Prisons often hold dark secrets, and the rich history of Britain's jails is steeped in tales of punishment, death, and despair. Over time, many of these historical buildings have become infamous not just for their grim pasts but also for the eerie hauntings and paranormal activity reported within their walls. From old, crumbling structures to still-operating prisons, these locations have gained reputations as some of the most haunted sites in the UK and beyond.
In this article, we’ll take a tour through the haunted histories of 11 infamous prisons: Shepton Mallet Prison, Bodmin Jail, Dorchester Prison, Gloucester Prison, Shrewsbury Prison, Inveraray Jail, Steel House Lane Lockup, Littledean Jail, Clink Prison, Derby Gaol and The Old Prison, Northleach.
1. Shepton Mallet Prison, Somerset
History: Shepton Mallet Prison, located in the town of Shepton Mallet, Somerset, is one of the oldest surviving prisons in the UK. It was built in 1610 as a county gaol and originally housed debtors, thieves, and those awaiting transportation to the colonies. The prison’s history spans over four centuries, during which it has seen dramatic changes, including a brutal period in the Victorian era. The prison was famously used as a military facility during the World Wars and has a notorious history of holding conscientious objectors. After a long period of decline, it was finally closed as a working prison in 2008 but remained in operation as a tourist attraction until its final closure in 2013.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Shepton Mallet is notorious for its paranormal activity. Many visitors report seeing shadowy figures, hearing footsteps, and feeling cold spots throughout the building. A particularly well-known ghost is said to be that of an executed inmate, whose spirit reportedly haunts the execution chamber. The ghostly figure of a man dressed in Victorian prison garb is commonly seen walking the corridors, and there are numerous reports of strange, disembodied voices and unexplained movements. Many also claim to feel an overwhelming sense of unease, as though they are being watched, especially in the dark and isolated areas of the prison.
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2. Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
History: Bodmin Jail, located in Cornwall, was built in 1779 to replace the county's older prison and was designed to hold the increasing number of criminals in the region. The jail was built in a Georgian style, with a high perimeter wall and a central building that included cells, a chapel, and an execution room.
Between its opening and the 1920s, Bodmin Jail became infamous for its brutal conditions and the high number of executions carried out within its walls, with more than 50 people hanged. The prison housed notorious criminals, including James Phillips, a murderer executed in 1883. After its closure in 1927, the building continued to deteriorate before being partially restored and turned into a museum.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: The haunted reputation of Bodmin Jail is tied to its violent past. Visitors frequently report eerie encounters, including hearing footsteps, voices, and chains rattling.
One of the most commonly sighted apparitions is the "Grey Lady," a spectral figure believed to be a former female prisoner who died at the jail. There are also reports of shadowy figures wandering the hallways, especially near the execution room.
Cold spots are common in the dark, secluded areas of the jail, and some people claim to feel a sudden drop in temperature or even being touched by unseen hands.
Experience the thrill of a Ghost Hunt like no other with Ghostly Nights Visit our Locations page to explore upcoming events and book your unforgettable adventure today!
3. Dorchester Prison, Dorset
History: Dorchester Prison was built in 1796 and was notorious for its overcrowded and harsh conditions, especially during the Victorian era. It housed both common criminals and political prisoners, many of whom were subjected to grueling punishments.
The prison included a range of facilities, such as a chapel, exercise yards, and solitary confinement cells, but overcrowding and a lack of proper sanitation made life in Dorchester particularly grim. The prison also played a role in housing people sentenced to death, with several public executions occurring on the prison grounds. Dorchester remained in operation until 2013 and was closed due to budget cuts and modernization of the UK’s prison system.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Dorchester Prison is a well-known hotspot for ghost hunters. The spirit of a man named William, who was hanged for murder, is said to haunt the execution room, and numerous visitors have reported hearing the sounds of footsteps and chains.
