Finding and leaving traces: Prehabitation and the presence of the past in the Victorian-era prison

This article explores how the presentness of the past is produced in historic prisons; specifically, the Victorian-era prison estate of England and Wales. Whereas most research into historic prisons happens after they have closed, this article reports on a novel study of such prisons conducted while they are still in operation. We utilise Lipman's notion of prehabitation to illuminate the experience of past lives in these prisons, and in so doing, extend the deployment of this concept beyond the domestic context for which it was developed. Using qualitative methodologies to interrogate the traces that are found and left behind, we problematise the linearity of occupation implied in prehabitation, drawing attention to the complex relationships with past, present and future lives for those living and working in these institutions. • Much historical geography research considers prisons only after they have closed. • Prehabitation illuminates the experience of past lives in operating prisons. • We problematise the linearity of occupation implied in prehabitation. • Complex relationships exist between past present and future lives in prison.