(Description) Figure 5 The dormitory at Coldbath Fields Prison, London, in the late 1850s. Coldbath Fields operated on the silent system. Prisoners were kept under close surveillance by guards and those who broke the silence were punished, sometimes severely. This engraving shows several prisoners are taking the opportunity to read before lights out.

Session 4: Education outside the prison school

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This is a black and white drawing of a large, open-windowed hall housing three long rows of canvas bunks slung on metal rails. Each bunk is occupied by a man sitting, lounging, or preparing their bedding. They are supervised by uniformed guards seated in the walkway on the right of the room.