Brief History of Gloucester Prison & Its Hauntings

Located in the heart of the city, Gloucester Prison (also known as HMP Gloucester) is a place steeped in over 800 years of grim history. Though the existing structure dates back to 1792, the site itself has served as a place of incarceration since at least 1184, beginning as a Norman castle turned medieval gaol. Over the centuries, it evolved into a Victorian-era prison that bore witness to countless tales of misery, violence, and despair.

Gloucester Prison operated continuously for more than two centuries before its closure in 2013. In that time, it housed men, women, and even children – from petty criminals and debtors to dangerous offenders and those condemned to death. The gallows once stood outside the main entrance, where public executions were carried out until the late 19th century. Later, hangings moved inside the prison walls, with the final execution taking place in 1939.

The prison’s layout includes multiple cell blocks, a chapel and segregation units. Conditions were often harsh, and the emotional weight of centuries of confinement has seemingly left an indelible mark.

Hauntings and Paranormal Activity

Gloucester Prison is regarded as one of the most haunted locations in the UK, with chilling reports from both staff and visitors long before its closure — and even more since. Paranormal investigators and ghost hunters have reported a wide array of unexplained phenomena:

• Shadow figures seen drifting along the upper walkways and disappearing into walls.

• Disembodied voices, whispers, and cries echoing through the empty corridors.

• Loud bangs and footsteps in unoccupied wings.

• Sudden icy blasts of air in sealed rooms and cells.

• Feelings of being watched or followed, even in small groups.

There are tales of a former executioner whose grim presence is felt near the site of the old gallows, as well as cell doors that slam shut without warning, and objects that move on their own.

Our team have encountered many paranormal occurances here, from red glowing eyes watching from dark corners, to shadowy creatures crawling along the floor toward them.

Whether you’re a seasoned investigator or a first-time ghost hunter, Gloucester Prison offers an intense and deeply atmospheric experience. Once the gates close behind you, there’s no telling what — or who — you might encounter in the darkness.

As with all RIP-UK events you can expect 

Group Vigils including table tipping, Séance, and more,

Lone Vigils,

Full use of Paranormal Equipment

Hot and cold drinks facilities,

Snacks, refreshments, and treats.

You will be accompanied and guided if needed by our experienced team during the event, investigation equipment such as k2 meters, MEL meters, REM pods, trigger objects, ouija boards, divining rods and much more will be provided for your use and refreshments will be available through-out the night.

You are welcome to bring your own equipment, we will provide an array of paranormal equipment to use and explain how to use it. 

The investigation will take place in darkness, please bring a torch with you.

Although snacks and hot and cold drinks are provided throughout the night, you’re welcome to bring your own.

Other than the above, bring yourself, a smile and willingness to participate.

Firstly a relaxed, fun time with like minded individuals! No matter if you come alone or as a group, you will leave having met some new people and maybe made some new friends on the way. 

On your ghost hunt with RIP-UK, you will have exclusive access to this location. Our events start at specific times, we ask that you arrive with time to spare ideally around 15 minutes before the event start time. The event will start with a relaxed greeting, health and safety briefing and shortly after we will venture forth into the unknown.

Please note this is not a sleep over event, if you are travelling a considerable distance we recommend you book a hotel room, there are a number of choices in the area.

The RIP-UK promise… this is REAL ghost hunting! As a team we promise on our events we fake nothing, we actively ask our event venue hosts to ensure any and all devices in the venue that could distract or cause false positives are turned off. We set up nothing more than the refreshments! This means what happens, happens but we will not make something happen falsely. We do endeavour to create every opportunity for genuine activity through vigil guidance and experiements.

To get the most from the evening we encourage you to try your hand at as many things as you can, if you’re feeling particularly brave you could try a lone vigil, join others on a ouija board or perhaps even sensory deprivation experiments as we try to commune with the spirits and ghosts of the building.

Please dress weather appropriately, with extra layers of clothing if it’s cold, plus comfortable shoes and a torch if you need one. 

More details here