Beaumaris Gaol facts for kids
Beaumaris Gaol is a fascinating old prison located in Beaumaris, Anglesey, Wales. It's no longer used as a jail, but it looks much like it did when it was open. Today, it's a popular museum where about 30,000 people visit each year to learn about its past.
Beaumaris Gaol: A Journey Through Time
This historic building was designed by Hansom and Welch. Construction finished in 1829. Later, in 1867, it was made bigger to hold about 30 prisoners. However, it closed just 11 years later. After that, the building had many different uses. It became a police station until the 1950s. Then, it was a children's clinic for a while. Finally, in 1974, it opened as the museum we see today.
During the Second World War, the town's air raid siren was kept here. This siren would warn people if enemy planes were coming. It even stayed in use during the Cold War, just in case of a nuclear attack. The gaol also has a chapel, but it's not the original one. The pews and pulpit came from another chapel on the island. You might notice the numbers on the pews are mixed up, and they aren't even attached to the floor!
Life Inside: The Treadmill
Life for prisoners in the past was very different from today. While some methods might seem harsh now, at the time, Beaumaris Gaol was seen as an improvement over older prisons. One interesting feature was the penal treadmill. This was a large wheel that prisoners had to walk on, like a giant hamster wheel.
The treadmill at Beaumaris Gaol was special. Unlike many others that just made prisoners work for no reason, this one had a purpose. It pumped water to the top of the building. This water was then used in the cells. So, the prisoners' hard work actually helped the gaol function.
The Great Escape
Only one prisoner ever managed to escape from Beaumaris Gaol. His name was John Morris. He broke out on January 7, 1859. John used a rope he had secretly taken while working. Sadly, he broke his leg during his escape. Even with a broken leg, he managed to get out of town. But he was soon caught and brought back to the gaol.
