Ghost Hunting at the Nottingham
Galleries of Justice – Britain’s most haunted...?
Situated in the Lacemarket area, the Galleries of Justice
has a dark history as the centre of crime and punishment in Nottingham.
Believed to have been used for keeping prisoners since the Dark Ages, when it
formed part of the original Saxon settlement (although this has not been confirmed,
due to lack of written records), it has also served as the courthouse, county
gaol, and, most recently, as a museum and magnet for ghost hunters.
About the Galleries
After the Norman invasion, the site was used as the base for
the Sheriffs of Nottingham. It was known as Sheriffs’ Hall or King’s Hall.
Written records are sketchy, but it is believed that the site was used as a
courthouse from around the mid 14th Century, then as a prison from
the mid 15th Century. What is clear, however, is that the site was
long used to enforce law and order, often brutally.
The Galleries of Justice was the only place in Britain where
criminals were tried, sentenced and often executed at the same site. For very
minor crimes, men, women, and children alike would often face public execution
on the front steps.
Because of its history, the Galleries of Justice is
incredibly popular with ghost hunters. It has been featured on the television
show Most Haunted, and offers regular
ghost hunting “suppers” and other events.
Paranormal activity
Visitors to the Galleries have reported many kinds of
paranormal activity, ranging from strange noises such as screams, groans, and
gurgling sounds, to actual apparitions and poltergeist activity.
The Galleries is a huge site, with paranormal activity being
reported at various locations. In the entrance hall, various figures have been
seen. In the courtrooms, knocking noises are often heard, and objects thrown. In
the cell corridors, you could be treated to the sounds of doors slamming, keys
jangling, and prisoners screaming. In the caves and chapel, people have
reported being touched whilst there is nobody there; while in the laundry room,
a sudden musty smell is known to occur.
It is this amazing volume of activity which makes the Galleries
one of the most popular venues for ghost hunting in the UK.
Going ghost hunting
If what you have read so far has not put you off, the
Galleries offers various ghost hunting events throughout the year. Look on
their website, but also check the websites of other ghost hunting companies, as
you may find different events upcoming.
You may get the chance to spend a night investigating the
many rooms, cells and caves that make up this expansive site, as many companies
now offer events that last all night. These are usually hosted by experienced
mediums or ghost hunters, who offer you the chance to carry out investigations
using full ghost hunting equipment.
Whilst there is no guarantee of paranormal activity
occurring, it certainly appears that the chances are good, at this particular
site. If you go with an open mind, ghost hunting at the Galleries of Justice
might just prove very scary indeed... which can only be a good thing!
