Prisons ... although they have existed in Britain for over a thousand years, it was not until the nineteenth century that prisons became the cornerstone of the penal system.
This was a period when great interest was shown in penal theory, and rival systems fought for supremacy. More that fifteen million receptions into prison were made between 1837 and 1901, the vast majority into small, local prisons. However, a national prison system was established during the Victorian period, starting with the introduction of convict prisons for those convicted of felony.
This book looks at the development of prison buildings, at the life and labour of prisoners, and the position of prison officers. Attitudes to women and juvenile prisoners are also examined.
Contents:
The sweep of prison history
Eighteenth-century prison reform
Victorian penal theory: the separate and silent systems
Local prisons and the development of a national system
Convict prisons and penal servitude
Life in prisons
Prison officers
Women and children in prison
Further reading
Places to visit
