Talk:Bodmin Jail

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Crown Jewels stored in Bodmin Jail in World War 1?

According to Aronson (1997) the Crown Jewels were stored in Windsor Castle: he provides much detail about the gemstones being removed in case these irreplaceable elements needed to be taken hurriedly and discreetly to another site. The story about the jewels being in Bodmin Jail is recorded in a locally produced book on Bodmin (by Pat Munn) and the origin of this story is allegedly that when a guarded convoy of trucks reached the jail a Mr Tooze, a builder then working at the Jail, remarked that "You'd think they'd brought the Crown Jewels!", or words to that effect. This story came to me via Maureen Tooze, the late widow of the late Brian Tooze, the son of the aforementioned 'Mr Tooze'. Both the Toozes were stalwarts of Bodmin Town Museum. It seems that the trucks were carrying a large volume of state archives, including, reputedly, a copy of the Domesday Book. I have deleted the mention of the Crown Jewels in the article. Calc-flinta (talk) 00:54, 10 May 2023 (UTC)

The Domesday Book, the original, was among the material from the Public Record Office.(Hallam, E.M., 1986 - and Public Record Office). The Crown Jewels were removed to Windsor Castle in World War II (Aronson, 1997). Calc-flinta (talk) 00:15, 31 May 2023 (UTC)

Some proposed changes

Reason for change: to add more detail to the introduction to Bodmin Jail and to include John Howard and who was housed in the prison

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'''Bodmin Jail''' (alternatively '''Bodmin Gaol''') is a historic former prison situated in [[Bodmin]], on the edge of [[Bodmin Moor]] in [[Cornwall]]. Built in 1779 and closed in 1927, a large range of buildings fell into ruin, but parts of the prison have been turned into a tourist attraction, and more recently another large part was converted into a hotel.

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'''Bodmin Jail''' (also known as Bodmin Gaol) is a historic former prison located in [[Bodmin]], [[Cornwall]], England. Constructed in 1779, it was the first modern prison built under the principles of [[Prison reform]] advocated by figures such as[[John Howard (prison reformer)|John Howard]] . Built by[[Sir John Call, 1st Baronet|Sir John Call]]using local granite from Bodmin Moor, the jail was notable for being the first British prison to incorporate individual cells, improved ventilation, and sanitation — marking a significant shift toward more humane conditions for inmates in contrast to earlier prison models. Bodmin Jail housed both male and female prisoners, including [[Debtors' prison|debtors]], petty criminals, and those sentenced to [[capital punishment]]. The prison played a central role in Cornwall’s criminal justice system throughout the 18th and 19th centuries and was in continuous operation until its closure in 1927.

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Existing text

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Your proposed text

Reason for change: to add more historical detail to the history of the prison, including the use by the Navy, hanging methods, key acts and important inmates, as well as information about the building following its closure in 1927

[[:#ifeq:=== 1779 - 1927 === Bodmin Gaol was designed by Sir John Call and built in 1779 by prisoners of war, and was operational for 150 years, in which it saw over 50 public hangings. It was the first British prison to hold prisoners in individual cells.

The jail closed in 1927. Since that date, there has been no prison within the county of Cornwall.

During the latter part of World War I, the prison was used for holding some of Britain's "State Papers and Records" including the Domesday Book. The material was in the jail in 1918-1919.

1927 - Today

Bodmin Jail is now a hotel as of 2021 and after redevelopment that started in 2015, Bodmin Jail Limited now operates as a museum, gift shop and hosts guided tours at the site.

A number of guided tours take place at the jail, including a heritage tour, paranormal walk, and self-guided tour. The attraction includes original jail cells, an administration block, and a recreation of Bodmin Moor located where the old hospital wing used to be.

The paranormal tours include a ghost-hunting experience, where guests can use tools such as ouija boards to attempt to communicate with spirits.]]

Reasons for change: The information contained in this section is inaccurate - Kirsten Honey is not the Paranormal Manager and we cannot and would not substantiate possession

[[:#ifeq:=== Videos === In 2018, a husband and wife ghost-hunting duo took cameras and other ghost-hunting equipment to the jail. The footage they took appears to show a ghost thought to be William Hampton, a prisoner who was hanged at the jail, as well as visible "light orbs". These orbs are actually specks of dust or insects that pass within the focal length of the lens and appear as perfect circles.

In 2021, Bodmin Jail's paranormal manager Kirsten Honey caught an "agitated woman" on camera. According to Honey, the spectre has been seen throughout the jail on numerous occasions, with guests often feeling uncomfortable when she's around. After the incident, the jail recorded "heightened paranormal activity" in the building. It is worth remembering that the manager of a venue that attracts paying ghost hunters will make statements that continue to draw customers.]]

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Encoded  Talk 💬 10:40, 13 July 2025 (UTC) Oggy2010 (talk) 15:35, 13 May 2025 (UTC)

 Not done: The changes are not supported by neutral, independent, reliable sources. Please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made.  Encoded  Talk 💬 10:41, 13 July 2025 (UTC)