III. C. DEBTORS' PRISON

The Castle Prison, known locally as the York Debtors’ Prison, was the first purpose-built prison for debtors in the county. Because of its impressive architecture there was an assumption that conditions within were equally pleasant, but this was not the case. The prison struggled with overcrowding and a lack of adequate food, leading to regular outbreaks of disease such as typhus. Gaolers (Jailers) and the Warden of the prison were keen to keep favour with debtors who had the potential to re-establish themselves in society. Wealthier debtors could afford to purchase good food and drink legitimately and were able to bribe officials, such as the Warden who needed to turn a profit, for extra privileges. The prison held not just debtors but also felons, who were those awaiting sentencing, people sentenced and awaiting transportation to British colonies. The conditions within the felons’ section of the prison were especially poor, in 1737 overcrowding resulted in nine felons suffocating during the night in their cell.