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Contempt at a Debtor Prison Described in 1728 Incident
A historical account recounts harsh treatment at a debtor prison run by John Hawkins. Prisoner lodging under stairs near a nunnery, constant demand for payments, pawning clothing and a silver spoon, filth and vermin, and threats of expulsion. William Markham, visiting in August 1728, paid five shillings weekly until November, witnessed humiliations of another prisoner, and faced threats of seizure unless back payments were settled. The report notes Hawkins’s abuse extended to a lieutenant in His Majesty's Service.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
William Markham
Allardice
Markham
Hawkins