By Brady Haran BBC News Online

The historic site has a bloody past

It is also one of the city's most historic areas, boasting two gorgeous churches and a proud tradition of lace manufacturing.

However one building in the area has a different story to tell - a tale of blood, death and cruelty.

The Galleries of Justice once housed Nottingham's court houses, police and jail.

The Victorian building was the site of controversial executions, mistreatment and heart-breaking deportations.

WOW FACTOR We are able to use the 'wow factor' to make an impression on students Tim Desmond

Head of education and skills Tim Desmond explains: "There is no doubt that many horrendous things happened here, but the building is now repaying that debt to the community."

That debt is being repayed via the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL).

While most people are familiar with the Galleries of Justice Museum, few people realise the work being done behind the scenes by the NCCL.

That changed last week when the centre was awarded the UK's richest arts award - the �100,000 Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries.

Rather than just preserving the site's fascinating past, the NCCL is using the old courtrooms, cells and artefacts to change the lives of many young people.

Mr Desmond says: "It would be easy to keep the site as a historical curio and just have people come here like any other museum or old site, but we are taking things further and using the historical elements to teach young people."

'Massive advantage'

Each year about 15,000 school students visit the museum and are taught how to be better citizens.

The lessons and activities cover three main areas:

• Rights and responsibilities

• Legal literacy

• Community involvement

Mr Desmond says: "We have a massive advantage because of the courtrooms, cells and artefacts... we are able to use the 'wow factor' to make an impression on students."

HISTORIC SITE Used as a venue for trials since the 13th century Victorian prison closed in 1870s Police and courts moved out in 1980s

The museum also wins credibility with students because it is neutral and does not "toe the line" for the government, Mr Desmond says.

"That puts us at an advantage over the police and teachers, and allows us to get the message across in a new way."

But perhaps more important is the work NCCL does each year with 500 "young people at risk of offending".

These young people take part in a series of activities designed to teach them about the law while building their confidence and self-esteem.

Mr Desmond explains: "Many of the lessons they learn here at the Galleries of Justice are about taking away the glamorous perception of crime and explaining the realities of court and jail."

The �100,000 prize has been welcomed by the NCCL, but Mr Desmond says it is just a "drop in the ocean" for the charity, which has no core funding and depends solely on grants and admissions to the galleries.

COMMENTS BY GULBENKIAN PRIZE JUDGES

Peter Jenkinson, National Director, Creative Partnerships: "I spent three hours at the NCCL and was overwhelmed by its energy and brilliance."

Joanna Lumley, actress and writer: "Our house was struck by lightning the other night and that's exactly how I felt about the NCCL experience. It's astonishing and thrilling and frighteningly good."

Dr Simon Thurley, Director of English Heritage: "Nottingham's use of its 18th and 19th Century courthouse and prison heritage is simply brilliant and provides a solution to the ever-increasing number of redundant Victorian courthouses around the country."

Eleanor Updale, author and historian: "I was bowled over by the superb use of the gaol, the courthouse and the police station. NCCL makes real use of history and a difference to people's lives."