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The story behind the name...
Bridewell
Bridewell Palace
St Bride's Well

Clifden's Bridewell is over 200 years old and was named after the first such Bridewell in London

London's Bridewell was originally a prison for "punishing disorderly and loose women and petty offenders"

It became the model of a combined prison, hospital and workrooms that led to many others being opened, all called Bridewells

The first Bridewell was on the site of Bridewell Palace, built for Henry VIII
in 1520


A royal palace where the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V was lavishly entertained

Bridewell Palace was named after the nearby holy well of St Bride

And St Bride was of course Ireland's St Brigid...

Traditionally known as the Patron Saint of Brewing



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