It focuses on reforms proposed to the administrative structures and management of prisons especially in London between 1770 and 1820.
The story of prison reform is usually told from the perspective of individual reformers, like John Howard or Elizabeth, who fought against established practice and apparently pressured those who administered and operated the prisons to change. This article instead explores the role played by those within prisons – namely, prison staff and prisoners. In particular, it makes a case for seeing such individuals as agents of reform, playing an important role in crafting the reformed prison. Finally, this article touches on the impact that new ideas about prison management had on those living in prisons. It highlights some of the various challenges and opportunities presented to prisoners and prison staff by administrative reform.
