Compter Collection

Old houses in the Butcher Row, London The right-hand corner house on St. Clements Lane reputedly used by the leaders of the Gunpowder Plot

Une Enfant Qui Sait Compter
This illustration, the title of which translates as The Child Who Can Count, shows a pupil speaking with an examiner, having the following conversation

Wood Street Compter, 18th century
Wood Street Compter, prison owned by the Sheriffs of London, built in the mayoralty of Sir Samuel Strange in 1670. Copperplate engraving by John Thomas Smith after original drawings by members of

Inside view of the Poultry Compter, 1811, a London prison in Cheapside operated from medieval times to 1815. This particular building was built soon after the great Fire of London, 1666

Maniere de compter le betail aux barrieres de Paris (engraving)
3644671 Maniere de compter le betail aux barrieres de Paris (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Maniere de compter le betail aux barrieres de Paris)

Giltspur Street Compter
Engraving depicting the Giltspur Street Compter in 1840. It was a compter or small prison, designed by English architect and surveyor George Dance the Younger, mainly used to hold debtors

Giltspur Street Compter, 1840, (c1872). Creator: Unknown
Giltspur Street Compter, 1840, (c1872). Giltspur Street Compter in London was a debtors prison and house of correction...it was used as a place of imprisonment for debtors...The Compter was a dirty

Giltspur Street Compter, City of London, 1812

View of Wood Street Compter, City of London, 1793. Artist: John Thomas Smith
View of Wood Street Compter, City of London, 1793

View of the Poultry Compter, City of London, 1813. Artist: John Thomas Smith
View of the Poultry Compter, City of London, 1813

Giltspur Street Compter, City of London, 1805. Artist: H Owen
Giltspur Street Compter, City of London, 1805. Compters were small prisons controlled by a sheriff, usually for civil prisoners such as debtors

View of Borough Compter, a debtors prison in Mill Lane, Bermondsey, London, 1826

Compter, Giltspur Street, London, 19th century. Artist: R Acon
Compter, Giltspur Street, London, 19th century. Compters were small prisons controlled by a sheriff, usually for civil prisoners such as debtors

The Poultry Compter, London

WOOD STREET COMPTER. From a View published in 1793, LONDON

Conveyance of Mr. Sloane to Giltspur Street Compter, London, Uk, 1851 Engraving

View of Snow Hill undergoing improvements, 1803 (drawing)
XJF3038371 View of Snow Hill undergoing improvements, 1803 (drawing) by Capon, William (1757-1827); Private Collection; (add.info)

Conveyance Of Mr. Sloane To Giltspur Street Compter, London, UK, 1851 Engraving

Wood Street Compter
WOOD STREET COMPTER used mostly for debtors but also as an overflow for Newgate : demolished in 1816

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"Compter: A Glimpse into London's Historical Houses and Prisons" Step back in time as we explore the intriguing world of "compter, " a term that refers to old houses and prisons in London. Butcher Row, located in the heart of the city, was once home to these ancient structures. In this captivating journey, we discover various aspects life throughout history. From an enchanting engraving titled "Maniere de compter le betail aux barrieres de Paris, " showcasing how livestock were counted at the gates of Paris, to Wood Street Compter from the 18th century. One cannot overlook the significance of children's education even within these walls. "Une Enfant Qui Sait Compter" reminds us that learning never ceased behind prison bars. Delving further into this realm, we witness glimpses inside some notable compters. The Poultry Compter offers an intimate view from 1811 while Giltspur Street Compter captivates our imagination with its mysterious allure during different eras - 1840 (c1872), City of London in 1812, and even as far back as 1805 through H Owen's artistic lens. The artists John Thomas Smith and John Thomas Smith provide us with vivid depictions capturing Wood Street Compter (1793) and Poultry Compter (1813). These illustrations transport us directly into their historical settings, allowing us to experience life within those walls firsthand. Lastly, we encounter Borough Compter—a debtors' prison situated in Mill Lane, Bermondsey—through a snapshot frozen in time from 1826. This image serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by those trapped within its confines due to financial obligations. Through these glimpses into London's past, compter becomes more than just a word; it represents stories untold and lives lived behind closed doors.