SCARBOROUGH Museums Trust (SMT) has teamed up with the Borough Council to offer tours around the town’s former jail on Dean Road.

The Grade II listed building was opened in 1866, but only operated as a jail for 12 years, closing in 1878. It provided accommodation for 36 males, 12 females and four debtors or juveniles. It’s believed that one of its first residents escaped by scraping away mortar which hadn’t fully set, and removing bricks.

It is now used by Scarborough Borough Council for storage, but the interior is preserved as it was in the 1800s.

Tours will be led by SMT’s visitor services assistants, who have been trained by the borough council’s current and former conservation officers Derek Green and Chris Hall.

Georgie Samuels, SMT’s communications and events co-ordinator, said: “The old prison is one of Scarborough’s best-kept secrets, and this is a rare opportunity to take a look around and hear about its fascinating history.”

Jail tours will take place at 11am and 2pm on March 30 and 31, and April 1, 6, 7 and 8. Places are £5 each, and are bookable by calling Scarborough Art Gallery on 01723 374753. Payment is required at time of booking, and participants are asked to meet at the main doors of the jail in Dean Road.