Alternative Names Taunton County Bridewell, Wilton Bridewell, Wilton County House of Correction, Taunton County Gaol, Taunton Prison
Prison Type Local Prison - House of Correction/Bridewell
Jurisdiction County
Date opened 1756
Date closed 1884
Location Upper High Street, Shuttern, Taunton Wilton
Map location exact or closely approximate
County Somersetshire
First opened in 1754. Became the County Gaol in 1843 following the closure of Ilchester County Gaol (ID 64).
Alternative Names Taunton County Bridewell, Wilton Bridewell, Wilton County House of Correction, Taunton County Gaol, Taunton Prison
Prison Type Local Prison
Jurisdiction County
Date opened 1756
Date closed 1884
Location Upper High Street, Shuttern, Taunton Wilton
Map location exact or closely approximate
Lat. 51.011735 Long. -3.1065699
County Somersetshire
First opened in 1754. Became the County Gaol in 1843 following the closure of Ilchester County Gaol (ID 64).
Year 1818
Annual Committed - 285
Daily Greatest number - 74
Year 1823
Annual Committed - 366
Daily Census - 366
Year 1828
Annual Committed - 345
Daily Census - 77
Year 1833
Annual Committed - 587
Daily Census - 103
Year 1838
Annual Confined - 617
Daily Census - 95
Year 1843
Annual Confined - 1026
Daily Census - 137
Year 1848
Annual Confined - 1199
Daily Daily average - 180
Year 1853
Annual Confined - 897
Daily Daily average - 125
Year 1858
Annual Committed - 614
Daily Daily average - 117
Year 1863
Annual Committed - 675
Daily Greatest number - 222
Year 1868
Annual Committed - 654
Daily Daily average - 163
Year 1873
Annual Committed - 531
Daily Daily average - 101
Year 1878
Annual Committed - 692
Daily Daily average - 160
Year 1883
Annual Committed - 328
Daily Daily average - 27
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/DIF/91/9
Collection: None
Description: Notes on Taunton Bridewell and other Gaols, Houses of Correction and Lock-ups. Collected by Leslie Brooke.
Dates: c.1965
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: C/PO/1/7/3
Collection: None
Description: Reports on the condition of County buildings in Somerset, including Taunton Prison
Dates: 1891-1894
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: C/PO/2/2/4
Collection: None
Description: Correspondence concerning unsatisfactory arrangements for prisoners at Taunton waiting to appear in the dock (1893), and to unsatisfactory state of the cells etc in Taunton Gaol (1895)
Dates: 1893-1895
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/116
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. William Oakley at Taunton concerning the Wilton County Gaol (22 March 1856-5 April 1856).
Dates: 1855-1857
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/15/2/89
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Further account for Middlesex prisoners in Taunton Prison
Dates: 1863-1865
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/15/2/97
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Questions, with replies, concerning Middlesex prisoners held in Taunton Gaol
Dates: c.1867
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/12/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Tenders and contract for supply of bread, Court orders relating to prisoners, minutes of Gaol Sessions
Dates: 1816-1820
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/12/1a, 3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Documents relating to maintenance of prisoners from other jurisdictions
Dates: 1832-1872
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/12/4
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Correspondence relating to the manner of drawing up a calendar of prisoners
Dates: 1882
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/12/5-5-7
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Correspondence relating to proposed closure of the gaol
Dates: 1884-1886
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/13/1-2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Gaol returns
Dates: 1809-1820
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/16/11
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Papers relating to Prison Act, 1877, including daily average number of prisoners in custody
Dates: 1867-1878
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/9/1-3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Reports on the state of the gaol
Dates: 1813-1852
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/1/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Drafts of deed of arrangement and associated papers relating to transfer of Wilton and Shepton Mallet Prisons to the Home Office, under the terms of the Prison Act (1877)
Dates: 1878
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/10/11-12
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Printed dietaries, and associated papers, Wilton and Shepton Mallet.
