AT THE MUSEUM From Oscar Wilde to Ronnie Biggs: A History of Wandsworth Prison
Join us in person at the museum
From Oscar Wilde to Ronnie Biggs: A History of Wandsworth Prison
Thursday 15th May 2025, 18:30 (Doors open at 18:15)
From Oscar Wilde to Ronnie Biggs: A History of Wandsworth Prison
Since its completion in 1851, as Surrey House of Correction, Wandsworth Prison has housed some of Britain’s most notorious and well-known prisoners.
Originally holding men, then women and children, it became the hanging prison for South London in 1878.
Many convicted criminals who had stood before magistrates at Bow Street found themselves incarcerated here, including Oscar Wilde, William Joyce (AKA ‘Lord Haw-Haw’), Roger Casement, the Kray twins and James Earl Ray.
Join us to explore the incredible history of this Victorian institution, including Jack the Ripper suspects, John Haigh, (AKA The Acid Bath Murderer), Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs and his infamous escape, and how capital punishment was carried out at Wandsworth Prison from 1878 to 1961, with high-profile executioner Albert Pierrepont a frequent visitor.
Stewart McLaughlin is the Honorary Curator of the Wandsworth Prison Museum and an author of several books on the prison’s history.
Wandsworth Prison Museum is viewable by appointment only, and contains over 470 objects and items coving the gaols history. It has been open since 2008.
Timings: doors open at 18:15. The talk begins at 18:30 and lasts approximately 75 minutes, including a Q&A with the audience.
Conditions of entry: this event is recommended for anyone over the age of 16 years.
Tickets: there are two ways to attend this event, in person at Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice, or online via a live stream (using Zoom).
Prices to attend at the Museum: £12 / £9.60 Friends.
Ticket options
Join us in person at the museum
From Oscar Wilde to Ronnie Biggs: A History of Wandsworth Prison
Thursday 15th May 2025, 18:30 (Doors open at 18:15)
From Oscar Wilde to Ronnie Biggs: A History of Wandsworth Prison
Since its completion in 1851, as Surrey House of Correction, Wandsworth Prison has housed some of Britain’s most notorious and well-known prisoners.
Originally holding men, then women and children, it became the hanging prison for South London in 1878.
Many convicted criminals who had stood before magistrates at Bow Street found themselves incarcerated here, including Oscar Wilde, William Joyce (AKA ‘Lord Haw-Haw’), Roger Casement, the Kray twins and James Earl Ray.
Join us to explore the incredible history of this Victorian institution, including Jack the Ripper suspects, John Haigh, (AKA The Acid Bath Murderer), Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs and his infamous escape, and how capital punishment was carried out at Wandsworth Prison from 1878 to 1961, with high-profile executioner Albert Pierrepont a frequent visitor.
Stewart McLaughlin is the Honorary Curator of the Wandsworth Prison Museum and an author of several books on the prison’s history.
Wandsworth Prison Museum is viewable by appointment only, and contains over 470 objects and items coving the gaols history. It has been open since 2008.
Timings: doors open at 18:15. The talk begins at 18:30 and lasts approximately 75 minutes, including a Q&A with the audience.
Conditions of entry: this event is recommended for anyone over the age of 16 years.
Tickets: there are two ways to attend this event, in person at Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice, or online via a live stream (using Zoom).
Prices to attend at the Museum: £12 / £9.60 Friends.
Our payments are processed using : Barclays
