After some months of negotiating, the Home Office gave me permission to enter the modern jail at Holloway in North London and I was escorting around by a pleasant and dedicated officer who was in charge of security. Our first destination was the pair of Griffins which once adorned the front of the old Holloway Jail. The first picture is of them in their old place of honour, at the inner gatehouse.(About 1947 I believe) The Griffins were carved in Caen stone by John Hemmings in 1852.
And the second is what I took on the 23 May 2006. Sadly the keys have vanished and they are much worn away. (I have been reliably informed that the keys are not missing but are stored safely)
The other item, and the third photo, that was next on my guide's agenda was the original foundation stone which, upon The House of Correction's demolition in 1970-1971, was incorporated into the new building. I had been advised that because it was now protected by glass and was also made of an unusual type of rock, quite similar to marble, it might be hard to get a good photograph and these concerns were right. Despite the offices kindly supplying me with a tripod, I could not overcome the effects of glare and with much of the writing so very faint, my picture, I think, turned out to be better than nothing.
However, I was able to read the infamous quote which ran close to the bottom of the tablet; May God preserve the City of London and make this place a terror to evil-doers. Those large white blemishes appear to be a combination of air pockets and cracks.
In conclusion I would like to thank the men and women officers of H.M.P Holloway for allowing me to take them away from their duties if only for a short time. Everyone was pleasant and helpful and I remember thinking that if only Edith had been offered this level of humanity... I was much humbled as well by standing on the same area of ground upon which Edith trod her last footsteps and also breathed her last.
Photographs copywrite of Molly Cutpurse. Please write for permission to reproduce.