Maidstone County Gaol and House of Correction

Overview

Details

Records

Overview

Alternative Names   Maidstone County Gaol, Maidstone Prison, HMP Maidstone

Prison Type   Local Prison -  Common Gaol & House of Correction/Bridewell

Jurisdiction   County

Date opened   1819

Date closed   post 1900 (still open)

Location   County Road   Maidstone

Map location   exact or closely approximate

County   Kent

Prison Info

Alternative Names   Maidstone County Gaol, Maidstone Prison, HMP Maidstone

Prison Type   Local Prison

Jurisdiction   County

Date opened   1819

Date closed   post 1900 (still open)

Location   County Road   Maidstone

Map location   exact or closely approximate
Lat.   51.279167  Long.   0.523889

County   Kent

Prisoner Statistics

 

Year 1824

Annual Committed   -   1590

Daily Census   -   279

 

Year 1828

Annual Committed   -   1540

Daily Census   -   311

 

Year 1833

Annual Committed   -   2008

Daily Census   -   403

 

Year 1838

Annual Confined   -   2431

Daily Census   -   315

 

Year 1843

Annual Confined   -   4541

Daily Census   -   453

 

Year 1848

Annual Confined   -   3462

Daily Daily average   -   451

 

Year 1853

Annual Confined   -   3478

Daily Daily average   -   434

 

Year 1858

Annual Committed   -   3463

Daily Daily average   -   535

 

Year 1863

Annual Committed   -   3243

Daily Greatest number   -   528

 

Year 1868

Annual Committed   -   3512

Daily Daily average   -   442

 

Year 1873

Annual Committed   -   3799

Daily Daily average   -   418

 

Year 1878

Annual Committed   -   2831

Daily Daily average   -   401

 

Year 1883

Annual Committed   -   2320

Daily Daily average   -   252

 

Year 1888

Annual Committed   -   2071

Daily Daily average   -   183

 

Year 1893

Annual Committed   -   2120

Daily   -  

 

