The Old Prison, Northleach, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

5^th April 2025

Seven members present. This event ran from 7pm to 2am. The group started with coffee in the base room. The base room was the glass conservatory that links the main building to the old prison cells. Clicking noises could be heard coming from the storage area and high pitched voices were heard coming from upstairs. The group were taken on a quick tour of all the buildings and rooms and nothing felt strange.

The group started the investigation in the Police House. On walking around, one member tried to open the downstairs bathroom door but it wouldn’t open. It felt as if someone was on the other side pushing against the door. Suddenly, the door opened. The room was empty. There was a rancid smell in the house and the atmosphere felt thick (it was not like that on the walk-a-round). Everyone complained of feeling giddy and dizzy. The group went upstairs to the back room. The spirit box said, ‘Talk to me. I’m here. Don’t touch him.’ The group asked, ‘Who can’t we touch?’ The spirit box said, ‘Me.’ The group asked, ‘What’s your name?’ The spirit box said, ‘Richard. Isaac.’ The group said, ‘Will you talk to us?’ The spirit box said, ‘They can say what they like.’ Some members said they could feel the floor moving, rather like someone with a heavy tread walking across it. A female member was doing some calling out and the spirit box said, ‘You are beautiful.’

The group opened an Ouija board. A male spirit came through and spelt ‘Anal.’ The male was angry and said he had been a prisoner in 1837. He said he couldn’t spell but his prisoner number was 2947. He said he was in prison because he got caught stealing. The group asked him what did he steal and ‘bread’ was spelt on the board. At the same time. The spirit box said, ‘Bread.’ The spirit said he had stolen to survive and he had three children. He also stole sheep. He was in prison for thirty months and he died in the prison aged nineteen. The spirit box said, ‘Dead.’ The spirit said there had been thirty eight people in the prison. It’s interesting to note that the original prison was designed to hold thirty seven prisoners, but records show that between 1792 – 1816 an average of forty six prisoners were held – from www.theoldprison.co.uk. The spirit box said, ‘The child wants help.’ The group asked, ‘Are you with children now?’ The spirit box said, ‘Probably.’ The spirit confirmed there were four spirits in the building. The group asked the spirit to make a noise. A door was heard opening downstairs – the handle being moved was quite loud, then a loud bang was heard. Heavy footsteps were heard running up and down the stairs. One member could sense someone standing at the top of the stairs. The group asked if there was someone there and the board confirmed it a child. The spirit box said, ‘Evelyn.’ A massive orb was seen through the camera in the cupboard. More banging was heard coming from downstairs. The spirit box said, ‘Frank.’ The board confirmed that Frank was a killer. The board then spelt out Rev. Abraham and said he was here in the building. The year 1828 was spelt. Some more names were spelt – Scarlet, Isaac, Holly, Frank and Evelyn. The spirit box said, ‘Soldier. Frustration.’

Meanwhile, three members went downstairs to investigate all the bangs being heard. The first thing they noticed was that the front door was wide open (it had been closed). This door is actually quite hard to open as the handle is quite stiff. Footsteps could be heard on the stairs, over and over again. Nothing else was detected downstairs and everything seemed to be in place. The members returned upstairs. A whistle was heard. A female was on the board. The spirit box said, ‘Murder.’ The group asked, ‘Did Frank murder you?’ The spirit box said, ‘It was my mate. Whore.’ The group asked, ‘Were you a lewd lady?’ The spirit box said, ‘Yes.’ The group asked, ‘Were you a witch?’ The spirit box said, ‘Yes.’ The group asked. ‘Did you sacrifice children?’ The spirit box said, ‘Nine. Morning. Dead.’ The group asked, ‘Did you sacrifice them at sun rise?’ The spirit box said, ‘Shut up.’ Everyone in the room was feeling very ill and a shadow figure was seen moving around the room. The spirit box said, ‘Salem.’ Salem refers in witch trials held between 1692 – 1693 where nineteen people were executed for witchcraft. The group asked, ‘Do you mean us harm?’ The spirit box said, ‘No. Sister. Witch sister.’ The board said there were eight people in the coven. A coven refers to a gathering of witches, where members practise witchcraft together and share beliefs and rituals. One member started to cough quite a lot. The spirit box said, ‘Witch. Leave. Witch.’ A few more questions were asked on the board, then the spirit box said, ‘I want you out.’ More footsteps were heard on the stairs. The group asked, ‘Would you like us to go downstairs?’ The spirit box said, ‘Please.’ The group asked if the police sergeants were bullies. The spirit box said, ‘Yes. Come back again. Save us.’ Voices could be heard coming from downstairs. The spirit box said, ‘They’re outside. The bad one.’ The spirit box then said, ‘Leave. This is cursed land. I’m walking around.’ Orbs were seen in the room (through the camera). The group closed the board and went downstairs.

