[Jack Sheppard by William Harrison Ainsworth]@TWC D-Link bookJack Sheppard CHAPTER IX 8/11
Here were imprisoned the fines; and, "perhaps," adds the before-cited authority, "if he behaved himself, an outlawed person might creep in among them." Ascending the gate once more on the way back, we find over the Stone Hall another large room, called Debtors' Hall, facing Newgate Street, with "very good air and light." A little too much of the former, perhaps; as the windows being unglazed, the prisoners were subjected to severe annoyance from the weather and easterly winds. Of the women felons' rooms nothing has yet been said.
There were two. One called Waterman's Hall, a horrible place adjoining the postern under the gate, whence, through a small barred aperture, they solicited alms from the passengers: the other, a large chamber, denominated My Lady's Hold, was situated in the highest part of the jail, at the northern extremity.
Neither of these wards had beds, and the unfortunate inmates were obliged to take their rest on the oaken floor.
The condition of the rooms was indescribably filthy and disgusting; nor were the habits of the occupants much more cleanly.
In other respects, they were equally indecorous and offensive.
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