Tonight, History takes viewers inside the dark and intriguing world of notorious prisons with a double bill of Prison Chronicles.
The first episode, “Tower of London,” explores the infamous prison located on the River Thames in London. Originally built as a fortress by William the Conqueror in 1078, it became a prison in 1101, known for its gruesome history of torture and beheadings.
The episode looks into the story of Queen Anne Boleyn, who faced execution here, and convicted terrorist Guy Fawkes, who remained silent despite the efforts to extract information from him. One of the most chilling aspects is the betrayal of two young princes by their own family within these walls.
In the following episode, “The Soviet Gulag,” the focus shifts to one of the most brutal prison systems in history. Within the first forty years of its operation, at least 18 million people were imprisoned in the Gulag, and over one and a half million died.
This episode presents three incredible stories of survival. It begins with an insight into a system designed to starve and work inmates to death, followed by a tragic 40-day siege. Lastly, viewers will hear from a political prisoner who dared to risk his life to expose the harsh realities of the Gulag to the world.
Prison Chronicles: Tower of London and The Soviet Gulag air Monday, September 23, 2024, at 10:00 PM on History.
