Crossword Genius

Novel barrier to one-time notorious prison (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

newgate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'one-time notorious prison' is the definition.
'Newgate' can be an answer for 'prison' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'one-time notorious' bit.

'novel barrier' is the wordplay.
'novel' becomes 'new' (synonyms).
'barrier' becomes 'gate' (gate is a kind of barrier).
'new'+'gate'='NEWGATE'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for newgate that I've seen before include "Notorious 18th-century London prison" , "prison long ago" , "Former London prison" , "Old London prison" , "Prison formerly standing on site of the Old Bailey" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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