You are here: Home > Media > Press Releases > Prisoners in the Westgate … again!

Prisoners in the Westgate … again!

Winchester's Westgate will be travelling back in time to a previous era on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September, when two "prisoners" will be "locked up" there for the weekend. Our two "prisoners"' will be "locked up" for the weekend so that they can tell visitors to the Westgate some of the fascinating stories of the prisoners once incarcerated there during Tudor and Stuart times.

The monument, which is a former debtors' prison and now a popular museum, is taking part in the national Heritage Open Days initiative. Winchester City Council's museums service has enlisted the help of actors from the Seventeenth Century Society to re-enact a part of the history of the much-loved Westgate. They will be telling visitors some of the fascinating stories of the (real) prisoners incarcerated there during Tudor and Stuart times. This will be a hugely entertaining and interactive event. Prisoners in the Westgate is a free event: just drop in and join in the fun.

Winchester Museums' Heritage Information Officer Graham Scobie said,

"The Westgate monument is rich in history; from the 16th to the 17th century it was used as a prison and a lock-up and the museum service has had great fun researching our archives to bring this period of history alive; we hope visitors will enjoy the spectacle!"

The Westgate is open from 10am to 5pm each day and there is no admission charge.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Sport, commented,

"This promises to be a hugely entertaining event and is another example of Winchester Museums interpreting the history of the city in an exciting way and linking in with Heritage Open Days. I hope everyone will enjoy visiting the ancient gateway and learn a little bit more about this aspect of the gateway".

Heritage Open Days is a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture. Winchester Museums is proud to be involved with this national event. See www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ for further details of other openings in the Winchester District and further afield.

Notes for editors
01. For further information please contact Sher Kent on 01962 848557 or email skent@winchester.gov.uk
02. Fantastic opportunities for great photographs
03. For further details on The Seventeenth Century Society please see www.eventplan.co.uk/

04. The Westgate Museum is a fortified medieval gateway with:
- rooftop views of the city
- ancient walls covered in prisoners' graffiti
- objects from Tudor and Stuart Winchester
- unique collection of weights and measures
- Tudor painted ceiling
- armour and gibbet
- brass rubbing and other hands-on-activities
Please note there is no disabled access and access to the upper chamber is up steep stone stairs.