The Church Penitentiary Association was affilated with the Church of England and founded in 1852 for the reformation of fallen women who had been servants to others. The association was part of a movement to provide places of rehabilitation and shelter for citizens such as prostitutes or homeless people. The penitentiaries were similar to Catholic convents in that the penitents were to remain celibate while they were in the penitentiary.

The Church Penitentiary Association was affilated with the Church of England and founded in 1852 for the reformation of fallen women who had been servants to others. The association was part of a movement to provide places of rehabilitation and shelter for citizens such as prostitutes or homeless people. The penitentiaries were similar to Catholic convents in that the penitents were to remain celibate while they were in the penitentiary.