fignifies that the prifon

The

lhew that a room or two (appropriated by the magiftrates)

fufficient

In

England

of Prisoners in the Gaols and Prifons of

Time

89

-ii

19

57

Brecon

E
1782.

1779.

Felons

Petty-

Men.

Worn.

&c.

Offenders.

Men.

Worn.

&c.

Offenders-.

O
6

27

3Z

0
0

19

0
0

0
0

i9

0
0
0
0

20
0

2
0

0
0

0
0
0

Debtors.

Brecon

Bridewell

Brijlol

o
o
o

Bridewell

Lawford's-gate
Buntingford

Bury

St.

41

Edmunds
Bridewell

Cambridge
Bridewell

0
0

0
0

16

32

21

28

"2

Bridewell

Canterbury

Bridewell

0
0

9
0

Carmarthen

'3

*3

Town
Carnarvon
Chelmsford

0
0

O
O
O
O

-2

City

Chester

34
0
6
0

Bridewell

Che

18

City
n

Bridewell

erfield

Bridewell

0
0

Cirencejler

Clare
Colchefter

Bridewell
Coventry

Bridewell

Derby

28

a7

0
0

0
0

4
0
0
0

2
O

0
*4

0
0
-

Doncaf.tr

0
O
0
0

6
0

*4

Town

0 0
0

0
;

0'

gaol
3

0
0
20

0
'

19

Durham

DOLGELLY

Do-Ver Caftle

Deviz.es

Dorchester
Town

jj

12

Town

0
0

0
0

Dartford

0
0

Covjbridge

0
0

Town

Carlisle

Cardiff
Town
Cardigan

Debtors.

Petty-

O
O

0
3

0
4
2
5

7
->

0
0

17

12

22

18

247

J5

112

92

249

24

0
0

143

I27

Durham

TABLES.
1782.

1779Debtors.

Durham

Felons

Petty

Felons

Petty

Men.

Worn.

&c.

Offenders.

Men.

Worn.

&c.

Offenders.

33

4
0
0

0
0

25

21

27
0
0

0
0
0
0
0

0
0

Bridewell

JtLiy

Bridewell

Exeter
otieritr s

Ward

35

.Bridewell

City

0
0

0
0
2
3

Debtors.

Jt'Olkingoafft

Gainjborougb

*$

City

r
>
1

24

0
33

O
O
y

0
0

0
0
0
0

Gofpoft

yjutlajOTu

Halifax

tlciijteaa

Haverfordwest
Town

1,

0
0

23

0
0

Henley

Here for d

Bridewell

City
I~I

ER

T FOR D

Hitchin

Horsham
Hull
Bridewell

12

0
0

0
0
0
1

38

0
0
0
0

0
0
0
0
0
0

0
6
0

3
3

0
0
0
0
4
0
4
0
0

9
0
0
7

0
0

4
0

43
0
0

0
0
0
0

10

Bridewell

0
0

0
ID
7

3
3

Huntingdon

IO

'4

Ipswich

22

23

26

10

Bridewell

Iv elchester

Kendal Bridewell
Kettering

KingJ* on
Bridewell

Knarejbrougb

Lancaster
Launceston

32

15

35

O
o

0
0

0
0

67

11

0
0

55

0
0

19

0
0
0
0

0
0

0
0
17

17

0
0

Lavenham

Leeds

4
0
0

22

10

Bridewell

Town

Leicester

Lewes

269

78

lOI

0
291

'

0
4

I
I

O
6

*4

'47

117
Lichj

s.

1779
Debto

Men.

-.

28

O
O
O
O

O
O

16

22

O
O

0
0

8
x

v *"g

77

I71

0
0

0
0
0

Marfhalfea

88

Newgate

46

141

43

0
0
0

Savoy

98

Tothill-Fields Eridewell

Whitechapel

0
0

0
0

74
0

32

Ludgate

183

494

21

38

Ludlow

Lynn Regis

0
0

94

0
0

0
0

72
0

47

0
0

0
0
0

23

0
0

12

0
0

4
0

*3
0

ri

11

11

11

0
0

4
0

14

Npwcafile

*3

4
0

0
10

Tallow-houie

0
0

0
0

\$

0
0

59

281

4 li*

4
0
0
0
0

0
0

0
0

Nantwich

1007

Town

Town

Northampton

20
25

Wight

0
0
0

Hie of

291

Monmouth

0
0
0

0
0

MUdenhall

Bridewell

0
0
0

Middleivicb

Newport, Effex

i
'55

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Tower Gaol

4
0

0
0
0
0

Bridewell

12
32

Morpeth

0
0
0

Macclesfield

*S

O
O
O

9
0
0

0
-

Lofiwitbiel

Bridewell

0
0

45

Montgomery

25

Marlborough

177

Manchefier

473

Bridewell

*3

King's Bench

Maidstone

Offenders.

Fleet

Wood-ltreet Compter

Petty

Sec.

Bridewell

Poultry Compter

Felons

Clerkenwell

New

Worn.

Bridewell

Borough Compter

7 3 2.

Debtors.

Men.

Offenders.

Bridewell

London

Sec.

City
Liverpool

Petty

Felons

Worn.

22

Lichfield

Lincoln

'

9
0
0
0

4
0

0
0
6

0
0

0
0

0
0

9
0

1041

60

419

459

Norwich

TABLES.

49Q

1779,
Debtors.

Men.

Norwich
City
Bridewell

Nottingham
Bridewell

Town

Petty

&c.

Offenders.

Men.

Worn.

24

14

O
O

12

O
O
O
O

19

Odiam

Oundk

0
12

7
0

I I

0
0
0

Bridewell

21

Felons
&c.

Petty
Offenders

23

4
0

City Bridewell
Peterborough

Debtors.

29

23

Oakham

Oxford

Worn.

.178 2.

Felons

4
1

0
0

0
0

Petnvcrth

0
0

Plymouth

4
0

A
T

Port/mouth

Presteign

Prejion

4
4
0

Reading

18

9
0

Richmond

12

Ripon Liberty

O
O
O

0
0

0
0

O
O
O
O

16

Poole Bridewell

Bridewell

Town

Rochejler

,0

ssP'*

Romney

--o

Ruthin
St.

'

Albans Borough gaol

St. George's

0
0

17
/

X
3

O
O

Liberty

0
0

Bridewell

44
0

18

13

Fields

Bridewell

Salisbury

16

City

0
0

O
O

19

12

13

19

10

i7

'9

16

12

0
0

0
0

2.

0
0

Sherborne

Town
Southampton Sheriff's

Town

Ward

0
Bridewell

Southwark

Shepton-Mallet

Bridewell

Shrewsbury

O
O
O

Sheffield

Southwell

0
0

d~

0
0

20

71

11

ico

143

21

42
0

.O

194

17

I73

I32

Spalung

'

TABLES.

49 1
1782.

1779.
,

,.CX

Spalding

S T A F FOR D
Bridewell

Men.

Worn.

Offenders.

AO

14

Petty

Debtors.

Petty

Felons

Debtors.

2
O

Worn.

O
O

Taunton

Offenders

20

0.

Stamford

SwaJFham

&c.

37

Men.

10

10

9
2

Thame

Tbetford

O
O
O

Thirjk

0
0

5
2

26

10

Town

O
_

Ti-verton

Wakefield

Walftngham

Warwick

ai

Wincheomb

Bridewell

12

12

2D

11

0
0

0
0

O
O

O
O

Town
Wijbech

31

32

"

0
1

O
O

Witney

Wolverhampton

0
0

O
O

Woodb

idge

18

Worcester

>3

Frew fcreg'-ig pages

O
O

2
0

'3

0
0

'94

J2

90

125

'9

24

'43

57
127

16

105

116

22

269

*4

007

59

1959

12

47
92

119

78

IOI

281

418

100

798
3

?*

.4

(11*9

]3o

"0

17-

Great Total

2 47

4
0

0
0

16

Bridewell

9
"

64
.

'

4
0

St. Peter's

0
0
0

City

0
0

Yarmouth

York

23

0
'

0
0

Wrexham
Wymundham
Bridewell

O
O

City

Bridewell

0
28

7
2

O
O

0
'

Town
Wind/or Caftle

20

28

Bridewell

Winchester

UJk

'

"Mfit

89.
249

H7

117

04

60

419

459

H3

194

17

173

32

917

2058

139

991

1017

*?*
1

In

'

S.
In 1782.

/* 1779.

Men

Debtors

1959.

205 9.

Women Debtors

119.

*39-

Felons &c.

798.

991.

Petty Offenders

917.

1017.

Prifoners in the Hulks

526.

204.

60.

30.

4379.

4439*

Suppofed omitted

Total Number of Prifoners

Though

have

vifited all the

County Gaols, and almoft

fome few of the corporation prifons which

number

in

1779, and

thirty in

17

82;

I did

not

fee, I

fo that probably,

all

the other prifons

yet as there

are

have added ftxty more prifoners to the

we have

nearly the average number of per-

fons confined at one time in the prifons of this kingdom.

/ fubjoin

the

Numbers,

confined in the

London

and

Prifons

in the

Hulh*,

at the time they were vifited in

1783, which are as follows.

Felons

Debtors.

Bridewell

Borough Compter
Clerkenwell
Bridewell

Worn.

&c.'

Offenders.

38

25

O
O

79

0
0

its

Fleet

187

King's Bench
Marfhalfea

557
65

25
6

Newgate

101

12

New

Ludgate
Poultry Compter
Savoy
Tothill Fields Bridewell

Wood-ftreet Compter
In the

Hulh
Total

Petty-

Men.

2.

*9

0
0
0
0
0

0
0

56
86

36

194

5S 2

367

14

30
0

0
0

4
34
0

1019

56

I do not includ* thofe fickly conyi<JU on board the

0
324
0

Cenfor,

mentioned in page 466,

INDEX,

X.

A*

Aberdeen 201

Allowance to

felons paid only

Alms-houfe

town gaol 340

Acle

at Florence

Alojl

in

Welch

195
counties

Amjlerdam 55

196

Anglesey

for preferving health of prifoners, paffed 2

hung up

Ihould be

for relief of acquitted prifoners, paffed

againfl frivolous

and vexatious

Appleby county gaol

arrefts,

to

prifons,

referred to

7,

his

want of in

AixlaChapelk

fons

Affafiinations,

an hofpital

159,

bread,

Affizes of

127,

continued

table of, fhould be

foreign

to

acquitted

36>

'35'

146, 148,

16

162,

1 ,

hung up 35

criminals

l7> i3 8 >

51,

52,

56,

61,

39>

H>

W H 2

15

173

95,

101,

1C4,

155, 159, 163, 172, 207

acquitted

prifoners

with-

Afylums 118, 154, 162

Augfiurgh 129

Austrian Netherlands

139

Axminjier, gaol-diftemper brought there

Aylejbury county gaol

280

bridewell

281

>

150, 151, 154, 155, 156, 16c,

163, 164, 16;,

fome places

out fees 203

93, 96, 97, y8, ioi, 102, 105, 106, 107, 109,
116, 117, 119, 120, 121, 123, 126, 127, 133,
i34

118

days at 196

fix

bread 57, 71, 81, 85,

142,

Afton, judge, difcharges

pri-

203

64, 65, 66, 68, 70, 72, 76, 77, 78, 83, 90,

144,

rema"n

where no prifon 270, 27J, 399, 42c

foners detained for fees

to

to

held too feldom in

162

Aldfworth, Mrs. her legacy 403

Allnott, Mr. his legacy 251
of

frequency of, in Italy

AfTizes, judges

prifons

in

35
efcape prevented by 458

Allowance

172, 179

Arfenal at Lifbon 151

137

Alarm-bell, proper

23c, 235, 241;

Arret of French parliament for government of pri-

prifons

for 39,

Arras 165

Thoughts on Hofpitals quoted i?o

Air, contaminated by gaols

in

43

276, 278

27,

32, 33, 203, 204, 205, 207

free,

430

bridewell

evaded

Apprentices, faulty, rooms

relative

Mr.

452.

Antwerp 139

35

251
Irifli,

143

Altena 75
Amiens 16 C

concerning executions 196

for holding feffions in Scotland

Alcoves

108

Vienna 104

Aft 22 and 23 Charles' II. quoted 24

32 George II. referred to 26

Aikin,

40^

33,

monthly 425

Naples 118

296

Afts,

quantity propofed

prifoners,

Abingdon county bridewell 339-

Ayljham

295

Ayr 195
Bacon,

B.

X.

Berlin 98

Bern iz$
Bacon, lord,
Badajoz
Bailiffs,

his

account of the

gaol-diftemper 9

54

Berwick upon Tweed 427

Beverley county bridewell

extortion of

Hall-garth 411

Bala 454
Banbury 34 J

Bicetre 173

what

Bien-'venu in prifons,

Bankrupts, fevere law again ft 123

Bark and

409

town gaol 41

Bakers, punifhment for 105

135

Birmingham gaol 3 1

cordials prefcribed to prifoners 149,

283

prilon for debtors 3

Barking 263

Black Afiize 9

Barrack-beds, what 265

Blacket, Sir Walter, his benefaction

Basford 325

Elackftone, Sir William, quoted 176

Bajil 127

aft

Bafingjloke
Baftille

Bath

374

of parliament, drawn by 470

Blind, hofpital for

174

Blindi for prifon

city

404
Bath proper in gaols 23
a commodious one 321, 449
ufed by way of punifhment 437

county gaol 394

Bologna

Book
ufelefs

314

07

kept of work done by prifoners

Bordeaux

Jteflou

332

Battel 273

Botanic Magazine

Bayreutb 132

Bounty

Bean, Hector, his charity 352

Beaufort, duke of, clothes prifoners 360

Bowes, Mr.

Beaumaris 452
Beccaria, Marquis, quoted 15, 42, 118

Brackley

303

Bedfordshire 283

Bowen, Martha, her

456
408

337
Bradford 414

cut in

flices for

Brecon county gaol

town gaol 285

460
462

town gaol 462

Breda 51

in prifons

each prifoner 47

bridewell

be frequently changed 32

Beds, bringing out into the

a falutary cuftom

air,

Bremen 67
Breflau 97

128
Bedftead

will

his charity

Boys fhould be confined feparate 39

Benedidlines, their prifon 144

want of

94
war 187, 190, 193

Bkeconshire 460

bridewell 285

to

at Mofcotv

to prifoners of

Bread allowance, deficiency of 6

Bedford county gaol 283

Bedding,

146

180

Borough Compter 253

Bat ley 416

Beccles

178

windows 185

Bodmin county bridewell 392

IherifF s ward 393

ufed as a pig-ftye 207

Baths mould be made convenient, or

Bathing prifoners 84

422

left

Breton, Abbe,

by a prifoner 320

Bedfteads, of call iron propofed 39

for

fupplying

Bridewell 2 30

Bel/em 151

Benefactions and Legacies,

lifts

of 224, 248, 251,

323, 387, 408, 410, 434, 4+0

Bergnes 182

derivation of the

name 230

Bridewells, obfervations on
diftrefs

and

37

idlenefs

in

not to be expe&ed to maintain them-

Berkely 36

Berkhavijlead

founder of a charity

prifoners with linen 168

257

Berkshire 337

felves 41

Bridges, William, his legacy

357
Bridge'ivater

X.
134

Bridgwater 404

Caffil

Brijhl city gaol 402

Cellar to

bridewell

404

La wforcl's- gate

bridewell

his legacy

Cejfto

Chamber ry

Chandos, duke

Buckingham 282

Chapel necefTary

Buntingford 257

abfentees

Bury

St.

furniture

to

of, his

80

charity 371,

in gaols

Chaplain, his character and duty

in

28

Chaplains

22

4c

prifons

attentive, difmifled

306

bridewell
Butler, bilhop, quoted

Dutch

neceflary to bridewells

305

373

25

from, fined 223

161

Edmund's gaol

by ma-

be fixed

23

Buckinghamshire 280

Hofpicio

189

30

Chambres de convalefcence

Burgos 161

fire

bonorum, procefs of 195

giftrates

141

Brvffels

and noifome 389

Chamber-rents and

440

Bruges 148

Bruifwick

or drown, a fiftion 58

Centinels to priibners of war, too ready to

364

Brome, Mr. chaplain, commended 302

Broughton, Valentine,

pump

Cells, very clofe

40

286

reduced for neglect 401

falaries

Charitable fociety for relief of prifoners

for attendance on

C.

io5

and burial of

condemned 113
paying prifoners

Calais 182
Calcutta,
Call,

black hole

John,

at

Efq. his affiduity

Calvert and Co.

