The Fen Child in Trouble

Huntingdon County Gaol Records

The original County Gaol was situated in the High Street near the Bridge, and it faced onto the street from where it was customary for prisoners to ask passers-by for charity. Male and female prisoners were kept separate, and debtors kept apart from felons. A History of Huntingdon states that ‘in 1820 the number of felons was 27: in 1821, 34: in 1822, 44: in 1823 the same: from January of this year to the present time (28^th October), 60 have been committed. We are happy to state that it is in contemplation to erect a new gaol……’

The New County Gaol and House of Correction was in St Peter’s Road in Huntingdon. It was built in 1829 and closed in 1892 when prisoners were transferred to Bedford Gaol.

Huntingdonshire Archives has several documents relating to the prison including a register of prisoners. Three pages from the register have been included with a photograph of the prisoner, their name, age, details of the offence and the sentence given……