The Bedfordshire reformer who changed prisons

Prison life was pretty grim in the 1700s, for both inmates and staff.

But thanks to the efforts of John Howard – who lived in Bedfordshire and was the county’s High Sheriff – reforms were brought in to improve conditions and create the first state run prisons in the UK.

Martin Heath explores his life and impact on British and European penal reform.

(Photo credit: DEA/ICAS94/De Agostini/Getty)