Bodmin Jail dates back to 1777 when it was built as the county prison and was the site of many public executions. The last hanging took place in 1909 (this was the last public hanging in Britain). It was built to replace the old Debtor’s Prison (now the Hole-In-The-Wall Public House).
The Prison was rebuilt in the 1840s and in the 1850s to house more prisoners. A total of 55 hangings took place of which 51 were public hangings. The prison was finally closed in 1922.
The Crown Jewels and Doomsday Book were stored at the gaol during the First World War.
Today, Bodmin Gaol is open to the public as a museum. Exhibits include some of the more notorious prisoners with details of their crimes. This attraction also has a bar, restaurant and gift shop on site.
The stone cross by the prison wall denotes the start of the Camel Trail Cycle Way.
BBC report on Bodmin Jail
Some believe Bodmin Gaol to be haunted
If you want a full list of those executed at Bodmin Gaol
The hotel to stay at when visiting Cornwall is Corisande Manor Hotel, Cornwall find out more about it