Alternative Names Rochester City Gaol and Bridewell
Prison Type Local Prison - Common Gaol
Jurisdiction Municipality
Date opened c1687 [1809]
Date closed [1837]
Location High Street, behind court house Rochester
Map location exact or closely approximate
County Kent
Although the building in which the prison was located was constructed in about 1687, the foundation date for the gaol is unclear. The 1835 Royal Commission suggests it might have been built or more likely rebuilt in 1809. The Gaol also incorporated the City Bridewell (ID 268), even though the Bridewell was listed separately in the 1818 Return. Last appears in the penal statistics for 1836.
Alternative Names Rochester City Gaol and Bridewell
Prison Type Local Prison
Jurisdiction Municipality
Date opened c1687 [1809]
Date closed [1837]
Location High Street, behind court house Rochester
Map location exact or closely approximate
Lat. 51.390296 Long. 0.5040306
County Kent
Although the building in which the prison was located was constructed in about 1687, the foundation date for the gaol is unclear. The 1835 Royal Commission suggests it might have been built or more likely rebuilt in 1809. The Gaol also incorporated the City Bridewell (ID 268), even though the Bridewell was listed separately in the 1818 Return. Last appears in the penal statistics for 1836.
Year 1818
Annual Committed - 0
Daily Greatest number - 0
Year 1828
Annual Committed - 68
Daily Census - 13
Year 1832
Annual Committed - 79
Daily Greatest number - 9
Archive name: Medway Archives Centre
Catalogue ref: DRc/Ac 9/33
Collection: Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral
Description: Chapter Minute Book 8, no 33. Resolution to oppose the building of a new Gaol in the city.
Dates: 1800
Archive name: Medway Archives Centre
Catalogue ref: 1227-1974/RCA N5 03 01 04-05
Collection: Rochester City Council
Description: Current accounts of the Rochester Corporation, including Gaol maintenance (2 volumes)
Dates: 1845-1862
Archive name: Medway Archives Centre
Catalogue ref: 1227_1974/RCA_J1_09_01
Collection: Rochester City Council
Description: Report of the mayor and Justices of the peace respecting the escape of three prisoners from the city gaol and the alterations required to be made in the gaol, with draft
Dates: 1810
Archive name: Medway Archives Centre
Catalogue ref: DE0158_Drawings_of_Rochester_Buildings_1824_and_1856/DE158_2
Collection: Drawings of Rochester Buildings
Description: Plan of Rochester Gaol and Gaoler's House, High Street, Rochester
Dates: 1824