Email to a friend
-
Visitor Information
The House of Detention gets its name from its former purpose - as a prison - and there has been a prison on this site since 1616. By the mid-19th century the House of Detention was rebuilt - the series of spooky tunnels and passageways that can be explored today date from its last rebuilding in 1844 - and used as a holding prison for those awaiting trial. The prison was demolished in 1890 to make way for Hugh Myddleton School but beneath the playground an entire underground section of the older building survived and lay undisturbed until the bombs of the Blitz saw it reopened as an air-raid shelter. After World War II it was again largely forgotten until, in 1993, it became a museum. The House of Detention closed its doors to the public in 2000 and part of the building has been redeveloped into flats while Clerkenwell Design Week uses other parts of the building as an exhibition space.
LondonTown.com - House of Detention Location Map
Further articles featuring House of Detention on LondonTown.com
London Events 2023
Discover what's on in London 2023 with our comprehensive guide to the best events. From theatre to art and music to sport, London 2023 has something for everyone - so read on to find out what London town has to offer.
FIND YOUR PERFECT LONDON HOTEL
SALE
Hotels near House of Detention
All central London hotels
Room 1
2 Adults
ADULTS (12+)
-
2
+
CHILDREN (2 - 12 Years)
-
0
+
INFANTS (0 - 2 Years)
-
0
+
Okay
Maximum 4 to a room.
+ Add another room
Crowne Plaza Kings Cross
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
1 Kings Cross Road, WC1X | 7 minutes from House of Detention
Halfway between the City and the west End, the Bloomsbury area is an oasis of calm in the very heart of the capital. It's a lovely ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
1 Kings Cross Road, WC1X | 7 minutes from House of Detention
Halfway between the City and the west End, the Bloomsbury area is an oasis of calm in the very heart of the capital. It's a lovely ... More
Rosewood London
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V | 13 minutes from House of Detention
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel
252 High Holborn, WC1V | 13 minutes from House of Detention
Located in High Holborn, Rosewood London is the most luxurious hotel in the area and is nearby to the capital's main business district and a number ... More
Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
Coram Street, WC1N | 16 minutes from House of Detention
This is a smart, modern hotel located in one of the Capital's oldest and most beautiful areas. Bloomsbury is a great place to stay since it's ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel
Coram Street, WC1N | 16 minutes from House of Detention
This is a smart, modern hotel located in one of the Capital's oldest and most beautiful areas. Bloomsbury is a great place to stay since it's ... More
Crypt On The Green, St James'
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
The Crypt on the Green, underneath St James Church in Clerkenwell, is on the site of the first nunnery to be built in London dating back ... More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
The Crypt on the Green, underneath St James Church in Clerkenwell, is on the site of the first nunnery to be built in London dating back ... More
St Bartholomew the Great
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
West Smithfield, Clerkenwell, London EC1A | 9 minutes from House of Detention
St Bartholomew the Great is a historic church founded in 1123 and the oldest parish church in the City of London. Features include the pre-Reformation octagonal ... More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
West Smithfield, Clerkenwell, London EC1A | 9 minutes from House of Detention
St Bartholomew the Great is a historic church founded in 1123 and the oldest parish church in the City of London. Features include the pre-Reformation octagonal ... More
The Islington Metal Works
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
7 Torrens Street, Islington, London EC1V | 11 minutes from House of Detention
Built in the late 19th century, The Islington Metalworks is a building steeped in history. All three floors were initially used to stable the horses that ... More
London > Attractions > Historic Buildings
7 Torrens Street, Islington, London EC1V | 11 minutes from House of Detention
Built in the late 19th century, The Islington Metalworks is a building steeped in history. All three floors were initially used to stable the horses that ... More
THE BEST
Sights and Attractions near House of Detention
The best museums, galleries, attractions near House of Detention
The Werkstatt
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
7-9 Woodbridge Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
The Werkstatt - meaning workshop in German - is a workshop for international designers and architects to meet, be inspired, play and create. A showcase for ... More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
7-9 Woodbridge Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
The Werkstatt - meaning workshop in German - is a workshop for international designers and architects to meet, be inspired, play and create. A showcase for ... More
Exmouth Market
London > Attractions > Other Attractions
Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 3 minutes from House of Detention
A rich hunting ground for restaurants and bars, Exmouth Market twinkles under the fairy lights that zig-zag overhead across the scenic pedestrianised street. Hip hang outs ... More
London > Attractions > Other Attractions
Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 3 minutes from House of Detention
A rich hunting ground for restaurants and bars, Exmouth Market twinkles under the fairy lights that zig-zag overhead across the scenic pedestrianised street. Hip hang outs ... More
St John's Cloister Garden
London > Attractions >
St John's Lane, EC1M | 4 minutes from House of Detention
A hidden public garden within the 16th century Museum of the Order of St John.... More
London > Attractions >
St John's Lane, EC1M | 4 minutes from House of Detention
A hidden public garden within the 16th century Museum of the Order of St John.... More
The Piano Works
London > Entertainment > Live Music
113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
Housed in an intimately lit Victorian warehouse, The Piano Works is a non-stop live music venue where in-house musicians take centre ... More
London > Entertainment > Live Music
113-117 Farringdon Road, EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
Housed in an intimately lit Victorian warehouse, The Piano Works is a non-stop live music venue where in-house musicians take centre ... More
