Newgate Prison

Newgate Prison was a long running prison in the city of London, operating in one fashion or another for over 700 years. It took on great cultural meaning in England (London in particular) to represent crime in general. An entire literary tradition was spawned by the infamous prison called “Newgate Novels”. Repeatedly demolished and rebuilt throughout the centuries it saw use, its final form was a large, imposing building of dark stonework with a few windows set high above street level. It was finally demolished for good in 1904. On the grounds of Newgate today is a central court named "The Old Bailey"

Newgate was also famous for its frequent executions, typically hangings, which fluxuated from a couple a month to over 30 in one day. Previously the most frequent executioners place was Tybern Village, where the gallows were kept, but this changed in 1783. 

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.515509300000
Longitude: -0.102021900000

Timeline of Events Associated with Newgate Prison

Date Event Manage

Newgate Prison Building Plans

Held for Trial in Newgate Prison

25 Apr 1827 to 30 Jun 1830

Issac Solomon Escapes Newgate Prison

Isaac "Ikey" Solomon, the real life inspiration for Fagin, was held at Newgate Prison for a few months before his father-in-law arranged for a prison break by replacing the driver of a carriage meant to transport Solomon to court on right of Habeas Corpus (Ikey claiming his imprisonment was unlawful) then driving the carriage down a side street where Solomon’s friends were waiting to assault the carriage. They succeeded and Solomon fled to the United States. Only to later head to Australia and later be shipped back to England for trial several years later.  

Issac Solomon Escapes Prison