Prisoner's photographs are from the Usk Prison Release Books (Ref. Q/CG/38, 39 & 40) at the Gwent Archives. Search our Database for a full transcript of these records

Monmouth Old Town Gaol,

County Gaol & House of Correction

The Monnow Bridge, the only remaining mediaeval fortified river bridge, was once a Watchtower and was used as a Lock-up Gaol until the late 18th Century

MONMOUTH BOROUGH - The Old TOWN GAOL
(situated near the Churchyard)

1779-1806 Prison Inspectors Reports

Numbers of Prisoners:

1779 June 2 - None

1782 Oct 24 - Debtor 1, Petty offender 1

1788 Jan 31 - Felons &c. 2

1802 Nov 15 - None

1803 Sep 4 - 2

1806 Sep 11 - None

1788 Report: No alteration: no court: no water. Gaoler's salary £4, as formerly, and he sells beer.

1792 Report: A good room on the first floor for Debtors: over it one for Felons, not secure. No court; no sewer; no water. Allowance to felons, two pence a day. Gaoler's Salary: £4. Licence for beer: clauses against spirituous liquors not hung up. Fees 5s. 6d. no table.

1806 Report: This Gaol consists of two small rooms on the first floor, and a large one above, very dirty: the straw on the floor worn to dust: an offensive sewer in one corner, which the Keeper told me was emptied once a quarter. The whole prison quite filthy. Prisoner Allowance: four-pence a day in bread.

Monmouth old TOWN GAOL

Gaolers:

James Walkman; afterwards William Jarratt; now (1806) William Jones; and a Sheriff's Officer, and Serjeant at Mace.

Salary, 9l. No Fees

1807: The Borough of Monmouth Town Gaol was CLOSED.

"There has been no Gaol or House of Correction exclusively belonging to the Borough of Monmouth for several years, namely, from 1807. All Prisoners committed by the Borough Magistrates were sent to the County Gaol at Monmouth, in pursuance of an arrangements made between the Town or Parish of Monmouth and the County, by which the former agreed to pay £16 per year for the use of the County Gaol". (signed) Thos. A. Williams, Deputy Town Clerk Monmouth, 21 September 1831

1835 Commissioners Report (mentions Monmouth Town Gaol):

This gaol was claimed by the corporation as belonging to them but it had for many years been repaired and the prisoners maintained out of the Poor-Rate for the Parish of Monmouth, until the year 1807; in that year, the gaol being in a dilapidated condition and unfit for the custody of prisoners, and the Churchyard of the Parish being too small, it was resolved at a parish meeting that the gaol should be sold.

 

…………

The COUNTY GAOL and House of Correction at Monmouth

1774-1788 Prison Inspectors Reports:

Only one Court-yard. The rooms for Debtors small. Felons night-room at top of house, 22 feet by 15, with only one little window about 3 feet square. Besides the difficulty of going daily up and down in irons; when water is to be carried so high, and the staircase, like this, is narrow and inconvenient, a room is seldom clean and healthy. This cannot be so if it should be crowded. At my first visit in 1774 they had the Gaol-Fever, of which J. Daverel and several of his prisoners, and some of their friends died. No bath; no Infirmary: there is room to build one at the bottom of the court. , where the county has been at the unnecessary expense of building a stable. The Brewhouse is very fit for a Felons Day-room, men and women might be separated. After the mortality mentioned above, all the Prisoners were new-clothed by the Duke of Beaufort.

At my visit in 1779, ten of the twelve felons were convicts, four of them at the Summer Assize in 1775. "Act for Preserving the Health of Prisoners" not hung up. John Gabriel, senior, of this town, who died March 26, 1754 (at 75), had been very kind to the prisoners in his life-time, and at his death left them £100, which is vested in the Turnpike Security; from which each prisoner receives by order of the Rev. Mr. Gabriel, his son, every Quarter-day a six-penny loaf: but there is no memorial of the legacy hung up.

1751-1774 A Table of Debtor's Fees

As settled and allowed by the several Justices of the Peace for the County of Monmouth whose names are hereunto written the 10th August 1751: According to the direction of an Act of Parliament instituted &c.:

Imprimis for entering the Action whereon each Prisoner is first brought into Custody either on Process Capias Latitat Execution or Writ of Exam ad Capiendum: £0.18s.4d.

For entering and discharging every second and other Action upon Process Capias Latitat or Execution: £0.13s.4d.

For receiving and entering every È against Prisoners is custody: £0.2s.0d.

For the Certificate of the want of a declaration in order to sue out a writ of Supersedeas: £0.6s.8d.

For a Copy of each Warrant against each Prisoner: £0.3s.4d.

For receiving and entering every Warrant against each defendant in custody: £0 2s.6d.

For the Under Keeper or Turnkey upon each Action and Writ: £0.2s.6d.

1774 Debtor's Lodgings

Every Prisoner that lies in the Keeper's Lodgings in the Sheriff's Ward pays per week: £0.2s.6d.

Every Prisoner that lies in the Sheriff's Ward in his Own Lodgings pays per week: £0.1s.6d.

The Names of the Justices who signed and allowed the above Fees:

Thos. Morgan, Capel Hanbury, Jas. Tuder Morgan, J. Lewis, Chas. Van Junr., John Chambre, E. Bradbury.

Examined and allowed by the Hon. Sir Thomas Dennison Knt. & the Hon. Mr. Baron Clive

GAOLERS for the Monmouth County Gaol

1774-1806:

John Daverel; James Baker and then his Widow; Thomas Phillips; and then his Widow, Mrs Phillips

1774-1788: Salary, none. £20 a year to supply Felons as below.

Fees, Debtors & Felons £1.0s.0d. Transports: £6 each. Licence, for Beer

1812: Salary: 105s (£1. 5s.0d)

Fees, none; but the Under-Sheriff demands from every Debtor 10s.6d. for his Liberate

For the Conveyance of "Transports": £7. each (these were prisoners who had been sentenced to Transportation were conveyed first to the "Hulks" or prison ships before being dispatched to their overseas destinations. By the mid 19th Century there were several Prison Hulks moored in the Severn Estuary)

Prisoners

1774-1788 Allowances:

Debtors: No allowances

Felons: one-pennyworth of bread a day each. Now (1782) twelve-penny-worth a week (weight of a penny loaf, in Oct. 1782, was 7 oz.)