Year 1898

Annual Committed   -   2145

Daily   -  

Principal Primary Sources

  • [Second] Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1820), p.25; The Third Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1821), Appendix, p.32; Fourth Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1822), Appendix, p.27; Fifth Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1823), Appendix, p.40; Sixth Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1824), Appendix, p.49; Seventh Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1827), Appendix, p.61; Eighth Report of the Committee of the Society for the Improvement of Prison Discipline and for the Reformation of Juvenile Offenders (London, 1832), Appendix, p.18
  • Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1825, XXIII.1), p.126; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1826, XXIV.1), p.128; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1826-27, XIX.365), p.119; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1828, XX.327), p.130; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1829, XIX.1), p.122; Reports and Schedules Pursuant To Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1830, XXIV.1), p.117; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1830-31, XII.1), p.113; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1831-32. XXXIII.197), p.115; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1833, XXVIII.1), p.121; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1834, XLVI.1), p.112; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1835, XLIV.225), p.114; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1836, XLII.1), p.74; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1837, XLV.1), p.77; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1837-8, XLIII.227), p.75; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1839, XXXVIII.17), p.67; Reports Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1840, XXXVIII.1), p.74; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1841, XVIII.1), p.76; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1842, XXXII.1), p.74; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1843, XLIII.1), p.82; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1844, XXXIX.403), p.78; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1845, XXXVII.417), p.92; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1846, XXXIV.187), p.84; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1847, XLVII.297), p.94; Reports and Schedules Pursuant to Gaol Acts (Parl. Papers, 1847-48, LII.465), p.92
  • Abstract Return of Establishment and Expenditure of Gaols and Houses of Correction in England and Wales (Parl. Papers, 1840, XXXVIII.241), p.22
  • Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Second Report (Parl. Papers, 1837 XXXII.1), p.374; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Third Report, Supplement (Parl. Papers, 1837-38, XXX.367), p.5; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Fourth Report (Parl. Papers, 1839, XXI.1), p.204; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Fifth Report (Parl. Papers, 1840, XXV.1), p.297; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Sixth Report (Parl. Papers, 1841 Session 2, IV.1), p.182; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Tenth Report (Parl. Papers, 1845, XXIII.1), p.254; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Fourteenth Report (Parl. Papers, 1850, XXVIII.1), p.68; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Home District, Fifteenth Report (Parl. Papers, 1851, XXVII.1), p.80; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Twenty-third Report (Parl. Papers, 1857-58, XXIX.69), p.48; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Twenty-sixth Report (Parl. Papers, 1861, XXIX.1), p.33; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Twenty-eighth Report (Parl. Papers, 1863, XXIII.1), p.45; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirtieth Report (Parl. Papers, 1865, XXIII.1), p.119; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-first Report (Parl. Papers, 1866, XXXVII.1), p.107; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-second Report (Parl. Papers, 1867-68, XXXIV.203), p.145; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-third Report (Parl. Papers, 1868-69, XXIX.1), p.97; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-fourth Report (Parl. Papers, 1870, XXXVII.1), p.112; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-fifth Report (Parl. Papers, 1871, XXIX.241), p.140; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-sixth Report (Parl. Papers, 1872, XXXI.1), p.84; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-seventh Report (Parl. Papers, 1873, XXXII.1), p.162; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-eighth Report (Parl. Papers, 1874, XXIX.1), p.197; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Thirty-ninth Report (Parl. Papers, 1875, XXXVII.1), p.215; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Fortieth Report (Parl. Papers, 1876, XXXV.1), p.215; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Forty-first Report (Parl. Papers, 1877, XLIII.1), p.219; Inspectors of Prisons of Great Britain I. Southern District, Forty-second Report (Parl. Papers, 1878, XLI.1), p.219
  • Commissioners of Prisons, Second Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1878-79, XXXIV.1, 97), p.47; Commissioners of Prisons, Third Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1880, XXXV.1,73), p.59; Commissioners of Prisons, Fourth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1881, LI.441, 521), p.62; Commissioners of Prisons, Fifth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1882, XXXIII.443, 541), p.67; Commissioners of Prisons, Sixth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1883, XXXI.445, 579), p.71; Commissioners of Prisons, Seventh Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1884, XLII.461, 551), p.68; Commissioners of Prisons, Eighth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1884-85, XXXVII.527, 651), p.68; Commissioners of Prisons, Ninth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1886, XXXV.1, 93), p.63; Commissioners of Prisons, Tenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1887, XLI.203, 335), p.59; Commissioners of Prisons, Eleventh Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1888, LVIII.1, 209), p.58; Commissioners of Prisons, Twelfth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1889, XLI.1, 181), p.57; Commissioners of Prisons, Thirteenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1890, XXXVII.1, 183), p.57; Commissioners of Prisons, Fourteenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1890-91, XLIII.1, 125), p.55; Commissioners of Prisons, Fifteenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1892, XLII.1, 147), p.53; Commissioners of Prisons, Sixteenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1893-94, XLVII.1, 121), p.52; Commissioners of Prisons, Seventeenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1894, XLIV.1, 183), p.51; Commissioners of Prisons, Eighteenth Annual Report (Parl. Papers, 1895, LVI.727, 865), p.53
  • Report of Coms. of Prisons and Directors of Convict Prisons, 1895-96 (Parl. Papers, 1896, XLIV.235), p.131; Report of Coms. of Prisons and Directors of Convict Prisons, 1896-97 (Parl. Papers, 1897, XL.105), p.274; Report of Coms. of Prisons and Directors of Convict Prisons, 1897-98 (Parl. Papers, 1898, XLVII.23), p.302; Report of Coms. of Prisons and Directors of Convict Prisons, 1898-99 (Parl. Papers, 1899, XLIII.65), p.308; Report of Coms. of Prisons and Directors of Convict Prisons, 1899-1900 (Parl. Papers, 1900, XLI.1), p.351

