Who are the ghosts said to haunt UK’s oldest operating prison?
Shepton Mallet Prison has a dark history, filled with unsettling stories and chilling facts that have contributed to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in England.
A number of executions happened at haunted Shepton Mallet prison
The prison was the location of many executions over the centuries. It’s estimated that at least 200 people were executed here, with hangings, shootings, and even beheadings being carried out.
Shepton Mallet Prison was once used by the U.S. military
During World War II, Shepton Mallet Prison was used by the U.S. military to hold and execute American soldiers convicted of serious crimes. Between 1943 and 1945, 18 soldiers were executed, mostly by hanging but also by firing squad. Their bodies were buried within the prison grounds, leading to stories of restless spirits wandering the site.
After the war, the prison was returned to British control and continued to function as a standard prison facility, housing various categories of prisoners over the decades.
Harsh punishment method to discipline inmates
In its early years, the prison was notorious for the brutal treatment of inmates. Prisoners were subjected to torture, harsh punishments, and inhumane conditions. Instruments of torture, such as the whipping post and the stocks, were commonly used to discipline inmates.
Conditions within the prison were terrible
Conditions within the prison were terrible, with overcrowding and poor sanitation common problems.
The prison’s isolation cells, used to punish the most unruly prisoners, were tiny, dark, and claustrophobic. Inmates were often kept in complete darkness for days or weeks at a time, leading to severe psychological trauma. Many who spent time in these cells claimed to hear whispering voices and see ghostly apparitions.
These unsettling facts contribute to the prison’s dark and haunted legacy.
The prison is reputed to be haunted by several ghosts. Visitors and former staff have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodied voices, and experiencing sudden drops in temperature.
Carvings and symbols can still be seen on the walls of some of the cells. These were etched by prisoners over the centuries, and many believe they were made to ward off evil spirits. Some symbols are believed to be associated with occult practices.

Motion cameras have gone wild and captured lots of action even when no one was there. You’ll see shadowy figures, hear voices, and witness some eerie interactions with what might be the spirits of former inmates.
Haunted Shepton Mallet Prison attracted Travel for Ghosts paranormal investigations team
Paranormal investigator Vega says this investigation has become one he all-time favorites.
The show starts with Vega report:
Vega: “I’m recording from Shepton Mallet’s Prison to document some events that have occurred here. So far, I’ve discovered that this prison is home for the following spirits: a teenage boy, a little girl, a prison officer, and I’ve received messages from at least two executed criminals named Samuel and Henry. Since I arrived, I’ve been feeling quite nauseous, and I’ve experienced a strange sensation of being touched on my legs, particularly in the execution room. I’d like to add that the blend of playful and anguished spirits I’m encountering here are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Also, I can’t believe the volume of whispers this place echoes. It seems we’re in for a long night!”

Vega believes to have interacted with the spirits of prisoners called Samuel and Henry.