Newcastle Gaol: Dr. Shane McCorristine

Newcastle’s new borough gaol on Carliol Square opened in 1828. This building, designed by the leading local architect John Dobson, replaced Newgate and was described as looking more like a “palace” than a prison. The Gaol evolved and aged with the city, incarcerating a range of offenders behind its walls, from debtors and petty thieves to suffragettes, German internees, and murderers. In 1925, it was closed and demolished, reflecting the rapidly changing area between Manors and Pilgrim Street.
2019 marked the 100th anniversary of the last execution in Newcastle, when Ambrose Quinn was hanged in the Gaol for the murder of his wife. Few signs of the Gaol’s existence or the city’s places of execution remain visible today; however, Tyne and Wear Archives has rich holdings relating to the Gaol, including Dobson’s original plans and a haunting catalogue of mugshots of prisoners detained there in the 1870s.
This talk with Dr Shane McCorristine will explore some of the fascinating stories of the Gaol and its inmates.
The Lit & Phil Library is Newcastle’s exquisite secret library, open to all and free to explore and browse. This is one of a growing series of free online talks.
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[@scott7010]

Really fascinating watch, as a Telephone Engineer working inside the BT Exchange, it’s amazing to learn about what once stood and the history I stand on when working.

[@michaelfox860]

Fascinating talk by Dr.McCorristine (illustrated by contemporary documents) describing a "Bastille" - like prison in the middle of the city where all offenders were held in crowded, unsanitary conditions.

[@patrickbonney8082]

Thanks for all ye research, much appreciated.

[@sandyinmids]

Great watch

[@stanleysmith6575]

Outstanding research, fascinating documentary.

[@batintheattic7293]

I would love to see these lost buildings. Some day, there will be an operation to create three dimensional models for exploring old places with headsets on. I hope I'm still alive to help.

[@lcat8218]

Fascinating. Thank you for sharing this.