York Castle Museum stands within the grounds of York Castle (hence its name). The museum focusses on social history and the everyday lives of Yorkshire people.

The museum entrance is a purpose-built modern building (see Image 1). However, the majority of the exhibits are housed in two adjacent historic buildings, namely the Female Prison Building (see Image 2) and the Debtors' Prison Building (originally the County Gaol - see Image 3).

Image 1

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Canada geese and their goslings amidst the daisies on the 'Eye of York', with the entrance to York Castle Museum beyond.

Image 2

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A traditional fairground carousel on the Eye of York, with the Former Female Prison Building (now part of York Castle Museum) beyond. The museum entrance is located to the right of this building.

Image 3

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
The former County Gaol (a.k.a the Debtors' Prison), which now forms part of York Castle Museum. The entrance to the museum is located to the left of this building.

Image 4

Photo as per caption. Opens larger version.
Raindale Mill in the grounds of York Castle Museum. The Debtor's Prison Building is partially visible beyond the castle's inner bailey wall.

The museum's key exhibits include:

  • 'Kirkgate' (a reconstructed street scene depicting some of the shops that existed in York between 1870 and 1901).
  • Recreations of period rooms from domestic houses.
  • Prison cells (one of which tells the story of Dick Turpin, a famous highwayman and horse thief).
  • A toy gallery (containing toys spanning more than 150 years).
  • A 1960s gallery (containing a wide range of exhibits from this fascinating period of history, including a replica space capsule).
  • A permanent exhibition exploring the impact of lifestyle, food and fashion on the human body over the past 400 years.
  • Raindale Mill (a reconstructed water mill with working machinery - see Image 4).

The museum also houses a wide range of traditionally displayed artefacts and temporary exhibitions.

External Links

Information regarding opening times, details of exhibits, facilities, etc., is available at:
http://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/