old gaol

Kids loved having their picture taken while they we "in the stocks".Good history lesson for elementary school kids.

The Old Gaol is a self-guided tour. There was a guide there who stayed outside while we toured. There are plaques that you have to read that give the history of the gaol. The jailer, his wife and children lived on the premises with the prisoners. See how the wealthy prisoners were able to bring their bed and furnishings to their "cell." Debtors were able to work inside or outside the prison to pay off their debt. The one's that worked outside the prison had to return there at night. The stories are interesting and surprising.The gaol served as a jail from 1719 to 1879. The original stone cell was constructed in 1719. The building was enlarged in the 1790's due to demand for better conditions in debtor's prisons. There was an increase in debtors following the American Revolution. The gaol's jail and jailer's quarters depicts how they were in 1789. It opened as a Colonial Museum in 1900.It is said to be haunted by an Indian woman named Patience Boston who spent time in the Old Gaol. She was hanged for killing the son of a local minister.I wish they had headsets so we did not have to read the many plaques to get the history. Note: The narrow and steep staircase to the 2nd floor was difficult to climb.

I've been a interpreter for the Museums of Old York for many years. The Old Gaol is a wonderful place to begin your tour of the first origins of Maine. It is the oldest British public building in the U.S. and the "stone dungeon" dates from 1719. Come see how peoples of the past were punished and compare it to the present. Even though the Gaol is self guided an interpreter is always there to answer any questions you might have, and then some! Many other historic buildings are available to tour,some guided and some self guided. Enjoy your day at Old York.

A very old gaol with a lot of authentic articles in the rooms. Can be disconcerting if you're sensitive to feelings of those who have gone before you and were in unpleasant circumstances.

Very cool look into the 17th and18th century....as with all the York Museums, great guides both friendly and knowledgeable.

A different concept of "Jailing" than we know today. Most interesting. Self guided aso no one to ask questions of.

Great little museum capturing the life of the prisoners and jailers in colonial York Maine. What's amazing is how the jailer and his wife and their four kids lived side by side with the prisoners they kept. See the original jail cells, graffiti from prisoners, period furnishing. Cool place to visit.

Usually historic places are a bit too stark with modern lighting and the feeling you are in a museum looking through glass, but here you get the feeling that you stepped back in time into the real deal. Great experience. Wonderful history. Lots of interesting facts and I enjoyed every minute. Then go to the Fat Tomato Grill for lunch.

This definitely was worth the tour....guide was so informative. Sure glad I wasn't a trouble-maker back in the 1700's ~ that jail sure didn't look too inviting!

if you are out to see the history of the town you should go see this.

History and Fun merged in one. We had an interesting visit and the kids in thegroup who complained about "one more stop" thought it would be fun to return!

The Old Gaol stands out among historic buildings as it is an unusual example of an important element of our colonial past. I imagine that many houses have survived from the period but Gaols found the way of the wrecking ball as they served little purpose as the country modernized. And yes, you could really be jailed for debt as you will learn when you visit.

The Bread and Water was just OK. Actually, the bread was probably stale and the water a bit murky. Perhaps another spot for lunch next time.

Nous avons passé la journée à York, York Arbour et York Beach. À York on peut visiter neuf édifices anciens qui ont été restaurés. The museums of Old York. Par nous-mêmes nous avons fait la visite de 3 bâtiments:the Old Gaol(jail), John Hancock Wharf and Warehouse et George Marshall store. Si vous le demander on peut vous remettre la documentation en français.Nous n'avons pas visité les six autres bâtiments car ce sont des visites guidées à heure fixe, mais l'endroit est tellement beau que je vous recommanderais de les visiter.York demeure une des belles villes que j'ai visité en Nouvelle-Angleterre. Résidences du 17e siècle, églises coloniales, maisons de ferme, murs de pierres le long des rues, rivière York.