The group headed into the bathroom. Loads of orbs were seen in the hallway, travelling from the front room to the back room. The Ouija board was opened in the bathroom. The spirit box said, ‘Good evening. Abraham.’ Some members could smell stale alcohol. A spirit on the board said they had been an officer in the building in 1835. They stale alcohol could be smelt again. The board spelt ‘whiskey.’ The spirit said he had looked after one hundred and twenty nine prisoners and confirmed he had a drink problem. A different spirit came on the board and said he was a prisoner who had been treated badly. He was nineteen years old and had been murdered by an inmate. The spirit box said, ‘My name George.’ He said there were nine spirits in the building and three were bad ones and one is the witch. One member said they had stabbing pains. More orbs were seen in the hallway. The group asked, ‘How many people are in this group?’ The spirit box said, ‘Mind your own business. There is a shape-shifter. In the kitchen. I’m walking around you.’ Note: a shape-shifter is an imaginary person or creature that can change into a different shape or form, often as animals or other beings, and often to represent themes of deception. A few questions were asked about the shape-shifter and a rat was mentioned a lot. A coldness could be felt in the bathroom doorway and several people felt a tightness in their chests. The group asked, ‘Did you shape shift into a snake?’ A bright white light was seen shooting across the mirror. The board spelt ‘Neero.’ Note: the name Nero is linked with a lot of negativity, due to the Roman emperor called Nero who’s name has become associated with evil. Another bright white light was seen by the mirror. The spirit box said, ‘There is a curse.’ The board confirmed that the mirror in the bathroom is a portal. Note: a portal is often believed to be a way for spirits, ghosts and other paranormal entities to enter or exit the physical world. A flash of bright light was seen in-between two members. The board spelt that something or someone was going to bring evil. The board was closed down.

The group moved to the back room downstairs and did some calling out. Loads of orbs were seen on the camera. Dolly’s eye was going on and off by request. The group asked, ‘Does the dolly remind you of a child?’ The spirit box said, ‘Who knows.’ The group said, ‘Can you make the dolly fall over.’ The spirit box said, ‘I’m bored.’ Through the camera, a massive orb was seen travelling around the room. The spirit box said, ‘Dolly. Spirits.’ The group said, ‘Can you light the dolly up.’ Dolly’s eye lit up. The group asked, ‘Are you angry we came out of the bathroom?’ The spirit box said, ‘Get off.’ The group asked, ‘Do you want us to go back in the bathroom to let evil spirits come through the mirror?’ Dolly’s eye lit up again. The group asked, ‘ Where you the goddess of the coven?’ Dolly’s eye lit up. The group asked, ‘Is there evil here? We didn’t give you time to release the evil, did we?’ Dolly’s eye lit up again. The spirit box said, ‘A rat.’ (shape-shifter?) ‘I’ve been here a thousand years.’ The group asked, ‘How many spirits are in this room?’ The spirit box said, ‘Four of us. Jordan. Always watches. Is he allowed in.’ The group said, ‘Are you still here?’ The spirit box said, ‘Hi Carol.’ (Carole is the protector of one of the members). The energy went a bit flat after that. The group were looking at a photo of someone who could have been a witch and were discussing the possibility. The spirit box said, ‘We like your equipment.’ Nothing more happened, so the group moved to the outside courtyard area and had a walk around. The spirit box said, ‘I am a witch. I am Irene.’ Nothing else happened so the group went back to the base room for a tea break. During the break, a clanging noise was heard near the store area followed by a clicking noise. A female singing could be heard.

