Alternative Names Ilchester County Gaol and Bridewell, Ivelchester Gaol, Ilchester County Gaol
Prison Type Local Prison - Common Gaol
Jurisdiction County
Date opened 1615
Date closed 1843
Location Northover, north bank of River Ivel Ilchester
Map location exact or closely approximate
County Somersetshire
Alternative Names Ilchester County Gaol and Bridewell, Ivelchester Gaol, Ilchester County Gaol
Prison Type Local Prison
Jurisdiction County
Date opened 1615
Date closed 1843
Location Northover, north bank of River Ivel Ilchester
Map location exact or closely approximate
Lat. 51.00231 Long. -2.68335
County Somersetshire
Year 1818
Annual Committed - 519
Daily Greatest number - 266
Year 1823
Annual Committed - 443
Daily Census - 443
Year 1828
Annual Committed - 338
Daily Census - 54
Year 1833
Annual Committed - 527
Daily Census - 90
Year 1838
Annual Confined - 512
Daily Census - 73
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/AH/17/8/2
Collection: None
Description: Copies of an account of Ilchester Gaol reprinted from the Taunton Courier (9 December 1816) to refute the Lord Mayor of London's report on the state of the prison. With copies of correspondence with the Governor concerning clothes made by prisoners.
Dates: 1816
Archive name: Manchester Archives & Local Studies
Catalogue ref: GB127.Tracts/P.444.1
Collection: None
Description: Tract. William Bridle, 'A Narrative of the improvements effected in His Majesty's Gaol at Ilchester under William Bridle, Keeper: being the answer to the charges against him by Henry Hunt, a prisoner'.
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/14
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Copies of reports of the High Sheriff and MagistratesÂ…on an inquiry into Charges preferred against the keeper of Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/8
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: File entitled 'Gaol'. Includes 'Copies of reports of the High Sheriff and Magistrates Â… on an Inquiry into Charges preferred against the Keeper of the said Gaol [Ilchester] by Mr Henry Hunt' (21 February 1822). Also, 'Report from the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the state of Ilchester Gaol' (8 February 1822). Photocopy of 'Visits to a prison, a Peep at the Prisoners and a description of the interior of Ilchester Gaol'.
Dates: 1821-1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/15/2/68
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Printed copy on the report on an inquiry into charges preferred against the Keeper of the Gaol at Ilchester by Henry Hunt, a Prisoner there (21 February 1822)
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/2911
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Printed copy of enquiry into charges preferred against Keeper of Ivelchester Gaol
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Gloucestershire Archives
Catalogue ref: D1571/X25
Collection: Sotheron-Estcourt family of Shipton Moyne
Description: Notebook of Thomas G .B. Estcourt describing setting up of Commission to inquire into Ilchester Gaol, Prison conditions, complaints, evidence of prisoners and others. Especially concerning the Gaoler, William Bridle.
Dates: 1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/2-3
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes references to the management of and conditions in Ilchester Gaol, such as the use of irons at Ilchester Gaol, the Gaol system, and disquiet over the payment of high rents (28 October 1815), a verbal attack on the Matron of Ilchester Gaol at the recent sessions (6 July 1824), the keeping of transportees in Ilchester Gaol for weeks before removal (3 June 1824)
Dates: 1800-1836
Archive name: Gloucestershire Archives
Catalogue ref: D1571/X24
Collection: Sotheron-Estcourt family of Shipton Moyne
Description: Letters patent appointing and extending Commission to inquire into condition and treatment of prisoners at Ilchester (Somerset), Gaol
Dates: 1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/11, 13
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Reports from the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the state of Ilchester Gaol, and other material concerned with the state of the Gaol (1822)
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/15
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Reformation, the genuine object of punishment. Contains an entry concerning Ilchester Gaol.
Dates: 1820s
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/20
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Correspondence and notes concerning conditions in Ilchester Gaol, and fates of certain notorious Somerset criminals
Dates: 1947-1948
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/DQO/215/17
Collection: None
Description: Printed letters relating to Ilchester Jail. Pages taken from the Gentleman's Magazine relating to prisons, detailing the layout and conditions in which prisoners were held (August 1807)
Dates: 1807
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/11/1
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Contains a report of Parliamentary proceedings upon the presentation of Mr Hunt's petition complaining of his treatment in Ilchester Gaol (1822).
Dates: 1782-1902
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/287
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Miscellaneous papers relating to Sessions business, including Committee report on the state of Ilchester Gaol (1822)
Dates: 1812-1834
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/289
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Letters received and drafts of outgoing letters, mainly on local official business, including requests for patronage, Ilchester Gaol, draft of his letter offering himself for re-election
Dates: 1824-1825
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/5/4/6
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Somerset Quarter Sessions. Committee report on the state of Ilchester Gaol (15 April 1822).
