Get sent down the clink
- Martyn Hayes
- Feb 21, 2019
- 2 min read
Price: £7.50 (adults)
Location: London Bridge
Nearest stations: London Bridge
Website: Clink Prison Museum
OK so the title is slightly misleading and that's the last thing you want to do. But you could take a trip through the deeper bowels of the Clink Prison Museum.
Formerly one of London's most famous jail houses, the space offers some of the most grizzly exhibitions south of the Thames. As you enter the dark and murky underground, you'll be given an education of what penitentiary life was like in centuries past. After seeing the conditions, you'll quickly realise that it was a good idea to keep your nose clean in medieval London.
A key feature that had me gaping mouth open was how inmates were tortured. Viewing the apparatus may make you wince as you empathise with the agony of its victims. Some of which left vagabonds in excruciating pain and crippled for life.
The venue also shows that the humiliation didn't stop at torture. After convicts were executed they were often exhibited with their heads on spikes or gibbets. Both of which made criminals think twice about about their illegal activities. London was simply more of an unpleasant place back then. Just be thankful you live in the 21st century.
Guided tours are available for school trips or general visits. The venue has been known to host paranormal events. The venue has been known to host Halloween events, so an evening of ghost hunting may be just the tonic to get your hairs standing on end.
The Clink Prison Museum is a great option for those with a macabre taste. Though small, I found it to be a highly educational experience that had me hooked on each display. Plus it's always a novelty to say you've been in the place where the slang term "Clink" comes from.
It might be wise to top up your day afterwards with something positive. Seeing as London Bridge and Borough Market are crammed full of awesome things to do, you'll have no trouble finding something.
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