The earliest history of the site being used for official purposes takes us back to the Normans, where they appointed sheriffs to keep the peace and of course collect taxes. This is why the site was commonly referred to as the Sheriff's/King's/County Hall. The first written record of the site being used as a court of law, dates back to 1375 in the reign of Edward III, and the first written reference of the site being used as a prison traces back to 1449.

 

The courts and prison were extended and enlarged over the next few centuries as its importance grew. In 1724, the courtroom floor collapsed causing several severe injuries. Between 1769 and 1772, the Hall was rebuilt under the architect James Gandon of London. Additional wings were added to the building some time between 1820 and 1840. In 1832, hangings in Nottingham were transferred from Gallows Hill to the Shire Hall, and took place on top of scaffolding erected over the stone steps at the front of the building, for the citizens of Nottingham to watch. The last public execution was held in 1864 when Richard Thomas Parker was hanged. After the abolition of public executions in 1868, another gentleman by the name of Thomas Gray, was hanged in the yard at the rear of Shire Hall on 21st November 1877. In 1876, a fire broke out at the Hall during building improvements and nearly destroyed all of the newly completed work. The gaol was closed in 1878, but the courtrooms remained active.

 

In 1905, a police station was built adjacent to the building. While the County Council moved out of Shire Hall in 1954, the building continued to be in use and home to Nottingham's civil and criminal courts up until 1991. The Galleries of Justice Museum first opened in 1995, and was refurbished and rebranded over two decades later, as the National Justice Museum in 2017.

The Galleries of Justice is full of ghosts, with so many visitors, staff and paranormal investigators reporting activity throughout the building and its many levels.

 

In the courtrooms, people have reported seeing shadow figures along the upper balcony, with numerous knocks and bangs heard, and transfigurations whenever anyone sits in the judge's chair. In the gaol cells, people have heard voices and doors bang with no one else around.

 

In the washroom, the apparition of a maid or matron-like character has been seen wandering and then disappearing.

 

In the courtyard, there has been the presence of a nasty male felt by visitors.

 

And in the debtor's cells and medieval caves, there is a strong negative male entity who doesn't like anyone coming into his area. It's believed this dark entity might have died in the oubliette. On our previous Ghost Hunt at the Galleries back in September 2022, a guest captured an incredibly clear photo of a ghostly dark gentleman overshadowing team member Mark. Will we meet this male entity once again?

DATE: Saturday 25th January 2025

 

TIMES: 9:00pm - 4:00am (arrive 15 minutes early. Please wait patiently outside the front entrance until a member of our team greets you at the door for registration)

 

LOCATION: National Justice Museum, High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN

 

PARKING AT EVENT: Lace Market Car Park, Broad Marsh Car Park, NCP Nottingham Maid Marian Way Car Park and local street parking. Please note car parking charges may apply.

 

REMAINING BALANCE: Needs to be paid FOUR WEEKS prior to the event date. Failure to pay your remaining balance before this deadline will result in you forfeiting your places and your places will be sold on.

 

WHAT TO BRING: A torch, a warm coat/jacket, sensible footwear, any equipment you wish to bring along (your responsibility), your positive and open-minded energies. If you struggle with walking distances and stairs, it's best advised to bring a small camping chair with you to carry and sit on during vigils.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Bringing alcohol or illegal drugs to this event is strictly prohibited. If anyone arrives at the event under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, they will not be allowed to stay for the night and will be asked to leave immediately. No refunds given.