Life behind bars in Britain’s surviving Victorian prisons – photo essay

Dozens of prisons were built in Britain between 1842 and 1877, many of which are still in use today.

For more than 20 years, Andy Aitchison has photographed behind the walls.

His book Incarcerated explores how Victorian prison infrastructure has persisted, and what these old buildings mean for the people who live and work inside What is now HMP Lincoln opened at the end of the most prolific period of prison construction in British history, when 90 prisons were built or significantly expanded between 1842 and 1877.

Here, observes the introductory essay to Incarcerated, “was the Victorian faith in ‘progress’, rendered in bricks and mortar and applied to the challenge of remaking those who had set themselves against law and society”.

John, from E wing at HMP Lincoln, has dementia and spends his days shouting and screaming in his cell.

When he gets out into the exercise yard he sits in silence and enjoys the space, fresh air and sunshine Continue reading...