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Inside view of the Poultry Compter, 1811
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Inside view of the Poultry Compter, 1811
Inside view of the Poultry Compter, 1811, a London prison in Cheapside operated from medieval times to 1815. This particular building was built soon after the great Fire of London, 1666. Copperplate engraving drawn and etched by John Thomas Smith from his Topography of London, 1813
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Media ID 23202348
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
C19th Cheapside Counter Gaol Keys Lock Poultry Prison Regency Topography Compter Gatekeeper Smith
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This copperplate engraving, titled 'Inside view of the Poultry Compter, 1811,' offers a rare glimpse into the intriguing interior of a London prison that once stood in the heart of Cheapside, known as the Poultry Compter. Dating back to medieval times and rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666, this historic prison served as a gaol until its closure in 1815. The engraving, drawn and etched by the skilled hand of John Thomas Smith for his Topography of London, published in 1813, showcases the meticulous detail that characterized the Regency era's interest in documenting public architecture. The image reveals a dimly lit, cramped space filled with individual cells, each accessible through a small, iron-barred door. The gatekeeper, standing at the entrance, holds the keys to the gate and lock, maintaining order and control within the prison's walls. The Poultry Compter's name is believed to originate from the fact that it was once used as a place to detain those who sold poultry without a license. However, over time, it became a general-purpose prison, housing a diverse range of inmates. This evocative image invites us to imagine the daily life of the prisoners, the clang of keys, and the echoes of footsteps within the confines of this historic London prison.
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