Its walls were of stone, now grim and hoary with age; and on the side next to the Fleet there was a large square structure, resembling Traitor's Gate at the Tower, and forming the sole entrance to the prison.

To this gate state-offenders were brought by water after committal by the Council of the Star-Chamber.
Nothing could be sterner or gloomier than the aspect of the prison on this side--gray and frowning walls, with a few sombre buildings peeping above them, and a black gateway, with a yawning arch, as if looking ready to devour the unfortunate being who approached it.

Passing through a wicket, contrived in the ponderous door, a second gate was arrived at, and this brought the captive to the porter's lodge, where he was delivered up to the jailers, and assigned a room in one of the wards, according to his means of paying for it.

The best of these lodgings were but indifferent; and the worst were abominable and noisome pits.
On entering the outer ward, a strange scene presented itself to the view.

Motley groups were scattered about--most of the persons composing them being clad in threadbare doublets and tattered cloaks, and wearing caps, from which the feathers and ornaments had long since disappeared; but there were a few--probably new coiners--in somewhat better attire.
All these wore debtors.