Dartmoor Prison

Dartmoor Prison

Built in 1809 Dartmoor prison held French and American prisoners of war. It became a criminal prison from 1850. Most of the buildings date from the late 19th century but 3 wings have recently been fully refurbished. Integral sanitation in all but one wing, and a new kitchen has been built.

The history of this prison is very interesting and if you would like to read more, follow the link below.

http://www.dartmoor-prison.co.uk/history_of_dartmoor_prison.html

Created by: Jas.

Tools Used: Olympus mju 400D compact

Created on: April 2008

Image Views: 26

Average Views per Day: 0.7

Image Number: 47387

A large image is available of Dartmoor Prison.

Comments:

Alandrapal from Canada on May 5, 2008 at 3:35 AM said:

Hi Jas, you're right, should have remembered that those Bronte stories were written about the Yorkshire moors area. Infact, A.Bid and U.Charlie took me, with Margaret, to see the churchyard where the Bronte Sisters were buried. And I have some old pics (somewhere :) of Margaret and me and Auntie and Uncle on the Yorkshire moors, along with some sheep that were roaming about there that day. Goodness! what a long time ago that was.

Jas from England on May 3, 2008 at 1:15 PM said:

No, I think that was more in the north of England, Alandra, but it would be in similar surroundings, so can understand why it made you think of that.

Oh yes, it sure would be very chilly and spooky if you were out there fending for yourself - a very bleak place at times, but very picturesque in good weather. :)

Alandrapal from Canada on May 1, 2008 at 6:01 AM said:

for some reason, what comes to mind as I look at this scene of the moors, is Enya singing the song about Wuthering Heights and Cathy & Heathcliff, - not sure if it took place there.

Can recall my cousin Janet's son training for the Royal Marines on the moors there, and how they were dropped off with nothing to speak of, and had to survive by their wits & skills for a certain length of time, as part of their training. Bet it gets creepy and chilly at nights there.

Jas from England on Apr 22, 2008 at 6:30 AM said:

Hi Vicki, you certainly have been on a trip down 'Memory Lane'! I was amazed at the detail Google Earth shows and have been having fun looking at lots of other places. Thanks for the tip and am glad that this photo' reminded you of your childhood. :)

Travlynwomyn from USA on Apr 20, 2008 at 8:47 PM said:

Hi again - I was playing with the new version of Google Earth yesterday - and FOUND my old school (It's a private home again now.) There's even a photograph showing the front of the building - look up Sydenham, Lewdown, near Okehampton, Devon - and it'll zoom you right there - too cool. I was trying to remember the name of the wonderful town we used to go to for strawberries and clotted cream - White something comes to mind.It's been over 40 years, so the brain's a bit rusty. But I also found the church where I was confirmed by the Bishop of Plymouth!!! Vicki

Jas from England on Apr 20, 2008 at 5:22 PM said:

Wow! Fancy you used to go to school near here!

My Parents used to take us to Devon, on holidays, most years and it would always be a treat to go to a place called Becky Falls, for scones, jam and Devon clotted cream and then across the moor for a drive. We would always drive past the prison; it held a fascination for us kids, I don't know why, maybe we liked to feel a little scared imagining escapees out on the moor?

Thanks for looking and glad you liked this. :)

Travlynwomyn from USA on Apr 19, 2008 at 11:29 PM said:

Omigosh! My boarding school was on the edge of Dartmoor. Every so often the local constable would ride over and tell the headmistress to keep all of us inside if a prisoner had escaped - I had all but forgotten that. Great image - and I shall indeed read your link. Vicki

Jas from England on Apr 18, 2008 at 4:52 PM said:

Thanks to Brian, Carol and Chriss for all your comments too and for viewing. :)

No, Brian, I definitely wouldn't want B&B here - don't think the service would be too friendly?

Thanks for the info on the book, Chriss, I will have to see if they have it at the library.

Jas from England on Apr 18, 2008 at 4:49 PM said:

Thanks for your comments Alan. The moors are very pretty during the good weather but in the winter, this area has a whole different look to it. :)

Bubbalinn from Golden Valley, Arizona. on Apr 10, 2008 at 3:53 PM said:

Great photo and information about the prison. With all of the pretty greens and trees it almost doesn't look like a prison.

Chriss35 from England on Apr 10, 2008 at 1:55 PM said:

A very nice image Jas and I just love the description, I can remember reading a book a couple of years back, based on this location called

Cast No Shadows by E.V.Thompson.

Shutterbug from USA on Apr 10, 2008 at 5:57 AM said: