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Shire Hall Courthouse And Cells - Dorchester, Dorset
A Macabre history and sinister ghostly hauntings plague the Old Shire Hall in Dorchester

A terrifying night of ghost hunting awaits you at Shire Hall Courthouse where nothing can prepare you for the darkness and sheer despair which truly overwhelms you. This is not surprising when you come face to face with the torrid history of this haunted Grade 1 listed building in Dorchester. With its links to the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the many other wretched souls that suffered in its dark cells this location is certainly a must for those who want to seek the truth about the paranormal. The building not only consists of a large courtroom, but also a maze of cells and dark corridors below.

Shire Hall Courthouse is famously haunted and ghost hunters here have begun to accumulate a mass of evidence to support this. We are certainly looking forward to our ghost hunts here and although we venture with a certain amount of trepidation we really hope to discover who or what is haunting this old courthouse and cells.

Shire Hall Courthouse And Cells

Your Ghost Hunt at Shire Hall, Cells and Courthouse


Venture into the intense darkness and spend time investigating this actively haunted location.  Work with the team as you carry out vigils in some of the most active areas of the cells and courthouse. Use up to date ghost hunting equipment along with traditional methods of ghost hunting to discover who is haunting one of the most haunted buildings in Dorchester.

Hauntings of Shire Hall, Cells and Courthouse


Shire Hall Courthouse in Dorchester has a real reputation for being extremely haunted. Of the ghosts that reside here many consist of those that were incarcerated in a state of terror at the fate that lay before them.  Eventually many would take their own lives rather than face a tortuously and unbearably harsh punishment. Apparitions have been witnessed here along with screams, heavy footsteps, doors slamming and panic-stricken whispering as you enter the darkness of the cells. Some people have felt an overwhelming sense of foreboding as they sit in the courthouse, giving them the urge to flee from the area.

History of Shire Hall, Cells and Courthouse


Known as one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind, Shire Hall Courthouse in Dorchester is an an award-winning social justice museum bringing over 200 years of justice and injustice to life. It is a highly important and well-established Grade 1 listed building.

The courthouse has seen so much history through the eyes of the criminal justice system from 1797 until 1955. It has the stigma of being home to the trial of the famous Tolpuddle Martyrs. In 1834 unions were lawful and growing fast but six leaders of the union in the Dorset village of Tolpuddle were arrested and sentenced to seven years’ transportation for administering an oath of secrecy. A massive protest swept across the country. Thousands of people marched through London and many more organised petitions and protest meetings to demand their freedom.

Shire Hall Courthouse was also behind the book Tess of the D’Urbervilles after a domestic abuse case inspired its author, Thomas Hardy. Trials involving American G.I’s and other leading court cases were witnessed here. It has a wealth of history and mesmerising facts surrounding events that are famous even today.

Your Event Includes


  • Use of ghost hunting equipment including EMF Meters, K2 Meters etc.
  • Experiments including glass divination, table tipping and Ouija Boards.
  • Ghost hunting vigils and séances in small groups.
  • Includes teas and coffees
  • Free time to investigate alone

Address, Maps & Hotels


Address & Hotel Information

Shire Hall Museum High West Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1UY

For Hotels near to Shire Hall Courthouse And Cells , please click here. opens in a new window


Parking
  • Local Street Parking
  • Street Parking and Local Car Parks

Information


Accessibility
  • This location has limited access for wheelchair users, please call the office for more information
  • People with mobility issues or walking difficulties please call the office before booking

Important
  • All attendees must be 18 years or older
  • All attendees must bring a torch
  • Wear sensible shoes and warm layered clothing as the location may get cold at night

Shire Hall Courthouse And Cells - Dates

Bank Holiday Ghost Hunt at Shire Hall Courthouse, Dorchester - Friday 23rd May 2025 £40.00 Per Person

Bank Holiday Ghost Hunt at Shire Hall Courthouse

Friday 23rd May 2025
Time: 8:00pm - 2:00am

Places Available

Bank Holiday Ghost Hunt at Shire Hall Courthouse

23 May

  • Friday 23rd May 2025
  • Time: 8:00pm - 2:00am
  • Places Available
  • £40.00 Per Person

Paying for your event

We are an online events company, so the simplest and quickest way to book is via our website.

Alternatively, if you would like to book over the phone then please call our Sales Team on 0115 9720570 and they will be happy to help.

Securing places by a deposit

Paying a deposit for your event will secure your places on your chosen event. Simply pay a small deposit* of £20.00 per person and pay the remainder in full 4 weeks before the event or by small instalments* via your online account if available. You can always pay for your event in full at the time of booking.

Types of payments accepted

We accept the following payment methods

  • Online - All Major Credit/Debit Cards
  • Over the telephone

*Please note that full payment for your event will be due 4 weeks before the event. Minimal instalments of £20.00, payment must be made via your online account area.

Opening Hours

Monday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Bank Holidays: Closed

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