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Subject Area: Political Theory
Subject Area: Law

Reasons in favour of the spot near Woolwich, as a site for the Penitentiary House. - Jeremy Bentham, The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 11 (Memoirs of Bentham Part II and Analytical Index) [1843]

Edition used:

The Works of Jeremy Bentham, published under the Superintendence of his Executor, John Bowring (Edinburgh: William Tait, 1838-1843). 11 vols. Vol. 11.

Part of: The Works of Jeremy Bentham, 11 vols.

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Reasonsin favour of the spot nearWoolwich,as a site for thePenitentiary House.

  • Properties required by the Acts 19 Geo. III. c. 74, and 34 Geo. III. c. 84,—or by the Reports of the Committees.

  • I.Vicinity to the River.—Distance, less than 500 yards. N.B. Without communication with the river, immediate or by a cut, the Contract not executable.
  • II.Elevation,—rising to about 100 feet,—thence
  • III.Healthfulness.
  • IV.Vicinity to the Metropolis,—(the seat of inspection, and market for raw materials and finished goods.) This is the nearest spot attainable, (accompanied with the preceding advantages,) after Battersea Rise.
  • V.Pleasantness,
    • 1. Inviting to the inspecting class.
    • 2. Inviting to those who may reap benefit from the example.
    • 3. Inviting to future Governors, in respect of constancy of residence.
    • 4. Communicating the enjoyment of the spot to thousands, instead of confining it to one.
  • VI.Security,
    • 1. The strength of the Dock Yard within call.
    • 2. That of the Barracks distant not above half-a-mile, summonable by signals.
  • VII.Vicinity to thePresentStation of the Convicts. Distance, not 600 yards. Hence—
    • 1. Saving the Establishment from the increased alarm and disgust that would pursue it to any new place.
    • 2. Faculty of employing the Convicts in the Digging of the Cut, and the erection of the Building, &c., &c., as recommended by the Committees.
  • VIII.Vicinity of Building Materials. Sand dug, Bricks and Lime made, on the spot.