The devil's own brigade

"The Devil's Own brigade is the story of the former Lyttelton Gaol. The gaol, demolished 50 years ago, grew up with the province of Canterbury and house the country's worst criminals.Tales of violence, desperation and heart-break were found within prison walls. These tales come out in The Devil's Own Brigade.This book tries to avoid dry statistics of admissions and daily routine; instead it brings to life the trials and tribulations of men (and women) inside the high, grim walls.Many records of the gaol have disappeared and so the author combed newspapers and prison reports to unearth the story of Lyttelton Gaol. It is the story of men who offended against society and the men who looked after them during their enforced stay.It is the story of the famous and infamous: there is the imprisonement of Paddy Webb, a member of Parliament, and the hectic times when madman murderer Lionel Terry was held in Lyttelton Gaol. The Devil's Own Brigade is about escapes, fights, floggings and hangings. There are tales of the hard-labour gang and even a strike of prisoners. Prisons still remain - but not like Lyttelton. David Gee brings to life the story of that gaol." -- front jacket.