SHEPTON MALLET PRISON

The World's Oldest Prison 

Housing it's very first inmates in 1625, this prison has a long interesting history, it's no wonder it has a few stories to tell after dark....

During it's early years the prison consisted of very primitive conditions. Prisoners were not necessarily separated by the seriousness of crime committed, and often men, women and children would be held together.

Rather than using lengthy prison sentences as the punishment, fines, transportation, corporal and capital punishments were more commonly used. In fact, by the end of the 1700s, over 200 crimes were punishable by the death penalty; this was known as the Bloody Code.

After the 1800s the prison moved on to newer hard-labour punishments, such as Oakum Picking, the Crank and the Treadwheel, which can still be seen today.

After the war, the prison held the infamous London Gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, known as the 'Kray Twins'. 

After such a long history, Shepton Mallet prison was finally decommissioned on 28th March 2013. 

​​One of the most legendary spirits is the “White Lady”. This heartbroken murderess is known to sweep through the wing, bringing a cold wind in her wake, taunting prison staff and inmates alike for decades. 

Cold snaps, whistling heard down long echoey corridors. Physical pushes, and the desire to communicate within closed-door cells.... 

What will you experience at Shepton Mallet Prison?