Ripon Workhouse - Allhallowgate, North Yorkshire
Ripon Workhouse is a paranormal hotspot! Discover the phenomena

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Ripon Workhouse in Yorkshire holds many secrets demonstrating what life was like for the poor, homeless and those in despair.  With many original areas still visible giving a real insight into what life was like for its inhabitants this is a real opportunity for you to get a glimpse of how their existence would have been as residents of this foreboding and desolate building. The fact that it is now a working museum does not detract from a visible reality of what life was like here.  

Even during the day there is an overwhelming sense of being watched by unseeing eyes. When walking through the female block, many visitors say that the hairs stand up on the back of their necks, whilst others have witnessed ghostly figures in the childrens school room during our investigation. With so many areas to explore and so much history of how people were managed during such a difficult period of their lives, this is an investigation not to be missed.   

Ghosts of Ripon Workhouse

Many different spirits have been reported at Ripon Workhouse.

Poltergeist activity is rife in this dark and gloomy location. These entities like to make themselves know to visitors during the day and night, making guests feel as though they are being followed around the building. Dark mists and shadows are often seen and many people have refused to go into certain areas alone.

The main sightings are of former residents of the workhouse, along with a gentleman who mainly presents himself in the nurses room, known as Stan.

History of Ripon Workhouse

Ripon Workhouse in Ripon, Allhallowgate is a Grade II listed, 18th Century workhouse. A poorhouse has stood on the site since 1776, but the original building was later replaced in 1854 to meet the standards of The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834. Now used as a museum to show how the inmates lived, worked and died, the workhouse has a dark and gloomy atmospheric feel. 

Ripon Workhouse, like all workhouses was a last resort for the poor, homeless and destitute people, who could not find work to support themselves and their families. Many who entered the gates, knew that the only way they would be leaving the workhouse, was in a coffin. 

The building supported 33 inmates, including 11 men, 11 boys, 9 woman and 2 girls and those considered able-bodied spent eight hours each day breaking rocks to repairs roads.