Ghosts of prisoners, children, and lost souls still roam the dark Victorian halls of Shrewsbury Prison
Shrewsbury Prison — known locally as The Dana — has earned a grim reputation as one of the most haunted places in Britain.
Once a site of suffering and confinement for two centuries, it now draws thrill-seekers and ghost hunters from across the country, all hoping to encounter its infamous spirits.
History of Shrewsbury Prison
Originally opened in 1793, Shrewsbury Prison served the county for more than 200 years.
Its early years were marked by public executions — grim spectacles that drew vast crowds outside the Georgian gatehouse.
Between 1902 and 1961, seven men were executed within the prison’s walls, some by the infamous hangman Albert Pierrepoint.
The executed were buried in unmarked graves beneath the prison yard, their names lost to time.
After closing in 2013, redevelopment work uncovered skeletal remains, confirming what many had long suspected — the prison had never let go of its dead.
Some remains were reinterred respectfully, but the discovery seemed to awaken something long dormant.
Ghost and Hauntings of Shrewsbury Prison
Paranormal activity within Shrewsbury Prison has been consistent and often unnerving.
Cold spots, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures are frequently reported by both visitors and staff.
But some spirits have made themselves known more clearly than others.
One of the most talked-about is the Grey Lady of A-Wing, thought to be the sorrowful wife of a prisoner who took her own life after his execution.
Witnesses describe her misty figure drifting along the walkway, accompanied by faint sobbing and a palpable sense of despair.
In C-Wing, the Shadow Man strikes fear into the hearts of even hardened sceptics.
Described as a tall, faceless silhouette, he is often seen standing motionless in doorways or slipping silently between cells.
He never speaks, but those who encounter him describe a sudden, choking dread.
Thermal cameras have reportedly captured unexplained anomalies in areas where he is seen.
More tragic is the ghost of the Georgian Child, a young presence believed to be the child of an inmate or a staff member.
Visitors report hearing small footsteps in the chapel and giggles echoing through deserted corridors.
Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings have picked up a child’s voice calling for their mother — adding an unsettling innocence to the prison’s dark legacy.
Then there’s the lingering presence of the Governor’s Wife, whose lavender-scented perfume has been noted near the Governor’s quarters.
Doors open and close by themselves, and staff have spoken of a gentle touch brushing their arm when no one else is present.
Though not malevolent, her presence is a poignant reminder that not all spirits in Shrewsbury are prisoners.
Most Haunted’s chilling investigation
In 2015, Shrewsbury Prison took centre stage in the paranormal series Most Haunted.
Spread across three episodes — Season 18, Episodes 215 to 217 — the team explored every darkened corridor, and what they uncovered was nothing short of terrifying.
The crew experienced poltergeist activity, unexplained bangs, and personal encounters with the spirits.
Yvette Fielding herself reported an unseen hand grabbing her arm in A-Wing.
Multiple crew members heard voices whispering their names and captured footage of shadows darting across the old exercise yard.
The episodes confirmed what locals had long claimed — the prison is brimming with restless energy.
The Shadow Man featured prominently in their investigation, with several team members refusing to enter certain cells after catching a glimpse of his towering form.
Perhaps most chilling was their time spent in the condemned man’s cell, where motion sensors triggered with no visible source.
How to visit Shrewsbury Prison
Today, Shrewsbury Prison offers several ways to explore its haunted halls.
Ghost Tours run every Wednesday evening, guiding brave guests through the most active areas, including the Governor’s office, A-Wing, C-Wing, and the execution sites.
You’ll even get the chance to experience five minutes alone in a locked cell — lights out.
For those seeking a deeper dive, Paranormal Investigations Behind Bars are available on select weekends, offering six-hour sessions with experienced investigators and access to ghost-hunting equipment.
The prison is open for daytime historical tours too, but the spirits don’t keep a strict schedule.
Many visitors on ‘normal’ tours have encountered cold spots, heard knocks, or felt sudden drops in temperature that defy explanation.
Shrewsbury Prison is located at The Dana, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HP.
Booking is essential for ghost events, and ages 12+ are welcome on tours (18+ for overnight investigations). Find out more about bookings here.
Shrewsbury Prison’s spirits have endured centuries of pain, loss, and confinement.
From the sorrowful cries of the Grey Lady to the silent menace of the Shadow Man, every echo in its empty halls tells a story.
Have you seen or experienced one of these spirits at Shrewsbury Prison? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
