Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. An interactive ‘living’ museum, it uses real-life stories and iPad guides to let visitors walk in the footsteps of those whose lives were changed or even ended by their experiences in there. Shire Hall’s impressive courtroom is best known as the setting for the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were sentenced to transportation to Australia in 1824. The backlash that followed their harsh punishment, which saw thousands marching through the streets of London calling for justice, would lead to the formation of the modern-day Trade Union movement. Shire Hall opened to the public in May 2018, following extensive restoration work to the building that dates back to the 18th Century. The museum’s aim is to help everyone explore the history of law and order, as well as past and present efforts to achieve justice for all people.
