The Bridewell

The Bridewell was built to replace the Clock Gate prison. It was unhealthy, did not have recreational facilities and was very crowded. This new prison was built to address these concerns. It was badly built. It was damp and draughty. There were various escapes. It was used more to hold prisoners before or after a court case than for long term sentences. A lot of prisoners were shipped overseas to start a new life. The Bridewell continued to be used for over 100 years after the famine.