Garnish: £0.2s.6d. [Garnish was was demanded by prisoners of a "new-comer"; those who had no money were forced to part with some item of their prison clothing or bedding]

1806 Allowances:

Debtors: (who are paupers), one pound and a half of bread per day, and one penny per day in money

Felons: the same allowance

House of Correction Prisoners: the like proportion of bread daily, and one fourth of their earnings

Imprisoned for a term have one pound and a half of bread per day only.

Convicts under Sentence of Transportation: the King's allowance of 2s.6d. which is given to them in a three-penny loaf every day, and nine pence a week in money. (Bread is sent from the Baker's every other day, in loaves of 3 lbs. weight)

Chaplain

1782: None

1806: Rev. John Powell. Salary 30l. Duty: Prayers and Sermon on Wednesday and Prayers on Sunday

Surgeon

1788

8: Mr Powell

Salary: £10. 10s. 0d. lately augmented to £12.12s.0d.

1806: Mr William Powell. Salary, £20

Numbers of Prisoners:

1774 Feb 23 - 10 Debtors, 12 Felons &c.

1774 Aug 10 - 9 Debtors, 16 Felons

1775 Dec 4 - 5 Debtors, 8 Felons

1776 Sep 5 - 6 Debtors, 9 Felons

1779 June 2 - 6 Debtors, 12 Felons

1782 Oct 24 - 10 Debtors, 1 Felon

1788 Jan 31 - 6 Debtors, 10 Felons &c

1801 Nov 11 - 7 Debtors, 6 Felons

1802 Nov 15 - 3 Debtors, 11 Felons

1803 Sep 5 - 1 Debtor, 12 Felons

1806 Sep 11 - 3 Debtors, 12 Felons, 1 Lunatick

………….

1788 Inspectors Report on the Old County Gaol

No alteration, Still no chaplain. Allowance only a penny-worth of bread - weight 8.1/4 oz. and that out of the gaoler's salary of £20. The convicts have the half crown a week. The felons are chained to the floor at night. Acquitted prisoners are detained in irons until the clerk of Assize delivers the calendar to the gaoler, after the judge has left the town; for which the gaoler pays 12s.6d. and 2s. for every such prisoner. Each prisoner receives a sixpenny loaf every Quarter-day from Mr. James Gabriel's kind donation, who died the 26th of March, 1754. To the gaoler's former salary of £20, there is an addition of £45, in lieu of the tap (Brew-house). (In an 1806 Report is was noted that a Memorial to Mr. Gabriel's legacy had been fixed up in St. Mary's Church).

Some DEBTORS in Monmouth County Gaol [as published in "The London Gazette"]

1612

JOHN BROWN, formerly of the parish of Langattockvilonavel, and late of the town of Monmouth, Butcher

REES DAVIS, formerly and late of the parish of Bedwelty, Mason and Shopkeeper

EVAN LEWIS, formerly of the parish of Langorse, in the county of Brecon, and late of the hamlet of Glascoed, in the parish of Lambaddock, in the county of Monmouth, Shopkeeper and Dealer and Chapman

RICHARD JOSHUA, formerly of the parish of Bettus, and late of the parish of Malpass, Farmer

DANIEL MOLLOY, formerly and late of the parish of Chepstow, Hairdresser

SAMUEL MOORE, formerly and late of the town of Monmouth, in the county of Monmouth, Hawker

AARON MORRIS, formerly of Crispin-street, in the parish of Spittalfields, London, and late of the town of Abergavenny, Dealer and Chapman

BENJAMIN WALTERS, formerly and late of the parish of Bedwelty, Farmer

BARNETT CHANCE OAKLEY, formerly of the town of Crickhowell, in the county of Brecon, and late of the town of Abergavenny, Victualler, and sued in the name of Barnard Chance Oakley, instead of Barnett Chance Oakley

JOHN BEVAN, formerly of the town of Crickhowell, in the county of Brecon, and late of the town of Abergavenny, Currier

1743 31st May

PETER DAVIES, late of the Town of Bergavenny, Attorney at Law

MARY THOMAS, late of the Town of Newport, Widow

CECIL, otherwise CECILIA SAMPSON, late of the Town of Pontypoole, Widow & Shopkeeper

THOMAS JENKINS, late of the parish of Landenny, Gentleman

DAVID EVANS, late of the parish of Goytrey, Flaxdresser

JOHN WATKINS, late of the parish of Lantillio Crossenny, Farmer

WILLIAM WILLIAMS, late of the parish of Lantillio Crossenny, Farmer

THOMAS PYE, later of the Town of Monmouth, Innholder

1772 6th June

DAVID PROTHERCH, late of Langattog near Usk, Farmer

ANN THOMAS, late of the parish of Chepstow, Pedlar

CHARLES WILLETS, late of the parish of Tiddenham, Gloucestershire, Hoop-shaver

THOMAS MORGAN, late of the parish of Abergavenny, Pig-drover

WILLIAM JONES, late of the parish of Landewi Rytherch, Weaver

EDMOND JOHN, late of the parish of Mynthusloyn, Butcher

JAMES DAVIS, formerly of the parish of Trostrey, late of the parish of Panteague, Labourer

JOHN JEFFREYS, late of the parish of Bedwelly, Farmer

WILLIAM FLOYD, late of the parish of Dinnistow, Farmer

1794 19th July

DAVID DAVIES, formerly of Tregare, Shopkeeper, late of Green Court, in the Hamlet of Gwehellog, in the parish of Usk, Farmer

