Skip to main content
Key
Key
Key

Key

Date1700-1899
MediumMetal, paper
DimensionsObject/Work: 95 x 115 x 7 mm
ClassificationsMiscellaneous Equipment
Terms
    Object numberTN03229
    DescriptionKey to the Marshalsea prison with a label attached. The label reads "The key of Marshalsea Prison. Given to S. W. by her father 1884. Where little Dorrit was born. Written by Charles Dickens."

    The Marshalsea was a famous prison in Southwark best known for incarcerating the poorest of London's debtors. It was run privately for profit, opening in the 1400s and closing in 1842. It was made famous by the writings of Charles Dickens, whose own father was sent there in 1824.
    On View
    Not on view