Dorchester Court

Dorchester 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’. 

Other notable cases tried here include victim’s of victorian mesmerism, child attackers, and American GIs tried during the Second World War.

In 1955 the building ceased operation as a courthouse and became 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.

Intense paranormal activity has been reported here over the years by both visitors and family members alike. 

Some examples include:

• The ghost of the notorious Judge Jeffries is said to have been seen and heard here.
• 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.
• Heavy footsteps heard echoeing from within the old courtroom.
• The sound of fingernails scraping down the walls!
• Ghostly figures have been reported all over the building.

YOUR EVENING WILL INCLUDE:

• Welcome briefing
• Investigation of the most active areas in small groups
• Unique paranormal experiments
• Traditional methods inc table tipping, spirit boards, glass work, dowsing rods and divination
• Use of ghost hunting equipment inc REM Pods, Proxy Sensors, Grid Lighting, Spirit Boxes, EMF meters and more.
• Free time to explore this vast location
• Lone Vigils (FOR THE VERY BRAVE!)
• Hot drinks and snacks provided

Event Times: 8pm - 1am (arrival no earlier than 7:45pm please)

Dorchester Shire Hall Museum, High W St, Dorchester DT1 1UY

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