Durham prison rogues gallery exhibition opens

Jul 25 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

AS far as rogues galleries go, it must rank as one of the most notorious – and villainous – around.

Yesterday, the great and the good of Durham – including Bishop of Durham Dr Tom Wright, MP Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods and city mayor Denis Southwell – were among the VIPs invited to gaze upon the mugshots of such criminal luminaries as John McVicar, Charlie Richardson, Ronnie Kray, “Mad” Frankie Fraser and Charles Bronson.

The criminals all share the dubious distinction of having served time in Durham Prison, although McVicar did manage to escape in 1968.

A museum detailing the history of Durham jail – and some of its most notorious inmates – was opened in the 15th-Century Tithe Barn, off Hallgarth Street, Durham, and overshadowed by the giant prison walls, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the prison.

Although not open to the public, the museum will be accessible on certain days including heritage days, and by invitation from the prison authorities.

The Bishop of Durham, who had earlier conducted a service to commemorate the anniversary in the prison chapel, said: “An exhibition such as this is invaluable in that it shows how we have to strive to strike the balance between justice and mercy.

“Those who simply seek justice show no mercy, while people who advocate mercy alone are seen as soft. The right balance is a difficult one to achieve.”

Exhibits on display include a bible discovered when a grave was uncovered during excavations.