N. Ireland

Floggings used to take place at the Gaol. Men received the Cat o’ nine tails and women and children received the Birch. I stood on the trapdoor (now glass) and took this photo of those underneath where the executions took place. You can also see the rack where the floggings took place. The Execution room and Flogging room were side by side. The Execution room was also right next door to the condemned prisoner’s cell. They never knew that until a bookcase in their bathroom slid open to reveal the noose.

This was the best tour I have ever been on anywhere. The Crumlin Road Gaol was in operation for 150 years in Belfast (1846 – 1996). It has housed men, women and children. Opposite the Gaol is the courthouse (now in ruins due to fire). A long tunnel leads from the Gaol to the courthouse underneath the road. Its most recent history involved political prisoners (both Protestant and Catholic). There have been 17 executions within the prison with burial taking place within the grounds (unmarked and unconsecrated graves).