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House of Correction, Clerkenwell.

“Such was the great encrease of Rogues and Vagabonds in London and Middlesex, that Bridewell could not contain them, nor imploy them, nor willingly receive any from the justices out of the County of Middlesex, because they held it contrary to the Charter of London, and the foundation of Bridewell; whereupon the Justices of Middlesex, by license from his Maiestie [sic] [James I.], builded a House of Correction for the County of Middlesex, neere unto the east-end of Clerkenwell Church, for the punishment and employment of sturdy Rogues and Vagabonds of the County of Middlesex, and for the furtherance of the said House, the City of London gave onto it five hundred pounds in money, to make a stock for the Employment of their Poore, and the Justices ordained two Masters and a Matron to govern the House. This was done this yeere 1615:” – Howes, p. 1023, ed. 1631.

There was a House of Correction in Tothill Fields in Charles II’s time. [See Hicks’s Hall.]

Source: A Handbook for London, Past and Present. Peter Cunningham. Published by John Murray 1849.