Shrewsbury's Dana Prison escapee to offer tour of jail on History Day

Walter Groom, who escaped from the prison in 1961, is the only living person to have escaped its walls.

He will now return to the former prison on May 1 as part of History Day, an event run by Immersive Events in partnership with Jailhouse Tours.

It will bring prison characters from years gone past to life. Visitors will be able to walk through the site on a self-guided tour, experiencing first hand the life prisoners and guards had, from Georgian times until the prison’s closure in 2013.

People will be able to interact with the characters, ask questions and learn about prison life and the Dana’s grizzly history.

A small part of the Georgian holding cells will be open, there will be a chance to meet the last Governor ‘Gerry Henry’ and interact with Albert Peirepoint before he conducts an execution.

Mr Groom will also offer an exclusive 20-minute tour.

Joel Campbell, owner of The Campbell Group of Companies which operates both Jailhouse Tours and Immersive Events, said: “Last year’s History Day was a great success so it is really exciting to bring back this immersive family experience.

“The History Day is both informative, engaging and suitable for all ages. It’s a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the prison History in a really immersive way.

“The way we run the day allows our visitors to explore the prison and characters at their own pace. “

The History Day takes place on May 1.

The Prison gates will open at 10am and close at 5pm, with the events finishing at 4pm. Tickets are £15 for adults, £9.50 for children aged five to 15, £13 for students and concessions and £43.50 for a family of two adults and two children.

Tickets will be on sale from April 2 and can be purchased online at http://www.imevents.global/history-days, by calling 01743 343100 and at the gate on the day.