Arthur Griffiths
Early French Prisons
Le Grand and Le Petit Châtelets; Vincennes; The Bastile; Loches; The Galleys; Revolutionary Prisons
"Early French Prisons" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the evolution and conditions of prisons in France, focusing on significant prisons such as the Bastille, Vincennes, and the Conciergerie. Griffiths, drawing from his experience as an inspector of prisons, aims to explore the dark history of incarceration and punishment in early French society, reflecting on the socio-political environment of the time. At the start of the book, Griffiths introduces the origins and functioning of the judicial system in feudal France, describing how the prison system developed alongside increasing royal absolutism. He details the nature of various prisons, such as the Grand and Petit Châtelets in Paris, emphasizing the inhumane conditions, types of confinement, and the societal implications of imprisonment—ranging from moral degradation to torture. The author provides vivid examples of the treatment of prisoners, illustrating how these institutions played a central role in the extremities of justice and the political machinations of the monarchy. This opening portion sets the stage for a deeper examination of the notorious figures who inhabited these prisons and the historical events that shaped their legacies.