Shropshire’s charming villages veil a darker tapestry of eerie tales and spectral hauntings. Guest writer JOSHUA JONES, from the Mystic Realm Blog, reveals five of the spookiest places in the West Midlands county
Shropshire, with its rolling hills and quaint villages, might appear tranquil and picturesque, but beneath its serene surface lies a rich history of haunted tales and ghostly legends. As someone who has explored many of these spooky locations, I’m thrilled to share some of the most haunted places in Shropshire. So, buckle up and let’s take a look at a handful of them…
The Tontine Hotel, Ironbridge
In the heart of Ironbridge, not far from where I live, the Tontine Hotel is a charming spot for a pint or two. I’ve spent many a day here during summer, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic establishment. However, the Tontine is not just known for its hospitality; it’s also reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Shropshire.
Built in the late 18th century, the Tontine has seen countless visitors come and go, some of whom never truly left. Guests and staff alike have reported eerie occurrences, such as unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and sudden drops in temperature. The ghost of a former maid, who tragically died in the building, is said to wander the halls, still tending to her duties. The next time you’re enjoying a pint, keep an eye out for any unusual happenings, you might just encounter a ghostly guest!
The Ghosts of Shrewsbury Prison
Shrewsbury Prison, also known as the Dana, has a grim history that dates back to 1793. This foreboding structure housed some of the most notorious criminals of its time, and its dark past still echoes through its halls. My own connection to this place runs deep, as my grandad was locked up here many years ago. He often spoke of strange occurrences in his cell, including being kicked and pushed around by unseen forces.
Visitors to Shrewsbury Prison have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of dread, hearing phantom footsteps, and witnessing shadowy figures darting through the corridors. The most famous spectre is that of George Riley, who was the last person to be executed at the prison in 1961 and is said to haunt the prison to this day. Since the decommission of this old Prison in 2013, It has been open to the public for day tours and Paranormal events, making it a must visit for any paranormal enthusiast.
For More Places in Shrewsbury see the post Shrewsbury 5 haunted places by the Spooky Isles Team
The Spirit Monks of Lilleshall Abbey
Lilleshall Abbey, with its stunning ruins and serene grounds, is a perfect spot for a summer picnic. Yet, beneath its beauty lies a history steeped in mystery and ghostly encounters. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey was once a thriving religious community. Today, it stands as a testament to the passage of time and the spirits that linger.
Visitors often describe feeling a heavy energy upon entering the grounds, as if the air itself is thick with the presence of the past. Apparitions of monks have been spotted wandering among the ruins, and some have reported hearing the faint sound of chanting. Despite its eerie reputation, Lilleshall Abbey remains a lovely place to visit, combining historical intrigue with the allure of the supernatural.
I visited Lilleshall Abbey with my partner and she fully believed we brought a spirit monk back with us, sitting in the back of the car. I found it amusing, but she was quite convinced. It just goes to show how powerful the atmosphere of the abbey can be!
The Feathers Hotel, Ludlow
Ludlow, with its Medieval cobbled streets and historic buildings, is a town rich in history and hauntings. One of its most famous haunted locations is the Feathers Hotel, a place I visited last summer with my partner again. We enjoyed a beautiful lunch there, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of the place’s heavy history.
The Feathers Hotel, which dates back to 1619, is rumoured to be home to several ghosts. Patrons have reported seeing the apparition of a former landlord, who still watches over his establishment, as well as a lady in white who is said to haunt the upper floors. The sense of history and the lingering spirits create an atmosphere that is both captivating and unnerving. Dining at the Feathers Hotel offers not just a taste of excellent food (the food is really very lovely) but also a brush with the supernatural.
The Mysteries of the Stiperstones and the Devil’s Chair
The Stiperstones, a jagged ridge in Shropshire, is steeped in folklore and ghostly tales. It’s been a while since I’ve ventured up there in the daytime, but I can only imagine how particularly creepy it would feel at night. This rugged landscape, with its craggy rock formations, has long been associated with dark legends and supernatural phenomena.
The most famous of these legends is that of the Devil’s Chair, a rock formation where it’s said the Devil himself rests. According to local lore, if you sit in the chair and make a wish, it will come true, but at a terrible cost!. Ghostly figures have been reported wandering the hills, and strange lights have been seen dancing along the ridge on misty nights. The Stiperstones’ eerie atmosphere and folklore make it a fascinating, if unnerving, place to explore.
Shropshire is a county rich in history, and it’s haunted locations offer a glimpse into the past that is both fascinating and chilling. Whether you’re enjoying a pint at the Tontine Hotel, exploring the haunted halls of Shrewsbury Prison, picnicking at Lilleshall Abbey, dining at the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow, or wandering the eerie Stiperstones, you’re never far from a ghostly encounter.
These are but only a handful of the haunted spots in Shropshire, there are many more to uncover. I’ll save those stories for another time until then…
Take a look at the Man Monkey of Shropshire Union Canal a post by Matthew Robinson or Shropshire’s Spooky Tale of Two Nells by Andrew Homer.
JOSHUA JONES says: “I’m Josh, a Digital Marketer from Telford, Shropshire, and the writer and founder of MysticRealmBlog.com. Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the paranormal and supernatural, likely influenced by my father’s knack for spinning ghost stories and tales of horror. This fascination has led me to delve into subjects like paranormal investigations, ghost stories, witchcraft, and the mysteries that lie beyond.”