Charter-fchools

395

their donation

222, 226,

229

289

city gaol

town gaol 289

bridewell

kind

affiftance

bridewell

442

Chsflerfeld county bridewell

319-

gaol 320
Chichejier

273
Child-murder, punifhment of 76
Children of malefactors taken care of
57;

268

work-houfe 268
Capital punlfhments, too frequent
Cardiff county gaol

160, 164

266

gaol 267
city

261

bridewell 443

290

Canterbury county bridewell

42

Cinque Ports 268

462

debtors prifon for

268

town gaol 464

Cardiganshi re 455

HomeNorfolk

280-306

Cardigan 455
Car lip county gaol 428

Midland

307- 33 6
337 -368

city gaol

Oxford

Weftem

429

2 55- 279

36

9- -404

North Wales

- 437
433- 4S
452- "454

Carnarvonshire 453

Carmarthen

tei- -458

Carnarvon county gaol 453

South Wales

159- -464

Carmarthenshire 457

Northern

Carmarthen

Chefter

caftle

457

borough gaol 458

Caroline, princefs, her charity

230

Ciremefier

Caferns, unhealthy to lodge in

164

Civita-<vecchia

383

Chelmsford county gaol 2 59

bridewell

bridewell

it

Cheshire 438
Cbepr caftle 438

Cambridge county gaol 288

his

150

208

Ireland

in

Cambridgeshire 288

Campomanes, count,

fees

Charity box, robbed, method to prevent

4c 5

366
1 1

CTart

Clare bridewell

Claufes of aft againft fpirituous liquors, quoted 34

feldom hung up, and evaded, 35
Cleanlipefs, rules for promoting

30

Cleannefs of French prifons 166

CIerkenu.e/1 bridewell

Clerks of

232
demand of

their

by

receipts given

the peace, their

15, 310,

322

Covubrldge

464
Coxe, Rev. Mr.

referred to 95, 128

in Ireland

203

Cronjladt

90
Cruel method of fecuring

prifoners

291

Cumberland 428

16

Cuftomsbad

demand of fees 16

in gaol

and county gal 310

bridewell 3

numerous
fees,

purchafe their places r6

Clothes to be worn

X.
city

Crib-beds at Plymouth hofpital defcribed 39

Criminals in feparate rooms 124

235

prifon

afiize,

Coventry

304

new

12

in prifons

of prifoners, mould be put into an oven 31

D.

Clothing for galley-flaves 109, 116, 133

Cobham,

lord, erects a gaol at his

own expence 282

Cockermouth 429

quotation from

Ruffian,
ColcheJJer

Dagge, Abel, a gaoler commended tc

Dartford 267

Code of laws made by prifoners 220, 248

for Hamburg, quoted 75

Da<vtntry 337

Deal 269
Dean and

86

county bridewell 261

prifon

town gaol 263

Collection,

annual

De
prifoners,

for

through

the

county 314, 318, 322

Collyer,

James,

323

Efq. his

refufes fubmiffion to gaoler

Debtors

few

Conciergerie at Paris

few

171

and

attended

buried

by

214

in France,

their groats 5

rules

allowance to 67, 83,

167

without

for

government of 371

work 24

effedls

not permitted to be con-

fined 137

working out
cleanlinefs

on the

unruly,

behaviour of his (hip's crew 31

room

their debts, impracticable 85

for

433

ward, where to be placed 25

Decollation, machine for 107, 418

Cornwall

Defefls of IrifiV prifons 206

391
Courts of Confcience, account of 229
Confcience debtors,

confined

minals 236, 242, 292,

377

Courts of Juftice held in prifons 40

26

70

85

Copenhagen 76

Court of

wanting food 5

363

Convi&s not ungovernable 39

Cook, Captain, on effeft of

neceflaries

for

cleared,

lhould be allowed to

from others

Confumption, thought contagious 116, 158

fo called

wanted

flaves

124, 137
feparated

to fend

how

not permitted to go to chapel 419

S4
liberal

24

205

Germany 67
Holland 45

in
in

have a right
conftantly attended 56, 137,

Contempts, prifoners

to difcover effedts

few procure

13
cells for, defcribed

447

feparation of, neceflary

felons,

Commiflaire de la Prifon 170

criminals

their

123, 136, 141, 148, 169, 172, 195

and

compelled

Peter,

alimented 47, 5;, 64, 83, 98, 102, 106,

complaint to the king

Cologn 137

a fociety

St.

Bet(koi, munificence of 88, 95

of a bad gaol 291

Condemned

Borough

of

Debtor, clofe confinement of 397

Debtor

Collings, Abel, his charity

Chapter

336

Scotch prifons 202

with

cri-

Delft 52

Denbighshire 449
Denbigh 45 O
3

Denmark

Denmark

vifit

Derbyshire

prifons

Dutch

E.
318

Derby, John,

his legacy

Eajl-Grinfead 273
Eden, Mr. quoted

379

320

Deferters, family of

Edinburch

infedlion from 439

Devizes

377

tables

Elvas

in bridewells

231, 390, 466

182,

157,

Dinnan, lady's charity to Englilh prifoners there

Difcipline in bridewells

Difeafes in Ruffia moft frequent in winter

general,

Difpenfary,

Dogs

39
attention

their

to

295
ioj, 109, 466

water 151

Chopping rags 257

229

Cleaning

not to be kept by prifoners 32

Clearing harbour

105,

Colouring prints

128

Dolgelly county gaol

454

bridewell

Fulling-mill

73
Grinoing corn 102, 136

414

Dorchejler county gaol

379
town gaol 381

fpeflacles

131

Hemp-drefling 231, 242, 289, 329, 348, 424

Keeping filk-worms 101, 102

Dorsetshire 379

Labourers 90, 96, 102,

Dort 51

Dover

Logwood

268

caftle

candlewick

how

punilhed 53, 61

fifhing nets

Dublin 202

girth s

gaoler non-refident

lift

in

new

foreign

prifons

found unhealthy and difufed

66

and mending

deftroyed

in

paper-hangings

pins

142

friend

catch the

gaol-fever

foldiers clothes

ftockings

72,

143,

104
104,

137

whiting 272

419
county gaol 419

334

151

fhoes 117, 118, 142,

his

146,

158

ropes 121,

165

London Newgate 69

Durham

linen 54, 61, 143,

pegs for lhoemakers 323,

80

Duntze, Dr. and

131

15 6

2
334 34 6 > 35 3 43 433> 439 44

filver lace

carpets and flippers 70, 71

136

horrid 103, 130, 137, 138, 160, 169,

171, 173, 179, 283, 307, 310, 321,

Dunkirk

43-5

47, 147

gold and

27

Dumfries 201

Dungeons, few

68,

Making cabbage-nets 383

215

102

Drunkennefs,

57, 63,

73, 78, 101, 102, 298

Robert, his donation

Drefden

103, 121, 128, 163

cutting and rafping 47,

town gaol 269

Dow,

108

Drawing water 174

Donations to be properly difHbuted 34

Doncafter

&c. 120, 125

ftreets,

Digging chalk 72

454

Amfterdam 62

Dol-huis,

434.

Carding hair 47
hare and rabbit down 158
Carrying none to lime-kiln 156

467
prifoners

legacy

his

Employment of Prisoners
Ballaft-heaving

40

43

291

bridewell

of 48, 56, 59,60, 74, 79, 83, 100,

19, 42,

153

Ely gaol

132,

14, 15,

9,

197

Edmundfon, William,

Devonshire 382
Diet,

money compared 47

170

town gaol 320

65

county bridewell 422,

an'd Englilh

318

Derby county gaol

D event er

X.

Durham

75
Dependants on prifoners, proportion of 18
Deputation to

Picking
3

oakum

61, 231, 236, 415, 437,441

Employment

5 8

Employment of Prisoners

X.

Fees from prifoners mould be abolilhed 29

Plain work. 54, 60, 83

abolifhed 271, 377,

marble 132

Polifliing

penalty for demanding, not in a figned table

plate glafs

Pounding

211

174.

ftones 135,
tile

137

Fees, tables of 197,

Sawing wood 93, 96, 103, 116, 128

Serving mafons 109,

n6,

mould be hung up 34

tables of,

(herds 41 1, 41

199, 203, 2r6, 219, 221,223,

227, 230,234,237, 238, 242, 247,252,

118

254, 256, 260, 265, 271, 276, 277, 279,

Sorting coffee berries 47

281, 284, 287, 289, 290, 294, 297, 298,

47, 52, 53, 60, 61, 64,

67, 70, 71, 72, 75, 84, 100, 101, 103, 121,
128, 133, 137, 139, 143, H7> H9 *5 6 > 162

Spinning, carding,

378

explanation of in tables 210

Hone 394

299, 302,304,308,311, 314, 316,319,

See.

322, 32 s

349> 35

33 2 * 33S 33 8 > 343> 34 8

'

'

354. 35 8 . 3 6l 364.368, 37.

Spinning hair 68

376, 380, 384, 387, 395, 400, 403, 406,

Various trades 120, 135, 142, 148

410,417, 420. 423,426, 433,439. 443.

Weaving damafk 54

444, 447, 450, 463

carpeting 5;, 68

Feet, mortified frequent in gaols 20,

cotton 121, 143, 147

Felons, wear

gauze 121

linen 54, 61, 63, 72, 104,

121, 158

facking 51, 63, 267

Fenton, Mr. recorder,

138*

his

humanity 433
kind affiftance 164

Henry, quoted 40, 42

laid on a county

Fielding,

133,

2000

Fine of

for a

new county

court

147, 158, 385, 427

&c.

fortifications, roads,

66, 72,

356
Fines, the word explained 210

mould be feparated from criminals 234

76, 78, 87, 92, 93, IOI,

105, 112, 117, 118,

137

necefiity of in prifons

Firing,

garden 93

Englifh not naturally cruel

his

Fernan-Nunez, count,

Winding at a wheel 47
Woollen manufactory 52, 73, 104,

in a

own 338

in their

Fenelon, quotation from 36

lace 139, 142, 143

Working on

236

the county-clothes in prifon, but tried

38

candles, &c. liberal allowance of

1

Efcape, remarkable 127

no,

Efcapes punifhed 53, 102,

423

allowance of 99, 271

Firmian, count de, his kind prefent of plan 121
liberal

117, 163

not punifhed 125

Mr.

Firmin,
Fijherton

Essex 259

his

employment of the poor 41

Anger gaol 375

fleet prifon 2 1

Ethiopia, India,

&c

rooms

fo

marked 66, 73

Flintshire 446

Evera 153

Flint

Executions, few in Holland 45, 56

Floors laid rough, an inconvenience 186

folemnity of abroad 45

county gaol 446

flrewed with fpruce

Execution, modes of 45, 76, 82, 124, 137

Florence

Execution day, a time of riot 215

Folkingham bridewell 329

Exettr high gaol for felons 382

Food, want of

fherifFs

ward

for debtors

384

county bridewell 385

city gaol

386

fir

or juniper 85, 88,

94

107

what

Dr.

Fothergill,

convicts

in bridewells

neceffary,
his

and how
fcheme

diltributed

for

33
employment

of

132

Founding-hofpital at Paris 178

F.

France

165

Frankfort on the Maine 135

Falmouth 397
Farifh, Rev, Mr.

Free ward fhould be

commended 429

left for

debtors 30

French Flanders 164

Frtjlwg

INDEX.
Gaoler, figns table of fees 238, 284, 287, 434
paid for keeping bread account 370

Freylurg I2>
Fuller,

John, his legacy 230

mode

Fumigation,

puniftied for efcape of prifoners

of by Dr. Lind 32

with Juniper berries 32

Gaolers,

125

prevent examination

to

ufed by,

artifice

of prifons 468
complaint of the want of rules for their

G.

own

conduit 371

Gabriel, Mr. his donation and legacy 360

neglect vifiting felons

Gain/borough bridewell

none

329

Naples

fees raifed

233
women's apartments 77
Gaol-committee, report of, quoted 14, 26, 218,

wives

Genoa

Venice

106

19

Gaol-delivery, feldom, an evil

Galley flaves, French, allowance to 167

but once

term commences two days

after fentence

in

Germany 66

Gallows, mark

on more

in Italy 1

Rujfia

of a feigneurie

Switzerland 125

in prifons

Stow's account of

perfons apparently dead

ter 23,

Garnifh,

261,
3 8 z,

397, 398, 411,412,413, 415, 418, 419, 438,

444, 446

he

be 25

ftiouid

care in choice of, in France 169

non-refident, an evil 17
fifty-five years in office

condemned
soner

forbidden in France 167

General,

380

ironing a

demand upon,

Gilpin, Bernard, his

woman

16

13

copy of judge's ca-

for a

prifoner's

ing him to work

own

434

viiits to

prifons 28

Glocestershire 362
Glocejler caftle

362

city gaol

pay

by patent from

charity,

33

G.'ajgow 199

lendar 16
to

opinion concerning bedding

Glamorganshire 462

68

fined for detaining acquitted prifoners

obliged

an old,

Geneva 123
Genoa 119
Germany 66, 98, 129
Gerrard, Sir Thomas his
Ghent 144
Gibbet-law of Halifax 418

be hanged for lterving pri-

to

255

prifoners punilhed for extorting 13

33 6 > 34* 3 6 6 373. 37 8 >

who and what

reco-

from 12

evils

17

inllances of 237, 258,

3 2 >

of,

vered by warning with cold wa-

new, commended Z70, 394

fickly 275, 468
evil

2-

remarks on 467

Gaols becoming

Gaols private property, an

94

fpread of 347

13

beft fituation of 21

his

known

not

447, 461
Gaol, county, propofed plan for 2

on

423,

89

Gaol-diftemper, havock from

08

prohibited 53, 119, 126, 147, 396, 440,

Gaoler,

420,

yearly expence of 91, 116

Gaming, a bad cuftom

291, 35>

year 297,

425, 429, 431

once in three years 15

167

Switzerland 124
lie

infpecT:

251

116

fent to under twenty

none

185

of 48, 56, 169

falaries

Galleys, at Ci'vita-'veccbia 115

ward 27

in Ruffia, but military

bifliop

Go/port

419

accord hangs up claufes againft

fpirituous liquors

no

debt for allow-

331

Gouda

367

ajjlze

of bread 362

371
5 z

Gould, judge,

fines

gaoler for detaining

ac-

quitted prifoners 16
3 S 2

Grand-

INDEX.
Graiid-Ckatelet at Paris 171

Holland 44

Gratz 105

Hope, Mr. John, his kindnefs 58

Horde, Thomas, his legacy 342

Greig's, Admiral, account of Haves 91

Grefham,

Thomas,

Sir

Groats, of debtors
eftate

bound

his

charity 224,

249, 252,

Horjbam county gaol 270

efcape intended from 21

34

5,

for

paying 398

Hort,

Sir

John, his kind

afliftance

164

Groningen 63

Hofpicals, conftruftion and regulation of 183

Guildford 279

Holpitals and infirmaries, Englilh, &c.

Gwynn,

Eleanor, her charity 224, 252, 254, 275

Dublin 209
Edinburgh 199
Leeds

H.

414

Norwich 294
Oxford 342

Hague 53

Plymouth 389

Hallamjhire, liberty

Haller, Dr.

