The Hanging Judge Haunting
Dorchester's Antelope Way Shopping Arcade is home to a most intriguing haunting. The ghost said to roam this area is that of the infamous Hanging Judge, a figure from the town's judicial past. According to local legend, the Judge is seen walking along a path he would have taken during his lifetime, a route that now forms part of the modern shopping arcade. His presence is a reminder of Dorchester's rich history and the significant role the town played in the administration of justice during the 18th century.
Historically, the Hanging Judge, formally known as Judge Jeffreys, was a prominent figure in 17th-century England, notorious for his harsh sentences, particularly during the Bloody Assizes. Although his exact connection to Dorchester is unclear, his legacy has become intertwined with the town's folklore. While there are no recorded dates or times for the haunting, the Judge's ghost is said to manifest as a visual and audio presence, with reports suggesting that his apparition is seen walking the arcade, possibly reenacting a path he took during life. The lack of specific witness accounts makes it difficult to verify the details of these sightings, but the persistence of the legend speaks to the enduring fascination with this enigmatic figure.
The Hanging Judge, Judge Jeffreys, was active during the 17th century
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Rector of Dorchester
St Peter's Church, Dorchester
St Peter's Church in Dorchester is home to a most intriguing haunting, that of Nathaniel Templeman, a former rector who seems to have taken his duties very seriously - even in death. Templeman's ghost is said to materialise to protect the church and its property from thieves and vandals, a vigilant spirit watching over the sacred space. On one particular occasion, two churchwardens, resting after decorating the church, made the mistake of warming themselves up with communion wine. Templeman manifested, shaking his head in disapproval before floating along the north aisle and disappearing.
Dorset Gorilla Sighting
Unnamed Park, Dorchester
In the sleepy town of Dorchester, Dorset, a teenager captured a bizarre photo in an unnamed park close to her home. The image appears to show a strange creature that resembles and moves like a small gorilla. According to the teenager, the creature was roaming the parkland before it suddenly ran up a tree and vanished into thin air. This astonishing sighting has sparked interest in the possibility of unknown or escaped animals in the British countryside.
The Headless Woman of Dorchester
Dorset County Museum, Dorchester
Deep in the heart of Dorset County Museum in Dorchester, a chilling presence has been captured on camera. In mid 2010, the PIT Paranormal Investigation Team claimed to have photographed two entities within the museum's walls. One of these entities was none other than Mary Anning, the renowned fossil collector and palaeontologist, but with a terrifying twist - her picture showed her as a headless woman. This bizarre and unexplained phenomenon has left many questions unanswered, and the museum's visitors and staff are still wondering what really happened that day.
The Phantom Nurse of Dorchester
Former hospital, Dorchester
Dorchester's Prince's Street was once home to a hospital where a mysterious phantom nurse was said to appear. Staff members nicknamed her Kitty, and her presence was always a sign that a patient was nearing the end. This crisis manifestation would materialize shortly before a patient's passing, leaving many to wonder about the nature of her appearances. Was she a harbinger of death or a comforting presence?
Dorset Black Cat Sighting
Field near Dorchester Football Stadium, Dorchester
In a field near Dorchester Football Stadium, a large black cat was spotted in August 2007. The witness described it as being the size of an Alsatian, and it was observed for several seconds. This wasn't an isolated incident, as a similar black cat had been seen in the area the year before, along Talbothays Road. The sudden appearance of this mysterious feline has left many wondering if there's more to this sighting than meets the eye.
The Mysterious Staircase Climber
Old Malthouse, Dorchester
The Old Malthouse on High East Street in Dorchester has a strange reputation. A former occupant reported hearing the unmistakable sounds of someone climbing the stairs and opening a door, only to be met with complete silence. It was as if the person had vanished into thin air. The eerie noises were heard multiple times, but there was never any sign of anyone coming back down. It's a puzzling phenomenon that has left many questions unanswered.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Shopping arcade along Antelope Way
The New Inn
Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Golden Lion Hotel
Weymouth, Dorset
The Acorn Inn
Evershot, Dorset
The Bull Hotel
Bridport, Dorset