Jemmy Botting's Haunted Hangman
The Coal Shed on Boyce's Street in Brighton is home to a rather unsavory specter - that of Jemmy Botting, a hangman who claimed to have executed 175 people during his career. His ghost is said to haunt the restaurant, while the sound of his wheelchair can be heard rattling along the street on dark, windy nights. It's a chilling reminder of the brutal nature of his work and the contempt in which he was held by the local community.
Jemmy Botting died in October 1837 after a rather ignominious fall from his wheelchair - and it's said that no one came to help him up, such was the depth of local feeling against him. This event has been linked to the ghostly activity, with some believing that Botting's restless spirit is doomed to relive his final moments. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity, the story of Jemmy Botting has become an integral part of Brighton's ghostly folklore.
Jemmy Botting was a hangman active during the early 19th century, known for his brutal work and subsequent unpopularity in the local community.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Phantom Actress of Brighton
Theatre Royal, Brighton
Theatre Royal in Brighton is home to a rather famous ghostly inhabitant. This historic theatre, a staple of the city's entertainment scene, is said to be haunted by the spirit of Sarah Bernhardt, the celebrated nineteenth-century French actress. According to reports, Bernhardt's ghost has a habit of striding down corridors, pushing people out of the way if they get in her path. Her ethereal form is said to disappear into a wall that was once a doorway leading to her dressing room, now bricked up. It's a curious phenomenon that has been observed by many, leaving onlookers with a glimpse into the theatre's rich history.
Medieval Monk Vanishing Ghost
Meeting House Lane, Brighton
In the heart of Brighton's historic Meeting House Lane, a peculiar phenomenon has been observed. A medieval monk, said to have been killed for his illicit love affair with a local woman, has been seen vanishing into thin air through a brick wall. This bizarre occurrence has left many to ponder the circumstances surrounding the monk's demise and the possible reasons behind his restless spirit.
Brighton Victorian Child Ghost
Friends Meeting House, Brighton
In the heart of Brighton, on Prince Albert Street, stands the unassuming Friends Meeting House, a place where the past seems to linger. It's here, on the back steps of this historic building, that a small, Victorian-dressed girl has been spotted. Said to be around three years of age, her appearance is fleeting but unmistakable. Dressed in attire from a bygone era, she seems a poignant reminder of times long past.
Brighton Theatre Ghost Girl
Nightingale Theatre, Brighton
The Nightingale Theatre in Brighton is home to a tragic and long-standing haunting. This building has a dark history dating back to the late nineteenth century when it was an hotel. It's said that a young fourteen-year-old girl named Emily Coalthorpe lost her life within these walls. Since then, her ghost has been spotted by numerous people, particularly on a staircase that has become a focal point for paranormal activity.
Vesta Tilley's Ghostly Apparition
Hippodrome Theatre, Brighton
The Hippodrome Theatre in Brighton is home to a rather stylish ghost, that of Vesta Tilley, a music hall star from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Tilley's ghost is said to haunt the area that was once the theatre's bar, now a popular spot for a pre-show drink. She's often seen wearing a long black dress, occasionally a grey one, and is a welcome sight for theatre-goers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. There's something quite charming about the idea of a ghostly performer still treading the boards, even in death.
Brighton Ghost Train Footsteps
The Ghost Train, Brighton
The Ghost Train at Brighton Pier is a hotspot for paranormal activity, particularly in the early hours of the morning. Disembodied footsteps echo through the deserted site, sending shivers down the spines of those brave enough to venture near. It's not just the eerie sounds that make this place unsettling, but also the strange phenomenon of torch batteries dying at an alarming rate. This unexplained occurrence has left many to wonder if there's more to the Ghost Train than meets the eye.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Coal Shed restaurant

The Regency Hotel
Brighton, East Sussex

Angmering Manor Hotel
Angmering, West Sussex

The Lamb Inn
Eastbourne, East Sussex

Amberley Castle
Amberley, West Sussex