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Prisoners Working at the Tread-Wheel and Others Exercising in the 3rd Yard of
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Prisoners Working at the Tread-Wheel and Others Exercising in the 3rd Yard of
STC101353 Prisoners Working at the Tread-Wheel and Others Exercising in the 3rd Yard of the Vagrants Prison, Coldbath Fields, from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes of Prison Life by Henry Mayhew (1812-87) and John Binny, 1862 (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; English, out of copyright
Media ID 22782518
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Convicts Dickensian Penal Punishment
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a haunting scene from the depths of Victorian London's criminal underworld. Titled "Prisoners Working at the Tread-Wheel and Others Exercising in the 3rd Yard of Vagrants Prison, Coldbath Fields" this print offers a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by convicts during this era. In the foreground, we see prisoners toiling away on tread-wheels, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair. This grueling form of punishment was designed to break both body and spirit, forcing inmates to continuously climb an endless staircase-like structure as a means of exertion. The repetitive motion serves as a metaphor for their monotonous existence within these cold prison walls. Meanwhile, in the background, other prisoners engage in exercise routines within the confined space of the prison yard. Their movements are regimented yet desperate; they strive to maintain some semblance of physical well-being amidst an environment that seeks to dehumanize them. The image evokes strong emotions and echoes themes prevalent in Charles Dickens' novels - poverty, crime, punishment - painting a vivid picture of life behind bars during this tumultuous period. It stands as a stark reminder of society's attempts to control its underbelly through draconian penal measures. As we gaze upon this engraving from Henry Mayhew's "The Criminal Prisons of London" we cannot help but reflect on how far our justice system has evolved since then. Yet it also compels us to
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