Islington in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Whitecross Debtors Prison (1813-1870)

Mad in England

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 20, 2018

1. Whitecross Debtors Prison (1813-1870) Marker

Inscription. Warm-hearted Nell Gwynne, in her will, desired her natural son, the Duke of St. Albans, to lay out £20 a year to release poor debtors out of prison, and this sum was distributed every Christmas Day to the inmates of Whitecross Street Prison.

Erected by English Hedonists.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is February 2, 1650.

Location. 51° 31.361′ N, 0° 5.56′ W. Marker is in Islington, England, in Greater London. Marker is at the intersection of Whitecross Street and Dufferin Street, on the left when traveling south on Whitecross Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Islington, England EC1Y 8JJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fortune Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); A Royal Brewery Visit (about 210 meters away, measured in a direct line); Priss Fotheringham (about 240 meters away); Frieze from W. Bryer & Sons (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); The London Wall Walk - 14 (approx. half a kilometer away); Site of First Bomb Hit (approx. half a kilometer away); City Road Turnpike (approx. half a kilometer away); The London Wall Walk – 15 (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Islington.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

sectionhead>More about this marker. The attribution of the plaque to "English Hedonists" clearly satirizes English Heritage, the corporate body responsible for the more than 900 blue plaques installed all over London. There are (were?) four plaques installed by said group on Whitecross Street, with at least two still extant - this one, as well as the one for Priss Fotheringham. The website London Remembers speculates that the artist Carrie Reichardt may be part of English Hedonists, as "Mad in England" is her trademark.

Also see . . .
1. Nell Gwyn (Wikipedia). "Eleanor "Nell" Gwyn (2 February 1650 – 14 November 1687; also spelled Gwynn, Gwynne) was a long-time mistress of King Charles II of England and Scotland. Called "pretty, witty Nell" by Samuel Pepys, she has been regarded as a living embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England and has come to be considered a folk heroine, with a story echoing the rags-to-royalty tale of Cinderella. She was the most famous Restoration actress and possessed a prodigious comic talent. Gwyn had two sons by King Charles: Charles Beauclerk (1670–1726); and James Beauclerk (1671–1680).... Charles was created Earl of Burford and later Duke of St. Albans." (Submitted on April 9, 2018.)

2. Whitecross Street Prison (Wikipedia). (Submitted on April 10, 2018.)

Whitecross Debtors Prison (1813-1870) Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, March 20, 2018

2. Whitecross Debtors Prison (1813-1870) Marker - Wide View

The marker is visible here on the corner of the building, just above the pedestrian's head.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 9, 2018, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.