THE NEW PRISONS. 177 As regards situation, however, the Norwood Cemetery (belonging to the South Metropolitan Company) at Lower Norwood, is the most advantageously placed of any of the cemeteries, covering a southern range of hills, which command extensive views of the neighbouring woodlands. The appearance of the tombs and headstones, ascending, as it were the grassy eminences, seen in the distance, is truly picturesque. Besides those we have mentioned, other cemeteries of smaller dimensions have been constructed, but it is needless to mention these-indeed the whole subject of this chapter is one where expansion would be in bad taste. Briefly to call attention, not to enter into details, is the only way in which our mortuary grounds could be noticed. in a work, where though the resources may be affluent, the space is limited. CHAPTER XIII. THE NEW PRISONS. SEVERAL of the public prisons being situated in some of the most populous neighbourhoods of London we have, in the course of our metropolitan rambles, had occasion to notice them. There are, however, a few public gaols on the outskirts of the capital, of which a brief description is necessary. The Model Prison, Caledonian-road, Pentonville, covers about seven acres of ground, and is environed by high boundary walls. In 1840 the first stone was laid, and the edifice was completed under the superintendence of Major Jebb, at a cost of £85,000. The building will contain upwards of 500 prisoners. The cells, which are 13 feet long, 7 broad, and 9 high, are furnished with a VOL. II. 2 A metal basin containing water, a three-legged stool, a small table, a shaded gas-burner, and a hammock with mattress and blankets. In each cell there is a bell, which, when pulled, causes an iron tablet, inscribed with the number of the cell, to project on the wall to direct the officer on duty. The cells are warmed by hot air, and the ventilation is accomplished by means of perforated iron plates over the floor of the cell, which communicate with a lofty shaft. The prisoners never see each other, either at chapel or exercise. It is a prison where the separate system is strictly carried out, under the control of a commission appointed by government. Here the prisoners are subject to a course of instruction and probation anterior to their removal to a penal settlement. An opportunity is here presented to them of acquiring those handicrafts which will enable them to earn their subsistence abroad; and at the end of eighteen months they are sent to Van Diemen's Land. If their conduct has been good, they receive a ticket of leave at once, which is equivalent to liberty; if their behaviour has been indifferent they receive a probationary pass, which gives to them only a portion of their own earnings, besides imposing some very unpleasant restrictions; but if they misconduct themselves they are transported to Tasman's Peninsula, there to work in gangs without pay or liberty. THE NEW CITY PRISON, UPPER HOLLOWAY The works of this new House of Correction were commenced on the 25th of April, 1849, and the first stone was laid on the September of the same year by Sir James Duke, M.P. This handsome and massively-built prison is constructed on the radiating principle, having four wings radiating from one centre, with two other wings in front of the former. One of these wings is intended for the reception of juvenile offenders, and has a school-room attached; the other is for females, and includes a workroom or laundry. The four radiating wings constitute the male adult prison, to which are attached large work The rooms, and also the apparatus for lifting water. wings are 12 cells, or about 100 feet in length, and three stories high; the corridors are 16 feet wide, and open upwards to the arched roof, with galleries leading to the upper cells. In dimensions the cells are 13 feet by 7, and are appropriately fitted up. They are warmed by hot water pipes laid under the corridor floors, and the ventilation is carried on by means of a shaft 146 feet high. The chapel is 76 feet by 40, and 48 feet to the apex of the roof, with two deep recesses for the females and juveniles, and affords sittings for 380 prisoners. The well-house contains one of Mr. Bessemer's disc pumps, and will be worked like a capstan, in a building 30 feet in diameter. The entire depth of the well is 319 feet, to the water 153 feet. Large tanks, constructed to hold 14,000 gallons of water, are placed over the front towers at a great elevation. The whole extent of the frontage of the building next the Camden-road is composed of Kentish rag, with Caen stone dressings, having a bold outline. The style of the structure is castellated, its appearance resembling that of one of the strongholds of the Tudor age. The sides of the chapel and the back wing are of brick; the windows are enriched with Gothic arches exquisitely carved, and the parapets are coped with Caen stone. The roofs are flat, covered with asphalte upon plain tiles and iron rafters. Between the porter's lodge and the road stand, on either side of the entrance to the prison, two substantial Elizabethan mansions of red brick, partially inlaid with stone, having large gardens attached to them, destined for the residences of the governor and chaplain. The gaol is adapted for the reception of 60 females, 61 juveniles, and 283 male adults, making a total of 404, and contains 14 reception-cells, 18 punishment-cells, and 14 work-rooms, with the requisite offices and residences for the officials. It covers 10 acres of ground, and is surrounded by a brick wall 18 feet in height. This prison is built upon land originally purchased by the city for the erection of a cemetery during the ravages of the cholera in the year |