Prisoners at HMP Chelmsford launched a protest in a row over poor TV reception.
It is understood to have broken out on a wing housing 83 inmates but the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the protest was "safely resolved" on Thursday.
A spokesman for the MoJ said neither staff nor any inmates were hurt during Thursday's protest and the situation was ended calmly.
While 83 prisoners were on the wing at the time it was said only a small minority were involved in the protests prompted by poor television reception.
An MoJ spokesman added: "Staff at HMP Chelmsford safely resolved protesting behaviour on one wing yesterday (Thursday).
"The situation was calm and there were no injuries to staff or prisoners."
Chelmsford is a long-term category B men's prison and Young Offenders Institution, with a capacity of 700 prisoners.
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