Wymondham Bridewell

At present the main part of the building houses the Wymondham Heritage Museum.

In 1824, the Bridewell staff included the Governor, two turnkeys and a miller and it contained two classes, two wards, treadwheel (image), three day-rooms, two airing yards and the mill yard.

After 1827 the Bridewell remained unoccupied until it was re-opened, chiefly for the incarceration of females in 1832.

The women were instructed in reading and writing by the Matron and the Chaplain holds regular services and instruction and many of the prisoners ended up taking jobs at the time of their release.

The inmates at Wymondham were responsible for making, mending & washing the linen for Norwich Castle Prison, as well as their own and this work alone was valued at £69 9/9d that year.