Peterborough Museum is a Georgian building that dates back to 1816, originally as a private house. An older and much larger house that once stood on this site, called 'Neville Place', was home of the Orme family and dated as far back as 1536, before it's demolition in 1815. All that remains of this former Tudor House is the cellars beneath the Museum known as the Priestgate Vaults, which features original stone walls and rooms, including the old wine cellar. The Vaults were also used by the local Priests and Monks to lead mass, prayers and communion, as they went into hiding during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and again amidst the English Civil War.

 

From 1815, the Tudor House was bought by the Cooke family headed by local magistrate Thomas Alderson Cooke. He had the house demolished and rebuilt from the ground up into the grand Georgian Mansion we still see today (albeit now a Museum). When Thomas died in 1854, the Priestgate Mansion was acquired by Earl Fitzwilliam in 1856, who granted permission for the building to be converted into a public dispensary and infirmary, Peterborough's first hospital. The Infirmary was officially opened in 1857 and remained as such until 1928 when the War Memorial Hospital opened. It was here in this building that the first X-ray machine in England was built, outside of London. It was constructed within a year of X-rays being discovered by Alfred Caleb Taylor, who ironically died later in life in 1927 due to the over-exposure of them.

 

During the First World War, soldiers who were wounded from battle were brought back over to English shores. One of these soldiers was an Australian gentleman called Thomas Hunter. Thomas was born in County Durham, but spent the majority of his life down under in Australia, until the War kicked off and he was called to fight. Thomas suffered severe bullet wounds in his leg and spine during the Battle of the Somme, and once dressed he was sent back to England on a hospital train to recover at an advanced military hospital in Halifax, Yorkshire. However his condition worsened and instead he was stopped at Peterborough Station and was brought to the Infirmary in Peterborough, where he was lifted up on a stretcher by a pulley system where the Main Staircase is today, and taken to the operating theatre. Sadly his wounds were too great and died here in the Museum on 31st July 1916. A funeral procession was paid for him, and he is forever known by the locals as the 'Lonely Anzac'.

 

In 1931, the infirmary was converted yet again and became Peterborough Museum, ran by the Peterborough Museum Society. It was then took over by Peterborough City Council in 1968, and while still owned by the Council, it is now managed by the Vivacity Trust.

Peterborough Museum is known as the most haunted building in the city, and it's not surprising given the vast accounts of paranormal activity reported here by staff and paranormal groups.

 

The spirit of Thomas Hunter, also known as the 'Lonely Anzac', haunts the Main Staircase and the Victorian Operating Theatre where his wounded body was lifted up to the infirmary. He sadly died from his injuries suffered from the First World War, and now his soul remains here at the Museum.

 

Down in the cellars known as the Priestgate Vaults, the ghost of a Black Monk has been seen slowly walking up and down the tunnel, with previous investigators experiencing loud bangs and moans, and even witnessing this Monk manifest in the coffin room. A Black Dog has also been sensed down here and light anomalies have petrified visitors out from beneath the Vaults.

 

In the Archaeology Gallery, the spirit of a Roman Soldier has appeared dressed in full armour standing by the exhibits, believed to be attached to a specific artefact that belonged to him in his life. He's believed to be of Spanish origin, as his voice has been captured speaking Spanish on EVP recordings previously. Footsteps and clattering metal have also been heard in this room.

 

In the Jurassic, Ice Age and Wildlife Galleries, the ghost of a Little Girl dressed in white and yellow has been seen skipping around the rooms, with childish giggling being heard in this area as well.

 

Upstairs on the second floor, cold spots and shadows are often felt and seen in the Napoleonic Gallery, while in the Changing Lives Gallery and the corridor behind it where the Secret Servants Staircase is, the spirit of a Young Maid roams, wanting everyone to know the true story of how she was killed.

 

With poltergeist activity from slamming doors to objects being moved, we are bound to experience the prevalent hauntings that go on here at Peterborough Museum.

DATE: Saturday 31st August 2024

 

TIMES: 8:00pm - 2:00am (arrive 15 minutes early and wait patiently outside the front entrance until a member of our team greets you at the door)

 

LOCATION: Peterborough Museum, 51 Priestgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE1 1LF

 

PARKING AT EVENT: Some parking spaces on site at the rear of the building and Trinity Street Car Park nearby. Please note parking charges may apply.

 

REMAINING BALANCE: Needs to be paid FOUR WEEKS prior to the event date. Failure to pay your remaining balance before this deadline will result in you forfeiting your places and your places will be sold on.

 

WHAT TO BRING: A torch, a warm coat/jacket, sensible footwear, any equipment you wish to bring along (your responsibility), your positive and open-minded energies.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Bringing alcohol or drugs to this event is strictly prohibited. If anyone arrives at the event under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will not be allowed to stay for the night and will be asked to leave immediately.