Heritage Open Day returns to the National Justice Museum this September
The Nottingham venue will be hosting two special events, completely free, as part of the national festival of history and culture
Visitors can experience unique events at Nottingham’s National Justice Museum for free this September, as once again the iconic Nottingham venue takes part in Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture. This year’s theme is Architecture, which will see heritage and culture organisations across the country opening their doors for free to allow visitors to experience their venues.
The National Justice Museum will be hosting two events for Heritage Open Day, inviting visitors to see parts of the museum that are not included in general admission, and take part in an interactive trial re-enactment.
On Sunday 14 September, there are three opportunities to explore the Museum with one of their expert interpreters for a 45-minute tour of the building’s unique architectural features. There has been a court on the site since at least 1375, but with hundreds of years of extensions and additions, not to mention fires and floor collapses, the architecture of this historic building has changed a lot! Discover the history of this Grade II* listed building, the quirks no one notices, and the spaces in the museum most visitors don’t get to see.
The interactive trial re-enactments in the museum’s stunning Victorian Courtroom are one of the highlights of a visit to the National Justice Museum. On Sunday 21 September, one of their rarely seen spaces – the stunning original Civil Courtroom – opens to the public for four performances of a family-friendly mock trial.
In the dock is William Cook, a prolific thief with a knack for escaping the gaol! Arrested for robbery in 1783, Cook put up such a fight that he sustained a serious head injury. He was thought to be close to death when he was brought to the County Gaol and used his injury to his advantage.
He claimed to be insane, and played the part so well that, in court, the Judges dismissed the case as he was “clearly unfit to plead.” During his confinement, he allegedly took the opportunity during a mass escape attempt to flee – simply continuing his task of sweeping the gaol yard, he swept himself right out of the door! Did he really run away, or was it just a misunderstanding?
A visit to the National Justice Museum tends to stay with people long after they’ve left. Over five floors, the building houses a Victorian courtroom, Georgian gaol, and cells that date back hundreds of years. Through real spaces, real objects, and real stories, they explore the impact justice and the law has on you, your community and society.
Both events for Heritage Open Day are available to book now, and spaces are limited, so don’t miss out! To find out more, visit nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk or pay them a visit on High Pavement, Nottingham.
Posted on 29 July 2025
