Southern Paranormal - Investigations
Salisbury Guildhall
Saturday 17th March 2007, 10pm – 3am
Attending Investigators
Julie Harwood, Maria Street, Brian Ward, Amanda Horley, Alison Blyth, Matt Kelly, David Ireland, Di Moore, Mark Pettet, Rachel Bettany, Tim Stevens, Simon Steadman, Wayne Blyth, Ed Ashton, Rab Gardener, Martyn Balsom, Sandy Rutter, Maureen Taylor, Paul Martin & Dan White.
SPUK Guests
Steve Gilbert, Julie Martin, Marie Holder & Alan Mclean.
Guest Investigators
Julie Rose, Ross Marks, Linsey Spicer, Tracey Tomlin, Pat Barnard & Mary Plank, Anthony Copeland, Richard Copeland, Tony Copeland, Shane Oxford, Natasha Oxford, Seresha Bullen, Martyn Sprott, Donna Lamb, Sam Lamb.
Guildhall Management
Anita Goddard
Introduction
Salisbury is a beautifully old but thriving market town located in Wiltshire and somewhere that the group has always wanted to investigate. The Guildhall seemed the obvious choice not only because of its age and history but also because of it prominent position in the Town Square and the fact that it has served a range of purposes over the years.
Its reported ghost sightings are however a little sketchy. Little is known about the sightings in this building and although the reports are documented they contain very little detail. This was a perfect chance for SP UK to try and find out more. The reports I knew of were of a white/grey lady seen on the stairs leading up to the Oak Court, cold breezes and unexplained noises in the lobby and also in some of the upstairs chambers, a feeling of uneasiness in the public toilet area and a general feeling of being watched throughout the whole building. The most intriguing report is that of a man in his late 20’s who haunts the whole building but seems to make himself more known to people in the cells area.
Guildhall History
The Guildhall of today is the fourth such building to occupy this position within the City of Salisbury.
The first Guildhall dates back to Tudor times, when it was known as "The Bishop's Guildhall". Then, the building was under the control of the Bishop, from where he exercised his feudal rights of criminal and civil justice.
The "Merchants Guild", which helped to represent early local self-government, was instead housed in "The Semplehouse", which was situated near St. Thomas' Church. However, in 1585 they built themselves a new headquarters called "The Council House", to the north of "The Bishop's Guildhall", near to where the present War Memorial stands.
In 1780, "The Council House" was burnt down after a banquet, The second Earl of Radnor, the City Recorder, then made the generous offer or providing a new building at his own expense. At the same time, the opportunity was taken to clear up the situation regarding "The Bishop's Guildhall". This building had fallen into a ruinous condition, with the Bishop unable to afford its upkeep. In 1795, an Act of Parliament was passed, providing for the surrender of the Bishop's rights to the Guildhall, on condition of there being provided a new Council House cum-Guildhall Gaol.
The new "Guildhall" was built practically on the site of the old one. Alterations were made to the building in 1829, which led to the addition of the Grand Jury Room, extensions to the size of the courts and new accommodation for the judges. After that date, other alterations have been made, including extensive internal alterations. Since the Municipal Corporation Act, 1835, the whole building has been under the control of the then City Council, now Salisbury District Council.
