Bridewell Palace in London, was originally a residence of King Henry VIII. It was built on the banks of the Fleet River in the City of London, between Fleet Street and the River Thames in an area today known as 'Bridewell Court' off New Bridge Street. Following its function as a palace, in 1555 it became a poorhouse and in 1556 it became a jail known as Bridewell Prison. The prison was closed in 1855, and the buildings demolished in 1863–1864.

The name 'Bridewell' subsequently became synonymous with police stations and detention facilities in England and in Ireland. It was also used as the name of the city jail in Chicago in the 19th and early 20th centuries.