415

Hofpitals, foreign

opinion of our gaol-fever 127

his

Amflerdam 62

Hales, Dr. his ventilators 23

Antwerp 141

Halifax 418

Bologna 107

Haljlead 262,

Bordeaux 180

Hamburg 72

Brefau 98

Hampshire 369

Bruges 149

Eanau 133
Hanmer 448

Burgos 162

Brufels 142

Hanover 70

Copenhagen 80, 81

Hanway, Mr. on

feparate confinement 22.

Cronjiadt 91

Harburg 72

E'vora 153

Harlem 54

Florence

Harwich- 263

Genoa

Haulton caftle 446

Ghent 145
Harlem 54
Lille 165

Haverfordwejl county gaol 456

town gaol 457

Heberden,

Dr.

opinion concerning wet room*

his

and fituations 30

Lijbon

20

152

Lyons 179

Madrid 158

Henley 345

Herefordshire 357

122

Hereford county gaol 357

bridewell 35
city gaol

Hermandad

108

Mofcow 94, 95
Munich 1 30
Naples

359

del Refugio 159

1 1

Pamplona 163

Herris, Elizabeth, her charity 259.

Pw

Hertfordshire 255

Pet erfburg 88

Hertford county gaol 25$

bridewell

177

113, 115

256

Stockholm

84

Hcfleden, Thomas, his legacies 327

Heydon, John, his legacy 403

Palaver a 154

Hinkley 3

7r/a 123

Hitchin 257

Hobfon, Thomas,

Ts/fi/o

155

Valladolid 161
his

legacy 290

Hodgefion, Dr. his charity 408

Vienna 104

Warjaw

96, 97
Hofpitals

INDEX.
Hofpitals

for

prifoners

8,

1 1

Houfe of correction,

no, in,

106, to8,
1

52, 158, 163,

116,

Ivelcbefler county gaol

164

Izacke's Alphabetical Regifer, quoted 388

fee bridewell

bound

Juftices,

for

Jfle

if

a bridewell

not provided

Dublin 205

Induftry,

to infpeft bridewells

fineable

Education, Peter/burg 88

399

new

Hull,

prifon

K.
Keeper, fee gaoler

Hulks on the Thames 465

Huntingdonshire 286

Keeper of bridewell,

Rebecca, her legacy

loft

323.

Kempe, Mrs. her

gaol 431
Kendrick, John,

126

Idlenefs, a falfe indulgence

Thomas Robert,

his charity

working on

excufed

Kent

327
fabbath

Ward in,

22 J

Imprifonment for debt

Inquifition prifon at

Madrid 160
Rome 112

his declaration againit feverc

King's Bench prifon 243

King's evidence, difficulty where to keep 22

King J)'on upon Hull gaol 415

bridewell 415
Kingfon upon Thames bridewell 277

with a falary, negligent 84

Infpeflors of prifoners of

14

23

Infpeftor of prifons, his office and duty 36

town gaol 279

war neceffary 189

Interccurfe, (hocking, of the fexes in

prifon

Knarefborough 413,

346,

35> 363. 383

414

honour of 413
Knoot, punilhment

20 r

of, defcribed

86

county gaol 30 r

L.

bridewell 303
town bridewell 305
Ireland 202
Irons,

375
bounty towards building a gaol 392

150

beft conftrufted

Valladolid 160

Itfvoich

349

confinement

how

230

his benefaction

King, lord-chancellor,
aboliflied

Infirmary in gaols,

Invernefs

Kidderminjler

King,

his legacy

335

47
their

136
Jews

294

264

Kettering

prifoners, allowed a different diet

Jew

charities

Kendal county bridewell 431

I.

Jenkinfon,

40

of houfe of correction imprifoned 141

Keeper's account of expences and earnings 365
Kelfon, Mr. his legacy 399

327

Efq. his charity

Hutchinfon,

his qualifications 38,

murdered 340

Huntingdon county gaol and bridewell 286

Hufl'ey,

be

172

Kingfton

fee

a court

3.8

of Wight 3.72

Mildenhall 3-5

Hotel de la Force, a

36

with

bad

ufe of in prifons

Labour, none performed in moll bridewells

Ladbroke,

13

judges opinion concerning

not ufed in French prifons
Iron bedfteads in debtors rooms
collar

14
166

432
town gaol

449

doors,

Italy 106

Lath andplafter,

roofed with 88
for

104, 107, 270

free circulation

letter to

him quoted

4
7,

14

4.36

Langton, Mrs. her charity 434

glove, a punilhment 115

Iron-grate

Robert,

Lancafler caftle

and hook for criminals 125

plates, prifon

Sir

Lancashire 432

partition of, to prevent

efcapes

171

of

air

92,

Latham, Peter,

his charity

434

Laubach 105
Launceflon county gaol 39.1

Laufannt

Laufannt 125

Lavenham 304
Lawfon, Mrs. her

charity 40$

X.

Lumley,

Lazaretto at Leghorn 109

lady, her charity

408

Lunatics and idiots, a nuifance

Mo/cow 93
Leeds

Ludlow bridewell 356

Lukau 102

in gaols 8

Lunenburg 72

414

Lynn Regis 300

Leeuzvarden 63

Lyons 179

Leezvenberch gaft-huys 65

Legacies recovered 420

M.

tables of fliould be

hung up

34.

care of at Bruges 149

Macclesfield prifon

Legacies, fee benefactions

Macfarlan, Dr. quoted 35

Maclaine, Dr. his communications 55

Leicestershire 313
county gaol 3

Leicefier

Madrid

bridewell 315

155
Hofpicio 158

town gaol 316

Magdeburg 102

bridewell 317

Magiftrates, infpedt weekly 99, 131, 144

Lettfom, Dr. his method in putrid fevers

23

neglect of 36

Lewes 272

room

Ley den 5 3

Licences

Manchefier 43

gaols 26, 83, 198, 219, 238, 303, 306,

Manheim 135

liquors,

fell

none

in Ireland

in

pernicious

effects

Sir Horace, his kindnefs 108

Manufactory for deferted children 152
of military cloth in Denmark 78

352

Marlborough 377
Marlhalfea prifon 250

164

Lime-white, what, and

its

benefits

30

in

Lincolnshire 326
Lincoln caftle

Matron

326

Dublin 205

to prifon 231,

Mead, Dr. on

city gaol 330

233

the caufe of contagion 31

Mechlin 141

Lind, Dr. his method of fumigation

33.

Medical practice

traces infection to gaols 10

for fick prifoners 149,

Linen, clean, to prifoners from a charity 167

Mentz 136

Merionethshire 454

50
&c. a nuifance
i

Livtrpool gaol

in prifons 32,

312, 429

Middleburg ci

436

bridewell

Middleixich 441

437

Milan, 120

Loftinefs of Italian hofpitals

119

MilJenhall 305

212-

Miniller of pariih in Ireland to take care of pri-

Leftnuitbicl

398
Loughborough,

lord,

Lucca 119
I

udgate,

283

Melton-Momobray 315

Lisbon

Lokdon

266

Mann,

27

Liege 137

Litter,

houfes of correction 139

264

bridewell

of in

to

340, 458

Lille

for,

Maidfione county gaol

Licence, obfervation concerning 210

Lichfield

444
444

bridewell

Leghorn 108

new 222

Ludlow gaol 356.

fines

a gaoler for ironing

13

foners allowance 33
Minutenefs of defcription, reafon for 122, 211

Monmouthshire

3^9
Monmouth county gaol 359
town gaol 361

Montgomery-

Montgomeryshire

X.

Nunnery with

451

Montgomery county gaol 451

bridewell

452

Moore, Dr. quoted 112, 154

Morals, vitiated in prifons

8,

hofpitals too clofe

Nurenburg'

3o

Nurfe
10

hofpital for infane

Nuns, keep
1

145

165

for the fick in a gaol 293-

propofed 187

Nurfes for the fick prifoners of war,

Morpeth county gaol 425

bridewell

Mortality,

bill

427

O.

of at Amfterdam 55

Mo/cow 92
Mounfey, Dr. found no gaol-fever

Oakham county
Ruffia.94

in

Munich 129

Oakum,

Objections

Naples

Qdiam 372

fwered

117
Trent 325

Newcaftle upon

Oil

Newgate 422

Tyne,

3,3.3-

Oath, folemn administration of 82, 126, 195

improvement of prifons
to
the

Nantwich debtors prifon 444.

town gaol 445

Newark upon

gaol

picking, a falutary employment 236, 277

of

board under the beds in an hofpital

tar,

bruftied with

185

tower gaol 424

Order

tallow-houfe

Orphan-houfe, Amfterdam 62

bridewell

424

on divine

for attendance

Berlin

Newport, EJex 262

Edinburgh 169

of Wight 372

company,

Norman,

01

Oundle 336
their refufal of water

236

Nimcguen 64

Norfolk

Oufe-bridge gaol

409

Oxfordshire 341

293

Oxford

Francis, eight years

of his prifoners

lift

callle

341

city bridewell

345

univerfity bridewell

Norney, John,

his legacy

440

Oven

Northamptonshire 334
Northampton county gaol

proper in gaols

23

room

432.

called fo

caftle

city

P.

425

293
and county, gaol 296

Padua 106

bridewell

Pardoned criminal detained

Nottinghamshire

Pamplona

298

162
for fees

316,

322

Paris 165

321

Parole not granted to American

Nottingham county gaol 321.

of executions at Amfterdam 56
inhabitants at Amfterdam 5
5

Naples

206
486

Scotland

Peacock, Mr. his

Peafants, flaves

492

200

no

Patronefs of prifons

with-,

68

gift

410

a murderer, acquitted by delay of

England and Wales 17,

Tufcany

187
of war

out fecurity 183

bridewell 325

prifoners in Dublin

officers

Englifli prifoners

town gaol 324

Number

345

34

town gaol 336

Northumberland
Norwich

434

OJlend 150

Newport Pagnel 282

river

223,

Ofnabrug 67

Monmouthjhire 361

New

fervice

Antwerp 14

424

Newgate 213

lfte

an-

43

inftance of attachment to their lord

Pemberton, Mr.

trial

85

his charity

8"5

302

Pembrokeshire 456
Pembroke town gaol 457
Penitentiary

INDEX.
Penitentiary houfes, heads of regulations for

Prifons, general view of diftrefs in

470

Pennant, Mr. his Tour quoted 439

Penryn borough-gaol 398

Prifon uniform,

127,

begging

195

Perth 195

Hamburg 75

condemned,

for

evils

336

let

out on parole

55

obliged

Phyfician mould be appointed to

Cn

Newgate 9

of the opprejjed 3

on boards

to deter

on

liberty of the

10

honour 416

9*.
tried out

bills

by
r

39, 272

voluntary contributions

of irons

own
Prifoner's

for

of prifoners

vifitation

in

Calais

houfes of correction

58, 73,

100,

Dunkirk

foreign,

435
104,

11

31,

82
182

182
1

Rotterdam 51

459

foreign, arched

Bourbourg 182

29

Pringle, Sir John, referred to 10,

Prifons,

their

94

Bergues

133, 136, 146

Prefervatives from gaol-diftemper 3

Prefion

Ardres

126,

Prefleign

Englijh, at

225

103
Piangins, baron de, his prifon 124

Ireland

dog deftroyed by vermin 413

Prague

Prayers daily in

1 1

France the war

bread 91

Prifoners of war, American

150

of,

laft

in

French, defirous of making

374

87,

197

treated

before

165

Poor-houfes, observation refpefting 373

form

173

53

how

Rome 113

Prayer,

cafe of

39,

Prifoners of war, in general well treated

Poor-houfe at Copenhagen 79

Poultry Compter

38

allowed 149

liberally

fubfifted

bridewell 382

Lille

courts, hard

ftarved to death

town gaol 381

Port/mouth

exchequer procefTes, and from eccle-

lick,

Berlin

two

al-

Ihould have a day-room 33

Ihould fleep in feparate rooms 22

Poland 96

his

have

they

proper allowance for conveying 381

quoted 9

Police, good, at

before

periming from cold

offenders 75

Plymouth 389

Portugal

17,

i;o

walh

to

fiaftical

Plague, medical treatment of 94

Popham, Mr.

lowance 241

Peverel, honour of 325

Poole

diftrelTed

and Wales, number of

England

486

Petworth 272

Plot's Hijlory

22,

r5

1,

in

Petersburg 86
Petty, Sir William, quoted

Placarts painted

Newgate

in

from not feparating 8

from bridewells,

336

Mofes, his

cells

197

383

92

52, 262

detained for fees

50

65

bridewell

Pontefracl,

in the ftreets

376,

214

Rotterdam
Utrecht

Pitt,

384

burnt in a prifon

Ley din 54

Peterborough gaol

recommended 31

allowed to beg abroad

Penzance 397
Perjury uncommon

Peft-houfe at

169

Prifoners, acquitted, difcharged in court 16,

of 397

liberties

by magiftrates

Prifoncr forty-three years

debtors 398

prifon, for

Pewwitb,

vifited

32

at
Belfajl

192

Brijiol

185

Carlife
Chejler

188

189
Frifoners,

3 2

INDEX.
Rafp and fpin-houfes, Dutch, management of 45
Ralijlon 130

Prifoncrs of war, foreign, at Deal 187

Dublin

193

Reading county gaol 337

Edinburgh 192

bridewell

Falmouth 191
Forton

339
Recruits from prifons 204

Hull 189

Reed, Hefter, her legacy 388

Kilkenny 193
Lincoln

Refractory, rooms for 47, 63, 73,

190

Regents of Dutch prifons, privileges of 57

Regulations for gaols, piopofed 25

Pembroke 188
Plymouth 184
Shreivjbury

heads

190
1

work mould go

common

to

356

one fevcnth 48

two

Rend/burg

duke

103, 289, 344

thirds

of,

active in building a

272
Rigby, Henrietta, her legacy 434

147

394

prifon

officers

Pump

by

60

ftierifFs

Ripon gaol 4 1
liberty 41

Rivers,

German

prifons built near

66

Rochefer gaol 268

53

neceflary in gaols

bridewell 268

23

Punifliment for efcape 78, 101,

modes of

by 215, 221, 245, 277

deftroyed by 254

Rioters, prifons burnt

131, 144

frequented

434

Ring, iron, on window bars 78

of hofpitals 163

be

ditto

Abigail,

fifth

fixth

Public diverfions taxed, for fupport of prifons

to

new gao

doubles allowance at a bridewell

462

Proprietors of gaols, fee gaols

houfes not

140,

270

fourth 73

Public

135,

76

one third 121

furplus

prifoners

to

Richmond (Yorkftiire) 412

16

houfes and

470

168, 172

to keeper, half 272, 323, 348,

part

for penitentiary

made known

flock 41

to prifoners, all 103,

of,

houfes of correction

86

Yarmouth 191
Profit of

140, 215, 218,

233. 4 l6 > 433

Liverpool 189

Winchepr

339

town gaol

86

in Ruffia

Purfer's weights, faulty

no, 117

86

465

Rome hi
Romney gaol 269

Rotheram, Dr.

his charity

Rothnvell prifon

416

to prifoners

423

Rotterdam 46

Rouquet, Rev. James,

Quarrels not to be permitted in gaols 34

Quas, a fermented liquor 91, 92

for

65, 99,

57,

Houfe of Ecu cation 89

Prifoners of

Radnorshire 459

Ranfomers 181

prifons 53,

109, 119, 131, 133, 135,

396, 401, 410, 412, 440, 447, 461

for

Raikes, Mr. his charity 363

exemplary conduct 403

lhould be hung up 35

140, 144, 14s, 157, 165, 168

Engli/p, &C. 200, 220, 24r, 328, 385,

R.

felons fhould be buried

of,

government of Foreign

Quinze-vingts hofpital for blind 178

Rags of

his

Rules and orders, tables

Quakers room 432

27?

war

in

France

England 473
for work -houfe 69, 73, 100
or bounds of a prifon 217, 244, 398, 423, 458
3

Russia

INDEX,
Russia 8j

Sick prifoners, great attention to

Rutlandshire

333

humanity to
wretched

liberty gaol

Smith,

258

bridewell 258

B rievelf s gaol

St.

