Debtor's Prison (18th and 19th Century)

Publisher's blurb: During the 18th and 19th-century Debtors prisons in America and Britain were a common way of dealing with people who had unpaid debts. The establishments were often similar to locked workhouses where in the inmates would be held until they were able to pay their debts, however, a debtor's financial obligation was not simply discharged by earning a period of time in prison, rather the prisoner would have to find a way to repay the debt. Sometimes this would be by 'Working off' the debt with prison labour or by having friends and family raise the money. Many debtors would be permitted to conduct their business and would be allowed visitors both personal and for business purposes. To add to their debt, however, the prisoners would be expected to pay for the room and board in the prison as well. The debtor's prison presented here is based on several such prisons that were built in Great Britain in the 18th century. The design was common in Britain until the very early 20th century (until around 1905) and was also common in America until the imprisonment of debtors was effectively abolished under Federal law in 1833.