Last Updated on 24/11/2025
Elspeth Hughes-Penney, Shrieval Consort to Alderman and Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney has shared a message regarding her sponsored walks to London prisons.
“With the encouragement of The Recorder HHJ Mark Lucraft KC and Sheriffs, Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney and Deputy Keith Bottomley, I have organised a series of Monday sponsored walks to London prisons. These walks aim to:
Raise funds for the Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund
Highlight the vital work of prison staff and associated charities
Provide an opportunity to meet and engage with those who live and work within our prisons
Masters and Prime Wardens (or their representatives) are warmly invited to join one of the walks, with a target of ten participants per occasion. Each walker is encouraged to raise £1,000 in sponsorship – perhaps by securing £10 from 100 supporters, though any imaginative approach to fundraising would, of course, be most welcome!
Each walk will be led by someone connected with the prison or the Old Bailey. Leaders include Ian Blakeman, Group Director of London Prisons; Fiona Adler, Honorary Secondary of the Old Bailey; and several Old Bailey Judges. Alongside the Sheriffs and their Consorts, each group will also include prison staff and individuals with lived experience.
The shorter walks will commence with coffee and pastries at the Old Bailey, generously provided by Social Pantry, while the longer walks will conclude there with a glass of fizz. Each visit will follow a bespoke itinerary arranged with the Prison Governor and will include refreshments and opportunities for conversation with both staff and residents on arrival.
Masters (or perhaps your Benevolent/Charity Fund Chairs or Trustees) may register. Full details are available.
It would be greatly appreciated if Masters and Prime Wardens might also encourage others from their Livery Trade Groups to participate (The Metal Bashers and Food Groups come to mind!). Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any questions.”
Prison Walk Schedule
- HMP Pentonville – Monday 23 February 2026 – 2.6 miles (1 hour)
- HMP Wandsworth – Monday 2 March 2026 – 6.5 miles (3 hours)
- HMP Wormwood Scrubs – Monday 9 March 2026 – 7.2 miles (3 hours)
- HMP Isis – Monday 16 March 2026 – 10 miles (4 hours 45 minutes)
- HMP Brixton – Monday 23 March 2026– 5.2 miles (2 hours 15 minutes)
- HMP Downview (Women’s Prison) – Monday 30 March 2026 – 9 miles to Clapham Common, returning by Hackney Carriage
