Oscar Wilde released from Reading Gaol (1897)

Oscar Wilde, an Irish author convicted of gross indecency, was released from HM Prison Reading on 19 May 1897. He immediately sailed for Dieppe, France, entering voluntary exile. This event marks the end of his incarceration and the beginning of his life abroad, distinct from his earlier trials or later literary works.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Wilde was convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years' hard labour, the maximum penalty, on 25 May 1895. He was transferred to Reading Gaol, 30 miles west of London, on 23 November 1895. His incarceration lasted until 18 May 1897. The prison, located in Reading, Berkshire, was the site of his confinement. His release marked the end of this specific penal period.

Release and Departure. On 19 May 1897, Wilde was released from prison. He sailed that evening for Dieppe, France. This departure initiated his voluntary exile on the continent. He spent mid-1897 in northern France. The event is defined by the specific date of release and the immediate travel to France.

Prison Context. Wilde served his sentence at HM Prison Reading, popularly known as Reading Gaol. The prison is located in Reading, Berkshire. Wilde's time there influenced his later work, though the composition itself is outside this scope. The release occurred after a period of incarceration from 1895 to 1897.

People involved

Sources

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