Britain's What's On Event Guide
Tolhouse Gaol
Heritage Open Day: Explore one of the oldest gaols in the country, dating back to the 12th century, for free as part of Heritage Open Days 2025. Step inside Tolhouse Gaol, once home to pirates, robbers, murderers, and those accused of witchcraft. One of Britain’s oldest prisons, this formidable building has a turbulent past. Originally built as a merchant’s house over 800 years ago, it later became a courtroom, a town gaol with a notorious dungeon, and even a police station.
Explore the grim reality of life behind its thick stone walls and uncover the fate of thieves, smugglers, witches, and pirates when punishment often meant execution.
Through immersive displays and hands-on activities, Tolhouse Gaol offers a haunting journey into England’s long and brutal history of crime and punishment.
Explore the grim reality of life behind its thick stone walls and uncover the fate of thieves, smugglers, witches, and pirates when punishment often meant execution.
Through immersive displays and hands-on activities, Tolhouse Gaol offers a haunting journey into England’s long and brutal history of crime and punishment.
Thu 18 Sep to Sunday 21 September
Tolhouse Street, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 2SH
Thu 18 Sep:1000-1600; Fri 19 Sep:1000-1600; Sat 20 Sep:1000-1600; Sun 21 Sep:1000-1600; Free Entry.
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