Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 1 From the twelfth to the eighteenth century

"Chronicles of Newgate, Vol. 1" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work provides an in-depth exploration of Newgate Prison, focusing on its history from the twelfth to the eighteenth century, examining the lives of its inmates and the societal implications of crime and punishment during that era. The opening of the narrative sets a tone of grim reflection on the brutal history of penal practices, illustrating the stark realities faced by those imprisoned within Newgate's walls. Griffiths introduces the prison as a place of suffering where individuals, regardless of their social class, faced dire conditions, often dependent on charity for their survival. Early mentions highlight the treatment of both political and common criminals, and the text hints at the dramatic stories that will unfold through the lens of notable prisoners and the evolution of justice within this infamous institution. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Arthur George Frederick Griffiths was a British military officer, prison administrator and author who published more than 60 books during his lifetime. He was also a military historian who wrote extensively about the wars of the 19th century, and was for a time military correspondent for The Times newspaper.