Fort Widley, situated on Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth, was constructed between 1861 and 1870 as part of Lord Palmerston’s defensive fortifications. The fort was built to protect Portsmouth from potential French invasion, featuring deep dry ditches, caponiers, and underground tunnels. Despite its imposing presence, Fort Widley never saw military action.

During World War II, the fort served as an anti-aircraft command post. In the 1950s, it was utilized as a civil defense center before being decommissioned in the 1960s.

Fort Widley has gained notoriety for its reported paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have recounted numerous ghostly encounters within its walls. One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a young girl, often seen wandering the corridors or heard crying in various parts of the fort. Some witnesses claim to have seen her in Victorian-era clothing.

Another commonly reported phenomenon is the sound of heavy footsteps echoing through empty rooms and hallways, attributed to the spirits of soldiers who once occupied the fort. Some visitors have described feeling an overwhelming sense of unease or being watched in certain areas, particularly in the underground tunnels.

There have been accounts of shadowy figures seen darting across doorways and disappearing into walls. Some people have reported hearing whispered conversations and muffled voices when no one else was present. Unexplained cold spots and sudden temperature drops have also been experienced by visitors in various locations throughout the fort.