The Kingston upon Thames Debtors’ Prison

David A. Kennedy, PhD

26 November 2020

ABSTRACT 

The Kingston upon Thames Debtors’ Prison existed from 1829-1852 and was situated in what is today Bath Passage.  It was one of four prisons in Kingston from medieval times to the late nineteenth century. The paper outlines the Debtors’ Prison and the conditions for its prisoners. In 1835, Joseph Walter, the gaoler was required to provide a return on his prisoners and details of their debts. He recorded that between 1830 – 1835, a total of 72 persons were confined and that in a great many cases, they owed more in court costs than they did to their primary creditors. Reports in the London Gazette from 1840-1844, provided details of insolvent debtors held in the prison and identified two persons from New Kingston, i.e., Surbiton.

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