2-888-339 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Dining Ward, Newgate Prison, [London], 1850. Extract from a report of the State of the Prison: 'The great corruption of Newgate still appears to be most fearful in the transport wards. The condition of the transports [those waiting to be 'transported' to penal colonies], confined for months in perfect idleness, makes them spend their leisure time in awfully corrupting one another. The language, acts, and habits of these utterly depraved men; their filthiness, falsehood, and pernicious animosities; are too bad to be described. The magistrates wish these men removed to their proper place of confinement. The Government are unable to comply with these reasonable desires, because every place is full'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.