Crime and Punishment Month - April 2025

Did you know that Tavistock Guildhall was the one of the first purpose-built combined police station, fire station and courthouse in the country? Built in 1848 on the orders of Francis Russell 7th Duke of Bedford, it was designed to address the rising crime rates in Tavistock caused by the 19th-century mining boom.

This April, the Guildhall Heritage Centre goes back to its roots and delves into the intriguing world of crime and punishment with a series of expert talks:

4th April: Dave Moore, Programme Leader for Forensic Science at the University of St Mark and St John and former Police Sergeant, presents a talk on Forensics. He will address myths surrounding the CSI effect, explain what constitutes a crime scene, discuss evidence, and share historical insights into forensic science.

17th April: Paul Finegan, Museum Curator at Dartmoor Prison Museum, offers a presentation titled Dartmoor Remembered: Faces from the Past. Discover stories of individuals who spent time in one of Britain’s most famous historical prisons.

25th April: Simon Dell, a former police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police, discusses The Murder of PC Potter, bringing to life a gripping historical case.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the historic courtroom atmosphere, guided by these expert hosts.
 

Crime and Punishment Month at the Guildhall Heritage Centre

• Time: Each talk begins at 7pm
• Mini Museum Access: The Mini Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall will be open from 6pm on the 4th, 17th, and 25th of April
• Entry: Free, with donations gratefully accepted
• Refreshments: Available during the event
• Book in person at the Guildhall Heritage Centre, telephone 01822 618300 or email at guildhall@tavistock.gov.uk

Courtroom talk - 'Dartmoor Georgian Improvers'

Join Simon Dell for an illustrated talk entitled 'Dartmoor Georgian Improvers'.

In this talk Simon tells the story of ambitious attempts 200 years ago to turn the moorlands of Dartmoor into productive agricultural land. The so-called ‘improvers’ had limited success, but their efforts made an impact on the landscape that can still be seen today.

Talk starts at 7pm in the Courtroom. It is free to attend, although donations to the Guildhall Heritage Centre are always welcome. 

Courtroom talk - "Historical insights into forensic science"

Dave Moore, Programme Leader for Forensic Science at the University of St Mark and St John and former Police Sergeant, presents a talk on Forensics. He will address myths surrounding the CSI effect, explain what constitutes a crime scene, discuss evidence, and share historical insights into forensic science.

Part of Crime and Punishment Month at the Guildhall Heritage Centre

• Time: Each talk begins at 7pm
• Mini Museum Access: The Mini Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall will be open from 6pm on the 4th, 17th, and 25th of April
• Entry: Free, with donations gratefully accepted
• Refreshments: Available during the event
• Book in person at the Guildhall Heritage Centre, telephone 01822 618300 or email at guildhall@tavistock.gov.uk

Coutroom talk - "Dartmoor Remembered: Faces from the Past"

Paul Finegan, Museum Curator at Dartmoor Prison Museum, offers a presentation titled Dartmoor Remembered: Faces from the Past. Discover stories of individuals who spent time in one of Britain’s most famous historical prisons.

Part of Crime and Punishment Month at the Guildhall Heritage Centre

• Time: Each talk begins at 7pm
• Mini Museum Access: The Mini Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall will be open from 6pm on the 4th, 17th, and 25th of April
• Entry: Free, with donations gratefully accepted
• Refreshments: Available during the event
• Book in person at the Guildhall Heritage Centre, telephone 01822 618300 or email at guildhall@tavistock.gov.uk