There
has been a prison at Coldbath Fields since the 17th century. It got
its name because in the early days the prison was surrounded by fields
near an important well. Coldbath Fields Prison was rebuilt in 1794
and was enlarged during the 19th century. By the time the building
was completed, the jail could house over 1,000 prisoners.
Coldbath Fields Prison was a House of Correction which meant it was
a jail run by local magistrates and that most of the prisoners served
short term sentences. The prison contained men, women and children
until 1850 when it was decided to restrict it to male offenders over
17.
In the 19th century Coldbath Fields Prison, like other jails, adopted
the Silent System whereby prisoners were forbidden to communicate
with each other. Hard Labour was also introduced. The idea being that
prisoners should be forced to carry out unproductive work. The illustration
below shows two prisoners working a crank to pump water. Those on
the tread-wheel for six hours climbed the equivalent of 8,640 feet.
Hard Labour was not officially abolished until 1948. However, for
many years prisoners had been given more productive work to do in
less severe conditions than those experienced in the 19th century.
Rudolf
Ackermann, Coldbath Fields Prison, from Microcosm of London
(1808)
(1)
William Pyne, The
Microcosm of London (1808)
This
print shows an interior view of the prison with two of the culprits
at hard labour, in which they are employed for an hour at a time.
The view is taken from the Water-Engine Court, where they are at work.
The instant exhibits the turnkey bringing two fresh men to relieve
those who have completed their task.
Available
from Amazon Books (order below)
