Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 2 From the eighteenth century to its demolition

About this book

"Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 2" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the notorious Newgate Prison, exploring its grim realities from the 18th century until its demolition. Griffiths, who served as an inspector of prisons, provides a detailed examination of the dismal conditions faced by inmates, the notorious cases of crime, and the broader context of prison reform in England. At the start of the volume, the appalling state of Newgate Prison is starkly illustrated. The opening details the unthinkable neglect and inhumane conditions that prisoners endured, with scant provisions and rampant overcrowding leading to rampant disease, specifically the "gaol fever." Griffiths highlights personal accounts and historical anecdotes, such as the treatment of debtors and the intermingling of prisoners, which reveal both the physical and moral degradation within the prison walls. The introduction sets the stage for a broader discussion of the need for prison reform, documenting the alarming public health crises stemming from the prison's abysmal conditions.