HM Prison Dartmoor

HM Prison Dartmoor is a penal facility in Princetown on the Dartmoor highlands in Devon, southwest England. The stone structures follow a radial layout with a central control tower and several wings arranged to allow guards to monitor all areas from a central point.

The facility was built in 1806 as a detention center for French prisoners captured during the Napoleonic Wars. Later it became the home of American sailors taken captive during the War of 1812, and the buildings underwent various changes over the following decades.

The museum exhibits items and documents spanning two centuries of prison life within these walls. Visitors see uniforms, weapons, and personal belongings that reveal how people lived and worked in this institution.

The site sits at higher elevation where weather tends to be more exposed and changeable, so bring suitable clothing and check conditions before visiting. It is best reached by car since the location is remote and public transport connections are limited.

During their imprisonment, American sailors created their own internal government system with courts and market areas. This self-organized society within the prison walls became a noteworthy example of how captives adapted to their confined circumstances.

Location: Devon

Inception: 1809

Official opening: 1809

GPS coordinates: 50.54972,-3.99611

Latest update: December 18, 2025 11:41