Pentonville

Pentonville, a populous district in London in the parish of St James's, Clerkenwell, the first buildings in which were erected in 1773 on fields belonging to Henry Penton, Esq. The name has since been extended to part of the parish of Islington, in which stands the Pentonville Prison. This, the Model Prison, as it was at first called, in the Caledonian Road, was built in 1840-42, and constructed on the radiating principle, so as to admit of thorough inspection, and contains accommodation for 520 prisoners. The treatment is designed to 'enforce strict separation, with industrial employment and moral training.' See Report of the Directors of Convict Prisons (periodically).