Broken Hearts Gallery Explores Historic Love and Crime at Bodmin Jail

The Broken Hearts Gallery is returning to Bodmin Jail this February, bringing with it a darker and more emotionally charged look at real love stories from the Georgian and Victorian eras where passion, obsession and betrayal ended in tragedy.

The exhibition explores historic cases in which emotions once considered private played out in the most public and brutal ways, with stories of marital poisonings, betrayed lovers, murderous couples and executions rooted in heartbreak.

True Stories of Love and Betrayal

Visitors to Bodmin Jail will step into accounts that focus not just on crime, but on the human emotions behind them. The gallery examines how jealousy, desperation and obsession shaped decisions that changed lives forever.

The Case That Still Divides Opinion

At the heart of the exhibition is one of Cornwall’s most talked-about love stories, involving Charlotte Dymond and Matthew Weeks. The gallery looks at what happened on the moors on that fateful day and asks visitors to consider whether Matthew was guilty or the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Guests are invited to examine the evidence, explore competing theories and cast their own judgement using an interactive polling box.

Family Activities Over Half-Term

Running throughout February half-term, the Love of the Unloved Family Activity Trail offers younger visitors a hands-on way to explore the jail. Children can follow clues, solve puzzles and complete activities as they uncover forgotten stories of love and loss. Those who complete the trail can collect a prize from the jail’s gift shop.

Creepy Crawlies and Curious Creatures

February will also see the return of Creepy Crawlies and Curious Creatures sessions. These guided encounters give visitors the chance to meet snakes, spiders and other animals, with expert handlers explaining how they communicate, survive and even court one another.

A Valentine’s Experience With a Dark Twist

The Broken Hearts Guided Tour also returns this February, offering a deeper exploration of crimes of love from across the country. Led by expert guides, the tour uncovers stories of forbidden romance, obsessive devotion and tragic heartbreak linked to the jail’s history.

The tours are aimed at couples, friends or anyone looking for a Valentine’s experience that is unconventional and rooted in true crime history.

More to Discover Throughout February

Across the month, visitors can explore romantic curiosities around the jail, including Victorian vinegar Valentine cards and stories of people imprisoned for the so called crime of love. Guests are encouraged to wander the wings and uncover hidden details where romance and history collide.

Limited Edition Collectable

Exclusive to February, Bodmin Jail will also release its Limited Edition Heartbound Ghost collectable. Available only while stocks last, the keepsake is positioned as a gift for partners, friends or secret crushes.

The Broken Hearts Gallery runs throughout February, with entry included in standard jail admission unless otherwise stated.