Shepton Mallet Prison guided tour and Wells

Shepton Mallet Prison and visit to Wells

 

Wells

 

The smallest city in England and the only in Somerset.

 

Wells is the smallest city in England with about 12,000 inhabitants. It can call itself a city because of the famous 13th century Cathedral. It remains remarkably unspoilt and has many other historic buildings including the moated Bishop's Palace, Vicars' Close, St Cuthbert's Church and a good local museum. The Wells Market Place, with lively markets twice a week, the narrow streets and an eclectic mix of building styles all reflect on the continuing development of the town throughout the ages.

 

Wells is a pretty and thriving market town nestled at the foot of the Mendip Hills it holds twice weekly markets and has a wide variety of shops, restaurants and pubs.

 

Shepton Mallet Prison

Experience a fun-filled and fascinating visit at Shepton Mallet Prison. From the moment you step through the prison gates and hear them clang shut behind you’ll know that you are in for a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

 

Our team of Prison Officers will take you on a 90 minute tour of Shepton Mallet Prison, shining a light on what life was like for prisoners, officers and visitors.

 

This unique experience covers every corner of the prison, including the 2 Victorian Prison Wings, the Hard Labour Yard, the old Gate Lodge and the execution room.

With so much to see, our experienced officers are more than happy to answer any questions your group may have about the prison and life behind bars.

 

Shepton Mallet Prison, often referred to as Cornhill or The Mallet, housed its first inmates in 1625. After the abolition of public executions in 1868, Shepton Mallet Prison became the County Gaol and was then responsible for overseeing executions. Between 1889-1926, 7 men convicted of murder were executed within the prison.

 

At the start of WWII, the prison reopened to become a British Military prison, known as the Glasshouse. This changed in 1942 after the US entered the conflict and took over the prison. At one time between 1942-45, over 700 US servicemen were incarcerated here. 16 US servicemen were also hanged and a further 2 executed by firing squad during these years.

 

Throughout the war, the old women’s wing became a Top-Secret repository for the National Archives as three hundred tonnes of records and archive materials moved from the Public Record Office in London for safe keeping. This included priceless items, such as the Magna Carta and Domesday Book.

 

After the Americans left at the end of the war, the prison reverted to a British Military Prison. It was during this time that the prison held the infamous London Gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

 

In 1966, the prison once again reverted to a Civilian prison. In 2001, the role of the prison changed once more to become a Cat.C Male Lifers prison.

The prison was finally decommissioned on 28th March 2013 in a ceremony held on the Exercise Yard, attended by officers and staff, past and present.

 

Depart For Home Approx. 17.00

Shepton Mallet Prison