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The Old Gaol, Hexham
The Old Gaol, Hexham has now re-opened following its £1.5 million restoration and refurbishment.
It is the oldest purpose-built prison in England, built by order of the Archbishop of York in 1333. From then to the 1800s it housed thousands of prisoners, locked up until their trials in the Courtroom of the Moothall.
It is now a fully accessible, modern museum with new hands-on displays and a vivid 'reiver raid' film.
Step back in time with the Gaoler and Deputy Warden as they send prisoners to the dungeon!
Travel from floor to floor in our 21st century glass lift, viewing the dungeon on the way.
Learn about Border law, the politics of the time, and explore the Border Marches map. Uncover family feuds which resulted in so many violent and untimely deaths. Come face to face with a Border Reiver family and share in their tales. Find out about the terrifying Border raids and the tragic consequences for the families involved, in a special film made exclusively for the Old Gaol. Discover more of the history of the area, and explore the buildings the Borderers lived in.
Come and visit us if you dare!
The Old Gaol, Hexham Opening times and charges
The Moothall
The current building was built about 1400AD. It is on the site of an earlier 'Court of Pleas', parts of which still remain in the ground floor rooms. The gate passage has three arches. The hinge pins for their doors can still be seen.
The ground floor is now used as an Art Gallery by local artists. In the 19th Century it was used as a lock up for local troublemakers.
Hire the Moothall and art gallery
Tynedale Learning Links
A thinking skills based website introducing you to Tynedale's heritage.
 Tynedale Learning Links
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