Discover the story of Britain's model prison built in 1785 and copied during the prison reform movement in England and America.

See the steps descended by John Howard the prison reformer who came to Wymondham in 1779 and saw the prisoners chained together underground. He described them as
'dirty, sickly objects at work with padlocks on their legs'
Try the ankle chains yourself!

Ankle Chains

John Howard

Tour the new Bridewell built on the recommendations of John Howard. Prisoners had their own cells, rose early and laboured hard. Men and women were kept apart day and night. There was an infirmary, a chapel and religious books for the inmates. Alcohol was not permitted.

Inside a Police cell

The 'Backhus' or back house room where laundry was washed

Visit the re-created underground dungeon of the old Bridewell and compare it with the two original cells in the new prison. Look at the displays of finds from the 'dig' in the courtyard and items from the Bridewell's later history when it was used as a police station and courthouse.

The original prison door with knocker and spy hole

For Children :

• Search for and sort out your finds from the 'dig'.
• Look inside Kett's Oak.
• Look at changes in the Bridewell from 1350 to the present day and on the illuminated boards.
• Listen to stories by the turnkey (jailer) and the policeman, about life in the prison and police station.
• Ask to see the unique home-made playing cards used by the prisoners.

Unique Brushmaking Exhibition
'Clock in' and see the re-created factory workshop of Wymondham's biggest industry that is no more. Listen to the memories of the workers.

The Brushmaking display

The story of Wymondham's churches
From medieval abbey to modern non-conformity.

Farming and Shopping
Learn how the land was worked before mechanisation and how much fun shopping was in the 1930s in the detailed and beautifully reconstructed shop.

Make a journey
Trace the history of Wymondham from prehistoric times through the Romans and Saxons to the founding of the Norman Abbey in 1107. Follow the story of Kett's Rebellion in 1549 in the new video and other displays. Learn about the great fire in Wymondham in 1615. Then move on to the Victorian period and the Second World War.

Part of the Kett's Rebellion display

Part of the Kett's Rebellion display

The story of Kett's Rebellion for children

An 1814 wedding dress