Alternative Names Drunkard's Reform Cottage
Nation England
County Derbyshire
Location 117 Dye House Lane, New Mills
Map location exact or closely approximate
Year opened unknown
Year closed c.1854
Century of Operation 1700-1799, 1800-1899
Building Type Lock-Up
Remarks Called the 'town jail', but presumably used as a lock-up. Located next to the Cock Inn, and at the end of a row of drinking establishments. Became the Drunkard's Reform Cottage when acquired by Thomas Handford, a former drunk, in the mid 19th century, and was replaced by a police station with cells in Hall Street (https://www.prisonhistory.org/lockup/new-mills-constabulary/).
'Outside what used to be the town prison in Dye House Lane, is one of the most unusual notices that you are ever likely to read. It relates to Thomas Handford, who was never sober for the space of a whole week. He was out drinking with his friend Stafford, in the Cock Inn, next door to the prison, when his friend fell down dead. He walked out of the pub and resolved never to drink again. The notice entitled ‘The Drunkards Reform Cottage’, tells the rest of the story. ‘A working man, a teetotaler for ten years, who was formerly a notorious drinker and a notorious poacher has recently invested his sober earnings in the purchase of the town prison which he has converted into a comfortable dwelling house. Frequently an inmate of the prison whilst a drunkard and poacher, he is now owner of the whole and occupier of the premises. Thomas Handford 1854’. '
http://www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/newmills.htm
'Contains a photo dating from c.1899, showing Thomas Handford's widow standing in the doorway of the Drunkard's Reform Cottage.'
Roger Bryant and John Symonds, 'New Mills and District: A Look Back' (New Mills Local History Society, 1987)
''A Drunkards Reform. A working man, a teetotaler for ten years, who was formerly a notorious drinker and a notorious poacher, has recently invested his sober earnings in the purchase of the town prison, which he has converted into a comfortable dwelling house. Frequently an inmate of the prison whilst a drunkard and a poacher, he is now owner of the whole, and occupier of the premises. Thomas Handford. AD. 1854.'
Plaque on the exterior wall of the Drunkard's Reform Cottage
Description: Exterior of the Drunkard's Reform Cottage (September 2019)
Photo by: © Derek Brumhead (with kind permission)
Description: Plaque on the exterior wall of the Drunkard's Reform Cottage, telling the tale of Thomas Handford
Photo by: © Derek Brumhead (with kind permission)
Description: Exterior of the Drunkards Cottage in c.1899, showing Thomas Handford's widow standing in the doorway.
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