1818 20 June

WILLIAM HARRIS, late of the parish of Llanarth, Shopkeeper and Coachman

WILLIAM KENT NEWBOLT, late of Abergavenny, Surgeon

PHILLIP PHILLIPS, lat of the parish of Marshfield, Farmer

THOMAS PEARSON, late of the parish of Skenfreth, Farmer

1819 30th March

JOHN BUXTON, late of Lanvacus, Farmer

1819 28th August

ISAAC ROBERTS, late of the Town of Chepstow, Shopkeeper

JOHN WALFORD, late of Newport, Shoemaker

WILLIAM WATKINS, of the Town of Monmouth, Shopkeeper

JOHN JONES, late of the parish of Monithusloyne, Labourer

PHILIP POWELL, late of the parish of Monmouth, Glazier

DAVID LEWIS, late of the parish of Usk, Blacksmith

1819 28th September

JOHN WILLIAMS, late of the parish of Grosmont, Labourer

1819 18th December

THOMAS DOWLE, late of the parish of Lantillio Crosseny, Farmer

THOMAS ELLIS, late of the Town of Newport, Tyler and Plaisterer

1820 5th December

JACOB PARKER, late of Gurles-Grove, Trellick, Farmer and late labourer

1821 9th January

RICHARD WILLIAMS, late of the Town of Newport, Publican

AARON GOOLD, late of Christchurch, Coal-Merchant

WILLIAM FLETCHER, late of the Town of Caerleon, Cordwainer

WILLIAM TAMPLIN, late of Christchurch, near Newport, Publican

HENRY PRICE, late of Partrishew, near Abergavenny, in the county of Brecon, Farmer and Dealer in Wool

WILLIAM STEEL, late of Pontypool, Publican

DAVID LEWIS, late of Abrodramas, near Pontypool, Publican

JOHN HOWELL, late of the Town of Usk, Shopkeeper

GEORGE GOOLD, late of the parish Christchurch, Farmer

ALEXANDER MILLER, formerly a Publican in the parish of Bridstow, near Ross, in the county of Hereford, but late a Labourer in the parish of Tydenham, in the county of Gloucester

EVAN MORGAN, late of Newport, Stone-Mason and Publican

 

1788: A (new) County Gaol is being built on a fine eminence, near the water: the ground is given by the Duke of Beaufort, and Mr. Blackburn is the architect. The New Gaol was finally opened in 1790.

 

The New County Gaol at Monmouth

Designed as a "reformed gaol" following the principles of the first prison reformer John Howard, was opened in 1790

[it was situated at the northern end of Monmouth town, in North Parade, on the banks of the river Monnow, just off the Hereford Road]

1806 Report: This two-fold Prison has much the appearance of a Castle. It is situated on a fine eminence. The boundary wall incloses about an acre of ground, given by the Duke of Beaufort. The outer gate has on one side the Turnkey's lodge, and a small room. On the other side are the wash-house and oven, and cistern for soft water. Up stairs are three cells, used as day-rooms for Prisoners under Sentence of Death, 7 feet 6 inches each by 6 feet 6, and 9 feet high, well lighted and ventilated; and a room for the Turnkey to sleep in. Over these is a flat roof, where Criminals are executed. The Gaol is in the centre of the area, and the Keeper's court-yard and house front the Turnkey's lodge.

On the ground-floor are the Visiting Magistrates' room, two rooms for the Keeper, and twelve sleeping-cells, 8 feet by 6 feet, with glazed windows; five of these cells are for Common-side Debtors; to whom, as also to Criminal Prisoners, the County allows a wooden bedstead, a straw-in-sacking bed, a pair of clean sheets once a month, a blanket, and a rug; and in the Winter an additional blanket, or rug. Five other cells are for solitary confinement; and two, totally dark, for the refractory. The Master's-side Debtors have a court-yard, 57 feet by 45; a day-room, 28 feet by 19; and above, a sleeping-room of the same size, with four wooden bedsteads; to which, if the Debtor brings his own bed, he pays one shilling per week; or else the Keeper furnishes the beds at 2s. 6d. per week each, for two sleeping together. If any Debtor has a bed in the Keeper's house, he pays five shillings per week.

Here are four court-yards for Criminal Prisoners, each 57 feet by 45, all well supplied with water, and a sewer; and four very small circular day-rooms, one being at the bottom of each Tower, for such it seems to be. The court-yards, not being paved nor bottomed with gravel, are, from the nature of the soil, very damp, dirty, and at times rendered almost useless. In the centre of the building is the Chapel, to which the Prisoners come from their respective divisions to the seats appropriated for them; and all are required to attend Divine Service. On the first story are twelve sleeping-cells, three on each side the passages or lobbies, of 5 feet wide. Each cell is 8 feet 9 inches by 6 feet, with arched roofs, plank bedsteads, and double doors, the outer ones of wood, the inner iron-grated; and all well-ventilated, with a window half glazed, and inside shutters to every cell. At the end of each lobby or passage is a circular room, intended for Prisoners to undress in, on going to bed; and above these are twelve other sleeping-cells, exactly similar to those above described with iron-grated windows, inside shutters, and sloping blinds. In the attick story are two good-sized Infirmaries, one for Men, the other for Women; and on the top four circular rooms, on in each Tower, of 12 feet diameter, and 7 feet high, totally dark, with straw on the floor, for refractory Prisoners. The space between the court-yards and boundary wall is from 15 to 30 feet, and affords the Keeper a garden; but the soil appears unfavourable for the growth of vegetables. Rules and Orders are printed, but not exhibited; nor are the Act for Preservation of Health, and Clauses against Spirituous Liquors, hung up.

The Prisoners in the House of Correction, and Female Felons, are sometimes employed in spinning of coarse cloth, and making tobacco-pipes; and receive one half of their earnings: but materials can seldom be procured. The Men Felons have no employment. Here is a cold bath, and County clothing for the use of the Prisoners: They have monthly, fresh straw, with a change of sheets, and clean linen once a week. Prayer Books are supplied to those who can read. The Magistrates now visit frequently, as appears by their entries in the book. The County allows firing to all parts of the Prison, when used with discretion. The Gaol is kept very clean. I weighed the bread sent in, and found every loaf full weight.

