Bridewell

Bridewell, a well between Fleet Street and the Thames, dedicated to St Bride, which has given its name to a palace, parish, and house of correction. Bridewell was a formidable castle in the days of William the Conqueror, and a residence of our early sovereigns. A palace described as 'a stately and beautiful house,' was rebuilt here in 1552 by Henry VIII. for the reception and accommodation of the Emperor Charles V. and his retinue; and King Henry himself also often lodged here, as, for instance, in 1525, when a parliament was held in Blackfriars. In 1553 Edward VI. gave it over to the city of London to be used as a workhouse for the poor, and a house of correction 'for the strumpet and idle person, for the rioter that consumeth all, and for the vagabond that will abide in no place.' Queen Mary having confirmed the gift, it was formally taken possession of in 1555 by the lord mayor and corporation. The chief portion of the palace was destroyed in the great fire of 1666. The bridewell was afterwards used for other persons than the class above named, and at last became a place of punishment till its removal in 1864. See PRISON, REFORMATORY.