"In Clink"....., a photo from London, England

Photographer's Note

In Britain, at least, the slang words "in clink" are commonly used for meaning that someone is "in jail" and here, near the south end of London's Southwark Bridge, lies the origin of the term.

"The Clink" was a notorious prison in Southwark, England which functioned from the 12th century until 1780 either deriving its name from, or bestowing it on, the local manor, the Clink Liberty. The manor and prison were owned by the Bishop of Winchester and situated next to his residence at Winchester Palace. The Clink was possibly the oldest men's prison and probably also the oldest women's prison in England.

The origins of the name "The Clink" are uncertain, but it is possibly onomatopoeic and derives from the sound of striking metal as the prison's doors were bolted, or the rattling of the chains the prisoners wore.

There has been a prison owned by the Bishop of Winchester in one form or another since the year 860, although at that time it would only have been one cell in a priests' college. By 1076 an archbishop had listed the types of punishment allowed, scourging with rods, solitary confinement and bread and water in silence.

The prisoners were ill treated although those with money and friends on the outside were able to pay the gaolers to make their time better. As the gaolers were very poorly paid, they found other ways to supplement their income. They hired out rooms, beds, bedding, candles and fuel to those who could afford it. Food and drink were charged at twice the outside price. They accepted payments for fitting lighter irons and for removing them completely. For a fee, prisoners would be allowed outside to beg or even to work. Madams were allowed to keep a brothel going, with payments going to the gaolers. Poorer prisoners had to beg at the grates that led up to street level and sell anything they had with them, including their clothes, to pay for food.

Winchester House was raided by rioters protesting the Statute of Labourers in 1450. Classing clerics as tax collectors, they murdered them and released prisoners from the Clink before burning it down. The rebellion was put down and Winchester House was rebuilt and extended, including a new prison. Eventually it was burned down by rioters in 1760 and never rebuilt.

Most of the above note I edited from words gleaned from Wikipedia but now on this site is the Clink Museum which is open to visitors and about which you can read here.

Yet another photograph I took during a couple of days of aimless wandering though the streets of London last year.

Here is a larger version of this photograph on "beta" TE.

snunney, jhm, macjake, Royaldevon, CLODO, delpeoples, jean113 has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

snunney (130967) 2016-01-28 3:59

Hello John,
A very interesting note to accompany this fine composition; I knew the term 'in clink' but not that it related to a prison run by the clergy - you learn something everyday on TE. I like the light in this well presented composition and the animated atmosphere. Superb rendering of the detail in the brickwork of the walls and the pavement. Thanks for sharing.

jhm (211734) 2016-01-28 4:42

Hello John,

I have your notes three time read, it's very interesting what in 12th century all happened.
A lot of visitors showing them interest for the old jail.
Perfect sharp and clear picture with the frame of the gate as contrast..
Wonderful perspective and depth picture.
Colours are pleasant to look at.
Very well done, TFS.

Kindest regards,
John.

mjw364 (1466) 2016-01-28 5:09

Hello John

Yes, in clink. It seems that's where those who advocate today's version of 18th century Britain, namely Osborne and co. would have us all. Perish the thought of ending up in in clink run by the corrupt G4S who are of course open to bribes from the government. After paying a bribe to win the tagging contract they will paint your front door red to let others know who the criminals in society are! It seems there is nothing new under the sun, eh?

Anyway - interesting note! As always a careful composition with exceptional clarity and sharpness. The sign above the entrance to the clink is well exposed so it stands out as the focal point for the eye to settle upon.

Cheers

Mike

Sergiom (117241) 2016-01-28 6:23

Bonjour John,

J'aime beaucoup cette composition. J'aime ce qui passe sous une arche qui donne un beau cadre au niveau supérieur. J'aime les belles teintes de bleu qui recouvrent tout et le beau point focal qu'est le musée de la prison.

