Old Newgate Prison is epitome of hopelessness and misery. It first originated as a copper mine built in 1705 and was operational for 45 years. It was abandoned for several years before the brick structure of the prison was built on top of the mines in 1773. Prisoners were forced to mine for copper deep in the recesses of the mines during the first half of the day, and spent the evening forging the copper into nails and saddle pieces to be sold by the prison. However, the mines were hazardous. Cave collapses, explosions, and fumes built up from campfires to keep warm were the cause of several deaths in the mines.
During the early years of the prison before a housing dormitory was built, prisoners were forced to sleep in the mines. Several escapes were plotted, and prisoners dug secret tunnels. The prison guards were often to afraid to go down into the mines to check on prisoners, so inmates were often left to their own devices all the way until the evening meal time.
On Halloween day of 2018 my father and I visited Old Newgate Prison. After exploring the ruins of the brick prison building and reading the plaques telling about the history of the place, we made our was anxiously to the mouth of the cave. We were warned at the entrance of two hazards. First, to watch our step because the caves are below the sea level and water often drips from the ceiling and pools on the ground which can be slippery on the uneven surfaces of the cave floors. And secondly, to beware of bats. Families of bats had made their homes in the caves, and some of them were thought to be disease carrying, so there was that to be concerned about. Apart from those, there was also the complete blackness of the caves that gave one an overwhelming sense of dread. One could imagine how the prisoners trapped in these caves must have felt, spending their days with only an oil lamp to light these damp dark tunnels. The caves went on and on, and extended well beyond what areas are open to the public. The support beams of the caves are weathered and look as though they could collapse at any time, and the dripping water and echoes in the darkness gave one an unsettling feeling.
All in all Old Newgate Prison is a sad but fascinating location, and one which I would recommend anyone with an interest in ghost hunting to explore. There are many legends surrounding the prison, and tales of ghosts who haunt the mines. The mines are incredible to explore, and bring one back to a bygone era. It is a memorable experience for sure, but be careful if you choose to explore it. The slanted floors are wet, the support beams are old, and the threat of diseased bats might be a good reason to observe this location from a safe distance.
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