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Prison ships (hulks or tenders) in the Thames off the Tower of London, 1805. Artist: William Henry Pyne
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Prison ships (hulks or tenders) in the Thames off the Tower of London, 1805. Artist: William Henry Pyne
Prison ships (hulks or tenders) in the Thames off the Tower of London, 1805. Hulks were usually old naval vessels no longer considered seaworthy. Each day the prisoners were brought ashore in shackles and used as forced labour. They were also used to hold men newly press-ganged into the Royal Navy. From The Costume of Great Britain by WH Pyne. (London, 1805)
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Media ID 14864398
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Imprisonment Moored Oxford Science Archive Penitentiary Prison Prison Hulk Prisoner Pyne Red Ensign Rowing Boat William Henry William Henry Pyne Aquatint
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print by William Henry Pyne showcases the haunting sight of prison ships, known as hulks or tenders, anchored in the Thames off the Tower of London in 1805. These vessels were once formidable naval ships that had fallen into disrepair and were deemed unfit for further use at sea. However, their new purpose was equally grim - to serve as floating prisons. Every day, shackled prisoners would be brought ashore from these hulks and forced into laborious tasks. Additionally, those who had been recently press-ganged into service for the Royal Navy would also find themselves confined within these shipboard penitentiaries. Pyne's artwork vividly captures this scene with its colorful depiction of rowing boats ferrying people between the hulks and land. The red ensign flag proudly flies atop one of the ships, symbolizing England's authority over these captive souls. The image serves as a stark reminder of a darker chapter in British history when crime and punishment intertwined on the waters of the Thames. It reflects not only on law enforcement practices but also on societal attitudes towards imprisonment during the 19th century. Through this print, Pyne offers us a glimpse into an era where transportation by water played a significant role in both commerce and criminal justice. It is an invaluable historical document that allows us to reflect upon our past while appreciating how far we have come in terms of penal reform and human rights.
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