The Tolhouse

Museum | Great Yarmouth | England | United Kingdom

The Tolhouse Museum in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is one of the oldest prisons in Britain and offers a fascinating insight into the history of crime and punishment in the region. Originally built around 1150, the building served various purposes over the centuries, including as a customs house, court, and prison.

Key features of the exhibition:

Historic prison cells: The original preserved cells allow visitors to experience the cramped and often dark conditions of confinement in that era. Information panels and interactive displays provide insight into the living conditions of inmates and the history of the prison.

History of crime and punishment: The museum explores the evolution of the criminal justice system in the region, including punishment methods and the social impact of crime. Special attention is given to cases of piracy, smuggling, and witch hunts, which played a significant role in the history of Great Yarmouth.

Interactive tours: Free audio guides are available to visitors to hear the experiences of prisoners and guards, gaining a deeper understanding of the prison's history.

Events and activities: The museum regularly organizes events such as lectures, workshops, and special exhibitions focusing on various aspects of the history of crime and punishment. These events offer visitors the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and actively engage with history.

The Tolhouse Museum is a significant site for those interested in the history of crime and punishment. It provides a valuable resource for researchers, students, and anyone looking to learn more about the development of the criminal justice system and the social dynamics of the region.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
12 Tolhouse St
NR30 2SQ Great Yarmouth

Map view

Reviews

131 Reviews

Matt Kay
29.10.2024

Really good well kept and kids loved it. Staff very friendly, informative. If your in the area worth coming away from the seafront for.
Steven Alexander Simmonds
15.09.2024

I'm so glad I got the opportunity to visit here. So much hidden history opened up for people to see and visit. From the costumes to the cell visits this really is a must visit for history fans. Locked up for vagrancy, locked up for stealing food, orders from the king to pass judgment on people. Local caister lady goes in to help people read and right. Sadly I wish I took more photos, yet still do go see for yourselves.
Stephen Salter
14.08.2024

An interesting little place, we visited as we had just been to the Tide and Time Museum a few mins away and got a discount voucher. Close enough to walk between the two. Won't take long to go through the whole place but price reflects this and you can spend 30 mins - 1 hour here if you do the activities and read the info boards. Only negative is there's no toilet on site but there's a library just behind with a toilet you can use.
Michael Bloomfield
05.08.2024

Fascinating building with an interesting and storied history. Lots of information, a fun trail for kids and lots of children's activities. The prison cells are well worth a look!
Ashley Fleet
23.07.2023

Very good and informative and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. The only thing is they never seem to have the correct opening and closing times when looking up the museum online
lou woods
27.07.2024

Been here loads of times so was able to take our German guests around and give them a history lesson!
Ashna Shinwari
07.06.2024

Best service
Liz Stubbs
06.06.2024

Gutted that this is closed this week can't understand why not like it's out of season 🥺 really wanted to go here
Allan Green
28.05.2024

What a hard and miserable life wrong-uns had years ago. Yes, times were hard, but prison was a real deterrent then. A lot can be learned by looking at life back then.
Stephen Glasson
18.05.2024

Really interesting place to visit and friendly and knowledgable staff
kevinpleece
07.05.2024

Great place to visit 😀 the history behind the gaol was very interesting and insightful definitely worth a visit I have a huge fascination with all things historical
Anita R
10.10.2023

Small but fun and fascinating. There are cells in the basement and the interpretation boards are aimed at different levels, so there's something for everyone. They do a good job of making the building's history very real, with examples of the people who passed through.
Lisa Mcevan
21.09.2023

Brilliant to see the history of the dungeon and what was building was used for. I defo go back when in great Yarmouth
Claire Thomson
16.09.2023

My lil one loved it
Paul Henshaw
15.09.2023

Well laid out and with lots of interesting information. We'll worth the visit. Allow approximately 1 hour. There is street parking nearby. There are steps to gain entry, and the museum is spread over three floors, so unfortunately, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Steve Wright
06.09.2023

Very friendly and informative staff. The grandchildren loved the visit, especially the cells@
Lynn Robinson
04.09.2023

The chap on duty was both welcoming and knowledgeable.
Madalina Cristescu
02.09.2023

A good and informative history lesson.
Janet Sexton
02.08.2023

Loved the visit, it had something for all age groups. Activities for children so we will take the grandchildren next time.
Simon Penn
28.07.2023

Very interesting history and a great way to spend an hour.
steve plested
25.07.2023

Quite a small museum, with an eclectic mix of bits and pieces on display. Don't expect to spend more than about an hour to visit, as no real guide, just wander around looking at what catches your eye.
Billie Cheeseman
12.07.2023

I went with the school to visit and it was great! The staff played the characters: jailer and prisoner really well! The talks were interactive and very interesting!
Jennifer Fletcher
21.05.2023

Very good for great yarmouth history and good for children learning
Burberry Marc
21.05.2023

Great family fun
Anne Smalley
09.05.2023

Only open school holidays and special event days.

 

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