Alexander Paterson

Who was Alexander Paterson?

Sir Alexander Henry Paterson MC was a British penologist who, as Commissioner of Prisons, introduced reforms that would provide a humane regime in penal institutions and encourage rehabilitation among inmates.

Paterson was born in Bowdon, near Altrincham, Cheshire. He attended school in Manchester and later studied at University College, Oxford where he obtained an honours degree in Greats. During his time at Oxford, he joined the Church of England, which he preferred to his former denomination, Unitarianism. Not long after he graduated, Paterson went to work with the Oxford Medical Mission, a Christian charity which dealt with underprivileged youth in Bermondsey, South London. He recounted his experiences there in his 1911 book, Across the Bridges. Later, he became the first chairman of the charity, Toc H.

Paterson served in the East Surrey Regiment during World War I, reaching the rank of Captain and receiving a Military Cross. In 1922, he was appointed Commissioner of Prisons and Director of Convict Prisons, a position he held until his retirement in 1946.