Old Guildhall Museum & Gaol

About

Temp closed The Museum is now closed until Spring 2024. We look forward to seeing you in 2024 when can see our new displays. The 15th Century listed Ancient Museum has a fascinating display of Looe’s history, including Looe Governance, boat building and smuggling. The building itself is a marvellous exhibit as it retains many of its 550 years old original features with ancient cells (with prisoners) and the very old, raised magistrates bench complete with the Royal Coat of Arms. As you walk into the upper floor, you are entering the room which, from 1587 to 1878, was the East Looe Town Hall & Magistrates Court. Beneath the magnificent timber-framed roof, laws were made and enforced and the town was administered by the Mayor and Corporation, known as Burgesses.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes