Object Handling: Rose Ann Goodwill ‘A Perfect Nuisance’

Rose Ann Goodwill was arrested 57 times over 20 years—but no photograph of her is known to survive.

In this hands-on drop-in activity, you can help bring Rose Ann back into view. Using the written descriptions in her criminal record, including details of her tattoos, add your ideas to a shared drawing and help piece together an image of a woman the camera never captured.

You can also see Rose Ann’s original criminal record and handle oakum: old, tarred rope that she would have been made to pull apart during some of her sentences of hard labour.

Explore the objects, get creative and discover more about Rose Ann’s life. Her story also leaves us with a question that still matters today: if someone is punished in the same way again and again, does it ever really change anything?

A relaxed, thought-provoking activity for visitors of all ages. There is no need to book, this activity is included in the price of your annual pass.

This is one of the many fun and creative activities included in the price of your annual pass across our three museums. Make sure you check our ‘Things To Do’ page to see what we have coming up.

Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult. This activity is suitable for all ages but please be aware that younger children will need adult supervision.

Baby change and accessible toilet are on-site.

This activity is at Ripon Prison & Police Museum