After the break, the group went to the old prison cells. They went upstairs and into the cell at the far end. Two spirit boxes were in use and both said, ‘Nine’ at the same time. Talking could be heard. The spirit box said, ‘Witch and preacher. He was hung.’ Lots of orbs were seen through the camera. The group moved into the centre cell. Shouting could be heard coming from downstairs followed by what sounded like someone shovelling. An Ouija board was opened. A female came on the board and said she was a witch called Irene. One member felt something touch her neck and said, ‘Would you leave me alone.’ The spirit box said, ‘Forgive me.’ The group asked, ‘How many people are in this room?’ The board spelt ’20’. The group asked, ‘How many children here?’ The board spelt ’20’. The spirit box said, ‘I can see you all.’ The group asked, ‘How many of us can you see?’ The planchette hovered between 6 and 7. One member felt a stabbing pain in their foot like a nail going through it. Another female come on the board and said she hated males as one had killed her. She said she was twenty six. The spirit box said, ‘I had a bad past.’ It felt as if the group was talking to spirits on different spiritual planes. A male came on the board and said he had been a prisoner in the building. He was aged eighteen and had stolen money and food. A child’s voice could be heard moaning. The spirit box said, ‘I like the dark. Beware of the man.’ Someone in the group felt their back being touched. The spirit box said, ‘I screamed. We’re hiding.’ The group asked, ‘Is there anyone else who wants to communicate with us?’ The spirit box said, ‘Yes. There is Sean.’ The group asked, ‘What did you do here?’ The planchette started to spell ‘nar’ then started to move anti-clockwise. A bell could be heard ringing and everyone started to feel cold. It was confirmed that there was a witch on the board. Again, the planchette started to travel anti-clockwise. The spirit box said, ‘Hello.’ The group asked, ‘Shall we go back in the police house?’ The spirit box said, ‘Demon.’ One the board it was confirmed there was a coven with four witches and that they wanted to do a spell. The spirit box said, ‘Marie.’ One member on the board said their arm felt very heavy. The spirit box said, ‘Scratch.’ (The next morning the same member who said their arm felt heavy noticed they had a very sore scratch on their arm). Everyone heard what sounded like a male moaning. The spirit box said, ‘Stomach problems.’ Another member started to cough a lot. The planchette confirmed the spirit on the board died from dysentery. The spirit was a male who was on the treadmill in the prison in 1845. Note: in the 1840’s a new treadmill was built in the mill house. This later became the police house.

The group left the cell area and went downstairs to the cellar area and stood in the far room where the water used to flow – the kitchen area. Straight away talking could be heard. One member felt her hair being pulled. Footsteps and voices could be heard coming from the bake-room next door. The spirit box said, ‘No, that’s wrong.’ A black orb was seen on the ceiling, and white orbs were seen behind the person who had their hair pulled. Moaning could be heard in the kitchen. The group said, ‘Let us know you are here,’ The spirit box said, ‘I’m here. Burn the bitch.’ The group said, ‘ Can you come closer to us.’ The spirit box said, ‘We’re here, you idiot.’ A whining noise was heard.

The group went into the bake-house next door but left some toys in the kitchen. As soon as they left, teddy’s eye lit up. Pointing the SMS camera towards the kitchen, figures could be seen standing next to the teddy – some tall and some small like a child. Teddy’s eye lit up again and footsteps could be heard walking about upstairs. Teddy’s eye lit up again and the SMS camera showed large and small figures near teddy again. Dolly was placed next to teddy and everyone heard a voice speaking. A arch of orange lights was seen near to teddy. Note: an orange orb is an indication that a protective and good spirit is close.

The group tried to interact with any child spirits and played ‘Ring-a-ring-roses’ several times in the kitchen. Teddy’s eye lit up and orbs were seen on the stone steps that lead to an outside wooden door. Teddy had been placed on an iron piece of machinery and the way he was placed made him look like he was very well endowed. The group were all laughing at this. The spirit box said, ‘Impressive.’ The group laughed some more and teddy’s eye lit up. More footsteps could be heard walking about upstairs.