Additional Primary Sources

  • Paul Coltman, ed. The diary of a prison governor: James William Newham, 1825-1890 (Maidstone, 1984)

Secondary Sources

  • Chalklin, English Counties and Public Buildings, 1650-1830 (A&C Black, 1998, p. 194)

Management

Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GCg/2

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Prison Accommodation Committees: Report of the Committee (1875), and reports of the Governor (1874-1878) and chaplains (186901877)

Dates: 1869-1878


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/B3H

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Report, apparently from Governor of Maidstone prison (1843) 

Dates: 1842-1854


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GGz/4

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Annual returns of the Keepers of the two Gaols to the Secretary of State under the Acts of George IV and Victoria

Dates: 1839-1856


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Md/JQg/8

Collection: Maidstone Borough

Description: Writ to Gaoler to produce prisoners

Dates: 1853


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/5

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Reports of Visitors to the Gaol

Dates: 1814-1821


Archive name: Devon Heritage Centre

Catalogue ref: 152M/C/1813/OH/23-30

Collection: Addington family, Viscounts Sidmouth

Description: Maidstone Prison. Kent Gaol Bill, and correspondence of Lord Sydney.

Dates: 1813


Archive name: Devon Heritage Centre

Catalogue ref: 152M/C/1813/OH23-30

Collection: Addington family, Viscounts Sidmouth

Description: Correspondence on the new Gaol at Maidstone, on the Gaol Bill, petitions for building the new Gaol, and number of internees for various offences.

Dates: 1813


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P184/18/11

Collection: Hever parish records

Description: Papers concerning the erection of a new County Gaol, consisting of the resolutions made by representatives from most parishes concerning the establishment of a Committee

Dates: 1812


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P406/19/4

Collection: Wrotham parish records

Description: Overseers - circular letter on behalf of Lord John Russell for a return of number of wives and children paupers committed to gaol under Poor Law Amendment Act

Dates: 1835


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: PC/M5

Collection: Maidstone Gaol

Description: Correspondence, returns of prisoners, and Mayor's reports regarding the Gaol, including a letter from Whitehall requesting a return of persons committed under the Vagrant Laws 

Dates: 1824-1831


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GB/20

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Prison documents (West Kent). Includes dietary tables, memorial of the School Master at the Gaol (concerning a pay rise).

Dates: 1837-1838


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GB/37

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Estimate for Prison for females at Maidstone 

Dates: 1854-1855


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GCg/1, 3

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Prison Accommodation Committees: Minutes and reports

Dates: 1857-1858


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GGw/4

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Miscellaneous papers. Including statements of prison establishment, 1852-4, and printed papers about the enlargement of the gaols, 1844-6

Dates: 1844-1862


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GGz/1

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Agreements for maintenance of prisoners of other authorities

Dates: 1824-1871


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/SBw/248

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Sessions papers, including agreement with Canterbury for maintenance of prisoners

Dates: 1861


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/SBz/33

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Notice of termination of agreement with Dover for maintenance of prisoners

Dates: 1868


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/C45

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Miscellaneous business, including theft of blankets from Maidstone gaol, alleged perquisite of staff; turnkey building boat; draft resolution of Committee of Enquiry [? of Quarter Sessions] into grave allegations.

Dates: 1858


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A2

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Documents relating to the proposed new Gaol at Maidstone, and Court of General Sessions for Kent. Also, copies of magistrates' resolutions, some being from East Kent. Also, copy of Maidstone Journal containing several advertisements relative to the proposed Gaol (1810-1813). 

Dates: 1810-1813


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A3-A4

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Memorial to Romney by landowners against proposed Gaol (c.1810), and resolution against new Gaol by Chatham Guardians of the Poor (1812) 

Dates: 1810-1812


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A7-A8

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Correspondence surrounding the building of the new Gaol and Court House at Maidstone, including opinion of Counsel, animosity between East and West Kent etc

Dates: 1810-1814


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A8E

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Allocation of cost of Gaol between landlords and tenants, discussion of various points of Bill

Dates: 1813


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/B5D

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: To Romney from Inspector of Prisons. Not satisfied with cells at Maidstone and Canterbury.

