THE GAOL
Shivering uncontrollably, Elizabeth thought, will I ever be warm again? The walls of the cell dripped with moisture and the floors were awash with filth.
Elizabeth and Lizzy were taken quickly from the darkened street once the Nightwatchman arrived, to the County Gaol in the City of Glocester(Gloucester ) to await trial.
The days all seemed to run into one another. Stirring from a fitful sleep Elizabeth wondered how long have I been here? When will this nightmare end? Where have they put Lizzy?
Everyday morphed into another long day of agony. Packed in a small cell with one meal a day. At least I get a meal everyday, which is more than some days at ‘ome!
Drifting off to sleep, shivering once again she wondered could I get out of here another way. Death, seemed a kinder alternative. If only I had a choice.
Waking the next morning, she realised that she was still alive and no longer shivering.
What will happen to me? Will I ever seem Mam again?I guess I am destined to endure more of whatever I God has in store for me. I just wish I could see Mam and let her know what happened. I don’t even know if she knows where I am. I hope she knows that I was just trying to feed the young ‘uns.
The day was one long drudge. No room to move and the endless cold and damp. Suddenly her nostrils were struck with the stench wafting through the hall. The Gaoler was coming towards the cell.
“Right you be, me lovelies, just letting you know that you needs to be up bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning. Your trial will take place tomorrow and you will all be escorted to the Booth Hall for the Epiphany Sessions. It is snowing nicely outside so with any luck you will all have a lovely walk,” he snickered as he walked past all the cells.
So tomorrow I will learn my fate. Am I to have a death sentence or will I be transported o’er the seas? No matter what, I won’t see me family again!
Curling up into a ball on the floor away from the incessant wet walls, she drifted off to sleep, hoping that her dreams would be kept at bay.
What possibly could I dream of that won’t turn into a nightmare?
References
Gloucestershire Archives; Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England; Gloucestershire Prison Collections; Reference: Q/SG2/1789-1814
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