Into the Twentieth Century Flashcards
What was one of the lasting legacies of the 19th century prisons?
In 20th century prisons, locking criminals up remained the primary way of dealing with them. The reformed prisons still featured separate cells, exercise yards and hospital wings much like the ones in the 19th century did when attitudes towards the treatment of criminals was shifting towards less severe punishment
What was the perception of Oxford Prison before it permanently closed?
In stark contrast to Oxford being the most notorious prison in England, in the 1990’s just years before the prison was shut down, it gained a reputation for being a friendly prison with generally humane staff and relaxed rules
How were the prisoners being better treated in the 20th century?
The D Wing in the castle became an admissions and medical facility. Prisoners were now being seen by designated and trained prison doctors who would help treat prisoners with alcoholism and drug addictions. Even opticians and dentists would occasionally visit the site
What was done with clinically insane patients during the prison’s end?
They were taken to what was known as the prison’s intensive care unit. Ironically, not much care was actually being placed on the patient in this area. This part of the prison was essentially just a padded cell with its walls covered in a foam-backed plastic. This was mostly used to restrain the most violent and destructive patients. The maximum one could be kept in this room for is 24 hours
What was the worst part about the 20th century prison?
Many days inmates were still forced to remain in their basic and cramped cells with them being stuck in there for as many as 23 hours a day
Who was the prisons’ most famous inmate?
Donald Neilson, born in 1936, was known as the Black Panther after his business failed and him being forced into a life of crime which involved major acts such as armed robbery and kidnapping. After a major manhunt, where he was found outside a post office he was taken to Oxford Crown Court for trial where he was sentenced to life in prison. Oxford Court was chosen as there was an underground tunnel linking the court directly to the prison so they could quickly transport him there and it limited any chance of escaping
How does Oxford Prison link to the Great Train Robbery?
Thomas Wisbey was jailed at Oxford Prison for 30 years for his major role in initiating the Great Train Robbery in 1963. Inspired by the rail robbers of the Wild West, the 12-strong gang raided the Glasgow to London mail train, assaulting the driver, Jack Mills, and making off with 2.6 million pounds in used bank notes
What happened at Oxford Prison in 1972 involving the inmates?
In August 1972, prisoners staged a roof-top protest as part of the prison strike organised by the Preservation of the Rights of Prisoners which was a rights organisation set up in the early 1970s which organised more than 100 prison demonstrations, strikes and protests across the country
