Case study 4 - Pentonville prison in the mid nineteenth century Flashcards
What was Pentonville prison set up to be?
A model prison
When was Pentonville built?
Between 1842 and 1877
What was the separate system? What was the idea that fuelled it?
The separate system was essentially permanent solitary confinement - inmates were alone in their cells. Even when they exercised, they had to wear head gear so that they couldn’t see other inmates
It came from the idea that, if all bad influences were removed, a person might become good again
What was the separate system like for inmates?
Impossible to live with - many committed suicide and had nervous breakdowns
Why was the silent system introduced?
After prison reforms cane into effect after changing views, people feared that prisons were becoming too soft - it had to be seen as punishment
What was prison a period of?
‘Hard Labour’, ‘Hard Fare’ and ‘Hard Board’ - inmates were locked in their cells, and given basic food and sleeping conditions. All work or hard exercises had to be done in silence.
