Legal Definitions - Queen's prison

A prison that was established in 1842 in Southwark. It was used to hold debtors and criminals who were confined under the authority of the superior courts at Westminster, the highest court of admiralty, and the bankruptcy laws. The Queen's Prison replaced the Queen's Bench Prison, Fleet Prison, and Marshalsea Prison. However, it was closed in 1862.

For example, if someone owed a large amount of money and could not pay it back, they could be sent to the Queen's Prison. Additionally, if someone committed a crime that fell under the jurisdiction of the superior courts at Westminster, they could also be sent to the Queen's Prison. The prison was meant to hold those who were considered a threat to society or who had broken the law.

The Queen's Prison was an important part of the criminal justice system in the 19th century. It was a place where debtors and criminals could be held accountable for their actions and where they could be punished for breaking the law. However, the conditions in the prison were often harsh, and many people suffered while they were incarcerated there.