Bodmin Jail

The original jail was built for King George III in 1779. The Jail you see today was built by the Prisoners, who brought the 20,000 tons of granite from Bodmin’s “Cuckoo Quarry”.

During the First World War the Jail held state papers and the Doomsday book – The Crown Jewels have also been given safe haven here as well.

Visit the cold dank cells, look up at the thin rays of light filtering through a small barred window and imagine being sentenced to even a week in such desolation, a very lonely life with the knowledge each day would bring more of the same cold, hunger and hard labour on the treadmill as a civil prisoner, or “cannon ball” catch for naval prisoners; designed to keep you fit for battle on your release.