White Lady of Shepton Mallet
HMP Shepton Mallet, a former prison turned paranormal hotspot, is home to a chilling presence known as the White Lady. Staff at the prison believe this female ghost was a woman executed on the premises back in the seventeenth century. She's blamed for every cold spot and freak gust of wind within the building, making her a mischievous and elusive entity. The prison's eerie atmosphere is perfect for a ghost like the White Lady, who's said to roam the cells and corridors, searching for something or someone.
Built in the 17th century, HMP Shepton Mallet has a rich and often dark history. During its operational years, the prison saw many inmates come and go, some of whom met their demise on the premises. The White Lady is thought to be one of these unfortunate souls. In more recent years, staff have reported another ghostly presence - that of an American serviceman, likely related to the period when the site was used by the US military. This new presence has added a fresh layer of intrigue to the prison's paranormal activity, leaving visitors and staff alike to wonder about the stories behind these ghostly apparitions.
HMP Shepton Mallet operated from the 17th century until its closure in 2013
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Nancy Camel's Ghostly Procession
Streets and lanes of the town, Shepton Mallet
Shepton Mallet's streets can be a lonely place at night, but locals will tell you they're not always alone. They say that on certain evenings, you can hear the sound of a donkey's braying and an old woman's footsteps, echoing through the town's lanes and alleys. This is the ghostly procession of Nancy Camel, a local legend who vanished without a trace many years ago. According to folklore, Nancy was known for walking these very streets with her donkey in tow, and now her spirit is said to roam the town, searching for people to take with her.
Frog Shower Mystery
Unnamed country lane, Shepton Mallet
Deep in the Somerset countryside, near the charming town of Shepton Mallet, a bizarre incident took place on an unnamed country lane. A young girl, out walking her dog, was suddenly caught in a shower of frogs that seemingly fell from the sky. The unexpected and inexplicable event was further marked by the frantic behaviour of nearby cattle, which went berserk. This strange occurrence, though unexplained, has become a fascinating footnote in local folklore.
Mysterious Child's Footsteps
Former grammar school, Shepton Mallet
The old grammar school on Peter Street in Shepton Mallet has a strange reputation for being haunted by the sound of child's footsteps. Over the years, numerous people have reported hearing the faint sound of little feet running or walking across empty corridors and rooms. The eerie footfalls seem to emanate from various parts of the building, leaving many to wonder who or what could be making them. It's a curious phenomenon that has been observed by multiple witnesses, adding to the mystique of this Somerset location.
Golden Coffin Barrow
Barrow on Beacon Hill, Shepton Mallet
Barrow on Beacon Hill in Shepton Mallet is home to a legend that has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. This ancient barrow is said to contain a golden coffin, a treasure that has sparked the interest of many. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has become an integral part of the site's history and allure. The barrow itself is a reminder of the rich history that lies just beneath our feet, and it's easy to see why it's become a point of fascination for those drawn to the paranormal.
Ghost of Giles Cannard
Area of Cannard's Grave Public House, Shepton Mallet
The Cannard's Grave Public House in Shepton Mallet stands on a spot where legend has it a rather unsavoury character met his maker. Giles Cannard, the man behind the haunting, took his own life to avoid arrest for a string of alleged crimes including sheep stealing, forgery, and robbery - the exact offence is lost to history. What is known is that he was given a grim burial at a crossroads with a stake through his heart, a supposed safeguard against his return. It seems this preventive measure didnt quite work as planned.
Cannard's Well Ghost Apparition
The Well Inn, Shepton Mallet
The Well Inn in Shepton Mallet is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former landlord. His story is one of tragic downfall, having received stolen goods from highwaymen and smugglers, then attempting to forge documents. When caught, he chose death over surrender, taking his own life. His body was buried at a nearby crossroads. People claim to have seen him around the pub and on nearby roads, clutching a rope around his neck and acting strangely.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near HMP Shepton Mallet
