Ruthin Gaol

Ruthin Gaol
Address
Ruthin Gaol, Clywd Street, Ruthin, Denbighshire
Postcode
LL15 1HP
Phone
01824 708281
Region or country
Wales

Ruthin gaol is the only purpose-built Pentonville style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. People can spend time exploring its nooks and crannies and learn about life in the Victorian prison system. See how the prisoners lived their daily lives: what they ate, how they worked, and the punishments they suffered. Explore the cells including the punishment, 'dark' and condemned cell. Find out about the Welsh Houdini and William Hughes who was the last man to be hanged there.

North East Wales Archives are also housed in the Gaol.

What can be found at the venue?
Historic building or site
Significant collections relating to regional crime and punishment organisation or to a particular individual
Ruthin Gaol ceased to be a prison in 1916 when the prisoners and guards were transferred to Shrewsbury. The County Council bought the buildings in 1926 and used part of them for offices, the county archives, and the town library. During the Second World War the prison buildings were used as a munitions factory, before being handed back to the County Council, when it was the headquarters of the Denbighshire Library Service. In 2004 the Gaol was extensively renovated and reopened as a museum
Does the venue have an online collections catalogue?
No
Details of opening for public access and / or research services
Ruthin Gaol will remain closed due to ongoing major flood restorations to our basement area.
Accessibility and disability arrangements / Covid requirements
[to add]
Other connected heritage sites, museums or archives
The Old Court House, Ruthin; North East Wales Archives are housed in the gaol
Date information added or updated:
07/04/2022
Entry ID No:
083