Leicester's Four Gaols and 'the Crank'
Leicester had four gaols (jails) in the 18th century, one still visible near Highcross
In the 18th century Leicester had four gaols (the Georgian spelling of jail), all sited on or near to the Highcross.
Damp, dirty and overcrowded, inmates would be forced to work on a treadmill or turn a winding machine known as 鈥榯he crank鈥�. Food consisted of oatmeal gruel, bread, meat, potatoes, and cocoa.
The County Gaol was demolished in 1880 but a small part of one of its walls was left in place and can still be seen today from Highcross Street.
麻豆社 Leicester鈥檚 Ben Jackson went to find out more with Leicester author Joanne Mungovin.
Produced by Pete Wardman.
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