1848. The Convict Prison was established in this year.*

Portland Convict Prison was established in the first instance for the purpose of having labour to assist in the construction of the breakwater. The first body of convicts arrived in Portland in 1848. Within a few years a large establishment was erected, and a barracks for the officers was added in the Grove. Whilst the work of the breakwater was in progress the convicts were chiefly employed in quarrying the necessary stone. At that time about 700 men were engaged in the actual quarrying and about 400 in dressing and squaring it ; at the present time the chief work of the convicts is in the quarries. Portland Prison is noted for its safety, and no prisoner has yet effected a complete escape. In one or two instances convicts have reached as far as Weymouth or Abbotsbury, where they have, however, been retaken.

Governor, Major C. W. Briscoe ;

Deputy governor, Mr W. J. Pelly ;

Chaplain, Rev. L. J. Hudson;

Assistant chaplain, Rev. L. Mason ;

Roman Catholic chaplain, Rev Dr O'Loughlin ;

Medical officer, Dr J. B. Cooke ;

Deputy medical officer, Dr W. N. East ;

Store keeper, Mr G. Young ;

Clerk of works, Mr C. Gibbs ;

Chief warder, Mr M. Lawson. *

1848 (Nov. 2Ist) First convicts arrived Portland. They came by boat from Portsmouth on the "Driver" and landed at Castleton in charge of Weymouth police and coastguard Pepperell, Cleall, Ball and Fisher. They climbed over the common up the hill and then across Kings Barrow to the Prison. *

1869. The inhabitants petition against the establishment of the Convict prison.*

1869. (Aug 11). A convict named Hatheridge was hanged at Dorchester for murdering a prison warder. *

The Board of Visitors appointed by the Secretary of Slate, consists of: *

J Merrick Head, Chairman

HB Middleton Deputy-Chairman

The Lord Stalbridge;

the Hon John Scott Montagu M.P.

C E A George;

R Moore Bridge;

Col. Brymer M.P.

Col. P Farrer

O W Warner

* Portland Year Book for 1905

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