Sept. 1805, I was informed that the Gaoler [Thomas Phillips] was dead. The Magistrates continued his Widow in that situation, with an Assistant, at £50 per annum, and likewise allowed 9s. weekly to a Turnkey; to which Mrs. Phillips had added 3s. per week.

…………

1818: MONMOUTH COMMON GAOL and HOUSE OF CORRECTION

Alterations in the construction of the new County Gaol of Monmouth are in the course of progress. The prisoners, including Debtors, formerly separated into five classes only, are at present divided into seven classes; and when the intended alterations are completed, they will be placed in nine separate divisions. The moral and religious instruction of the prisoners is under the direction of the Rev. John Powell, Chaplain to the Gaol. The male prisoners are employed in the alterations, at present in progress; the females in making, mending, and washing the clothes worn in the Gaol; but no regular system of labour has yet been adopted. Of the earnings they acquire, they are allowed one-half, and the remainder is reserved, as a fund, to furnish a few necessaries, and a little money to them on their liberation, where needed.

1829 The Monmouthshire Summer Assizes

(The Sessions were presided over for the first time by Mr. Baron Vaughan of Hereford - who implied in his opening speech of the Sessions that he had no intention of being lenient towards those brought before him - although most of the offences were described by Judge Vaughan as 'not of a very malignant aspect', some received particularly heavy sentences:

{Christopher James: charged with robbery on James Thomas on the highway to Llanwenarth; stealing a tobacco-box, handkerchief and a knife. Found guilty of Highway Robbery and sentenced to death. Later commuted to transportation for life.

{Joseph Hornsby: (charged with the above Christopher James, same verdict and sentence, commuted to transportation for life)

Edmund Hoskins: charged with breaking into the house of Mary Watkins and stealing a pair of trousers. Found guilty - sentenced to Death.

{John Bough: charged with stealing a brown gelding, the property of Philip Stead of Mitchell Troy. Found guilty - sentenced the Death. Later commuted to transportation for life.

{James Foster: (charged with the above John Bough of the same offence - but was acquitted)

John Moxley: charged with breaking into the house of William Lewis, a labourer of Llangadog. Found guilty - sentenced to Death. Later commuted to transportation for life.

{William King: charged with stealing 6s.6d from Thomas Shipton, a stable lad. Found guilty and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment

{Thomas Jones: (charged with the above William King of the same offence, same verdict and sentence)

{David Brodrick: charged together with William Shehay & Richard Curreen of wounding Thomas Lloyd, whilst discharging his duty as constable in the Borough of Newport, with intent to do his bodily harm. Found guilty and sentenced to Death. Later commuted to transportation for life.

{William Shehay: (charged together with David Brodrick & Richard Curreen of the same offence, same verdict and sentence. Later commuted to transportation for life)

{Richard Curreen: (charged together with William Shehay & David Brodrick of the same offence, same verdict and sentence. Later commuted to 14 years transportation)

{Thomas Onion: charged together with his daughter Ann, of stealing a pair of trousers and boys clothes. It could not be proved that he was involved in the crime and was acquitted

{Ann Onion: charged with her father Thomas of stealing a pair of trousers and boys clothes. Found guilty, but the Mayor reported that she had conducted herself well in the workhouse and that he was trying to find herself employment; taking this into consideration, the court fined her one shilling

Charles Ingram: for stealing a watch. Found guilty - 7 years transportation

Matthew Lane: for stealing a watch. Found guilty - 7 years transportation

Moses Parrott: for stealing bricks from the Varteg Iron Company. Found guilty - sentenced to be whipped

………….

The Death Sentence

[Between 1803 and 1832, it is recorded that 2028 prisoners went to the gallows in England, this included many women and at least one child of fourteen - making an average of seventy-five executions a year]

A list of Official HANGMEN & EXECUTIONERS 1829-1923

William Calcraft 1800-1879 (period of office 1829-1874). Calcraft was the most feared of all the official public hangmen, and the longest-serving hangman on record, spanning forty-five years. He always used a short length of rope which led to a slow, strangling to death, lasting for several minutes. Also during this time, the dead bodies were left hanging from the gallows for a number of hours before being removed and buried within the walls of the prison.

George Smith 1805-1874 (period in office 1840-1873). Calcraft's Assistant. Known as "George Throttler Smith" or "The Dudley Hangman".

William Marwood 1820-1883 (period in office 1872-1883). He succeeded Calcraft as Chief Executioner. He devised a "Table of Drop" which calculated the rope length to the weight of the condemned person; this table was still in use for the last hangings to take place in Britain in 1964 before the Death Penalty was abolished.

James Berry 1852-1913 (period of office 1884-1891). Came to the post after the death of Marwood.

William Billington 1873-1934 (period in office 1902-1904). One of a family "team" of executioners, a father and three sons.

John Billington 1880-1905 (period in office 1902-1905). Assistant executioner to his older brother William at the age of 22. In 1903 he was Britain's No.1 Executioner - he died in 1905 following an accident

Henry Pierrepoint 1876-1922 (period in office 1901-1910). He became official executioner in 1905. He resigned the post in 1910.

John Ellis 1874-1932 (period in office 1907-1923). Chief executioner after Pierrepoint resigned in 1910. In total he hanged 203 people - but after his retirement he attempted suicide several times - eventually succeeding in taking his own life in 1932, aged 58

The Public Hangings were carried out on the flat roof of the Monmouth Prison Gatehouse. The two Irishmen, Maurice Murphy and Patrick Sullivan (listed below), were sentenced for the joint murder of Jane Lewis and were publicly executed, on 23 September 1850, on the roof. Their execution was watched from the grassy slopes of what is now the Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls, by a crowd of about 3,000, of whom "about four-fifths were estimated to be of the softer sex". Executions were carried out in public there until the last in 1859, when Matthew Francis was hanged for the murder of his wife.

Executions which took place at Monmouth Gaol:

1829 - Richard Radnor was arrested and charged for the rape of a 13 year old servant girl Elizabeth Barnett on 29th August 1829. Found guilty and sentenced to Death. He was executed on the 10th September 1829.

