Drosdy Museum Complex (2): Old Gaol

I love visitng museums and Swellendam has a three.  After visiting the first building of the Drosdy Museum complex we walked across the street to the Old Goal and Ambagswerf. 
Swellendam Museums 
The Old Goal was built soon after the Drosdy.  The simple long building was enlarged in 1790 and again in 1813.  A courtyard was formed by building a wall connecting the cells.  Two cells are open for visitors but there is not much to seen.  Only two small empty rooms.
Swellendam Museums
Swellendam Museums
A cottage for the gaoler and deputy sheriff is now used for exhibits and a museum shop. There are a lot of books for sale about the town and district.  The exhibits did not really interest us but we loved the shop.  We bought some books, postcards and a fridge magnet.
Swellendam Museums
Swellendam Museums
The Ambagswerf or “trade yard” is in the back of the Old Gaol.  It is an open-air area with exhibits of the different trades that was practice in the early days of Swellendam.  There is a wagonmaker, mill, tannery and more.  There was even a few sheep walking around outside.
Swellendam Museums
Swellendam Museums

Swellendam Museums

USEFUL INFORMATION:
Drosdy Museum Complex
Address:                       18 Swellengrebel Street, Swellenda
Tel no:                          +27 28 514 1138          
Website:                       http://www.drostdymuseum.com  
Entrance Fee:                R25.00
Visiting Hours:               Monday – Friday:             09:00-16:30
                                    Saturday - Sunday:            10:00-14:45
                                    Public Holidays:                       10:00-14:45
                                    (Closed Good Friday, 25 & 26 Dec & 1 Jan)

(Not a sponsored post)

Comments

  1. Firefly the Travel Guy06 May, 2013 12:51

    I used to really enjoy this section of the museum. Pity its not a living museum though

    ReplyDelete

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