The group moved upstairs to the court room. The toys were set up so dolly and teddy each stood in the docks and the cat was placed on the centre of the magistrates table, making out to being judge. The Ouija board was opened and immediately, the K2 meter (placed next to the board) started to go crazy. The cat’s eyes kept going off and an orange orb was seen in-between two of the members. A male spirit related to one of the members came on the board but started answering questions by using the K2 meter. The spirit box said, ‘Screams. Crying. Donkey. Spanish donkey.’ Note: Spanish Donkey is also known as Wooden Horse or The Mule. It was one of the most painful methods of torture ever devised from the Medieval period. The cat’s eyes kept going off. A new female spirit came on the board and said she had been a prisoner in the building. The K2 meter kept going off in answer to questions. The spirit box said, ‘Witches. Help us.’ The group said, ‘Does anyone want to communicate with us?’ The spirit box said, ‘Bad entities here.’ The K2 meter kept going off right to red. A knocking noise was heard. The spirit box said, ‘I am Cain.’ The K2 meter kept going off in answer to questions. On the board, Charles came through and said he was connected to the building. The spirit box said, ‘He killed us.’ The board confirmed that Charles was a prisoner and a thief. The SMS camera picked up several figures standing near the dock. The group asked, ‘Do any spirits mean us harm?’ The K2 meter went off and the cat’s eyes lit up. The SMS camera picked up another figure by the dock but it had a different shape (shape shifter?). A scuffling noise was heard coming from the hallway. A different shape was seen on the SMS camera. Lots of questions were asked and the cat’s eye kept lighting up, as well as the K2 meter going up to red.

One member had a book that showed the names and convictions of some of the prisoners. She read out about someone who had done something to a vicar. The spirit box immediately said, ‘Faith.’ A new spirit came on to the board. It was a child. The K2 meter was going crazy and noises were heard in the hall again. The group asked, ‘Is that you making the noises?’ The planchette went to ‘yes’ and the K2 meter flashed to red. One member felt their hand being touched and two figures were seen standing next to him on the SMS camera. A scuffling noise was heard in the hallway again. The spirit box said, ‘I realise you can see me.’ The K2 meter was going off on command and the cat’s eyes were going off in answer to questions. Voices were heard coming from the hallway.

The group had a tea break, and afterwards went back to the old cells, but this time to the ground floor cells. In the first cell several orbs were seen through the camera. The K2 meter sitting in the middle of the floor was going crazy. Several orbs were seen on the floor next to the K2 meter and on the metal bed. A cough was heard and the spirit box said, ‘Evelyn. I’m touching your hand.’ At the same time, a figure was seen on the SMS camera touching the hand of one of the members who was sitting on the bed. The member said their hand felt cold. At the same time, a massive orb was seen shooting across the member’s hand. Orbs were seen floating all over the cell and a lady was heard sighing loudly (this was captured on a video). Loud banging could be heard coming from the base room. It sounded like a dustbin lid being slammed shut.

The K2 meter was flashing in answer to questions. A male child had come into the room to see what the group was doing. He said he was aged ten when he died. The spirit box said, ‘My life was short.’ The group asked, ‘Were you murdered here?’ The spirit box said, ‘My body was taken.’ The group asked who hurt him. The spirit box said, ‘Geoffrey.’ Chanting could be heard and the K2 went off. The spirit box said, ‘We enjoy the company. Gregory.’ Knocking noises could be heard and lots of orbs were seen through the camera. Voices were heard and a faint whistling was heard. One member had a thought that the group should go into the next cell and the spirit box said, ‘Don’t go in there.’ The group went into the end cell. A massive orb was seen through the camera in the doorway. A growling noise was heard and a shadow was seen moving about in the hallway. A white light was seen shooting in front (going upwards) of one members body. That member said he was feeling very cold.

The group moved back to the base room and did some calling out. Sitting in a circle, orbs could be seen inside the circle but nothing else happened. The energy levels around the room seemed to be quite low. The spirit box said, ‘Arse hole. Use the board.’ The group opened up the Ouija board and a male came through called. Mick. He said he was aged eighteen and had been sentenced to the prison with two friends in 1836. Church bells could be heard ringing (the time was 1.30am). Four children came on to the board. They were all aged six (quads?). One member could hear humming. The children said they were all homeless and that their mother had been caught stealing. People could feel cold breezes on their feet. One member had to go back into the police house because he had left a camera in there. The board was closed down and the spirit box said, ‘Open the portal.’ The group asked, ‘Is it because Colin went back to the police house?’ At this point the voice in the spirit box completely changed and a very sinister and angry voice shouted, ‘No. I didn’t!’ The group said, ‘Do you want us to come back?’ The spirit box said, ‘Back.’ Lots of questions were asked to try to wind the witch up but not a lot was being answered. The spirit box said, ‘For hatred.’

As the group were packing up and getting ready to leave, some went to the toilets. On four different occasions doors were slammed either right in front of or right behind members, even doors with fixed floor locks were slammed shut. It was as if the spirits had had enough and were telling the group to get out of there!