Prison Life In Victorian Britain

Prison Life in Victorian England was very different to Prison Life today.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century there were several different types of prisons. Small towns had a bridewell which was originally a house of correction where paupers worked.

In the county towns you would find a county gaol. Both Bridewells and Gaols were run on a profit basis by the gaoler who did not receive a salary. He charged inmates for food, bedding, light and fuel.

For the family of the prisoner a difficult time began, if the prisoner was the breadwinner they had no means of support, where relief was not offered the family would enter the workhouse.

Remanded prisoners were allowed to see their family and friends twice a week. In the Victorian Convict prison even the writing and receiving of letters was rationed the same as visits. All letters were censored and read by the governor.

The daily routine in prison was being woken at dawn, having a clean and tidy cell and being washed and dressed for 7a.m. Breakfast was eaten in their cells and the rest of the morning was taken up with work tasks, chapel and exercise. Daily attendance at the chapel and twice on Sundays was compulsory.

There was also the debtors prison which were separate sections at the county prisons. the debtors did not have prison clothing many still wore clothing which was in tatters which was the result of poverty