Wilcove WI celebrated its 73rd birthday by sending many of its members to Jail – Bodmin Goal to be precise!
The tour around Bodmin Gaol was given by a very knowledgeable Heritage Guide Gemma, who painted very vivid pictures of prison life since it was built in 1779.
She talked extensively about prison reforms and public hangings – including detailing the derivation of phrases like ‘kicking the bucket’, ‘one for the road’, ‘falling off the wagon’ and pulling my leg’. Gemma also spoke about how William Marwood, Executioner, developed more humane hangings using a person’s height and weight to ensure a rapid death.
The outing was topped off with a delicious cream tea with the lightest scone ever tasted.