Penkridge Heritage Centre (The Old Gaol)

The building began life as an 18^th Century barn and was later converted to a gaol.    It is situated across the road from the old Constable’s Cottage and directly behind the village stocks.   There have been stocks in the village for around 500 years, conveniently placed beside Bell Brook for the easy disposal of rubbish thrown at local miscreants.    The building was last used as a gaol in 1837 and over the years time took its toll on the fabric.

In the year 2000, with the help of a generous grant from the Onyx Environmental Trust and many local sources, the building was acquired by Penkridge Civic Society and refurbished as the Society’s Headquarters and a village amenity.  It now offers a reconstructed 18^th century prison cell, displays about the building itself, an annual themed exhibition about Penkridge, the surrounding area and its past, and is a centre for courses in local history.