Officially known as “HM Prison Crumlin Road” (but more colloquially by locals as “The Crum”), this is the only Victorian era prison remaining in Northern Ireland, It was considered one of the most advanced prisons of its day. Designed with four wings running off of a central area (known as “The Circle”), with an original capacity of 500 to 550 inmates, this was the first prison in Northern Ireland built according to “The Separate System” - meaning prisoners were separated from each other in individual cells with no communication between them. In 1846, the first inmates arrived, many of whom (including children) were jailed for offenses such as stealing clothing or food. By the 1970’s, The Crum would have been considered overcrowded as there were as many as three prisoners in each cell.
In its original design, The Crum did not provide for an interior gallows, so executions took place in public view. By 1901, an execution chamber had been constructed within the walls, with cells where the condemned lived along with two guards. A total of 17 executions took place at The Crum, with the last one being in 1961.
Over the years, The Crum had a number of notable inmates, the most famous of whom was Bobby Sands of “The Troubles” fame. Despite The Crum being known as “Europe’s Alcatraz,” several successful escapes occurred, the first one in 1866.
The prison, which sits across the street from the now derelict Crumlin Road Courthouse, closed in 1996 and remained empty for several years. Following restoration efforts, it reopened in 2012 as a tourist attraction.
In its original design, The Crum did not provide for an interior gallows, so executions took place in public view. By 1901, an execution chamber had been constructed within the walls, with cells where the condemned lived along with two guards. A total of 17 executions took place at The Crum, with the last one being in 1961.
Over the years, The Crum had a number of notable inmates, the most famous of whom was Bobby Sands of “The Troubles” fame. Despite The Crum being known as “Europe’s Alcatraz,” several successful escapes occurred, the first one in 1866.
The prison, which sits across the street from the now derelict Crumlin Road Courthouse, closed in 1996 and remained empty for several years. Following restoration efforts, it reopened in 2012 as a tourist attraction.
Built in 1843-1845, The Crum Gaol is officially designated as “The HM Prison Crumlin Road.”
This central area is known as “The Circle” and has four separate wings running off of it.
In its original design, inmates were housed in single occupancy cells...
...but as time went by, the prison became more crowded and inmates were doubled up (even tripled-up) in the cells.
Two nefarious looking prisoners being processed for incarceration.
Typically, each new inmate had to meet with the warden, who explained the rules of the prison.
Across the street from the prison was the Crumlin Road Courthouse (now derelict), where prisoner cases were heard.
This tunnel ran under the street from the prison to the courthouse, so prisoners could be safely transported back and forth.
Seventeen executions occurred at the prison in its 120+ years, but this chamber within the walls was not constructed until 1901 (previous executions happened out in public view).
During private times, inmates developed their own hobbies (such as painting) and some were quite talented.
Healthcare for inmates was provided, but it was minimal...
...especially for children and women.
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