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Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour

Shepton Mallet Prison: Self-Guided Tour

Shepton Mallet

Take a guided tour of Shepton Mallet Prison, also known as Cornhill or The Mallet, which has over 400 years of history, dating back before the English Civil War.

Your guide will walk you through what life was like for both prisoners and staff. You'll learn about punishments, hear stories of well-known inmates, and find out if anyone ever escaped.

You'll visit the cells in the two Victorian wings, the execution room, and the building that once held the treadwheel—a machine used as punishment.

During World War II, the prison became a military facility, and an execution block was added. Ask your guide for more about this period.

You can visit the on-site cafe and gift shop to buy snacks and souvenirs for your loved ones.

Explore Shepton Mallet Prison at your own pace. This 400-year-old jail is open for self-guided visits, and you’re welcome to take photos as you go.

When you arrive, you’ll get a map to help you find your way. You can listen to audio stories at the sound boxes around the site to learn more about the prison’s history.

Information boards and displays give helpful background, and our staff are available if you need directions or have questions.

Key areas include the two Victorian wings, the exercise yard, segregation cells, the execution room, and more.

You can visit the on-site cafe and gift shop to buy snacks and souvenirs for your loved ones.

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Shepton Mallet Prison: Guided Tour

Shepton Mallet Prison: Self-Guided Tour

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