THE HORRIFYING STORY OF THE VICTORIAN ALCATRAZ | HOW THE VICTORIANS BUILT BRITAIN | ABSOLUTE HISTORY

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary from Absolute History, narrated by Michael Buerk, offers a compelling look into the Victorian era's profound impact on law, order, and incarceration. The program delves into the establishment of Britain's first modern police force and the ambitious, often harsh, prison-building initiatives of the period. Buerk guides viewers through significant sites like Spike Island, infamously known as 'Ireland's Alcatraz,' revealing the grim realities faced by convicts awaiting transportation. The journey extends to Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, examining the motivations behind a massive prison construction program and the mixed success of Victorian rehabilitation efforts. The exploration concludes in Glasgow, highlighting the origins of the nation's first recognizable modern police force. It's a fascinating chronicle of societal transformation and the enduring legacy of Victorian reforms in justice and policing.