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Great Britain - HM Prison Holloway, London - August 2018 | Oblivion State Urban Exploration

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Great Britain HM Prison Holloway, London - August 2018

AndyK!

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HMP Holloway was the largest women’s only prison in Europe until its closure in 2016. Rebuilt between 1971 to 1985, the prison's design was intended to produce an atmosphere more like a hospital than a prison. This design was recognised as a failure in the 1980s as its lack of traditional wings or landings, and a maze of corridors, means warders had difficulty monitoring inmates.

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Entrance to the rebuilt prison (CC Licence)​



The history of Holloway dates back to 1852 when the original prison opened as a mixed-sex establishment, but due to the increasing demand for space for female prisoners, it became female-only in 1903. Inmates of the original prison included Oscar Wilde, and more recently Moors murderess Myra Hindley from 1966.

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The original Holloway Prison (public domain image)​



Holding female adults and young offenders either sentenced by the courts or being held on remand, the prison consisted mostly of single cells, but there was also various dormitory accommodation. In January 2016 an inquest into the death of Sarah Reed, a paranoid schizophrenic being held on remand, identified failings in the care system. The prison was closed in July 2016, with plans for it to be sold for housing.

Time to start the unofficial tour....

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Wandering between the modern buildings within the prison grounds 

Let's head straight into the cells...

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Dorm room

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Single prisoner cell

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Another dorm room

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Mural in one of the many winding corridors

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Twin room

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Lots of peely paint in some places

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There were several styles of cell

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Entrance into the prison...

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Prisoner transport vehicles would park inside this area, and the gates closed behind them

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The front entrance leads into this area, with a command room behind the glass

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Corridors lead into the prison

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Each area separated by iron gates

Prisoner amenities and facilities

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Entrance into the "family friendly" visitor centre.

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Visitors and prisoners could be kept separated in these divided rooms

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The prison had a swimming pool for prisoners to use

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And gym facilities

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The glazed walkway was decorated by inmates

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The prison had a medical ward, including its own opticians

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Pharmacy

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Covered walkway leading to the chapel. Note the high-security walls

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The chapel was large but pretty basic

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More inmate artwork

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Mural inside one of the rooms

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A room for presentations

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The prison's boiler house

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Exterior of the buildings within the prison walls

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High fences divided the exterior areas

 
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Andy

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As you know, I really like your style of photography and how you edit the pics. And you captured this place really very well, great job again!  :)  

My favorite is the first interior shot with the beds and peeled paint, it's fantastic.

 

AndyK!

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As you know, I really like your style of photography and how you edit the pics. And you captured this place really very well, great job again!  :)  

My favorite is the first interior shot with the beds and peeled paint, it's fantastic.
Thanks Andy, really appreciate your comments. That was my favourite too :)  

 

jones-y-gog

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Another day - another totally awesome report from Mr K!

Respect is due.

 

jane doe

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Awesome photos ...what an amazing place to explore :)  

 

The_Raw

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Was a particularly funny afternoon this one! I have some epic phone vids of you.... ? I missed the opticians! 

 

klempner69

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Top quality shots there..I had an invite to do this but at 60,I am passed all this now.

 

Urbexbandoned

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Really informative that Andy! Personally, I really like the first cell shot, tells a few stories I bet! 

Parts remind me of a hospital. Enjoyed reading this, pics are spot on ?

:comp  

 
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