History of the Guildhall kindly provided by – www.salisburyguildhall.co.uk
Teams and Itinerary
Team 1:
AMANDA HORLEY SPUK Team leader
ALISON BLYTH SPUK Member
MATT KELLY SPUK Member
ANITA GODDARD Manager
JULIE ROSE
ROSS MARKS
Team 2:
DAVID IRELAND SPUK Team leader
DI MOORE SPUK Member
MARK PETTET SPUK Member
LINSEY SPICER
TRACEY TOMLIN
MELISSA FIELD & GUEST
Team 3:
RACHEL BETTANY SPUK Team leader
TIM STEVENS SPUK Member
PATRIZIA BARNARD
MARY PLANK
Team 4:
SIMON STEADMAN SPUK Team leader
STEVE GILBERT SPUK Guest
ANTHONY COPELAND
RICHARD COPELAND
TONY COPELAND
Team 5:
WAYNE BLYTH SPUK Team leader
ED ASHTON SPUK Member
JULIE MARTIN SPUK Guest
MARIE HOLDER SPUK Guest
Team 6:
RAB GARDENER SPUK Team leader
MARTYN BALSOM SPUK Member
SANDY RUTTER SPUK Member
ALAN MCLEAN SPUK Guest
SHANE OXFORD
NATAHSA OXFORD
SERESHA BULLEN
Team 7:
MAUREEN TAYLOR SPUK Team leader
PAUL MARTIN SPUK Member
DAN WHITE SPUK Member
DONNA LAMB
SAM LAMB
MARTYN SPROTT
Overseeing – Julie Harwood, Maria Street
Filming - Brian Ward
Itinerary
| 9.45PM | ALL MEMBERS MEET OUTSIDE SALISBURY GUILDHALL |
| 10.00PM | SET UP TEAM ROOM & TEAM LEADERS BRIEF WITH JULIE & MARIA |
| 10.30PM | ALL GUESTS WILL MEET OUTSIDE SALISBURY GUILDHALL |
| 10.35PM | GUESTS WILL BE MET BY TEAM MEMBERS RAB & SIMON AND THEN SHOWN TO THE TEAM ROOM WHERE TEA AND COFFEE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ALL |
| 10.50PM | JULIE WILL INTRODUCE TEAM LEADERS & BRIEF THE GROUP |
| 11.00PM | VIGIL 1 |
| 11.45PM | BREAK TO TEAM ROOM. TEAS & COFFEES AVAILABLE |
| 12.00AM | VIGIL 2 |
| 12.45AM | BREAK TO TEAM ROOM. TEAS & COFFEES AVAILABLE |
| 1.00AM | VIGIL 3 |
| 1.45AM | BREAK TO TEAM ROOM. TEAS & COFFEES AVAILABLE |
| 2.00AM | VIGIL 4 |
| 2.45AM | DEBRIEF & DEPART |
Vigil Areas
THE BANQUETING HALL
CROWN COURT & CELLS
GRAND JURY ROOM
THE MAYORS PARLOUR
THE JUVENILE ROOM
THE OAK COURT
THE MAGISTRATES RETIRING ROOM
TEAM ROOM – THE FOYER
Vigils
TEAM 1
VIGIL 1 – THE BANQUETING HALL
VIGIL 2 – THE OAK COURT
VIGIL 3 – THE MAGISTRATES RETIRING ROOM
VIGIL 4 – THE JUVENILE ROOM
TEAM 2
VIGIL 1 – THE OAK COURT
VIGIL 2 – THE MAYORS PARLOUR
VIGIL 3 – THE BANQUETING HALL
VIGIL 4 – GRAND JURY ROOM
TEAM 3
VIGIL 1 – THE JUVENILE ROOM
VIGIL 2 – CROWN COURT & CELLS
VIGIL 3 – GRAND JURY ROOM
VIGIL 4 – THE MAGISTRATES RETIRING ROOM
TEAM 4
VIGIL 1 – CROWN COURT & CELLS
VIGIL 2 – THE MAGISTRATES RETIRING ROOM
VIGIL 3 – THE JUVENILE ROOM
VIGIL 4 – THE BANQUETING HALL
TEAM 5
VIGIL 1 – THE MAGISTRATES RETIRING ROOM
VIGIL 2 – GRAND JURY ROOM
VIGIL 3 – THE MAYORS PARLOUR
VIGIL 4 – THE OAK COURT
TEAM 6
VIGIL 1 – GRAND JURY ROOM
VIGIL 2 – THE JUVENILE ROOM
VIGIL 3 – CROWN COURT & CELLS
VIGIL 4 – THE MAYORS PARLOUR
TEAM 7
VIGIL 1 – THE MAYORS PARLOUR
VIGIL 2 – THE BANQUETING HALL
VIGIL 3 – THE OAK COURT
VIGIL 4 – CROWN COURT & CELLS
The Investigation
Baseline Tests completed by – Tim Stevens, Martyn Balsom, Matt Kelly & Mark Pettet
Banqueting Hall – Temperature 21, EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations, noisy due to being near main street.
