Explore the stories surrounding crime and justice on Bow Street.
From Oscar Wilde to Ronnie Biggs: A History of Wandsworth Prison
Thursday 15th May 2025, 18:30 (doors open 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 Pierrepoint 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, it 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.
Prices to attend via Zoom: £6/£4.80 Friends
SUFFRAGETTES AFTER DARK: The Fight for Hope
Friday 11th April 2025, 18:00
Join us for this adults-only, late museum opening as part of our Suffragettes at Bow Street programme. We are delighted to be hosting a fun, informative, hands-on evening of events:
- Meet Kitty Marion, actress and suffragette, who sacrificed everything for the cause. Performed by Maria Beadell of Herstorical Tours.
- Author Jennifer Godfrey will be talking about her book Secret Missions of the Suffragettes: Glass Breakers and Safe Houses and revealing how the protests impacted Bow Street.
- Explore objects from the propaganda battles between the suffragettes and their detractors with a handling collection on loan from the Glasgow Women’s Library.
- Make your own suffragette rosette and discover how they became an important symbol in the fight for the vote.
- Meet ‘Hope’ the Lego Suffragette, a full-size model commissioned by the House of Commons to celebrate the centenary of votes for women.
Timings: doors open at 18:00
Conditions of entry: this event is recommended for anyone over the age of 16 years.
Tickets: this event is in person at Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice
Prices to attend at the Museum: £15/ £12 Friends of the Museum. Booking opens 8/03/25 @ 12:00pm.
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