On Clink Street in Southwark, The Clink Prison Museum occupies the site of a prison founded in 1144. Its displays trace life inside the medieval gaol through prisoner stories, reconstructed scenes and historical objects. You can handle some of the chains and restraints, with explanations of their use, and explore at your own pace. Children can take on a scavenger hunt, while adults can read about the people held here and the punishments they faced. It is a compact stop near Borough Market, with a grim subject presented in an interactive format.
A prison on Bankside
The prison began in 1144 as a small gaol connected to Winchester Palace, the London residence of the bishops of Winchester. The bishops held much of the land around Bankside. In 1161, they licensed brothels there, beyond the authority of the City of London. The women who worked in them became known as Winchester Geese.
The Clink was used to keep order in the bishops’ brothels and later held a range of prisoners, including people accused of crimes, debtors and those considered insane. The gaol operated for centuries, through the medieval and Tudor periods, before closing in the 17th century. The prison’s name also entered everyday language as a slang term for jail.
Stories of prisoners and punishment
Displays combine information panels with figures representing people who were confined at the prison. The accounts include religious dissenters and Catholics who were persecuted for their beliefs. These stories offer a way to understand the different people caught up in the prison’s history, rather than treating the gaol only as a collection of punishments.
The exhibits also explain the conditions prisoners faced and the punishments used in medieval London. Chains, manacles and other devices are among the objects visitors can handle. Instructions and historical context accompany the hands-on displays. A reconstructed cell and staged scenes help convey how the prison might have looked, while sound effects contribute to the atmosphere.
Exploring the museum
The museum is arranged as a compact series of displays, with information to read throughout. You can move through it at your own pace, stopping to examine the objects and prisoner accounts. A children’s scavenger hunt and activities add a task for younger visitors; the subject matter and exhibits may suit children and teenagers who are comfortable with stories of imprisonment and harsh punishment.
At the end, there is an opportunity to take a photograph in a cell and download it as a souvenir. The museum is at 1 Clink Street, close to Borough Market, so the two can be combined in a Southwark visit.
FAQ
Where is The Clink Prison Museum?
It is at 1 Clink Street in Southwark, London, on the site of the former prison. Borough Market is nearby.
How long does a visit take?
Allow around 30 to 60 minutes. The time depends on how long you spend reading the displays.
Can children visit The Clink Prison Museum?
Yes. Children can take part in a scavenger hunt and handle selected objects. The exhibits cover imprisonment and historical punishments.
Can you touch the exhibits?
Some objects, including chains and manacles, can be handled. Instructions and historical explanations accompany them.
