A HOST of the BBC show Antiques Road Trip went behind the bars at Shepton Mallet Prison to learn more about the rumoured oldest prison in the world.

Expert auctioneer Izzie Balmer took a trip to Somerset to meet with the prison’s tour manager, Monica Newton.

Izzie was given a tour of the 400-year-old jail, which housed its first inmates in 1625, and she was taken through key areas, including what are believed to be original 1600s cells, the exercise yard, and one of the prison wings.

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A spokesperson for the prison said: “Monica shared insights into the type of crimes committed by inmates, the conditions they endured, and the introduction of hard labour.

“The episode also highlighted the prison’s role during the Second World War.

“Shepton Mallet Prison also played a vital role as a hiding place.

“For example, it became the Public Records Office, hiding the Little and Great Domesday Book, the Magna Carta and it is rumoured that William Shakespeare’s will was even here!

“As the tour concluded, Monica playfully told Izzie, ‘You’ve been well-behaved, so I’m going to release you.’’

Obscura – based in Cheddar – also featured in the episode, as filming took place at the shop’s previous premises in Wedmore.

The future of Shepton Mallet Prison was recently secured after it was bought by Cove Group after years of uncertainty and problems.

A spokesperson said the purchase would ensure the site will be ‘preserved, restored, and developed for generations to come’.

The episode can be found here.