The Old Guildhall Prison for felons and debtors is at the rear of the Guildhall. Visitors can explore original cells and the history of law and order in the city in this small display, on the site which has been in use as a prison since 1548.
The prison spans stories across the centuries, from the martyrs burned on Lichfield Market Square in the 17th century to the fates of John Neve, William Wightman and James Jackson who were found guilty of forgery and were the last felons to be publicly hanged at Lichfield gallows in 1810. Officially closed as a prison from 1848, the cells continued to be used as the city lock-up until around 1900, and the old police station gates can still be seen on the ground-floor corridor.
Displays reveal the history of the prison, the stories of the prisoners and policing in Lichfield. Hear what life was like in the cells and find out about how the city’s civic traditions were born in law and order. Younger visitors can try on costumes and see if they can shout as loud as Lichfield’s town crier!
The Guildhall Old Prison Cells are open on Saturdays from April to September, 10am – 4pm
Where? Bore Street, Lichfield, WS13 6LX
How Much? Free
