Ripon Courthouse Museum
Museum | Ripon | England | United Kingdom
History of Ripon Courthouse Museum
The Ripon Courthouse Museum is located in an elegant Georgian building from 1830, which has remained almost unchanged. It offers a fascinating insight into the legal system of the 19th century and the history of the "Liberty of Ripon".
Architecture of Georgian building
History and Architecture
Exhibits at Ripon Museum
The building was constructed in 1830 and originally served as a Quarter Sessions Court. After the court closed in 1998, it was opened as a museum in 2000. The interior was restored in the original colors in 2005 to authentically preserve the atmosphere of the time.
Interactive tours in courtroom
Exhibits and Experiences
Educational programs for schools
Jury Room: Visitors can learn about the history of the court and the development of the legal system in Ripon. On display are law books and manuals from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Justices’ Retiring Room: This room offers insights into the lives and careers of significant magistrates, including Charles Oxley, who served from 1811 to 1873.
Courtroom: The courtroom is preserved in its original state and allows visitors to step into the roles of defendants, witnesses, or judges. Interactive elements such as an audio-visual display illustrate historical court proceedings.
Special Features
Halberds: Two halberds displayed in the Jury Room were carried during the opening procession of each Quarter Sessions.
Holding Cell: Behind the dock is a cell where defendants were housed before their trial. A roof over this cell protected prisoners from objects thrown from the spectator gallery.
Educational Offerings
The museum offers various programs for schools and groups that provide a deeper insight into poverty, crime, and punishment in Victorian England. These include workshops and interactive tours tailored to different age groups.
