Borstal Quiz: Explore Britain's Youth Justice History

Discover how much you know about Borstals — the historic institutions that shaped youth justice in 20th-century Britain. From famous inmates to iconic films, test your knowledge with this quiz.

Quiz

Who plays the role of young offender Carlin in the 1979 prison drama film Scum?
The term "Borstal" originates from an institution established in 1902 in a village located near Rochester in which English county?
Which Irish writer wrote about his experiences in the English Borstal system in his 1958 autobiography Borstal Boy?
Saxophonist Lee Thompson, who wrote the song "Land of Hope and Glory" based on his experiences in Borstal for petty theft, was a founding member of which band?
Which Alan Sillitoe short story features a boy's time in Borstal for robbing a bakery?
Which 1977 British television play, written by Roy Minton and directed by Alan Clarke, was banned by the BBC after its completion in 1977 and not aired until BBC2 showed it in 1991?
In which episode of Fawlty Towers does Sybil tell Basil: "This is a hotel, not a Borstal"?
Which British rock band recorded the song "Borstal Boys" for their final studio album Ooh La La?
As a youth, actor and poet Benjamin Zephaniah spent time in a Borstal. He also had a major role in which BBC TV series between 2013 and 2022?
In which decade was the Borstal system abolished in the United Kingdom and replaced by youth custody centres?
Which controversial comedian, known for his stage costume consisting of a leather flying helmet and goggles, spent time in Borstal during his youth?
Which London gangster spent 42 years in prison for numerous violent offences, beginning with being sent to Borstal for breaking into a hosiery store in 1941?

Answers

Ray Winstone
Kent
Brendan Behan
Madness
The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner
Scum
The Hotel Inspectors
Faces
Peaky Blinders
1980s (1982)
Roy 'Chubby' Brown (real name: Royston Vasey)
"Mad" Frankie Fraser