Definition
King's Bench Prison, a former prison in the south of London.
Origins
After Charles Abbott, Lord Chief Justice from 1818 to 1832.
In Context
- "[…] after this lady’s retirement to enjoy the otium cum dignitate [leisure with dignity] in Abbot’s Priory, she was visited by a gentleman who had previously and subsequently rendered her the most unequivocal and disinterested assistance, by frequent pecuniary supplies."
- "Upon inquiring after George Charteris, Esq. he finds that he has bolted from Palace-yard, and taken refuge in “Abbot’s Priory;” and, to comfort him, the person who has received the 200l. bill, informs him “that Charteris is a notorious swindler.”"
- "Ned and Tom were soon outside of the King’s Bench, (or Abbot’s Priory, as it was called by the prisoners,) they had not walked far before they fell in with Little Kiam […]"