Shropshire’s charming villages veil a darker tapestry of terrifying stories and ghostly happenings. Guest writer JOSHUA JONES, from the Mystic Realm Blog, reveals five of the creepiest places in the West Midlands
Shropshire, with its rolling hills and quaint villages, may seem tranquil and picturesque, but beneath its serene surface lies a rich history of ghost stories and spooky legends. As someone who has explored many of these haunted locations, I’m thrilled to share with you some of the most haunted places in Shropshire. So, buckle up and let’s check out some of them…
The Tontine Hotel, Ironbridge
In the heart of Ironbridge, not far from where I live, the Tontine Hotel is a charming place for a pint or two. I spent many days here in the summer enjoying the atmosphere of this historic establishment. However, the Tontine is not only known for its hospitality; it is also known as 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 really left. Both guests and staff have reported terrifying occurrences such as unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices and sudden drops in temperature. It is said that the ghost of a former maid, who tragically died in the building, wandered the halls and still performed her duties. The next time you enjoy a pint, keep an eye out for any unusual occurrences; you may encounter a ghostly guest!
The Ghosts of Shrewsbury Prison
Shrewsbury Prison, also known as Dana, has a grim history dating back to 1793. This foreboding building housed some of the most notorious criminals of its time, and its dark past still echoes through its corridors. My own connection to this place runs deep, as my grandfather was incarcerated here many years ago. He often spoke of strange occurrences in his cell, including being kicked and pushed 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 ghost is that of George Riley, who was the last person executed at the prison in 1961 and who haunts the prison to this day. Since this old prison was decommissioned in 2013, it has been open to the public for day trips 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 ghost monks of Lilleshall Abbey
Lilleshall Abbey, with its beautiful ruins and serene grounds, is a perfect spot for a summer picnic. But beneath its beauty lies a history full of mystery and ghostly encounters. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey was once a thriving religious community. Today it is a testament to the passing of time and the ghosts 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 creepy reputation, Lilleshall Abbey remains a wonderful place to visit, combining historical intrigue with the allure of the supernatural.
I visited Lilleshall Abbey with my partner, Sharlene, and she fully believed that we had brought back a spiritual monk who was sitting in the back of the car. I thought it was funny, but she was quite convinced. It just shows 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 attractions. One of the most famous haunted locations is the Feathers Hotel, a place I revisited last summer with my partner Sharlene. We enjoyed a delicious lunch there, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of the heavy history of the place.
Rumor has it that the Feathers Hotel, which dates back to 1619, is home to several ghosts. Customers 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 ghosts create an atmosphere that is both captivating and unnerving. Dining at the Feathers Hotel not only offers a taste of excellent food (the food is really delicious), but also an introduction to the supernatural.
The Mysteries of the Stiperstones and the Devil’s Chair
The Stiperstones, a jagged ridge in Shropshire, is steeped in folklore and spooky stories. It’s been a while since I’ve ventured there during the day, but I can only imagine how particularly creepy it would feel at night. This rugged landscape, with its steep rock formations, has long been associated with dark legends and supernatural phenomena.
The most famous of these legends is that of the Devil’s Seat, a rock formation where the Devil himself is said to rest. According to local lore, if you sit in a chair and make a wish, this wish will come true, but at a terrible price! Ghostly figures have been reported wandering the hills, and strange lights have been seen dancing along the ridge on misty nights. The eerie atmosphere and folklore of the Stiperstones make it a fascinating, yet unnerving, place to explore.
Shropshire is a county steeped in history, and its 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 just a handful of the haunted places in Shropshire. There are many more to discover. I’ll save those stories for another time until then…
Check out the Man Monkey of Shropshire Union Canal, a message 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 have been fascinated by the paranormal and supernatural, probably influenced by my father’s gift for creating ghost stories and horror stories. This fascination has led me to delve into topics such as paranormal research, ghost stories, witchcraft and the mysteries that lie behind them. As a father to my son Leo (who is now almost 13), and partner to my wonderful lady Sharlene and her daughter, my curiosity for the unknown grows. Because a vast library of books on the subject piqued my interest, I founded Mystic Realm Blog to search for answers and share intriguing discoveries with others.”
