National Justice Museum facts for kids
The National Justice Museum in 2010
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| Former name | Galleries of Justice Museum |
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| Established | 1995 |
| Location | The Lace Market, Nottingham |
| Collection size | HM Prison Service collection |
| Public transit access | Bus, tram, train |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Official name: Shire Hall and Adjoining County Gaol | |
| Designated: | 24 October 1988 |
| Reference #: | 1254517 |
The National Justice Museum is an exciting museum located in Nottingham, England. It used to be known as the Galleries of Justice Museum. This museum is special because it's inside a real historic building that was once a Victorian courtroom, a prison, and a police station.
Imagine a place where someone could be arrested, have their trial, be sentenced, and even face serious consequences for their actions, all in the same building! The courtrooms here are very old, going back to the 1300s, and the prison has been around since at least 1449. The building itself is a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historic site. The museum is also a registered charity.
Contents
Exploring the Museum's Past
How the Site Began
The very first time this spot was used for official business was by the Normans. They had sheriffs who helped keep the peace and collect taxes. Because of this, the place was sometimes called the Sheriff's Hall. The first time anyone wrote about it being a law court was in 1375. We also know it was used as a prison starting in 1449.
Changes Over the Centuries
Over many years, the courts and prison grew bigger. In 1724, something dramatic happened: the courtroom floor actually collapsed!
The main hall was rebuilt between 1769 and 1772. An architect named James Gandon designed it. The building had a unique front with columns and special windows.
The 1800s: Big Changes and Events
More parts were added to the building between 1820 and 1840. Rooms for judges, lawyers, and clerks were built in the 1830s and 1840s. A new room for the grand jury was added in 1859.
Until 1832, most serious punishments in Nottingham happened at a place called Gallows Hill. But after that, they moved to the Shire Hall. The last public punishment took place here in 1864.
In 1876, the front of the building was redesigned in an Italian style. But just a few weeks later, a fire broke out! It almost destroyed all the new work. After the fire, the courts were mostly rebuilt between 1876 and 1879. However, the prison closed in 1878.
Later, in 1888, the building also became the meeting place for the Nottinghamshire County Council, which is like the local government for the area.
From the 1900s to Today
A police station was built next to the museum in 1905. The County Council moved to a new, bigger building in 1954. But the Shire Hall kept being used for Nottingham's civil and criminal courts until 1991.
The Galleries of Justice Museum first opened in this historic building in 1995. It was updated and renamed the National Justice Museum in 2017. Today, you can explore two courtrooms, an old underground jail, and the area where serious punishments were once carried out.
What You Can See: Exhibitions
The Crime Gallery is a fun place with lots of activities for families. It has interactive exhibits that help you learn about different topics related to crime and punishment throughout history. You can even see the actual dock (where the accused stood) from the famous Bow Street Magistrates' Court!
