The Judge's Lodging

About the museum

The Judge's Lodging occupies the former Shire Hall of Presteigne, a neoclassical courthouse completed in 1829 on Broad Street. For well over a century it was the place where the county's assizes and magistrates' court sat, and the building is linked with notorious cases, including that of Mary Morgan, who was convicted here in the early nineteenth century.

By the later twentieth century the courts had moved out: the last assizes were held in 1970 and the last magistrates' hearing in 1990. After a major refurbishment the building reopened in 1997 as a museum, opened by the actor Robert Hardy.

Visitors now explore the rooms as they might have looked in the 1870s, when visiting judges stayed here during the assizes. The house is lit only by oil and gas lamps, and the visit is built around an audio tour in English or Welsh, in which a maid, a housekeeper and a Victorian clergyman describe daily life in the house. Alongside the period rooms the museum cares for a collection of local objects, including a jury selection box from 1730 and a medal from the Crimean War.

The museum is run by an independent charity, the Judges Lodging Trust. The building can also be hired for events, and two holiday apartments are let in the former housekeeper's flat.

Highlights

• Period rooms presented as in the 1870s, lit only by oil and gas lamps
• Audio tour in English or Welsh with stories from past inhabitants
• Former Shire Hall and courthouse of 1829
• Collection of local objects, including a 1730 jury selection box
• Victorian dining room with its chamber-pot cupboard

Permanent exhibition

• The Judge's Lodging – Victorian period rooms – Rooms across three floors furnished as in the 1870s and lit only by oil and gas lamps, explored with an audio tour told by past inhabitants.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Judges Lodging Trust Ltd

Admission & discounts

The admission price includes the audio tour in English or Welsh. Members of the Museums Association, the Association of Independent Museums and Mid Wales Tourism are admitted free. Visitors are asked to pay with Gift Aid.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The front entrance has two short flights of stone steps with handrails. The step-free route is through the rear entrance via Harper's Lane or the garden gate off Ave Maria Lane, where a garden lift reaches the ground floor. Visitors with limited mobility can see the ground floor only, as the period rooms are on three floors. There are three toilets on site but none is accessible; the nearest accessible toilet is in the Hereford Street car park, about 200 yards away (RADAR key). Assistance dogs are welcome; other dogs may wait outside. Several disabled parking spaces are in the town, the nearest at the top of Broad Street about 50 yards from the entrance, and a space in the grounds is planned from spring 2026.

Kids & families

Family tickets are available. The shop stocks children's books and traditional toys.

Getting there & parking

Some satnavs direct drivers to Broad Street in New Radnor, about 6 miles away; continue to Presteigne. Visitors without a car can phone the museum for help with transport.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café on site. The shop sells books, gifts and traditional toys, mostly on Victorian, local and Welsh themes. Groups can request tea, coffee and cake in advance.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The building is offered for private dining, weddings, corporate events, filming and photography, and paranormal evenings. Room details and capacities are not published.

Plan your visit