House of Detention
Clerkenwell Close, EC1
Nearest Tube: Angel
This museum is located on the site of one of London's oldest prisons. It was built in 1616 and by the 19th century had become one of the busiest prisons in London with at one time over 10,000 inmates a year.
Demolished in 1890 this museum re-creates the past conditions of the prison. And horrible conditions they were too - dark, damp and cramped cells. You can also learn about past attitudes towards prisoners - they used to be kept in solitary confinement and rehabilitation hadn't yet been invented!
And when you consider that people were imprisoned here for crimes such as begging, petty theft or even attempting suicide, you'll be glad that there is no chance of being locked up here yourself.
The House of Detention is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission costs around £4 for adults.
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