SHEPTON MALLET PRISON
Shepton Mallet Prison stands as a monument to over three centuries of history in Somerset, England and is one of the oldest prisons in the U.K. Also known as Cornhill, this formidable structure opened its doors in 1625 as a correctional facility and quickly became notorious for its grim conditions, where men, women and even children were held captive together, often succumbing to illness. Despite early disrepair, the prison evolved through the centuries, marked by expansions and innovations like the treadwheel for punishing prisoners with hard labour.
With a number of executions of varying methods at the prison, the exact number lost to time, there are seven documented between 1889 and 1926, their remains interred in unmarked graves within the grounds. The prison’s role shifted during World War II when it served the military, hosting American forces and executing 18 servicemen. Shepton Mallet closed as a civilian prison in 2013, and now beckons the curious and the brave to explore its haunted halls through historical tours. These tours offer a glimpse into an unsettling past, where the walls seem to whisper secrets of centuries gone by.
HAUNTINGS AND HORRORS OF SHEPTON MALLET PRISON
“The White Lady” of Shepton Mallet Prison is said to be the ghostly presence of a former female prisoner from the late 18th century. The story tells of a woman awaiting execution in the town square by hanging, on the eve of her execution, she made a final request: to wear her wedding dress. This request was honoured and the gown was brought to her cell. Tragically, the next morning, the guards discovered her lifeless body dressed in the wedding gown. Despite the absence of any physical harm, her death was attributed to a ‘broken heart,’ leaving behind an enduring spectral legacy that continues to haunt the prison’s corridors to this day.
The white lady is often associated with shadowy apparitions, ethereal white mists and a strong lingering scent of sweet smelling perfume that infiltrates various parts of the prison, most notably the stairs and A wing. This wing was notoriously difficult to live in and is said to be the most haunted in Shepton Mallet, with frequent reports of female voices and shadow figures.
In 1773, a grim report by a commissioner sent by parliament laid bare the deplorable conditions within Shepton Mallet Prison. The stark narrative highlighted how once healthy individuals were reduced to emaciated, dejected figures, succumbing to diseases such as fevers and smallpox. Many prisoners at Shepton Mallet Prison succumbed to its deplorable conditions, often not surviving longer than three months.
The report criticized the negligence of the Sheriffs and Gentlemen on the commission of peace, whose inattention allowed countless prisoners to languish in cells lacking basic necessities. This distressing neglect highlighted the systemic failures that turned the prison into a place of suffering and despair.
During the 1970s, Shepton Mallet Prison became the subject of an intriguing investigation, driven by rising reports of cold draughts and mysterious occurrences. The unsettling phenomena was so pronounced that staff began refusing to work the night shift, prompting a closer look into the eerie happenings within the prison’s walls.
The spirit of a serviceman, believed to be Private Lee Davis, has been frequently sighted, adding another layer to the prison’s ghostly atmosphere. Witnessing apparitions are not confined to one area; they have been seen across all wings and even on the roof, leaving both staff and visitors with a sense of unease.
Unsettling occurrences include doors slamming as if by an unseen hand, disembodied voices echoing through the halls and phantom footsteps that follow the unwary. Some visitors report a physical sensation of being touched, while others suddenly feel unwell. Cold spots are also frequently encountered throughout the prison, adding to Shepton Mallet’s eerie reputation and leaving those who enter with no doubt that they are not alone.
VISITING SHEPTON MALLET PRISON
Visiting Shepton Mallet Prison offers a unique glimpse into the past, rich with many tales of former inmates. Visitors can choose from a variety of options to explore this historic site. The best ways to experience the prison’s history and learn about it’s past inmates includes guided and self-guided tours aswell as paranormal investigations offering an interesting insight into prison life and the journey of the condemned before execution. Whether you’re a history buff or a seeker of the supernatural, Shepton Mallet Prison promises an unforgettable visit.
If you enjoyed reading about the haunting tales surrounding Shepton Mallet Prison you may also be interested in reading about the ghosts of Bodmin Gaol.
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