The Tolhouse Museum

The Tolhouse Museum

The Tolhouse is one of the oldest prisons in the Country.  It was built around 800 years ago and it was once the home of a rich merchant.  It then became the Courthouse and gaol.  Its dungeon was known as The Hold.  It was also the local Police Station at one point.  During WW2 it was gutted by bombs.  It has been a museum since the 1880's and today is still a popular museum with dungeons to visit and special events throughout the year.

While it was a gaol this was where the 16 people were held that were accused of witchcraft.  In Medievil times it was also used as a meeting place for the Baliffs of Great Yarmouth.  Sarah Martin, who was a prison visitor, also  used to visit the prisoners here regularly.  She moved from Caister to Great Yarmouth so she could help people less fortunate than herself in the nineteenth century.

Situated close to the Quay, it is now very different to how Yarmouth was when it was first built 800 years ago.  The Museum today has had visits from Ghost Hunters and enthusiasts.  Today the Library is just behind it, and is in excellent walking distance to town and other local museums.