Then and Now
History
A place full of intrigue, wonder and mystery.
Then VS Now
EXPLORE THE HISTORY
Nestled on the edge of Bodmin Moor, Bodmin Jail is a place shaped by intrigue, innovation and mystery. Built in 1779 during the reign of George III, it marked a milestone in prison design and helped redefine incarceration in England. With individual cells, separate wings for men and women, and remarkably progressive features such as hot water, it set a new standard for prisons across the country.
Constructed using more than 20,000 tonnes of granite quarried from Bodmin Moor, and built in part by Napoleonic prisoners of war, the jail was designed around the reforming ideals of John Howard. Light, airy spaces, improved living conditions and opportunities for prisoners to work made it one of Britain’s earliest modern prisons.
A Place That Evolved With History
As society changed, so did the role of the jail. Originally used largely as a debtor’s prison, its purpose shifted dramatically after imprisonment for debt was abolished in 1869.
From 1887, the Royal Navy occupied part of the jail, remaining until 1922. Civilian prisoners had begun leaving by the early 20th century, and the jail was officially decommissioned in 1927. Yet its story did not end there.
Over the decades, the building took on many surprising new identities, from workshops and garages to sporting spaces, but perhaps its most legendary chapter came as The 99 Club, a vibrant cabaret venue, casino and nightclub. Many visitors still return today with memories of unforgettable nights behind these historic walls.
A Dark and Powerful Legacy
Like many historic prisons, Bodmin Jail holds a darker past.
Over the course of its history, 55 executions took place in Bodmin for crimes including murder, burglary and theft, many witnessed by large public crowds. The final execution was in 1909, when William Hampton became the last man hanged in Cornwall.
These formidable walls have seen thousands pass through their doors, carrying stories of justice, hardship and human resilience.
Reimagined for a new era
After decades of neglect, Bodmin Jail has been brought back to life.
What was once a derelict ruin is now a remarkable fusion of heritage and contemporary design, where the past and present are woven together in unforgettable ways. Nearly a century after its closure, the jail has entered a new chapter, one filled with discovery, immersive experiences and new memories waiting to be made.
From pioneering prison reform to naval occupation, notorious executions to nightclub legends, Bodmin Jail has lived many lives.
Now, it invites you to explore them all.
