French and American Prisoners of War at Dartmoor Prison, 1805-1816: The Strangest Experiment

This book explores the history of Dartmoor War Prison (1805-16), a penal institution for French and American prisoners of war, using contemporary official records and prisoners' letters, diaries, and memoirs. It examines how the prison was conceived and designed, how it was administered, how it intertwined with the military and diplomatic history of the period, and how the prisoners interacted with each other, their captors, and the wider community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 337 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the rich history of Dartmoor War Prison (1805-16), a lesser-known penal institution that was established during the long-running wars against France. Contrary to popular belief, it was not a Victorian convict prison but rather a facility designed to hold French and later American prisoners of war. Over a span of six and a half years, more than 20,000 captives passed through its gates. Drawing on contemporary official records from Britain, France, and the United States, as well as a wealth of prisoners' letters, diaries, and memoirs, this book explores the inception, design, administration, and impact of Dartmoor War Prison. It examines how the prison was conceived and planned, how it was operated from London and on the ground, how the fate of its prisoners intertwined with the military and diplomatic history of the period, and how the prisoners interacted with each other, their captors, and the wider community. The history of the prison on the moor is a tale of high hopes and noble intentions, but it is also marked by neglect, hardship, disease, and death. This book sheds light on the experiences of those who were held captive at Dartmoor War Prison, providing a deeper understanding of this significant chapter in history.

Dartmoor War Prison: A Lesser-Known Penal Institution

The history of Dartmoor War Prison (1805-16) is a fascinating and lesser-known chapter in the annals of British history. Contrary to popular belief, this prison was not a Victorian convict institution but rather a facility conceived and built during the long-running wars against France. It was designed to hold French and later American prisoners of war, and it played a significant role in the military and diplomatic history of the period.

During a period of six and a half years, more than 20,000 captives passed through the gates of Dartmoor War Prison. The prison was located on the moor in Devon, England, and it was operated by the British government. The design of the prison was based on the principles of deterrence and isolation, with the aim of preventing escape and ensuring the security of the prisoners.

The administration of the prison was complex and multifaceted. From London, the government oversaw the day-to-day operations of the prison, while on-site officials were responsible for the care and well-being of the prisoners. The prison was staffed by a mixture of military personnel and civilian employees, and it was equipped with modern facilities such as a hospital and a library.

The fate of the prisoners at Dartmoor War Prison was intertwined with the military and diplomatic history of the period. The war against France was a long and arduous struggle, and the prison was used as a means of punishment and retaliation for the actions of the French government. The conditions in the prison were often harsh and brutal, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate food and medical care.

Despite the harsh conditions, the prisoners at Dartmoor War Prison did not remain passive. They formed a community of their own, with their own customs, languages, and cultures. They organized themselves into groups based on their nationality, religion, and political beliefs, and they used their collective strength to resist the oppressive conditions of their captivity.

The interactions between the prisoners and their captors were complex and often fraught with tension. The captors were often resentful of the prisoners, who they saw as traitors and enemies. The prisoners, on the other hand, saw the captors as their oppressors and fought back against them in any way they could.

The wider community of Dartmoor also played a role in the history of the prison. The local residents of the moor were often sympathetic to the prisoners, providing them with food, shelter, and support. However, there were also those who viewed the prisoners as a threat to their way of life and fought against them.

In conclusion, the history of Dartmoor War Prison is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Despite the harsh conditions and oppressive circumstances, the prisoners at the prison formed a community of their own, resisted their captors, and fought for their rights. The prison's history is a reminder of the importance of human dignity, justice, and the pursuit of freedom.

Weight: 465g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030838935
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021