What Was Prison Like At Christmas?

What Was Prison Like At Christmas?

Have you ever wondered how Christmas felt behind bars? It’s a side of the season we rarely talk about, but for thousands of people every year, the festive period happens in prison.

Here are a few insights into what Christmas was really like in prison in more modern times, seen through the eyes of officers, inmate and visiting families.

 

What Christmas Was Like for Inmates

There were a few decorations and inmates were served a bacon or sausage sandwich instead of the usual porridge. They were also served a Christmas Lunch and had a cold Christmas hamper for dinner. For many inmates, these small gestures offered a brief sense of normality and seasonal recognition within an overwise restricted environment.

 

A prison wing at Shepton Mallet Prison

 

What Christmas Was Like for Prison Officers

There was no additional pay for prison officers working over Christmas. They did, however, receive a roast meal. Officers who worked Christmas would often get New Year off instead and dayshift staff were allowed an extended two-hour break so they could visit family.

 

Visitors learning about the history of Shepton Mallet Prison

 

What Christmas Was Like for Visitors

Visits operated as usual during the festive period. There were no special Christmas visiting rights – the prison followed normal allocation schedules. For many, having a loved one behind bars at Christmas brought a deep sense of sadness and loss, especially during a season so closely associated with togetherness and celebration.

 

If this has sparked your curiosity, you’ll be intrigued by what we’ve done with our Guided Tours this Christmas. From 29th November to 24th December, you can uncover how this season was celebrated on the inside and what life was like for the remaining 364 days of the year, too.

 

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