The first Borstal (a type of juvenile detention centre) was opened in the village of Borstal, near Rochester, in Kent, in 1902. The Borstal system was intended to separate young offenders from the influence of older habitual criminals and provide education and training, in the hope that this would make inmates less likely to reoffend once released. Borstals were officially abolished under the 1982 Criminal Justice Act and replaced by institutions called youth custody centres.

These 27 photographs show the original Borstal centre in Kent in 1902, the year that it was established. They include images of Borstal Boys exercising, in lessons, learning trades and in their room, as well as a couple of shots of the Borstal staff and building.