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Tag: jail

The First Jailbreak in the Colony, March 30, 1662

March 8, 2024April 5, 2024 Gordon Harris1 Comment

On the morning of the 30th of March, 1662, the Ipswich jailer found that a prisoner had escaped, the first offense of this nature committed in the country. A hearing was conducted at Spark's Tavern.

Posted in StoriesTagged 1662, Court, Ipswich, jail, poor, prison

The Ipswich Jails

May 27, 2021January 6, 2025 Gordon HarrisLeave a comment

The second jail in the Colony was erected in Ipswich in 1656. Sixteen British prisoners were kept hostage in the cold and cruel stone jail during the War of 1812. A large brick House of Corrections was constructed in 1828 at the site of the present Town Hall on Green Street.

Posted in StoriesTagged 1652, Court, jail, poor, town government
Ipswich MA historic photos by William Varrel

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This site is produced by local historian Gordon Harris. ยฉ 2026

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