Dates: 1850-1872
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/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: DD/DN/4/4/142
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes William Oakley at Taunton concerning the expenditure of the Somerset County Gaols (22 September 1860). and the visiting JPs to Taunton Gaol (26 January 1860).
Dates: 1858-1860
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS/H/281/1
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Taunton Prison. Order Book of Visiting Justices
Dates: 1837-1867
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS/H/281/2
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Taunton Prison. Minute Book of Visiting Committee
Dates: 1878-1884
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/11/10
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Letter book, correspondence with secretary of state, visiting justices etc
Dates: 1859-1870
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/7/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Magistrates' journal. Observations of Visiting Justices etc.
Dates: 1820-1843
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS/H/281/4
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Taunton Prison. Abstract of costs
Dates: 1868-1872
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SAS/H/281/8/1
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Taunton Prison quarterly and yearly abstracts of expenses
Dates: 1875-1877
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/12/2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Expenses in conveyance of prisoners
Dates: 1836
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/6/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: General account book
Dates: 1847-1849
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: DD/SAS/H/281/3
Collection: Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society
Description: Taunton Prison. Visitors Book
Dates: 1866-1878
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/11/1-9
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Letter books, general correspondence.
Dates: 1841-1872
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/5/4
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Accounts relating to treadmill, flour mill, etc
Dates: 1854-1856
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/14
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes C. Deedes (at Sherborne) providing a reference for Mr Laker, Curate at Martock, who has applied for the position of Chaplain at the County Gaol in Taunton (26 February 1845).
Dates: 1840-1845
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/156
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Including on the position of Oakley as Governor of Wilton Gaol
Dates: 1864
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/8/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Statements of governors' enoluments, Wilton and Shepton Mallet
Dates: 1817-1819
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/104
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence with William Oakley at Taunton concerning the Wilton County Gaol (18 January 1853-14 December 1853). Includes the staffing of the Gaol (4 March 1855), and details on the remuneration of Principal Officers in County Gaols, with copy letters of William Oakley concerning the investigation into wages, 1855
Dates: 1853-1855
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/15/2/81
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Memorandum on Officers' salaries at Taunton Gaol
Dates: 1851
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/17/6/12
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Includes 'Instructions for the guidance of the subordinate officers of Taunton prison' (1867)
Dates: 1848-1891
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/3736
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Includes Taunton Prison Officer's instruction book (1867)
Dates: c.1851-1892
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/4187
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Paper relating to Gaol Salaries. These are rough notes of proceedings at two Committee meetings, one at Taunton and Highbridge.
Dates: 1860s
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/8/1-9
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Papers relating to appointment of prison Officers, salaries etc
Dates: 1819-1890
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGZ/8/3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Printed statement of salaries in the county prisons
Dates: 1843
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/11/11-21
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Register of prisoners' letters posted and received
Dates: 1841-1879
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/14/1-3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Register of prisoners
Dates: 1810-1847
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/14/4
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Summary register of prisoners
Dates: 1826-1831
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/14/5
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Register of prisoners summarily convicted
Dates: 1865-1879
Archive name: The National Archives
Catalogue ref: HO23/13
Collection: Home Office
Description: Registers of Prisoners from national prisons lodged in County Prisons, Somerset
Dates: 1864-1865
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/15/2/64
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Part of list of commitments and discharges from Wilton Gaol (June 1816-July 1816)
Dates: 1816
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/2752
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Part of list of commitments and discharges from Wilton Gaol (June-July 1816)
Dates: 1816
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: 168-DDXPLPS/3
Collection: None
Description: Transcript of admissions details
Dates: 1824-1831
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/ALA/1
Collection: None
Description: Census returns for Wilton Gaol. Transcript of 1841-1881.
Dates: 1841-1881
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: D/P/stogm/13/10/4
Collection: Stogumber parish records
Description: Office and function of Churchwardens and Overseers of Poor. Letter from prisoner in Wilton Gaol. Promise to maintain mother.
Dates: 1835
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/102
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes King Meade King at Taunton concerning plans for Wilton Gaol and Shire Hall (27 June 1851-27 June 1854).