Catharine's, gaol

St.

3/8

128

debts 229,

240

g ao1

19^, 196, 202

prifoners, hard condition

of

at Carlifle

429

Southivark county

195

among

prifoners, 84,

164,

167,

173

Secrete chambers

Securities lor prifoners

feats

at

in,

107,

clafles

of

in gaols,
Sheffield,

how

belt confhutted

261

24

402

Sherborne county bridewell 381

Sheriff's officer fhould not

Sbreiv/bury county gaol

be keeper 28

Silesia

97

nc

332

its

extent

Str a/burg

debtors 106

136

Straw, plenty

Suffocation

237

82

ftool for clearing

Sudbury gaol

bridewell

Shropshire 353

Stone

353

town gaol 356

450

Star-chamber prifoners, whither fent 227

Stepney manor,

Shepton Mallet county bridewell

of

350

remarkably eafy

Stamford town gaol

Stockholm

town gaol 416

courts

bridewell 351

from 278

debtors prifon 415

in

Staffordshire 350

Staircafe,

gaols

in

general remark on

permitted

32

Stafford county gaol

diftrefs

475

be

to

in courts of gaols 297, 312, 376, 399,

Sewers and drains, want of

not

gaols

63
church for different

134
towns where no prifon,

374

gaol

Southwell county bridewell 323

120

criminals
Sefllons at

373

374

bridewell

Stables, &c.

Separate

399

Southampton bar-gate

Scotch afls concerning prifons

314

for fmall

253

Somersetshire

196

Scurvy, prevalent

in prifons

Selothurn 127

Schoolmaiters, parifh, in Scotland

Scotland

who fell them 34

who bring them 34

Society for difcharge of perfons confined

128

99

cn gaolers

Soap and towels fhould be allowed

93

Sandwich town gaol 269

Scbivabach

of punifhment 76,

Squalor carceris, for compulfion of debtors 202

74

prifon

mantle, an engine

any

Salt withheld as a punifhment

i>oy

330

fine

gaol

Schaffihaufen

226

Spectator quoted refpe&ing cleanlinefs 31

Spirituous liquors cheap, an evil 206

of 41

375

376

Spandau 10
Spanifh

Suh/oury county gaol

his vifits to prifons"

Spalding bridewell

276

Salaries of magiftrates fmall

Salpetriere

his legacy

Dr.

370

Omers 180

city

Mr.

Spain 153

239
dole of bread

George" s Fields bridewell

St. Peter, liberty

108

105,

78

George, keeper, commended 25

366

St. Crofs's hofpital,

St.

148,

Skeleton in irons discovered 342

Slaves, annual expence of 91

borough gaol 257

St.

118,

Situation proper for a prifon 2r

S.

St. Allan's

116,

163

152,

Rut bin 449

Rye town gaol 273

of,

not farmed

351

307

by brimftone,

355

an

ancient

punifhment

i39

Suffolk 301
Summer rooms

in

an hofpital 88

Sunday*

Sunday, no

admitted on

vifiters

fchools for poor children

X.

Tranfports, chained to the floor 420, 425

126

dinner, an encouragement

numbers dying on board

33

obfervations on

363

working on 71, 93
Surgeon excufed by contradt from attending gaol-

the

Trenck, his

Surgeon, his duty 29

neglecT;

Trial,

443

115, 142, 159, 268

Surrey 274

Triefie

Sussex 270

Truro

Sivaffham

Turin

bridewell 295
Swanfey town gaol 464
Sweden 82

in

464

of confinement

place

mode of

20

word explained 210

Travellers, charity for

Travelling, fafety of in England

fever 383

fliip

42

102

Sweden 83

105

town gaol 397

122

Turnkeys, many,

Switzerland 124

French prifons 166, 172

in

of 166, 271

falary

mould not be

prifoners

27

Turnlliles to prevent efcape 166

Tver 92

T.

U.

Talavera 154

Tap, inconveniences

from gaoler's having

arifing

Utrecht

.26
Tapfter

UJk county bridewell

lets

rooms

to prifoners

V.
Valladolid 160

town gaol 402

Varnifhed boards, beds on 108

Tax for fupport of houfes of correction 60

Term of confinement abridged 46, 133

Varying
an

Thame bridewell 343

gaol

Ventilators in gaols, ufeful

all

prifoners,

fent

by

aflizes

are held

Verheterhuizen

the

in

346

kingdom enumerated 347

59, 6;

Verfes over debtors grate 338

304

Thynne, Thomas, Efq.

his legacy

Vienna

376

388

bridewell

125

103

book 147
Vihorde, large prifon there 142
Vilain, count, his

Vifitants not admitted

388

Toes mortified 280

lhould

not

Sunday 126

on
be

admitted during fervice-

time 28

Toledo

82, 99

W.

by weights 128
horrid 67, 70, 72, 125,

Wakefield county bridewell

408
town gaol 340
Walfall town gaol 353

138

reftrided 124

Wallingfiord

room, difmal 129,

130

To thill- Fields bridewell 241

Waljingham bridewell 296

Tower

Ward

212
of fees 374

figns table

Tranfport eight years

in

prifon

for prifoners

committing

from

158, 163, 183, 188

ecclefiailical

court

342, 416
Warrington

454

Tranfportation, Mr. Eden's opinion on

in hofpital

Warrant on

Tower- Hamlets gaol 239

Town-clerk

and

23

Ventilator, very ufeful one

ThTot, Dr. his opinion on the gaol-diftemper

155
Torture abolilhed

feffions

15

Vaults, fee fewers

408
Thomfon, the poet, quoted 14
Thumbs, noofe put about 215
Thumb-fcrews for fecuring

Tiverton town gaol

towns where
evil

Venice 106

298

Thirjk bridewell

magiftrates

64

218

Taunton county bridewell 401

Ihetford town

36

43

Warsaw 96
3 T *

Warwickshire

Warwickshire

X.

Women

308

Warwick county gaol 308

daily, beneficial

prejudice

30

againft

163,

177,

debtors mould be kept feparate

rooms
charity 268

Richard, Efq. his

Well, remarkable, in a prifon

Woodlridge bridewell

173

Wooden

137

city

Work

gaol 349

at

gcod

Wildman, Mr.

his

of 199

effects

Wrexham

prifon

town gaol

Windows

in

in

bridewell 295

Y.
Yarmouth town gaol 299

how
for

beft conftrufted

2a

keeping open

373

remark on

gaols,

7,

349.

bridewell

393

York caftle 40;

city

St.

of

debtors,

gaol 409
bridewell 411

344

Wives and children

gaols

crowded

Yorke,

Peters gaol 41
Sir

Jofcph,

his polite

Women and children belonging

chained to a waggon

committed
of

for

Z.

to piifoners 219,

244
Zell 72

125

baflardy,

cruel

treatment

Zurich

128

Zwolle 64

3*9

THE

END.

53,

66

diftiefs

36

affiftance

Young, Dr. on the effeds of feeing

Wolverhampton county bridewell 352

Woman confined with two foldiers 258

Women

300

Yorkshire 405

Witches, dungeons for 129, 130

with

450

373

Wijbech gaol 292

Witney bridewell

in 373
be conftrufted

340

contrivance

Window-tax

to

Wyfchnei Wolotfchok 92

371

340

gaols,

bridewell

Wymundbam

369

debtors prifon

how

Wurtzburg 113

366

bridewell

caftle

in bridewells,

37
Work-fliop in debtors ward, neceffary 24

Wiltshire 375

Windfor

Work-houfes, obfervation on the children

Work-rooms

104

Winckejler county gaol

100

commended 72, 30J, 372, 415, 43r

benefaaion 234

W'nrhcomb bridewell

Amfierdam 61
Berlin

an ancient name 275

prifons

346'

neceflary in bridewells 38

Work-houfe

237

a general praftice in Dutch and

German

264

ZzS

bridewell 348

Whitehaven town gaol 430

White-wafhing,

416

303

Worcejler county gaol

Sir Thomas, his legacy 357

alderman of York, his charity 408

prifon,

25

a feparate court

Worcestershire 346
242

Wejl-Wycomh bridewell 282

White-lion

for in

bars, obftruft air

Woad-jlreet Compter

gate-houfe

Whitechapel prifon

359

mould be feparate from men 22, 346

felons,

Westmorland 430
Westminster 240

White,

351,

3 J9 ,

pany 250

178

Water, frequent want of 6

We/el

338,

more modeft, complaining of bad com-

with cold water, recovery by 23, 255

Watts,

13,

keep houfe clean 77, 136

bridewell 309

Wafhing rooms

irons

in

week 437

every

difciplined

DIRECTIONS

the

to

The Plates are

BOOK- BINDER.

be inferted as follows:

to

Page
Piatt

N.

I.

General plan of a County Gaol,

2.

Plan of Window Blinds, and Cradle,

3.

Breda, Houfe of Correction,

52.

4.

Amfterdam, Houfe of Correction,

6r.

5.

Zwolle, Houfe of Corredlion,

6.

Utrecht, Peil-houfe

to face

2,1.

37.

...

64.
65.

7.

Copenhagen, Spanim Muntle,

8.

Peterlburg, Houfe of Education,

88.

9.

Mofcow,

Prifon,

92.

10.

Botanic Magazine,

11.

Rome, Front of

the Prifon,

76.

94.

m.

12.

Houfe of Correction,

114.

13.

Milan, Houfe of Correction,

121.

145.

155.

174.

14.

&

15. Bern,

Employment of

16.

Ghent, La Maifon de Force,

17.

Madrid, Prifon,

18.

Baflille,

19.

Lyons, Hotel-Dieu,

20.

London, Newgate,

21.

Plymouth, Royal HofpitaL

22

Ground Plan,

12c.

Criminals, tzvo Plates,

179.
J

213.

388.

388.

HISTORICAL

REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

THE

ON

CASTLE
THE

OF

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH

PUBLISHED

IN

17? 4-

ADVERTISEMENT.
The

Pamphlet, a tranjlation of which

abroad, that
difficulty

I was

as the ale of it in France

from

readily appear

enough
to

meet with

to

me, that

ojity,

from

would

it

is

here offered to the public, excitedJo

extremely defirous of obtaining a copy of

was prohibited

work

it

and, not without feme hazard, brought

be acceptable to

the celebrated

After many fruitlefs endea vours,

my countrymen

name of the place

it

of equal laws in a free ftate *.

and

dejeribes,

inftruclive comparijon between the horrors of dejpotic

it to

therefore procured

a faithful

genuine principles of their excellent lonftiiution,

my

Cardington,

"
"

"

ivere

left in the

proper, (as in France

have

tie

occurred

tranjlation of it to be

made

and reverence of Englijh-

JOHN HOWARD,

78-

* Sir William Blackjlone obfer-ves, that the prefervation of perfonal liberty

it

It Joon

purpoje will be fully anjwered.

Dl'ORDSHIR
Bedfordshire,

if once

at length fortunate

but as affording a very intereftmg and

to the

"

I was

power, and the mild andjuft adminiftration

men

curiojity

not merely as an objeel of curi-

this,

if its publication Jhall in any degree tend to increafe the attachment

27,

much

matter of no Jmall

England.

and

March

was a

on the fever eft penalties, for reajons that will

the

itfelf.

This

it.

poiver of any, the

it is

daily

of great importance

is

highefi, magiftrate to imprifin arbitrarily

ratlifed by the croivn,) there

would foon

be

la the

public

ivhome-ver he or his

officers

an end of

all other rights

" for

thought

and immunities.

been afjured upon good authority, that, during the mitd adminiftration oj Cardinal Flcury, above 54,000- lettres

cachet ivere

ijfued,

upon the fugle ground of the.famous bulle unigenitus."

Commentaries, Book

I.

Chap.

I.

FRENCH EDITOR'S PREFACE.

SlNCE
human

wound was given

the mortal

nature,

which

Nothing

ranks, and fpreading a general terror.

and prifons

tions,

French

to

of which

the Baftille

laft

is

employment of lpies and informers, who execute

ought to alarm every
horror and

M.

citizen with apprehenfions

is

of
all

heard of but banifhments, profcrip-

The

undoubtedly the moft formidable.

and accurately,

their office lb extenfively

of becoming an inhabitant of this abode of

tears.

de Saintfoy has

widi him, that

faid, that on this fubjeft it is Jafer to be filent

it is fafeft

fecurity to the necefllty of exciting

than

to

/peak.

but

have not, therefore, hefitated to

my

fellow- citizens to cart their eyes

it is

agree

not the moft advantageous either for

for the hiftorian

the prefent generation, or for pafterity.

own

liberty *, Defpotifm, that fcourge

debafes and dishonours, has acquired ftrength by (hiking at

it

facrifice

my

on the chains

with which they have been loaded during three fucceflive reigns.

Henry IV. was

Richlieu,

He

who

had caufed

His memory

the darling of his fubjects.

national veneration.

was under

It

reigned under the

name of Lewis XIII.

be conftructed even

to

will

ever be the object of the

his fuccerTor that liberty received the firft ftroke.

in his

own houfe

filled

the fortrefles and prifons^

a vade in pace,

where he frequendy

facrificed victims to his tyranny.

Hiftory prefents few reigns in which more violences and cruelties have been exercifed,
than that of Lewis
has erafed a

title,

XIV.

he fo

Flattery conferred

little

merited.

It

on him the name of Great;

but pofterity

beholds in this prince no other than a defpot,

without principle, tyrannifed over by his pafiions, vain, ambitious, turbulent, and often
cruel.

During

the laft reign,

which was characterifed by weaknefs,

tions, minifters erected defpotifm into a law.

were

their engines.

They

obftinately

with difperfing and profcribing

that imprifonment, and exile,
as in the

two preceding

all

who

inefficacy,

and contradic-

Lettres de cachet, vexations of all kinds,

combated the laws of the kirgdom

adminiftered them.

It

may

and concluded

therefore truly be faid,

were the great inftruments of government

in.

the

laft,

as well

reigns.

In the years 1770 and 1771,

Since

THE FRENCH EDITORS PREFACE.

Since, then, the arbitrary will of the prince, or rather of thofe

holds the place of law, the Baftille will probably be

fore,

very important, that

this

which prifoners have undergone

to

caftle,

in

it,

die rules

more

by which

public this interefting piece, in the Rate in which

fince deceafed.

With

it

is

who

reign in his name,

than ever.

It

is,

there-

governed, the fufFerings

the interrogations, furprizes, fnares, and violences

which they are expofed, mould be generally known.

fome time

filled

it

On

this

account

was bequeathed

refpect to the plan,

it

me

prefent to the

by the author,

was drawn by himfelf on the

fpot.

God

grant that his labours

may be

rendered ufelefs to

young monarch with a horror of defpotifm, and

my

countrymen, by infpiring our

a love for thofe laws

which are the gua-

rantees of his fccurity, and that of the nation.

HISTORICAL

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

THE

ON

CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE,

AND

FRENCH
I

HE

Baftille,

IN QJT

TIO

N.

was the entrance of Paris on the

at its foundation,

fide

of the fuburbs of

Hugh

of only two towers.

Aubriot *, provoft of Paris, to

the conilru&ion of the new enclofure and of the fortifications of the city under
It confifted

St. Antoine.

whom

THE

Charles V. was committed, formed the plan of

The two

1369.

this caftle,

and

laid the firfl ftone

April 22,

Afterwards, two towers

towers ferved for a defence againft the Englifh.

of retreat, behind and parallel to the fTrft, were erected ; and thus the entrance into Paris
was protracted between four detached towers, and a double bridge. The remains of the
firft.

bridge

ftill

This

continue.

edifice

was not entirely finilhed

This king caufed four new towers

about the year 1383.

