pentonville prison

• When was Pentonville Prison built?

  1842
• What was Pentonville Prison known for?

  It was known as the separate system for how prisons should be run and prisoners treated
• What were the main features of Pentonville Prison?


  • Wings housed individual cells
  • Thick walls to prevent communication
  • Areas for fresh air and exercise were masked
  • Each cell measured $4 \times 2 \text{ m}$
  • Small barred window, wash basin, toilet, bed, mattress, and blanket
• What type of work did prisoners undertake in Pentonville Prison?

  Monotonous and repetitive work done in their cells
• What were the reasons for implementing the separate system in Pentonville Prison?

  • For rehabilitation: Solitude for reflection and reform
  • For retribution: Isolation as punishment
  • As a deterrent: Serious punishment to prevent crime
• How did the separate system serve as a deterrent?

  It was a serious punishment thought to prevent committing crimes
• What was the purpose of solitude in the separate system?

  To provide prisoners with an opportunity to reflect on their crimes
• What were the strengths of the separate system in Pentonville Prison?

  • Clean environment with less disease
  • Right level of punishment: harsh but not overly so
• What were the weaknesses of the separate system in Pentonville Prison?

  • Continuous isolation led to mental illness
  • High suicide rate
  • No education or instruction for new skills