John
Howard toured the country in the 1770s visiting many gaols and houses
of correction, including Durham. He published his findings in 1777.
We are going to use his findings for Durham (an enlarged
version and transcript
are available) to see why reform was needed.
1. Read
the first and final paragraph carefully. Howard is describing the conditions
of the debtors prison. Make a list of all the things that Howard finds
at fault.
2. Now
read the second paragraph about the felons' prison. Make another list
of all the things that Howard thinks are wrong with the prison.
3. Do you
think Howard was shocked by the conditions in Durham gaol? What do you
think the reaction of ordinary people would have been?
Once
you have finished, find out more about Howard's views on the prison
system in general.
