Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail (alternatively Bodmin Gaol) is an historic former prison situated in Bodmin, on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Built in 1779 and closed in 1927, the large range of buildings is now largely in ruins, although parts of the prison have been turned into a tourist attraction.

Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail as seen from Cardell Road
Location in Cornwall
Alternative namesBodmin Gaol
General information
Typeprison
Town or cityBodmin
CountryEngland
Opened1779
Closed1927
Design and construction
ArchitectSir John Call
Website
http://www.bodminjail.org/
1779 oil painting of Sir John Call with Bodmin Jail in the background, artist unknown
The restored portion of Bodmin Jail (the building in the middle contains a pub and exhibition)

History

Bodmin Gaol was designed by Sir John Call and built in 1779 by prisoners of war, and was operational for 150 years, in which it saw over 50 public hangings. It was the first British prison to hold prisoners in individual cells.[1]

The jail closed in 1927. Since that date, there has been no prison within the county of Cornwall.[2]

During World War I the prison was used for holding some of Britain's national treasures including the Domesday Book and the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Today

The Bodmin Jail Attraction now incorporates the 'Dark Walk' experience; featuring the latest technology & theatrical effects in four linked experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the life & death within the prison walls and the region as a whole. Ghostly voices from Cornwall's murky past will appear alongside highway robbers, smugglers & prolific former inmates; following their journeys through sentencing, life in prison, and finally the condemned cell leading to the Execution Zone. Suitable for 8yrs+ with parental guidance. Pre-booked Guided Tours, Scary Cinema Night, and After Dark Experiences available. SAT NAV device: PL31 2PY Please note: Last entry at 4.10pm

Ghosts

Bodmin Jail has attracted many ghost stories and paranormal researchers, and ghost walk events are held for tourists.

Series 6000, Episode 1 of Most Haunted, a British-made reality TV show, saw the crew attempt their paranormal activities at the jail with presenter Yvette Fielding and medium, Derek Acorah. After many unsuccessful attempts, the team supposedly made contact with many light and sound entities, whilst Acorah claimed to have been possessed by a spirit named Kreed Kafer, a South African. It was later revealed that "Kreed Kafer" was a fictional character, who was created purely by parapsychologist and crew member Ciarán O'Keeffe, to test Derek Acorah and his abilities.[3] The name was created because it was an anagram of the phrase 'Derek Faker'.[4]

Notable former inmates
The naval prison

References
  1. D. L. Prior, ‘Call, Sir John, first baronet (1732–1801)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, Sept 2004; online edn, Jan 2008 accessed 18 Sept 2008
  2. "Plans for new faith-based prison". BBC Online. BBC. 9 November 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  3. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 23 February 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2009.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. Spooky Truth: TV's Most Haunted Con Exposed - Mirror.Co.Uk

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