December 31st 2023.
HMP Shepton Mallet has gained a notorious reputation as the 'Most Haunted Place' in the UK. This 17th century prison was the UK's oldest operating jail when it stopped housing inmates in 2013, and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
Throughout its long history, dating back to 1625, there have been many prisoners executed in the grounds of the site in Somerset, including 16 condemned US soldiers hanged during World War II and two shot by firing squads.
When it was announced that the attraction - complete with guided tours, spooky escape rooms and overnight stays - would be shutting, tourists were devastated. But, at the last minute, a new deal was agreed and it will remain open in 2024.
Joel Campbell, CEO of Cove Group, said: “We are optimistic about our forthcoming discussions with City & Country and relieved on behalf of our hard-working staff who now know that their jobs are secure into the new year. We would like to thank the local community for their support in recent weeks and hope that this continues as we remain open for business.”
The jail's dark history is enough to send shivers down your spine. One of the most eerie stories is that of the White Lady. Her ghost is said to roam the wings and prison officers report seeing shadows and white figures standing on the stairs. She was due to be hanged in the town centre for murdering her husband, but was found dead in her cell on the morning of her execution, wearing her wedding dress. No cause of death was ever determined and it was concluded that she must have died of a broken heart.
The Home Office even carried out an investigation in the 1970s after an increase in prisoners requesting additional bedding due to a cold draught and the smell of sweet perfume wafting through the corridors. Prisoners claimed they were becoming uncomfortable in their cells and some officers even refused to work night shifts due to the terror. The results of the investigation remained 'inconclusive'.
The Kray twins were also famously held at the prison for a month in September 1952 while they awaited court-martial after assaulting a police officer who tried to arrest them for going AWOL from the army. In its later years, Shepton Mallet housed category C inmates who had been sentenced to life behind bars and held up to 189 prisoners.
The jail has been a visitor attraction since it stopped housing inmates in 2013. Three-part ITV drama Des was filmed at the jail and released in 2020, while the site also won the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice award the same year.
Cove Group added on its Facebook page: “We are thrilled to announce that Shepton Mallet Prison will remain open in the new year. Preserving and protecting the heritage of this incredible building is close to our hearts, and we are delighted that our team will be able to welcome more visitors in 2024.”
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