12 November 2012Last updated at 14:04

In Pictures: A history of prisons in the Isle of Man

The crypt at St. German's in Peel was the Isle of Man's first prison between 1229 and 1780.

In his book Manannan’s Isle, David Crowe writes of Peel Castle prison: “Few places can have witnessed more tragedy with its cold stone wall, its perpetually damp floor and its darkness - in ancient times relieved only by fitful gleams of light".

Historical picture of Castle Rushen prison

In the 18th Century, Castle Rushen was converted into a jail. Although it was seen as a vast improvement on Peel, medical records from the time tell of inmates who were constantly ill due to the cold, damp conditions. In a diary held at Manx National Heritage, a prison doctor reports treating a prisoner for a penis amputation.

A museum recreation of an old Manx prison

In 1885, English prison inspectors noted in amazement that prisoners were still being chained to the walls at the castle jail. “This does not accord with modern notions” it was written.

Prison gates in Castle Rushen, Isle of Man

In 1885 inspectors deemed Castle Rushen jail as “unadapted for the purposes of a jail and incurably defective”. In 1886 Whitehall ordered the Isle Man to build a new prison.

Victoria Road prison in Douglas, Isle of Man

Victoria Road prison in Douglas was the island's first ever purpose-built facility. It opened on 20 June 1891 and was hailed as an excellent example of how a prison should be.

A prison cell in Victoria Road prison, Isle of Man

Inspectors invited over from the UK in 1903 commented on the “light, well-ventilated rooms which were clean and well kept” at Victoria Road in Douglas.

The Isle of Man’s new prison in Jurby opened in 2008. It cost £41.7m to build, although the original estimate was around £28.3 million. The building boasts facilities such as a badminton court, an outdoor sports field, a gym, modern classrooms and private cells.

The astro-turf football field allows prisoners to get involved in outdoor exercise.

Isle Of Man / Ellan Vannin

In Pictures: A history of prisons in the Isle of Man

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