In 1793 a new Stafford prison was opened consisting of the county gaol and a penitentiary and house of correction to accommodate those who had received custodial sentences. These are some of the rules, orders and regulations governing this new establishment. Whilst still pretty tough by modern standards, they do contain evidence of the more humane approach to such matters which was emerging at the time. For instance it was laid down in disciplinary clause VII that

“irons shall not be used in the ordinary custody of any unconvicted prisoners, except such as are committed on charges of capital offences, old offenders, or persons who shall have may any attempt, or have conspired to escape; in all which cases the fetters shall not exceed 7lb in weight.”

To make the acquaintance of some men and women who found themselves in the gaol about 90 years later, click on Meet the Inmates.