Prison hulk.

Prison hulks were stationed on the Thames off Woolwich and Deptford. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: PX8260

Description: When the North American colonies declared their independence in 1776 and closed their ports to British convict ships, a crisis in the criminal justice system followed. This led to a policy of converting old merchant ships and naval vessels into floating prisons known as hulks, many of which were moored in the River Thames.

Creator: Unknown

Date: c. 1810