Collection: Newgate Prison

Newgate Prison was one of London's most infamous jails, operating for over 700 years from 1188 to 1902. It was located at the corner of Newgate Street and Old Bailey, near the site of the Roman London Wall.

Key Facts:

• Origins: Established in 1188 under Henry II, it was originally part of the city's defensive gate.
• Brutal Conditions: Prisoners endured overcrowding, disease, and poor sanitation, leading to frequent deaths.
• Public Executions: From 1783, hangings were moved from Tyburn to the street outside the prison, drawing large crowds.
• Famous Inmates: Notable prisoners included Captain William Kidd (pirate), Daniel Defoe (author of Robinson Crusoe), and Oscar Wilde.
• Demolition: The prison was closed in 1902 and demolished in 1904. The Old Bailey courthouse now stands on the site.

Newgate Prison was a symbol of justice and punishment, feared by criminals and immortalized in literature, including Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist and Great Expectations.