Apartments were made between the towers,

were taken away: a dry ditch, twenty-five
*

Hugh

St.

of his attention

He

built the bridge anciently called the

to the public

clergy, united with the

The

partifans

good.

was removed

This

Grand Pont., now

members of the

was erected

laft edifice

Aubriot was the

firft

of the

bridges

ftreet,

the Pont an Change.

fur-

He was

univerfity, confpired his ruin.

firft

at

to pafs the reft

of his days there.

At

accufed

which

he-

had

of the fellows and,

him of

juft built

By means of intrigues,

commencement of the

the

Led by Caboche,

They

walls

The

impiety and

enmity with that of Burgundy, to which he was

(hut up in the Baftiile,

to the prifon of the biftioprick, called I'Qubliette.

people rofe againft the impofts.

to bridle the licentioufnefs

The

monuments

inventor of fubterraneous canals for draining, off water.

of the houfe of Orleans, which was

attached, declared againft him.

condemned

The

walls.

level

Antoine on the banks of the Seine, tha Pont St. Michel, and the Petit-Chdtelct, are

ftudents in the univerfity.

herefy.

deep from the

VE

at equal diftances.

Aubriot, born at Dijon of obfcure parents, was provoft of Paris, and minilter of the finances,,

under Charles V.

of the gate

the reign of Charles

of the

in the thicknefs

feet

till

be added

to

his

and afterwards

enemies got him

reign of Charles VT. in 1381, the

a fkinner, the mutineers forced the gates of the Hotel dc

Vile to procure arms, and took out three or four thoufand iron maces {mailletij .vhence they acquired the

name of Maillotin.'.

They broke open

the prifon in which Aubriot had been languifhing for feveral months,

chofe him for their chief, and compelled him to accept the
to withdraw fecretly.

known

to his

On

command.

that very night he paffed the Seine,

enemies, and finifhed his days in repofe.

and

He made

fled into

ufe of this favour of fortune,

Burgundy, where he lived un-

Chronologic Manufcrite.de la Bibliotheque Royale.

Hugh,

Aubriot was of the fame family with John Aubriot of Dijon, bilhop of Chalons from the year 1342 to 1350.

rounded;

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

rounded the eight towers ; and an enclofure was formed on the other
public road was turned on the outfide, as

which now encompafs

The

of the

caflle

An

were not conftru&ed

it,

Baftille is fituated

river) near the arfenal.

advanced guard

is

it

entrance

Its

is

on

bank of the Seine

left

end of the

at the

fide

This

Rationed there, with a fentry day and night.

w hich

is

modern

are fecond draw-bridges,

near which

you afcend

(as

of beams placed with

iron,

Near

the

which have

hundred and twenty

On

which muft be pafled

Beyond

this,

you muft

by

feet

this,

is

pafs

to arrive at a fecond pair

eighty, in

which

is

great-

five gates,

all

of

a fountain.

entering by the barrier, to the right are apartments in which the fubaltern officers

this building

from

called

project of

the 'Tour de la Comte

is

its

is

money amaffed by

the

Due

In

Near

reft.

de Sully for the grand

After this tower, near the middle of the court,

is

an arcade which

Next,

lodging-rooms are contrived.

feveral

this,

body of the old chapel, converted

of the court

reftri&ed than the

lefs

and next, the Tour de Trejor (Treafury tower,) fo

being the depofit of the

Henry IV.

anciently ferved for the city gate.

the

of gates,

This court forms a fquare of about one

lodge, and fometimes even fuch of the prifoners as are

is

Hotel du

the.

a ftrong barrier, a clair-voye, formed

two draw-bridges, and

of guards.

and. three pofts

fentries,

guard-room

and very high, which feparates the guard-room from the

Before you reach

court.

the

building, feparated from the caftle by a ditch, over

another guard-room.

is

The

it.

ftreet St. Antcine, to the right.

are draw-bridges, with a great gate, and a wicket, leading to the court of

Gouvernement.

of

bulwarks and ditches

1634.

till

the

The

at prefent.

is

into feveral

chambers

the Tour de la Cbapelle (Chapel-tower.)

for prifoners.

At

the angle

This, and the Tour de Trejor

are

the moft ancient of the towers.

Walls of ten

feet thicknefs in folid

At

bottom of the court

the

mafonry, raifed to the height of the towers, unite

many apartments

them, and are contiguous to

is

a large

modern

court called Cour du Puits (Well-court.)

for prifoners conftructed in the interftices.

houfe, which feparates

In the centre of

Within

cafe of five fteps, leading to the principal door.

upper apartments, and an entry terminating

tlbule

of the

hall,

where the

interrogate the prifoners.

in the

chamber

On

effects

left,

entering

This

is

by the fame

firft

a ftone ftair-

On

the right

is

the vef-

Here

called the Salle du Confeil (Council-chamber.)

ftaircafe,

outlets into the Cour

The

is

find the ftaircafe to the

At

the farther end

and papers taken from the prifoners are depofited.

which have double

of three rooms.

you

fecond court.

are the lodgings of the fubaltern officers, and of

the

this

from a fmaller

it

building

minifters, the lieutenant of the police, or the commiffioners,

prifoners generally receive the vifits of ftrangers.

which the

this

a large prefs, in

Behind the council-

fome turnkeys.

are the kitchens, offices, and wafh-houfe,

du Puits.

and fecond ferve

is

There

are three ftories above, each

for prifoners

of

diftinction, or thofe

who

are fick.

The

king's lieutenant has his apartment to the right, in the

firft

ftory,

above the

c6\in.-

cil-chamberi the major lodges in the fecond, and the furgeon. in the third.

Oa

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

On

the other fide of the great court, near the kitchens and the Tour de la Liberie (Li-

berty-tower) are apartments for prifoners, confiding each of a great chamber, and a elofet

The dungeons

looking towards Paris.

tower are ancient apartments,

this

ground

There

floor.

of

this

which a

in

They

hear mafs.

by

and two bolts

three are hollowed out of

In thefe, prifoners are put one by one to

The

can neither fee nor be feen.

a lock

to

chapel has been ccnitru&ed on the

are five niches or clofets in this chapel

the wall, the others are only in the wainfcot.

the outfide

Next

tower run under the kitchens.

little

doors of thefe niches are fecured on

within, they are iron-grated, and have glafs

windows

towards the chapel, with curtains, which are drawn at the Sanflus, and clofed again at the
Five prifoners being prefent at each mafs, ten only can hear it each
concluding prayer.
If there

day.
is

is

a greater

number

in the caftle, either

generally the cafe with ecclcfiaftics, prifoners for

or they attend alternately

go

life,

they do not go to mafs at

(which

all

who do not defire to go)

fome who have permiffion to

and thofe

becaufe there are almoft always

conftantly.

On

the fide of the chapel, defcending towards the barrier, are the Tour de la Bertaudiere,

and next

to

it,

one muft

apartments for the adjutant, the captain of the gate, and fome domefiics,

In the angle near the barrier

or turnkeys.

is

To come

the Tour deda Baziniere.

to

it,

which communicates with the guard-room by a

the difpofition of the fix towers, and the buildings fur-

crofs a little court or veftibule,

very ftrong double door.

This

is

rounding the great court.

Proceeding through the entry of the houfe which feparates the two courts, you come to
At the further end of it, on the right, is the Tour du Ccin (Corner-

the Cour du Putts.

Between

tower.)

and the Tour du putts (Well-tower) are old apartments in which the
and likewife fome chambers for prifoners, but which-

it

cooks, fcullions, and valets lodge

The

are very fekiom ufed.

well for the ufe of the kitchen.

little

court,

The

which makes

it

Ccur du Puits

The

is

only twenty-five feet by

cooks throw their

offal,

In

it is

a large

and keep poultry

in this

fifty.

always dirty and offenfive.

cuter face of the caftle prefents four towers towards Paris, and four towards the
The tops of the towers compofc a continued platform in terraces ffoffdly con-

fuburbs.

ftm&ed, and kept

in

perfect,

Thofe

repair.

There

but always accompanied by guards.

prifoners

who have

permiffion, walk here,

are thirteen pieces of cannon

upon

this plat-

form, which are fired on days of folemnity, or public rejoicings.

In the plan, the Tour du Puits, which

the

firft.

On

going round the

caftle

is

towards the ftreet des Tournelles,

on the outfide from

trance between the towers de la Baziniere and

la Ccrute,

this tower,

w e come
r

is

marked

to the en-

and then to the other towers front-

ing the fuburbs.

All
into

the

-towers

enormous

are

clofed

below

by ftrong double doors,

The dungeons under the towers

moft offenfive fcent.
They are the refort

locks.

which exhales the

are

with

large

filled

with

of toads, newts,

bolts

a
rats,

let

mud
and

fpiders.

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

In a corner of each

ipiders *.

is

camp

with fome planks laid upon them.

date,

and a

little

ftrav/

is

bed, formed of iron bars, foldered into the wall,

In thefe are put prifoners

whom

they wifh to intimi-

Two

doors,

each feven inches

given them for their bed.

one over the other, clofe thefe dark dens

thick,

each has two great bolts, and as many-

locks.

All the upper chambers are fhut with the fame care.

room above

other, in each tower, and a vaulted

two or

the inner doors are covered with iron plates,

There
in

iron cages or dungeons \.

of beams lined With fbrong iron

The

They

plates.

are four, one above an-

can only walk upright in the middle.

The

to another.

of the wail

are fix feet

next to the dungeons, are thofe

Thefe cages are formed

three.

by

eight.

There

feet.

There

was

fcarcely

is

its

The

Calottes

mafonry, the bottoms of which were

nor their bodies any repofe

in the

whom

in thefe

form of fugar loaves, that

is

little

the whole thicknefs

infide

he was defirous of deftroying by

in holes

The younger was

death of Louis

XL

and

it

is

from

wrought

might have no

The

fortunate

enough

eldeft

to be delivered
1

that the truth of thefe facts has been learnec

his petition in 1483,

in the

refting place,

to be fcourged in the prefence

Philip PHuillicr, governor of the Baftille, and every three months to have a tooth pulled out.
thefe princes loft his fenfes under this treatment.

of thefe

In fummer,

light.

dungeons

their feet

and were, befides, taken out twice a week

One

bed from one arcade

windows on the

have but

Armagnac, who were buried

as the princes of

for a

interior aperture

dungeons that the tyrant Louis XI. confined thofe

in thefe

protracted fufTerings

room

are iron bars before the

chambers, and counter-bars without.

Thefe rooms,

Calottes.

formed of eight arcades of mafonry.

of the window from

clifcance

about ten

are

in the towers,

All

three lines thick.

fecond rank of chambers defigned for feverity, are the

which are the uppermoft

* It

There

called the Calotte (Skull-cap.)

The moft dreadful

Of thefe there are

are five ranks of chambers.

which are

all,

of
of

by the
which

could not have been believed, or even imagined, without fo convincing a proof. See HiJI. de FAnc'tcn Gouverti.
at la France, par

Tom.

Comte de BzulainvUliers, Lettre XIV.

+ The Count de

III.

p.

226.

224 of the work above cited) fays,

dungeons which are fcen at the

Eoulainvilliers (p.

that Louis Xf. cannot be affirmed

to be the inventor of the iron cages and

the inventor of thefe cages.

firft

at

He

had caufed one

pe.fon confined, for ten or twelve years.

Chateau

Dup'eJJis les-Tours,

dungeon

the iron

and emptying out

two of

thefe built at his caftle

battle againft

he ended

filth,

are

all

to

be conftrufled in the

in

The

&

lie

own eyes

(imprifoned about 1430)

upon great bars of the fame metal.

Louis XI. had

in

one of the iron cages of the

caftle

in a

of Locbes, where

Crit. relative to the Hift. of Charles VIII. in the Collection

of

Me-

in ^to.

and after being removed from prifon

the caftle of Bourges, and forced to

of Angers, in which he was the

la Ballue

Louis XII. himfelf, while duke o Orleans, was made prifoner in 1488,
;

of Blois,

Lodovico Sforza, duke of Milan, having been taken prifoner

of Lod.es.

moirs of the Academy of Infcriptions, p. 238,

mier, in Bretagne

in the caftles

walls, floor, ceiling, door, wicket for putting in pro-

iron plates faftened

Objervations Eiji.

caftle

which the Cardinal de

Louis XII. on April 10, 1500, was fhut up

his days.

and

bifhop of Verdun, according to Mezeray, was

Eoulainvilliers fays (p. 225) that he has feen with his

was (hut up eleven years by order of Louis XI.

vifions

The

and Moiit-Saint-Micbel.

Botirges, Angers, Lodes, Tours,

Baftille,

to prifon,'he

at the battle

of

St.

Aubin-du-Cor-

was fhut up during three whole years in

in the iron cage.

their

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

their heat

is

excemve; and

in winter, their cold

There

infupportable.

is

are only ftoves

in the Calottes *.

Almoft
twenty

the chambers of the towers are octagonal, fourteen or fifteen feet high, and

all

diameter

in

mod

In

with very high chimneys.

The

third grate in the middle of the thicknefs of the wall.

The

of the arm.

fize

of them are three fteps to afcend

Many

All the windows have grates and counter-grates of iron.

to the windows.

have

(a

bars of the grates are of die

The

lower chambers look only on the ditches.

views from the

higher ones are obfcure and remote, on account of the diftance of the outer aperture of

The

the windows.

fufficiently light,

many

In

leafl:

difagreeable chambers have views of the country, of Paris, and

Although the windows of

of the ramparts.

as their apertures enlarge

chambers are double-grated, they are

thefe

on the

infide.

the outer window-grates are covered with cloth, or elfe

cafes,

are fixed in fuch a

manner

that

view

all

Moft of the chambers have chimneys

others have ftoves

the dungeons have neither.

All the chimneys are grated above, and iron-barred below, and

Formerly the prifoners

converfed by the chimneys, or afcended them in hopes of efcaping.

which are grated

ences within

them

Some

at the different (lories.

left in

They go by the name of their ftory, as

afcending.
Thus the firft Baziniere is the

above the dungeon

damp

their
firft

winter.

They

door prefents

itfelf to

in

chamber

in the

are

all

by the name of

the prifoners are called

The Count

offer to

view four bare

names of prifoners who have been confined

walls,

calotte

their tower,
is

the Jeccnd

on which, however,

are to be

Baziniere, the firft Bertaudiere, the fourth Comte, the third du

The common chambers

num-

all

tower of that name,

joined to the number of their chamber: lb that the BaftiUe name of a prifoner

feen the

has

the right arid

then comes the fecond Baziniere, the third, the fourth, and the

In the lame manner,

Baziniere.

Each tower

apartments have thefe conveni-

the reft have the ufual fubftitutes.

