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Portsmouth Prison Tread-wheel
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Portsmouth Prison Tread-wheel
Prisoners on the tread-wheel at Portsmouth Prison, Hampshire. Date: circa 1900
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Media ID 14408268
© Mary Evans/Peter Higginbotham Collection
Hampshire Portsmouth Prison Prisoners Services Welfare
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Prisoners on the Tread-wheel at Portsmouth Prison, Hampshire, Circa 1900 This evocative photograph captures a moment in time at Portsmouth Prison, Hampshire, circa 1900. The image shows a group of prisoners, dressed in striped uniforms, laboriously turning the tread-wheel, a large wooden wheel with metal spikes, as part of their daily routine. The prison, established in 1841, was known for its harsh conditions and punitive measures, including the use of the tread-wheel as a form of punishment and rehabilitation. The tread-wheel was a common form of punishment in British prisons during the Victorian era. Prisoners were forced to walk in place, turning the wheel with their feet, for hours at a time. The grueling labor was intended to instill discipline, hard work, and humility in the prisoners. However, it was also a source of physical and mental distress, leading to debates about its effectiveness and humanitarian concerns. Despite the challenging conditions, the welfare and care of prisoners were beginning to be recognized as important aspects of the criminal justice system. Reformist movements and social services were starting to emerge, advocating for better living conditions, education, and rehabilitation programs. The use of the tread-wheel and other punitive measures began to decline, as more humane and effective methods of rehabilitation were explored. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, providing a poignant reminder of the evolving history of prisons and the complex debates surrounding punishment, rehabilitation, and social welfare in Britain.
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