Shepton Mallet Prison was first thought up in Somerset, England in 1610 under orders from King James I, mandating all counties to have their own correctional facilities. The institution would start housing prisoners in 1625. This facility had the distinction of being the oldest operational one in the U.K. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, several significant annexes were added to the prison. During World War II, it was converted to both a British military barracks as well as being used by the American Armed Forces to add a death chamber. In addition, several historic documents, such as Magna Carta and Doomsday Book, have previously been stored there. Into the 20th century, the location served exclusively as a military prison until 1966, when it became a civilian institution for those serving life sentences, until it closed permanently in 2013. Due to being used for multiple purposes to regulate hard times, it’s no wonder that it’s been considered to be one of the most haunted prisons in the world. In World War II alone, 18 Americans from the Military were executed by either firing squad or hanging. One particular soldier, Private Lee Davis, has his tormented spirit frequently seen and heard. Employees and visitors claim to notice disembodied whispering, abrupt walking or running sounds, as well as being physically burned or scarred. A-Wing and B-Wing are notorious for their heavy doors and cells being heard and seen slamming shut by unseen forces. Shadow figures even tend to loudly warn intruders to “Get Out!”. EVPs and other phenomena are often reported in the Gate Lodge. Due to its violent and hardened past, this prison has a notorious reputation that must not be ignored.
Haunted Shepton Mallet Prison
