The Clink Prison was located next to the Thames River. During Shakespeare’s time, it held the criminals of Southwark. The building was so low and near the river that water would come into the prison and flood the bottom of prisoners’ cells. This meant some prisoners suffered from foot rot from standing in the dirty water.

Some people think that the Clink Prison got its name because of the sound the prisoners’ chains made when they clinked together.

We met with the Clink Prison Museum Director, James, to learn about all the history of this notorious prison.

James told us about punishments for crimes and even showed us some torture devices. There was a torture chair that was used to stretch prisoners out.

We learned that torture was used to get information that was important to the safety of the country. Punishments, like being kept alone, were payment for crimes committed.

James told us not to worry too much, the Clink Prison only has a few ghosts!

From the Clink,

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