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Ancestry UK

Town Bridewell, Basingstoke, Hampshire

Basingstoke had a small Bridewell, or House of Correction, which adjoined the town court-house on the Market Place, and was known locally as the Cage. In November 1745, a town official named John Silver was paid one guinea for going to London to apprehend a money coiner, who was then held in the Cage.

In 1812, James Neild wrote:

Bridewell. The Head Constable is the Keeper. No Salary.

Allowance, sixpence a-day.

Here are two close offensive rooms, adjoining the court-house, each 13 feet by 4. with a small iron-grating over the doors. Straw upon the floor. No court-yard, nor water. A very narrow passage to the sewer.

March 20th 1802 and October 1803, No prisoners. 1803, October

It was reported as still in operation in 1818 but had closed by the 1830s.

Records

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Bibliography

  • Prison Oracle - resources those involved in present-day UK prisons.
  • GOV.UK - UK Government's information on sentencing, probation and support for families.

Except where indicated, this page () © Peter Higginbotham. Contents may not be reproduced without permission.