The Galleries of Justice – May 2004

Millions of pounds have been spent restoring the Shire Halls, which houses the Galleries of Justice in Nottingham’s Lace Market. This 19th century Grade II listed building contains an authentic Victorian Court Room under which lies the original cells and exercise yard as well as a women’s prison with Bathhouse and Laundry. Below all of this are the medieval caves and Edwardian Police Station which add to the site’s mystique.

WALKAROUND

At the entrance to the cells there is an area where prisoners were advised of the Prison Rules. During the 10-15 mins that we were in this area the temperature dropped from 21c to 19.6c . 2 members of SPI experienced twitching in their left eye and 1 member felt as though the bench they were sitting on was falling to the left and had to lean to the right to stay upright whilst feeling as though he was falling forward.

In the Gaol, 1 person felt pain and pressure on his chest and in the Night Holding Cell 1 person could feel a pulling sensation on his trouser leg whilst another member of the group felt dizzy and uncomfortable. On approaching a staircase leading down to the exercise yard, several members of the group heard a whistling sound behind them. In the bottom Cave area heavy, congested breathing was heard along with feelings of discomfort about walking into the Chains room. 1 member picked up the following names and dates:

  • George Sutton
  • 1764 & 1767
  • Robin Stansfield

In the Lock area of the Gaol several people heard a cat-like sound and in the Women’s washroom and 1 person felt a strong presence and a cold spot. A Guest Medium provided by the Tour organisers believed this be the spirit of a Matron.

VIGILS

The following names and feelings were picked up by team mediums”

  • Night Holding Goal : “Geoffrey” , “Car…” possibly “Carmichael” a “Landsman” / “Farmer” convicted of “Stealing” a “Pig”” but claims to be not Guilty.
  • 1 member of the group felt a pressure on the back of his leg and another felt as though a comforting hand was supporting his chin.
  • “William” and “Rattling of Chains and 3 quick taps” were heard in the corridor outside the Night Holding Cell.
  • Stairway to Exercise Yard : “James Blackwood” and “Reginald”
  • Courtroom : “men’s, white, sturdy working shoes “ Gentleman George”. All Team members reported feelings of being “Disrespectful” when sitting in the Judge’s Chair.
  • Anti-Chamber : 1 person sensed the presence of an elegant sword with an ornate hilt, decorated with jewels and the hand holding the sword was gloved in a soft material. The sword was being brought down sharply as if to behead or swipe someone. Another member of the team also picked up on the sword and the hand holding it and confirmed that the glove was not to the wrist but a long armed glove in velvet.

CONCLUSION

The Galleries of Justice are steeped in history and a very interesting Museum to visit. The organised tours are a great way to experience the building at night however due to the amount of people on the premises any noises heard have to be discounted from a formal report of the event as we could not be 100% sure of who had access to the building and the actual whereabouts of everyone throughout the night.

Although there is a Henry George Sutton on record as being the 6th son of the 2nd Baronet Richard Sutton of Norwood Park in the County of Nottingham, any connection with the Galleries of Justice has not been confirmed