Littledean Jail, located in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, was constructed in 1791 and designed by William Blackburn as a house of correction. The jail operated until 1854 and was known for its harsh conditions and brutal treatment of inmates. The building’s architecture followed the panopticon style, allowing guards to observe prisoners without being seen.

During its operational years, Littledean Jail housed both male and female prisoners, including children as young as eight years old. Inmates endured severe punishments, including floggings, solitary confinement, and hard labor. The jail also featured a treadwheel for prisoner reformation and a gallows for executions.

Numerous ghost stories and paranormal experiences have been reported at Littledean Jail. Visitors and investigators have claimed to hear unexplained footsteps, cell doors slamming, and disembodied voices throughout the building. Some have reported seeing shadowy figures and full-bodied apparitions in the corridors and cells.

One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a former jailer, seen patrolling the upper floors. Witnesses have also described encountering the spirit of a young girl, believed to be a former inmate, in one of the cells. Others have reported feeling sudden temperature drops, experiencing feelings of dread, and sensing an oppressive atmosphere in certain areas of the jail.

The execution room and the area around the old gallows are said to be particularly active, with some visitors reporting feelings of choking or difficulty breathing. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings have allegedly captured unexplained voices and sounds within the jail’s walls.