[an error occurred while processing this directive] City Bridewell, Chester, Cheshire
Ancestry UK

City Bridewell, Chester, Cheshire

In 1777, the Chester City Bridewell, or House of Correction, was the subject of a report by John Howard:

Out of repair; and not safe : no yard : no water : no allowance : no employment. They are building a large Works-shop, and rooms over it. Below are two new Dungeons about nine feet under ground . I told the Keeper that I wished the Contriver of these might be the first who lodged in them. I heard they intend to enclose a Court yard : I hope they will not forget a Pump.

Here were several leaden weights marked 30, 40, 60 pounds, with a ring and chains to each : these are fastened, as the Magistrates order, or the Keeper finds needful, to the legs of refractory Prisoners, that they may not walk without carrying the weight. The Keeper said he had some Women so turbulent that it was extremely difficult to make them behave orderly, while they were kept together.

Howard made a further report on the establishment in 1792:

In the keeper's house there is a room or two for those that can pay for a bed ; and there is now built a work-shop and a room over it. 25 feet by 16½. The employment is spinning. Down 10 steps are two new dungeons. No water: no allowance: clauses against spirituous liquors not hung up.

Over Howard's five visits between 1775 and 1783, the number of inmates had varied between zero and twelve.

The prison was closed in 1807 after the opening of the new City Gaol and Bridewell on what is now City Walls Road.

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.