The Old Court House Museum, Beaumaris 1974

Tucked away on Steeple Lane in the heart of Beaumaris, the Old Court House Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the legal and criminal history of Anglesey. Built in 1614, it is one of the oldest courthouses in Wales and remained in use until 1997, making it one of the longest-serving legal buildings in the country.

This Grade II*-listed building is steeped in history, with its timber-framed upper storey and thick stone walls telling tales of centuries gone by. Inside, much of the original courtroom setting remains intact, including the judge’s bench, jury box, and prisoner’s dock. Visitors can step into the shoes of defendants, jurors, and magistrates, gaining a vivid impression of how justice was once administered.

The courtroom forms the centrepiece of the museum, but there are also exhibits that delve into the lives of those who passed through the court — from petty thieves to infamous local criminals. Interpretation panels and displays recount notable trials, punishments, and changes in the legal system over the centuries.

The museum also serves to highlight the social history of Beaumaris and Anglesey more broadly, with displays on local policing, crime and punishment, and the lives of ordinary people in the region during different historical periods.