The Judge’s Lodging: Wale’s Timeless Treasure
2024-05-27
Located amidst the charming streets of Presteigne, The Judge’s Lodging is a unique household with so much allure. It is a hidden gem on the border of England and Wales and a testament to hundreds of years of history. Indeed, a trip to Wales is not complete without setting foot in this breathtaking museum. Read on to learn more about The Judge’s Lodging.
History of The Judge’s Lodging
Originally created as the residence for visiting judges, this old structure has witnessed centuries of change and adaptation. It all started in the 1800s, when a Court of Justice was established in the small parish of Presteigne. To house the judges, magistrates needed to build apartments. Thus, in the year 1829, The Judge’s Lodging came into existence.
After its establishment, the building found a variety of uses other than a mere place of living. In 1834, others were allowed to rent out the rooms when the judges were not in residence. The 1860s witnessed a diverse array of events, including temperance lectures, brass band concerts, and the accommodation of the Radnor Militia Officers' Mess in 1865. In 1874, it hosted a glamorous fancy dress ball to inaugurate the Presteigne railway.
Throughout the 20th century, this multipurpose venue continued to serve the community, hosting social functions, meetings, elections, and even housing the local museum and library.
By and by, The Judge’s Lodging lost its old status as a residence for judges. After attempts to revive the building, the residence was finally opened in 1997 to the public as a museum.
The Collections and Highlights
Visitors will find it fascinating when immersed in the remarkable collections within The Judge’s Lodging. Today, the collection at The Judge’s Lodging boasts approximately 5000 photographs, documents, textiles, and social history objects. These artefacts intricately depict the town of Presteigne, its residents, and the surrounding area, spanning from the oldest times to the 20th century.
Period furniture, decor, and artefacts at The Judge’s Lodging breathe life into the past. Explore the meticulously curated displays, including period furniture, decor, ceremonial halberds, and more, each telling a unique story of the region's heritage and culture.
Wander through the house to experience how visiting judges once lived, including a visit to the servants' quarters and the bustling below-stairs kitchen and workrooms. With so much to see and admire, from authentic lighting below stairs to the grandeur of the courtroom, The Judge's Lodging offers a truly captivating and immersive opportunity to visitors.
Having said that, here are the main highlights:
- Radnorshire Jury Selection Box belongs to the year 1730.
- Gravestone of Mary Morga, who was hanged for infanticide in Presteigne in 1806.
- Pages from Victorian scrapbooks.
- Cartridge box from Newell's Ironmongers found in Presteigne.
Visiting The Judge’s Lodging
The Judge’s Lodging has a hands-on policy, providing access to all rooms and sections. Here, visitors can get an experience of Victorian life for themselves.
The building has three floors that are open to the public for their navigation of Victorian rooms and collections. There is limited disability access, and therefore, only the ground floor is accessible for people with mobility issues.
To complete a fruitful visit, you can check out the gift shop. Here, you will have the opportunity to choose from a wide selection of books, toys, and objects catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
Opening times at the site are varied, but The Judge’s Lodging is mostly open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. A complete inspection of the place will last approximately 1 hour and a half, during which both adults and children will gain plenty of insight into old times and have fun as well.
Locating the building is not very difficult considering the small size of Presteigne. If you are taking your own car, rest assured that there is plenty of public parking available in the town. The Judge’s Lodging doesn’t have a car park itself.
For different means of public transportation, you need to choose Knighton as the starting point. The nearest railway station is in Knighton, around 10 kilometres from Presteigne. For other means of transportation, you can also try Kington and Ludlow.
As Knighton is one of the closest cities to Presteigne and the best place to take the train, you might as well consider a nightly stay at The Knighton Hotel. It has 17 rooms of different types and sizes, from single rooms to superior two-bedroom apartments, catering to various groups of travellers.
