If you are interested in visiting a historic and unique prison in the UK, then Dartmoor Prison should be on your list. Located in Princetown, high on the moors of Devon, this Category C men’s prison is known for its high granite walls that dominate the surrounding area.
Operated by His Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) and falling under the ownership of the Duchy of Cornwall, Dartmoor Prison has a long and fascinating history. It was originally built in 1809 to hold French and American prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, visitors can take guided tours of the prison and learn about its history and current operations. The tours provide an opportunity to see the inner workings of a prison and gain insight into the daily life of inmates.
In addition to the tours, the prison also has a museum that features exhibits on the history of the prison and its inmates, as well as the impact of the prison on the local community.
History of Dartmoor Prison
Built by English architect and engineer Daniel Asher Alexander, Dartmoor Prison was constructed in 1806 after the British government deemed housing prisoners in “hulks” or derelict ships unsafe. The U.K. was at war with Napoleonic France at the time, and thousands of prisoners were being taken. The prison was planned in the remote isolation of Dartmoor due to the contiguity of the Royal Naval dockyard at Devonport, which was considered unsafe. It took three years for local labor to complete the construction in 1809, and the first French prisoners arrived soon after.
By the end of the year, the prison was already full. From 1813 to 1815, about 6,500 American sailors from the War of 1812 were confined at Dartmoor in poor conditions, including bad food and leaking roofs. Among the inmates were approximately 1,000 Black sailors.
Modern Operations by Dartmoor Prison
Dartmoor prison, a Category C men’s prison located in Princetown, Devon, has faced a number of challenges over the years. In 2001, a Board of Visitors reported poor sanitation and urgent repairs required, while in 2002, the Prison Reform Trust warned that the prison may be breaching the Human Rights Act due to severe overcrowding. However, in 2003, the Chief Inspector of Prisons confirmed that Dartmoor had made substantial improvements in management, maintenance, and regime.
In 2008, staff passed a vote of no confidence in the then governor Serena Watts, alleging bullying and safety concerns. Despite these challenges, Dartmoor continues to operate as a Category C prison, housing mainly non-violent offenders and white-collar criminals. It also houses inmates convicted of sexual offenses, but only as a support site without any treatment programs.
Despite its aging infrastructure, Dartmoor remains an important part of the prison system in the UK, providing a secure and supportive environment for inmates who have committed less violent offenses. Efforts to maintain and improve the prison continue, with ongoing renovations and repairs to address the concerns raised by the Board of Visitors in 2001.
How to book legal and professional visits
Dartmoor prison facilitates legal or professional visits during weekdays from 9 am to 3:15 pm. Visitors can also opt for CVP visits, telephone calls, or in-person visits. For additional information, one can contact the prison at 01822 322 408 or send an email to [email protected].
Escapes from Dartmoor Prison
Dartmoor Prison was intentionally constructed in an isolated location, surrounded by high stone walls, and guarded by hundreds of armed militia sentinels to prevent any escapes. Unlike many 18th-century detention facilities, it was not built in a bustling town. To further ensure security, a rope was installed around the entire prison’s circumference, linked to a series of bells that could quickly raise the alarm.
Even if an inmate managed to get past the walls, they would still have to traverse ten miles of wild moors and boglands on foot, an area frequently shrouded in fog and freezing winds, to reach the nearest town. Local residents were offered a guinea as a reward for turning in an escapee. Despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, scholar Nicholas Guyatt has recorded 24 American POWs successfully escaping Dartmoor Prison in his General Entry Book of American Prisoners of War at Dartmoor.
Can You Visit Dartmoor Prison?
Visiting at Dartmoor Prison is allowed for family, friends, and significant others of inmates, as long as they are on the inmate’s approved visiting list. The visiting room is the designated area for visits.
To visit someone in Dartmoor following conditions must be met:
- Visitors must be on that prisoner’s visitor list.
- They must book their visit in advance.
- They must have the required ID with them when they go.
- At least one visit must be 18 or older at every visit, and a maximum of 3 visitors will be allowed.
Most inmates at Dartmoor Prison are allowed up to 3 visits per month, subject to availability and the approval of the prison staff.
Visiting Rules at Dartmoor Prison
To enter Dartmoor Prison, visitors who are 16 years or older must provide a valid identity proof. Upon arrival, all visitors, including children, must undergo a pat-down search, and security dogs may sniff them. Dartmoor enforces a strict dress code, and visitors must wear smart attire that meets the prison’s standards. Low-cut tops, vests, short dresses, shorts, and headwear, excluding religious headwear, are prohibited.
