The Castle

[matthew mckeon]

A friend and I are doing research with the goal of writing a book about Portsmouth Naval Prison, commonly called "The Castle" for its imposing appearance. If anyone has any facts, sources or other advice to offer, please do.

After starting this project. I learned an uncle was sentenced there in the late 1940s. Its a small world.

 

[Legion Para]

 

[Legion Para]

 

[matthew mckeon]

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Thanks!

Thanks!

 

[matthew mckeon]

Its a very interesting book. I will probably post a review in the Book and Movie Tent.

 

[Legion Para]

 

[matthew mckeon]

I had been reading about the types of prisoners held there, which changed in both number, sentences and crimes. During the period of my uncle's time, there were many men being confined for being "moral degenerates" (gay). I asked my father if my uncle was in that category.

"Absolutely not," he replied in a shocked tone. "It wasn't anything like that. He set a hospital on fire."

 

[1SGDan]

Sadly this building is in a state of serious decay. Efforts to sell it for private development have failed because of the cost of removing all the contaminants in it. Lead and asbestos were common building products then that are now banned.