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Preston Prison 1905
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Preston Prison 1905
Tread wheel at Preston prison, 1905 Date: 1905
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Media ID 7402531
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10474338
Copy1 Exercise Exercising Fitness Prison Prisoner Prisoners Prisons
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Fit and Functional: The Treadwheel at Preston Prison, 1905" This evocative black-and-white photograph captures the grim reality of prison life in the early 1900s, as depicted by the image of a treadwheel at Preston Prison in England, taken in 1905. The treadwheel, a large wooden apparatus with spokes and a central axle, is a stark reminder of the punitive and physically demanding methods once used to maintain discipline and keep prisoners fit. Prisoners, clad in drab uniforms, are seen laboring on the treadwheel, their faces etched with determination and exhaustion. The wooden floor beneath their feet is worn and splintered from years of use, while the bars of the prison windows cast long, ominous shadows over the scene. The practice of using treadwheels in prisons dates back to the 16th century, with the belief that the physical exertion would help to deter idleness and promote discipline. Prisoners were often forced to walk or run in place, turning the wheel for hours at a time, with little rest or respite. The use of treadwheels declined in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as more humane methods of prisoner rehabilitation and exercise were introduced. This photograph offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where the emphasis on punishment and physical labor overshadowed any concern for the well-being or rehabilitation of prisoners. Despite the harsh conditions, the prisoners in this image are focused on their task, demonstrating a resilience and determination that speaks to the human spirit. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals, even those who have made mistakes or find themselves in difficult circumstances. It also underscores the ongoing need for compassionate and effective approaches to criminal justice and prisoner rehabilitation.
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