|
Clink Prison museum,
1 Clink Street SE1
The Clink was a notorious prison in Southwark, London, which functioned from the 12th century until 1780 (when it was destroyed during the Gordon Riots) either deriving or bestowing its name on the local manor, the Clink Liberty.
The manor and prison were owned by the Bishop of Winchester and situated near to his residence at Winchester Palace (little remains of the palace but the ancient Rose Window of the Great Hall, still exists).
The area where the prison was situated was known as "The Liberty of the Clink" and was once the centre of London's red light district, with the brothels operating under direct licence from the bishop, himself.
Located on the site of the original Clink, the museum contains reconstructions of the cells of the old prison and a hands-on display of original and reproduction restraining and torture devices as well as depictions of Southwark's "sinfull" past.
The Clink was originally used for the detention of heretics but came to be used for people who broke the peace in Bankside's many taverns or in Southwark's numerous brothels.
Models of debtors, heretics and others who were incarcerated within its walls help tell the story of how the common expression 'in the Clink ' came about.
Tel: 020 7403 0900
Opening times: 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and
10am-9pm Sat-Sun
Admission: GBP 5, GBP 3.50 (concessions) GBP 9 (families).
Nearest tube ( Underground Station ) : London Bridge.
See: London Travel facts for getting to sights and attractions's in London by public transport.
Return to London Museums | 
