House of Detention (London)

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The House of Detention in historic Clerkenwell is a fascinating trip back to the past to experience the gruesome reality of prison conditions. There have been prisons on this site since 1616. In Victorian times this was London's busiest - taking over 10,000 prisoners a year. Originally there were three storeys above ground but they were demolished in 1890 to make way for a Quaker School. What remains now is the vast underground area featuring Victorian ventilation tunnels, fumigation area, laundry, kitchen, transportation cells and corridors - each of which tells a fascinating story. In addition there are records of prisoners so you can check whether your ancestors were part of the Criminal Fraternity!

the Green Polygon: only the Aboveground Pathway to the House of Detention