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Shepton Mallet Prison - Shepton Mallet, Somerset
The empty corridors and lifeless cells are crying out to be investigated by those who dare

HMP Shepton Mallet, also known as Cornhill, now lies abandoned, bereft of those who were incarcerated here. Having closed as recently as 2013, this formidable prison operated as the oldest prison in England.

However, before its closure in 2013, Shepton Mallet Prison was a Category C lifer prison, incarcerating the most hardened and dangerous of criminals including the notorious Kray Twins in the 1950s. The empty corridors and lifeless cells are crying out to be investigated by those who have a fascination for what life must have been like in such a desolate and unforgiving existence.

Originally built as a House of Correction in 1625, this prison has a terrifying history.

Much of what has taken place here was extremely brutal. In the 17th and 18th Centuries the men, women and children who were imprisoned here existed in the most horrific conditions where they were left starving in packed, small pox infested cells.

It is said that former inmates lie in unmarked graves throughout the grounds. Seven judicial executions took place here between 1889 and 1926 but the full amount of executions that took place here prior to this is unknown. 

Shepton Mallet Prison

Your Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison


Your Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet will be nothing but intense. With the overriding emotions here being that of sheer survival, basic instincts and challenging behaviours, it makes sense that these emotions are still entrenched within the fabric of the building. This is a ghost hunt where you will definitely need your wits about you.

The echos that you can hear and the evidential existence of the prisoners who have left their mark in many ways, some as simple as writing on their cell walls, will leave you in no doubt of how things may have been. That is only the modern evidence. You should also bear in mind that Shepton Mallet was originally established as a House of Correction in 1625 so again you are left to only be able to imagine its barbaric and grissly past.

Working in small groups you will be taking part in some amazing experiments in our attempts to make contact with whoever or whatever still walks through these prison corridors. These experiments will include Ouija Boards, table tipping, glass moving and some intense watch and wait vigils with our up to date ghost hunting equipment. We will be using the most active areas of the prison throughout the night and you will be guided through this terrifying process by our friendly and capable team. 

Ghosts of Shepton Mallet Prison


The ghosts that are thought to reside in this formidable building are vast and varied. With links back to the early 17th Century and with so many thousands of unnamed victims that lie within the grounds it is not a place where you would ever want to be alone. 

In the 1950's Shepton Mallet became home to Reggie and Ronnie Kray, the notorious East End gangsters and it seems that their crimes did not just consist to areas outside of the prison. It is fair to say that it will definitely be an intense and terrifying experience for all concerned.

History of Shepton Mallet Prison


In 1617, there was a discussion for the need for another House of Correction to cover the Eastern division of the county and in 1624, it was decided that Shepton Mallet would be the location for the additional gaol.

Cornhill House was purchased in 1625 and this building was used for the development of the new House of Correction to comply with the 1610 Bridewell Act of King James I, with George Sheephaye becoming the first Governor of the gaol. During its early years, men, woman and children were often held together in poor conditions and due to the lack of wage being paid to the gaolers, the House of Correction lacked discipline and primitive sanitation led to regular outbreaks of diseases such as gaol fever.

Lengthy prison sentences were not used as the punishment here, instead corporal and capital punishments were used and by the 1700’s, over 200 crimes were punishable by the death penalty. Even for crimes considered minor or misdemeanour which was known as the Bloody Code.

In the 1800’s Shepton Mallet underwent improvements as the Victorians began to expand the prison and hard labour, including Oakum Picking, the Crank and the Treadwheel were introduced to the prison. Moving into the mid-1800’s the Silent and Separate system was put in place, meaning prisoners must remain in complete silence throughout the day and they were placed in single occupancy cells at night.

From 1868, Shepton Mallet Prison became responsible for overseeing executions and between 1889 to 1926, seven men were executed for murder. It is said that their bodies still remain within the grounds of the prison. During the early 1900’s, Shepton Mallet Prison began to decline and by 1918, all female prisoners had left. In 1930 the population of the prison was around 50 males and due to the decline and deterioration of the site, it was decided that the prison would close its door in 1930.

The British Military adapted Shepton Mallet Prison as a military, known as the Glasshouse and in 1942, the Americans took charge and between 1942 to 1945 over 700 US servicemen were incarcerated here. Sixteen US servicemen were also hanged and a further two executed by firing squad during these years for crimes that included rape and murder.
 
The old female wing became a top secret repository for the safe keeping of the National Archives. These archives included the Magna Carta and Domesday Book. The prison then changed hands back to the British Military after the war ended. This is when the Ronnie and Reggie Kray – the infamous London gangsters, known as The Kray Twins were held here.

The prison then ran as a civilian prison from 1966 until 2001, when it changed to Category C male lifer’s prison. Prisoners held here during this time were guilty of the most serious offences including murder.

On the 28th March 2013, Shepton Mallet Prison closed its doors as a prison for the final time and it is now a hot spot for paranormal investigators.

Your Event Includes


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

Address, Maps & Hotels


Address & Hotel Information

HMP Shepton Mallet Frithfield Lane Shepton Mallet Somerset BA4 5LU

For Hotels near to Shepton Mallet Prison , please click here. opens in a new window


Parking
  • Street Parking and Local Car Parks

Information


Accessibility
  • This location is not suitable for wheelchair users
  • This location is not suitable for people with mobility issues or walking difficulties

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

Shepton Mallet Prison - Dates

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Friday 22nd March 2024

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Friday 22nd March 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

SOLD
OUT

  • Friday 22nd March 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • FULLY BOOKED
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 6th April 2024

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

Saturday 6th April 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

SOLD
OUT

  • Saturday 6th April 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • FULLY BOOKED
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 20th April 2024

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Saturday 20th April 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

SOLD
OUT

  • Saturday 20th April 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • FULLY BOOKED
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 11th May 2024 £69.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

Saturday 11th May 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Last Few Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

11 May

  • Saturday 11th May 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Last Few Places Available
  • £69.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Friday 31st May 2024 £59.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Friday 31st May 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Last Few Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

31 May

  • Friday 31st May 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Last Few Places Available
  • £59.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 8th June 2024 £69.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

Saturday 8th June 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

8 Jun

  • Saturday 8th June 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £69.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 22nd June 2024 £59.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Saturday 22nd June 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Selling Fast, Don't Miss Out

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

22 Jun

  • Saturday 22nd June 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Selling Fast, Don't Miss Out
  • £59.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 13th July 2024 £69.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

Saturday 13th July 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

13 Jul

  • Saturday 13th July 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £69.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 27th July 2024 £59.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Saturday 27th July 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

27 Jul

  • Saturday 27th July 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £59.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover, Shepton Mallet - Saturday 10th August 2024 £69.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

Saturday 10th August 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

10 Aug

  • Saturday 10th August 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £69.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Friday 30th August 2024 £59.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Friday 30th August 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

30 Aug

  • Friday 30th August 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £59.00 Per Person
Friday 13th Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison, Shepton Mallet - Friday 13th September 2024 £65.00 Per Person

Friday 13th Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

Friday 13th September 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Friday 13th Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison

13 Sep

  • Friday 13th September 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £65.00 Per Person
Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover, Shepton Mallet - Friday 27th September 2024 £69.00 Per Person

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

Friday 27th September 2024
Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am

Places Available

Ghost Hunt at Shepton Mallet Prison with Optional Sleepover

27 Sep

  • Friday 27th September 2024
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:00am
  • Places Available
  • £69.00 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 £30.00, 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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