This document provides an overview of the history and development of prisons in Britain. It discusses how in early years there was little need for prisons and punishment was typically death or exile. It then describes the founding of a new prison in the 18th century to replace outdated facilities. This new prison had 600 cells and standardized rules separating prisoners by gender and crime. Various punishments were used, including fettering, flogging, and the treadmill. Different cell types housed prisoners differently, with the pits being the worst conditions. Over time, reforms improved living standards and separated debtors from felons.