much improved, if all the beds were separated by dwarf partitions, having a door to each, but not reaching to the cieling, as thereby the circulation of air would not be impeded, and the quiet prisoners would be protected from the insults of the disorderly in the night time; an evil which has sometimes occurred, but the offenders are seldom discovered. The Sitting-wards are fitted up with tables and

benches.

These wards, together with that of the women debtors, are denominated the charity-wards, to which each prisoner at his or her entrance pays five shillings, to be applied to the common stock; eight-pence to the steward; and six-pence to the scavenger; after which the prisoner is at no farther expence, but becomes a partaker of all the benefits appertaining to the charity-wards. The court of conscience debtors for six weeks or less have the same benefits, upon payment of fourteen-pence only.

4th. The main yard,, 35 feet square, leading to all the rest except the master's sides, and women debtors, into which all persons in the adjoining yards (except debtors) are occasionally admitted in the day-time, at their own request, and upon behaving themselves orderly, but not otherwise. This yard contains two pumps, one with spring water, and the other with Thames water; two forcing pumps, for the service of the master's side, and a cock supplied with Thames water upon the Main, to which by means

of

of a screw can be applied a long leathern hose, and thereby plenty of water is conveyed to all the yards, to wash and cleanse them and the cells. For this purpose mops and brooms are occasionally allowed by the benevolence of the Committee of City Lands, &c. On the North and South sides are two large rooms facing each other, and having communication with the arched passage before mentioned, which rooms are occupied in the day-time by persons desiring the same, and at night are the common receptacle for night charges; they are fitted up with benches all round, and a large German stove in each. They have each a detached privy, and are capable of containing twenty persons in each, for one night only such night charges being afterward classed as aforesaid, having first undergone an examination before a magistrate. These rooms have stone floors, are spacious and very airy. There are a number of rugs laid on the benches for the use of such persons as unfortunately may become inhabitants in the night-time. Under another arched passage leading from this yard, is the inner turnkey's lodge, and a stair-case leading to a very convenient chapel, over which are four good rooms, for the use of the sick prisoners, fitted up with iron bedsteads with good tickings, blankets, rugs, and canvas cases to be stuffed to make beds, as occasion may require.

From this yard are two other stair-cases, each leading to three small bed-rooms fitted up at the K

keeper's

keeper's expence, for the use of such night charges, or others, as may desire to occupy them, having one bed in each room.

This passage has communication with five other yards, separate and distinct from each other: one being a small yard, having a pump of Thames-water, and containing three small rooms or cells, capable of lodging six persons. Another small yard, having a pump of Thames-water, and containing five rooms or cells of the same dimensions; at the back of four of which rooms is a passage, having a fire-place at the end, and communicating, by means of an iron-grating, to each cell, thereby rendering them dry and warm.

Another small yard, having a pump of Thameswater, a little room with a fire-place, and four cells of the same dimensions; and two larger yards, having also a pump of Thames-water, and six cells of the same dimensions in each, together with similar passages and fire-places to keep them dry and warm; all which cells are fitted up with wooden barracks, raised about three feet from the ground, and each is provided with a canvas-case stuffed with straw, and two or three rugs or blankets allowed by the city.

These last five yards are for the reception of all persons except debtors; and no persons herein, or in the charity wards, pay any thing for lodging; and no garnish is taken in any part of this prison. There are also very convenient cold and hot baths,

to

to which all prisoners have free access as necessity requires, and at convenient seasons.

The allowance to prisoners of all descriptions is at present-ten ounces of wheaten bread daily, one pound of rice, and about five pounds of potatoes each weekly; coals and other gifts by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs; and broken victuals from the Old and New London Taverns frequently.

Paupers brought to this Compter (as such) in order to be removed to their parishes, or otherwise relieved, are especially subsisted, and frequently cloathed.

The gifts by the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, at Christmas, New-year's Day, Easter, and some uncertain day after, are the same as mentioned in the description of Ludgate *.

There are also some permanent Donations of bread and meat at stated periods, which, together with the Sheriff's seven stone of meat weekly, belongs to the charity-wards only, and is distributed among such prisoners in the said wards as have attended and properly demeaned themselves in the chapel during divine service on the preceding Sunday. The chapel clerk is Mr. John Peter Lawrence, who receives half a crown every Sunday for assisting the chaplain, and setting the psalm, by order of the Court of Aldermen.

* See Ludgate hereafter.

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Money

Money is paid by several of the City Companies, by the Common Council of Farringdon Within, by the Trustees of Mrs. Ashton's charity, and others, towards the release of debtors in this and other prisons, and is applied as stated in the account of Ludgate.

The LIST of BENEFACTIONS for relief are as

Together with the donation of Mr. Stretchley, of two pounds once in three years, which was paid by Christ's Hospital in January, 1802.

There are also three other annual legacies, which have not been paid since the year 1793; viz. Mr. Fothergill's, of 125. Mr. William Cooper's, of 105. and Ralph Ramston's, Esq. of 10s.

All the donations belonging to the Charity-wards are delivered to one of the prisoners, who acts as Steward; in whose name, witnessed by the Keeper, all the receipts are signed, and given under the common seal of the prison. This steward receives also the subscriptions before mentioned; and himpays a rent to the general stock for the use of two closets, which he again lets to his own advantage; he advances money upon the credit of the donations, out of which he reimburses himself as

self

they

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