New Prison
The New Prison, completed in 1848, was a model prison of its day.It had twelve individual cells on three floors, a water closet on each floor, a washroom, accommodation for warders, storerooms and an exercise gallery. The building was well ventilated and heated, and lit by gas.
The prison was designed to improve the character and maintain the health of its inmates.
Prisoners were kept in separate confinement, working, eating and sleeping in their individual cells.
The completion of the New Prison meant that the "separate system" of prison discipline could
be introduced.
Under this system prisoners were not supposed to see or speak to each other at any time.
It was thought that by keeping them apart they would be reformed by the "influences of solitude, prayer, simple work and the ministrations of sober, upright God fearing attendants".
In practice this system proved
difficult to operate.
Under this system prisoners were not supposed to see or speak to each other at any time.
It was thought that by keeping them apart they would be reformed by the "influences of solitude, prayer, simple work and the ministrations of sober, upright God fearing attendants".
In practice this system proved
difficult to operate.
Did You Know?On arrival, all prisoners were weighed and measured by the Prison Surgeon and were tested for reading and writing. It was not unusual for prisoners to weigh heavier when they left the prison due to conditions on the outside!