Harsh punishment for Victorian prisoners
A document shedding light on dozens of criminals who were held at Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison during the 1870s has gone on display.
In June 1876 two Norwegian sailors, George Dahl (24) and Harry Olsen (22), sailed into Hull from Oslo. Six weeks later and in a ‘quite destitute’ state, they broke into the house of Frederick Argill in Barrow upon Humber, stealing a silver watch and clothes.
The men were held in custody at Lincoln Castle, before being sentenced to a further three months imprisonment with hard labour at Lindsey County Prison, now HM Prison Lincoln on Greetwell Road.
On their release they were photographed and their lives – and crimes - were recorded in a precious document, known as a Register of Habitual Criminals, which allowed the police to monitor and detain reoffenders.
Now the register and photographs are being displayed inside the castle’s Magna Carta Vault for the first time.
The youngest criminal convicted in the register was just 11 years old and their often-surprising crimes received heavy sentences by today’s standards.
John Holmes, aged 14, from Barrow upon Humber, was accused of stealing two pigeons and sentenced to 21 days imprisonment. The register also tells us that another man, James Pringle, 21, from Grimsby, was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment for stealing six tins of condensed milk.
Petrifying Prison Tours
Between 1848 and 1878 Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison was used as a short-term holding centre for male, female and child prisoners awaiting trial, or following sentencing, before they were transferred elsewhere to serve their punishment.
“Follow in the prisoners’ footsteps this summer and book a place on the brand-new Petrifying Prison Tour – perfect for young historians of all ages. Hold your noses as you discover gruesome secrets on this 20-minute family-friendly tour,” said a castle spokesperson.
The Register of Habitual Criminals is on display in the Magna Carta vault at Lincoln Castle until February 2026.
Pictured are some of the Lincolnshire residents recorded in the Register of Habitual Criminals between 1875 and 1878. George Dahl is pictured top left next to Harry Olsen.