Housing its first inmates in 1625, Shepton Mallet Prison holds four hundred years’ of history. Originally constructed to serve as the main prison for the East of Somerset County and often referred to as ‘Cornhill’ or ‘The Mallet’, Shepton Mallet Prison operated as a fully working prison until later decommissioned in 2013. In present day, the World’s Oldest Prison has now become a heritage-led, tourist attraction that inspires, immerses, educates and engages visitors through a journey of life behind bars.
Learners will experience an immersive and interactive day out with Shepton Mallet’s Education Behind Bars programme. Learners will take part in a guided Prison Tour which will provide them with overviews of key areas within the prison and will be on hand to answer any questions. Learners will also be given the opportunity to step behind a closed cell door to get a glimpse into the life of a prisoner.
Learners will also engage in an Education Activity on the media portrayal of the Kray Twins. Learners will reflect on the impact the media has had on crime and criminals by studying the case of The Krays, who were both imprisoned in Shepton Mallet Prison in 1952. Learners will also be asked to consider the ‘glamorous’ depiction of the Krays as ‘legends,’ versus the crimes they were imprisoned for – and the media’s part in altering perception.