History of Wandsworth Prison

Wandsworth Prison has been a part of London’s criminal justice system since 1851. It is the oldest operating jail in the capital and has a long and fascinating history. The prison is located in the borough of Wandsworth, and is the largest category B prison in the UK. It is home to around 1,200 male inmates, who are either awaiting trial or are serving short sentences. The prison is also home to a number of inmates who are serving life sentences or are on remand.

The prison has a long and varied history, and has been the home to some of Britain’s most notorious criminals. It is also known for its famous escapes and daring breakouts. In this article, we will explore the history of Wandsworth Prison and get an insight into the life and culture of the prison today.

Historical Background of Wandsworth Prison

The history of Wandsworth Prison dates back to the late 18th century, when the area now known as Wandsworth was first developed. The prison was originally built in 1851 as a private jail and was used as a place of confinement for debtors, criminals and vagrants. The prison was designed to be a place of reform and rehabilitation, and the inmates were given access to education and vocational training.

The prison was initially managed by a private company, but in 1878 it was taken over by the government and became a state-run prison. In the late 19th century, the prison was expanded and renovated to accommodate more inmates. In the early 20th century, the prison was further modified to include a hospital and a new wing for female inmates.

The prison has been the home to some of Britain’s most notorious criminals, including the Kray Twins, the Great Train Robbers and the Moors Murderers. It has also been the site of several daring escapes, including the famous escape of Ronnie Biggs in 1965.

Notable Inmates at Wandsworth Prison

Wandsworth Prison has been the home to some of Britain’s most notorious criminals. Over the years, the prison has been the home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including the Kray Twins, the Great Train Robbers and the Moors Murderers. Other notable inmates at Wandsworth Prison include the serial killer John Christie, the terrorist Abu Hamza, the fraudster Christopher Skase and the drug smuggler Howard Marks.

The prison has also been the home to some famous political prisoners, including the suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst and the former South African President Nelson Mandela. Other famous inmates include the author Oscar Wilde, the poet Rudyard Kipling and the anarchist Guy Fawkes.

Famous Escapes from Wandsworth Prison

Wandsworth Prison has been the site of several famous escapes over the years. The most famous escape was that of Ronnie Biggs in 1965, when he escaped from the prison by scaling the walls with a rope ladder.

Other famous escapes include that of the Kray Twins in 1966, when they escaped by digging a tunnel through the prison walls. The Great Train Robbers also made a daring escape in 1967, when they escaped by climbing over the prison walls with a rope ladder.

Changes in Wandsworth Prison Over the Years

Wandsworth Prison has undergone many changes over the years. In the late 19th century, the prison was expanded and renovated to accommodate more inmates. In the early 20th century, the prison was further modified to include a hospital and a new wing for female inmates.

In recent years, the prison has undergone further changes, including the installation of CCTV cameras, the introduction of drug testing and the introduction of anti-bullying measures. In addition, the prison has introduced a number of rehabilitation programmes, such as anger management classes and drug treatment programmes.

Famous Events and Controversies in Wandsworth Prison

Wandsworth Prison has been the site of several famous events and controversies over the years. In the late 19th century, the prison was the site of a major hunger strike, when inmates protested against the poor conditions in the prison. In the early 20th century, the prison was the site of a major riot, when inmates revolted against the harsh treatment they were receiving from the prison staff.

In recent years, the prison has been the site of several controversial events, including the death of an inmate in 2011 and the escape of two inmates in 2012. In addition, the prison has been the site of several high-profile trials, such as the trial of the Kray Twins in 1969 and the trial of Abu Hamza in 2013.

The Structure of Wandsworth Prison Today

Wandsworth Prison today is a very different place to the one it was in the 19th century. The prison is now a Category B prison, which means that it is suitable for inmates who have been convicted of less serious offences. The prison is divided into four wings, each of which houses around 300 inmates.

The prison has a number of amenities, including a library, an education centre and a gym. The prison also has a number of rehabilitation programmes, such as anger management classes and drug treatment programmes.

Visiting Wandsworth Prison

Wandsworth Prison is open to visitors, although there are strict rules and regulations in place. Visitors must obtain permission from the prison before visiting, and must provide proof of identity. All visitors must be aged 18 or over and must be wearing appropriate clothing.

Visiting hours are limited and visitors must be accompanied by a member of prison staff. Visitors are not allowed to take any items into the prison, and must pass through a metal detector before being allowed in.

Conclusion

Wandsworth Prison is one of the oldest and most notorious prisons in London. It has been in operation since 1851 and has a long and fascinating history. In this article, we have explored the history of Wandsworth Prison and have gained an insight into what life is like inside the jail today.

We have looked at some of the famous inmates and escapes that have taken place over the years, as well as the changes and controversies that have shaped the prison. We have also looked at the structure of Wandsworth Prison today and the rules and regulations for visiting the prison.

Wandsworth Prison is a fascinating place and one which is steeped in history. It is a place of both tragedy and triumph, and its story is one which will continue to fascinate people for many years to come.

If you would like to find out more about Wandsworth Prison, why not take a guided tour of the prison and learn more about the history and culture of the prison today?