Bodmin Jail, built in 1779 by prisoners of war, served as Cornwall's main penitentiary for over 150 years. Designed by Sir John Call, it was one of the first British prisons to incorporate individual cells and segregated areas for men, women, and debtors.

Throughout the 19th century, the jail was expanded multiple times to accommodate a growing prison population and adhere to new regulations. Conditions, however, were often dire, with overcrowding, disease, and harsh discipline being commonplace. The jail witnessed the suffering of thousands, including men, women, and even young children incarcerated for crimes ranging from petty theft to murder.

A total of 55 executions by hanging took place within Bodmin Jail's walls, with many of the condemned being buried in unmarked graves within the prison grounds. The last execution in Cornwall, that of William Hampton for murder, occurred here in 1909.

During World War I, with many prisoners and guards away at war, the emptied cells of Bodmin Jail were used to store national treasures, including the Domesday Book and the Crown Jewels, for safekeeping.

The prison officially closed in 1927. For decades, parts of the building fell into disrepair, while other sections were repurposed, notably as a popular bar and nightclub in the 1960s. In the 1990s, it was developed into a museum and visitor attraction, focusing on its grim past and ghostly legends.

A significant multi-million-pound redevelopment project culminated in 2021 with the opening of The Bodmin Jail Hotel, a luxury hotel within the historic structure, alongside a greatly enhanced and immersive visitor attraction. Today, Bodmin Jail stands as a powerful monument to Cornwall's penal history and a focal point for those fascinated by its dark tales and reputed hauntings.