Public offered first viewing of holding cell at court museum

The included murderers and thieves to the likes of the Sinkler brothers from Pateley Bridge, who were held there in the 1830s charged with poaching and assault.

Now for the first time since it was closed in the 1870s, the holding cell beneath the former Ripon Liberty Magistrates Court in Minster Road is opening to the public on Sunday.

The cell is where the accused were brought, often manacled, from the old jail in St Marygate and from there were taken up into the courtroom face trial.

The Courthouse Museum has decided to open up the cell for just one day with a special exhibition on the prisoners kept there, but it is planned to keep it open permanently as a future long-term project.

Jill Wilkinson, trustee and honourable curator at the museum, said: “The cell dates back to 1830 and was probably used for about 40 years.

“The prisoners were brought here from the jail.

“It has never been open to the public before and we think it is a very quirky building as well as quite spooky.

“It is an extraordinary hidden part of our heritage.”

The cell will be open between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday. Admission is free.