Jedburgh Castle Jail, Roxburghshire, United Kingdom

Jedburgh Castle was a castle at Jedburgh in Scotland. It was fought over during the Wars of Scottish Independence, and was demolished by the Scots commanded by Sir James Douglas of Balvenie in 1409. The site of the original castle was used to build the reform prison based on John Howard (prison reformer) system, the construction of which started in 1820.

In 1823 a jail was built on the site to designs by Archibald Elliot. It was modified in 1847 by Thomas Brown. This closed in 1868. The building was restored to an 1820s appearance in 1968 by Aitken and Turnbull. It opened to the public as Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum. The museum features local history displays.

On the Thursday after Shrove Tuesday, the town has played a Ba Game since 1704. The uppies team use the castle to record their victories.

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User Reviews

D Bell (2 months ago)
Great place to visit, had no idea William Wallace was held here as a boy. Some creepy scenes in the cells too. Well worth a visit

Andy Tingay (3 months ago)
We visited Jedburgh Castle & Jail museum (Free entry). I do recommend you make a donation though.I would say it was worth it. We very much enjoyed it here, and particularly loved the views over the town. The gardens and external part of the castle was a fantastic walk around. The Jail itself was very interesting. It was pretty horrendous back then with children being sent to prison for the smallest infraction. The gentleman on the desk was friendly and informative. I would visit again just to wander around the grounds.

Francesca Lui (3 months ago)
Very interesting place to visit. Very informative. Unfortunately dogs not allowed inside but while waiting with my dog for my daughter to go around I had a lovely conversation with a lady from Wolverhampton who was also waiting with her small dog for her husband and daughter to come out.

Gemma Shipman (3 months ago)
I'm so glad we found this Castle to visit whilst we had a week holiday in Eyemouth. A lovely castle, free of charge to enter. Lots of history and cells to look inside. With added bonus of near by Queen Mary house , also free and an Abbey. I would 100% recommend a little tour of this castle. Great for kids to explore too. Little gift shop at the end of you want to take a souvenir home with you. Be a fantastic picnic area

Sarah Morrin (3 months ago)
Excellent to read about the history of the site and jail. Loved that it was free. Steep climb up the hill but worth it. There is a car park next to it if you don't fancy the walk up.

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