One of the world’s oldest prisons continuously in use, is set to close for good in just a few days.
Up until recently, and over its long history, the Victorian-era penitentiary in Kingston Ontario, held some of the most notorious criminals in Canadian history,
The government announced the closing in 2012, saying the prison was no longer suitable for modern needs and policies, and upkeep was costly.
It opened in 1835 with 5 convicts but within months the number grew to 62, including women and children.
By 1850 there were 410 inmates. This included a three-year sentence for Antoine Beauche who was only 8 at the time. Also a prisoner was Elizabeth Breen aged 12.
The original cells were 74cm wide, 244cm long, and 200cm high..just big enough for a bed which was pushed up against the wall during the day to allow prisoners a few feet to pace in their cell.
By 1861 the original single cellblock had grown to four in a star pattern connected to a domed central area.
By 1867 the prison was taken over by the new federal government and the Provincial Penitentiary of the Province of Upper Canada, became Kingston Penitentiary, or “KP” as it was known by inmates.
An overhaul of cells was completed prior to the First World War making cells twice as large and with an overhead light, a sink, toilet, and small table. The “Northwest” cell block is also opened for female prisoners with 32 single cells, and two double bed “sick-bay” cells.
There were three major riots at KP, 1932, 1954, and 1971. Each time is was over conditions and treatment, each time causing extensive damage. A 1989 report by the warden said that KP had become a “dumping ground” for bad guards some of whom terrorized the prisoners.
There have only been a few escapes from KP, with inmates later recaptured, although in 1923 Red Ryan eluded capture for three months before being returned to KP.
The last of the current inmates has been moved out to other prisons.
In the meantime and for the month of October, tickets are being sold for 90 minute prison tours at $20 for adults with the money going to the charity United Way.
Much to the surprise of organizers, the 2,000 tickets,sold out almost immediately, both from a first batch that sold out instantly, and a second batch made available which sold out in under an hour.
Demand has been so high for them that people have been posting online offering up to $75 for a chance to tour the notorious facility, who’s future is uncertain at this point.
The 8.6 hectare site is prime waterfront real-estate in the heart of Kingston, although it was declared a national historic site in 1990.
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