Reference
QGR2/1
Title
Annual reports of the Governor of the Gaol
Date free text
1850 -1853
Production date
From: 1850 To: 1853
Scope and Content
15 October 1850:
Report of Charles Foster, Governor of Bedford Gaol.
Extracts:
As my service in this County scarcely exceeds two months, I am compelled through inexperience to confine myself to a brief statement as to the condition of the building & number and conduct of the prisoners.
Under the peculiar constuction of the prison - which affords a water closet to each cell - any supply of air...must fail to remove the impure atmosphere generated by a recent-use of the water closet.
The number of prisoners at present confined - 76 males, 5 females. They were not at the time of my entrance to the Establishment subject to any work in their cells, the only labour imposed being the treadwheel...from an inadequate force of prisoners has not for some time been regularly worked. They are now employed in oakum picking.
I would most respectfully submit to the court the advantage that would be derived from letting out say 50 cells for the occupation of Government transports, which would bring to the County nearly £300 a year.
14 October 1851:
Report of Charles Foster, Governor of Bedford Gaol.
Extracts:
The staff of officers remains the same as at the last Sessions, one warder has, however, been brought under the notice of the Visiting Justices as inefficient and should the recommendation of those Gentlemen be confirmed, I beg to submit the name of Frederick Mitchell, the assistant porter, to fill the vacancy; and that of Richard John Bird, assistant cook, to fill the situation of assistant porter vacant by the promotion of Mitchell.
Two of the County Prisoners (who are awaiting trial at the Assizes) viz JG [John Gregory] and DC [Daniel Carty alias Daniel Gally] have been removed to the Lunatic Asylum as insane.
Michaelmas 1852:
Report of Charles Foster, Governor of Bedford Gaol.
Extracts:
The prison is in substantial repair, the alterations in the kitchen of the Females Department, the additional well and the new ward for vagrants havebeen duly effected.
John Stapleton, one of the night guards of the prison, has been suspended for improper conduct; and his place has been temporarily filled by Henry Pearson, a candidate for the appointment.
Tables showing recommitments of prisoners and number of times previously committed with class of crime 1850 - 1852.
List of numbers of Government convicts received from elsewhere in the country, [total 152], and how these prisoners were disposed of to convict hulks and prisons.
Returns of punishments to Government Convicts & County prisoners whilst in Bedford Gaol ; whipped, dark cell with rations, dark cell with bread & water, bread & water diet, deprived of one meal; admonished.
Level of description
item