Buckingham Old Gaol
About This Museum
You'd never guess this handsome, honey-colored stone building on Market Hill was once the town lock-up. It's a proper old jail, but instead of prisoners, it now holds the fascinating stories of Buckingham itself. We poked around the original cells and even saw the exercise yard – it really makes you think about what life was like here centuries ago. It's small but packed with character, and you get a real sense of the town's history within its thick walls.
Collection Highlights
The main event is definitely the preserved cells and the creepy 'holdfast' prisoner restraints. They also have a quirky collection of Victorian-era bathing machines that were dragged down to the coast for seaside dips. Don't miss the old police memorabilia and some beautiful lace-making bobbins that show off a local craft.
Visitor Information
It's only open on weekend afternoons, so check their times before you go – it feels like a real local secret. The volunteers who run it are lovely and full of stories if you have a question.
Architecture & Building
A classic Georgian stone building from the 1740s, looking more like a dignified house than a prison from the outside, complete with a charming cupola on top.
Contact & Location
Address: Market Hill, Page Hill, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, England, MK18 1JX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1280 823020
Website: Visit Website