Dates: 1866


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U2639/O2

Collection: Papers of the Reverend Montagu Pennington, Justice of the Peace

Description: Printed copy of petition of supporters of Bill presented to House of Commons for a new Kent Gaol 

Dates: 1813


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U2639/Z1

Collection: Papers of the Reverend Montagu Pennington, Justice of the Peace

Description: Newspaper cuttings on new County Gaol at Maidstone (5 June 1812, 21 July 1812) 

Dates: 1812


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U3708/1/C1

Collection: None

Description: Copy letter from the Warden's office at Maidstone Gaol to H. Hobhouse, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Home Office concerning returns of Prisoners at Maidstone Gaol

Dates: 1823


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U951/C50

Collection: Knatchbull Manuscripts

Description: The Kentish Gazette. Contains question and answer regarding the petitions for the new Goal

Dates: 1812


Archive name: Medway Archives Centre

Catalogue ref: 1227-1974/RCA L4 08

Collection: Rochester City Council

Description: Includes agreement for maintenance of prisoners in the County Prison in Maidstone. 

Dates: 1842


Archive name: Medway Archives Centre

Catalogue ref: 1227-1974/RCA N5 03 01 03

Collection: Rochester City Council

Description: Order to contract for the maintenance of borough prisoners at the County gaol, Maidstone

Dates: 1842


Archive name: The National Archives

Catalogue ref: PCOM7/225

Collection: Prison Commission

Description: Warrants constituting and appointing Convict Prisons etc. Places for confinement of offenders under sentence or order of Penal Servitude: Maidstone Prison (part) males only

Dates: 1890-1905


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/C3

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Letters to Romney on a variety of County business, principally from H. A. Wildes, Clerk of Peace. Conveyance of prisoners to Maidstone by rail and omnibus. 

Dates: 1854-1856


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/C/A/3

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Prison Rules laid down regarding Visiting Committees, juvenile offenders, and generally correspondence from Home Office

Dates: 1878-1932


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GCz/2

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Includes report of a Joint Committee of Visiting Justices to the County Prisons (index at front) 

Dates: 1855-1864


Finance

Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P184/18/12

Collection: Hever parish records

Description: Rates and accounts concerning the new gaol.

Dates: 1814-1822


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P192/18/1

Collection: Horsmonden parish records

Description: Gaol rate book containing assessments made for the building of gaol and court house at Maidstone

Dates: 1815-1820


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P309/11/21-23

Collection: New Romney St Nicholas parish records

Description: County rates, assessments and accounts for Gaols at Maidstone and Canterbury (microfilm) 

Dates: 1818-1860


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P45/11/7

Collection: Brenchley parish records

Description: Rates for building the new Gaol, House of Correction and Court Houses at Maidstone, as walked by the by the Vicar and the impropriator 

Dates: 1815-1820


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/F/Aw/1

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Abstract of Accounts, West Kent: Index at front; includes expenses of building new Gaol

Dates: 1803-1814


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/FGw/1-23

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Receipts, treasurer's accounts and accounts submitted by the Architect and contracting tradesmen for work done at the new Gaol (the different contractors are catalogued individually). Also journal of payments and works ledger.

Dates: 1811-1819


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GFg/1-6

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Payments and (printed) abstracts of expenditure on account of the county prison at Maidstone with schedules of bills paid and returns and classifications of prisoners

Dates: 1822-1877


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/E44

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Possible investment in Oxford County stock issued for building gaol and court house. Correspondence of Romney with Robert Marsham.

