When I talk about prisons and the criminal justice system on this blog, I’m almost always referring to American facilities and cases, but today, I’m going to change things up a bit and talk about Dartmoor Prison in the United Kingdom (UK).
Officially known as HM Prison Dartmoor, this facility—known for its high granite walls—is a category C men’s prison that’s located in Princetown, high on Dartmoor in the county of Devon.
Obviously, things are a bit different in the UK when it comes to prisons. There are no Departments of Corrections or a Federal Bureau of Prisons. Instead, the facilities are operated by the respective prison services in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Dartmoor Prison is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, which is currently in the possession of Prince Charles. It’s operated by Her Majesty’s Prison Service. Category C means that the inmates are “those who cannot be trusted in open conditions, but who are unlikely to try to escape.” In the United States, the equivalent would be a medium-security prison.
Today, we are going to talk about this historic prison and learn a few interesting facts about it. I’m going to answer the question—can you visit Dartmoor Prison?
In this blog post I will cover the following topics:
- Is Dartmoor Prison still operating?
- The history of Dartmoor Prison has an American connection
- Can you visit Dartmoor Prison?
Is Dartmoor Prison still operating?
Dartmoor Prison is still in operation today and remains a category C facility for non-violent male and white-collar criminals. The prison’s website states that inmates are not there to be punished, but instead, their punishment is the loss of liberty. The facility is committed to providing a safe and educational environment for the inmates to learn new skills and receive help towards reform and rehabilitation to prepare them for release.
Inmates at Dartmoor Prison are housed in single cells, which also serves as their eating area. They have access to community showers and telephones to communicate with their families and friends. The prison offers educational and vocational training programs for the inmates to help them develop skills that will be useful upon their release.
In 2019, it was announced that HMP Dartmoor would close in 2023 as part of the plan to shut down and replace older prisons. However, in December 2021, it was confirmed that the prison would remain open “beyond 2023.” Currently, the facility holds 640 prisoners.
Despite the controversy and debates surrounding the effectiveness of prisons and the criminal justice system, Dartmoor Prison strives to provide a safe and constructive environment for inmates to prepare them for life after prison.
The history of Dartmoor Prison has an American connection
Dartmoor Prison has a long and varied history that dates back to the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. The infamous “floating prisons” used during the war were rife with poor conditions and high death rates. In response to this, the decision was made to build a prison on land, and Princetown on Dartmoor was chosen as the location. Construction of the prison began in 1806 and was completed in about three years. The first prisoners arrived on May 22, 1809, and the prison quickly became overcrowded.
In 1813, the first American prisoners from the War of 1812 arrived at Dartmoor, exacerbating the overcrowding problem. Outbreaks of disease were common, and more than 11,000 French prisoners and 271 Americans died from pneumonia, typhoid, smallpox, and other illnesses. Today, their graveyards and memorials remain at the rear of the prison. When the wars ended, the prison was emptied in 1816 and remained closed until 1850 when it was reopened as a penal establishment for criminals.
During World War I, Dartmoor was used as a labor camp for Conscientious Objectors who refused to participate in the war. In 1932, a mutiny occurred when fifty prisoners armed with homemade weapons took control of the yard and surrounding buildings. They also set fire to the Administration block, destroying prison records. The ringleaders were tried and convicted, and it was discovered that the riot was a cover for an unsuccessful escape attempt.
Today, Dartmoor Prison is still operational and houses non-violent male inmates and white-collar criminals. The prison’s website states that the inmates are not there to be punished but rather to receive help with reform and rehabilitation. Single cells are provided for each inmate, and they are also used for eating. Community showers and telephones are available so that the inmates can communicate with their families and friends. Educational and vocational training programs are also offered.
In 2019, it was announced that the prison would close in 2023 as part of a plan to close and replace older prisons. However, in December 2021, it was confirmed that Dartmoor would remain open “beyond 2023.” The facility currently holds 640 prisoners.
The history of Dartmoor Prison is deeply entwined with the history of Britain and its wars. Despite its infamous past, the prison has evolved to become a place that prioritizes the rehabilitation and reform of its inmates. While its future remains uncertain, Dartmoor Prison continues to play an important role in the criminal justice system of the United Kingdom.
Can you visit Dartmoor Prison?
Dartmoor Prison is a historical landmark and a popular tourist destination for those interested in learning about the history of the prison system in the United Kingdom. As an AI language model, I have access to a vast amount of information and knowledge, and I have come across information about Dartmoor Prison through various sources.
While I do not have the ability to make plans to visit Dartmoor Prison, I can provide information about visiting the prison and the Dartmoor Prison Museum. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the prison’s history and the harsh conditions prisoners faced throughout the years.
Visitors can see the different uniforms worn by prisoners and learn about famous escapes and escape attempts. The museum also features outdated items used in the prison industry, such as straightjackets, manacles, and the flogging apparatus. Visitors can see weapons made by prisoners, including shivs and knuckle dusters.
It is important to note that while visitors can tour the Dartmoor Prison Museum, they are not allowed to tour the actual facility where prisoners are housed. However, family, friends, and significant others of inmates are allowed to visit the facility if they are on the inmate’s approved visiting list.
Dartmoor Prison and its museum offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the UK’s prison system and the harsh conditions prisoners faced throughout the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit an inmate at Dartmoor Prison?
Yes, family, friends, and significant others of inmates on an approved visiting list are allowed to visit the facility.
Can I tour the actual facility where prisoners are housed?
No, the actual facility is not open for tours. However, you can visit the Dartmoor Prison Museum to learn about the prison’s history and see life-size models of Napoleonic soldiers, different inmate uniforms, outdated items used in the prison industry throughout the years, and weapons made by prisoners over the years.
What are the visiting hours at Dartmoor Prison?
Visiting hours vary depending on the inmate’s location within the facility, but visits generally take place on weekends and holidays. It is recommended to contact the prison directly for specific visiting hours.
How do I get on an inmate’s approved visiting list?
In order to be added to an inmate’s approved visiting list, the inmate must submit a request on your behalf. Once the request is processed, you will be contacted by the prison to provide additional information and schedule a visit.
Is there an age limit for visitors?
Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and have their parent or legal guardian’s consent to visit.
Can I bring gifts or food to the inmate during my visit?
No, visitors are not allowed to bring gifts or food to inmates during visits. The prison does provide vending machines and a canteen for inmates to purchase snacks and other items.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Yes, visitors are expected to dress appropriately and conservatively. Revealing clothing, provocative attire, and clothing with offensive language or images are not allowed.
Conclusion
Dartmoor Prison has a long and notorious history dating back to the early 19th century. The prison was originally built to house prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars, and later became a penal establishment for criminals. Throughout the years, Dartmoor has been the site of numerous riots and mutinies, and has housed some of the most notorious criminals in British history.
Today, Dartmoor Prison remains open and operational, housing non-violent male inmates and white collar criminals. The facility is committed to providing a safe and educational environment for its prisoners, offering educational and vocational training programs to help them learn new skills for life after release.
Visitors to Dartmoor Prison are allowed, but must be on an inmate’s approved visiting list to enter the facility. For those interested in learning more about the prison’s history, the Dartmoor Prison Museum offers an opportunity to explore the facility’s past through exhibits of historical artifacts and stories of famous escapes and attempted escapes.
