I had the opportunity to visit Shrewsbury Prison, a former Category B/C men’s prison located in the charming town of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. This historical institution, which ceased operations in March 2013, has now been transformed into a fascinating attraction that welcomes visitors from all over the UK.
From the moment I stepped inside the Shrewsbury Prison, I was immersed in the stories and secrets that this historic institution holds. Shrewsbury Prison is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of prisons and the criminal justice system.
As a visitor, you can embark on Guided Tours that offer a fascinating glimpse into the prison’s history, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join one of their thrilling Ghost Tours. With so much to explore across the expansive 4-acre site, you’ll be captivated by the prison’s intriguing past and the stories it holds.
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Escape Room Experience in Shrewsbury Prison
One of the Shrewsbury Prison highlights is the exhilarating escape room experience, where you can put your problem-solving skills to the test and try to break free from a simulated prison scenario.
Walking around the prison, it is hard don’t notice the orange prison outfits worn by the Escape Room participants that adds a unique touch to the whole experience.
Georgian Prison
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Georgian era at Shrewsbury Prison. This historical landmark showcases the architectural brilliance of the time, with its grand high ceilings that were characteristic of the period. Even prisons were not exempt from this architectural style, and Shrewsbury Prison is a prime example.
As you venture through the Shrewsbury Prison, you’ll be transported to a different era. The Georgian Prison consisted of three floors, with the lowest floor situated underground, devoid of natural light. The higher floors offered a glimpse of light through small vents, but also exposed the prisoners to the unpredictable elements of the weather. These remnants of the original Georgian prison, constructed in 1793, can still be explored today, lying beneath the current prison building.
You can witness the architectural evolution that took place over the years, as the current prison building was constructed in 1868, with further modifications in 1883 and 1888. This immersive experience allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the conditions and challenges faced by prisoners during the Georgian era.
Conditions in Georgian Prison
In the Georgian era, the social class of prisoners determined their living conditions in Shrewsbury Prison. Unlike today, prisoners were not separated based on their crimes, gender, or age. Instead, they were grouped together according to their social status.
The living conditions for lower-class prisoners in Shrewsbury Prison were deplorable. Due to the prison’s fee system, all prisoners had to pay for their own food and belongings, including basic necessities like bedding. Unfortunately, the poorer prisoners often struggled to afford these fees, resulting in them living in squalid conditions.
On the other hand, prisoners from wealthy families enjoyed a stark contrast in their living conditions. Affluent prisoners had the means to purchase personal items, food, and even luxurious comforts like pillows and blankets. They were even granted the privilege of dining with the Governor, a privilege that was completely out of reach for the lower-class prisoners.
Punishments in Georgian Prison
During the early Georgian period, Shrewsbury Prison was known for its strict enforcement of capital punishment, with over 200 different crimes carrying the possibility of a death sentence. Surprisingly, even seemingly minor offenses such as stealing ribbon could result in a conviction that led to the gallows.
An interesting phenomenon occurred among female prisoners who were sentenced to hang. In an attempt to delay their execution, some women would purposely become pregnant while imprisoned, as this would grant them a transfer to C wing where pregnant prisoners were housed. The authorities would refrain from carrying out the death sentence on a pregnant woman, as it would mean taking the life of an innocent child.
Execution Room in Shrewsbury Prison
The Execution Room at Shrewsbury Prison has a long and fascinating history. Before 1868, executions were done in public, with crowds gathering to witness the event on the roof of the gate lodge. It was a spectacle that drew thousands of spectators, turning into a major event in the town. However, as times changed, the decision was made to move executions inside the prison walls for more privacy.
Today, visitors to Shrewsbury Prison can explore this historic Execution Room and learn about its significance in the prison’s past. It serves as a reminder of the darker side of the prison’s history and the evolution of how executions were conducted over the years.
It is worth noting that on the 13th of August 1964, a significant event took place in the United Kingdom as it marked the last execution to ever occur in the country. Also, Ruth Ellis holds a significant place in the history of capital punishment in the United Kingdom. In 1955, she became the last female prisoner to be executed. Shrewsbury Prison stands as a testament to the evolution of the UK’s justice system, transitioning from capital punishment to a more humane approach in dealing with criminals.
Executioner’s Bedroom
Shrewsbury Prison was known for its meticulous preparation before an execution. The Pierrepoints, including Henry, Thomas, and Albert, were known for their accurate approach to executions. They revolutionized the process by considering factors such as the prisoner’s height, weight, and build to determine the appropriate length of rope for a more precise and humane execution.
Albert Pierrepoint, in particular, was renowned for his professionalism and skill. Albert Pierrepoint’s transition from a skilled executioner to a vocal opponent of capital punishment further emphasizes the complexity of his character and the ethical considerations surrounding the practice of execution.
Working as Prison Officer
Shrewsbury Prison was operated under a system where Governors were given a budget to manage the facility, and whatever funds they didn’t utilize would essentially become their earnings. This setup incentivized Governors to cut costs wherever possible to maximize their personal income. Consequently, the quality of care and resources provided to the inmates suffered as a result of this profit-driven approach.
During that period, being a Prison Officer, or Jailer as they were known back then, was not a desirable occupation. The pay was meager, and the little compensation they did receive was deducted from the fees collected from prisoners.
Moreover, the job itself was fraught with risks and potential dangers, making it unattractive to many individuals seeking employment. This led to a situation where the staff working in prisons were often individuals with questionable backgrounds and motives.
