Prisoners Their Own Warders: Record of the Convict Prison at Singapore in the 19th Century

In the 19th century, the convict prison at Singapore was a place of hardship and despair. Prisoners were forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions, and they were often subjected to brutal punishments. However, despite the harsh conditions, the prisoners at Singapore were also able to find moments of hope and resilience. They formed their own communities, they developed their own culture, and they even staged their own plays and performances. This article explores the history of the convict prison at Singapore and the lives of the prisoners who were held there. It is a story of hardship, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit.

Prisoners Their Own Warders A Record of the Convict Prison at Singapore in the Straits Settlements Established 1825

by Paul Preston

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1314 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	185 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Early Years

The convict prison at Singapore was established in 1825, shortly after the British East India Company acquired the island from the Sultan of Johor. The prison was initially located on a small island off the coast of Singapore, but it was later moved to a larger site on the mainland. The prison was designed to hold convicts who had been sentenced to hard labor. These convicts were typically sent to Singapore from India, Burma, and other British colonies in the region.

The conditions at the convict prison were harsh. The prisoners were forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions, and they were often subjected to brutal punishments. The prison was also overcrowded, and the prisoners were often forced to live in cramped and unsanitary conditions. As a result of these harsh conditions, the mortality rate at the prison was high. In the early years, as many as one in four prisoners died each year.

The Later Years

In the later years of the 19th century, the conditions at the convict prison at Singapore gradually improved. The prison was expanded, and the prisoners were given better food and medical care. The mortality rate also declined. In the 1890s, the prison was transferred from the British East India Company to the British Colonial Office. The Colonial Office made further improvements to the prison, and the conditions for the prisoners continued to improve.

In 1937, the convict prison at Singapore was closed. The prisoners were transferred to other prisons in the region. The site of the former prison is now occupied by the National University of Singapore.

The Prisoners

The prisoners at the convict prison at Singapore came from a variety of backgrounds. They included criminals, political prisoners, and debtors. The majority of the prisoners were Indian, but there were also significant numbers of Chinese, Malay, and European prisoners. The prisoners ranged in age from young children to elderly men and women.

The prisoners at Singapore were subjected to a variety of punishments. These punishments included flogging, solitary confinement, and hard labor. The prisoners were also often shackled and chained. The punishments were often severe, and they could cause serious injuries or even death.

Despite the harsh conditions, the prisoners at Singapore were also able to find moments of hope and resilience. They formed their own communities, they developed their own culture, and they even staged their own plays and performances. These activities helped the prisoners to cope with the hardships of prison life and to maintain their humanity.

The Legacy

The convict prison at Singapore was a dark chapter in the history of the island. The prisoners were subjected to harsh conditions and brutal punishments. However, despite the hardships, the prisoners were also able to find moments of hope and resilience. They formed their own communities, they developed their own culture, and they even staged their own plays and performances. These activities helped the prisoners to cope with the hardships of prison life and to maintain their humanity.

The legacy of the convict prison at Singapore is a reminder of the indomitable human spirit. Even in the darkest of times, people can find hope and resilience. The prisoners at Singapore were able to overcome the hardships of prison life and to maintain their humanity. Their story is an inspiration to us all.

Prisoners Their Own Warders A Record of the Convict Prison at Singapore in the Straits Settlements Established 1825

by Paul Preston

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1314 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	185 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE