FLEET PRISON Meaning and
Definition
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Fleet Prison was a notorious prison in London, England, which functioned from the 12th century until the late 19th century. Initially built as a place to detain debtors, Fleet Prison became infamous for its harsh and inhumane conditions.
Located in the heart of London, near the River Fleet, the prison was operated by the sheriffs of the city. Debtors, both male and female, were imprisoned in Fleet for their inability to pay off their debts. However, the prison also held various other kinds of offenders, including prisoners of conscience, religious dissenters, and even prisoners awaiting trial.
Fleet Prison had a reputation for squalor and overcrowding. Detainees often lived in cramped and filthy conditions, lacking adequate sanitation and proper healthcare. Many prisoners were subjected to extortion and abuse by prison officials and fellow inmates.
Throughout its history, Fleet Prison saw numerous riots and escape attempts by its desperate inhabitants. Over time, reform movements and changing attitudes towards debtor's prisons led to the gradual decline of Fleet's importance. The prison was eventually closed in 1844, and later demolished in 1846.
Today, the site where Fleet Prison once stood is occupied by a street named Farringdon Street in central London. Although no longer in existence, the legacy of Fleet Prison stands as a reminder of the inhumane treatment faced by debtors and other prisoners in centuries past.
Etymology of FLEET PRISON
The word "fleet prison" is derived from the Old English word "fleot", which referred to a stream or a tidal inlet. The prison is believed to have been named after the nearby Fleet River, a tributary of the Thames River in London. The original location of the prison was near the waterfront of the Fleet River, and it was used to hold debtors and other prisoners from the 12th century until its closure in 1844. Over time, the term "fleet prison" became synonymous with debt prisons in general.
