Spotlight on Bodmin Jail
WeWantGroups.com Spotlight on;
Redeveloping Bodmin Jail
The iconic Bodmin Jail looms over the town of Bodmin as a reminder of a different time, when prisoners were brought to the austere county jail to serve sentences for everything from petty theft and fraud to arson, rape and murder.
The county jail might have closed its doors as a penal institution in 1929, but the building with its diverse history and immense heritage remains to tell the story of a very different time in Cornwall.
Bodmin Jail has had many different incarnations since its closure in 1929. Initially opened as a casino, nightclub and attraction with mock executions in 1930, it was a popular destination for revellers and gamblers in the local area. When a section of the roof was removed for repairs, it caused a rapid deterioration of the building and over time the jail’s walls started to crumble, leaving many parts derelict.
Attempts were made to ‘blow’ up the original building in the 30s and 40s to deconstruct it for salvage, but the walls were so thick and well built – over one metre in places – that this proved impossible.
It was not until 2004, when the local Wheten family purchased the old building, that Bodmin Jail had some proper investment. Money was spent on restoring the old walls, turning parts of this historical monument into a tourist attraction telling the story of its many inmates and life on the inside.
In 2015, a businessman was on holiday with his family when he visited the Bodmin Jail attraction on a rainy day. He immediately fell in love with the iconic building and the depths of heritage hidden in the dark corridors and grimy cells. He wanted to help preserve the immense history of the building and tell the stories of the many people who worked and lived within its walls over the centuries. His vision of turning this historical landmark into a world class tourist attraction and hotel is now a reality.
£40 Million Investment
The redevelopment of Bodmin Jail had been five years in the making, with a dedicated team of investors, planners, architects and designers working tirelessly to help preserve this important heritage asset to its former glory.
In addition to the £8.5million immersive and state-of-the-art visitor attraction, a five-star boutique 70-bedroom hotel resides within the listed building, retaining many of the original features of the jail.
The journey has not always been an easy one!
The Grade II listed original jail building was derelict in many places. Parts of the building has not had a roof for over 70 years, and there were many restrictions in place in regard to building regulations.
The walls of the original jail building were built using limestone mined from Bodmin Moor.
The stone walls were so thick in places that there were no drill bits strong enough to drill through the stone! Although the framework of the structure was still in place, there was no roof on parts of the building, leaving the floors to decompose over time.
It was difficult to get hold of the original prison plans, which made it difficult for the architects to figure out the exact layout of the building.
One of the biggest bat populations in the UK had set up residence in the ruins of the jail, which caused one of the biggest issues for the development team. Bats were actually hibernating inside the plaster of the walls, slowing down any developments to ensure the animals were protected.
We want groups!
In 2023 we really want to increase the amount of business that we do with Groups and Coaches.
We have taken on a dedicated Sales Manager and have an excellent team of motivated individuals who will ensure that your booking runs smoothly and your customers receive an unforgettable experience.
Join one of our award-winning Heritage Guides and experience a personal, in-depth historical tour through Bodmin Jail. Designed by Sir John Call and built in 1779, Bodmin Jail was originally built for King George III and is an excellent example of the ingenuity and engineering prowess of Victorian architects.
From the crimes to the courthouse and gallows to the grave, Bodmin Jail provides a unique opportunity to get up close to the Georgians and the Victorians. Our Guides will take you from the eighteenth century ‘Bloody Code’ to the last execution in Cornwall in 1909. On the way you will experience what life was like for our prisoners behind bars, visit the infamous
Victorian execution pit, now restored to full working condition, and gain an insight into the kinds of crimes being committed that may have earned you the noose.
Arsenic poisoners to arsonists, murderers to mutinous hanging crowds, Bodmin Jail’s Guided Heritage Tour is one of our most popular tours, steeped in history and suitable for the whole family, recommended 8+.
Become immersed in our £8.5 million Dark Walk experience and Visitor Attraction and enter the world of crime and punishment from the 1700s to the 1800s.
On the way you will experience what life was like for our prisoners behind bars, visit the infamous Victorian execution pit, now restored to full working condition, and gain an insight into the kinds of crimes being committed that may have earned you the noose.
– Free Entry for one tour leader, tour escort or Blue Badge guide per coach
– Dedicated coach drop-off and pick-up point just below the Jail
– Parking available at Priory Park in Bodmin
– Open all year except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day
– Opening hours 09.30-16.30, during peak season these hours are extended
– Fully accessible
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