The Clink Prison is considered to be the oldest prison in England for men and women, which had been functional from the 12th century up to 1780. The life at the Clink revolved around brutality. The conditions were appalling and the prisoners were treated very badly.

Those who had money paid the jailers in order to make their stay better. The jailers themselves were paid very little and very unhappy. Therefore they made a living out of providing luxuries to the prisoners who could afford to pay. Those who are poor had even sold their clothes to buy food.

The prison was burnt down twice by rioters at seperate occassions in 1450 and 1780 respectively. It was rebuilt the first time around but not after the destruction in 1782, thus bringing to and end a long era of brutality.

Opening Times

10 March - 26 October (daily)
10.00am - 5.30pm (last admission 4.30pm)
27 October - 2 November (daily)
10.00am - 4.30pm (last admission 3.30pm)

3 November onwards (except christmas day)
6pm on Bank Holidays and all Sundays over Bank Holiday weekends