View from across the Thames ,1850s

Name

Millbank Penitentiary

Connection

A depot for prisoners transported to Australia.

Location

Millbank, Westminster, London SW1P 4RG

How to get there

Nearest underground: Pimlico (Victoria Line)

Story

The Millbank Penitentiary sat on the site of the present Tate Britain Gallery from around 1811 through until the Tate was built in 1890. The penitentiary was built because there was an increase in crime in the city, and the prison hulks – used as an overflow for existing prisons – were themselves overflowing. Millbank first accepted prisoners in 1816. By 1820 the numbers had risen to 550. It had to close in the mid 1820's due to an outbreak of cholera, but then re-opened with a different penal role – as a depot for prisoners transported to Australia.

The bollard to which convict boats were tied

There are many stories at Millbank and a full self-guided walk – here

Of course, while you are at the penitentiary site you must visit the Tate Britain Gallery – you’ll find some great paintings there!

Further information

Wikipedia –here

Tate blog –here

View of the Millbank Penitentiary from across the Thames – Ackermann, 1816 – Museum of London