The Macabre Museum inside Bodmin Jail

The historic Bodmin Jail (Gaol), once home to the worst sort of people, today hosts a very macabre museum full of exhibits dedicated to crimes committed by said people it once housed. And if you can actually find parking… you may be able to take in all it encompasses.

This imposing structure was built in 1779 by prisoners of war… which explains why car parking space wasn’t taken into account. 😉 It was operational for 150 years and during those years oversaw 60 public hangings, 8 of which were women.

Many of the exhibits are recreations of crimes committed by prisoners. Story after story, exhibit after exhibit, it does get a bit horrifying especially coupled with the looming feeling of a heavy atmosphere.

Note that this museum has many winding stairs and is not friendly to those with mobility issues.

These were the original keys found at the bottom of the execution pit in the Bodmin Jail.

The Bodmin Jail is currently undergoing a £30m development project which includes restoration, attractions and an education center AND A 63 BEDROOM HOTEL WITHIN BOTH THE ORIGINAL PRISON WINGS. 😯

None of us managed to leave the Bodmin jail unscathed. 😛