Buckingham Old Gaol
Arts And Culture, Museums And Galleries · Buckingham
About Buckingham Old Gaol
Buckingham Old Gaol is a volunteer-run heritage attraction and museum on Market Hill in Buckingham, housed in the town's landmark former gaol building. Visitors can explore the cells where poachers, drunks and even the odd murderer were once locked away, and discover how one prisoner escaped over the wall of the exercise yard. The museum tells the story of Buckingham from Saxon times onwards, covering rogues and royalty, national crisis and domestic drama. Highlights include coins from the £1.35m Lenborough Hoard, a rare Half-Angel coin unearthed in 2021, and a permanent Flora Thompson room. The building also houses a Tourist Information Centre and a souvenir and book shop. Guided tours are available, and the museum offers school visits and educational boxes for schools. Special events include ghost hunts, heritage talks, and a festival celebrating the 150th anniversary of Flora Thompson's birth. The attraction is family-friendly with interactive exhibits. Buckingham Old Gaol Trust is a registered charity.
Features
- Family Friendly
Frequently asked questions
Is there parking at Buckingham Old Gaol?
The Old Gaol does not have its own dedicated parking area. Visitors can use the postcode MK18 1JX for their satnav to find the museum on Market Hill.
Is Buckingham Old Gaol suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly attraction with interactive exhibits inside the old gaol cells. Children under 5 go free and a family ticket covering two adults and three children costs £10.00.
What can I see at the museum?
You can explore the cells where poachers, drunks and even the odd murderer were locked away, view coins from the £1.35m Lenborough Hoard and a rare Half-Angel coin, visit the permanent Flora Thompson room, and learn about local history from Saxon times through to WWII and beyond. The building also houses a Tourist Information Centre and a souvenir shop.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available. Special evening talks by visiting authors are also held periodically, with tickets purchasable from the Old Gaol Museum Shop.
Is Buckingham Old Gaol volunteer-run?
Yes, the museum is volunteer-run and operated by Buckingham Old Gaol Trust, which is a registered charity. The trust maintains the Old Gaol building and develops it as a heritage centre and source of education for the benefit of the people of Buckingham and Buckinghamshire.
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