Dates: 1812-1834
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/ES/17/5
Collection: None
Description: Appendix to the report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the state of Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS/C/795/SE/72
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Report on the state of Ilchester Gaol (1822)
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/9/1-16
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Reports, commissions of enquiry etc. (Including misconduct of officers, evidence and reports on conditions on the state of the gaol, petitions of prisoners)
Dates: 1815-1839
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/12/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Draft order of court that Ilchester be maintained only as a common Gaol, and that Wilton and Shepton Mallet remain Houses of Correction
Dates: 1823
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/12/3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Contracts, correspondence etc relating to maintenance of prisoners from Bath at Ilchester and Shepton Mallet. Copy of grant of separate Court of Quarter Sessions to the Borough of Bath (1837).
Dates: 1836-1840
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/SR/368-797
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Sessions Rolls. Contain material relating to the administration of the county prisons, in particular regular Visiting Justices' reports, and governor, chaplain and surgeons' reports, but also special reports on the condition of the prisons, and orders.
Dates: 1800-1900
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/7/3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Magistrates' journal, observations of Visiting Justices etc
Dates: 1821-1844
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/12/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Miscellaneous papers and accounts, including plan for religious instruction of prisoners, with a list of books suitable for a Prison library (1810); details of duties of Prison Officers, minutes of Gaol Sessions, newspaper cuttings relating to the Gaol; draft advert for contract to supply bread (1820).
Dates: c.1809-c1823
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/6/1-2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Account books, vouchers etc
Dates: 1820-1836
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/5/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Draft return of expenses of repairs to Shepton Mallet, Ilchester and Wilton Gaols sent to Secretary of State (1810-1831)
Dates: 1831
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/12/3
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Extracts from the Chaplain's journal, Ilchester Gaol (1823-1827) by J. Stevens Cox (1978)
Dates: 1978
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/16
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Chaplain's journal for Ilchester Gaol. Includes details on services given, with numbers present (19 January 1823-20 May 1827). Journal entries overlain with illustrations and engravings of the scriptures.
Dates: 1823-c.1900
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: PAM 2604
Collection: None
Description: Extracts from the Chaplain's journal, Ilchester GaolÂ
Dates: 1823-1827
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/16/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Account book of 'receipt and expenditure of bread and allowance of pence to prisoners'. Includes felons and debtors, with names of those receiving and discharged.
Dates: 1811-1823
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/7/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Occurrence book (daily log of events within the Gaol)
Dates: 1816-1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/7/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Surgeon's visiting book (details of prisoners treated and medicines given)
Dates: 1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS(C/2401/10
Collection: None
Description: Ilchester County Gaol, Chaplain's notebook, list of contents at the front of the bundle
Dates: 1789-1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/19
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: List of the Keepers of the Gaol and House of Correction
Dates: undated
Archive name: Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Catalogue ref: M1190
Collection: None
Description: Copy - Garthorpe, Leicestershire. Extracts from Notebook of Reverend Thomas G. Rees, Chaplain to Ilchester Gaol, from 1789 until his appointment as Vicar of Garthorpe (1820).
Dates: c.1789-1802
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/370
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: O' letters, including the Bishop of Oxford, Preb Ommaney, and William Oakley, as Governor of the County Gaol
Dates: 1853-1855
Archive name: Bristol Archives
Catalogue ref: AC/O/8/7/a
Collection: Ashton Court papers
Description: Sir Hugh Smith of Edward Scadding of Ilchester, Gentleman, as Keeper of Gaol there and of Sheriff's Ward or Prison
Dates: 1803
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/TRANS/1/88
Collection: None
Description: References to Keepers of Ilchester Gaol and House of Correction
Dates: 1676-1800
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/C/7/14
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Cases before Assizes. Rex v Robertson - case over charge that John Robertson, Northover, Surgeon, obtained money by false pretences from the County for attendance of prisoners at Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1820-1823
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/8/1-20
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Papers relating to appointment of Prison officers, salaries etc
Dates: 1815-1842
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/BBC/14/1
Collection: None
Description: Index to Ilchester Gaol felons' register
Dates: 1822-1828
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/14/2-6
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Felon's register. Includes prisoners committed, with age, charge, sentence, etc. Indexed..
Dates: 1808-1844
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/17/2-3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Registers of debtors
Dates: 1808-1844
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/14/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: General register. Includes prisoners sentenced to hard labour (1808-1823), transportation (1808-1822), imprisonment (1808-1822), and execution (1809-1825) (recording some last words). List of debtors and felons who died in Gaol (1809-1824), and of deserters committed (1808-1823) (with regiment)
Dates: 1808-1825
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/16/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Register of sick prisoners. Includes felons and debtors, with name, disorder, dates of admission and discharge from sick list etc.
Dates: 1811-1821
Archive name: Devon Heritage Centre
Catalogue ref: 152M/C1820/OH38
Collection: Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth
Description: Cato Street Conspiracy. Hunt at Ilchester Gaol (end of letter missing).
Dates: 1820
Archive name: Manchester Archives & Local Studies
Catalogue ref: GB127.MS f 923.2 H102 microfilm, MF 120A
Collection: None
Description: Journal of Henry Hunt (1773-1835) in Ilchester Gaol, radical politician (30 June 1820-3 April 1821). Serving sentence passed for his part in Peterloo meeting prison conditions and treatment. Appeal to Prison Commissioners and County Magistrates against harsh treatment.
