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Ancestry UK

Dover Convict Prison, Dover, Kent

On 27 August 1885, a new public works prison was opened on Langdon Cliffs, Dover, Kent. It was intended solely to house "star class" male convicts — those with no previous convictions. the buildings could eventually accommodate over 800 prisoners.

In mates at the prison were employed in making mail bags for the Post Office, and making hammocks, coal bags, coal sacks, and seamen's bags for the Admiralty. They also worked in the prison's vegetable gardens growing potatoes, cabbage, carrots, turnips and onions.

As part of a general reorganisation of convict accommodation, Dover Prison was closed on 30 January 1895.

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.