All thefe chambers are ill-clofed, very cold and

bered.

other parts.

alfo in feveral

Precautions have been multiplied to prevent communications.

privies,

wooden mutters

intercepted from the prifoner.

is

Tre/or,

ike.

there, verfes, devices, fentences,

&c.

de Boulainvslliers further fays (Lettre XIV.) that the

Bafiille was deftincd to prifoners, whefe

by apparent forms of juftice, or by the punimment of the Oubliettes, a method
much praclifed by Triftan-P Hermite, provoft of the Hotel, and companion of Louis XL This man, of execrable memory, was himfelf judge, witnefs, and executioner.
He caufed the vidims which were delivered to

de!truftion

was refolved

him by Louis
edges

to

either

be placed on a trap-door, through which they

others were

drowned with a

more than four thoufand people

Ch. xii.) During my refidence
but

have feen in the

duke d'Aiguillon, a
caufed the perfons

door in

tine

floor

caftle

clofet

whom

fell

on wheels armed with points and cutting

ltone about their necks, or ftifled in dungeons.

in this manner.
at the Baftille,

{Mexefai, Alregc Cbronot

Hill

preferves the

name of

their feet,

and they

fell into

3X

feat,

and

at prefent

the Cabinet des Oubliettes.

he had doomed to deftruftion to enter

opened under

This tyrant put

to death

IV. and Commhes, Liv. VI.

never Was able to get a view of the chamber of the Oubliettes;

of Rue!, which was Cardinal Richlieu's country

which

Tom.

it

belongs to thp

Tiiis cruel minifter

which they had fcarcely done, when a trap-

a profound abyfs.

green

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

5*4

green ferge bed with curtains, a draw bed with three coverlets,

two

tables,

two

pitchers of water, an iron fork, a pewter fpoon, a goblet of the fame metal, a brafs candle-

two or three

iron fnufFers, a chamber-pot,

flick,

compofe

Each

but fcldom allowed.

broom every week,

candle a day, a

Their linen

is

prifoner

provided with matches, a

is

locks, and keys

and of

and

tinder, a

flint,

The

loweft

noife

own

his

of

bolts,

profit.

regulated by a rate proportional to their quality.

is

of two

is

The

prifoner.

the charge of carrying the prifoners their meals,

per diem (princes), of thirty

fifty livres

three.

upon each

another, are fhut

A turnkey has

terrible.

is

aliment of the prifoners

tendants.

fleel

clean meets every fortnight, and four napkins a week.

and taking away the remains, which are

are claiTes of

Shovel and tongs are

andirons.

taken to the warn every week.

Three doors, one beyond

The

and fometimes an old arm-chair,

chairs,

Some chambers have

the total of furniture.

ten Jous

livres

of twenty, of

livres,

this

There
of

five,

the rate for valets and at-

is

In thefe are comprehended wafhing and candle

ten,

wood

for fuel

a feparate

is

article.

The
him
.

ill

kitchen

ferved by a mailer cook,

is

who

is

This

drefTed.

to the

bad

is

hundred and

the governor's gold mine, whofe income

per diem,

livres

fifty

is

augmented

Befides thefe immenfe profits,

of the prifoners.

fare

for

He

the governor's fteward.

has under

All die difhes are fcantily provided, and

a cook, a fcullion, and a hewer of wood.

fuppofed prifoners,

fifteen

To

at

ten livres each,

Thefe hundred and

without prejudice to the daily rates of actual prifoners.

are a fupplementary revenue, or indemnification.

proportion

in

the governor has a

this are frequently

fifty livres

added confider-

able gratuities.

On

the prifoners have daily a foup, a

flefh days,

days, a foup, a

dim of fifh, and two

of roaft meat, a ragout, and a

flice

The

vegetables.

birds,

On

and a

each

defTert,

Sundays, the dinner

four petits pates

difn of haricot in

the ftomach

is

On

on meager days, a
from

only

fit

flice

for lamps.

or a thin pork fleak.

Thurfdays, two

little

of

flice

roaft

f An

entree is

The

a haricot.

On

mutton

plate

on meager
they have a

of eggs, and one of

of which does not coft two Jous.

bad foup, a

is

five to ten livres are inconfiderable.

of boiled veal under the name of bee and

meat (cow-beef,

which bones and turnips abound, and a

it is

entree

flefh days,

chicken, a'pigeon, a leveret teafting of cabbage, or fome

article

the fupper, a

days, inflead of the four pates

toes,

variations in the bill of fare

They confift of half a confumptive

little

falad

and an

bouilli *,

In the evening, on

entrees.

bouilli is the

oil

they give turns

fuppers on flefh days are uniform.

On

On

On Mon-

at

noon, a faufage, pigs petti-

tart,

either half-done or burned.

Tuefdays,

Wednefdays, a fmall

fteaks.

veal, or mutton,) a fmall

The

falad.

Fridays, at dinner, half a young- carp fried

meat of which foup has been made,

a courfe of difhes ferved up between the

bouilli

and the

defTert.

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

or ftewed, flanking. fay, cod with butter and muflard, or fome dry fried
Vegetables; oj a plate of

and fpinage with watei

round recommences.
On- the days of

St. Louis,

Each

they have a

The

vice

is

with a

commonly
filver

change

There

is

an apple, a

fome

plate,

of the

Some

out of the

caflle,

Common

Carnival

pigeon.

flaff

The wine

God

ill

and

in
is

earti

which one

is

it

in

All

rit

fome otht

not better ferve

this contributes

hi

much

this

belongs to the

per-

<

prifoners have obtained permifficn from the police to be ferved by a

but

recommended have

as

much as
wood a day

this cofts three times as

much

as

the

to ruin

for vengeance.

have no infpedtion over the kitchen

prifoners have five billets of

fer-

very bad, the foup without ilrengtb

dreffed.

man

The

or plum-, in the feafo'n.

obtained to be ferved in

is

and

is flat

dry alm< nds and raifins lightly ftrtwed

If any one complains of the badncL of the

health of prifoners, and cries to

nor alone.

augmen-

On

for a few days, but the complainant fuftlrs for

provifions of the worft quahty, and

officers

r le

cherries, goofeberries,

Sometimes leave

pewter.

In general, the table kept there

The

the prifoners have an

wine a day.

bottle of

bifcuit,

no twelve fous (fixpenny) ordinary,

is

Baftille.

all

which confifb of half a roafted chicken or

fpoon and fork.

made

is

Martin, and Epiphany,

Tome

with

fifh,

butter, or a la tripe,

on Sunday the invariable

a repetition 3 and

is

pound of bread and

deffert

on the bottom of a

brown

little tart.

prifoner has a

very bad.

St.

fupper, a plate of eggs with

Saturday

or milk.

tation of their allowance,

Monday

At

ggs.

Many

they pleafe.

cook

in the city.

to burn in winter.

Thofe who are

have attendants, vhofe pay

is

twenty

Jous a day and board befides.

There

are only four turnkeys to the eight towers.

Their name of Porte-clefs (keygiven on account of the monftrous bunches of keys they carry, there being five
great ones to a fingle chamber.
bearers)

At

is

the time of meals, an

fentinel

is

at the

before they

come

The ftaff
is

chapel door,

till

livres a

year

is

fixty

thoufand

During mafs, a

furgeon at twelve hundred,

who makes

his

is

removed

appointments from the court,

on dieting the prifoners

for

livres,

a major at four thoufand livres a year

The

of each tower.

the prifoners are entered, and

of a governor, whofe place, befides

whofe commifllon

expence.

at the foot

is

forty thoufand livres a year in profits

tenant,

fentinel

not polled

is

out.

confifts

worth above

armed

who

an adjutant

at fifteen

a king's lieu-

which he receives

five

thoufand

hundred

and a

great profit of medicines, furnifhed at the king's

phyfician lives out of the prifon, and has an apartment in the caflle of the

Tbuilleries.

It is not above thirty years that things have been on this footing.
Formerly, the o- 0 vernor and king's lieutenant were the only officers in the nomination of the king.
The

others were

named by

the governor,

under them archers of the

free

who might difplace them

at his pleafure.

They had

companies, burghers paid by the governor for the guard of

the

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

M.

the caftle.

clothed, provided with Hrren, Aides,

The

fervice

is

veral obtain

it

The men

hard.

private foldiers are

candle, and fire-wood, and have ten Jous a day.

fait,

cannot

The

lieutenant.

abroad without leave from the governor.

lie

who

and the others perform the duty of the abfentees,

None of

their pay.

with a company of invalids of one

d' Argenfon fubftituted to thefe a ftaff,

which has two captains and one

hundred men,

the officers can dine abroad without leave, or

Se-

give them half

abroad without a

lie

written permiflion from the minifter.

In the day-time, befides the five fentinels of the gates, there

who might

the caftle, in order to keep off inquifitive perfons

is

one

at the outer gate

of

flop to view the entrance

only.

The

major has the charge of the pen.

in

All the correfpondence and accounts belong to

draws up accounts every month, and fends duplicates of them to the minifter

He

him.

whofe department

is

the city of Paris, to the comptroller-general of the finances, and

Thefe accounts contain the number, the names of

to the lieutenant-general of the police.

all

the prifoners, and the eftimate of expences.

comptroller-general, and

amounts

The

to

makes

more than one hundred thoufand

caftle

is

Tins

officer receives the

The

the payments.

fixty feet high,

Two

rounds.

if

which

is

fixed a

ftaircafes to the right

make any

the prifoners

wooden

and

left

in front

The

time are ftationed on thefe rounds.

officers

ljas his

appointed inftant of going his rounds.

This

is

called the

night, four fentinels at a

ferjeants take

quarter of an hour, and by their qui vive allure themfelves that

Each

is

fur-

about continually, and ex-

During the
and

is

of the grand guard lead to thefe

who walk

attempts to efcape.

It

ditch

gallery with a baluftrade,

circuit of the ditch oppofite the caftle.

Sentinels are placed here day and night,

rounds.

amine

to

feet wide.

The

dry, except after great inundations of the Seine, and abundant rains.

which runs round the whole

the

livres.

encompafied by a ditch about one hundred and twenty

rounded with a wall

money from

general expence, commumbus annisy

all

their rounds every

the fentinels are awake.

All have pieces of copper

num-

bered and perforated, which they Aide upon a pin, the bafe of which is fixed into the
bottom of a padlocked box, fuch as is ufed in garrifoned towns. This bo:: is carried
every morning to the

ftaff-officers,

who open

it,

examine the order of the copper pieces,

and thereby judge of the exadtnefs or defect of the rounds. At the fame time an account is given to the king's lieutenant and the major of all that has been feen, heard, or
All that has paffed within or without

obferved during the night.

actly written

Night and day,

that he

is

awake.

in the night-time.
'

is

reported, and ex-

down.
the fentinel within the caftle rings a bell at every hour, to give notice

Befides this bell, one

Guard

is

mounted

at

is

rung on the rounds every quarter of an hour

eleven in the morning.

nine in the evening in winter, and at ten in fummer.

ten and eleven in the evening.

All

is

opened

at

The

The

tattoo

bridges are drawn

is

beat at

up between

any hour, when an order arrives from

the king.

The

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

The
hundred

livres a

foners do not attend

have

it,

who

fortrefs

ever fince the

It

life,

affair

is

On

the

who

become more or

left

The

of the
is

now

made

Baftille

detached from

This

the gate Saint Anloine.

is

gate of the

way

leading to

Cmte.
flanked by a baftion parallel

is

the caftle garden.

Baftille.

commifTary of the

Baftille.

cafes

has been confined

a large bafticn

is

The

into a garden.

la

lieutenant-general of the police of Paris

He
He

but he does not do

ftruftions,

One

diftradted.

lefs

This was formerly one of the bulwarks of the ancient entrance of

caftle.

department of the

is

are

planted with trees, and

which

to that

When

are at prefent

of Damien (1757).

between the towers du Trefor and de

it is

who

old domeftics

There

of walking.

liberty

lefs

the caftle, towards the fuburbs of Saint Antoine,

body of the

Paris.

The

has nine hundred livres a year.

capable of containing forty prifoners in feparate apartments.

is

four prifoners for

Without

at ten,

properly the governor's; the pri-

is

Befides the chaplain and fub-chaplains,

unlefs they are privileged.

they are numerous, they have neceffarily

the

on Sundays and holidays, one

mafs

laft

have penfions.

retired,

This

This

fays

two fub -chaplains, who have only four

are

fay mafs only

and one.

a titular confeflbr,

is

They

year each.
t\ /el ve

There

morning.

at nine in the

the other between

there

He

principal chaplain of the Baftille has a falary of twelve hundred livres.

mafs every day

has under

is

him

the fub-delegate of the miniftry for the

a titular commiffary,

has a fixed falary for drawing

this exclufively.

He

is

called the

are called in-

has no inflection nor function but in

the reafon of which

where he receives orders

who

up what

that all that

is,

is

done

in this

caftle

arbitrary.

Every prifoner on coming

him.

His trunks,

them

are any papers in

to the Baftille has an inventory

clothes, linen,

made of every thing about

and pockets are fearched, to difcover whether there

which he

relative to the matter for

is

apprehended.

It

not

is

ufual to fearch perfons of a certain rank; but they are afked for their knives, razors,
fciffors,

watches,

canes,

and money.

jewels,

conducted into an apartment where he

have no fervants make

ping,

At

their

own bed and

examination,

this

the prifoner

fire.

The hour

of dining

is

eleven

is

They who
;

and of flip-

fix.

the beginning of their confinement, they have neither books, ink or paper; they

neither to mafs, nor

on the walks

the lieutenant of the police, on

afked by means of the major,

other Sunday.

he

After

locked up within three doors.

is

may

When

whom

ail

who feldom

depends, and of whom permiffion muft

At

refufes.

or refufed,

his

firft

a perfon has obtained leave to write

afk his permiffion to write to his family,

have with him

go

they are not allowed to write to any one, not even to

fervant or an attendant,

according to circumftances.

&c.

firft

be

they go to mafs only every

to"

the lieutenant of the police,

and to receive

their

anfwers;

to

which requefts are either granted,

Nothing can be obtained but through

this

channel.

The

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

The

of the

officers

They

police.

by

are fent at any hour

The

ftaff

take the charge of conveying the letters of the prifoners to the

noon and

are fent regularly at

expreffes

who

at night:

are paid out of the

but

if

they defire

who communicates them

anfwers are always addrciTed to the major,

If no notice

are confined.

to die prifoner.

taken of any requeft contained in the letter of the prifoner,

is

their letters

it,

money of thofe who

a refufal.

it is

The attendants whom they appoint for thofe who are not allowed their own fervants, or
who have none of their own, are commonly invalid foldiers. Thefe people lie near the
men,

who

and wait upon them.

prifoners,

as well as with the turnkeys

report

them

this cattle, all

is

to the police:

it

myfteryv trick,

perfon ought always to be upon his guard with thefe

for all his

fiiare,

artifice,

turnkeys and valets often attempt to draw a

then inform of

noticed, and carried to the officers,

The

and treachery.

man on

to fpeak againft the

government, and

a prifoner obtains permiflion of having books, his watch, knife,

Sometimes

In

attendants,

officers,

all.

He may

and even paper and ink.

to

words are

thus they ftudy the characters of the prifoners.

is

the Baftille.

This

afk to fee the lieutenant of the police

commonly

officer

caufes prifoners

Sometimes he goes

days after their arrival.

to vilit

them

to

and razors,

when he comes

be brought down fome

in their

chambers

efpecially

the ladies.

When

the lieutenant of the police fees a prifoner, the converfation turns

He

of his confinement.
as

much

upon

fometimes afks for written and figned declarations.

the caufe

In general,

circumfpection fhould be ufed in thefe conferences, as in die examination

fince nothing that a perfon

When

faid or written

is

Notes may be

never anticipated

This

any thing

in

office

he

fent to this officer

muft afk

by the turnkeys.

for every thing

performed by the furgeon

is

irlel

forgot.

a prifoner wants to tranfmit any thing to the lieutenant of the police,

by means of the major.

Ihaved.

may have

who

it is

always

A perfon

even for permiffion

to

is

be

or indifpofed

alfo furniihes fick

prifoners with fugar, coffee, tea, chocolate, confections, and the neceflary remedies.

The

time for walking

is

an hour a day

fometimes an hour

in the

morning, and an hour

in the evening, in the great court.

may be

prifoner

quently

this is

day when

down

interrogated a few days after his entrance into the Baflille

not done

this is to

after

till

be done

fome weeks.

often he

to the council- chamber.

is

Sometimes he

only acquainted with

is
it

but fre-

previoufly informed of the

the

This commiffion of interrogatory

is

moment

he

is

brought

executed by the lieu-

tenant of the police, a counfellor of ftate, a mailer of requefts, a counfellor or a

When

miflloner of the Chdtelet.

com-

the lieutenant of the police does not himfelf interrogate,

he ufually comes at the end of the examination.

Thefe commiffioners
a prifoner:
feffion

them,

are purely paflive beings.

they lay fnares for him,

from him.

They

Frequently they attempt to frighten

and employ the meaner!

artifices

to get a con-

pretend proofs, exhibit papers without fuffering him to read

aliening that they are inftruments of unavoidable

conviction.