1843 - Edward Rees: charged with the murder of Mary Moxley, at St. Owen's near Monmouth, on 3rd December 1942. Found guilty and sentenced to Death. He was executed on 24th April 1843.

1848 - Matthias Kelly, aged 22: a private in the 14th Regiment of Foot, was arrested and charged with the murder of Agnes Hill at the Newport Barracks on 26 May 1848. He was found guilty and sentenced to Death. He was executed on 28th August 1848 and buried within the precincts of the gaol.

1850 - Patrick Sullivan, aged 23, and Maurice Murphy, aged 21: two Irishman from County Cork, were arrested and charged with the murder on Basseleg Road of an elderly lady, Mrs. Jane Lewis. Found guilty and both sentenced to Death. They were executed on 29th August 1850 and buried within the precincts of the gaol.

1852 - Abel Ovans, age 22, together with his girl-friend Eliza Dore: were both charged with the murder of Eliza's illegitimate child in a Mill Pond at Newport on 15th January 1852. They were both found guilty and received the Death sentence. Eliza Dore was reprieved and later transported to the colonies but Abel Ovans was executed on 16th April 1852 and his body was buried within the precincts of the gaol.

1859 - Matthew Francis, a tailor and haulier, aged 25: charged with the murder of his wife, Sarah Francis, on 12th March 1859. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to Death. He was executed on the 23rd August 1859 and his body buried within the precincts of the gaol. His was the last execution to take place at the Monmouth County Gaol.

……..

1850 The Inspectors Report on Monmouth County Gaol and House of Correction

This Prison is placed on an elevated site, closely contiguous to the Town, and until the completion of the House of Correction at Usk, seven years ago, was the principal prison of the county. Its construction is such to forbid all separation of the prisoners: the "convicted" in the intervals of labour, and the "untried" during the whole day, occupying yards and day-rooms in unrestricted association, and often without the supervision of officers. As far as these disadvantages of construction will admit, the prison is exceedingly well managed, but the glaring defects that have been alluded to, not only prevent the successful adoption of any reformatory discipline with reference to such of the prisoners as remain therein during the periods of their sentences, but are productive of the worst effects upon the minds of those who are destined to be removed after trial, to be placed under the Separate system at the House of Correction at Usk.

Accommodation: There are altogether 36 cells for prisoners of all denominations, except Debtors, each measuring 9 feet by 6 feet, with a height of 9 feet; they are furnished with iron bedsteads, but it is obvious that more than one prisoners must frequently sleep in one cell, as the number of prisoners generally exceed that of the cells. A small addition will probably be made to the above accommodation by the conversion of some of the day-rooms into cells, as the new work-rooms will render them unnecessary in the former capacity. The drainage is now very good.

Debtors: The accommodation for Debtors is sufficiently extensive, but is objectionable in not being subdivided for the two classes, so that the County Court Debtors cannot be kept separate by night or by day, and can therefore obtain tobacco and other prohibited articles from those of their companions to whom it is allowed. I have already shown how this deficiency may be remedied by a separate building and airing-yard, The present sleeping accommodation consists of a single room, with ten iron bedsteads well supplied with bedding, but it appears to me far from desirable mode of lodging for this class of prisoners.

Cleanliness: The prison was exceedingly clean throughout, and the prisoners presented a cleanly appearance. The convicted male prisoners have facilities afforded them for washing daily in the labour-cells, but the untried men wash in the old day-room, in the presence of a turnkey, 4 at a time. Each prisoners has a warm bath once a month, and is required to wash his feet once a week.

Clothing: There is a single prison dress, which s worn by all the convicted prisoners, and by such of the untried as desire it, to save their own clothes, or when their own are ragged; they have leathern shoes, stockings, and flannel waistcoats. The bedding is very clean, and sufficient sheets are allowed to all, with a wise regard to economy as well as cleanliness.

Health: The surgeon attends at the prison daily, seeing all newly arrived prisoners, those under punishment, and any sick who may be brought under his notice. No epidemic occurred in the prison last year.

Punishment: The punishments are few in number, and generally extend no further than the stoppage of a single meal, or the substitution, for the usual dinner, of bread, rice, or potatoes. The prisoners are obedient and well-conducted, and submissive in manner - qualities which, when they prevail generally throughout a prison, may be confidently ascribed to good management on the part of the governor.

Hard Labour: The Treadmill has ten compartments, and is worked by some of the prisoners sentenced to labour, the remainder being employed in picking oakum or breaking stones. When shoe-makers, tailors, or other skilled workmen are in the prison, they are usually employed in making shoes, clothes and doing repairs of different kinds, in the service of the prison. The labour of the prisoners is not productive of any pecuniary return.

Escapes: An escape was lately affected by a prisoners, in a manner as daring as it was ingenious, during the time that the rest of the prisoners were at dinner, the man having availed himself of a ladder employed in the building of one of the workrooms. The fugitive was, however, very shortly recaptured. Another escape ………….

James Gabriel's Bequest of 1754: This bequest (referred to in the 1788 Report) appears to have been diverted from its proper object, as I can find no entry in the records of the gaol, for many years past, of the benefaction having been distributed among the prisoners. Upon enquiry, however, I find it to have been given as lately as the year 1820; and I also hear that the interest is annually received by the churchwardens of the parish of Monmouth. The governor, by direction of the Visiting Magistrates, communicated with the clerk of the trustees of the Monmouth Turnpike trust, and also with the churchwardens of the parish, requesting that a moiety might be given to the poor prisoners, as directed by the will of the testator; but no reply was received to these applications.

Staff: The staff of the prison comprises, besides the usual principal officers, four male and one female Turnkeys and the Lodge-keeper, but no schoolmaster.

Expenditure:

The Expenditure in the course of the last year amounted to £1744.16s.3d, the following being, in round numbers, some of the principal items:

Salaries: £661

Prison diet: £635

Clothing and bedding: £45

Fuel, light & soap: £151

Stationery & books: £19

Removal of prisoners To and From Trial: £16

Repairs: £62

Sundries: £103

The Receipts in the same period were £533.2s.6d. of which £524.13s.6d. was received from the Treasury for prisoners' maintenance and removal of convicts.

