HM Prison Finnamore Wood - Marlow
Exploring HM Prison Finnamore Wood: Marlow's Forgotten Young Offenders Institution | Buckinghamshire History
Discover the fascinating history of HMYOI Finnamore Wood, the open prison that operated in Marlow, Buckinghamshire from 1961 to 1996. Located just 1km north of Marlow town center, this unique facility served as a rehabilitation center for young male offenders aged 18-21 during their final months before release.
Historic Site Timeline:
1939-1945: Finnamore Wood Holiday & Evacuation Camp - housed evacuees from Beal Modern Girls' School during WWII
1948: Temporary home to the American Olympic canoe team
1950s: National Camps Corporation holiday camp
1960: Acquired by the Home Office
1961-1996: Open prison for young offenders
1996: Officially closed, inmates transferred to HM Prison Huntercombe
2020: Fire damaged site buildings
2023: Demolition commenced for residential development
Unique Features:
This open prison operated with minimal security - dormitories had no locks, windows featured metal mesh instead of bars, and inmates worked in local Marlow farms and businesses as part of their rehabilitation. The facility included educational institutes, workshops for carpentry and plumbing, sports facilities, and training programs designed to reintegrate young offenders into society.
Notable residents included criminologist David Wilson (now Professor Emeritus at Birmingham City University), who served as Assistant Governor from 1986-1988.
Location: Finnamore Wood, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7
Related Sites: HM Prison Huntercombe, Feltham Borstal, Henley-on-Thames
Music: bensound.com