Section 3: Visiting St Neots Museum

Choose from the following activities!

"You're nicked!" - imagine what it was like to spend time in the cells... lie on the hard wooden bed, try some exercises in the prisoners yard, peep-in on the other inmates and hear their stories!

Charlotte's Dilemma - the story of a Victorian child's crime to roleplay with props and costumes

Children's trail - a look around the museum, including Victorain schoolroom area, have 'mini'lesson writing on the slates and using the abacus

Victorian clothing - investigate photographs and real and replica objects to think about the lives of Victorian children, rich and poor

Enter St Neots Museum web site

Your Visit

Class visits to the museum should be booked by prior arrangement by telephoning us on 01480 388921.

A pre-visit by the class teacher is advised in order discuss your particular requirements with museum staff and familiarise yourself with the spaces and resources.

The guided 'Crime and Punishment' visit costs £3 per pupil.

A member of museum staff can visit your class to lead a FREE session, based around objects from the Cambridgeshire Police Collection, before your trip. Staff will not visit free of charge if your class are not making the trip to the museum however!

Space inside the museum is limited, only one class (max 40 pupils) can be accommodated at one time.

During your visit the class will need to be divided into smaller groups for different activities. The 'Crime and Punishment' session usually takes 1hour 30 minutes but can be tailored to your needs.

Some activities will require teacher/helper supervision.

The prisoners' exercise yard

About the building

St Neots Museum is housed in the town's former police station and magistrates court.

The building was used as a Police Station until 1969 and as a court until 1990.

In the magistrates court the Petty Sessions were held. These dealt with crimes like small theft or drunkenness. The magistrates decided which cases should be referred to the crown court for trial with a jury.

The cellblock, which is in near original condition, was added in 1907.