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Ancestry UK

County Bridewell, Cirencester, Gloucestershire

A Gloucestershire County Bridewell, or House of Correction was established on Dyer Street, Cirencester, next to the Bear Inn.

In 1784, John Howard wrote:

The ground-floor is the keeper's shop for garden seeds; and his kitchen,&c. On the first story is a room about 16 feet by 11 for men: one corner of it is parted off for a bed=room called the cub, 8 feet by 5 feet 3 inches. On the second story is a larger room for women. The whole out of repair; and the court not secure enough to let the prisoners have the use of it. Felons are now occasionally allowed three pence a day; nothing to any others. No bedding or straw. No employment. Keeper's salary, £13 : he pays rent, £12 to the justice in the town. Fees, 6s. 8d. no table. Clauses against spirituous liquors not hung up.

1776, Sep. 4,Prisoners 3. 
1779, June 9,6. 
1782, Oct. 25,3.Deserter 1.

The establishment was closed following the passing of the Gloucestershire Act of 1785, which provided for the closure of several existing bridewells and the construction of several new ones, mostly at different locations in the county.

Records

Note: many repositories impose a closure period of up to 100 years for records identifying individuals. Before travelling a long distance, always check that the records you want to consult will be available.

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.