HM Prison Armagh facts for kids
Armagh Prison was an important building in Armagh, Northern Ireland. It was a prison for many years. The prison started being built in the 1780s. Later, in the 1840s and 1850s, it was made bigger. It was designed in a similar way to Pentonville Prison in England. For most of its history, Armagh Prison was the main prison for women in Ulster. While it was mostly known as a women's prison, some parts of it were used to hold male prisoners at different times.
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What Was Armagh Prison?
Armagh Prison served as a place where people were held. It played a significant role in the history of Northern Ireland, especially during a period known as "The Troubles."
Building a Historic Prison
The construction of Armagh Prison began a long time ago, in the late 1700s. Over the next few decades, it grew larger. The design was updated to match newer prison styles of the time. This made it a modern facility for its era.
A Prison for Women
For much of its working life, Armagh Prison was special because it was the main prison for women. Women from all over Northern Ireland who were arrested would often be sent here. Even though it was mostly for women, sometimes men were held in separate sections.
Protests and Changes
During a difficult time in Northern Ireland called "The Troubles," Armagh Prison became a place of significant events.
Difficult Times: Internment
From 1973 to 1975, a special rule called "internment" was used. This meant that some people could be held in prison without a trial. During this time, 33 women who were involved in republican groups were held at Armagh Prison.
Standing Up for Rights
Female prisoners at Armagh Prison held protests. They wanted to get back their "political status." This meant they wanted to be treated differently. They believed their actions were for political reasons, not just ordinary crimes.
Unlike male prisoners in other prisons, the women in Armagh already had the right to wear their own clothes. So, they did not need to do a "blanket protest." However, they did take part in a "no wash protest." This was a way to show their strong disagreement with the prison rules.
The Hunger Strikes
Some women in Armagh Prison also took part in a hunger strike in 1980. This is when prisoners refuse to eat as a form of protest. Three women from Armagh joined this strike: Mairéad Nugent, Mary Doyle, and Mairéad Farrell. Mairéad Farrell was later killed in Gibraltar in 1988. No prisoners from Armagh took part in the 1981 hunger strike.
What Happened Next?
After many years of operation, Armagh Prison eventually closed its doors.
Closing Down and New Plans
Armagh Prison closed in 1986. It was no longer used as a prison. In 2009, there was an exciting announcement. Plans were made for the old prison building to be turned into a hotel. This would give the historic building a new purpose.
A Royal Letter
Armagh Prison was even mentioned in some special letters. These letters are known as the "Black Spider Memos." They were written by Charles, Prince of Wales (who is now King Charles III). He wrote to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in 2004, mentioning the prison.
