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
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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