Jonjon explores Nottingham... "National Justice Museum"

Glance: National Justice Museum

The “National” title gives it away – it’s the biggest attraction in town at least for now (given that Nottingham Castle is under major conservation). And if you like dungeons and moulds and dark alleys, this is for you – imagine having a building on top of the county gaol like an underground puzzle. (Do ask the staffer for help if you can’t find the main entrance somehow).

(Consider this pretty freestyle; perhaps because of these complex maze-like structures, many other underground /jail attractions allow guided tour-visits only e.g. the City of Caves, or Dublin’s Kilmainham Gaol. Unless they're redesigned into something with a linear route; Brno’s Torture Museum being one fine example.)

See for yourself: National Justice Museum

1. As you’re exploring these pits and occasional horrifying cells, a photography exhibition jumps out of nowhere.

Why? Why here?

2. Let’s pretend we’re out of exhibition space and mood-lighting pictures are what prison visitors need.

3. At random locations you’ll find these costumed actors talking to you. They’ll show you around the place and perhaps help you understand how people have used to struggle.

(Random factoid: In the old days prisoners have to pay: food, sleeping area. There’s a price tag on anything, even the tickets to go free.)

The three actors are then recycled into other roles. You’ll get a schedule of the dramatized scenes at the ticketing counter. A courtroom scene, a public hanging. You might get handed an excerpt and have to act right away!

(Remember to get a combined ticket for this museum and the ‘City of Caves’ – which we’re be heading to next.)

Time is asset: come join my 25-min museum tour. Or find yourself in my novel, check out the photo of the day and finish it off with a secret prize.

Tags - in_depth_tourism; museum; London_writer; London_travel; indie_writer; independent_blogger