Victorian Prisons
Victorian prisons were facilities in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901. They were designed to reform criminals through hard labor and strict discipline. The Penal Reform Movement aimed to improve conditions, leading to the establishment of the Separate System, where inmates were kept in isolation to encourage reflection and repentance.
Prison architecture during this time often featured high walls and barred windows, emphasizing security. Notable prisons included Millbank Prison and Pentonville Prison, which were built to accommodate the growing number of offenders. The focus was on punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation, reflecting the social attitudes of the era.