Imprisonment as a punishment has long been a part of human society, serving as a temporary version of exile, used for lesser crimes. However, the concept of a specific building to house all prisoners together, as opposed to dungeons and cells in castle strongholds, led to the first purpose built prison: The Clink.
This grim and foreboding building became one of the most notorious medieval prisons in . Located in Southwark on the south bank of the Thames, it was in operation from the 12th century until 1780, the longest running prison in history.
Purpose-Built
The construction of the prison started in 1107 and was finally finished somewhere between 1144 and 1149. The Clink consisted of two prisons, one meant for women and the other for men.
