Hexham Old Gaol

About this activity

Hexham Old Gaol is the perfect fun and educational family day out. Delve into what life was really like for prisoners in the 1300’s at their Scheduled Ancient Monument. Visit Hexham Old Gaol and find out about the border Reivers – local families including the Charltons, Dodds, Milburns, and Robsons, famous for causing control. Make the most of your visit and see their amazing Border Library Collection, a wide variety of photographs, books, poetry, and music about their border territory. Learn about how the Northumberland landscape changed dramatically over the centuries, and about daily life on the border.

Try out their stocks (if you dare), visit the prison house and learn about Medieval crime and punishment on a day out with a difference. Did you know that suspected criminals were locked up before their trial, or that those in debt often shared the Dungeon with the most dangerous criminals?

Take the time to explore the Border Library Collection on your visit, a treasure trove of music, poetry and books about the English-Scottish border and discover how even modern language was influenced by the famous Border Reivers! Recognise ‘bereaved’, ‘blackmail’ and ‘surname’ – all inherited from the Reivers.

Inside its thick stone walls you'll also find interactive displays on archaeology, costumes, armour and textiles. A 21st century glass lift will take you between floors and a vivid film all about the Border Reivers will bring this violent era of Northumberland's history to life!