The Clink Prison Museum
Dating back to 1144, The Clink Prison Museum is one of the oldest prisons in England.
The prison has not only witnessed momentous changes in history, but also saw famous historical people being imprisoned within its walls.
The Clink Street
The narrow alley leading to the prison museum become officially named as ‘Clink Street’ in the 1600s.
At that time the buildings were very close together and all the domestic refuse were thrown to the street from upstairs, then was flushed into an open sewer and run into River Themes alongside Dead Man’s Place (today Park Street).
Step In Through the Original Site
Step in, ring the bell and wait for the jailer. Enter through the original site into the dark world of a medieval prison and hear the walls speak. Walk through the narrow corridors and enter into the small chambers while the 870-year-old prison reveals its secrets.
“The prisoner should live on his own goods and if he had no goods, he should live on the charity of others. And if other will give him nothing, then let him die in the name of God.” (Chief Justice Montague (1550)
Bloody Mary’s First Victim and The Clink
Bloody Mary’s (Mary I) first victim was imprisoned in Clink in 1555 for rebelling against the Queen.
John Rogers was determined to translate the English Bible from Latin to English, and after the coronation of Queen Mary I in 1553, Rogers declared that the nation must avoid the ‘pestilent Popery, idolatry and superstition’ of Catholicism.’
Rogers was swiftly sentenced to death for denying Christianity and the Church of Rome and then burnt at the stake on 30th January 1555.
Bloody Mary banned to use green woods in the fire as they created too much smoke that often killed the victim before the flames even catch them. She wanted the victims to stay alive and suffer as long as possible.
Interesting Facts
Charles Dickens
In the 1820s the young Charles Dickens was obliged to work to help his family while his father was imprisoned for debt in Marshalsea Prison around the corner from The Clink. Dickens also witnessed a public execution in 1849. These experiences lead the novelist to write about debtors in his novels so often.
Pirates
In the middle ages there was a regular hunt for pirates and smugglers in London. Many pirates were hung, and their corpses were left there hanging for three tides before being tarred and gibbeted.
One of the execution sites was at River Neckinger, which is a 20-minute walk from The Clink.
River Neckinger today
The other famous execution site was called the Devil’s Tavern (today Prospect of Whitby) due to the smugglers, pirates and thieves that it attracted.
Captain Kidd, the famous pirate was hung at the riverside just behind the pub. The Devil’s Tavern is a 30-minute walk from The Clink, and there is still a gibbet standing behind the pub on the riverside.
What to See – What to Learn
Balls and chains and other torture instruments
Chastity belt
Swords from the 15th century
Bleeding basin used for blood withdrawal in the 17th century
The death mask of Oliver Cromwell
Medieval coins from different centuries
An execution scene
…and lots of other objects that have survived over the long centuries.
Make sure you read the plates on the walls as they contain plenty of jaw-dropping facts about famous prisoners, the objects on display and about life in the medieval London.
Clink-eractive
The museum is very interactive. Apart from the information hanging from the walls, you can learn more using the touch screens all over the museum.
There is literally something to be discovered in every corner, and you can touch things and if you dare, stop for a selfie as there are creepy selfie spots here and there.
If you’re with kids, follow the rat for educational facts and quiz questions.
Look Into the Camera and Say: SCREAM!
At the end of your journey, you will be led to the gift shop. Here you have a chance to imprison yourself and get a free photo behind the bars. Look into the camera and say: SCREAM!
Private Hire and Ghost Hunt
The Clink Prison Museum can be hired for small corporate events with the opportunity for participants to put their heads on an original execution block and try and explore many other items.
Fun and educational trips and visits available for kids from the age of 7.
Ghost Hunt Experience is available to book too. Participants have the opportunity to investigate the prison museum, which is one of the most hunted spots in London. Using Ouija Boards, Glass Divination and other methods participants can make an attempt to contact with spirits still living within the prison’s walls.
Ready for your next adventure? Discover the oldest church in London: All Hallows By The Tower.