Clink Prison and Westminster Highlights Walking Tour
- Explore some of the main sights of London with an expert guide and visit The Clink, the UK's oldest and scariest prison.
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Reminders
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Meet the guide outside The Ritz London hotel, next to 2 red telephone boxes and 2 souvenir stands, underneath one of the Ritz signs. The nearest tube station is Green Park Underground station. When you get to Green Park Underground station, take the left-hand exit. You will see a set of stairs and a ramp leading out of the station. Take the stairs up and walk towards the Ritz Hotel. Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the start of your tour.(150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom)
Know in advance:Small tour group size (10 – 15 guests per group)
Changing of the Guard will take place daily in June and July, otherwise only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (book the 10 am start time for this experience)
Remember to bring:An umbrella if it's raining, comfortable shoes, drinks and snacks, a camera, contactless credit/debit card or Oyster Card for transportation
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Validity Period
- The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
FAQ
1. What is the historical origin of 'The Clink' name, and how did it become slang for prison?
The name "The Clink" originates from the historic Clink Prison, which was one of England's oldest prisons, operating from the 12th century until 1780. It was located on Clink Street in Southwark, London. The term 'clink' became widely recognized as slang for prison due to this particular institution's long and infamous history, deeply embedding the name into common English usage over centuries.
2. Did The Clink Prison exist as a real historical prison in London?
Yes, The Clink Prison was a very real and significant historical prison in London. It operated for over 600 years, established by the Bishop of Winchester around 1151, making it one of the oldest prisons in England. It primarily held religious dissidents, heretics, and later, debtors and those accused of prostitution. Its long history on Clink Street is well-documented.
3. What makes The Clink Prison historically significant among UK prisons?
The Clink Prison's historical significance lies in its longevity as one of England's earliest and longest-running prisons, operating for over 600 years. It was unique for its location within the Liberty of the Clink, an area outside the jurisdiction of London city authorities, controlled by the Bishop of Winchester. This allowed it to enforce its own distinct, often harsh, set of rules, making it notorious for its poor conditions and the varied prisoners it held.
4. What is the historical significance of Clink Street in London?
Clink Street is historically significant as the site of The Clink Prison, from which it derives its name. Situated in the Bankside area of Southwark, it was part of an area known as the Liberty of the Clink, which historically housed many disreputable establishments like brothels, bear-baiting pits, and theaters, outside the moral jurisdiction of the City of London. The street's name is a lasting testament to the infamous prison that once stood there.
5. Which public transport options are best for reaching The Clink Prison Museum?
The Clink Prison Museum is conveniently located in Southwark, London. The closest London Underground stations are London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines) and Borough (Northern line). From London Bridge station, it's approximately a 5-10 minute walk to Clink Street. Various bus routes also serve the surrounding Bankside area, providing easy access to the museum.
6. What kind of visitor experience can be expected at The Clink Prison Museum?
Visitors to The Clink Prison Museum can expect an immersive and interactive experience that brings the brutal history of the prison to life. The museum features original artifacts, recreated cells, and displays detailing the harsh conditions, punishments, and stories of its former prisoners, from debtors to heretics. It aims to provide a vivid insight into medieval prison life and the origins of crime and punishment.
7. What historical conditions and prisoners are highlighted within The Clink Prison Museum exhibits?
The Clink Prison Museum exhibits highlight the appalling historical conditions faced by prisoners, including overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the various forms of torture and punishment used. It delves into the types of individuals incarcerated, such as religious dissenters, debtors, and women accused of prostitution. The displays often feature interactive elements and detailed narratives, showcasing the daily struggles and societal context of those confined within its walls.
8. How much time should be allocated for a visit to The Clink Prison Museum?
Typically, visitors should allocate approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for a comprehensive visit to The Clink Prison Museum. This allows enough time to explore all the exhibits, read the informational displays, and engage with the interactive elements, providing a full understanding of its history and the prisoner experience. The self-guided nature of the museum allows for flexibility in pacing your visit.
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