Littledean prison is based in Gloucestershire and was ahead of its time when it was first constructed in 1791. It was host to a number of inmates with crimes ranging from petty theft to murder. Ironically, it could be argued that life was better on the inside at Littledean; guaranteed food, a place to sleep and some form of education. Some of the inmates were as young as 16 years old, and there have been tales of 8 year olds being incarcerated and whipped with a birch and a cat of nine tails.
Littledean Prisoners in 1851
Now used as a tourist attraction, Littledean prison used to host some dangerous criminals. Some of the prisoners and occupants can be found below, with some basic information about them:
Occupants in the 1851 Census
Age Status Occupation Birthplace
SHEPHERD Thomas 28 Head M Governor Almondsbury
Maria 28 Wife M Matron Coleford
Edwin 4 Son Scholar Newnham
Thomas 2 Son Scholar Little Dean
Sarah Jane 1 Dau Little Dean
BOSWORTH William 45 Serv Turnkey Orton, Notts
BEARD Edward 36 Serv Turnkey Little Dean
PRISONERS
Name Age Status Occupation Birthplace
BULLOCK Prudence 19 U Ag. Lab Longhope
CARPENTER William 21 U Ag. Lab Elmore
CREED William 17 U Blacksmith Pembroke
DAVIS Charles 43 M Sawyer Dymock
EVANS Henry 20 U Ag. Lab C Hepstow
GREENOUGH Richard 18 U Coal Miner Gloucester City
HAILE George 18 U Ag. Lab Lea
HAILE Thomas 57 M Ag. Lab Newent
HART Mary 18 U Labourer Longhope
HOR John 20 U Ag. Lab Cholbrook, Bucks
JONES John 51 Wid Waterman Framilode
JONES Thomas 21 U Sawyer Hartpury
KILFORD Cornelius 38 M Nailer Little Dean
MCTILAGH Shanty 26 U Vagrant Scotland
NICHOLS Samuel 17 U Ag. Lab Gloucester City
ROBERTS Ann 16 U Servant Ruardean
ROBINS Henry 25 U Coal Miner Weston, Herefordshire
STEEL Samuel 19 U Ag. Lab Coleford
WATKINS George 19 U Ag. Lab Monmouth
From the table, you can see that the prisoners ranged in age and occupation. Coming from Scotland, the local area and other locations around England, Littledean was seen as the most up-to-date, revolutionary House of Correction of its time. Do any of these names help you in your search?
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