Ripon Prison and Police Museum

Ripon Prison and Police Museum
Address
Prison & Police Museum, St. Marygate, Ripon
Postcode
HG4 1LX
Phone
01765 690799
Region or country
England (Yorkshire & the Humber)

The Prison & Police Museum is housed in the former Ripon Liberty Prison, which later became Ripon Police Station. It is a fitting setting to explore the history of Yorkshire policing and the harsh realities of the Victorian prison.

Step through the gate into the prison yard, where you can “lock up” your friends and family in the pillory or experience the whipping post. Enter the museum, where our galleries are housed in the original atmospheric prison cells, with their white-washed walls and barred windows.

Downstairs you’ll discover the history of policing in Yorkshire, from the Anglo-Saxons to the formation of professional policing. Police uniform, insignia and transport are all displayed, with the chance to sit on an original police motorcycle.

Tread the stone stairs, worn by the feet of prisoners, to the first floor (or take the lift), where crime and punishment is the theme. Experience the isolation of our empty cell, turn the crank, and learn about other types of punishment, including transportation or the birching chair. Try your hand at detective work with our photo-fit challenge and learn about the science of fingerprinting.

What can be found at the venue?
Collection of artifacts, Historic building or site
Significant collections relating to regional crime and punishment organisation or to a particular individual
Online features on the museum website include: A short history of women in policing; Real lives - the Sinkler brothers and objects of the month.
Does the venue have an online collections catalogue?
Yes
Web address of online collections catalogue
Details of opening for public access and / or research services
Seven days a week, 1pm - 4pm; during school holidays, the Prison & Police Museum opens from 11am.
Admission: All Ripon Museums: Adult: £18.00; Concession: £17.00; Child: £10.00; Family and friends: £36.00; Small family: £26.00. Single ticket to the Prison Museum: Adult: £8.50; Concession: £8.00; Child: £6.00
Available services or facilities
Cafe, Shop, Toilets
Accessibility and disability arrangements / Covid requirements
The museum is on two floors; an access lift is available; wheelchair users may need assistance; first floor cells have narrow doorways and a slight step but allow most wheelchairs; uneven floors and some low lighting; worn and uneven stairs - handrail provided; accessible toilet on ground floor.

The cafe is in the Workhouse Museum; toilets in the Workhouse Museum and Prison / Police Museum
Other connected heritage sites, museums or archives
Ripon Courthouse and Workhouse Museums
Date information added or updated:
21/10/2022
Entry ID No:
104