Hexham Old Gaol

About

Hexham Old Gaol, built in 1333, is England’s oldest purpose‑built prison and offers a vivid glimpse into medieval justice on the Anglo‑Scottish border. Its thick stone walls and compact layout reflect a time when Hexham was a turbulent market town frequently caught between rival powers. Prisoners here ranged from petty thieves to raiders captured during border skirmishes, and conditions were notoriously harsh. Inside, the ground‑floor chamber shows how inmates were held in cramped, dark spaces with minimal comfort. The original iron manacles and replicas of medieval restraints illustrate the severity of punishment. The upper rooms, once used by the gaoler, now house displays on crime, law and daily life, including weapons, tools and objects linked to local families. A highlight is the exhibition on the Border Reivers, the raiding clans who dominated the region for centuries. Their stories—of feuds, alliances and survival—bring context to why prisons like Hexham were essential. You can also explore artefacts from the town’s history, from guild items to domestic objects that reveal how ordinary people lived alongside constant unrest.

Hexham United Kingdom

Location

You will find it at Hallgate, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1XD. It is just behind the Market Place in Hexham town centre, tucked down Hallgate next to the Moot Hall. You cannot miss the big stone building with its tiny windows. Built in 1332, it started as a gaol for the Archbishop of York and later became the local prison. Today it is run as a museum about border life and the history of crime and punishment. Right on your doorstep you have Hexham Abbey, one of the most beautiful and important churches in the north, with its Saxon crypt and fascinating history. Just opposite the Old Gaol is the Moot Hall and Hexham Market Place with its independent shops and cafes. The Queen's Hall Arts Centre and Hexham Library are also right there for exhibitions and events. If you want to go further, you are only a short drive from some amazing Roman sites. Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, and Corbridge Roman Town are all close by. For a grand day out, you also have Aydon Castle, a wonderfully preserved medieval manor house near Corbridge, and Wallington Hall and Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens within easy reach.