The Impact of John Howard on Prisons

Who was John Howard?

John Howard lived from 1726 to 1790, and played an important role in prison reform.

Why did John Howard influence prisons?

As High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, John Howard was responsible for prisons in the county. He was shocked by the conditions that existed in them.

What reports did John Howard publish?

John Howard published The State of Prisons in England in 1777. This outlined problems in prisons of the time.

How did John Howard change the law?

John Howard successfully lobbied for 3 main changes to the law on prisons:

• ❖ The Discharged Prisoners Act of 1774 abolished the practice of gaol fees. This was a payment prisoners had to make before they could be released, even if they had completed their sentence.
• ❖ The Health of Prisoners Act of 1774 made it law that prisons should have bathrooms and sickrooms for prisoners.
• ❖ However, because prisons were run by local authorities, rather than the national government, these changes were not made across the country.

What did John Howard suggest?

In The State of Prisons in England, Howard suggested 3 key improvements for prisons:

• ❖ Better accommodation.
• ❖ Paid guards.
• ❖ Improved diets.

What impact did John Howard have?

Although Howard greatly influenced awareness and ideas about prison, national reform did not begin until after his death.