An old engraving of John Howard (1726¬–1790). A philanthropist and social reformer, Howard was dedicated to prison reform and public health improvements. In 1773 he was appointed high sheriff of Bedfordshire and was shocked by the prison conditions he found. The system meant that poorer prisoners lived in terrible conditions. Howard's actions led to two 1774 parliamentary acts, abolishing jailers' fees and improving prisoner health. In 1866, the Howard League for Penal Reform was founded in his honour.
An old engraving of John Howard (1726¬–1790). A philanthropist and social reformer, Howard was dedicated to prison reform and public health improvements. On his father's death in 1742, he inherited considerable wealth and settled on an estate in Bedfordshire. In 1773 he was appointed high sheriff of Bedfordshire and was shocked by the prison conditions he found. Jailers were lived off money paid by prisoners for food, bedding and other facilities. This system meant that poorer prisoners lived in terrible conditions. Howard's actions led to two 1774 parliamentary acts, one abolished jailers' fees, the other producing improvements leading to better prisoner health. In 1866, the Howard League for Penal Reform was founded in his honour.
Size: 2582px × 3307px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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