Apologies for the confusion. Here is the revised news body without the unnecessary phrases:
Bristol, a city with a rich history, is filled with remnants of the past that remind us of a time long gone. One such place is the haunting ruins of the New Gaol prison, which may easily go unnoticed by passersby. The unassuming gateway, now leading to the new flats of Wapping Wharf, holds a dark secret.
Once the entrance to a gruesome prison, the New Gaol was notorious for its public executions of inmates. The prison, built in the early 19th century, witnessed the deaths of many inmates due to malnourishment and disease. In response to these dire conditions, an Act of Parliament was passed, leading to the construction of the New Gaol.
Commissioned by the city council in 1816 and opened in 1820, the New Gaol was built at a cost of £60,000. While it had been meticulously designed and boasted a reliable water supply, it didn’t take long for the conditions to deteriorate, making it uninhabitable and the water undrinkable.
Nestled in Spike Island, parallel to the river, the menacing archway of the Gaol gatehouse once served as the entrance to the execution site, cementing its place in Bristol’s dark past. The first public execution took place in 1821 when John Horwood, an 18-year-old man, was hanged for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Eliza Balsum.
Legend has it that John was deeply infatuated with Eliza, and when she ended their relationship, he threw a pebble at her head, causing her to fall into a brook. Eliza suffered a severe skull injury and underwent an operation by Dr. Richard Smith at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. Sadly, the operation was unsuccessful, and Eliza passed away as a result. John was immediately charged with her murder and sent to the New Gaol to meet his fate, just three days after his 18th birthday.
Following his execution, John’s body was returned to Dr. Smith, who used his remains for study and his skin to bind case notes. This macabre book, known as ‘Dr. Smith’s Skin Book,’ later found a place of display at the M Shed Museum.
The New Gaol faced its share of difficulties during the 1831 Bristol reform riots when it became a target for vandals. The doors were smashed, and the building was set ablaze, resulting in the destruction of all prison records.
In 1849, a particularly notable public execution took place within the prison’s walls. Seventeen-year-old Sarah Thomas, found guilty of murdering her elderly employer, was hanged amidst a crowd of horrified onlookers. Bristol residents were deeply moved, with some even shedding tears. The emotional toll was so great that the prison governor fainted. William Calcraft, the longest-serving executioner in England, carried out Sarah’s sentence. However, he later admitted that her youth and good looks deeply affected him.
This tragic event marked the end of public executions at the New Gaol in Bristol. Shortly after, the prison was sold to Great Western Railway, and the remaining prisoners were transferred to a new facility in Horfield. For much of the 19th century, the foreboding gatehouse of the New Gaol stood tall, guarding the gates of the law. Today, only its remnants serve as a reminder of the history that we’ve left behind.
Wapping Wharf, the area that now stands behind the gaol gate, has been transformed into a vibrant neighborhood featuring one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. It has quickly become one of Bristol’s trendiest areas, offering a mix of modern living within the backdrop of a dark chapter from the past.
The New Gaol prison’s haunting ruins offer a glimpse into Bristol’s dark history. The ghostly gatehouse serves as a haunting reminder of the public executions and grim conditions that once prevailed within its walls. As the city continues to grow and evolve, it’s important to remember the stories of the past and the lessons they hold. The New Gaol stands as a testament to the weight of history and the resilience of a city that continues to press forward.
