Tothill Fields Prison door knocker

This bronze door knocker previously hung at the entrance to the women’s side of Tothill Fields Prison. Lions' heads were a popular form of decorative door knocker in the 19th century, but had their origins in ancient Rome; representing strength and authority. As in this example the striker was normally held between the teeth.

Opened in 1834 Tothill Fields prison was located in Bridewell, north-east of Rochester Row, Westminster and regarded as a reforming prison with a progressive governor, much admired by Charles Dickens. The prison was designed by Robert Abraham as a panopticon, where the spoke-like rows of cells could be monitored from a central hub. Male and female prisoners were separated into two self contained wings, each having their own entrance. From 1850 onwards, the prison was reserved for convicted female prisoners and boys under the age of 17. It was demolished in 1884.