HAUNTED LOCATIONS
Taunton
Taunton, a historic town in Somerset, is known for its rich history and its role in the English Civil War. Over the centuries, it has been a focal point for pivotal battles, political upheavals, and significant developments.
But with a history so turbulent and dramatic, it is no surprise that Taunton also harbors tales of haunting and paranormal activity. From the ancient Taunton Castle to the eerie corridors of Sandhill Park, the town is alive with ghostly legends and inexplicable occurrences.
Sandhill Park
Nestled just outside the town, Sandhill Park is a mansion with a history that spans several centuries. Originally built in 1700 by John II Periam, the estate was known as Hill House. It remained a private residence until 1913, after which it was repurposed for various uses. Throughout the 20th century, it served as a prisoner of war camp, a children’s home for disabled children, and, later, a psychiatric hospital funded by the NHS.
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These periods of turmoil and suffering have seemingly left their mark on the estate.
The unsettling sounds of eerie crying, doors slamming shut, and piercing screams are frequently heard echoing through the halls.
Paranormal investigators and visitors alike have claimed to hear whispering voices that seem to beckon them deeper into the labyrinth of corridors, only for them to become disoriented and lost.
Security guards working the night shift often report feeling uneasy and disoriented, with many refusing to stay after dark due to the strange occurrences.
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The most persistent rumor is that the cries of former residents—both the troubled children and psychiatric patients—still haunt the estate. With so many lives impacted by the trauma that unfolded here, it’s no wonder that Sandhill Park is considered one of the most haunted locations in the area.
Museum of Somerset & Taunton Castle Hotel
Taunton Castle, a prominent feature of the town since the 12th century, has witnessed countless historical events. Originally constructed as a fortress, the castle has seen its fair share of battles, political unrest, and tragedy.
The castle's transformation into the Museum of Somerset has allowed it to remain a focal point of the town’s heritage, but some say it also serves as a beacon for restless spirits.
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One of the most chilling tales revolves around the sound of tramping feet, which are often heard by staff and guests inside the castle. These footsteps are believed to belong to the soldiers who once marched into battle with the Duke of Monmouth. Visitors have also reported hearing the mournful sound of a violin or fiddle playing in the castle’s halls, despite no musicians being present. The soulful tune adds an eerie, almost melancholic atmosphere, and no one has been able to pinpoint its source.
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As one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Taunton, it’s no surprise that Taunton Castle Hotel, located within the same grounds, has developed a reputation for being haunted. The haunting whispers, strange sounds, and the sense that something—or someone—is lurking nearby have made the castle a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
The Sweet Shop on East Reach
The Sweet Shop, located on East Reach in Taunton, is one of the town’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 1500s. Originally used by the monks of Taunton, the building has witnessed centuries of history, and it is believed that some of the spirits of its past inhabitants still haunt the premises.
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Paranormal activity at the Sweet Shop includes doors opening and shutting on their own, sweet jars moving of their own accord, and the chilling appearance of a little girl on the stairs.
Many believe the girl is the spirit of a young child who lived or worked in the building centuries ago.
Her ghostly presence has been seen by both staff and visitors, who have reported hearing the sound of footsteps following them, only to turn and find no one there.
The building’s long history as a place of spiritual activity seems to have left its mark, and those brave enough to venture inside may find themselves face-to-face with the spirits of Taunton's past.
The A38 Between Taunton and Willand:
The Grey Hitchhiker
A stretch of the A38 between Taunton and Willand has earned a notorious reputation as a haunted road.
Over the years, multiple reports have surfaced of a bedraggled figure in a long grey overcoat appearing along the road, only to vanish when approached.
One of the earliest accounts dates back to 1958 when long-distance lorry driver Harold Unsworth reported picking up the mysterious figure on three separate occasions in the dead of night, around 3 AM. The man, often seen near the Blackbird Inn, would get into Unsworth’s truck, only to disappear just as mysteriously as he had appeared.
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Other travellers have reported near-miss accidents, including one motorcyclist who claimed to have broken his leg after hitting the ghostly figure.
Despite multiple accounts of this strange apparition, no one has ever been able to explain the figure’s origins. Some believe it to be the spirit of a lost soul, while others claim it may be a spectral remnant of someone who died tragically along the road.
The eerie figure continues to haunt the A38, leaving drivers on edge as they pass through the area.