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Modern correctional facilities may be criticised for poor conditions, but medieval prisons were in an entirely different league of misery. Filthy and cramped, they were places where suffering was routine and the treatment of inmates could be shockingly inhumane, even for offences that today would barely earn a fine. Surprisingly, medieval incarceration was not used for long-term punishment but rather for temporary containment. Prisons in this period existed primarily to hold people awaiting trial or whatever penalty the court decided next. The real punishment came afterwards, and it was rarely gentle.
Of course, that only happened if the authorities didn’t just forget about the prisoner altogether and left them to rot in there. From purpose-built gaols to dungeons to oubliettes, lets travel back in time to the Middle Ages and take a look at cells, serious offences and sadists. Welcome to Medieval Madness.
0:00 Introduction
1:20 Sent Down
5:51 A Prison Without Bars
7:51 Black Hole
11:02 Frankenstein Fred
Narrated by James Wade
Written by Lisa E Rawcliffe
Edited by Jamit Productions
Thank you for watching!
SOURCES:
Adam, Salimbene de 13th century (1942) Chronica vol. 1, Gius, Laterza & Figli, Bari.
Coulton, G.G. (1907) From St Francis to Dante: translations from the chronicle of the Franciscan Salimbene, 1221-1228 with notes and illustrations from other medieval sources, Nutt, London.
Frusher, J. (Aug 2024) Prisons of Edward II’s London: Part One, Writing Medieval Website
Halliday, S. (2006) Newgate: London’s prototype of hell, Sutton, Stroud.
Leap Castle Website
Harben, H.A. (1918) A Dictionary of London: Being Notes Topographical and Historical Relating to the Streets and Principal Buildings in the City of London, H Jenkins Ltd, London.
Medieval Sourcebook: Salimbene on Frederick II 13th Century, Fordham University Website.
What is the history of prisons in the UK? Prison Guide Website
Winter, C. (2012) Prisons and Punishments in Late Medieval London, Thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University of London, Royal Holloway, University of London.
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