Their interrogatories

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

They

are always vague.

gatories

on the

turn not only

words and

prifoner's

actions,

but on his mofl fecret thoughts, and on the difcourfe and conduct of perfons of his acquaintance

The

whom

upon himfelf
fpeedy

wifhed to bring into queftion.

it is

examiners

a prifoner that his

tell

that if he will

releafe,

but

make

at flake

life is

day

that this

he refufes to confefs, he will be given up to a fpecial commiffion

if

more than

that they are in poffefiion of decifive documents, of authentic proofs,

him

to ruin

that his accomplices

have difcovered

Sometimes they

and menaces.

an infolence that

fatigue prifoners

and

ufe infults,

up the meafure of

fills

fufficient

government has unknown

that the

by varied and

treat the

unhappy

with

fufferers

tyranny of which they are

that

in-

they employ promifes,

According to the perfons,

multiplied interrogatories.

careffes,

all

They

refources of which he can have no fufpicion.

finitely

depends

his fate

they are authorifed to promife him a

fair declaration,

the

bafe

him

that

inftruments.

If the prifoner

makes

the required confeflion, the commiffioners then

tell

they have no precife authority for his enlargement, but that they have every reafon to

expect

it

that they are

going to

folicit

bettering his condition, give occafion to

ment, draw in the perfons with

whom

The

&c.

it,

new

prifoner's confeflions,

from

far

often lengthen his confine-

interrogatories,

he has had connexions, and expofe himfelf to

new

vexations.

who

In certain cafes, the inJlruRions are drawn up by commiffioners of the parliament,

hold their
infide

feflions at the Hotel

of the

members of

The

fet their foot in

royalifls

They never

enter the

is,

that the latter are Royalifls, the others

only are admitted within thefe precincts;

the others

them.

Prifoners never receive any

In order to obtain

at the arfenal.

which the miniflry make between them, and the

difference

or of the Ckdtekt y

council,

Parliamentarians.

never

The

Baftille.

the

du Gouvernement, or

this

tunity and perfeverance,

vifits

from perfons without,

favour after the interrogatories,

and mufl be

folicited

afk for a longer time for walking,

till

it

by powerful

die inftruSlion

is

completed.

mufl be requefled with impor-

friends without.

the privilege of walking

prifoner

on the towers or

may

in the

garden, of reading the newfpapers and journals, of being affociated with perfons of their
acquaintance,
all

if

there are any confined, and being allowed to eat and

thefe, petitions

Many

mufl be written

to the lieutenant

walk together.

For

of the police, and the governor.

perfons confined on account of the affairs of Canada, had permiffion to fee each

other.

During

the time of walking in the garden or on the towers, prifoners are always

accompanied by under-omcers of the

thofe of a certain rank.
ufually

fit,

and fometimes

prifoners, efpecially
officers

when

Even

invalids.

the ftaff-officers often

accompany

In winter, they have them brought into the hall where they
vifit

them

they are

in

chambers.

their

recommended

ought to be well guarded, fince every thing

3

to him.
is

The governor

alfo

Converfations with

obferved and

all

vifits

thefe

told.

Great

HISTORICAL REMARKS A N~D ANECDOTES

Great precautions are taken to prevent prifoners from perceiving or meeting each other,,
or being feen by Grangers
in the court

who

are admitted to vifit any one.

on the level with the court; and not fuffered

are always locked

up while

In order to

This

a prifoner,

vifit

commonly

is

The number and

to leave

The

chambers.

in their

it

is

taken into one of the clofets

the perfon

till

a,

and the

The

vifitor

is

are always fixed in

vifits

on one

of the chamber

fide

in the middle.

Prifoners

after.

a letter addrefied to the king's lieutenant, or the major;

in

duration of the

officer or turnkey,

gone.

written permiflion muft be had from the lieutenant of the

Thefe

it.

ceived in prefence of the officers or turnkeys, that the prifoners

interesting.

is

doors are opened only at the hours of

and they are fhut immediately

mafs, of walking, or of vifiting;

police.

If during the time of walking

any perfon happens to pafs through, the prifoner

This

is

vifits

may

are always re-

fay or hear nothing

on the other;

the perfon vifited,

the invariable rule.

It

is

never per-

may have

mitted to fpeak of due caufe of a prifoner's confinement, or of any thing which

any

relation to

it.

prifoner to receive vifits without witneffes, a permiflion from- die minifler and

For a

the lieutenant of the police

requifite,

is

the ftaff are entirely fubordinate

which

is

The

fcarcely ever obtained.

officers

of

they can grant a prifoner nothing without the exprefs

Every day

authority of the minifler, through the lieutenant of the police.

major

the

gives an account in writing to the lieutenant of the police, of the ftate of the prifoners,

of

the vifits they have received, of every thing important that has been faid, heard, or done,,
in the caflle.

Although there are

arifing

ciple

from

in this place

rules for all occafions,

yet every thing

is

fubjecl:

to exceptions

recommendations, protection, intrigue, &c; becaufe the

influence,

Very

arbitrary will.

is

frequently, perfons confined

firft

prin-

on the fame ac-

count are treated very differently, according as their recommendations are more or

leis

considerable.

There

is

books carried to

The

falfeft

their

hear your

" your
It

is

The

in the Baflille at the

go

to it; others, to

begin-

have the

chambers.

that the king has been prejudiced

only a pretext

Thefe

would be

obtain

prifoners obtain leave to

name mentioned without being

liberty

" enemies."

Some

things are told the prifoners with an air of fincerity and concern.

" very unfortunate

rc

by a foreign prifoner who died

a library, founded

ning of the prefent century.

irritated.

againfl:

The

affair for

they had defigns againfl you before

<c

It is

His majefty cannot

you.

which you have

you

loft

have powerful

difcourfes are the etiquette of the place.

in vain for a prifoner to

aik leave to write to the

kinghe

can never

it.

perpetual and mofl infupportable torment of this

cruel and odious inquifition,

are vague, indeterminate, falfe or equivocal promifes, inexhauftible and conflantly deceitful

hopes of a fpeedy

releafe,

lieutenant of the police

and

exhortations to patience, and blind conjectures, of which the

officers are

very

lavifh.

To

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

To

cover the odium of the barbarities exercifed here, and flacken the zeal of

relations,

or patrons,

the moft abfurd and contradictory flanders againft a prifoner are frequently

publifhed.

The

Thefe

There

with the numbers of

all

the arrival of each prifoner,

number of

the apartment he

cafe of the

fame number.

The book

releafe, are concealed.

.to

with very large prefTes, divided into cafes, ticketted

filled

The

the apartments of thecaftle.

number of

depofited in the cafe correfponding to the

At

real obftacles

infinitely varied, are inexhauftible.

a great clofet,

is

and

true caufes of imprifonment,

which are

refources,

is

there

is

entered in a

is

effe&s of each prifoner are

chamber.

book

and the catalogue of

to occupy,

The book

his

name and

his

rank,

the

his effects depofited in the

then prefented to the prifoner to fign.

of difcharge contains the form of an oath and proteftation of fubmiffion,

and gratitude to the king

love,

refpect, fidelity,

brought the prifoner into trouble were the

effect

an affurance that the actions which have

of error alone

an acknowledgment of

thanks that his majefty has not delivered him to commiffioners extraordinary^ and a promife
to reveal nothing that he has feen or heard during his abode in the Baftille.

which every prifoner

hjs jewels,

A third
The

copy of this book

account of

me

The

fourth

ments every day.

is

paffes

names of

an immenfe

Thefe

fheets

with a lock and key, which

is

folio,

are

and

the rate of their

only for the eyes of the governor,

it.

or rather a feries of loofe meets,

which aug-

contained in a very large port-folio of morocco.,

befides enclofed in a double pafteboard cafe.

I.

Names and

II.

Dates of prifoners' arrival

They

are

titles.

ranks of prifoners.
at the caffle.

who have

III.

"Names

IV.

Dates of prifoners' difcharge.

V.

is

the major does not infpect

divided into columns, each having printed

Column

the prifoners,

all

every.month under the minifter's infpection.

particulars of the daily expence

his fteward

hook

forirtj

effects.

in fheets contains the

and the mailer cook

This

obliged to fign before his difmiffion, contains alfo a receipt for

money, and other

book

expence.

is

of fecretarjes of fbate

Names of fecretaries of itate who have

iffued the orders.

figned orders for releafe.

VI. Caufes of the confinement of prifoners.

VII. Obfervations and remarks.

The major

fills

the fixth

lieutenant of the police gives

column according

him

inftructions

may have, and the

how "he pleafes. The

to the information "he

when he

pleafes,

and

feventh column contains an hiftorical relation of the actions, characters, lives, manners,

and ends of

prifoners.

Thefe two columns

and truth of which depend on the

tion,

juft

or

are

a kind of fecret memoirs., the matter

falfe

of the major and the king's commirTary,

judgment, the good or bad inclina-

Many

prifoners have

no note under

thefe columns.

This

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

This book

is

the invention of the Sieur Chevalier,

charge of writing the fecret hiftory of

high

as the difcoveries

meet

is

finifhed,

it

from

caftle

this

prefent major,

who

has had the

foundation.

He

has gone as

its

When

he could make from the repofitory of the archives.

where

enters this repofitory,

all

is

There

preferved for pofterity.

a
is

a keeper of the archives appointed.

Further, in a regifter are collected

vernor of the

made with

As

Baftille,

care,

all

the orders ever given and addrelTed to the go-

from minifters and from the

all letters

foon as a prifoner

is

conducted to the

Baftille, die minifter

and the king's commiffary, are informed by the major of

officer

the king's commiflary delivers in a prifoner

by

who

collection

is

has figned the order,

In

his arrival.

many

Often a particular

before-hand apprized of the arrival of prifoners.

is

The

police.

and every thing may be found when wanted.

anticipation,

cafes,

letter

this

from

and he afterwards fends the

who punctually returns him his letter.

When a prifoner who is known and protected has entirely loft his health, and his
life is thought in danger, he is always fent out.
The miniftry do not choofe that perfons
well known fhould die in the Baftille *.
If a prifoner does die there, he is interred in
king's order to the major,

name of

the parifh of St. Paul, under the

regifter

of deaths,

the true

names of the deceafed

in order

can be procured from

tracts

There

Whenever
of the

but

it

make of

is

right to the

falfity is

this
is

written in the

anodier regifter in which

not without great difficulty that ex-

of the

Baftille

muft

firft

be informed of

the extract.

feized, or the publication

of which

guard makes a lane for him, and

ceremonial

is

is

In thefe are locked up

flopped.

fame

diftinetion.

falutes,

The Memoire

The dukes and

des Prefidens

prefented to the regent duke of Orleans in 1717,

them away

Thefe

laft

peers have pretended a

a Mortier du Parlement de Paris

makes mention of

carriages are admitted into the interior part of the caftle,

foners, or take

enters the

and the great gates are

obferved towards the marfhals of France.

alone can enter the caftle with their fwords on.

No

and

the king's commiflary (lieutenant of the police) or a minifter

Baftille, the

The fame

opened.

The commiflary

There

are in this caftle large magazines, called the depots.

books which have been

caftle

are entered

it.

the ufe the family intends to

a domeftic

deceive pofterity.

to

it.

but fuch as bring pri-

to odier caftles or prifons.

M.

de Renneville f, who was confined in the Baftille eleven years and a month, left it
1 6th June
17 13, and retired to England, where he compofed two volumes entitled,
Ulnquifition

Some

prifoners have perilhed in the Baftille

by

fecret

methods; but inftances of

this are rare.

t Rene- Augufte Conftantin-dc Renneville, the youngeft of twelve brothers, all military men, feven of
had been killed in battles for their country, was born at Caen, of a family of dillindtion originally

whom

fiorn the province of

Anjou.

After having fervcd in quality of an

-courts to negotiate -affairs of importance.

On

his return to

officer,

France, he was

he was fent
firft

to feveral foreign

commiffary to

M.

de Chamillard.

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

VInquifttion Franfoife, on Htftoire de la Bafiille.

king of England.

Amfterdam,

work

M.

in

in twelves,

to

George

by Stephen Roger

I.

at

This interefting
171 5, and were tranflated into Englifh and Flemifh.
It contains die hiftory of different prifoners with whom
rare.

become very

is

de Renneville had occafion

The

caftle.

His book was dedicated

Thefe two volumes were printed

to

be

acquainted,

defcription he gives of places

but the regulations of

this

is

during

his

long abode

in

this

conformable to the accounts juft given

changed

horrible inquifition have been

fince the beginning

of

this century.

Secret enemies fucceeded in rendering

millard.

him

fufpedled, and he

was {hut up in the

Bafiille.

no charge was found againft him, he was however confined eleven years and a month (from
to June 16,

1713.)

at the caftle, he

He

affirms that he could never difcover the caufe of his

was confined

in the

firft

chamber of the Tour du

Coin,

where Henry de Montmorency duke

of Luxemburgh, and the marfhals Biron and Baflbmpierre had been lodged.
that

M.

le

Maitre-de Saci, put in the

Bafiille

greateft part of his tranflation of the Bible.

hiftory is interfperfed with fragments,

May
M. d^

which the

14,

imprifonment.

Although

May 16, 1702,

On his arrival

It

i656 (where he was kept

was
for

in the

fame chamber

two years) wrote the

Renneville cultivated polite literature and poetry.

beft poets of his time

Hie

would not difavow.

ANECDOTES,

HISTORICAL REMARKS .AND ANECDOTES

ANECDOTES,
1.

'Charles de Gontaiilt duke of Biron, peer, admiral, and marfhal of France, governor
of Bred, though loaded with favours by Henry IV. treated with the enemies of the ftate
(the Spaniards, and the

duke of Savoy),who

him with

flattered

of Burgundy erected into a fovereignty, and Franche-Comte,

of the king of Spain, or of the duke of Savoy.

of

fpiracy, fpoke

drew up

Paris

which was put

iron

7*rial

who

He

guilty

it

on

The

of high treafon againft

from

parliament of

his country

to

lofe

are dill in the walls.

He

chamber.

his

in the parifh

of

St. Paul.

Baftille.

fo contrived, that

was but forty years of age

There

at his

are manufcript copies of the

in the royal library,

of Charles de Gontault due de Biron,

was

It

and

his head,

of the fame month, in the inner court of the

his fcaffold

a platform

and was interred

a daughter

difcovered the con-

denied his crime with obftinacy.

was found

in execution the 31ft

hooks which held

he walked to
death

to Biron,

dowry with

Henry IV. having

and was condemned by an arret of 29th July 1602,

his fovereign,

The

it

his procefs.

the promife of the dutchy

as a

and

thofe of St.

in

Ger-

main-des Pres, and of the city of Paris.

IT.

Francis de Bafiompierre,

marfTial of France,

nal Richlieuj

this

minifter caufed

him

enemy.

be fnut up

to

Bafiompierre did not recover his liberty

years, after the death of his

born April

2,

1579, always fignalized

His high reputation giving umbrage

kimfelf by his valour and good conduct.

in the Baftille,

January 19,

till

1643,

at

to cardi-

Feb. 25, 1631.

the end of twelve

Fie compofed his Memoirs in prifon,

and died

in 1646.

III.

In

1674,

the

baggage of Louis chevalier de Rohan, grand huntfman of France,

having been taken and rummaged

in a fldrmifh,

fbme

letters

were found which caufed a

Cufpicion that he had treated with the Englilh for the furrender of

was

arretted

and put into the

Baftille.

The

Havre-de Grace.

He

Sieur de la Tuanderie, his agent, concealed

himfetf

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

The proof was

hlmfelf.

not

but he tired on the

arreft him,-

affailants,

The

did not hear them.

