Bridewell

Introduction

The idea of putting inmates to work is far from new. Recently, however, it's attracting more attention from both the public and policy-makers. Historically, there have been four reasons for making inmates work: 1) to raise revenue; 2) to increase punishment; 3) to rehabilitate; and 4) to better manage the population. The first prison-like workhouses were established in England in 1557 and were called Bridewell's for London's Bridewell Palace, an old mansion that was converted for this purpose. These were common until the 1700s and 1800s. At that time, entire penal colonies were established by the powers of Europe. Does society have the right to punish? Was Infliction of punishment morally justifiable? These complex questions will be addressed in the following discussion of the rationale, justification, and nature of punishment. Rules about punishment, such as how much punishment can be inflicted and for what kinds of behavior, are of course contained in laws and regulations, so in this sense law justifies punishment

Date 1557 Event Bridewell

Description of the Event: London, originally a residence of Henry VIII, later became