Total number of Prisoners received into Custody:

Criminals - in 1849: 232 (39 Female, 193 Male); 1850: 248 (42 Female, 206 Male)

Debtors - in 1849: 57 (3 Female, 54 Male); 1850: 44 (Male)

Deaths - in 1849: 1; 1850: 3

SOME CRIMES and SENTENCING:

1 Jan 1845 - 18 Sep 1850

A List of all prisoners received at Monmouth Gaol for Trial from Borough Jurisdictions:

Abbreviations: Received - rec.; Committed - c.; Tried at Assizes - Ass.; Tried at Sessions - Sess.; calendar months - cal.m.; Transportation - Trans.; Hard Labour - H.L.

Note:

Search the Database, for Calendars of Prisoners 1845 - 1850 to possibly identify some of the prisoners listed below. [JD]

J.H, age 17, Stealing a silver thimble, rec. 2 Feb 1845 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 9 cal.m. HL

E.T, age 28, Concealing birth of child, rec. 29 Mar 1845 from Monmouth Bor,, Ass. 3 cal.m. HL

J.W, age 24, Concealing birth of child, rec. 29 Mar 1845 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

J.E, age 15, Stealing a sheepskin, rec. 17 May 1845 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. Acquitted

E.N, age 23, Stealing bed and table linen, rec. 21 Jun 1845 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 3 cal.m. HL

G.J, age 23, Maliciously cutting and wounding, rec. 31 Jul 1845 from Newport Bor., Ass. 15yrs Trans.

M.A.N, age 23, Stealing money, rec. 26 Sept 1845 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. Acquitted

G.T, age 28, Stealing money, rec. 22 Nov 1845 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 12 cal.m. HL

J.E, age 16, Stealing a silver spoon, rec. 21 Feb 1846 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 12 cal.m. and once whipped

T.W, age 18, Stealing a silver spoon, rec. 21 Feb 1846 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Acquitted

W.H, age 47, Incorrigible rogue, rec. 6 Jun 1846 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 12 cal.m. imprisonment

J.F, age 21, Assault with intent to steal, rec. 25 Sept 1846 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 3 cal.m. HL

A.P, age 21, Stealing from the person, rec. 25 Sept 1846 from Monmouth Bor., Acquitted

W.C, age 18, Stealing a pair of stockings, rec. 29 Oct 1846 from Newport Bor., Sess. Acquitted

W.C, age 25, Stealing a horse, rec. 11 Nov 1846 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 6 cal.m. HL

J.W, age 19, Stealing a shirt, rec. 29 Jan 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 1 fortnight HL

F.M.C, age 19, Stealing money, rec. 2 Feb 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Acquitted

D.T, age 30, Stealing potatoes, rec. 3 Feb 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Acquitted

T.D, age 27, Stealing potatoes, rec. 3 Feb 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Acquitted

T.W, age 19, Stealing a shovel, rec. 4 Feb 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Acquitted

E.H, age 17, Stealing money, rec. 17 May 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Bill ignored

S.C, age 18, Stealing a pair of shoes, rec. 4 Dec 1847 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 12 cal.m. HL

W.H.L, age 25, Stealing a leg of mutton, rec. 19 Jan 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 2 cal.m. HL

A.J, age 25, Stealing wearing apparel, rec. 1 Feb 1848 from Newport Bor., Ass. 4 cal.m. HL

A.C, age 37, Stealing a duplicate, rec. 3 Mar 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 2 cal.m. HL

W.J, age 35, Incorrigible rogue, rec. 21 Mar 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 6 cal.m. HL

W.N, age 53, Stealing money, rec. 20 May 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 2 cal.m. imprisonment

P.V, age 38, Stealing money, rec. 4 Jul 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Acquitted

G.P, age 28, Stealing silver spoons, rec. 7 Sep 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. Acquitted

J.E, age 18, Stealing money, rec. 31 Oct 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 14 days HL and once whipped

J.S, age 33, Stealing money, rec. 23 Nov 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 7yrs Trans.

J.H, age 30, Stealing money, rec. 23 Nov 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 7yrs Trans.

J.P, age 38, Stealing a bed, rec. 27 Nov 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 2 cal.m. HL

E,M, age 29, Stealing a silver spoon, rec. 11 Dec 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 3 wks imprisonment

W.W, age 33, Stealing a spade, rec. 12 Dec 1848 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 14 days hard labour

W.J, age 38, Incorrigible rogue, rec. 8 Mar 1849 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 6 cal.m. HL

J.G, age 19, Burglary, rec. 18 Aug 1849 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 2yrs HL

T.R, age 19, Burglary, rec. 18 Aug 1849 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 2 years HL

T.W, age 22, Burglary, rec. 1 Sept 1849 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 15yrs Trans.

C.J, age 16, Stealing a pair of boots, rec. 16 Sept 1849 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 1 cal.m. and twice whipped

J.J, age 20, Sheep stealing, rec. 6 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. 7yrs Trans.

J.M, age 18, Sheep stealing, rec. 6 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. 10yrs Trans.

G.M, age 29, Sheep stealing, rec. 6 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. 13yrs Trans.

A.J, age 23, Highway robbery, rec. 8 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

C.W, age 27, Highway robbery, rec. 8 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

M.L, age 28, Highway robbery, rec. 8 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

W.C, age 31, Burglary, rec. 19 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. 2 cal.m. HL

P.C, age 21, Burglary, rec. 19 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. 10yrs Trans.

E.D, age 19, Burglary, rec. 19 Nov 1849 from Newport Bor., Ass. 10yrs Trans.

