XQA/G/298
LETTER: From: Frederic Hill. To: The Rt. Hon. Ld. Newborough. Summary of the results of Mr. Hill’s investigation, as an Inspector of Prisons, into the conduct of the Governor of Caernarfon Prison, W.H. George. The charges were: 1. -That the Governor had given an over-allowance of bread to 8 debtors for a time. 2. That he had influenced them to employ a particular attorney. 3. On their refusal, he reduced their bread allowance. 4. Intoxication. 5. Ill-treatment of Prisoners. 6. Falsehood. (i) is regarded as substantiated (ii) and (iii) as doubtful (iv) - Mr. George is not of perfectly sober habits himself. George is exonerated of (5), but (6) Is substantiated. Other points are established - 1. Altho’ Henry Morris was obviously unfit for the office of Turnkey, the Governor didn’t report this. 2. A prisoner was left 7 days in a solitary cell without the authority of a visiting justice. 3. Misconduct book was incomplete. 4. Various minor breaches of the rules. 5. Last annual return sent to Home Office was very incorrect. Concludes the Governor should be replaced and the new man chosen go on trial for 6 to 12 months. Other recommendations for prison conduct. Really a new building is needed, since the condition of the present one is so bad.
Cyngor Gwynedd