Dates: 1840


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A9B and A9C

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Accounts for new gaol at Maidstone, apparently private notes by Romney, and Accounts and vouchers, including account for gaol expenses at Maidstone

Dates: 1810-1814


Daily Business

Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: PC/M3

Collection: Maidstone Gaol

Description: Keepers journal - 'The Account of the Punishment of Prisoners Misbehaving thareselves'. From 1822, it continues for the new Gaol at Maidstone, and follows on from PC/M2

Dates: 1814-1824


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GB/70

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Prison dietaries

Dates: 1867


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: PC/M2

Collection: Maidstone Gaol

Description: Gaolers journal. Includes a register of duties performed, punishments and special occurrences, or log book, referring to debtors as well as felons.

Dates: 1814–1822


Staff

Archive name: Canterbury Cathedral Archives

Catalogue ref: DCb/F/F/M/12-17

Collection: Diocese of Canterbury

Description: Licences for Chaplains at Maidstone County Prison

Dates: 1859-1897


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GB/57

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Application to be appointed Catholic Chaplain to the Prison

Dates: 1864


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/B5B-B5E

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Maidstone prison Chaplain, letters to Romney and others

Dates: 1851-1871


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/C63

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: From H. (?Fletcher) at Government House, Ottawa. Recommends Legge as Governor of Maidstone Prison.

Dates: 1874


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/B4

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Governorship of Maidstone Prison. Letters to Romney, note of financial irregularities. Also, Governor's appeal against dismissal, applications for post, one being from Deputy, offering to serve at reduced salary. 

Dates: 1859


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U311/Z10

Collection: None

Description: Sketches taken in Maidstone Court by Captain Wilson, Governor of the Gaol

Dates: 1876


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GGw/3

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Enquiries concerning alleged irregularities on the part of the Gaol Keeper, and copies of evidence. Keeper's defence, reports of Visiting Justices and investigating committee.

Dates: 1858-1859


Prisoners

Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: PC/M1

Collection: Maidstone Gaol

Description: Convict book - register arranged annually by Sheriffs of all convicts

Dates: 1805–1833


Archive name: Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery

Catalogue ref: 6277-6302

Collection: None

Description: Prison registers (from Canterbury and Maidstone prisons, but sometimes not clear which prison for each book)

Dates: 1880-1900


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: EK/U204/Z2

Collection: None

Description: Draft return of prisoners committed for trial at the General Sessions at Maidstone in 1826 

Dates: 1827


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Ly/6/4/2-4

Collection: Lydd Borough

Description: Gaol delivery and papers relating to the maintenance of Lydd prisoners in the County Gaol 

Dates: 1824-1859


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: P321/16/10

Collection: Sandhurst St Nicholas parish records

Description: Overseers' correspondence regarding prisoners in Maidstone Gaol requesting assistance 

Dates: c.1833


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U221/O/1

Collection: Honywood Manuscripts

Description: Commission of Gaol delivery for Kent

Dates: 1826


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U3708

Collection: None

Description: Letter regarding prisoners at Maidstone Gaol 

Dates: 1823


Land & Buildings

Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GAc/7

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Lease of part of forecourt of Sessions House, Maidstone, used as a garden by Prison Chaplain

Dates: 1880


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: MAI 103-106

Collection: Print Collection

Description: Maidstone Prison and courtyard.

Dates: 1829


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/10-14

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new Gaol at Maidstone. Contents include plan of the land to be purchased for the new Gaol, accounts to Daniel Alexander for design and to other contractors, investigations into fraud relating to the contracting, petitions against the new gaol

Dates: 1800-1822


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/15/1-127

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new gaol at Maidstone. Plans.

Dates: 1812-1818


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/Agw/16/1-5

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: West Kent Gaol at Maidstone. Plans connected with alterations to the manufactory, the building of the female Prison, and erection of a treadmill.

Dates: 1820-1824


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/Agw/17-25

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: West Kent Gaol at Maidstone. Title deeds of site purchased for Gaol and Sessions House.

Dates: 19th century


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/2

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Extracts from sessions orders about the building of a new Gaol, with architects' reports, orders for payment, and reports of the Committee investigating the accounts. Also, plans of possible sites.

