GOVERNOR'S LETTER BOOKS

Throughout the existence of the Queen's prison a complete set of letter books was kept by the governor, Captain John Hudson, a retired naval officer. From the day he took up the post, 5 July 1843, he kept copies of each official letter he wrote on prison business. The correspondence covered a wide range of subjects relating to the administration of the prison and the welfare of the inmates. Many letters were to the Home Office, or other government departments. Issues covered include the maintenance of prison buildings, queries about the status of prisoners or rules regarding their conduct, medical reports on prisoners' physical and mental health, and reports on inquests into prisoners' deaths. Covering letters once attached to financial accounts were copied, and details of salaries were also recorded. Some of the books contain marginal entries and subject indexes which may aid searches for particular details.

Copies of other letters writen on the governor's behalf between 1845-1851 can be found in PRIS 10/116