Prison that held the Krays and hid Magna Carta from Hitler set to close

04 December 2023 , 12:15

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Shepton Mallet Prison is closing at the beginning of January (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

The world's oldest purpose-built prison, which held the Kray twins and was also used to hide the Magna Carta from Adolf Hitler during the Second World War, is set to close at the beginning of 2024.

Shepton Mallet Prison in Somerset, whose history dates back over 400 years, is scheduled to close on January 2, 2024. The closure of the prison will result in the loss of 18 jobs, its operators have announced.

It was opened in 1625 and in the 1950s, the Kray Twins were held there. During WW2, the prison held historical treasures including the Domesday Book, copies of the Magna Carta, Shakespeare's will and Guy Fawkes's confession as the country faced bombing raids and fears of invasion.

The prison has a 400-year history (SOM)

At the stat of WW2, Shepton Mallet became a British Military prison, but in 1942 its role changed after the US entered the conflict and took it over. At one time between 1942 to 1945, over 700 US servicemen were incarcerated at Shepton Mallet.

According to its website, 16 US servicemen were also hanged and a further two executed by firing squad during these years. Throughout the war, the old women's wing became a top secret repository for the National Archives.

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After the end of the war, it reverted to a British Military prison and held the infamous London gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray. In 1966, it once again reverted to a civilian prison.

The prison was decommissioned in 2013 (Getty Images)

In 2001, the prison changed its role once again, holding inmates found guilty of serious offences including murder. The prison was finally decommissioned on March 28, 1013, and since then guided tours have been held. The operators said people now have just four weeks to visit before the site closes its doors for good.

Announcing the upcoming closure, the prison said in a statement shared on Facebook: "We are deeply saddened to share that Shepton Mallet Prison is scheduled to close on 2nd January 2024. This heartbreaking decision comes after years of dedication to preserving this historic site.

"CEO of Cove Group, which has managed the prison since 2017, Joel Campbell explained that their efforts to secure the prison's future were met with obstacles and a lack of support from the prison’s owners City & Country, leading to this heart-wrenching decision. The closure will impact our dedicated team and the entire community who have embraced us. There are just a few weeks left to visit Shepton Mallet Prison before its doors close forever."

People who want to visit Shepton Mallet Prison have four more weeks until it closes its doors for good (SOM)

Mr Campbell added: "Over the past seven years we have invested over £1 million into Shepton Mallet Prison, and despite a relentless campaign of perseverance, our endeavours to safeguard and enhance this historical site have been met with a disheartening lack of support from City & Country. Our efforts to secure a future for the prison through direct purchase were not just undervalued but met with resistance and unreasonable financial demands, especially concerning property insurance costs that far exceed the market rate.

"Despite our continued efforts to negotiate and find alternative insurance arrangements, City & Country have informed us that if we do not meet their demands then notice will be served imminently. This impasse has forced us to make the heart-rending decision to cease operating Shepton Mallet Prison from the 2nd January 2024. The closure is a stark reflection of the disregard shown by City & Country towards a business that has not only celebrated but vitalised the history and economy of Shepton Mallet."

Site Manager Charlie Lawson said: "Our success has been a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unwavering spirit of our brilliant team. It has been a privilege to protect and enhance such an important part of the region’s heritage. The closure is a blow not just to us, but to the entire community that embraced us."

Chiara Fiorillo