The Spinning House: How Cambridge University locked up women in its private prison

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Caroline Biggs

The Spinning House

How Cambridge University locked up women in its private prison

Caroline Biggs

$49.99

Hardback

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English

The History Press Ltd
07 March 2024

History: specific events & topics; Social & cultural history; Violence in society; Gender studies: women; Penology & punishment

The untold story of how Cambridge University locked up women in their prison - and how the town fought to free them.

Cambridge University is renowned worldwide for its academic prowess, but below the surface lurks a murky past. During the ninetieth century it became infamous for its dogged determination to cling to ancient laws allowing them to arrest and imprison any women found walking the streets of Cambridge after dark.

Mistakes were made. Violence and legal action followed until finally an Act of Parliament put on end to the jurisdiction of the university over the women of Cambridge.

AUTHOR: Caroline Biggs has lived all her life in Cambridge. She was an active Trustee of The Museum of Cambridge, where she founded a history festival to redress the massive imbalance between the historical knowledge about the 'town' as opposed to the 'gown'. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge and an MA in Biography and Creative Non-Fiction from UEA. She has previously researched and written several booklets about the history of Cambridge.

12 b/w illustrations

By: Caroline Biggs
Imprint: The History Press Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781803995700
ISBN 10: 180399570X
Publication Date: 07 March 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

CAROLINE BIGGS has lived all her life in Cambridge. She was an active Trustee of The Museum of Cambridge, where she founded a history festival to redress the massive imbalance between the historical knowledge about the ‘town’ as opposed to the ‘gown’. She has a Diploma in Creative Writing from the University of Cambridge and an MA in Biography and Creative Non-Fiction from UEA. She has previously researched and written several booklets about the history of Cambridge.

Reviews for The Spinning House: How Cambridge University locked up women in its private prison

A stunning story and an important work. Caroline has single-handed excavated this history of ordinary women detained in extraordinary circumstances by one of the country’s most respected universities. The Spinning House shows how easily freedom can be curtailed on the whim of powerful forces. -- Katy Massey * Author of 'Are We Home Yet?' * Biggs deftly blends historical research with creative retelling, bringing prison records to full and chilling life. * The New Statesman * Although this is a harrowing tale of double standards and misogyny, it is also an inspiring story. Biggs has written a powerful book that redeems the women and affords them the justice they deserved * The Lady magazine *