Hexham Old Gaol
Hexham Old Gaol
Hall Gate
Hexham
Northumberland
NE46 1XD
Tel: 01670 624523
Four floors packed with information will really brings 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
Green Museums
Hexham Old Gaol has been upgraded to "silver" under the Green Tourism Business Scheme from "bronze". We welcome comments and ideas from visitors to help us improve our grading and service. Visitors using public transport, walking or cycling, qualify for reduced admission fees. We have a Green Information Board, with information leaflets to borrow with walks in the area, exploring the natural history of the area. We also have a 'Green (Half) Day in Hexham' leaflet to borrow for people wishing to reduce their carbon footprint by spending a half or whole day exploring Hexham and the area on foot.
If you would like copies of any of our green information, including our Green Policy and how to get to the site by public transport, please email or telephone (01670) 624523.
More information on the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS), and other GTBS members in the area can be found at http://www.green-business.co.uk/
Hexham Old Gaol background
Click here to see inside.
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 Moothall.
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. By the mid-1970s the building was in a bad state and following major repairs it reopened as a museum and tourist information centre.
Find out about our Tudor Education Workshops
Opening times
11am - 4.30pm Tuesday - Saturday plus Bank Holidays & school summer holiday Mondays, April - end September
11am - 4.30pm Tuesday & Saturday during February & March, October & November
Open other times by appointment and for special events. Please phone for details (01434) 624523.
Admission Prices
Adults £3.95
OAP £3.20
Child £2.10
Family (up to 5 people) £10.50
Other concessions available. Please ask at reception
Gift Aid your ticket for a one year season ticket, (UK tax payers only), giving you free admission for the rest of the year to all our special events, including Crime, Punishment, Torture?!