A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume 2 (of 2): From the Extinction of Plague to the Present TimeCreighton, Charles
History
A History of Epidemics in Britain, Volume 2 (of 2): From the Extinction of Plague to the Present Time
Creighton, Charles
Epidemics -- Great Britain -- History
_Winchester, Bridewell._ Close and small. Receives many prisoners from
other gaols at Quarter Sessions. It has been fatal to vast numbers.
The misery of the prisoners induced the Duke of Chandos to send them
for some years 30 lbs. of beef and 2 gallon loaves a week.
_Devizes, Bridewell._ Two or three years ago the gaol-fever carried
off many. An infirmary added since then.
_Marlborough._ The rooms offensive. Saw one dying on the floor of the
gaol-fever. One had died just before, and another soon after his
discharge.
_Launceston._ Small, with offensive dungeons. No windows, chimneys, or
drains. No water. Damp earthen floor. Those who serve there often
catch the gaol-fever. At first visit, found the keeper, his assistant
and all the prisoners but one sick of it (on 19 Feb., 1774, eleven
felons in it). Heard that, a few years before, many prisoners had died
of it, and the keeper and his wife in one night. A woman confined
three years by the Ecclesiastical Court had three children born in the
gaol.
_Bodmin, Bridewell._ Much out of repair. The night rooms are two
garrets with small close-glazed skylight 17 in. × 12 in. A few years
ago the gaol-fever was very fatal, not only in the prison but also in
the town.
_Taunton, Bridewell._ Six years ago, when there was no infirmary
provided, the gaol-fever spread over the whole prison, so that eight
died out of nineteen prisoners.
_Shepton Mallet._ Men’s night room close, with small window. So
unhealthy some years ago that the keeper buried three or four in a
week.
_Thirsk._ Prisoners had the gaol-fever not long ago.
_Carlisle._ During the gaol-fever which some years ago carried off
many of the prisoners, Mr Farish, the chaplain, visited the sick every
day.
I shall add some medical experiences of gaol-fever in London from the
notes of Lettsom[172]:--
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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