
HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Dorchester
Dorchester, a historic town in Dorset, is rich with stories of the past, and its ancient streets,
buildings, and landmarks are steeped in eerie legends and paranormal activity. Known for its
Roman roots and connections to Thomas Hardy, Dorchester has long been a site of ghostly
encounters and supernatural phenomena. From the atmospheric halls of historic inns to the
remains of old prisons and castles, the town is a magnet for those intrigued by the supernatural.
Visitors often report strange sounds, ghostly apparitions, and an unsettling sense of being
watched, adding to the mystique of this charming yet haunted town.
Shire Hall Museum
This grade 1 listed building was originally designed by Thomas Hardwick and opened in 1797 until 1955 as a courthouse. The eerie courtroom and dark cells remain well preserved and depict the many tales of crime and punishment from within them. With a lengthy time spent as a courthouse, many of those who passed through saw death sentences handed out from the dock where justice was served - rightly or wrongly!
The courthouse has seen many people tried and tested here, some of which are more famous than others, such as the 1834 trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs that began the Trade Union movement, the infamous Dorset smugglers and the 1856 domestic abuse case that inspired Thomas Hardy to write ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs trial inspired the development of the Trade Union and developments in employment law, but it has also had an impact on the building itself. In 1956, the Trades Union Congress took over the building after its recognition in the Tolpuddle Martyrs trial. In 1968, the Union handed the building back to the council in agreement that the courtroom would be open to public inspection and continues to tell past stories of people and a justice system that has impacted us all today.
Hauntings of Shire Hall Museum, Court House and Cells.
Not all stories within the walls of Shire Hall Museum are so well known. Some are worth finding out for yourself!
There have been many tales of paranormal experiences, and the building is thought to be very active - making it a must for anyone keen to experience the paranormal. Our own previous investigations have not disappointed!
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Ghostly Nights are excited to bring you a Ghost hunt like no other at Shire Hall Museum, Court House and Cells! Click here to see our events at this location.
Dorchester Prison
Dorchester Prison, once a notorious Victorian-era correctional facility, is a significant landmark in the town of Dorchester, Dorset. Its history is steeped in tales of punishment, death, and suffering, and over the years, these dark events have contributed to a reputation for paranormal activity that has intrigued both locals and visitors.
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Built in 1806 on the site of an earlier prison, Dorchester Prison became infamous for its harsh conditions and its role in housing both petty criminals and political prisoners. The prison was expanded in the mid-19th century, adopting the typical "panopticon" design with a central watchtower, from which guards could observe prisoners at all times.
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During its long history, Dorchester Prison housed a wide variety of prisoners, including those convicted of violent crimes, suffragettes, and even individuals involved in the political unrest of the 20th century.
The prison's notoriety grew as it became associated with severe punishments, including executions. Between 1900 and 1939, more than 50 executions were carried out at Dorchester Prison, many by hanging. The harsh conditions, overcrowding, and suffering endured by prisoners left a dark imprint on the site, which many believe has contributed to its haunted reputation.
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Dorchester Prison was closed in 2013, and since then, the site has been a point of interest for those curious about its chilling past and the spirits that may still linger within its walls.
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The prison’s grim history has made it a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of strange occurrences and ghostly experiences by those who have visited the site or worked there.
One of the most common reports is the sound of footsteps echoing through the empty halls, often heard late at night when no one else is around. These footsteps are sometimes described as coming from invisible prisoners pacing in the corridors, a lingering reminder of those who once walked these harsh hallways.
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Apparitions are another frequent phenomenon at Dorchester Prison. Visitors and staff have reported seeing shadowy figures or the spectral presence of former inmates. Some believe these spirits may be those who met a violent end within the prison walls, especially the souls of those who were executed. The execution chamber itself is thought to be one of the most active areas, with many claiming to feel an overwhelming sense of unease or even a sudden drop in temperature when they enter.
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Another common encounter is the feeling of being watched or followed. Visitors have described the sensation of cold hands brushing against them, and some have even claimed to see figures standing at the end of hallways before vanishing into thin air. In the prison's solitary confinement cells, some have reported an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere, which is believed to be tied to the immense suffering of those once confined there.
The Keep Military Museum
The Keep Military Museum, is a prominent landmark dedicated to preserving the rich military history of the region. Located in an imposing structure that was once the headquarters for the Dorsetshire Regiment, the museum offers a fascinating collection of military artifacts spanning several centuries, from the Napoleonic Wars to modern-day conflicts. However, beyond its historical significance, the museum is also associated with eerie tales of paranormal activity, making it a place of interest not only for history enthusiasts but also for those intrigued by the supernatural.
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The Keep Military Museum is housed in an iconic building, the former Dorchester Barracks, which dates back to the 18th century. The barracks served as the headquarters for the Dorsetshire Regiment and was a central part of the town's military presence.
Over the years, the building witnessed countless soldiers pass through its gates, some of whom served in significant military campaigns, including both World Wars. The museum now houses an extensive collection of artifacts, uniforms, and memorabilia related to the regiment's history and the role of Dorset’s soldiers in various conflicts.
