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Lincoln
Castle's historic prison has opened its doors to the public
giving visitors the chance to experience first hand the Victorian
penal system.
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When Queen Victoria came to the throne
crime and civil unrest was rife across the country. Dispossessed tenant farmers
turned to poaching and crop stealing to feed their families and petty crime was
rampant. Harsh sentences were imposed for anyone convicted of crimes.
Lincoln
prison introduced the American 'separate system' leaving prisoners in total isolation,
only allowing them to speak to prison officials or the prison chaplain.
Inmates
had cold running water and sanitation in their cells but conditions
were harsh. Male prisoners wore masks so they could not recognise
fellow inmates and women prisoners were veiled.
The restoration of the prison will now give visitors a chance to
look inside the condemned cell, where those facing the rope would
spend their final hours. Visitors can also go through the women's
wing of the prison and experience life as a prisoner. The lives
of the matron, surgeon and prison chaplain will also be revealed.
Find out more about Lincoln Castle Prison by visiting the Lincoln
Castle website* >>
*The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
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