Fire at Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight, on Tuesday last, 1850. Creator: Unknown

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Fire at Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight, on Tuesday last, 1850. Creator: Unknown

Fire at Parkhurst Prison, Isle of Wight, on Tuesday last, 1850. As soon as the alarm was sounded, the juveniles were rescued, and every precaution taken by the officers for their safe custody. So rapid were the flames, that great apprehension was entertained for the safety of those locked up in the further cells, and orders were given for one and all to break open their doors, and the young ones fortunately saved themselves: four or five having a most miraculous escape: most of the boys left their dormitories in a state of nudity; some, however, at the onset saved their clothing and blankets...So great was the heat, that the iron bedsteads (about 200) were all molten into masses...The Lower Prison, in which the fire took place, houses boys between the ages of 15 and 19 years. We are happy to state that no lives have been lost, although some few had a narrow escape'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850

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Media ID 36214207

© The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Accident Burning Danger Dangerous Escape Escaping Incident Isle Of Wight England On Fire Penitentiary Peril Prison Prisoner Prisoners

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Architecture > Great Houses

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Lower Place

EDITORS COMMENTS
is an evocative and intriguing print depicting the aftermath of a devastating fire that broke out at the Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight in England. The image, published in the Illustrated London News in 1850, captures the chaos and destruction wrought by the flames, as well as the heroic efforts of the prison officers to rescue the young inmates. The print shows the Lower Prison, which housed boys between the ages of 15 and 19, engulfed in smoke and flames. The iron bedsteads, numbering about 200, are melted into molten masses, and the cells are in disarray. The boys, some of whom had managed to escape in a state of nudity, are shown huddled together outside, their clothing and blankets in disarray. According to the accompanying article in the Illustrated London News, the fire started suddenly, and the juveniles were quickly rescued. Great apprehension was entertained for the safety of those locked up in the further cells, and orders were given for the doors to be broken open. A miraculous escape was reported for several boys, and fortunately, no lives were lost, although some had narrow escapes. The print provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a Victorian-era borstal or youth detention centre, and the dangers and perils that its inmates faced. The image is a poignant reminder of the importance of safety measures and emergency preparedness, even in the most unexpected of places. This print, from the collection of The Print Collector, is a valuable historical document, offering insight into the past and the challenges faced by those in the criminal justice system during the 19th century. It is a testament to the resilience of those who lived through such events and the heroism of those who risked their lives to save others.

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