The Clink prison is located on the banks of the Thames near London Bridge. It is (probably) the oldest prison in England and now houses a museum and a collection of hideous instruments of Tudor torture, it seems the various bishops of Winchester were particularly creative in this respect. Amongst the "touch and feel" display of ball and chain, boot, stocks etc, the curators had seen fit to include a chastity belt 
, more about that later.
Since the occasion of my friend Laura and her broods visit from China had been met with the customary "surprise" downfall of rain which caught us unprepared as we emerged from Cannon St station, we had to hastily revise our plans for a boat trip on the river.
Like a company of drowned rats, we looked very much the part as we descended into the ancient gloom of the prison. At least it was dry. Although that hadn't always been the case for the unfortunate inmates who often found their bedding awash in sewage when the basement prison flooded.
Whilst Laura and I grew pale surveying the testament to inhumanity at every turn, the children were in very bouyant mood. Merrily, they stuck their heads in the stocks and posed with their head on the block. Despite their pleading I refused to take a photo of my son cheerily raising an axe to his brothers head. Hate to be a spoilsport, but that is not one I want for my album.
Gabriel, the boy who could put the "fun" in "funeral" got our attention ( and that of all the other visitors) "mum, MUMMMM! look how they strangled people! This is gross!!" We all turned at once. He was wearing a chasity belt on his head. 
. Time to go home...
Holidays are great though. We drove out to the beautiful Chilterns and walked the legs off the darling bubba who was delighted to have his first al fresco wee wee. An experience he is longing to repeat.
We went to a St Georges festival where we were treated to London Pride Morris dancers and a display of jousting by the company who do the horsey stunts for films like Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Very impressive.
We invited friends over for a seder meal. Brendan ( the 16yo) has been honing his guitar skills and led a few worship songs. The bubs busied himself dipping all the parsley in salt water and declaring it "yummetty"
Yup, holidays are great. But it was back to business today and Gabriel seems to have forgotten how to add up. He said " I remembered it, but my brain forgot" I know just how he feels.
Comments
Apr. 25, 2006 - Wow!
Posted by jaminacema
What a fun post! (I especially like the he puts the fun in funeral quote!!) Sounds like a field trip you kiddos will not soon forget! What a hands on place, I mean most museums I'v been to would keep the chastity belt under lock and key! LOL
Apr. 25, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Debismumto4
Hi Clare
you know reading your post made me think how ridiculous it is that we only live in Leicestershire and apart from going to see Phantom of the Opera I haven't ever been to do the London trip.
I suppose having had little ones for the past 8 years one if not two in a pushchair it has always seemed a mamoth task to manage the crowds and the underground. What a wimp eh?
My oldest asks every year if she can go and maybe this will be the year we venture forth. So if you get chance let me know the very best things to see and do that can be fit into a day or maybe two.
Love Deb
Apr. 25, 2006 - Nice to see you back!
Posted by Garrisongang
Thanks for the great post. Your clamouring fans were beginning to wonder if your blogging career had been far too short lived. We attended a seder meal at our church this year too. Very interesting and meaningful. But hey, how can it compare with some good old medieval torture? It sounds like you had a great time.
Apr. 25, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jayfromcleveland
ROTFL! "fun in 'funeral'"! Clare, you're too much!
Like Debismum, we also have not followed up on our family London trip. It seems we can fly direct from Cleveland on Continental for only about $3000 (*gag*)! I don't know how many pounds that is (or tonnes, as the case may be!)
Apr. 25, 2006 - Sounds Great!
Posted by mamasmurf
We've never managed to make it into London with our ds, either! Have been to Legoland and Windsor, but I'm sure he'd love a trip to the capital. Thanks for your comment on our piccies - and about ds; he is a really interesting character and taking hime out of the school system was just what he needed to set his thoughts on fire!!
Brilliant post - creative thinking in action!
Chrissy
Apr. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Debismumto4
Hi thanks for the advice re London.
It would be great to meet up I'll let you know if we actually make it this year. We would probably leave the boys at home (obviously under some sort of supervision !!!!!:) ) and just bring the girls. I have just got back from our city centre after a shopping spree and Jacob ( 17 months old) let me know his displeasure at being dragged round in his pushchair.
I want to do all the historical stuff Mark my dh would definitely want the science museum. We'll have to draw straws or something.
Love Deb
Apr. 26, 2006 - Thanks!
Posted by jaminacema
Thank you for stopping by my blog and encouraging me. I have the same problem about reading blogs when I should be doing other things....So much good stuff at HSB to read! Have a great day homeschooling!
Apr. 26, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by jayfromcleveland
Clare, thanks for clueing me in to "blazers." I do make an effort to be accurate with my cliches! As for "coonskin," it does in fact refer to the Davy Crockett-Daniel Boone fur hat with the tail hanging down the back, made from a raccoon (which are also indigenous to Ohio and which routinely knock over garbage cans and are spotted as roadkill in these parts).
Though commonly associated with old-time frontiersmen, the striped pelt of the raccoon was all the rage with the fashionable aristocratic ladies in pre-revolutionary Paris. The French trappers in Canada and the Great Lakes region traded with the Indians and went to great pains to bring these pelts to the Mississippi, where they were shipped home from New Orleans.
Apr. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Leigh2
I just found you blog, and I'm lauging out loud first thing in the morning...and that's a very fdifficult thing to get me to do! If you don't mind, I'm adding you to my friends list. :o)
Apr. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Buckeyeblog
Really enjoyed your polo mints moment on Gena's blog. And...being as I'm 47, I would have gotten your "London Calling" from the Clash as mentioned in your profile! :-)
I really enjoy your blog! Please keep writing!
Blessings from Ohio USA, Kim Wolf<><
Apr. 29, 2006 - Wow!
Posted by jaminacema
Thank you for your wonderful, kind words you left on my blog. I am glad my blog is blessing you and I am glad you took the leap and are homeschooling for all the right reasons! You made me day! Keep up the good work!!!
May. 1, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
You cracked me up...all this frolicking around Europe, where will it all end?! I about spit my coffee on the keyboard...that was so funny. Anyway, thank you for your very sweet defense; it made my night. I wish I could have met you in the UK.
Love,
gena
May. 2, 2006 - LOL
Posted by HeartnSoul
Hilarious post, I admire the way words flow for you lol. I had to laugh at the 'al fresco'... I stopped in at my local post office and 2 young boys were doing the same right next to the front door. I thought it was a So. California thing.
blessings
Denise T
May. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by dtandfambly
If you are ever in jail again be sure and tell us about it! You make it sound like so much fun: )
Enjoyin gyour blog immensly!