accounts of male prisoners' cells
"Against the wall, on one side, is set the bright copper hand basin with a tap of water immediately above it; at the extreme end of the cell is the smallest closet, well supplied with water pipes; and in another part you see the shaded gas-jet, whilst in one of the corners by the door are some two or three triangular shelves, where the prisoner's spoon, platter, mug and soap box &c, are stored... There is a little table and stool, and occasionally on the former may be found some brown paper-covered book or periodical... Hanging against the wall is a paste board bill headed "Notice to Convicts" and the "Rules and Regulations" of the prison, as well as a little card inscribed with the prisoners registered number - and citing not only his previous occupation but term sentence, date of conviction etc.. Furthermore, there is, in the corner near the cupboard, a button, which on being turned causes a small gong to be struck in the corridor without, and at the same moment make a metal plate or "index" outside the door start out at right angles to the wall, so that the warder when summoned by the bell, may know which prisoner has rung."

(Criminal Prisons in London and Scenes of Prison Life by H. Mayhew and J. Binny, first published in 1862.)


"...13' 0" x 7' 0" X 7' 10" to arch-springing... The floors are of brick, and the windows "square-built", 2' 6" wide and 2' 0" high, with cast-iron sash in 24 panes of opaque glass... The hot-air inlets on the left above the door, and the extract on [the] right below the window. There are hinged wooden bedboards each with two feet. The painting of the dado in dark-brown was ugly. The doors have good locks by Smith, with bevelled bolt and two throws, and large plates inside to protect them as they are not iron sheeted. They have cast iron frames, and all the cell-doors have traps which are used for observation by the Medical Officer. There is a water tap in every cell."

"Separate cell in Pentonville Prison."

(Criminal Prisons in London and Scenes of Prison Life by H. Mayhew and J. Binny, first published in 1862.)