Shrewsbury Prison, Guided Tour

A tour conducted by a Prison Officer provides an immersive experience into the lives of both prisoners, officers, and visitors within this significant historical structure.

Explore two traditional Victorian prison wings: A Wing comprises 172 cells intended to accommodate 350 male inmates, while C Wing houses 22 original cells initially designed for female detainees until 1921. As visitors traverse the historical grounds, they uncover firsthand accounts of life behind the prison’s imposing steel gates, reflecting on the experiences of those who once resided there.

At the Reception area, where all inmates enter or exit the prison, observe the Body Orifice Security Scanner, a device used for processing individuals upon entry into the facility.

Dive into the exercise yards, each enclosed by towering prison walls, to experience the rigorous physical activities prescribed for inmates. Inquire about the rationale behind the placement of netting over the main exercise yard and ponder whether the custom of walking counterclockwise holds truth among prisoners.

Inspect the healthcare facilities, which served as a critical interface between prisoners and external support services, including queues for medications and substance abuse programs.

Witness the Visitation room, the sole accessible space within the confines of the prison where inmates could interact with persons outside the institution. Delve into the regulations governing visitation rights and duration, recognizing the heightened security protocols applied here compared to other areas.

Access the Executioner’s quarters, a private sanctuary where many executioners resided just prior to carrying out lethal sentences. Here, learn about the specific conditions under which Albert Pierrepoint, known worldwide for his work, conducted executions at Shrewsbury Prison.

Peer inside the Execution Room, one of the most ominous spaces within the prison complex, given its past use for holding criminals awaiting execution. Discover that a total of eight individuals met their demise in this room since its inception, highlighting the gravity of these tragic events.

Lastly, delve into the story of George Riley, the final inmate to be executed at Shrewsbury Prison in 1961, and hear tales of the procedures involved in executing condemned prisoners, the reasons behind the abolition of public executions, and the ultimate decision to abolish capital punishment globally in 1965. Understand the multifaceted role of Albert Pierrepoint in shaping modern criminal justice practices.