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Old Crown Court and Cells

Address:

Old Crown Court and Cells
Stratton House
58-60 High West Street
DORCHESTER
Dorset
DT1 1UZ
Tel: +44 01305 267992
Fax: +44 01305 257039
Email

Location Map

Visit the Old Crown Court and Cells in Dorchester and discover its gripping history.

~Famous for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

~Experience two hundred years of gruesome crime and punishment in a setting little changed over the years.

~Stand in the dock and sit in the dimly lit cells, where prisoners waited for their appearance before the judge.

Dorchester’s Shire Hall, which includes the Old Crown Court & Cells, looks set to become an internationally important visitor centre after winning financial backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more details about this exciting project go to: www.dorsetforyou.com/shirehallproject

Opening Times 2013:
Old Crown Court will be open with free entry during the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival on Saturday 20th July 2013 10am – 4pm and Sunday 21st July 2013 10am -1pm. Summer opening is Mondays and Thursdays from Monday 22nd July to Thursday 29th August (excluding Bank Holidays) 2-4pm with tours at 2pm, 2.45pm and 3.30pm. Admission £2 per adult and accompanied children 16 and under go free. Tickets available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre.

Heritage Open Days
13th, 14th and 15th of September (free entry). Sunday 15th September we have short scenes from the Townsend Productions play 'We will be free!' in the courtroom at 2pm and 3pm, the short scenes will be followed by Q&A session with the actors.

Groups and school bookings telephone 01305 252356.

Opening Times

Sunday 15th September we have short scenes from the Townsend Productions play 'We will be free!' in the courtroom at 2pm and 3pm, the short scenes will be followed by Q&A session with the actors. Entry is free during Heritage Open Days.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 20/07/2013

Saturday 10:00 - 16:00

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 21/07/2013

Sunday 10:00 - 13:00

Summer Opening 22/07/2013 - 29/08/2013

Monday 14:00 - 16:30

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday Closed

Thursday 14:00 - 16:30

Friday Closed

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Bank Holiday Closed

Heritage Open Days 13/09/2013

Friday 11:00 - 14:00

Heritage Open Days 14/09/2013

Saturday 11:00 - 14:00

Heritage Open Days 15/09/2013

Sunday 11:00 - 16:00

* Sunday 15th September we have short scenes from the Townsend Productions play 'We will be free!' in the courtroom at 2pm and 3pm, the short scenes will be followed by Q&A session with the actors. Entry is free during Heritage Open Days.

Tickets Information

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff*
Adults (guided tours)	up to £2.00 per ticket
Children Under 16	free

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Road Directions

Nearest major road is A35. From the A35 travelling from the East head towards the town centre. The court and cells are situated in the main High Street.

Public Transport Directions

Nearest station is Dorchester South and West stations. From both stations, make your way towards the town centre, walk up trinity Street and at the jct with the main High Street turn left. The court and cells can be entered via Stratton House, West Dorset District Council.