C Wing – Haunted Wing
C Wing at Shrewsbury Prison had the capacity to accommodate up to 43 prisoners. The cells in this wing are slightly larger compared to those in A wing. This is because C Wing was initially constructed to house female prisoners, and the additional space was provided to accommodate the presence of children who were often brought to prison with their mothers during that era.
Among the various sections of the Shrewsbury Prison, C wing stands out as the most haunted area in the whole building. Numerous reports have surfaced over the years, detailing sightings of a mysterious lady in cell C203 who walks towards the execution room, as well as a young boy who has been spotted sitting at the bottom of the steps. An officer on night duty who heard the sound of a child crying was so shaken by the experience that he refused to work on C Wing again.
Another Officer on duty reported a strange occurrence of water cascading down over the office windows from the floor above. Upon investigation, it was found that water was gushing over a sink into C wing, a part of the prison that was sealed off during the night. This left everyone puzzled as no officer had access to that area, raising questions about the possibility of paranormal activity within the prison walls.
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the mysteries of the Haunted Wing at Shrewsbury Prison, why not consider joining Ghost Tour?
Cell C203
Cell C203, also known as the ‘Haunted Wing’, has gained a reputation for being the most haunted cell in Shrewsbury Prison. With so many cells to choose from within Shrewsbury Prison, it is intriguing that my partner decided to enter this specific cell without even reading the description displayed outside.
The absence of any prior information about the cell’s haunted history adds an element of surprise and uncertainty to the experience. As you enter the cell, the atmosphere becomes palpable, and the stories and reports surrounding the ‘Grey Lady’ and other unexplained phenomena start to weigh on your mind. Curiosity mixes with a hint of trepidation as you step into the unknown, ready to uncover the secrets that lie within Cell C203.
Numerous reports from officers, prisoners, and even the public have detailed unexplainable occurrences within this wing. Personally, I was not brave enough to enter the most haunted cell C203 in Shrewsbury Prison.
Typical Cell in Shrewsbury Prison
The typical cell is designed to resemble the living conditions of a prisoner in the final months of Shrewsbury Prison’s operation. Inside the cell, prisoners would have access to various amenities to make their stay more comfortable. These amenities include a television, a kettle for making hot beverages, and access to newspapers. Additionally, prisoners were allowed to keep personal hygiene products, food, and pictures in their cells, adding a touch of personalization to an otherwise confined space.
The mannequin displayed in the cell is dressed in a grey tracksuit, which was the standard attire for prisoners at Shrewsbury Prison. However, it’s important to note that prisoners were also allowed to keep other clothing items in their cells, such as t-shirts and shorts, providing them with some variety in their wardrobe.
Prior to the introduction of the tracksuit, prisoners would have worn a traditional striped shirt and trousers, a uniform that is still worn in some prisons today. This historical evolution of prisoner attire can be observed and learned about in the Shrewsbury Prison museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
Showers in Shrewsbury Prison
In Shrewsbury Prison, the showers were located on each landing within the prison wings, making them easily accessible to the prisoners. The shower timings were specific, with prisoners allowed to use them between 7.30am and 8.30am, as well as between 6pm and 8pm on weekdays. On weekends, the prisoners had the flexibility to take a shower at any time of the day, a luxury not commonly found in every prison.
However, before the mid-90s, sanitation facilities such as toilets and showers were not a standard feature in prisons. In the absence of cell toilets, prisoners had to resort to a practice known as ‘slopping out’, which involved emptying their pots every morning. This process could lead to messy situations if a prisoner accidentally spilled their pot or, in more severe cases, used it as a weapon against another inmate or staff member.
Filming Location in Shrewsbury Prison
If you’re a fan of the hit BBC drama “Time”, you might recognize Shrewsbury Prison as the filming location for some intense scenes. The talented actors Sean Bean and Stephen Graham brought their characters to life within these prison walls, portraying two men on opposite sides of the bars.
Reception in Shrewsbury Prison
Here’s an intriguing piece of information for you: Shrewsbury Prison once experienced an extraordinary influx of individuals, resulting in the highest number of receptions in a single day. A total of 471 people were processed, which astonishingly represents around 14% of the entire prison’s population.
Visiting Prisoners in Shrewsbury Prison
When visiting Shrewsbury Prison in the past, the rules regarding prisoner visits were quite specific. Each prisoner was allowed up to three adult visitors at a time, and any accompanying children were not counted towards this limit. To accommodate visits involving children, there was a designated area set aside for these types of visits. This ensured that families could still spend time together despite the circumstances.
The entitlements for prison visits varied depending on the behavioral status of the prisoner. For those on basic status, which referred to convicted prisoners, they were allowed two visits per month. Prisoners on standard status had the privilege of three visits per month. Enhanced prisoners, who had demonstrated exemplary behavior, were entitled to four visits per month. Remand prisoners, who were awaiting trial, had the most frequent visitation rights, with three visits allowed every week.
The duration of visits typically lasted between one to two hours. These visits were scheduled primarily in the afternoons or evenings, although there were occasional instances where visits could take place on weekends. It’s important to note that the prison Governor had the authority to grant privilege visits to prisoners as a reward for good behavior.
These visits served as an incentive for prisoners to maintain positive conduct during their time in prison. If you’re interested in learning more about the visitation policies in the Shrewsbury Prison, you can opt for a Guided Tour that provides further insights into the facility’s history and operations.
Smoking Policy in Shrewsbury Prison
In the past, Shrewsbury Prison had a policy that allowed prisoners to smoke only in their cells. This meant that if a prisoner was in a shared cell, efforts were made to allocate separate cells for smoking and non-smoking prisoners. However, since the closure of Shrewsbury Prison, there has been a significant change in the smoking policy across all prisons.
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