Judge's Lodging, Presteigne

‘The most commodious and elegant apartments for a judge in all England and Wales’. That is how Lord Chief Justice Campbell saw The Judge’s Lodging when staying there in the 1850s.

Stepping into the building today, you may be mistaken in thinking that little has changed since his time. In fact it took three years of meticulous research and restoration to bring this Victorian ‘fossil’ back to life to what has been called ‘a fascinating social document – an amazing survival’ by Country Life Magazine.

The judge’s apartments themselves have been stunningly restored along with the gaslit servants’ quarters and vast echoing courtroom, where you are haunted by the echoes of trials long since concluded.

Wandering through its labyrinth of rooms, visitors are accompanied by an eavesdropping audiotour of voices from the past: you hear their tales, from Mary the hardworking maid, to Reverend Richard Lister Venables, chairman of the Magistrates and employer of famous Victorian diarist, Francis Kilvert, portrayed by actor Robert Hardy. Find out about the rural Radnorshire Constabulary, the tragic tale of Mary Morgan, reputedly the last woman to be hanged in Wales, the terrible state of, and great escapes from Presteigne gaol, contrasting with the luxurious lives of the judges. What better place to discover for yourselves the true theatre of the law…and if wildlife is your thing, you can even say hello to Arthur the museum cat!

The staff invite you, above all, to relax and explore at your leisure, for this is a historic house with a difference - you can touch. Sit in the judge’s chair if you wish, study his books; even pump water in the kitchen. Special activity boxes and guides for kids to explore during holidays enhance its family friendly atmosphere and local history exhibitions add to this fascinating exploration. It has received both the ‘Interpret Britain’ award for its excellence of historical interpretation and ‘Britain’s Local Museum of the Year’ recently.

The beautiful town of Presteigne itself recently hit national news as one of the top 10 places to live in Britain in a Country Life survey, whilst its road from there to Aberystwyth is in the AA’s top 10 scenic routes in Europe. With such an unusual museum and such local accolades, can you really resist a visit? After all, the same Victorian judge who adored The Judge’s Lodging, called the town ‘sort of paradise’.

The building also houses exhibitions on the Radnor Borders region, local history, the town’s Tourist Information Centre and gift shop.

Visitor Information:
Open 10am – 6pm daily 1st Mar-31st Oct
10am – 4pm Wed-Sun 1st Nov- 22nd Dec.

Any other time by appointment.