Clink Prison Museum

The world's most notorious medieval prison. Situated on the site of the original Clink Prison. A hands-on experience on all torture devices. Mannequins with audio provide a 'day in the life of'. Displays of written and art history describe the Prison and the incredible history that took place in the area of Bankside including plots against the crown and the Mayflower. Educational groups are encouraged please phone for educational rates.

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Opening times:	Mon-Fri 10.00am-6.00pm. Sat & Sun, 10.00am-9.00pm Concessions include students and elderly

Used to detain debtors, whores, thieves and even actors, this was the notorious address that gave us the expression 'in the clink' (in jail). The poky, rather hokey museum inside reveals the wretched life of the prisoners who were forced to pay for their own food and accommodation. There's a nice little collection of instruments of torture, too. From about 1503 this was the private jail of the bishops of Winchester, who had owned vast estates and wielded absolute power on the South Bank of the Thames since the Norman Conquest of Britain in 1066. The bishops ran the notorious Bankside brothels and the Clink was often used to jail prostitutes who displeased their masters, along with debtors, thieves and even actors. It was burned down during the Gordon Riots in 1780, but hadn't been used for a century in any case.

Traveller Rating:

Based on 9 reviews

Ranked #615

Latest 5 reviews of Clink Prison Museum

Ok, but took only 15 minutes to do!

We visited the Clink Prison yesterday when we visited London. You know it might be bad from the start as we paid L10 for the 4 of us which is megger cheap for london! There are about 2 rooms with...

We visited the Clink Prison yesterday when we visited London. You know it might be bad from the start as we paid L10 for the 4 of us which is megger cheap for london! There are about 2 rooms with just a few un-realistic wax works that don't really serve a purpose and some writing on the side boards which looks like they went to Wikipedia and typed in 'Clink Prison' and copy + Paste it onto the board. We were the only people in the whole place. The staff seemed bored and didn't really say much and we could see them just sitting there on her computer playing Pinball. Not really worth a visit but it killed 15 minutes time in London, would not really recomend. I have also added some photos.

13 February 2008

by suffolknut321, Suffolk, UK

Go only if you really have nothing to do!

It's alright but obviously a touristy thing. I wouldn't go back there. Really small and can be done in 30mins.

It's alright but obviously a touristy thing. I wouldn't go back there.

Really small and can be done in 30mins.

15 January 2008

by notshy, Brisbane, Australia

What a waste of money!

Very disappointing - only took 30 minutes to go around the whole thing, there's nothing to be learnt at this place, just lots of badly done signage and pictures. Truly rubbish.

11 March 2007

by troopoo, UK

Great if you like prisons

We went to the Clink Museum on a Saturday and it really was not that busy. It costs L5 to get in which is about right (going by London standards that is) The musuem is very small and will only take you about 30 mins to go round. This museum does rely heavily on the visitor wanting to read a lot of information. There are a few wax works but this is nothing like the London Dungeon. I am very interested in prison history and so I really enjoyed it, equally I love to read about this sort of thing. My husband on the other hand is not really bothered and too be honest he would not have gone if it had not been for me.

I would suggest only visiting if you are interested in prison history, if not then give it a miss

22 January 2007

by alyson.johnson-smith_123, Herfortshire

Tourist trap

I love history and am a crime buff so I thought this would be a good way to spend some time. Entrance is 5 GBP and not worth more than 1. bad wax figures with bad sound effects, like a high school...

I love history and am a crime buff so I thought this would be a good way to spend some time. Entrance is 5 GBP and not worth more than 1. bad wax figures with bad sound effects, like a high school haunted house. the potential for a place like this is enormous, but not at all realized in this tourist trap.

3 December 2006

by drummerliz, Erie, Pennsylvania

Are you a representative of Clink Prison Museum?
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