An Ilchester Story – book serialisation from history of Ilchester
Introducing Our New Book Serialisation: Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt and the Ilchester Bastille, by Mick Davis.
We’re excited to launch the serialisation of this remarkable book exploring Henry ‘Orator’ Hunt’s time at Ilchester Gaol—an episode that not only shaped his legacy as a reformer but also exposed the dark underbelly of Britain’s prison system in the early 19th century.
Hunt, a tireless advocate for parliamentary reform and the rights of the working class, was imprisoned following his involvement in the Peterloo Massacre. Yet his time in the so-called “Ilchester Bastille” was far from a retreat into silence. Instead, Hunt used his incarceration as a platform to uncover and publicize the appalling conditions faced by prisoners under the management of William Bridle, the notorious governor of the prison.
From writing his memoirs to rallying public opinion, Hunt’s imprisonment became an act of defiance. His observations laid bare a system riddled with mismanagement, cruelty, and neglect, galvanizing support for prison reform and broader societal change. Despite the constraints of his situation, Hunt’s wit, determination, and commitment to justice shone through, turning his confinement into an opportunity to further the causes he held dear.
Through this serialisation, we invite you to step inside Ilchester Gaol and experience Hunt’s unique perspective. Far from a tale of suffering alone, this is a story of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of words to challenge and inspire.
Join us on this journey as we bring to life the experiences of one of Britain’s most compelling historical figures of that time, and explore how his time behind bars at Ilchester became a catalyst for change.
