Shire Hall
Shire Hall, located in Nottingham, England, has a long and storied history dating back to the 16th century. Originally built as a courthouse and prison, it served as a center for local government and justice for centuries. The building’s dark past includes numerous executions and imprisonments, creating an atmosphere ripe for paranormal activity.
One of the most well-known ghost stories associated with Shire Hall involves the spirit of a young woman named Elizabeth Wooler. In 1844, she was sentenced to death for poisoning her husband and was hanged at the site. Visitors and staff have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering the corridors, often accompanied by the sound of dragging chains.
Another frequently encountered spirit is that of a former jailer, believed to be from the 18th century. Witnesses have described seeing a man in period clothing patrolling the building’s hallways, particularly in the areas that once housed prison cells. Some have even reported feeling a cold hand on their shoulder when no one else was present.
The building’s basement, which once held condemned prisoners, is said to be a hotbed of supernatural activity. Unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and sudden temperature drops have been reported by numerous visitors. Some have claimed to hear the agonized cries of prisoners echoing through the stone walls.
In the former courtroom, now used for various events, staff members have reported objects moving on their own and chairs being rearranged overnight when the building was empty. The ghostly figure of a judge in full regalia has been seen sitting at the bench, only to vanish when approached.