The Last Executed Prisoner
Exeter Prison, a place with a dark history, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who met his end within its walls. In 1973, two prisoners reported seeing a middle-aged man walking along the upper gallery, only to vanish as he reached a cell door. This apparition was later identified as the last person to be executed in the prison. The incident left staff and inmates alike with a sense of unease, wondering if they had truly caught a glimpse of a restless spirit.
Delving into the past, Exeter Prison, also known as Exeter Jail, operated from 1793 to 2013. During its long history, it witnessed numerous executions, with the last one taking place in 1961. It's likely that the executed man's presence is a manifestation of the prison's complex and often tragic past. The witness accounts from 1973 remain some of the most compelling evidence of paranormal activity within the prison walls. Although the prison has since closed, its legacy and the stories of its ghostly inhabitants continue to fascinate those interested in the paranormal.
Exeter Prison operated from 1793 to 2013, with a history of executions.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Gardener's Ghostly Father
Franklyn Mansion gardens, Exeter
Deep within the Franklyn Mansion gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Exeter, a chilling encounter took place. A gardener, tending to the grounds, claimed to have spotted his father's ghost while working in one of the gardens. This unsettling experience, occurring sometime in the nineteenth century, left an indelible mark on the witness. The crisis manifestation, as it came to be known, was a harrowing encounter that would be etched in the gardener's memory forever.
The Grey Lady of Exeter Hotel Haunting
Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel, Exeter
The Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel in Exeter has a long history of paranormal activity. Guests and staff have reported seeing the 'Grey Lady', a woman dressed in tattered clothing, walking up and down the staircases in the early hours of the morning. The clanking noises are often compared to the sound of rattling chains, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Fallen Workers of Exeter
St Annes Well Brewery, Exeter
St Annes Well Brewery in Exeter has a dark history that's said to be haunted by the ghosts of two workers who lost their lives on the premises. Legend has it that the two men fell down a shaft into the basement, succumbing to their injuries. Since then, strange occurrences have been reported, particularly in the basement area, where workmen have refused to work after sunset due to poltergeist-like activities. The screams and shadows seen in this area are often blamed on the unfortunate workers. It's a chilling tale that has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Exeter Black Shadow Sighting
Alleyway that runs from the top of South Street to the Cathedral Green, Exeter
This alleyway that runs from the top of South Street to the Cathedral Green in Exeter has been the site of a bizarre and unsettling encounter. On 18 April 2010 at 01:00h, a man walking down the alleyway became aware of a dark shadow looming over him and felt a presence over his right shoulder. As he turned to investigate, he saw a black mass which seemed to dissipate upwards into the night. The sudden appearance of this shadowy figure left the witness with a lasting impression of unease.
Exeter Fish Man Legend
Coastline, Exeter
Exeter's rugged coastline has witnessed many a strange occurrence, but few are as bizarre as the 1737 sighting of a fish-like humanoid. On a chilly November evening, a group of fishermen on the shore stumbled upon a creature that defied explanation. Standing at an astonishing four feet tall, it had duck-like feet and a tail protruding from its back. The fishermen, understandably startled, quickly overpowered the creature, beating it with sticks until it succumbed to its injuries. This was not an isolated incident, as a second, similar creature was caught a few months later in the same area, although this one was described as having more seal-like qualities.
Exeter Alarm Clock Haunting
Unstated house, Exeter
In a quiet Exeter home on Sidwell Street, a most unusual and intriguing paranormal event took place, leaving the occupant, M Russell, shaken. It was here that Russell awoke at 05:00h to the sound of someone in great distress, seemingly emanating from their alarm clock. In a moment of instinctive comfort, Russell took the clock and held it close until the sounds ceased. The experience was soon overshadowed by devastating news - Russell's uncle had passed away, with the post-mortem confirming the time of death as around 05:00h, eerily coinciding with the strange occurrence.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Exeter prison

City Gate
Exeter, Devon

Boringdon Hall Hotel and Spa
Okehampton, Devon
The White Hart Hotel
Exeter, Devon

Best Western Exeter Lord Haldon Country Hotel
Dunchideock, Devon