Gaols

Those who found themselves in gaol in Portsmouth did not have a comfortable existence. The first recorded gaol was the ‘Whitehouse’, a converted private residence located on the High Street next to the Crown Inn. No bedding or straw was provided, only the most basic of rations (debtors received nothing) were given and there was no segregation of the sexes. A purpose built gaol was not erected until 1808. It was situated in Penny Street where it remained until 1878 when the current prison in Kingston was built.