Dates: 1820-1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/12/4
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: A Peep into a Prison, or the inside of Ilchester Bastile, 1821' by Henry Hunt
Dates: 1979
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/10
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Printed letters from Henry Hunt at Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/12
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: The Black Dwarf - a London weekly publication. Includes articles on the reformers of Great Britain, and Henry Hunt and his treatment at Ilchester Gaol (12 February 1822-13 November 1822).
Dates: 1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/3
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: The Northampton Mercury newspapers. Containing articles relating to Ilchester and Henry Hunt's incarceration in the Gaol.
Dates: 1820-1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/4
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Ground plans of Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1808-1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/5
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Trial of James Taylor: Letters of the Murderer
Dates: 1809
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/7
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: File entitled 'Hunt's Trial, 1820' (20 March 1820-17 May 1820)
Dates: 1820
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/9
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: John Bull newspapers containing articles on Ilchester and letters from Henry Hunt (29 October 1821-18 December 1825)
Dates: 1821-1825
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/3/2/3
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Includes correspondence concerning Ilchester Gaol and Henry Hunt
Dates: 1804-1832
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/7/13
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: File entitled 'Gaol Portraits.' Includes engravings of Henry Hunt.
Dates: 1819-1835
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: D/P/north/2/1/7
Collection: Northover Parish records
Description: Burials, including several persons from Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1833-1842
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/AH/17/8/1
Collection: None
Description: Petition of the debtors in Ilchester Gaol to the Court of Kings Bench about their appalling conditions and their long distance from their families (29 October 1805).
Dates: 1805
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/AH/21/15/6
Collection: None
Description: Petition of the debtors in Ilchester Gaol to John Acland and other Magistrates
Dates: 1806
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/AH/63/9
Collection: Acland Hood of Fairfield, Stogursey
Description: Bundle of business and social letters to Sir Peregrine Palmer Acland, and copy replies, including printed copies of William Bridle's petition concerning Ilchester Gaol, and his appeals to Sir Peregrine
Dates: 1834-1839
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/13/1-2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Gaol returns. Felons and debtors committed and discharged, with age, abode, charge etc.
Dates: 1809-1815
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/15/1-4
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Description books.
Dates: 1821-1844
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/16/3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Returns of felons and debtors
Dates: 1833-1839
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/16/4
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Papers concerning escape of prisoners being conveyed to a transport ship
Dates: 1835
Archive name: Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre
Catalogue ref: 1720/1051
Collection: Money-Kyrle family papers
Description: Henry Hunt at Ilchester Gaol (end of letter missing).
Dates: 1853
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: D/P/hamb/9/1/1
Collection: Hambridge Parish records
Description: PCC minutes from 1921 transcript of newspaper report of consecration of church. Taunton Courier (14 February 1944). Note that church bell was brought from Ilchester Gaol.
Dates: 1845-1945
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/29
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Including Quarter Session order that tenders be delivered for the purchase of the Gaol at Ilchester (1 January 1844).
Dates: 1844
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/36
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Including Quarter Session order for the selling of Ilchester Gaol (13 June 1846).
Dates: 1845-1847
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS/C/909/135/4
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Notices of sale and to let etc of estates, timber, livestock, furniture and stock-in-trade. Including Ilchester (sale of Gaol postponed)
Dates: 1846
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/1/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Grant of a watercourse running through Ilchester Gaol, with associated papers of a dispute (1850)
Dates: 1812, 1850
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/1/3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Draft statement and abstract of deeds (1812, 1820), with earlier recitals relating to Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1847
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/1/4
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Papers relating to sale of site of Ilchester Gaol
Dates: 1847-1848
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/1/5
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Copy conveyance of papers relating to sale of site, with plan included
Dates: 1848
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/2/3-7
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Contracts, specifications etc relating to building work, including for the debtors' ward. Contract for additions and improvements, with plans enclosed.
Dates: 1810-1829
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/3/1-5
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Plans and elevations
Dates: 1814-1834
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/4/1-3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Inventories, prison fixtures etc. Documents referred to in report of Committee on system of labour, including the Gaol clock.
Dates: 1808-1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGI/5/1-3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Miscellaneous papers and accounts chiefly relating to repairs and building work
Dates: 1812-1846
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/ALu/A/3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Correspondence, reports and plans, mainly by Carver on the sites offered. Includes scheme with plan for converting Ilchester Gaol into the County Asylum
Dates: 1842-1844
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/RUp/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Plan of the River Yeo from Ilchester to Langport. Surveyors - G. Harcourt Masters, A. Crodeer. Shows town layouts (including County Gaol)
Dates: 1894
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/3/6
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: File entitled 'Gaol Prints'
Dates: 1817-1950
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/CTP/1/9/1
Collection: Stephens Cox Collection
Description: Box of 'Ilchester Prints'. Contains postcards, photographs and illustrations of Ilchester town, almshouse, bridges, church (interior and exterior), farming scenes and farm buildings, Manor Farm, Ilchester Gaol.
Dates: 1600-2000