Dartmoor Prison Museum

No trip to Dartmoor would be complete without a visit to Princetown to catch a glimpse of the famous or even infamous Dartmoor Prison.

To help visitors understand the story behind the old prison, Dartmoor Prison Museum, situated 250 yards outside the main prison gates, showcases over two hundred years of the history of the Prison.

Built between 1806 and 1809, the prison was built as a Prisoner of War Depot, initially to take prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and then later, prisoners from the War of 1812, fought between Britain and the United States. The prison became a convict prison in 1850 and has housed some of Britain’s most notorious criminals, acid bath murderer, John George Haigh, Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs and Frank The Mad Axeman Mitchell.

Visitors to the museum can see exhibitions relating to the history of the prison and learn about those who were either locked up there or had the job of ensuring they remained locked up. The museum showcases prisoner arts and crafts where visitors can marvel at the creativity of prisoners, not always for the good as a display of illegally crafted weapons and escape aids demonstrates.

The museum has its own car park, and a gift shop on site selling many items that are made by the prisoners themselves. 

The Dartmoor Prison Museum can be found on the outskirts Princetown, approximately 5 minutes drive from the Two Bridges Hotel.

Dartmoor Prison Museum, Princetown PL20 6RR
01822 322130
www.dartmoor-prison.co.uk