How would you survive in the old newgate prison?

Answer 1

If you were wealthy (and there were a number of prisoners who were not only rich but famous), you could improve your conditions to a degree. In fact, more than one Newgate warden was convicted of extortion on prisoners and sent to Newgate themselves. But even the wealthy had to endure primitive conditions. The prison itself was made of stone; the cells were small and unheated, furnished with a bed, probably a stool and table, and certainly a bucket for . . . well, bodily functions. Food was meagre and bad: crusts of insect-ridden bread, pieces of potatoes or turnips, occasionally a small piece of gristly meat. This is the area where being wealthy could improve your stay. There was an exercise yard, which the public could view at certain places in the walls. Celebrities and the rich were often paraded through the cells, some for legitimate and humane reasons, but many who thought such a tour was a daring outing.

Answer 2

In order to survive in the old Newgate prison, one would need to be resourceful, build alliances with other inmates for protection, and navigate the complex social hierarchy within the prison. It would also be important to avoid drawing attention to oneself and adapt to the harsh living conditions.