Theatre Delicatessen
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Guardian House, 119 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 3 minutes from House of Detention
Taking over the old Guardian building in Farringdon and filling it with rehearsal rooms and performance spaces, Theatre Delicatessen not only takes an entrepreneurial approach to ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Guardian House, 119 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 3 minutes from House of Detention
Taking over the old Guardian building in Farringdon and filling it with rehearsal rooms and performance spaces, Theatre Delicatessen not only takes an entrepreneurial approach to ... More
Theatre Delicatessen
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Guardian House, 119 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 3 minutes from House of Detention
Taking over the old Guardian building in Farringdon and filling it with rehearsal rooms and performance spaces, Theatre Delicatessen not only takes an entrepreneurial approach to ... More
London > Entertainment > Theatres
Guardian House, 119 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 3 minutes from House of Detention
Taking over the old Guardian building in Farringdon and filling it with rehearsal rooms and performance spaces, Theatre Delicatessen not only takes an entrepreneurial approach to ... More
ec one Exmouth Market
London > Shopping > Jewellery
41 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 4 minutes from House of Detention
Established in Clerkenwell in 1997, EC One jewellery has built up a glittering reputation for its individual, stylish jewellery. Husband and wife team Jos and Alison ... More
London > Shopping > Jewellery
41 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 4 minutes from House of Detention
Established in Clerkenwell in 1997, EC One jewellery has built up a glittering reputation for its individual, stylish jewellery. Husband and wife team Jos and Alison ... More
International Magic Shop
London > Shopping > Specialists
89 Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 5 minutes from House of Detention
Superb family-run magic shop, offering props, books and videos for magicians of all abilities. Pick a deck of cards, any deck of cards, from their mysterious ... More
London > Shopping > Specialists
89 Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 5 minutes from House of Detention
Superb family-run magic shop, offering props, books and videos for magicians of all abilities. Pick a deck of cards, any deck of cards, from their mysterious ... More
THE BEST
Restaurants near House of Detention
What are the best dining options near House of Detention London?
The Clerkenwell Kitchen
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
31 Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
Canteen-styled daytime cafe which emphasises fresh ingredients from local producers, fair trade, and organic methods. The daily changing menu reflects the available ingredients. Soups, tarts, pasta, ... More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
31 Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
Canteen-styled daytime cafe which emphasises fresh ingredients from local producers, fair trade, and organic methods. The daily changing menu reflects the available ingredients. Soups, tarts, pasta, ... More
Dans Le Noir?
London > Restaurants > French restaurants
30-31 Clerkenwell Green, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
French-eclectic cuisine eaten in total darkness.Dining without the distractions, Dans le Noir? is basically just what it says it is - dinner "in the black". Emphasising ... More
London > Restaurants > French restaurants
30-31 Clerkenwell Green, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
French-eclectic cuisine eaten in total darkness.Dining without the distractions, Dans le Noir? is basically just what it says it is - dinner "in the black". Emphasising ... More
Granger & Co Clerkenwell
London > Restaurants > Pan-Asian restaurants
The Buckley Building, 49 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
"It feels very much an east London concept in a west London setting," commented Jasmine Gardner in the Evening Standard when Granger & Co first opened ... More
London > Restaurants > Pan-Asian restaurants
The Buckley Building, 49 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
"It feels very much an east London concept in a west London setting," commented Jasmine Gardner in the Evening Standard when Granger & Co first opened ... More
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
London > Education > Cookery Courses
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, 42 Northampton Road, EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
Featuring six catering stations, a demonstration bench and a communal dining table, B&H Kitchen , the cookery school from Bourne & Hollingsworth Group, guides Londoners ... More
London > Education > Cookery Courses
Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings, 42 Northampton Road, EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
Featuring six catering stations, a demonstration bench and a communal dining table, B&H Kitchen , the cookery school from Bourne & Hollingsworth Group, guides Londoners ... More
London Wine Academy
London > Education > Evening Classes
Garden Floor, 6 Coldbath Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 4 minutes from House of Detention
One day workshops, offering a friendly no-nonsense approach to teaching about wine, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. Courses take place at the following venues: Atlas PH, ... More
London > Education > Evening Classes
Garden Floor, 6 Coldbath Square, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 4 minutes from House of Detention
One day workshops, offering a friendly no-nonsense approach to teaching about wine, suitable for everyone from beginners to experts. Courses take place at the following venues: Atlas PH, ... More
Career Energy
London > Education > Career Services
4-6 Staple Inn, Holborn, London WC1V | 9 minutes from House of Detention
Situated in the heart of London, Career Energy – formed in March 2002 - offers comprehensive advice on careers, career change and job searching. They’ll analyse ... More
London > Education > Career Services
4-6 Staple Inn, Holborn, London WC1V | 9 minutes from House of Detention
Situated in the heart of London, Career Energy – formed in March 2002 - offers comprehensive advice on careers, career change and job searching. They’ll analyse ... More
THE BEST
Leisure near House of Detention
House of Detention gyms, sporting activities, health & beauty and fitness.
