Even though I used to do it every day, going into a prison of any kind always put me in a grim state. Can only imagine how chilling the visit to Wadsworth must have felt. Looking forward to the book.
Just visited Melbourne Old Gaol in Australia, which was built on the Pentonville model, a British export to the colonies. The Victorians were experts at building soul-sapping institutions, with Wandsworth having the modern twist of neglect and budget cuts. Don't envy your daily visits!
Very interesting piece Robin. My ex- husband was in Wandsworth for a month or so before transferred to Lewes Prison, which he much preferred! He wasn’t what you’d call a ‘hardened criminal’ but did get 18 months, which to be honest seemed bloody lucky to me!
My grandfather was sentenced to hang in the 1950’s but the sentence was reprieved to a pathetic little term, now he was a hardened criminal and some in the family were behind the original sentencing.
Even though I used to do it every day, going into a prison of any kind always put me in a grim state. Can only imagine how chilling the visit to Wadsworth must have felt. Looking forward to the book.
Just visited Melbourne Old Gaol in Australia, which was built on the Pentonville model, a British export to the colonies. The Victorians were experts at building soul-sapping institutions, with Wandsworth having the modern twist of neglect and budget cuts. Don't envy your daily visits!
Poor Oscar Wilde. What kind of people could work in that environment for 30 years?
Yes, working there is a tough gig, that’s for sure
Cummins was also hanged during an air raid. Pierrepoint was springing the trapdoors to the sound of bombs raining down around Wandsworth.
Very interesting piece Robin. My ex- husband was in Wandsworth for a month or so before transferred to Lewes Prison, which he much preferred! He wasn’t what you’d call a ‘hardened criminal’ but did get 18 months, which to be honest seemed bloody lucky to me!
My grandfather was sentenced to hang in the 1950’s but the sentence was reprieved to a pathetic little term, now he was a hardened criminal and some in the family were behind the original sentencing.
Happy days !