Shrewsbury Prison (HMP Shrewsbury) was originally built and completed in 1793. Prior to this, a medieval prison was located on this site called 'Dana Gaol'. In 1788, prison architect John Howard visited Shrewsbury to inspect the new prison design plans. He was dissatisfied with some of the design choices like the size of the interior courts. After many redesigns, the Georgian Prison was constructed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1793. At the front of the Gatehouse lies a bust of John Howard. While the remains of the original Georgian Prison are preserved underneath the current site, the Victorian construction was built in 1877.

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Over the next seven decades, Shrewsbury Prison was a place of public executions, drawing in large crowds of people. People even used to arrive early on the execution days to ensure they would get the best view possible, with some even bring posters as souvenirs. The last public hanging at Shrewsbury Prison took place on the 9th April 1868, when 35 year old John Mapp was executed for murdering a 9 year old girl. The misfortune for John was that his execution happened a month before public hanging were abolished.

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Between 1902 and 1961, eight hangings were carried out at Shrewsbury Prison, including 34 year old Richard Wigley on the 18th March 1902, 57 year old William Griffiths on the 24th July 1923, and 43 year old Harry Huxley on the 8th July 1952. All executions were carried out at 8:00am exactly. The last execution to take place altogether at the Prison happened on the 9th February 1961, when 21 year old George Riley was hanged for the murder of a 62 year old woman. There was a lot of troubled controversy surrounding George's death, as many people believed he didn't actually commit the murder, but in fact was framed and blamed for the murder. While we will never know the full truth behind this, it might explain why his apparition is seen throughout A-Wing.

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During a period of redevelopment in 1972, the remains of 10 prisoners who were executed at Shrewsbury Prison were exhumed. 9 of the 10 prisoners were unrecognisable, and sadly were cremated shortly after being dug up. The last prisoner was identified by relatives as George Riley, and his remains were handed over to them.

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Shrewsbury Prison is now a museum and visitor attraction, hosting guided history tours, ghost tours and various other activities like ghost hunts and sleepovers.

Shrewsbury Prison is deemed the most haunted building in all of Shrewsbury, from ghostly apparitions and scary auditory phenomena to poltergeist activity.

 

In C-Wing, the ghost of a Grey Lady has been seen on multiple occasions pacing along the upper walkway. She first appears outside of Cell 203, aka the Haunted Cell, and then proceeds to walk along to the other side of the walkway, before vanishing into thin air. She is dressed in Victorian clothing and is sometimes seen wearing a big coat. A young boy is also reportedly seen in this Wing on the top of the stairs, pushing past visitors, staff and investigators. Along with this, quick-moving footsteps and bangs are heard too.

 

In A-Wing, cell doors are reported to slam shut causing loud bangs that echo throughout the area. Many negative energies are felt and sensed in this part of the prison, with people reporting sharp pains around their bodies, and seeing dark shadow figures move across the walkways. Some investigators have even witnessed apparitions inside of some of the cells before they disappear without a trace. Objects are usually kept away from this part of the prison, as many have experienced violent poltergeist activity from the prisoners of the past throwing objects in the cells. Horrid groans and voices are heard in the cells too. This part of the prison is extremely eerie and terrifying in the dark, but are you brave enough to challenge your fears here?

 

In the Execution Room where several hangings were carried out, guests have felt a choking sensation and struggling to breathe in general, as if those condemned are putting the impression of their final moments alive onto them. Ghastly male spirits have manifested around the trap door, displaying a morbid scene to those unfortunate (or fortunate) to see. Poltergeist activity has also been reported in this room, with the noose seen swinging on its own accord despite no drafts.

 

In the Exercise Yard, many have experienced cries and groans close to their ears sending chills down their spines. Faces have also been seen peering out the cell windows in A-Wing. Cold spots are also felt throughout the location, with women's bums being pinched by unseen hands at times.

DATE: Saturday 15th June 2024

 

TIMES: 9:30pm - 4:00am / Sleepover until 8:00am (Arrive 15 minutes early. Please wait patiently outside until a member of our team greets you at the front entrance)

 

LOCATION: Shrewsbury Prison, The Dana, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 2HP

 

PARKING AT EVENT: Small Car Park opposite the Prison, Shrewsbury Howard Street Station Car Park and Local Street Parking. 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. YOU WILL NEED TO BRING A SLEEPING BAG, PILLOW AND/OR CAMPING MATTRESS.

 

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.