c1700-c1900 punishment in the 18th and 19th century

Question 1

Transportation to Australia

Answer 1

Transportation to Australia grew from 1783 after England lost its American colonies after the War of Independence. 160,000 people were sent in the 18th century until 1868 when it was abolished for a number of reasons:

• Australia no longer needed labourers. It was seen as an attractive country and criminals were unwanted by settlers
• More prisons being built

Question 2

Prison reforms

Answer 2

John Howard - Helped to introduce the 1774 Goal act which improved sanitary conditions of prisons. He toured prisons and released ‘the State of Prisons in England and Wales’ encouraging other prison reformers.

Elizabeth Fry - Taught sewing and bible classes in Newgate prison in the 19th century to encourage rehabilitation. She ensured female prison guards employed to work with female prisoners as well as setting up the Association for the Reformation of Female Prisoners in Newgate improving conditions.

Question 3

Robert Peel’s reforms

Answer 3

Heavily influenced by John Howard and Elizabeth Fry’s work as Home Secretary in the 1820s. He reduced the number of crimes punishable by death by 100 and ensured petty crimes were punished more fairly and proportionately. He persuaded parliament to pass the 1823 Gaol Act which stated:

• Prisoners regularly visited by chaplains
• Gaolers should be paid so they’re not taking money from prisoners.