The Prison and Police Museum in Ripon explores the history of crime and punishment in England. Housed in a former police station and courthouse, the museum provides insight into law enforcement and prison conditions from the medieval period to the present day. Visitors can see original cells and police uniforms and learn about historical policing methods.
The building that houses the museum was originally a courthouse and police station in the 19th century. It was an active law enforcement centre until the 1950s, when modern policing methods rendered some of its facilities obsolete. The museum was later established to preserve and present the history of policing and justice in North Yorkshire.
The museum is part of the Ripon Museums Trust, which also oversees the nearby Workhouse Museum and Courthouse Museum. Together, these sites provide a comprehensive look at the social history of crime, punishment and justice in the region. The museum highlights changes in law enforcement over time, including the development of modern policing and the decline of physical punishment.
![Police and Prison Museum in Ripon, North Yorkshire (Photo: Stephen Craven [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/prison-police-museum-ripon.jpg)
What to see at the Prison and Police Museum
One of the main features of the museum is the preserved prison cells, which offer a glimpse into the harsh conditions of the past. Visitors can step inside these small, bare spaces to experience what life was like for prisoners held in Ripon. The cells still contain original fixtures, including wooden beds and iron-barred doors.
The museum’s exhibits cover various aspects of policing history, from early law enforcement methods to the introduction of modern forensic science. Displays include historical police uniforms, equipment and documents. There is also information on the formation of organised police forces, including the impact of Sir Robert Peel’s Metropolitan Police reforms in 1829.
Other displays focus on different forms of punishment, such as the use of stocks, whipping posts and hard labour. The museum also includes interactive exhibits where visitors can try on replica uniforms or take part in hands-on activities related to historical policing.
Visiting the Prison and Police Museum
The Prison and Police Museum is on St Marygate, east of the centre of Ripon. It is just a few minutes’ walk from Ripon Cathedral and not much more than a five-minute walk to the Market Place.
The museum closes over winter and is open daily from mid-February until late-November.
A combined entry ticket, which also includes admission to the Courthouse Museum and the Workhouse Museum is available.
Allow 1–2 hours for your visit.
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