"
"

<f

and that

The

trudi."

they

Rouen:

an attempt was

him on

kill

dead,

made

to

Per-

the fpot.

the Baftille, crying

and has /aid nothing

but the chevalier

commiffioners, not being able to get any thing from him, told

knew

that the king

feffion

at'

and obliged them to

Tuanderie is

La

through a fpeaking trumpet,

commiftion was named to proceed againft the

difcovered

Rohan went every evening round

fons attached to the chevalier de

him,

fufficient..

La Tuanderie was

accufed for treafon.

all

had proofs, but only wifhedfor

that they

were authorijed

They

Then

whole.

confeffed the

too credulous,

chevalier,

commiffioners changed their language.

his

own con-

would declare the

promife him pardon if he

to

the

perfidious

C4

~that with refpecl to the pardon,

faid,

" they could not anfwer for it, but that they had hopes of obtaining it, and would go
n and folicit it." This they troubled themfelves little about, and condemned the. cri-

He

minal to lofe his head.

gallery raifed to the height

was conducted on a platform to the

of the window of the armoury

towards die litde fquare at the end of the

vember

His

27th, 1674.

trial

is

rite des Tournel/es.

See

in the royal library.

fcaffold,

by means of a

in the arfenal,

He

which looks

was beheaded on

No-

Memoires du Marquis de

alfo

Beauveau, Colog. 1688. p. 407.-

IV.

The jefuits of

the college of Clermont, in the rue St. Jaques, Paris, having, this fame
'

XIV.)

year (1674) invited the king (Louis

performed by their

took care to

honour with

to

fcholars, that prince accepted the

infert

his prefence a tragedy to

invitation.

the piece feveral ftrokes of flattery,

in

When

greedy of fuch incenfe, was gready pleafed.

Thefe able

be

courtiers

with which, the monarch,

the rector of the college was con-

ducting the king home, a nobleman in the train applauded the fuccefs of the tragedy.

Louis

of

faid,

this.

"

The

Do

you wonder

at

it ?

this is

my

college."

The jefuits

very fame night they got engraved in large golden

Collegium Ludovici Magni, inftead of the former infcription wh.'ch

name of Jefus on
and

in the

on black marble,

was placed beneath the

the principal gate of the college ( Collegium Claromontanum Sccietatis Jejus)

morning the new

of quality, aged thirteen,

two following

word

did not lofe a

letters

verfes,

infcription

who was

was put up

in place

of the old one.

young

witnefs to the zeal of the reverend fathers,.,

which he polled up

at night

on

the college gate.

fcholai

made the

Abftulit hinc Jefum, tafuitque infignia Regis

Imt>:a gens

The

jefuits did

not

fail

to be

ahum

non

colit ilia

to cry out facrilege

up, and put into die Baftille.

ifle

The

Deum.

the

young author was

condemned, to perpetual imprifonment , and he was

Sainte Marguerite,-

difcovered,-

taken

implacable fociety caufed him, as a matter offavour,

Several years

after,

transferred to the citadel of the

he was brought back to the

Baftille.

In

*7P5*

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

Having become

1705, he had been a prifoner thirty-one years.

who

ftrated to his brethren

heir to

his family,

all

the jefuit Riquelet, then confefibr of the Baftille,

pofTeffed great property,

on the

of reftoring the prifoner to

neceflity

remon-

The

liberty.

golden

mower which forced the tower of Danae, had the fame effect on the caftle of the Baftille.
The jefuits made a merit with the prifoner of the protection they granted him and this
man of rank, whofe family would have become extinct without the aid of the fociety,
;

did not

46

p.

to give

fail

them

M.

extenfive proofs of his gratitude.

de Renneville's Preface,

48.

V.

The famous
lodged

afked for

He

prifoner,

Baftille

chamber

the

in

known by

he had the choiceft food

himfelf known.

Vermandois,

man

pur fervir

refufed

down

fat

him

was

that he

in his prefence.

rife

to various conjectures.

a VHiftoire de Perfe pretends that the

XIV. and Mademoifelle de

natural fon of Louis

in the iron majk,

and was forbidden on pain of death to

Thefe circumftances have given

author of the Memoires Jecrets

the

Nothing was

and the governor never

was obliged always to wear an iron mafic

make

name of

the

called the third Bertaudiere.

The

Count de

and greatly

la Valiere,

beloved by his father ; nearly of the fame age with the dauphin, but of a character very
oppofite to his
ear

had forgot himfelf fo

that this action

becoming

far

one day,

as to give the

dauphin a box on the

king had fent him to the army, and given

arrival to fpread a report that he was feized with the

public, the

orders to a confidant foon after his

plague, in order to keep people from him, and afterwards to report

made

while a fplendid funeral was

him with

for

him

the utmoft fecrecy to the citadel of the

that the

Count de Vermandois was

1700) when Louis

the Baftille (in

commandant of

the

ifle,

XIV. gave

point of a knife

was deceived ;

that a domeftic

The fame

name on

having difcovered

it,

Although

relates

that the

it

fomewhat

XIV.

the hiftorians
differently,

Annus

Literairts, Lettre

as

removed

author adds,

bottom of a

the

thought to

M. Clement

who wrote

to

Mars,

that the

plate with the

make

his court

that the

and

poor wretch

before

remarks

him were

*,

yet

M.

de

ignorant of this

without naming the Count de Vermandois.

Marquis de Louvois paying a

# Le: cinq

which was done

in order to prevent the fecret from

Memoirs had been publifhed nine years before the

edition of VHiftoire du Siecle de Louis

He

of him immediately,

thefe Secret

all

dead; and

this caftle to St.

but

Voltaire has advanced that

fays,

his

as

citadel only to be

government of

as a return for his fidelity.

for they got rid

being divulged.

He

this

reward by carrying the plate to the commandant

obtain a

fact.

the

him

of the whole army, to conduct

Sainte Marguerite

ifle

from

releafed

Count de Vermandois one day engraved

firft

in the fight

vifit to this

XCIX. du

unknown

Mai 1752, Tom.

prifoner at the

ifle

II.

Sainte

ON THE' CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

Sainte Marguerite, fpoke to

him

and

ftanding,

in a

manner demonftrative of refpect that

he died at the Baftille in 1704, and was interred at night in the parifh of St. Paul.
The author of the Philtippics (M. de la Grange-Chancel) in his Lettre a M. Freron,
pretends that this prifoner was' the
at the fiege of

Duke of

imprifonment, he fuppofes to have been his

reftlefs

mults at Paris in the time of the Frond?, and

of the minifter Colbert

M.

He

which

Sainte Marguerite,

M.

unknown

that this

in-

the tu-

to the defigns,

Secrets at the

who

M.

M.

end of 1683.

forming a party

after

in the iron majk;

of the

ifle

de la Grange-Chancel at

Duke of Monmouth,

prifoner was the

;

man

this prifoner to the citadel

de Voltaire has fixed at 1661,

and Lucy Walters

king of England,

as admiral,

thefe opinions refpe&ing the

all

1669, and the author of the Memoires

fures us,

caufe of the duke's

the part he took

fpirit,

his oppofition,

time of the confinement of

later the

ftill

have been killed

faid to

The

the marine department.

in

Poullain-de Saintfoy combats

places

who was

Beaufort,

Candy, and whofe body could not be found.

de Saintfoy af-

fon of Charles
in Dorfetfhire

IL

where

he was proclaimed king, and attacking the royal army, was defeated, taken, and brought
to

London, where he was confined

in the

in the

Tower, and condemned

This writer adds, that a report was current

July 15, 1685.

duke of Monmouth's army, extremely

him

like

in perfon,

along with him,, had the courage to fuffer in his ftead.

ylmours of Charles

II.

and James

credit to his opinion,

reftore the
life,

The

James

duke of Monmouth

he might do

tille *,

diat

it

II.

England

He

beheaded on

that an officer

who was made prifoner

Mr. Hume, and the

cites

and remarks,

in order to give

having reafon to fear fome revolution which might

to liberty,

thought that though he mould grant him

his

without hazard by fending him into France.

jefuit Henry Griffet,. who was a long time confeffor

who had turned over all the raoft fecret papers of the

had doubtlefs feen the mortuary

very

kings of

II.

to be

at the time,

folid Dijfertation

on

regifter

this hiftorical

which

is

problem.

kept

This

to the prifoners in the Baf-

archives of this cafile,

in this depofitary,

jefuit

does not

in the iron

mafk was the Count de Vermandois, but he collects

favour of

this

opinion

and

and

has written a

aflert that the

many probable

men

reafons in:

matter appears of great weight.

his fuffrage in this

VI.

The depofitary in the Baftille contains many trunks of papers of the late Duke of
Vendome f, which relate, to his hiftory, and that of die wars of Spain, Italy, and Flanders.
*

The

jefuits, after

of conftiTcr to the
difcoveries
r

becoming

Baftille.

This

confeflbrs to kings., did not fail to place one of their fraternity in the poft
office,

of

little

importance in other hands, was

which entered^ into the profound views of

their infernal policy.

in theirs a

Thus

it

means of making

became hereditary

in,

their fociety.

f Louis Jofeph due dc Vendome, de Mercceur, d'Etampes,

grand-fenefchal, and governor of Provence, born July
3

30,

Z.

&

1654,

de Penthievre, general of the galleys,

was viceroy,

and generaliffimo of the

armies

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES

Thefe were taken from

ders.

who was

his natural fon,

pected of having compofed the pamphlet entided Les

fnut

up

firft

Thefe papers are kept

in a moift place,

worm-eaten, and pofterity

Maries

fuf-

was

and afterwards removed to Vincennes, where he died.

the Baftille,

in

and who being

(les trots Maillys )

his legatee,

trots

where they

time be decayed or

will in a ftiort

be deprived of thefe precious materials, which are the

will

only ones of their land.

VII.

The

Sieur Vaillant, a virtuous prieft, but, unfortunately for himfelf, an appellant from

was kept

the too famous bulk,

Some

there again in 1734.

in the

was the prophet

*(

would be miraculoufly delivered from

had heated

much

The

Valliantifts.

fee himfelf

at the inftant

of

mained under lock and key

very ferioufly
lant,

was

in

vexations he was

On

fenfe the

Having entered

the decorations,

refifts

then

act.

chimney took

and

tries

He

was extinguished, and he

fire

as

and he ima-

fire,

re-

thought himfelf obliged to declare

that he did not reprefent him,

or fpeak in his name."

the chapel one

aufterities,

Elias.

and plainly declared

Sunday

Long

to interrupt the prieft,

who

had impaired

called for.

the major oppofes

the two champions feize each other by the collar.

He

he, Vail-

took poneflion of

Help was

goes on

ever deprived the prifoner of the liberty of attending mafs.

"

nor had even any

folitude

to hear mafs, he

put on the albe and chafuble, and began mafs.

The major comes, and

the prieft

but the

He

his

Sieur Herault, lieutenant of the police, that

prophet Elias

miffion to announce him, or to

his faculties.

his

but

Thefe people

prophet

really the

this prieft

in the Baftille,

and

undergo,

to

whirlwind

in a fiery

his tranflation

in writing to the

no

made

January 26, 17 39,

as before.

was

and would be put to death."

it,

one day carried off

to the ftaff-officers.

gined himfelf

that he

For fome rime he thought himfelf

his brain.

expected to

defcended from heaven

Elias, lately

and was imprifoned

deluded perfons publifhed that "

*c

were called

from 1728 to 1731

Baftille

enthufiaftical or

This fcene

for

was afterwards removed

to Vincennes, where he died

VIII.

Count Lally was near

of

three years in the Baftille.

his favourite fentiments was,

"

that

armies of Catalonia and Spain from 1685 to the beginning of

command

of the armies in Italy, where he beat prince

campaign

in Flanders.

7 12.

He

wkom

was of a violent temper.

One

this

century.

Eugene and

In 1702, he was removed to the

the Imperialiits

and

in 1707,

he made a

returned three years afterwards into Spain, where he died at Vinaros, June 11,

This man, famous for his military exploits,

than a natural fon,

He

he knew no pleafure fweeter than that of revenge,

he made

who was

great-grandfon to Henry IV.

left

no other

iffue

his legatee.

which

ON THE CASTLE OF THE BASTILLE.

which was

He

of gods."

truly the pleafure

He

commute my punifhment."
wretched by

his conftant

"

faid,

the parliament

but the king

cording to the greateft rigour of the laws,

was permitted to have a

One

harflinefs.

day,

favour,

fecretary,

whom

me

ac-

and

will

he made

having perceived in the

fecretary,

this

judge

will

me

fhew

will

great court a mafs of coagulated blood, which had been thrown there through negli-

gence

was feized with a

perfon had been blooded,

after a

on the point of being executed, and loft

The major of die Baftille had orders

The

examination.

ftaffs.

When

vifiting

was taken from him.

the

During
and made

Antoine,

concentrated

to conduct

Count Lally

The

" king

full

is

for

him

to cut his throat

and to fpend

M.

next day,

of goodnefs,

M.

Pafquier as a

Soon

gagged.

whom

after,

poured out the

the confeflbr came,

drew out

furgeon found die

confefied.

Count

He

in

May

At

criminal,

to

do

upon

you

"

The

this flew into

him, and ut-

magiftrate ordered that he

and the gag was taken out.

length he

the

will declare

He

which he had concealed,

On

being per-

my

have miffed

compofed

himfelf,

blow."

and was

1766.
all

the circumftances of the execution of the

of them.

in vain folicited the repetition

fave the perfon of the

if

intent of deftroying himfelf.

flight.

had collected

Lally

with an execration, "

faid

wound very

was executed

Lally's family

of Biron, and

when he

hangman

charge to cany

in

grofTeft abufe againft

pair of compafles

and pre fled ftrongly upon them, with the

ceived, he was difarmed;

but the prifoner,

the

he had conceived an

you,

certainly ftiew favour to

will

traitor,

appeared to recollect himfelf,

The

had been pro-

it

chamber the night of horror preceding

to this officer, for

tered the moft horrible imprecations and blafphemies.

fliould be

tip-

of walking and

counfellor to the parliament, faid to him,

Pafquier,

and

in his

left

The major had

in.

what you know concerning your two accomplices, &c."

rage, treated

the ribband of

each other in attendance upon him.

never caft his eyes that way, and thus

There he was reconciled

The

him

was done by the

three or four days after

till

window

fignals before his

to die Conciergerie,

averfion.

it

time, his relations drove about in a carriage towards the gate St.

this

in himfelf,

his execution.

and

to Charenton.

to the palace for the laft

to the Baftille, the liberty

what he would otherwife have prevented him

him back

was removed

refufed,

officers relieved

execution

in

He

his dignity.

Count was brought back

His fentence was not put

nounced.

He

prefident ordered this officer to take from

firft

and the other marks of

his order,

of terror, thought himfelf

fit

his fenfes.

The

family was

lefs

Duke

earneft to

than to recover the immenfe fums he had remitted to

England,

M.
his

de Voltaire has

own

demned him.

who

lately publifhed

tribunal the caufe of

We

Count

trial,

in

in wjiich

he re -judges before

order to cenfure the arret which con-

behold with a contempt mixed with indignation, that

boafts of loving the truth

formations on the

Fragmens Jur VInde,

Lally,

as if

beyond every

thing,

and

who

this

old man,

gives the moft fecret in-

he had feen the moft circumftantial memorials, has only

touched

HISTORICAL REMARKS AND ANECDOTES,

touched upon the pleas offered by the condemned party
fufficient to give

and

fr reproaching

even
1

M.

fleet,

as far

back

them

at

random with occurrences of two hundred

favour of Ariflotle

This

is

years ftandingj

without having the good fenfe to re-

minds would revolt againft that iniquitous bafenefs, which takes ad-

vantage of the difperfion and exile of

to infult

in his juftification.

de Voltaire a handle for declaiming againft the parliament of Paris,

as the arret in

that all honeft

&c.

them without fname.

of the Gazette Liter aire de

This

I' Europe,,

this
is

body, the victims of dieir patriotiim,

indeed the

for the year

afs's

1773.

S..

in

order

kick, according to the remark

1105