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County Prison, Colchester Castle
County Prison, Colchester Castle
Historic Site
Details
The earliest record of the use of Colchester Castle as a prison is in 1226.
Prison cells dating from 1727 complete with massive oak doors and iron barred windows survive and can be visited today as part of the entry into Colchester Castle Museum.
Matthew Hopkins from Mistley near Colchester became known as the Witchfinder General, extracting 'confessions' from women accused of witchcraft. Some of his interrogations took place in the Castle prison.
The gaol was finally closed in 1835. To find out more: www.colchestermuseums.org.uk
Opening details
Prices
Castle entry fee applies
Colchester Castle Museum
Archaeological SiteEvents at this Venue
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Sat 27 Jul - Sun 16 Feb | Adorn: Jewellery, The Human Story |
| Wed 11 Dec | Castle Open Evening - Free Entry |
| Sat 14 - Sun 15 Dec | Celebrate Christmas At The Castle With Santa |
| Sat 14 Dec | Tea + Torcs |
| Fri 20 - Mon 23 Dec | Celebrate Christmas At The Castle With Santa |
| Sat 11 Jan | Tea + Torcs |
01206 292939 
museums@colchester.gov.uk
www.cimuseums.org.ukAddress
Castle Park,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO1 1TJ
Directions
See location on Google mapsMap reference: TL 998253 Lat: 51.89066 Long: 0.90319
Situated in the Town Centre in the Grounds of the Magnificent Castle Park.
Accessible by Public Transport: 0 miles from Colchester Town station
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
Picnic site
Public toilets
Welcome Host
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Guided tours for individuals
Guided tours for groups
Smoking not allowed
Facilities for hearing impaired
Facilities for visually impaired
