Exeter Prison, located in Devon, England, has a long and dark history dating back to its construction in 1853. The Victorian-era facility was built on the site of an earlier county jail and has witnessed numerous executions, including public hangings until 1868. The prison’s gallows remained in use until the last execution took place in 1943.

Throughout its years of operation, Exeter Prison has been associated with various paranormal phenomena. Staff and inmates have reported unexplained occurrences, including disembodied footsteps echoing through empty corridors and the sensation of being watched when alone. Some have claimed to see shadowy figures darting across cells and vanishing into walls.

One of the most frequently reported ghostly encounters involves the spirit of a former inmate who allegedly committed suicide in his cell. Witnesses describe seeing a male figure hanging from the ceiling, only to disappear when approached. Others have reported hearing desperate cries and pleas coming from empty cells, believed to be the voices of long-deceased prisoners.

The prison’s E-wing, which once housed the condemned, is said to be particularly active with paranormal activity. Guards have reported feeling sudden drops in temperature and experiencing an overwhelming sense of dread in this area. Some have even claimed to hear the sound of a trapdoor opening, reminiscent of the hangings that once took place there.

Another notable ghost story involves the spectral figure of a female prisoner, often seen wandering the grounds near the former women’s wing. Her presence is said to be accompanied by a strong floral scent and a feeling of sadness that permeates the area.