The Story of the Bridewell

Tucked in one of the oldest, most atmospheric parts of the building, this gallery tells the story of the building, focusing primarily on its time as a house of correction and a prison.

Discover who was imprisoned here and what life in a Bridewell was like.  

The gallery tells the stories of a few individuals who spent time here.  There’s the fascinating history of Peter the Wildman, a German boy brought to Britain by King George 1 but who in 1751 was found, apparently homeless in Norwich.  The authorities put him into the Bridewell and he was there in October when fire ripped through Bridewell Alley and Peter refused to leave the prison.  Why was he there and what happened next is all recounted in this gallery.