English families taken as hostages in the French Revolution, imprisoned in the orphanage of Arras. Engraving by P. Maxell, 1802, after T. Snagg.

[London] (Clipstone Street, St Marylebone) : Peter Maxell [London] (No. 25 Norton Street) : T. Snagg, Nov.r 5 1802.

1 print : engraving ; platemark approximately 37.6 x approximately 51 cm

To the friends of freedom and to the English who were imprisoned during the French revolution; this plate is most humbly dedicated by their obedient servants Thos. Snagg & Peter Maxell. T. Snagg pinxt. Peter Maxell sculp. Lettering continues: "This plate represents the prison of the Orphelins at Arras it was arranged by each family's separating themselves with sheets trunks &c. A third story from the ground with brick flooring, without casements or window shutters. The prisoners had only straw to sleep on and black bread & water for subsistence. The length of the room was about 25 yards & the breadth 9. In this loft were confined 93 men women and children, they were committed to it as hostages in Feby. 1794. Their whole time of arrestation being nearly 15 months."

Wellcome Collection 652323i