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The building itself, with its history of military activity, has seen its fair share of hardship and tragedy. Soldiers stationed here faced the realities of war, often under harsh conditions. The somber nature of military life, combined with the loss of life during numerous battles, has led some to believe that the Keep Military Museum is haunted by the spirits of those who once served within its walls.
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Over the years, the Keep Military Museum has gained a reputation for being haunted, with many visitors and staff reporting strange occurrences. The most frequently reported phenomena include unexplained sounds, ghostly apparitions, and an unsettling atmosphere in certain areas of the building.
One of the most common reports is the sound of footsteps in the otherwise empty hallways, particularly at night when the museum is closed. These footsteps are said to echo through the corridors, often when no one else is present, and are sometimes described as the heavy boots of soldiers marching in the halls.
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Apparitions are another frequent occurrence at the museum. Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures moving around the building, particularly in the older sections where the barracks once stood. These figures are often described as wearing military uniforms, and some believe they are the restless spirits of soldiers who served in the Dorsetshire Regiment. One of the more chilling accounts involves the sighting of a soldier in full regalia who seemingly disappears when approached.
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Perhaps one of the most poignant tales of haunting comes from the museum’s display of wartime artifacts. Some visitors have claimed to feel a strange sense of unease or even grief when near certain exhibits, particularly those related to soldiers who lost their lives in war. This emotional energy is said to be tied to the spirits of those who gave their lives in service to their country.
The Oak Room at the Tea Rooms
The Oak Room, located in the Tea Rooms on Antelope Walk in Dorchester, Dorset, is a charming and historic space that has become known for its rich history and eerie reports of paranormal activity. Situated within an old building that has stood for centuries, the Tea Rooms and its Oak Room have seen numerous changes over the years. Originally part of a local establishment, the building is thought to have housed a variety of businesses, with each layer of its history contributing to its reputation as a place full of character—and perhaps something more.
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The Oak Room itself, with its dark wood paneling and old-world ambiance, has long been a favorite spot for tea and conversation. However, over the years, visitors and staff have reported strange and unexplained occurrences within the room. One of the most common experiences is the sudden appearance of cold spots, which seem to materialize without any logical cause. These chilling sensations are often accompanied by an unsettling feeling, as though the room is not as empty as it seems.
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In addition to the cold spots, several people have reported hearing unexplained noises, such as faint whispers or footsteps echoing in the quiet of the room. These sounds often occur when the Oak Room is otherwise unoccupied, leading some to believe that the room is haunted by past occupants or visitors. Some claim to feel a presence in the room, as though being watched, and occasionally, the lights in the room have been known to flicker or dim inexplicably.
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Given the age of the building and its long history, it's not surprising that the Oak Room has become associated with ghostly legends. The Tea Rooms have been a part of Dorchester’s social fabric for many years, and the stories of those who once walked its floors seem to linger, contributing to the atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. For those who enjoy the supernatural, the Oak Room offers not only a taste of history but also a chance to experience the strange and unexplained.
Dorchester Tunnels
Dorchester is home to a network of tunnels that have long intrigued locals and visitors alike. These tunnels, some of which date back to Roman times, run beneath the town and have been associated with various functions over the centuries, including storage, defense, and even escape routes. Today, while much of the network is not open to the public, the tunnels remain a fascinating part of Dorchester’s hidden history, with numerous tales of hauntings and paranormal activity adding to their mystique.
The tunnels beneath Dorchester have a history stretching back over 2,000 years. The earliest known sections of the tunnels are believed to have been constructed by the Romans, who used them for storage, transportation, and perhaps even for military purposes. As the town developed over the centuries, the tunnels expanded and were repurposed for various uses, including as a place to store supplies during times of conflict and as secret passages for escaping danger. During the English Civil War, for example, it is believed that some of the tunnels were used to transport goods and soldiers in secret.
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As the town grew, the tunnels were forgotten and gradually sealed off. However, stories of their existence have persisted, with occasional discoveries sparking interest in the hidden passages beneath Dorchester. Some believe the tunnels stretch far beyond what is currently known, possibly linking key locations in the town.
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With such a long and turbulent history, it’s no surprise that Dorchester’s tunnels have become associated with ghostly legends and paranormal activity. Several reports of strange occurrences have been linked to the tunnels, leading some to believe they are haunted by the spirits of those who once lived, worked, or perished beneath the town.
One of the most widely circulated legends is that of a ghostly figure seen in and around the tunnel entrances. Descriptions vary, but many witnesses claim to have seen a shadowy figure, often dressed in period clothing, lurking in the darkness. Some say the figure is a soldier from the Civil War, while others believe it is the ghost of a Roman who once used the tunnels.
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Another common report is the eerie sensation of being watched while in or near the tunnels. Visitors have claimed to feel an overwhelming sense of unease, particularly in the more hidden and sealed-off sections. Cold spots and the sounds of faint footsteps or whispers have also been reported by those who have ventured into the tunnels or near their entrances.