2-699-177 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'Interior of the Fleet Prison - The Racket-Court', (c1872). Prisoners exercising and playing sport in the courtyard. The notorious prison by the River Fleet in London was originally built in 1197. During the 18th century it was mainly used for debtors and bankrupts. It was rebuilt several times, and was in use until 1844, being demolished in 1846. From Old and New London, Vol. II: A Narrative of Its History, Its People, and Its Places, by Walter Thornbury. [Cassell, Petter, Galpin & Co., London, Paris & New York]