Ghost Hunts Old Shire Hall Dorchester 

If you are looking for a ghost hunt in Dorchester, then there is no better place to start than the old shire hall, A little along High West Street, you will find Dorchester Shire Hall, home of the courthouse and a jail. Said to be haunted by Jeffreys’ ghost, Over the years, there have been 100’s of cases where prisoners have sat below the streets in cells, awaiting their judgement and fate, with stories of many taking their own lives in their cells to escape an even crueller end. Ghost hunts here at the old shire are said to be a genuinely terrifying experience. Poltergeist activity is a common occurrence. When renovations took place here, workmen claimed they would return to work to find their tools had been moved, and they also reported heavy footsteps from within the old courtroom. The sound of fingernails scraping down the walls is heard; ghostly figures have been reported. Are you ready to head into the old shire hall to see what is haunting this location? Join the paranormal eye team on this intense ghost hunt.

Shire Hall was Dorset’s courthouse from 1797 until 1955. It saw everything from the 1834 trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs to the 1856 domestic abuse case that inspired Thomas Hardy to write ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ to victim’s mesmerism, child perpetrators, and American GIs tried during the Second World War.

Alongside its human history lies Shire Hall’s intrinsic architectural value as one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind. This is recognised in its Grade I listed status, awarded in 1950. Architect Thomas Hardwick designed it. As well as being a well-known architect in his own right, Hardwick was also the architectural tutor of the artist J.M.W. Turner before advising him to focus on his painting instead.

After ending its life as a court in 1955, Shire Hall was used as an office for West Dorset District Council (previously the Rural District Council), thus preserving the Georgian architecture for future generations.

A fascinating element of Shire Hall’s history relates to the Trades Union Congress. In recognition of the importance of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ trial that took place here in 1834, the TUC took ownership of part of the building for 12 years in the 20th century.

In 1956, after Shire Hall had ceased to be used as a courthouse, the TUC created a charitable trust, which bought the courtroom and cells from the Rural District Council for £4,000. The trustees were: Harold Tewson (TUC General Secretary, 1946–60), Harold Collison (General Secretary, National Union Agricultural Workers, 1953–60) and Frank Cousins (General Secretary, Transport & General Workers Union,1955–69).

In 1968, the TUC decided to return their part of the building to the ownership of the Council, with this covenant:

‘The Council at this moment covenant with the Trustees to keep the courtroom open for public inspection at all reasonable hours in the day-time on weekdays.’

Since then, the TUC and numerous union members have visited the courtroom where the infamous trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs took place.

Access to the location after dark

Access to the former cells and courtroom

Working in Small Groups, Using an array of different equipment and techniques

Spiritual Medium during the investigation

Complimentary Tea, Coffee,

Complimentary light snacks

All attendees must be 18 years or older.

Not suitable for pregnant ladies.

Anyone under or suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances will not be permitted.

This is an old and dark location, all attendees must bring a torch with them.

All attendees are expected to wear sensible shoes no heels or sandals etc.

We advise that you wear warm clothing, as this locations can be very cold after dark (even during the summer months)

Before booking this event, please read the following as per our terms and conditions that are agreed upon at the point of sale.

All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable .

This is not a sleepover event.

Complimentary hot and drinks are provided along with light snacks, We do not cater for dietary requirements. However guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and drinks.

We operate a ticketless event. sign in on arrival.

Arrival time is 15 minutes before the event start time.

There is NO Parking at this location. Street Parking is payable.