The original prison at Newgate was built in 1188 but was rebuilt in 1770. After being badly damaged during the Gordon Riots in 1780, George Dance was commissioned to design a new prison at Newgate. Completed in 1782 Newgate Prison was divided into two sections. There was a Common area for poor prisoners and a State area for those who could afford more comfortable accommodation. These sections on the prison were further divided between debtors and felons. The women's section usually contained about 300 women and children.

In the first half of the 19th century Newgate Prison was London's chief prison and was where prisoners were held before execution. In 1783 the gallows were moved from Tyburn to Newgate. Every Monday morning large crowds would assemble outside Newgate Prison to watch the men and women executed. A seat at one of the windows overlooking the gallows could cost up to £10. Public executions were abolished in 1868 and until 1901 prisoners were hanged inside Newgate. The picture below shows condemned prisoners at Newgate chapel on the Sunday before their execution.