The building’s oppressive atmosphere makes it a popular spot for those interested in paranormal activity, with many experiencing a sense of unease or sudden cold spots when entering certain parts of the prison.
Other hauntings include disembodied voices and strange, unexplained noises echoing through the cells.
4. Gloucester Prison, Gloucestershire
History: Gloucester Prison was opened in 1791, designed to accommodate the rising number of prisoners in the region. It was a bleak place, with inmates facing harsh treatment and overcrowding throughout much of its history.
The prison was known for its use of the "separate system," which required prisoners to be isolated for the majority of their sentences, leading to a mentally and physically draining existence.
The prison also housed political prisoners and debtors, with many of them enduring long periods of confinement. After 222 years of operation, Gloucester Prison closed in 2013, leaving behind a long legacy of suffering and injustice.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Gloucester Prison has a reputation for being haunted, with numerous reports of strange occurrences.
Visitors often hear phantom footsteps in the halls, and cold spots are frequently felt, particularly near the old execution room.
The “Lady in Grey,” believed to be the spirit of a female prisoner who was executed there, is often seen wandering the building.
In addition to these sightings, people have reported strange sounds, such as unexplained knocking, and the sensation of being touched or pushed by unseen hands.
5. Shrewsbury Prison, Shropshire
History: Shrewsbury Prison, which opened in 1793, is known for its imposing architecture and its use as a holding facility for both common criminals and prisoners of war. It was built in the traditional Victorian style, with long, dark corridors and high walls designed to keep inmates under strict control.
The prison had a particularly dark reputation during the Victorian era, with harsh punishments and a notorious workhouse system that subjected prisoners to grueling labor. Over the years, Shrewsbury housed many infamous criminals, and its use as a prison continued until its closure in 2013.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Shrewsbury Prison is renowned for its paranormal activity, with reports of ghostly figures seen wandering its halls.
One particularly famous apparition is that of a man in a Victorian prison uniform, believed to be a former inmate who died in the prison.
Visitors often report hearing unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and the sound of chains rattling in empty halls.
The atmosphere within the prison is heavy, and many people describe feeling a chilling presence, especially near the old execution area.
6. Inveraray Jail, Scotland
History: Inveraray Jail was built in 1820 as a state-of-the-art facility for holding criminals in the town of Inveraray, Scotland. Designed with both male and female cells, the jail also had a dedicated section for debtors.
The building was praised as a model of its kind during the 19th century, though the conditions for prisoners were still grim.
The jail saw many executions and harsh punishments throughout its history, and its use as a prison ended in 1889. Today, Inveraray Jail is a museum, allowing visitors to explore the past while also experiencing its eerie atmosphere.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: The spirit of a former prisoner who was executed within the jail is said to haunt the building, with many reports of sightings near the cells and the execution room.
Visitors have also claimed to hear the sound of disembodied footsteps and whispers in the air.
The cold, stone walls and dark, narrow corridors add to the feeling of unease, and some have reported a distinct sense of being watched by an unseen presence.
7. Steel House Lane Lockup, Birmingham
History: Steel House Lane Lockup was built in the early 19th century as a temporary detention center for criminals before they were tried or transferred to larger prisons. Located in Birmingham, it was notorious for overcrowding and poor conditions.
The lockup was used by the local police force and became a key location for holding individuals awaiting trial.
After its closure as a holding facility, Steel House Lane Lockup became a police station and eventually a museum.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Steel House Lane Lockup is infamous for its paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing unexplained sounds, such as the slamming of doors and the clinking of chains.
The "Grey Lady," believed to be a former inmate who died in the lockup, is frequently seen in the building’s dark corners.
Other reported phenomena include flashes of light, the sensation of being touched by invisible hands, and cold spots in areas where there are no windows or drafts.
8. Littledean Jail, Gloucestershire
History: Littledean Jail, located in Gloucestershire, was established in the 18th century and originally served as a private prison. It later became a museum dedicated to the history of crime and punishment.