During the visit, refreshments can be purchased on-site. However, visitors are not allowed to carry certain items inside the prison, such as pushchairs, car seats, and other personal belongings. These items must be stored in lockers or handed over to security.
At the beginning of the visit, an officer will explain the rules to the visitors, and if they violate any of the regulations, their visit may be terminated, and they could face a ban on future visits.
Dartmoor Prison Museum
The Dartmoor Prison Museum is situated in the old dairy buildings and offers a comprehensive account of the history of HMP Dartmoor. The museum showcases a range of exhibits including the prison’s role in detaining prisoners of war from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, restraints and weapons, memorabilia, clothing and uniforms, famous inmates, and the changed focus of the prison. Additionally, visitors can purchase garden ornaments and other items such as carpentry and concrete goods created by prisoners participating in educational courses.
Furthermore, the museum offers displays and information on lesser-known aspects of the prison’s history, such as the imprisonment of conscientious objectors during World War I. The exhibits provide an educational experience for visitors and shed light on the prison’s past.
The “Dartmoor Jailbreak” is an annual event that invites members of the public to attempt an “escape” from the prison and travel as far as possible in four days without using direct payment for transport. This event raises funds for various charities while providing a unique and exciting experience for participants.
How To Book Family And Friends Visits
Dartmoor Prison offers a comprehensive visiting schedule, with visits lasting a maximum of 2 hours. To book a visit, interested individuals may visit the official website or use the visit booking line at 01822 322 022.
For added convenience, the prison also offers a secure video call service that visitors may register for.
Remember that the booking line isn’t always open. The timings are as follows.:
- Monday: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
The visiting times are below:
- Friday: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Sunday, 9:30 am to 11:30 am and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The Notoriety of Dartmoor Prison
Beginning in 1920, Dartmoor Prison started accepting British criminals, including some of the UK’s most dangerous offenders such as murderers, gangsters, thieves, and spies. Among the famous inmates held at the prison were Jack “the Hat” McVitie, Jack “Spot” Comer, John George Haigh, and Frank Mitchell.
Over the years, there have been numerous attempts by prisoners to escape from Dartmoor, with some trying to flee to the surrounding moorlands. These attempts have often led to large-scale search operations by the prison service and police. The prison has also had incidents of disobedience by its inmates, such as a model prisoner attacking a guard with a razor blade and other prisoners mistreating an inmate who had been placed in solitary confinement.
Despite its reputation for housing dangerous criminals, Dartmoor has also been praised for its efforts to rehabilitate its inmates through education and vocational training programs. It offers courses in subjects such as carpentry, bricklaying, and horticulture, which allow prisoners to learn new skills and prepare for employment upon their release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can visit an inmate at Dartmoor Prison?
Family, friends, and significant others of inmates at Dartmoor Prison are allowed to visit the facility. The visitor must be on an inmate’s approved visiting list to get inside the visiting room.
What are the visiting hours at Dartmoor Prison?
Legal or professional visits operate Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3:15 pm. Other visits are CVP (Cloud Video Platform) visits, telephone calls, and in-person visits.
How many visits are allowed per month?
Most of the inmates in Dartmoor are allowed up to 3 visits per month.
What is the dress code for visitors at Dartmoor Prison?
Dartmoor has a strict dress code policy, which means visitors are required to wear smart clothes that suit the prison standard. Vests, low-cut tops, shorts, short dresses, and headwear other than that worn for religious reasons are not allowed.
What items are not allowed to be taken into Dartmoor Prison?
There are restrictions on what visitors can take into Dartmoor. They will need to leave most of the things they have with them in either a locker or security, which may include pushchairs and car seats.
How do visitors prove their identity at Dartmoor Prison?
All visitors aged 16 or older are required to prove their identity before entering the prison.
Is there a museum at Dartmoor Prison?
Yes, the Dartmoor Prison Museum is located in the old dairy buildings and focuses on the history of HMP Dartmoor.
Can visitors book their visit online?
Yes, visitors can book their visit online by visiting the official website or by using the visit booking line, 01822 322 022. There is also a secure video call service available for visitors to register for.
Conclusion
Dartmoor Prison has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and it continues to operate as a high-security prison for some of Britain’s most serious offenders. The prison has a strict set of rules and regulations that visitors must adhere to, including a dress code policy and restrictions on what can be brought into the facility. The prison also offers a museum that showcases its history, including its role in holding prisoners of war, and hosts a yearly event where members of the public can attempt an “escape” to raise money for charity. Despite its location in a remote and rugged area, there have been numerous escape attempts from the prison over the years. Overall, Dartmoor Prison remains an important part of Britain’s criminal justice system and a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of incarceration.
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