Hexham Old Gaol

Hexham Old Gaol was built in 1330 and is the oldest custom built prison in England and has a befittingly rich history of plagues, bribed guards and jail breaks for your discovery amongst many other interesting stories!

There's nothing too gory or disturbing but of course young or sensitive types may need a chat about a few things afterwards as historical law does tend to be notably harsh!

In the 1820s the prison relinquished its function and prisoners were split between the nearby Morpeth Gaol and the Hexham House of Correction, but it was sympathetically refurbished in 1980 and its current incarnation is a fascinating family oriented museum dedicated to the deep and specific history of the building and it's itinerary of punishments, including branding, banishment, pillory and stocks!

Great for kids of school age and interesting for everyone in the family as well as being a lovely perspective check for kids on why they should bloomin' well behave when asked nicely!

There are relatively modern and interactive displays within the immense stone walls now, plus some great textile based displays of armour and costume of the periods the building has experienced.