The guest speaker on Wednesday 1st May was Dr Johnny Hamill, an authority on the history of Omagh Gaol. Dr Hamill included in his talk how society’s attitude to Crime and Punishment has changed since 1800. Back then gaols were run on the principle of three ”P’s” – Protection, Prevention and Punishment, with “whip and ship” being common sentences for criminals. “[Ship” being transportation to colonies in the new world.] As enlightenment grew the 3 “P’s” were replaced by the three ”R’s” – Reform, Re-educate and Rehabilitate, aimed at giving prisoners a fresh start on release.
In Britain prisons built new in the early 1800’s, such as Pentonville in London, incorporated these principles in their design and architecture. To some extent this was true of the new gaol opened in Omagh in 1804 because over time it contributed significantly to the local economy. For example, all the blankets and sheets needed to furnish the “Lunatic Asylum” in Omagh which opened in 1853 were woven in Omagh Gaol. Coir mats made in the gaol were sold in the town market with a share of the proceeds being given as a lump sum to prisoners on their release to tide them over until they found paid employment.
Dr Hamill had with him a list of those hanged in Omagh gaol and was able to recount the crimes for which they had been sentenced. Of the six in total who were executed, two were policemen! Little remains of the original complex, but the Governor’s House which occupied a site in the middle of the gaol still stands and is in good enough condition to be refurbished. One possible use for it would be as a town museum – something that Omagh lacks and needs. Dr Hamill was warmly thanked by Club President, Mr Felim O’Neill, for a most interesting and informative talk.