Fleet Prison Courtyard
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Fleet Prison Courtyard
Prisoners in the courtyard exercising and playing racquets
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 593278
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10043667
1808 Court Yard Exercising L Aw Prison Prisoners Prisons Racquets Fleet
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Moment of Respite: Prisoners Engaging in Recreational Activities in the Fleet Prison Courtyard, 1808" This evocative image captures a rare moment of normalcy within the walls of the notorious Fleet Prison in London, England, during the late 18th century. The photograph, taken in 1808, depicts a courtyard filled with prisoners, who are seen actively engaged in various recreational activities. The most prominent of these activities is the lively game of racquets being played in the center of the yard. The Fleet Prison, established in the late 12th century, was infamous for its harsh conditions and overcrowding. It was primarily used to house debtors, many of whom were unable to pay their debts and were therefore incarcerated until they could do so. Prisoners were often subjected to unsanitary living conditions, meager rations, and long hours of labor. Despite these challenging circumstances, the prisoners were allowed brief periods of recreation each day. The game of racquets, a popular pastime among the upper classes, provided an escape from the monotony and hardships of prison life. The prisoners, dressed in their tattered clothing, display a sense of camaraderie and determination as they play the game, their faces reflecting a mix of concentration and enjoyment. This historical photograph offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of prisoners in the Fleet Prison during the early 19th century. It underscores the importance of recreational activities in maintaining the physical and mental well-being of prisoners, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The image also serves as a reminder of the complex and often contradictory nature of the British penal system during this period.
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