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Offered languages
- English
For such a beautiful picturesque market town, Oakham is an unexpectedly dark and grim history that most people are oblivious to today despite.
On this tour we will learn about some of the actual dark history of Oakham, the people who lived and died here... one man who lived, died and lived again!
Oakham has Britains oldest court, the only operational gallows in the country and a fantastic set of Stocks in market square.
We will visit various spots of executions and see the evidence that remains today.
Murders, ghosts, corporal punishments and much more.
It's a private tour so runs at a time that works for you but to see the Oakham Castle Court and nearby functional gallows we have to be underway by 3pm.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
I can meet you in your hotel in Oakham or off the train at Oakham Railway Station.
I can meet you by the main entrance /exit. 90 minutes from London. Direct trains from Cambridge, Peterborough, Stamford, Leicester and Birmingham.
Itinerary
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1Oakham Castle
Oakham Castle is known for being one of the best-preserved examples of Norman architecture. It's Great Hall is the oldest court in Britain and it's still used today. All sorts of trials have taken place here including the dramatic trial of John Flower who with her daughters were accused of Witchcraft.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Now a beautiful park with a bandstand and lots of events throughout the year. We won't let such pleasantries deter us though will we? Discover what happened low level crooks and deceitful market traders here.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3The Butter Cross
The last remaining such cross in Oakham is set just off the picturesque market square. Once home to the dairy market, it still is home to the Oakham stocks which uniquely have 5 holes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Market Place
Savour the marketplace with its regular market beautiful old Buttercross and recently restored water pump. The market still has original Stocks... so best be on your best behavior!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Rutland County Museum
A fantastic little museum highlighting the mainly agricultural life of Rutland through the ages, Also the resting place :-) of the still working gallows, the only such in the country.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
...
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
....
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Once the home to the first of Oakham's prisons and a few feet away, the Whipping Post. Here about a particularly gruesome murder that took place here.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Once a cemetery, a small garden of remembrance remains nearby.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
This simple grassy square used to be outside of the town and back then it was a cemetery.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
We won't go to the hospital obviously (please don't climb in the gallows, travel insurance might not help there) but from a distance we'll learn about the ghosts from the time of the Plague that have been seen here,
2 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
12
Such a beautiful street today but it's still known as Coffin Lane and a packet of Strepsils won't be much use here!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13Oakham School
Now one of the most prestigious schools in the country but there is a corner of it with a darker history.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
14All Saints Oakham
Explore inside the beautiful Grade 1 listed 13th century All Saints Church whose spire you can see for miles around. The church has wonderful architecture and all manner of local memorials and history as well as being an active place of worship. Learn about the incredible tale of William de Goldbaun, a local thief who sought refuge here after being hanged to death!
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15Oakham
We will explore the beautiful old streets and lanes of Oakham. See the old Buttermarket and the Stocks in the market Square. See the beautiful park and castle walls. Visit some of the towns well known foodie spots. Speaking of which visit the home of the man who inspired the home of little Tom Thumb and jumped out of a pie to surprise the King.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
16Wheatsheaf
The archetypal market town pub with some fantastic drinks, authentic interiors and lovely pub garden... it features on our Oakham Pub Tour and you ay want to stay on here after the tour... Centuries ago it was a little different!
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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