As I look through the bars on the window at night, I’m
left pondering how did I get here I clearly wasn’t on my
normal thought processes height.
But I am here now full of positive fight that I know one
day I’ll make things right
In the morning when I awake, to the sound of my
cell mate washing his plate, the smells of soap inside
the sink I wish he’d wash himself he’s starting to stink
Then I remember what day it is, it’s Thursday, my
partner is coming to visit. What love and joy I feel, its
like a dream this can’t be real. For she I love so much,
her smile, feel her touch.
Then I’m sad and she has to go but only two years
left the days will soon flow. Then I’m free to
a new start a new me I’m finally free.
We want to understand what these prisons are like to live and work in, and how has this changed over time. We are examining the ways that these prison buildings carry traces of the past, while operating in the present day.
The project considers how and why these buildings have survived for so long, and asks how we will know when they have reached the end of their operational lives. We consider the significance of the Victorian prison in shaping public and professional ideas of what prison should be like. Crucially, this project explores the implications of the continued operation of Victorian-era prisons for the contemporary prison service, and aims to inform policy development.