What was bridewell and why was it considered different to others of its type?
Answers:
"Bridewell" has come to be the name synonymous with police stations and detention facilities in England and Ireland. Bridewell Palace was formerly a residence of Henry VIII between 1515–1523. There after the palace became a poorhouse styled detention centre for (get this!!)- unmarried Mothers and general delinquents of the age. Imagine a 'workhouse' for unmarried Mothers today, you'd need a detention centre the size of Wales nowadays.
Well, Bridewell has kind of become a generic term for the nearest place of detention to a main courtroom - police vans in leeds are known as 'Bridewell taxis'.. the original Bridewell was situated in London and the only reason I can see for it being 'different to others' is that it was actually originally built as a royal palace for Henry the 8th and was later donated by Edward 6th to the City as a poorhouse and place of detention..
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