M.A.C, age 26, Stealing money, rec. 22 Dec 1849 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. 2 cal.m. HL

D.M, age 25, Forgery, rec. 9 Jan 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 12 cal.m. HL

H.N, age 32, Forgery, rec. 9 Jan 1850 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. Trans. for Life

M.S, age 30, Cutting and wounding, rec. 5 Feb 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

J.J, age 27, Assaulting constable, rec. 8 Feb 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 2yrs HL

M.C, age 22, Assaulting constable, rec. 8 Feb 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 2yrs HL

W.P, age 19, Highway robbery, rec. 8 Feb 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 2yrs HL

W.M, age 21, Highway robbery, rec. 8 Feb 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 12 cal.m. HL

D.T, age 37, Stealing money, rec. 14 Feb 1850 from Monmouth Bor., Sess. Acquitted

M.D, age 20, Stealing money, rec. 26 Mar 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

E.W, age 21, Stealing money, rec. 26 Mar 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

W.S, age 24, Stealing rope, rec. 26 Mar 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

M.J, age 28, Stealing spirits, rec. 27 Mar 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 6 cal.m. HL

C.C, age 20, Stealing iron, rec. 27 Mar 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 1 cal.m. HL

E.E, age 20, Stealing money, &c. from the person, rec. 10 May 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 15yrs Trans.

C.P, age 18, Stealing money, &c. from the person, rec. 10 May 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 15yrs Trans.

M.J.S, age 19, Stealing money, &c. from the person, rec. 4 Jun 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 10yrs Trans.

A.M, age 19, Stealing money, &c. from the person, rec. 9 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 12 cal.m. HL

J.T, age 24, Stealing wearing apparel, rec. 12 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 7yrs Trans.

J.W, age 43, Stealing wearing apparel, rec. 12 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 7yrs Trans.

H.J, age 17, Stealing wearing apparel, rec. 12 July 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 7yrs Trans.

G.R, age 20, Stealing wearing apparel, rec. 12 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 12cal.m. HL

J.W, age 25, Stealing potatoes, rec. 25 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 3cal.m. HL

E?.B, age 21, Stealing money from the person, rec. 16 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 15yrs Trans.

G.W, age 17, Stealing iron, rec. 23 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 6wks HL

T.B, age 29, Malicious stabbing, rec. 23 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 6cal.m. HL

J.J, age 26, Stealing coal, rec. 23 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 3cal.m. HL

J.V, age 25, Highway robbery, rec. 23 Jul 1850 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 4cal.m. HL

W.W, age 20, Highway robbery, rec. 23 Jul 1850 from Monmouth Bor., Ass. 4cal.m. HL

J.W, age 48, Stealing rope, rec. 30 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. Acquitted

C.H, age 40, Malicious stabbing, rec. 30 Jul 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 6cal.m. imprisonment

J.F, age 49, Stealing money, rec. 2 Aug 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 6cal.m. HL

A.Y, age 17, Stealing money from the person, rec. 2 Aug 1850 from Newport Bor., 4cal.m. HL

S.J, age 22, Stealing money from the person, rec. 2 Aug 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 8cal.m. HL

J.M, age 30, Assaulting constable, rec. 3 Aug 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 6cal.m. HL

E.E, age 45, Stealing a pair of boots, rec. 3 Aug 1850 from Newport Bor., Ass. 2cal.m. HL

J.C, age 37, Stealing a pair of boots, rec. 3 Aug 1850 from Newport Bor., Acquitted

CONVICTED Prisoners in the Gaol on the 18th Sept 1850

J.D, age 37, Housebreaking, c. 5th Aug. 1848, Ass. 5 Aug 1848, 14yrs Trans.

G.L, age 20, Malicious stabbing, c. 9 May 1849, Ass. 2 Aug 1849, 15 cal.m. HL

W.L, age 46, Stealing watches, c. 6 July 1849, Ass. 2 Aug 1849, 18 cal.m. HL

T.E.T, age 39, Forgery, c. 23 July 1849, Ass. 2 Aug 1849, 7yrs Trans.

{J.G, age 19, Burglary, c. 18 Aug 1849, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

{T.R, age 19, Burglary, c. 18 Aug 1849, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

J.D, age 30, Rape on a child, c. 12 Nov 1849, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

J.D, age 24, Sheep stealing, c. 21 Nov 1849, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

D.M.C, age 25, Forgery, c. 5 Jan 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

{D.M, age 32, Stealing tobacco from a boat on a canal, c. 12 Jan 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

{R.L, age 31, (with above, same details)

{J.F, age 39, Burglary, c. 23 Jan 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

{G.F, age 30, (with above)

{J.P, age 33, (with above, same details)

{J.H, female, age 33 (with above, same details)

J.W, age 31, Sheep stealing, c. 23 Jan 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 18 cal.m. HL

{W.M, age 19, Highway robbery, c. 8 Feb 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

{W.P, age 21, (with above) 2yrs HL

{J.J, age 27, Assault on a constable, c. 8 Feb 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

{M.C, age 22, (with above)

{C.H, age 22, Burglary, c. 21 Feb 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 2yrs HL

{G.L, age 23, (with above, same details)

W.C. age 27, Uttering base coin, c. 24 Feb. 1850, Sess. 18 Mar 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

I.H, age 47, Stealing iron, c. 24 Feb 1850, Sess. 18 Mar 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

J.S, female, age 19, Stealing flannel, c. 23 Mar 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

H.D, female, age 18, Stealing watch &c,, c. 23 Mar 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

M.J, female, age 28, Stealing spirits &c., c. 27 Mar 1850, Ass. 27 Mar 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

{W.P, age 23, Stealing furniture, c. 1 Apr 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 18 cal.m. HL

{J.C, age 51, (with above), 12 cal.m. HL

T.J, age 26, Receiving stolen property, c. 6 Apr 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

W.G, age 37, Detaining a post letter, c. 11 Apr 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

R.W, age 22, Housebreaking, c. 11 Apr 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 9 cal.m. HL

T.T, age 30, Stealing wearing apparel, c. 15 Apr 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

{W.J, age 30, Stealing cloth, c. 16 Apr 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 4 cal.m. HL

{M.A.S, female, (with above, same details)

T.D, age 18, Stealing coal, c. 6 May, Sess. 1 July 1850, 4 cal.m. HL

E.E, female, age 20, Stealing money from person, c. 10 May 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 15 yrs Trans

