Concetti Chiave
- Newgate was a notorious London prison known for its dreadful conditions and foul smells.
- Prisoners were kept in underground dungeons with scarce food, often thrown onto the floor by guards.
- A terrifying ghost known as the Black Dog appeared after a prisoner was killed and eaten by other inmates.
- The Black Dog, believed to be a wizard in disguise, killed the inmates and left a horrible stench.
- Subsequent appearances of the Black Dog occurred on execution days, perpetuating the prison's haunted reputation.
The Newgate Prison
Newgate was an old and awful London prison. There were such terrible smells from the prison that visitors carefully covered up their noses with handkerchiefs soaked in vinegar.
The guard kept the prisoners in underground dungeeons. Food was scarce, and the guards deliberatly threw the prisoners food onto the round. The prisoners had to fight desperately to get a share of the rations.
But Newgate Prison was also a nightmare for another reason – the Black Dog – a terrible, stinking ghost who first appeared after a prisoner died horribly.
It was in 1270, during a great famine, and prisoners were starving to death. They were suffering terribly. They attacked a new prisoner, killed him and roasted him over a fire, after which they ate him hungrily.
But they did not know that the man was a wizard. After they finished eating him, a huge black dog suddenly appeared and attacked the men. The dog killed all of them, and disappeared, leaving a terribile smell behind.
Dog Appearances
After that stinking dog regularly appeared on execution days.
And don’t forget to take a handekerchief soaked in vinegar with you.
Domande da interrogazione
- What were the conditions like in Newgate Prison?
- What is the legend of the Black Dog associated with Newgate Prison?
- How did visitors prepare for the unpleasant environment of Newgate Prison?
Newgate Prison was notorious for its dreadful conditions, with terrible smells that forced visitors to cover their noses with vinegar-soaked handkerchiefs. Prisoners were kept in underground dungeons, food was scarce, and guards deliberately threw food on the ground, causing prisoners to fight for their rations.
The legend of the Black Dog began in 1270 during a famine when starving prisoners killed and ate a new inmate, unaware he was a wizard. Afterward, a huge black dog appeared, attacked, and killed the prisoners, leaving a terrible smell. The dog continued to appear regularly on execution days.
Visitors to Newgate Prison prepared for the unpleasant environment by bringing handkerchiefs soaked in vinegar to mask the terrible smells emanating from the prison.