Shocking Footage Reveals Banned British Prison Torture Device So Cruel It Haunted Guards for Decades
When you hear the word “treadmill,” you probably picture the trusty cardio machine at your local gym—the one that feels like pure agony disguised as exercise. But what if I told you that this sweat-inducing contraption actually started out as something far darker? Yep, the treadmill wasn’t always about burning calories; back in 1818, it was invented by Victorian engineer Sir William Cubitt as a punishment device for prisoners. Imagine being sentenced to hours of pointless, exhausting labor—climbing what was called the “everlasting staircase”—no Spotify, no water breaks, just relentless steps designed to wear you down. Next time you’re grudgingly pounding away at the gym, remember: you’re engaging with a machine that once made prisoners’ lives a living hell. Curious about how this torture device transformed into your favorite workout tool? LEARN MORE.
Ask someone what pops into their head when you mention the word ‘treadmill’ and they’ll probably think of the cardio machine in most gyms around the world.
But did you know the treadmill actually originated as a labour device used to punish prisoners?
Invented by Victorian engineer Sir William Cubitt in 1818, the treadmill – or everlasting staircase as it was known then – was designed as a way to punish inmates by subjecting them to hours of hard labour.
That’s right, the exercise machine that very much feels like a torture machine during an intense workout was originally designed as a method of torture.
The type of treadmill most of us will be familiar with (Getty Stock Images)
What did the original treadmill look like?
The treadmill looked a little different to the one you’re likely familiar with at the gym, as Cubitt’s design involved a large rotating wheel with steps, allowing multiple prisoners to climb the machine at the same time.
Prisoners would often be forced to walk on the treadmills for an average of six hours a day, getting an average of 12 minutes’ rest for each hour walked.
If you’re struggling to visualise how grim the punishment would’ve been, Zack D. Films has created a handy simulation revealing exactly what the prisoners were subjected to, which you can watch below:
I’d argue the contraption more closely resembles a step machine than the modern treadmill but either way, you can imagine it was pretty unpleasant to spend several hours a day on there.
According to academic Vybarr Cregan-Reid, the Victorian treadmill was the ‘perfect punishment’ of the time, with some of the devices created with the sole purpose of wearing out the prisoners rather than grinding corn or pumping water.
“They were invented to solve a problem,” he told BBC Radio 4. “It came out of the Enlightenment… this idea that punishment should be fair and appropriate, and it should teach the criminal to behave in a certain way.
“The idea was, they would walk, and they would do nothing and just go round and round and round… What they were doing was literally pointless.”
An illustration depicting a penal treadmill (Getty Stock Images)
The treadmill punishment was typically handed down to inmates sentenced to hard labour for their crimes, with Cregan-Reid noting that author Oscar Wilde was forced to walk on a treadmill after being sentenced to two years of hard labour in 1895.
In Wilde’s case, two years of hard labour on the treadmill would cause irreparable damage to his health, as he died a couple of years after being released from prison.
The penal treadmill was eventually abolished in 1902.
One to think about next time you’re working out at the gym.
1MORE Triple Driver in-Ear Earphones Hi-Res Headphones with High Resolution, Bass Driven Sound, MEMS Mic, in-Line Remote, High Fidelity for Smartphones/PC/Tablet - Silver
$69.99 (as of October 10, 2026 00:57 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Fire Blankets -Certified 1200F, Wearable Fire Blankets for Home & Kitchen | 500GSM Fabric & 0.5mm Thick - Silicone Fire Blanket Cape for Car,Warehouse Office - Emergency Fireproof Cloak (55x70 inches)
$83.99 (as of October 10, 2026 00:57 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RIVER OF GOODS Stained Glass Bird Accent Lamp - 8" W x 13.5" H - Tiffany Style Table Lamps for Home, Office Desk, Bedroom, Nightstand - Blue Jay Decor
$79.99 (as of October 10, 2026 00:57 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Supa Ant Canning Supplies Starter Kit (Food Grade) - Canning Kits Set for Beginners - 3 Pcs. Including Wide Mouth Jar Funnel, Magnetic Lid Lifter, Stainless Steel Jar Lifter (Assembled in USA) Blue
$9.99 (as of October 10, 2026 00:57 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment