PIN The Clink

The World`s Most Famous Prison

Is this the most famous prison in the world? It is probably the most infamous though. The Clink is nearly 900 years and is one of many well-known prisons in the area such as Marshalsea and The Kings Bench. In its time it has housed many well-known names throughout the centuries and a multitude of not so famous offenders of justice and law including religious prisoners, debtors, rioters, prostitutes or simply just some of those who overdid in Bankside of an evening.

As an instrument of the law, it was a popular place to protest - both Wat Tyler`s Peasants Revolt of 1381 and the Jack Cade Rebellion of 1450 saw the rebels free all of its inmates. After this, it was generally kept for the destination of religious prisoners until the 16th Century and went into further decline when it was burnt down in the Gordon Riots of 1780.

Today the prison is now a museum and is interesting, informative and not a little blood-curdling. The tours are delivered in a witty and punchy manner and provide the visitor with all manner of medieval historical narrative.

The Clink is situated on the main riverside thoroughfare on the edge of Borough market and well worth a visit if only to make you glad that you now live in the 21st Century

Position

Positioned in the heart of modern day Southwark, the prison was situated in an area that has long been associated with more raucous, vivacious and unruly behaviour; it was the louder, ruder and wickeder neighbour to The City, and a place where Londoners sought entertainment.

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Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...