Midway through my week in London, I woke up early to walk across town to The Clink Prision Museum. With so many different attractions in London, The Clink Prison Museum is not likely to be at the top of a visitor’s “must see” list, but it should. Clink Prison was one of the oldest prisons in England: it opened in 1144 and ran until the late 1700’s. The museum is now located on the original location of the prison and provides a detailed look at crime and punishment in previous centuries.
It was a beautiful, sunny morning when I set off and I got quite lost. I can think of worst things than getting lost in London, especially when I wasn’t actually in a hurry. I found a beautiful outdoor shopping center, where I recharged with a Starbucks latte and discovered this steampunk ship.
I also walked across the London Bridge to find a memorial for the 2017 terrorist attacks on the other side. I was quite startled, because I didn’t realize that I was visiting a year after the attack. I spent some time looking at the flowers and notes that people had left on the bridge. It was a sobering and reflective part of my vacation. I also had an uncomfortable realization that I had forgotten about the attack, because similar events have become a normal part of the news. The idea that this has become part of the norm is sickening.
On my walk, I found The Golden Hinde, which was the first ship to circumnavigate the globe and was captained by Sir Francis Drake. The ship is now docked and acts as a living history museum with actors dressed as pirates.. I definitely plan on visiting The Golden Hinde on my next trip to London, but on this morning, it was very crowded with tour groups.
By mid-morning, I found myself at the foreboding entrance to The Clink Prison Museum. The entrance looks like a dungeon and I had to walk down a dark set of stairs to the bottom. I’m a chicken and really can’t handle “scare actors,” jumping out at me, so not only did I read reviews to make sure that I wouldn’t experience jump-scares, but I confirmed it with the employee who sold me my ticket.
Admission was only eight pounds and I also received a souvenir guide book. Although I did not take part, the museum offers guided tours and ghost hunts. I would definitely consider another visit with a tour to take a deep dive into the history. Of special note for Americans, The Clink was the origin of the Mayflower settlers, who spent time in the prison for their separatist beliefs, eventually founding their religious philosophy that would carry them to the new world.
The Clink Prison Museum is family friendly and to make it more enticing for kids, they have many of the exhibits marked with signage that is directly aimed at children, with a friendly cartoon rat explaining some of the realities of life in The Clink. I think they did a good job at making heavy topics and scary imagery palatable for kids, however, The Clink is likely to be frightening to many. I was alone during most of my visit, however, I saw one family with younger elementaryaged kids, leave crying. I think this is best for older elementary or junior high aged children.
Here are some examples of the rat signage. I like the one about debt- yikes!
The creepiest thing in The Clink Prison Museum is all of the mannequins. Walking alone in the museum, through the dimly-lit halls with these mannequins, gave me the chills. I’m not sure that I would be able to work in this museum, especially if I had to walk through it alone at opening or closing. When I was in my 20’s, I worked for Universal Studios Hollywood in the theme park and I often had to walk the tracks of the attractions. I was always a bit fascinated and freaked-out by the animatronics.
I have no idea why I took this picture or what it is referencing, but there is just so much going on, that I had to share it…
Unlike modern prisons, those imprisoned at The Clink, had to pay for all of their needs, including food. Those who could not pay, had to beg through gates and hope that citizens would take mercy on them.
Many prostitutes found themselves a new home in The Clink.
Not only was the museum built on the original site of The Clink, but they were able to preserve an original piece of the prison wall.
There was an exhibit showing various medical quackery and ideas regarding charms for warding-off problems. The hat has real human teeth.
The most horrific part of the museum details different torture techniques. The creativity used to cause suffering is incredible.
The last part of the museum is in memory to the people imprisoned at The Clink, including Charles Dicken’s father, who was in for debt.
The Clink Prison Museum is a worthy addition to your London itinerary. It only takes about two hours to tour and is located close to many other attractions, such as the Tate Modern.
