Early reformatories[edit]

The first juvenile prison was the 1838 Parkhurst prison on the Isle of Wight. Separation of
youngsters has been proposed earlier by Peel's Gaol Act of 1823, but implementation had
generally failed.[6] From 1824-1826 some boys were housed on the prison hulk, Captivity (the
former Bellerophon). Even earlier in 1817, Samuel Hoare the Quaker banker and philanthropist
and the architect James Bevan, had proposed a new suitable prison: there was no consensus as
to whether a prison should be for deterrence, retribution, punishment, removing a cause of
nuisance or reforming the prisoner. Parkhurst aimed to reform the prisoner, provide some
education and prepare the youngster to be transported as a free man to the colonies in
Australia.[7]
By 1866 there were 51 certified reform schools in England and 14 in Scotland, but this had
declined to 43 in 1913, while certified industrial schools had become more popular moving from
50 in 1866 to 132 (residential) and 21 (dayschools) in 1913.[7]
Earlier initiatives began in 1756 with the founding of the Marine Society "for the purpose of
clothing landsman and boys for the use of the king's ship, and as an expedient to provide for
poor boys who might become a nuisance." In 1788, the Philanthropic Society was set up and
opened an institution at St. George's Fields, Southwark, "for the protection of poor children, and
the offspring of convicted felons; and for the reformation of those who have themselves been
engaged in criminal practices."[8]

Conditions[edit]
The regime was strict but fair and humane within the context of the times. Good behaviour was
rewarded and poor behaviour punished. Punishment followed rule-breaking and rewards
followed compliance. The rules were clear and transparent. The morality was simple and this
would provide some security as children.[9]
Similarly, normal living conditions for the urban poor involved overcrowded multiple occupancy in
buildings with no mains drainage where diseases were rife. With no health care available- or
affordable there was a high death rate amongst the malnourished children. In the reformatory
there was simple regular food, the conditions were clean and medical care was available. In
addition they were given free education and some training in a skill that would be marketable
when they had finished their time. The success rate was high.[9]