Dates: 1805-1823


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/3

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new Gaol at Maidstone. Copies of contracts for constructional work. At end, reversed, extracts of orders for payment. 

Dates: 1810-1823


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/4

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new Gaol at Maidstone. Architect's reports

Dates: 1810-1819


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/6

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new Gaol at Maidstone. Tenders for constructional work with some specifications of work to be done.

Dates: 1811-1820


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/7-8

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new Gaol at Maidstone. Contracts, bonds, specifications, plans

Dates: 1810-1823


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/AGw/9

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: The building of the new Gaol at Maidstone. General plan of the site of the Gaol, showing line of former Boxley Road and former field boundaries. 

Dates: c.1811


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/C/Su/1

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Ledgers of County Surveyor, Martin Bulmer. Bulmer did work for the county, including on the county prisons.

Dates: 1852-1878


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GB/4

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Plans of the Prison Chapel and the female Prison, and of an exchange of land near the Coach and Horses 

Dates: 1821-1822


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GCz/6

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Minutes of the Joint Committee for the supply of water to the Gaol of Maidstone and the Asylum at Barming 

Dates: 1862-1863


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GGw/2/1-28

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Contracts for alterations and additions to the gaol

Dates: 1831-1871


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/GGw/5-52

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Proposed additions and alterations to the West Kent Gaol, including to the treadmill, female prison, hospitals, laundry, manufactory, chapel (mainly plans)

Dates: 1831-1871


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/E84

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Romney denotes profits from sand at Penenden Heath, used in building prison, to relief of poor, 1817, much sand removed improperly, Daniel Alexander, architect of prison, unsuccessfully requests conference before trial, 1819

Dates: 1811-1821


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A10

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Acquisition of site for Gaol in Maidstone

Dates: 1810-1812


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/A10A

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Copies of documents relating to new Gaol and Court House. Including sketch plans of two alternative sites, Sessions orders, and reports and correspondence.

Dates: 1810-1811


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/C4

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Miscellaneous letters to Romney from H. A. Wildes. Heating apparatus in prison. 

Dates: 1857-1860


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: U1515/OQ/L5

Collection: Romney of the Mote Manuscripts

Description: Medway Navigation Company, and supply of water to Maidstone Asylum and Gaol

Dates: 1859-1862


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: Q/SI/W/481

Collection: Kent Quarter Sessions

Description: Precepts for and verdicts of juries of enquiry fixing the purchase prices of various pieces of land in Maidstone bought by the Justices for the site of the Gaol and Sessions House, with jury lists (Easter 1811) 

Dates: 1811


Images

Archive name: Canterbury Cathedral Archives

Catalogue ref: CCA-DCc-PRINDRAW/4/M/3

Collection: None

Description: Engraving, Sketch of the West Kent County Goal [sic], Bridewell, and court houses at Maidstone. From a plan by Mr [D A] Alexander. With estimate for building. [Prison built 1810-17.]

Dates: 1810


Archive name: Canterbury Cathedral Archives

Catalogue ref: CCA-U165/1/63/4

Collection: None

Description: Bishop Walsh's photograph album of Kent churches. Includes interior of Chapel at Maidstone Gaol.

Dates: 1870-1875


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: H/U18/44

Collection: None

Description: Maidstone - photographs of High Street, College of St Mary and All Saints, County Gaol, and Museum

Dates: 1890, 1910


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: MAI 404

Collection: Print Collection

Description: Maidstone Prison greetings card

Dates: 1822


Archive name: Kent History & Library Centre

Catalogue ref: MAI 421 XX

Collection: Print Collection

Description: Engraving of Maidstone Prison

Dates: 1822


Other

Archive name: Staffordshire Record Office

Catalogue ref: D3388/60/6

Collection: Dyott Family

Description: Includes reference to visiting Maidstone Gaol (23 July 1828)

Dates: 1828