DERBY GAOL

Derby Gaol is a working museum that is open to the public. It was acquired in 1997 by Richard Felix, a paranormal investigator and a dedicated historian. He later became famous, as one of the members of the popular television programme ‘Most Haunted’.

The building was restored as far as possible to replicate its original state. Currently, there are two cells: The Condemned Cell and the Debtor’s Cell. Each one features the original doors which have been re-hung, complete with the prisoners’ original ‘graffiti’… names, dates and day markers, etched into the wood. Marking down how many days the prisoner had until execution.

A twenty-four-hour investigation in Derby by the TV’s Most Haunted team brought both the gaol and the city to the attention of a wide audience. This resulted in the building becoming a popular venue for ghosthunters, serious investigators and the curious.

Richard Felix claims to have seen a ghost there in November 1999. It took the form of a strange grey mist creeping across the room from the main entrance. The gaol is also used as the headquarters for Derby Ghost Walks, where walks can be booked by both individuals and groups, or for the even more adventurous overnight vigils at the gaol itself.