The Hanging Pit: The Haunting of Bodmin Jail (Investigating the Haunted)

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But rational explanation of a paranormal encounter with a ghost or apparition is not always available to explain away the often illogical and irrational phenomena of such a psychic experiences exist. Children have since reported seeing a lady in a long dress crying. Pregnant women have been known to become very emotional in the presence of this spirit. The last man to be hanged in Cornwall Tony believed the 'apparition' caught might be that of William Hampton, the last man to be hanged in the county.

Hanged at the age of 28 in 1878 for the murder of her son, her final words were “Lord deliver me from this miserable world” ( The Guardian). Wadge is said to have dropped her son into a well on Bodmin Moor in a desperate attempt to survive during difficult times.Or that of Selina Wadge, who was hanged at the age of 28 in 1878 for the murder of her son, whom she was said to have dropped into a well on Bodmin moor. Her final words were: “Lord deliver me from this miserable world.” Bodmin Jail (alternatively Bodmin Gaol) is a historic former prison situated in Bodmin, on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall. Built in 1779 and closed in 1927, a large range of buildings fell into ruin, but parts of the prison have been turned into a tourist attraction, and more recently another large part was converted into a hotel. While it may not be immediately obvious to those heading past its walls towards the Camel Trail, the dominance of Bodmin Jail over the landscape around it is symbolic of its role in local history and folklore. He had quite a fascinating life, nothing less than pure evil. He is said to have murdered his wife, children and he even sold his soul to the devil. He later had to beg and pay his way to an exorcism as the demons were troubling him too much and this led him to a somewhat early, yet deserved grave.

Other people have witnessed her and felt fear or unsafe with her - she resonates a very uncomfortable feeling. During the First World War, the jail played host to the Domesday Book and state papers. It was also reported that it held the crown jewels for a time. Visit these petrifying places on an October half term break to Cornwall. Browse our collection of cottages in St Ives and Carbis Bay that are still available for half term.

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In July 1909, the final hanging at the jail took place, with William Hampton executed for taking the life of his 17-year-old girlfriend after an argument. He was also the last man hanged in Cornwall. Early executions prior to the jail took place at Bodmin Common, to the edge of the town. It was in 1802 that executions came to the jail, with drop gallows being used in the field outside of the front of the jail. Another former prisoner, whose spirit has remained earthbound at Bodmin Jail is Selina Wadge, who was arrested in 1878 for the murder of her youngest son, Harry. I think it is an old woman described as the hag often seen within the walls of Bodmin Jail. She doesn’t reside in one spot she wanders through the corridors," Kirsten said.