The National Justice Museum in Nottingham, England is a museum of crime and punishment which is based in the former courthouse and county gaol. The building is packed with history and your tour will include the perfectly preserved courtroom, which was still being used a couple of decades ago. Your tour then continues as you follow the steps of condemned men, from the dock, down to the former prison cells below.

Hangings took place in the rear courtyard which is also on the tour, as are the older cells below that. You basically work your way down the building from street level when you enter. This is possible, because the museum is constructed on the edge of a rocky outcrop.

Around the museum there are costumed actors who play genuine roles from the building’s past. Each one we encountered played their role with relish which adds something extra to your visit. Some of the characters you’ll meet include Elizabeth Fry who was a 19th century prison reformer so famous she ended up on our £5 notes, Dr Massey who was the medical officer at Nottingham Gaol in the 1860’s and notorious convict Valentine Marshall. Children in particular will enjoy the museum, but there is something for people of all ages here.

The museum has a Crime Gallery area which you can see for free. This starts with a short introductory film and then you’ll find information and exhibits including a jukebox that plays protest songs and a number of interactive presentations.

The National Justice Museum is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. Adult admission with full access is £12.05 (2025 prices). You can also buy combined ticket for both the Justice Museum and its sister attraction, the City Of Caves which explores the underground network of caves below Nottingham.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: National Justice Museum, The Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1HN
Tel: +44 (0) 115 952 0555
Email: info@nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
MORE ON THE NATIONAL JUSTICE MUSEUM
National Justice Museum – Official Website
National Justice Museum – Wikipedia
Books on Nottingham – Amazon.co.uk
Nottingham City Guide – From our sister site, Free-City-Guides.com