In the late 19th century, a groundbreaking experiment in penal reform took place in Surrey, England. Woking Female Convict Prison, which opened in 1869, marked a significant shift in how women were incarcerated, becoming the first purpose-built prison exclusively for female convicts in Britain. Before its construction, women were typically housed in adapted sections of male prisons, a practice deemed inadequate and often detrimental to their well-being. The story of Woking Female Prison offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era attitudes towards female criminality and the evolving approaches to rehabilitation.
The need for a dedicated facility for women became increasingly apparent as the female convict population grew. Woking Prison was designed to address this need, offering a space specifically tailored to the needs of female inmates. Constructed at a cost of approximately £45,000, the prison could accommodate up to 780 women, a substantial capacity for the time. Interestingly, the prison itself was largely built by male convicts from a neighboring prison, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Victorian penal system. The site, located about two miles from Woking town centre, represented a progressive, if ultimately short-lived, attempt to create a more humane and effective system for female offenders.
A Glimpse Inside Victorian-Era Incarceration
Life within Woking Female Convict Prison was highly structured. Records from 1873 reveal a meticulously planned daily routine, divided into 14 hours with two 30-minute meal breaks. The prison complex was designed with a focus on both security and rehabilitation, featuring long corridors, segregated wings, a central chapel, and extensive workrooms. Inmates were engaged in labor considered suitable for women, including laundry and needlework, with the intention of equipping them with skills useful upon their release. The prison also fostered a surprising level of artistic expression; some inmates undertook mosaic work, fragments of which have been preserved and can now be found at prestigious institutions like St Paul’s Cathedral, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Young V&A Museum, as well as St John’s Church.
From Prison to Barracks: A Changing Landscape
Despite its innovative design and intentions, Woking Female Convict Prison had a relatively short lifespan. By 1895, the female convict population had declined significantly, leading to its closure. At the time of its closure, the prison held just 195 inmates, who were transferred to Aylesbury Prison, which was then redesignated as a women’s convict prison. The site didn’t remain vacant for long. Just a few years later, in 1895, the War Office took possession of the land, transforming it into a military hospital during World War One. Later, in 1892, the buildings were converted into Inkerman Barracks, capable of housing two infantry battalions, and initially became home to the 2nd Battalion, the Royal West Surrey Regiment. Inkerman Barracks remained in use until 1970.
Today, little remains of the original prison structure. As Rosemary Christophers from the Woking History Society notes, only a few rows of former prison officer houses still stand, now converted into terraced houses. The rest of the site has been redeveloped for residential use. However, the legacy of Woking Female Convict Prison endures as a pivotal moment in the history of women’s imprisonment, representing a pioneering, though ultimately brief, attempt to address the unique challenges of incarcerating women in Victorian England. The prison’s early adoption of skills-based labor programs also foreshadowed modern rehabilitation efforts.
The story of Woking Prison highlights the evolving understanding of penal reform and the changing needs of the incarcerated. While the physical structure may largely be gone, its historical significance continues to resonate, offering valuable insights into the social and penal landscape of 19th-century Britain. Further research into the prison’s records, held at institutions like The National Archives, Kew, and the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies, may reveal even more details about the lives of the women who were incarcerated there.
What comes next for the preservation of this history? Ongoing efforts by local historical societies, like the Woking History Society, are crucial in keeping the memory of Woking Female Convict Prison alive. Continued research and public engagement will ensure that this important chapter in British penal history is not forgotten. Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.