Dates: 1853-1854
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/135
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Papers received by Francis Henry Dickinson. Includes a return of prisoners, numbers of prisoners, nature of crime, and later notes (1827-1856).
Dates: 1827-1857
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/48
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Including printed calendars of prisoners. Details of prisoners held at Wilton Gaol who have been sentenced. Rough portraits of unidentified individuals in ink.
Dates: 1846-1850
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/18/2/7
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Includes a poem entitled 'The Death of the Old Year and Birth of the New', written in Taunton Gaol by a prisoner.
Dates: 1640-1867
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/15/1-6
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Description books (For transcription, see PAM 1667, 2004, 2264, 2308)
Dates: 1807-1859
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/16/1-8
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Receiving books
Dates: 1838-1866
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/16/9-10
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Male prisoners' effects books
Dates: 1855-1870
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/AQD/1
Collection: None
Description: Sketch of the town of Taunton by Ralph Ham (1821). Some major buildings depicted and named (eg Cox's foundry, Wilton Gaol, Assize Hall, Taunton and Somerset Hospital, St Mary Magdalene church, St James's church etc).
Dates: 1821
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: A/AZI/1
Collection: None
Description: Leases relating to a house and cottages adjoining Wilton lodge
Dates: 1858-1862
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/ASC/13/1
Collection: Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Description: Photocopy deed for the land on which the house of correction was to be built (1754), photocopy picture of two people on a treadmill (c 1820), and photocopy plans and elevations of Wilton Gaol (1841).
Dates: 1754-1841
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/11
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Including Richard Carver at Taunton concerning building works at the County Gaol, and his resignation from position as County Surveyor (12 January 1856-29 November 1856).
Dates: 1855-1857
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/129
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Including notes concerning building or repair work in connection Somerset County Gaol (3 November 1857).
Dates: 1856-1858
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/140
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes printed letter from Thomas Fisher of the Taunton Gas Light and Coke Company, as to the supply of gas and coke to Taunton Gaol (19 March 1859).
Dates: 1858-1859
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/DN/4/4/52
Collection: Dickinson Family
Description: Correspondence. Includes printed Quarter Session order that a report concerning the enlargement of Wilton Gaol be sent to all Magistrates (19 October 1852).
Dates: 1846-1857
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/15/2/83
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Printed report on a proposed gasworks, the additional cultivation of vegetables for Prison use, and the building residences for guards at Taunton Gaol
Dates: 1859
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/1/1-10
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Deeds, abstracts of title and associated legal papers
Dates: 1738-1913
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/2/1-22
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Contracts, specifications etc relating to building work
Dates: 1813-1859
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/3/1-17
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Plans and elevations
Dates: 1807-1888
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/4/1-2
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Inventories, prison fixtures and equipment
Dates: 1820-1822
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/5/1
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Accounts relating to building work
Dates: 1814-1843
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/5/2-3
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Correspondence relating to land and building work
Dates: 1852-1857
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/5/5-6
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Correpondence relating to building work and heating equipment
Dates: 1854-1881
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: Q/AGW/5/7
Collection: Somerset Quarter Sessions
Description: Correspondence relating to garden of former gaol
Dates: 1911-1913
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/17/2/40
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Includes 'A Merry Christmas' a song written by Taunton Prison (1868)
Dates: 1827-1949
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/17/6/16
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Includes lyrics to 'A Christmas Carol' as performed in Taunton Goal (December 1867).
Dates: 1866-1899
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/X/BRO/2/144-161
Collection: None
Description: Songs, including County Gaol
Dates: 1800-1900
Archive name: Somerset Archives and Local Studies
Catalogue ref: DD/SF/18/3/8
Collection: Sanford Family of Nynehead
Description: Includes 'To the Visiting Justices of Somerset County Prison at Taunton this Burlesque is humbly and respectfully inscribed by the author'. Based on the story of Pocahantas (February 1868).
Dates: 1868-1888