Chatham Prison Riots - The Convicts at Labour
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Chatham Prison Riots - The Convicts at Labour
Convicts at labour breaking rocks at St Marys Convict Prison, Chatham. A serious riot broke out here amongst the inmates in early March 1861, which had to be forcibly put down by the military
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Media ID 4439335
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10283406
Break Breaking Broke Chatham Convict Convicts Dock Side Dockyard Guards Hammer Hard Inmates Labour Labouring Loading Marys Prison Prisoners Riot Riots Rocks Stones Wardens Wheel Barrow
EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful image captures the aftermath of the Chatham Prison Riots of 1861, an event that shook the quiet English town of Chatham and made headlines across the nation. The convicts in this print are shown at hard labour, breaking rocks at St Mary's Convict Prison. The serious riot that broke out among the inmates in early March of that year had to be forcibly put down by the military. The convicts, dressed in their prison uniforms, are seen here laboriously breaking rocks with hammers and loading them onto wheelbarrows. The dockside setting, with the prison in the background, adds to the sense of isolation and punishment. The guards and wardens, armed and alert, stand watch, ensuring that order is maintained. The Chatham Dockyard, known for its naval history, was also home to St Mary's Conventional Prison, which housed some of the most hardened criminals of the time. The riot, which broke out due to a number of grievances, including poor living conditions and mistreatment, was a turning point in the history of the prison. This historical photograph is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life in a convict prison in the mid-19th century. The convicts, who had been sentenced to serve their time in penance for their crimes, were subjected to long hours of hard labour, often under inhumane conditions. The image also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, as the convicts continue to work despite the adversity they faced.
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