R.P, age 18, Stealing money from person, c. 20 May 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 4 cal.m. HL and twice whipped

E.L, female, age 20, Stealing money from person, c. 23 May 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850. 6 cal.m. HL

T.D, age 33, Stealing coal, c. 1 July 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

T.S, age 17, Stealing lead, c. 1 July 1850, Sess. 1 July 1850, 3 cal.m. and twice whipped

E.H, age 21, Stealing wearing apparel, c. 6 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

H.D, age 16, Stealing money, c. 8 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

A.M.A, female, age 19, Stealing money, c. 9 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

H.G., age 20, Manslaughter, c. 9 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 3 cal.m. HL

D.H, age 19, Housebreaking, c. 10 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 9 cal.m. HL

G.R, age 20, Stealing wearing apparel, c. 12 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

J.G, age 23, Highway robbery, c. 15 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 3 cal.m. HL

J.W, age 26, Stealing potatoes, c. 16 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 3 cal.m. HL

T.B, age 30, Malicious stabbing, c. 20 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

J.J, age 26, Stealing coal, c. 23 July 1850, Ass.? 23 July 1850, 3 cal.m. HL

J.V, age 25, Highway robbery, c. 23 July 1850, Ass.? 23 Jul 1850, 4 cal.m. HL

W.W, age 20, Highway robbery, c. 23 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 4 cal.m. HL

C.H, age 40, Malicious stabbing, c. 25 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. imprisonment

{J.D, age 22, Housebreaking, c. 25 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

{T.T, age 20, (with above, same details)

H.U, age 26, Malicious stabbing, c. 25 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

J.M, age 30, Assaulting constable, c. 26 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 9 cal.m. HL

W.P, age 20, Assaulting constable, c. 26 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

{W.S, age 25, Housebreaking, c. 29 July 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

{W.R, age 20, (with above, same details)

{W.M, age 19, (with above, same details)

P.C, age 18, Stealing wearing apparel, c. 2 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 12 cal.m. HL

A.Y, female, age 17, Stealing money, c. 2 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 4 cal.m. HL

S.J, female, age 22, Stealing money, c. 2 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 8 cal.m. HL

W.W, age 17, Stealing wearing apparel, c. 2 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

J.F, age 49, Stealing money, &c., c. 2 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

J.M, age 30, Assaulting constable, c. 3 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

W.H, age 17, Stealing money, c. 3 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 9 cal.m. HL

E.E, female, age 45, Stealing boots, c. 3 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 2 cal.m. HL

R.L, age 35, Stealing fowls, &c., c. 3 Aug 1850, Ass. 3 Aug 1850, 6 cal.m. HL

T.E, age 27, Using profane language in the public streets, c. 2 Sept 1850, Summarily sentenced, 1 cal.m. imprisonment or pay £1.3s.3d for fine and costs

PRISONERS AWAITING TRIAL in the Monmouth Gaol on 18th Sept 1850

{F.A, age 19, Highway Robbery, c. 22 Aug 1850, for trial at Assizes

{E.J, age 23, (with above, same details)

G.W, age 20, Stealing wearing apparel, c. 14 Sept 1850, for trial at Sessions

DEBTORS in the Gaol on 18th Sept 1850

R.E, age 81, c. 9 Dec 1842, Court - Exchequer, Debt £73.19s.0d, prison term - unlimited

W.N.D, age 24, c. 17 Nov 1848, Court - Queen's Bench, Debt £93.17s.0d, prison term - unlimited

I.P.S, age 53, c. 20 July 1850, Court - Chancery, Debt £50.0s.0d, prison term - unlimited

W.J, age 43, c. 20 Aug 1850, Court - Queen's Bench, Debt £32.9s.0d, prison term - unlimited

{R.W, age 65, c. 26 Aug 1850, Court - Queen's Bench, Debt £147.4s.0d, prison term - unlimited

(T.J, age 33 (with above, same details)

D.H, age 28, c. 10 Sept 1850, County Court, Debt £19.5s.2d, prison term - Twenty days

1854 The Inspectors Report on the COUNTY GAOL

At the time of my last visit to this prison, a very useful alteration was in progress, consisting of the construction of five reception cells for male prisoners and a bath both, of which are vary much wanted. A short time previously, a new prison was built for females, the old one being entirely removed. The new building contained on the ground-floor, a wash-house, a laundry, a mess-room for prisoners, a room for female officers, officers' room, and four cells, one of which is used as in infirmary, two prisoners being nurses.

Diet: I questioned all the prisoners apart, or in the presence of the surgeon, and heard many complaints of the unwholesomeness of the dinner, consisting of a soft pultaceous mass, composed of 8 oz. of Indian meal and 1.1/2 pint of water and 1/2 pint of milk. It was no uncommon thing for the dinner to be refused for many weeks together, although nothing was obtained in exchange for it; the prisoners in such cases only having half a pint of milk for dinner, without bread or any other solid food. I am strongly of the opinion that the meal in question which consists of 8 oz. for men, and 6 oz. for women, of Indian corn meal made with water into about two pounds of porridge, and with no other mixture than half a pint of milk, is not calculated to sustain the health and strength of prisoners; and further, that the total privation of meat and fresh vegetables to which prisoners are subjected during the whole of their imprisonment, both before and after conviction, is likely to produce scurvy and other diseases arising from poverty of blood … Upon all the circumstances, which are here only briefly alluded to, there is, I think, a very strong necessity for re-considering the dietary of the prison, which was only adopted in the first instance experimentally, in consequence of objections having been urged against its adoption, founded upon the experience of other establishments.

Cleanliness: The prison was very clean, except in those parts in which the new buildings were going on.

Bedding: The bedding was of good quality and sufficient in quantity. Sheets are allowed to all prisoners.

Prisoners in confinement on the last day of inspection were as follows:

Convicted at Assizes and Sessions: Males - 29, Females - 13

Debtors: Males - 4

Total 46

Monmouth County Gaol closed at the end of 1869 and its inmates were transferred to Usk House of Correction, the old gaol buildings were demolished in 1884 - only the gatehouse remains.

 

 

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