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Ancestry UK

County Bridewell, Appleby, Westmorland

A new Westmorland County Bridewell, or House of Correction, was erected in 1639 in Appleby, although its exact location is unclear. In 1784, prison reformer John Howard reported on his visits there:

Built, as appears by the date, 1639. Two rooms 11 feet by 8½ : no chimney : each has a window (only 18 inches by 12 ) into a stable : subject to floods. No allowance. Keeper's salary £8 : no fees.

1776, Jan, 22,Prisoners 0.1779, May 9,Prisoners 0.
1776, Sep. 19,- - 0.1782, Sep. 2,- - 1.

In 1812, James Neild gave an updated report on the establishment:

Keeper, John Atkinson. Salary, 12l. No Fees.

Prisoners, 24th September, l802, Two Lunaticks. Allowance, none.

REMARKS.

This comfortless Prison, as appears by the date in front, was built in l639, and consists of two cells, 13 feet each by 8, with vaulted roofs. Straw laid on the floor. No light or air, but what is admitted through an aperture of 12 inches by 4. These cells are subject to floods. There is one large room above stairs, but considered as insecure. No court-yard ; no water accessible.

In 1813, the county magistrates adopted a plan by Francis Webster for a new house of correction adjacent to the existing Shire Hall and County Gaol in The Sands, Appleby. The new building appears to have come into use in about 1820.

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.