Delve into what life was really like for prisoners in the 1300s at our Scheduled Ancient Monument in the heart of Hexham. Discover two fascinating town centre buildings in Hexham. The Old Gaol offers four floors packed with information to bring history to life:
• Delve into the dark history of the Old Gaol, the Shire and the Borders
• Enjoy an unforgettable learning experience
• Find out about the terrifying Border Reiver raids and the tragic consequences
• Watch the special “Reiver Raid” film made exclusively for the Old Gaol
• Discover the area’s history and explore the buildings the Borderers lived in
The building of Hexham Gaol was ordered June 1330 making it the oldest purpose-built prison in England. It held prisoners captured in Hexhamshire - the area ruled over by the Archbishop of York - and his Bailiff and officials ran the Shire on his behalf from the nearby Moot Hall. The Gaol was used until the 1820s, when a new county gaol was built at Morpeth. By 1828 most prisoners were held in Morpeth Gaol, and the Hexham House of Correction was used for petty thieves. More recently the building has been used as a bank, solicitors' office, home for the Rifle Volunteers, a Billiards Club, and a place from which to firewatch in the Second World War. Hexham Moot Hall is just around the corner from the Gaol and right in the Market Place opposite Hexham’s stunning abbey. Originally part of a complex of buildings owned by the Archbishop of York, this is where the Archbishop's Bailiff was based, where he held courts, collected rents, and entertained important people. On the second floor of the Moot Hall is the Lockhart Room. Once the Bailiff's Hall, this amazing space is available for hire for weddings, meetings, events and parties. Look out for special events when you can discover the building for yourself. Children 16 and under are admitted free of charge to the Old Gaol and each adult ticket purchased is valid for unlimited returns for 12 months. The charges are as follows:
Adult: £5.00 (£4.50 each for multiple adult tickets purchased at the same time)
Concessions (Students & OAPs): £4.00
Children 16 and under: Free
Hexham Old Gaol and Moot Hall is managed by Museums Northumberland, the public brand of Woodhorn Charitable Trust | Registered as a company in England and Wales under registration number 6893854 | Woodhorn Charitable Trust is registered as a charity number 1129712
