Old Lock-up opens to public again

 

* An early drawing of the Old Lock-up.

 

The Old Lock-up and Old Town Hall, Victoria Square, Llangollen, held an open day on July 27, and it was a great success with nearly 100 visitors in a matter of hours.

 

They enjoyed a look at the plans the Armoury Conservation Trust - now a registered charity - has for the renovation and future community use of the Old Town Hall on the upper floor.

Visitors were also able to view new interpretive material in the Old Lock-up on the ground floor, which has been nearly fully restored and presents a unique and authentic view of how the Llangollen's first gaol and police station were used and would have appeared in the mid-1800s, complete with policeman's hat, handcuffs and a very heavy truncheon.

Previous visitors to the Lock-up who wished to catch up with its prisoner found that he has apparently been deemed a flight risk, as he now sports a weighty ball-and-chain.

The Old Lock-up will again take part in Denbighshire's Open Doors heritage weekend, 13 and 14 September, from 12-4pm, and anyone willing to volunteer to help for even a portion of those hours will be most welcome. The Lock-up is also seeking longer-term interest in the form of a Friends of the Old Lock-up, who will receive training in how to guide visitors and interpret this fine heritage asset for them.

 

In both cases, please contact Sue Hargreaves and Rachel Morris at armouryconservationtrust@gmail.com.