Life Inside
Although it only had a short-lived history the gaol played host to many fascinating and tragic stories. Life Inside is a repository for some of these remarkable moments and also a collection of short and engaging articles on life in and around the gaol. These have been put together by the principal team and a selection of local experts and students.
The Remarkable Year of Governor Burgoyne
In prison histories, it is often the punishments and the criminals themselves that become the predominant focus, and other fascinating details often fall by the wayside. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the lack of knowledge of the staff who ran these institutions. So, I was really excited when Dr Shane McCorristine, the Project Lead, said he had located a portrait of a former Governor of the gaol – Captain Roderick DHU Hamilton Glenyon Burgoyne.
Who would be a hangman?
In 1883 a vacancy in the role of hangman occurred and it would appear that many North East residents were only too keen to apply. Their professions, perceived qualifications for the role and reasons for doing it offer fascinating insights into the culture of capital punishment in the period and the public’s interaction with it.