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Welcome to Lincoln Castle! Cyber cruisers are advised this tour is not for the faint of heart, we will see evidence of torture and executions so hold hands if necessary! William the Conqueror began building Lincoln Castle two years after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 on a site formerly occupied by the Romans. For 900 years, the castle was used as a garrison and a court with regular executions on the ramparts so watch your step my fellow cruisers!

Cobb Hall dates back to the 13th century and was used as a defensive tower, although it would’ve been much taller at that time. In the 14th century, it became the local prison and you can still see the ring bolts in the alcove! Between 1817 and 1868, the place was used for public hangings. Naughty cruisers beware!

Lucy Tower was constructed in 1068 and is part of the original castle built by William the Conqueror. It would’ve served as the last bastion of defence if the castle had fallen to the enemy. In 1824, the building became an unconsecrated graveyard for prisoners who were hanged and graves can still be identified with their stone markers. Who was Lucy? The tower was allegedly named after the granddaughter of Lady Godiva – she who liked to ride through the streets naked. (Cruisers, please do not confuse her with your captain who likes to ride through the waves naked!)

Stop! Put away the bubble bath and loofahs! The bath house was actually used for prison laundry and was built in 1805! There is a reservoir underneath the building which is filled by rainwater from the roof and an overflow system from a nearby well.

The prison was built in two parts in 1787 and later altered in 1844 when the second wing was added to the original T shape. In 1849, the prison adopted the Separate system where inmates were denied human contact and only allowed out of their cells to exercise and attend church services. Prisoners were not allowed to communicate with each other and had to wear leather masks when out of their cells. As a result, many felons went mad or committed suicide until the practice was abandoned in 1851. The prison was finally closed in 1878.

The Crown Court was built in 1826 and is still used today which means we can only go into the public gallery when the court is in session. Anyone fancy breaking the law? A prison mask awaits you!