Shepton Mallet Prison Ticket Portal

"Discover the Untold Stories: An Exhibition on the 'Brown Babies' of WWII

Guest Speaker Suzann Savidge explores a little-known chapter of history with our new exhibition, shedding light on the estimated 2,000 children born to Black GIs and white British women during World War II. Dubbed 'brown babies' by the African-American press and 'half-castes' by the British, these children were born into a world that rejected them. In a segregated army, Black GIs were forbidden to marry their white girlfriends, leaving nearly half of these children in children's homes, considered 'too hard to place' by adoption agencies.

This evening talk offers a rare glimpse into the lives of these children, revealing the racism, identity struggles, and family challenges they faced in a predominantly white Britain. Through heartfelt stories and historical context, you'll experience the journey that is both heartbreaking and uplifting, offering a compassionate insight into a forgotten piece of history.

We are delighted to present Dave Cable, a renowned historian, researcher, and author. Over the years, Dave has uncovered some truly fascinating facts about Shepton Mallet Prison, from the original plans dating back to the 1800s to the stories of individual prisoners and staff members.

For this special "Evening Behind Bars," Dave will take us on a journey back in time as we explore the wicked past of four characters who each spent time in Shepton Mallet Gaol. From petty crime to insanity—did the punishment fit the crime? Join us as we delve into their stories, discover their fates, and explore whether the harsh conditions and sentences they endured were truly justified.

Event Date - 26th February 2025

We're excited to welcome Ann Morris, who has spent the last seven years capturing EVP recordings at Shepton Mallet Prison.  Ann will guide you through the world of EVP, sharing how she records these mysterious phenomena and what they reveal about the site.

You'll hear chilling recordings from both human and non-human sources, explore different theories behind EVP, and discover that not all paranormal captures are dark or frightening. Join us for a captivating journey into the unexplained, as Ann shares some of her most remarkable and mind-boggling findings.

Event date: 23rd April 2025

Ex Office, Laura Miller uncovers the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in prison, from safety concerns and discrimination to access to gender-affirming care. This presentation explores how prisons are addressing these needs through support groups, staff training, and anti-discrimination policies.

Join us to learn about ongoing advocacy and efforts to create a more inclusive, equitable prison system. Whether you work in the justice system or have an interest in social justice, this talk offers valuable insights into supporting LGBTQIA+ prisoners.

Event Date: 11th June 2025