Join Wandsworth Prison Museum's curator to discover the incredible history of one of Britain's most notorious prisons.
Since its completion in 1851, as Surrey House of Correction, Wandsworth Prison has housed some of Britain’s most notorious and well-known prisoners.
Originally holding men, then women and children, it became the hanging prison for South London in 1878.
Many convicted criminals who had stood before magistrates at Bow Street found themselves incarcerated here, including Oscar Wilde, William Joyce (AKA ‘Lord Haw-Haw’),Roger Casement, the Kray twins and James Earl Ray.
Join us to explore the incredible history of this Victorian institution, including Jack the Ripper suspects, John Haigh, (AKA The Acid Bath Murderer), Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs and his infamous escape, and how capital punishment was carried out at Wandsworth Prison from 1878 to 1961, with high-profile executioner Albert Pierrepoint a frequent visitor.
Stewart McLaughlin is the Honorary Curator of the Wandsworth Prison Museum and an author of several books on the prison’s history.
Wandsworth Prison Museum is viewable by appointment only, it contains over 470 objects and items covering the gaols history. It has been open since 2008.
Timings: doors open at 18:15. The talk begins at 18:30 and lasts approximately 75 minutes, including a Q&A with the audience.
Conditions of entry: this event is recommended for anyone over the age of 16 years.
Tickets: there are two ways to attend this event, in person at Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice, or online via a live stream (using Zoom).
Prices to attend at the Museum: £12 / £9.60 Friends/ 2-4-1 ArtPass
Prices to attend via Zoom: £6/£4.80 Friends
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Visitor information
Address
28 Bow Street, London, WC2E 7AW
Opening times
Friday - Sunday 11:00-16:30
Last entry 16:00
Visitor information
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