Clink Prison Museum
- Crime and justice enthusiasts
- History enthusiasts
- Families with children
What Visitors Say
Tucked away on the South Bank in London it the site of the notorious Clink Street Prison. It was this prison that gave it's name to the slang term for prison "The Clink". Founded in the 12th century in Southwark, this prison lasted several centuries until it's closure, seeing various criminals, the insane and debtors confined within it's walls The entrance price is reasonable at £10 for an adult, however, the museum is not wheelchair accessible as it is located down a flight of stairs Around the museum are various artifacts, some of which the visitors can touch such as chains and manacles. There are also figures depicting various people who were incarcerated within the prison walls. There's are also a number of information boards around the museum, depicting the prisons inmates and their history, including persecuted Catholics and religious zealots. Although there is not place for refreshments inside the museum, there plenty of bars, cafes and such in the area. Also, the museum is not far from the popular Borough Market
Great little interactive museum to visit. More aimed at kids but well worth a visit for all ages. Really friendly staff member and not busy so plenty of time to explore and walk around.
Dark and eerie music, lots to read, informative and interesting. A few items to hold and try. Worth the money and lasted 30 minutes depending on how quick you read. Can imagine it's longer with more people there, we visited on a Sunday, was quiet. Nice woman at the desk, and a photo opportunity at the end. Recommended.
A friend surprised us with this fantastic place! Not only is ut steeped in history, but the torture equipment is hands-on! (Though set up in a way that noone will actualky get hurt.) We studied the history, experienced a taste of a time gone by, played, and laughed! Definitely an awesome place a bit off the beaten path! Would absolutely recommend!
Absolutely fantastic experience! I would highly recommend this museum it's very informative and lots of displays. They offer a kind of scavenger hunt for kids and lots of facts signs and activities for children. It was great to see the impressive contributions from the mudlarkers. The man at the front desk is even dressed the part and the gift shop is very reasonable for London. The stories of prisoners were well researched and respectful of their memory. I thoroughly enjoyed the section on the reformation and separatists. Great displays with some you could touch and lift like the shackles and sword and ball and chain. Total immersive experience for the senses At the end we could take a photo in a cell and download it online as a souvenir.
Highlights
Liberty of the Clink
Shows how an autonomous church jurisdiction ran law and order—and profited from licensing vice—outside the City's control.Follow a map of Bankside's stews and playhouses to see why this tiny 'liberty' needed its own prison.
Intro gallery
Punishment & Restraint
Replica manacles, bilboes and the pillory demonstrate everyday carceral technology and debt enforcement.Handle reproduction irons and decide which were for immobilising debtors versus dangerous offenders.
Central hall
Faith, Heresy & Dissent
Explains why religious nonconformists and moral offenders often shared cells in the Clink.Match a prisoner's offence to the authority that sentenced them—bishop, City or crown.
Rear cases
Gordon Riots Aftermath
Traces how anti-Catholic riots in 1780 razed the prison, ending six centuries of the 'Clink'.Read riot notices and compare to surviving engravings of the ruins.
Final bay
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
The Clink belonged to the Bishops of Winchester, who governed the 'Liberty of the Clink'—a medieval enclave on Bankside where they licensed brothels known as the 'stews'.
The slang 'in the clink' is widely attributed to this prison's name and long notoriety on Bankside.
The prison is documented from the 12th century and was finally destroyed during the Gordon Riots in 1780.
So-called 'Winchester Geese'—women working in the licensed stews—fell under the bishop's jurisdiction and could be imprisoned here for infractions.
Similar Museums
Nearby Places
Golden Hinde
1 min 👣
Rose Theatre Exhibition
3 min 👣
Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
4 min 👣
Science Gallery London
6 min 👣
The View from The Shard
6 min 👣
Tate Modern
7 min 👣
London Mithraeum
8 min 👣
Bankside Gallery
8 min 👣
HMS Belfast
9 min 👣
Bank of England Museum
11 min 👣