Ripon Prison and Police Museum

Ripon Prison and Police Museum

The Prison and Police Museum
St. Marygate
Ripon
North Yorkshire
HG4 1LX

Tel: 01765 690 799
E-Mail: info@riponmuseums.co.uk

Web: Ripon Prison and Police Museum

About Ripon Prison and Police Museum

The museum is housed in a building which formed part of the former House of Correction and Liberty Gaol and which is now an integral part of the overall attraction of the museum. The building's origins go back to the late 17th Century but the part now occupied by the museum was built as Ripon Liberty Prison in 1816 and continued to function as such until May, 1878 when it, along with numerous other local prisons throughout the country, was closed as part of a government reform of prisons.
The building did not lie empty for long as in 1887 when the Ripon City Police Force was amalgamated into the West Riding Constabulary it became the Police Station for Ripon. The local force had occupied their own Police Station and Lock Up in Kirkgate prior to their demise.
The West Riding Constabulary occupied the building until moving to the present Police Station in North Street when it passed into private hands. The use of the building when it was a Prison and later a Police Station are being interpreted in new displays in the revamped museum.
In the yard are items such as a pillory, a pair of stocks, a whipping post and a Police Box, similar to Dr. Who's Tardis.
On entering the 'new' museum entrance and reception area the visitor will be greeted by a rather sombre scene with a