Amicalement

Serge

Silvio1953 (220495) 2016-01-28 9:00

Ciao caro John, lovely composition with a lot of walking people, beautiful natural frame by arch, fantastic colors, fine details, splendid light and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

holmertz (101930) 2016-01-28 12:04

Hello John,
I agree that TE is not just a place for photos but also a site where we learn something every day. I have to admit that I had never heard this expression of "in clink" before. I would for sure have enjoyed this photo even without that knowledge. It's a very well framed composition of the lively narrow street. I guess this would have been a difficult place for those who for some reason prefer to wait until the street lies empty. I like the light and colours and the neat work done long ago by the bricklayers.
Kind regards,
Gert

mkamionka (73256) 2016-01-28 13:41

Hi John,
the people walking the street add so much life and color. I like their shadows on the subtly reflecting pavement, very nice effect. Framing with the archway contributes to a pleasant geometry.
Fantastic exposition, everything so clear in spite of the low light.
Brilliant street scene!
Excellent quality!
M

carlo62 (81265) 2016-01-28 14:06

Ciao John
interessante nota e ottima foto.
Mi piace molto la tessitura delle facciate in mattoni, a giudicare dalla folla, non so se siano di più i mattoni o le persone!!!
Saluti
Carlo

macjake (98260) 2016-01-28 23:54

Hi John
well, I guess we learn something new every day don't we.
I had no idea that term was used in Britain, but then again why would I?

I take it you had to do alot of post processing to get the photo to look like this? I bet the original was quite dark right?

composition wise, you could have even left out the top portion, but i can also see why you wanted to include the archway.

The lighting on that side wall with the windows is a highlight for me, maybe even a main focal point.

Awesome note, well thought through and I can tell you put alot of time and effort into this post, much appreciated!

Hoping for good weather in June for Scotland/Ireland!
Cheers
Craig

Royaldevon (85606) 2016-01-29 1:21

Hello John,

Did you go in 'The Clink'?
I remember doing the Southwark walk and being duty bound to investigate this building! It is touristy but still interesting.

I really like how the purple light affects the r/h side of the shot. It is unusual and eye-catching, somehow, seeming to promote the sense of movement from the nearby pedestrians.

You have achieved an excellent sense of a busy street. So much activity, everyone involved in their own agenda and yet no-one noticing you! You are turning into the English Clodo!

I love how you have included the arch; it unites everything, everyone is on stage in this fine performance!

It was a difficult shot! The area was dark and there was so much continuous movement but you did a fine job.
I like it very much!

Have a great day,
Bev :-)
It's really cold today and, of course, raining!

Nicou (193806) 2016-01-29 1:26

Hello

Superbe vue quel passage et arche et tous ces personnage quel rendu sur le pavage ces façades de briques quelle compo et tons.
Belle journée
Nicou

CLODO (45116) 2016-01-29 9:27

Bonsoir John

I learned a new english expression, thank you! it loos very "tourist" appealing! I find your picture too blue, so a good opportunity to try a WS
All the best
CLODO

[workshop] [compare] +

batalay (41261) 2016-01-29 12:53

Hello John,

I love this shot, augmented with an excellent note. The reflections of the shadows, the high resolution of the image and indeed the exposure are all very good.

I have been writing a book on the "transformative" in distinction to the "ordinary" genius, with Leonardo (1452-1519), Shakespeare (1564-1616), Newton (1642-1727), Beethoven (1770-1827) and Einstein (1879-1955), and certainly is a writer who figures in prominently (he has no serious rival among writers). For Shakespeare Southwark is important for the site of its cathedral and its prior. Now I know the origin of the word "clink." I don't think he ever found himself there, but a number of his friends (including a distant cousin) did, and there was a house of ill repute, which may have been the source of his "dark lady" of the last 27 sonnets.

Warm regards,

Bulent

delpeoples (60342) 2016-01-30 5:52

Ciao caro Giovanni

What a fascinating note. Your title - obviously - drew my attention immediately and I marvel at its timing as I was just marvelling to myself when using it yesterday, as to its etymological genesis. This scene looks like something out of a Jack the Ripper film. Except of course the modern dress and the fluoro purple lights on the side. What and where did they come from I wonder. Anyway, a lovely sense of dynamism and a brilliant note, totally in the spirit of TE.

Out to the Clink - the Aussie version - for me on Monday
Lisa

jean113 (27585) 2016-01-31 6:07

Hello John, the blue tones give this shot an interesting atmosphere.
Excellent sharp focus.
The composition works really well with the hustle and bustle of all the people in the approach to the museum.
An excellent note, thank you.
Regards Jean.