The Ghosts, History & Spooky Tales of Dorchester’s Past

Did you know that Dorchester has a chillingly spooky past? From gruesome hangings to ghostly tales that could keep you awake at night, our town is steeped in eerie history. Don’t believe us? Take it from some of our residents and visitors, with many people reporting sudden drops in temperature, sightings of mysterious figures and echoes of Dorchester’s hidden past.

Join us as we take you on a journey through the town’s most haunted buildings and eerie locations. Feature places with the strongest reports of paranormal activity and the darkest stories to tell.

Shire Hall Museum

Have you ever experienced that spine-tingling feeling as you walk into the old courthouse and the dark cells of Shire Hall? We wouldn’t be surprised. This grade 1 listed building holds many tales and crimes that saw some of the most famous people brought to justice, with many handed death sentences.

Many stories are famous, including the trail of the infamous Dorset smugglers and the 1856 domestic abuse case that inspired Thomas Hardy to write ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’. Others are not so well-known, but don’t be fooled into thinking they’re not interesting, too. You can uncover all of them within the walls of the old Dorchester courthouse, where every corner whispers its own story.

Interested in finding out those hidden stories? The Courthouse is open to the public, and you can buy tickets here to get your fright fix this Halloween.

The Oak Room, Tea Rooms in Antelope Walk

The Oak Room, located in the Tea Rooms in Antelope Walk, is very well known for its unexplained and eerie paranormal activity. Over the years, many people have experienced strange and unexplained occurrences within the room, most commonly cold chills, unsettling feelings, lights flickering, the feeling of being watched and explained noises like faint whispers and footsteps.

And there’s a reason behind the unexplained sightings. The Oak Room was once a passageway linking Judge Jeffreys’ house with the Oak Room, where he carried out many famous trials, which brought many people to justice.

Today the Oak Room is a home to Seventy Four Dorchester – a Restaurant and Dining Club. Seventy Four, is named after the 74 rebels sent for execution by the judge, bringing back to life a large part of Dorchester’s history, with modern and chic touches.

So if you visit The Oak Room and begin to feel like you’re being watched, it could be one of those brought to justice in the hands of Judge Jeffreys.

Al Molo Restaurant

What is now Al Molo Restaurant, this is the very place where the famous Judge Jeffreys stayed while carrying out his judging at the Shire Hall Courthouse. The historic building was once an inn that housed travellers and residents, including Judge Jeffreys. Legend has it that the ghosts of those he sentenced to death still haunt the building, making it one of Dorchester’s eeriest historic sites.

Dorchester Tunnels

Did you know that beneath Dorchester lies a network of tunnels over 2,000 years old? These very tunnels were once used for transportation and as escape routes in times of danger. Many of those who have visited the tunnels have experienced fascinating paranormal activity, including sightings of a shadowy figure (often dressed in period clothing), and others have claimed to see a soldier from the Civil War.

Many of the tunnels are now closed to the public, but if you’d like to find out more about the secret tunnels hidden under Dorchester, visit the Urban Explorer website.

Spooky Tales Told By Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy often went into the rich history of Dorchester, weaving its past into his works. He told tales of Roman soldiers haunting Maumbury Rings and even referenced Martha Brown, a woman he witnessed being hanged near the old prison, which brought the town’s dark and fascinating history to life.

Hardy himself claimed to have experienced the supernatural, reporting encounters such as seeing a ghost in Stinsford churchyard and a mysterious dark figure at a tea party in his home, Max Gate.

Ghost Tours in Dorset

If you’re a real scare seeker, Dorchester hosts ghost walks throughout the town to tell you stories and take you to the town’s most haunted houses and eerie spots. Do you dare join the tour? Tickets cost £8 for adults and £3 for children, payable in cash on the day. The group meets at the King’s Arms. For details on the next tour, visit the Discover Dorchester website.

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