More than 100 fascinated visitors availed themselves of the opportunity to visit the ancient lock-up in the bowels of Devizes town hall this week.

As part of National Tourism Week, the town council had an open day in the building, where visitors could see the council regalia, paintings and other treasures.

But most were there to see for themselves the 17th century lock-up where miscreants spent the night before being paraded in front of magistrates the following morning.

It has taken the council many months to clear the dungeon of detritus such as obselete oil tanks, and install atmospheric lighting and sound.

Visitors were gratifyingly spooked when visiting the basement jail.

Carole Berry, the town council’s direct services manager, said: “We had over 50 people for the morning guided tour and I gave up taking names for the afternoon tour, but we had well over 40 for that.

“I lot of people went back to the visitor centre in the Market Place and said how much they had enjoyed the tour.

“It is, I have to say, very spooky down in the lock-up.

“But, despite that, we have already had requests for people to spend the night down there.

“We will consider all requests, but it will depend on staff availability and what else is going on in the town hall.”

The lock-up is the oldest part of the building, dating back to around 1650.

The current town hall was built in 1808, replacing a Yarn Hall built in 1575.

A display has been set up in the lock-up by local historian John Girvan, featuring Hubert the Vagrant, who was locked up for causing a nuisance while drunk in Monday Market Street.

Mrs Berry said: “The costumes are absolutely authentic.

“It has been a long journey putting together this display, but it has been worth it. It has created a very special interesting place that will be a useful educational tool for schools and groups.”

All requests for tours of the town hall should be made to the town council on (01380) 722160.