Shirehall Museum
Museum in Walsingham’s former courthouse with a completely original Georgian courtroom and displays on law, order and pilgrimage.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Shirehall in Walsingham was built in the early 16th century as a hostel for important visitors to the pilgrimage town. A Georgian façade was added in the 1770s when the building became a courthouse. The Quarter Sessions were held there from 1778 to 1861 and the Petty Sessions until 1974.
The Georgian courtroom survives unaltered and is one of the few completely original courtrooms in the country, with a lock-up cell. Visitors can sit in the judge’s chair or stand in the dock, and a narrow staircase leads to the public gallery. The museum was founded in 1971 and also serves as the main entrance and ticket office for the Walsingham Abbey Grounds.
The displays cover law and order and crime and punishment in the 18th century, with a part of the Norfolk Constabulary’s historic policing collection including truncheons and handcuffs. Other displays tell of the history of pilgrimage to Walsingham and its revival and show artefacts and photographs of the village. The key to the old prison, the Bridewell, can be borrowed from the museum.
Highlights
- Unaltered Georgian courtroom with lock-up cell
- Sit in the judge’s chair or stand in the dock
- Historic policing collection of the Norfolk Constabulary
- History of the pilgrimage to Walsingham
- Entrance to the Walsingham Abbey Grounds
Permanent exhibitions
- Georgian courtroom and law and order – The unaltered Georgian courtroom and lock-up, with displays on crime and punishment and the historic policing collection of the Norfolk Constabulary.
- Pilgrimage to Walsingham and village history – Displays on the pilgrimage and its revival, with local artefacts and photographs.
- Founded
- 1971
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £7.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £3free up to age 5 · Child ticket for ages 6 to 16; under-6s are free. |
Museum entry is included in the Walsingham Abbey Grounds ticket, which is bought at the High Street Gate; no booking is needed and payment is by card only. Season tickets valid for one year are available. Members of Historic Houses enter free with a valid membership card.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A regional tourism listing mentions level access and wheelchairs available. The public gallery of the courtroom is reached by a narrow staircase. Accessible public toilets are on Walsingham High Street next to the High Street Gate, because facilities inside the grounds were closed for building works. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
Children are welcome; the courtroom invites visitors to play the judge, jury or defendant.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Parking is available for a charge.
The museum is in Common Place, the entrance to the Abbey Grounds is at the High Street Gate.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
A small gift shop is in the museum. The building also houses the tourist information centre.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours of the Abbey Grounds tailored to groups can be booked through the Walsingham Abbey website. School trips and mini coach parties are accepted. Visitors can ask staff for the key to the old prison, the Bridewell, against a deposit. |