The jail housed various criminals throughout its history, and many were subjected to brutal conditions. Today, it is known not only for its gruesome past but also for its chilling reputation as a paranormal hotspot.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Littledean Jail is a place where numerous paranormal occurrences have been reported.
Ghost hunters often speak of shadowy figures moving in the dark corners, strange noises coming from empty cells, and an oppressive atmosphere that lingers in the building.
The most frequently reported ghost is that of a former jailer who died under mysterious circumstances.
There are also reports of strange flashes of light and a sense of being followed by unseen entities.
9. Clink Prison, London
History: Clink Prison, situated in Southwark, London, is one of the oldest prisons in the UK, dating back to 1144.
The prison was originally built to house religious offenders, but over the centuries, it became infamous for its use as a place of torture and punishment.
The name “Clink” became synonymous with imprisonment, and the prison was notorious for its brutality.
During its long history, Clink housed a variety of criminals and political prisoners, many of whom suffered under harsh conditions. The prison was closed in 1780, and much of the site was redeveloped, though it remains a landmark for those interested in London's darker past.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Clink Prison’s brutal history and dark reputation have contributed to its ghostly legends.
Visitors frequently report hearing strange sounds, such as chains rattling and muffled voices, and some claim to have seen shadowy figures moving through the halls.
The most well-known apparition is that of a man who was tortured to death in the prison. His ghost is said to haunt the old torture chamber, where visitors often experience an eerie sense of dread.
10. Derby Gaol, Derby
Derby Gaol was constructed in 1756 to accommodate an increasing number of prisoners in the town. It housed criminals awaiting trial or execution, and its grim history includes many accounts of public executions and inhumane punishments.
As one of the earliest examples of a Victorian-style prison, Derby Gaol became a symbol of the oppressive penal system. After its closure in 1843, the building was used for various purposes before being turned into a museum.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity: Visitors to Derby Gaol often report hearing the sounds of chains dragging across the floor and the eerie echoes of footsteps in the empty corridors. The most famous ghost is that of an executioner, who is thought to have worked at the gaol during the 18th century.
His ghost is seen lurking in the shadows near the old execution chamber.
There are also reports of strange noises, such as whispers and banging sounds, particularly in areas that were once used to hold prisoners before their execution.
11. The Old Prison in Northleach: History and Hauntings
The Old Prison in Northleach, Gloucestershire, has a rich and eerie history. Built in 1792, it was a response to the abysmal conditions of pre-reform prisons in England. Prior to reform, crime was often punishable by death or deportation, and those incarcerated faced overcrowded, filthy conditions. Philanthropist John Howard's 1777 report led to the Penitentiary Act of 1779, urging better prison conditions.
1783: Construction of the Old Prison
Designed by William Blackburn, the Old Prison opened in 1792 to improve security and provide better living conditions, including separate cells and fresh air. It segregated prisoners by class and gender, aiming to offer humane treatment. Overcrowding, however, remained an issue, and harsher punishments, like the treadmill, were introduced in the 1820s.
1857: Closure and Transformation
The prison closed in 1857 due to the rise of railways and was repurposed as a Petty Sessions Court. In 1859, it became a police station until 1973 when it was abandoned. In the 1930s, parts of the building were demolished, leaving only a few structures, which were later sold in 2013 to the Friends of the Cotswolds.
Hauntings and Paranormal Activity
The Old Prison is known for its paranormal activity, attracting ghost hunters and curious visitors. Many report eerie sensations, particularly in the former cells, where the energy feels heavy. Unexplained footsteps, door creaks, and shadowy figures have been observed.
The Keeper’s House is also haunted, with some witnessing a ghostly figure of the former prison keeper.
The women’s ward is another hotspot for strange occurrences, with cold spots and ghostly tugs on visitors' clothing.
The treadmill room, once used for hard labor, is said to echo with the sounds of unseen footsteps.
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