In Memory of Francis John Disney - Shepton Mallet Prison Historian

Photo via www.sheptonmalletjournal.co.uk

Shepton Mallet Prison historian and former officer Francis John Disney has died, aged 83. The prison has closed but its history lives on thanks to Mr Disney whom in 1984 was given the Queen's permission to write The Heritage of a Prison HMP Shepton Mallet 1610-1985. It was followed by a sequel called Shepton Mallet Prison: 380 Years of Prison Regime.

When Shepton Mallet Prison closed in March last year, Mr Disney was on site showing people around and sharing his wealth of knowledge.

Let's hope the right decision is made to save the prison and re-open the Frances Disney museum in his memory .