The Judge's Lodging
Winner of numerous national awards, The Judge's Lodging has been called 'a fascinating social document - an amazing survival', 'the most remarkable survivor of all UK court buildings' and 'setting a model for preservation'. Amongst its numerous appearances on Welsh and English television, it featured in BBC2's epic series 'Simon Schama's History of Britain'.
2011 News:
The Judge's Lodging has just been awarded a grant from the Heritage Lottery fund for the new Presteigne Community Collections Project. The building houses a collection of over 2,000 local history objects, from photos and papaerwork of Presteigne people & businesses, to clothes, shop items, toys, tools and war memoribilia. This grant will fund a new exhibition room on Presteigne, its history and people, along with a temporary exhibition gallery and chill-out space with full of toys, books and games for all ages - whether you're a tot wanting to stack picture bricks or someone looking for a quiet space for a cuppa and a game of chess, the new facilities aim to cater for all ages and interests.
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History in your hands
Wander through the stunningly restored judge's apartments, study the books, sit in the judge's chair, even pump water in the kitchen, for this is an historic house with a difference - you can touch. Below stairs there is the full range of servants' rooms to explore, with kitchens, sleeping quarters and workrooms; a whole gas lit world to discover.
Voices from the past
Visitors are accompanied by an eavesdropping audio tour of voices from the past; you will hear their tale, from Mary the hardworking maid, to Reverend Richard Lister Venables, Chairman of the Magistrates and employer of the famous Victorian diarist Francis Kilvert, portrayed by actor Robert Hardy. Damp cells remind you of the building's true purpose, along with the vast courtroom where your imagination is captured by the echoing trial of William Morgan, local duck thief.
Find out about the rural Radnorshire Constabulary, the tragic tale of Mary Morgan, reputedly the last woman to be hanged in Wales, the terrible state of and great escapes from Presteigne gaol, contrasting with the luxurious lives of the judges - what better place to discover for yourselves the true theatre of the law.
Practicalities
Open: From March - December every year. For current opening hours and admission prices, please check out The Judge's Lodging website.
Facilities: Activities for kids, Tourist Information, gift shop, toilets, exhibitions, events hire. Look out for special events throughout the year.
Written guides available in Welsh, French and German & Dutch. Audio-guides also available in French.
Access: Disabled access regrettably to the ground floor only, with access via Harper's Lane (at the rear of the building). Photopacks, large-print guides, torches, magnifying glasses and plenty of seating all available on site.
The building is licensed for Civil Wedding & Partnership ceremonies.
Education: Interactive 'Life below Stairs' days available for Key Stages 1 & 2. Costumed guides available for Key Stage 3 and other educational groups. Special topic sessions available throughout the year, including Victorian Christmas. Please ask staff for further details.
2005 & 2010 winner of The Sandford Award for Heritage Education
The Judge's Lodging, Broad Street, Presteigne, Powys, Mid Wales LD8 2AD
Telephone enquiries and bookings: 01544 260650 Email: info@judgeslodging.org.uk
The museum website is packed with exciting info, from handy household hints, recipes, strange facts, mystery objects and much more. Just follow this link to start exploring.