Spa Fields Park
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
A busy park in Islington beside the Three Corners Centre youth centre and Adventure Playground, the 2.02 acre Spa Fields include a children's playground, tarmac ... More
London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
Northampton Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
A busy park in Islington beside the Three Corners Centre youth centre and Adventure Playground, the 2.02 acre Spa Fields include a children's playground, tarmac ... More
My Chocolate Workshops
London > Leisure > Activities
Hatton Square Business Centre, 16-16a Baldwin Gardens, Holborn, London EC1N | 6 minutes from House of Detention
Immerse yourself in a world of chocolate with this mouth-watering workshop. You will discover how chocolate is processed from bean to bar. Sample a variety of ... More
London > Leisure > Activities
Hatton Square Business Centre, 16-16a Baldwin Gardens, Holborn, London EC1N | 6 minutes from House of Detention
Immerse yourself in a world of chocolate with this mouth-watering workshop. You will discover how chocolate is processed from bean to bar. Sample a variety of ... More
London Dance Academy
London > Leisure >
The Basement, 49-51 Central Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V | 8 minutes from House of Detention
London Dance Academy is a dance studio in the middle of the City, five minutes' walk from Old Street and Barbican, which offers dance classes and ... More
London > Leisure >
The Basement, 49-51 Central Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V | 8 minutes from House of Detention
London Dance Academy is a dance studio in the middle of the City, five minutes' walk from Old Street and Barbican, which offers dance classes and ... More
The Three Kings
London > Nightlife > Pubs
7 Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
Tucked away down a Clerkenwell backstreet next to the graveyard of St James Church, The Three Kings is popular with the locals and a real find for ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
7 Clerkenwell Close, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
Tucked away down a Clerkenwell backstreet next to the graveyard of St James Church, The Three Kings is popular with the locals and a real find for ... More
Crown Tavern
London > Nightlife > Pubs
43 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
Hideaway snugs where Stalin and Lenin held secret meetings and real ales make the Crown Tavern a popular ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
43 Clerkenwell Green, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 1 minute from House of Detention
Hideaway snugs where Stalin and Lenin held secret meetings and real ales make the Crown Tavern a popular ... More
The Well
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
180 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V | 3 minutes from House of Detention
Everything about our meal at this superb gastropub in Clerkenwell was brilliant, from the towering pint'o'prawns ordered to start, to the grins plastered over our faces ... More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
180 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V | 3 minutes from House of Detention
Everything about our meal at this superb gastropub in Clerkenwell was brilliant, from the towering pint'o'prawns ordered to start, to the grins plastered over our faces ... More
THE BEST
Nightlife near House of Detention
House of Detention clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
Ghost Farringdon
London > Nightlife >
113-117 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
Most people's gripe about South Ken's graffiti chic venue Ghost INC is that it would be better suited to the edgier East End than the haughty ... More
London > Nightlife >
113-117 Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell, London EC1R | 2 minutes from House of Detention
Most people's gripe about South Ken's graffiti chic venue Ghost INC is that it would be better suited to the edgier East End than the haughty ... More
The Longroom
London > Nightlife > Bars
18-20 St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 6 minutes from House of Detention
Situated in the heart of Clerkenwell, next door to St John and Smithfield Market, The Longroom specialises in craft beers, salt beef and gourmet sandwiches. Described ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
18-20 St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 6 minutes from House of Detention
Situated in the heart of Clerkenwell, next door to St John and Smithfield Market, The Longroom specialises in craft beers, salt beef and gourmet sandwiches. Described ... More
THE BEST
Meeting venue hire near House of Detention
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near House of Detention.
Museum of the Order of St John
London > Business > Venue Hire
St. Johns Gate, 26 St. John's Lane, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 4 minutes from House of Detention
The Museum of the Order of St John tells the story of the St John's Ambulance from within a 16th century gatehouse which was formerly the ... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
St. Johns Gate, 26 St. John's Lane, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 4 minutes from House of Detention
The Museum of the Order of St John tells the story of the St John's Ambulance from within a 16th century gatehouse which was formerly the ... More
The Rookery
London > Business > Venue Hire
Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 6 minutes from House of Detention
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Peter's Lane, Cowcross Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 6 minutes from House of Detention
... More
Bleeding Heart Yard
London > Business > Venue Hire
Bleeding Heart Yard, off Greville Street, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, London EC1N | 6 minutes from House of Detention
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
Bleeding Heart Yard, off Greville Street, Farringdon, Clerkenwell, London EC1N | 6 minutes from House of Detention
... More
Hotels near House of Detention
From cheap budget hotels to luxury 5 star suites see our special offers for House of Detention hotels, including Crowne Plaza Kings Cross from 0% off. |
 |
