Located in the county of Cornwall is the civil parish of Bodmin. The town was founded in the sixth century by St Petroc. Here is where he founded a monastery and gave the town the original name of Petrockstow, which it still referred to by some today. Its unusual name comes from the monastery though, Bod (the first part of the name) means dwelling and menegh (which has been shortened to min) meaning monks. Even though the town has been the site of three Cornish uprisings it still has many areas of interest.
Probably one of the most talked about sites is the Bodmin jail. Originally built for King George III in 1779 the jail is still open today as a tourist attraction. The jail was built by prisoners who delivered a total of 20,000 tons of granite from the Cuckoo Quarry, which was also located in Bodmin. It has not only been used as a prison but as a safeguard for important state papers and the Doomsday Book during the First World War. Today you stroll the cold dank cells and see how the prisoners lived. See the small barred window and see exactly how much light they were afforded during their stay. While you're there be sure to visit the gallows and see the original hanging pit.
If you are interested in the walk of the ghosts then check out the Ghost Walk that the Bodmin Jail provides. Starting at 10:30 pm you will begin the experience with the host, who has spent years studying paranormal fields. Then you will experience different areas of the civil and naval prisions. You never know what you might experience during your stay at the jail. Everything wraps up around 7 the following morning with a full English breakfast provided.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Courtroom Experience. The re-enactment is based on the murder of a local girl Charlotte Dymond in 1844. On August 2 of that year a farm hand, Matthew Weeks came to trial for her murder. Visitors can enjoy a 30 minute re-enactment of that trial. You will be in the same courtroom as Mr. Weeks was tried in and at the end of the re-enactment, before you find out what the original verdict is announced you will get to cast your vote of "guilty" or "not guilty". After the verdict is read you will get to visit the historic holding cells and see what it was like for those prisoners who awaited the fate of the trial.
For those who love an old fashion train ride it's only right that you take a journey on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway. This railway is the only remaining full sized railway that operates by steam locomotive. Sit back and enjoy the sights as you travel the thirteen mile round trip through the Cornwall country side. There are many special events for you to enjoy on the train. There are Murder Mystery Evenings, Steam Beer and Jazz Trains, and in December Santa by Steam is in full swing.
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