Millbank Prison
Tate Britain stands on part of Millbank Prison, which was erected in 1816, on ground bought from the Marques of Salisbury. Designed by Jeremy Bentham at a cost of £500,000, and resembling a fortress. The external walls formed an irregular octagon, enclosing over sixteen acres of land, containing accommodation for 1,120 prisoners. It closed its gates on 6 November 1890 and pulled down shortly afterwards.
The Morpeth Arms stands on the old prison ground, having some remains of the prison cells in the basement.
The crampted cells with not enough room to stand up for prisoners awaiting transportation to Australia.
The dark and dreary passageway led to the convict ships. There is also a ghost that is said to still haunt these cells. I am told it belongs to a convict who died just before being transported to Australia. It has been checked out by the paranormal society who claim that there is a spirit present.
The last view of prison before the ship.
Capstan in the street, from where the convicts were led and loaded onto awaiting convict ships, docked directly opposite the Morpeth Arms.
The River Thames - lapping against the stony beach where the convict’s feet touched British soil for the last time before transportation to Australia.
Some of the artefacts recently discovered on Van Dieman's Island, present day Tasmania.
A Millbank prisoners button and George the fourth coin dated 1827.
With much thanks to the Morpeth Arms for allowing our cameraman and researcher to enter the underground cells.
Check out your blacksheep ancestors
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