William Towers’ charge sheet. Catalogue ref: PCOM 2/290 folio 205
In 1872 William Towers was 12 years old. He was caught stealing two rabbits — possibly for food for his family. As punishment William was sent to Wandsworth prison. He was Prisoner 4099. A group of students created and performed a play inspired by William’s experience using real historical documents. The actual records still exist and are kept in The National Archives. This website tells the story.
Prisoner 4099 was run in partnership with students, teachers and youth workers from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) New College Worcester and LOOK. Youthcomm Radio recorded and edited the performance.