The Bridewell Museum

Once upon a time, the Bridewell was a prison in the heart of Norwich, designed specifically for the incarceration of women and beggars.  Today the building is used for a totally different – and much more pleasant – purpose.  The Bridewell is now a historic museum in Norwich, England, that tells visitors the story of how the medieval city in the heart of Norfolk County became well known for its mustard, textiles, shoes, beer and chocolate.
The museum has on display a variety of machinery that was used during the manufacturing of Norwich’s products and the exhibits show how they were used to help people produce the items.  There is a pharmacy recreated here and tourists can examine the many different types of chemicals and compounds that were used over the years to treat the people of the city of various sicknesses and diseases.  A pawnbroker’s and smithy also remain and tourists will delight in the exhibit of shoes that have been made in the city.  Currently the museum is hosting an exhibit for the Norwich City Football Club who are celebrating their 100th birthday.
It is recommended that visitors allow themselves two hours to properly tour the Bridewell Museum.  The museum is not accessible to wheelchairs, although disabled visitors who can walk the exhibits with assistance are welcome to bring one companion with them for free.  Guide dogs are also welcome and the staff will be more than happy to assist visitors with a tailor made tour on request.  The Bridewell is open from March 25 through October 31, 2008 from 10am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Friday, and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.  It is closed Sunday and Mondays.  Admissions are £3.20 for adults, £1.75 for children and £2.65 for seniors, students, and disabled guests.