Crown Court – Temperature 19, EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations, squeaky floor by fire exit.
Cells (Upper) – Temperature 15 to the right and 19 to the left. EMF fluctuating 1.7-2.0 middle of the corridor – no immediate explanation found. Draughts noted coming from window.
Cells (Lower) – Temperature 16.5. EMF fluctuating from 1.1 – 2.4 at the top of the stairs and along the corridor – no immediate explanation found. Area has musty smell and the cupboard door by the hoover rattles.
Grand Jury Rm – Temperature 22. EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Mayors Parlour – Temperature 23, EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations, Flashing blue light on fax, cupboard door open (and when shut swings open again)
Juvenile Rm – Temperature 20, EMF fluctuates to 1.0 in centre of the room – no immediate explanation found.
Lower Rm in Juvenile Rm – Temperature 19, EMF fluctuates to 1.0 in centre of the room again.
Oak Court – Temperature 22, EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations, Seat movement noted during baseline tests / tour. 3rd row back far left.
Magistrates Retiring Rm – Temperature 18.5, EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations.
Team / Vigil Notes
Team 1
Banqueting Hall
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Temp average of 21 all round
Small light seen across far wall near doorway, difficult to tell if it is from outside.
Anita feels slightly cold but could not rule out whether there was a draft from the window so she repositions herself to see if she still feels cold.
Amanda is feeling a bit dizzy.
Alison senses a man who was quite aggressive in his manner, almost giving the impression he was better than us and he wanted to know why we were here. Name given – Henry Barrett.
Called out to Henry but nothing in response heard although Alison feels quite aggressive.
Amanda still feels dizzy and Alison smells strong aroma of lemons.
Calling out – few taps heard coming from behind the screens by Matt & Amanda (Could be someone in the kitchen?)
Noise of keys jangling – heard by Amanda & Alison
Oak Court
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Temp 20.5
Julie felt "annoyed" while sitting in the Jury area – not happy about what was going on.
Alison feels very apprehensive while stood/sat in dock, picks up the name Rose Dowl aged about 17/18, very poor, scruffy dress, from poorhouse. Victorian times.
Amanda sits in the dock and feels very content & confident. Smiling and quite happy about something.
Magistrates Retiring Rm
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Temp 18
Very quiet area
Tried glass divination – little amount of movement but nothing definite
Team hear EMF meter going off but not theirs
Walkie Talkie made strange noise at 1.30 & 1.35
Juvenile Rm
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Temp 22, fluctuating to 23
Very oppressive feel noticed by the team
Alison talked incessantly as if she was nervous / scared
Alison senses the name Nathan Etheridge aged about 13, era of late 60s early 70s
Team 2
Oak Court
David’s heart is racing
Couple of team members feel uneasy
Di feels a cold spot by them
Lots of noise from outside
Phone ringing – connected to fax machine?
Very quiet
Name of Alfred picked up by one of the guests
David picks up the smell of charcoal
Small lights seen by team on door on the small balcony
Di & David see dark shadow behind the judges chair when calling out
Mayors Parlour
Di feels pressure on her chest while sitting in judges chair
2 other members then reported feeling this pressure
Some of team see what they think was a shadow go across the floor
Banqueting Hall
Glass divination tried – glass did move but just a little
Team feel cold breezes over hands
Séance – noises heard in response to calling out but could not be sure if it was caused by noise outside
Orbs on photo’s taken
Grand Jury Rm
Séance – Knocking heard in response to questions (from window area) Team move to other end of room away from window to continue – knocking continued in response to questions
Team 3
Juvenile Rm
Mary has feeling that room used to be used as a school room
6 year old children
Names Eliza and Sam picked up dates 1951 – 1953
Mary notices her shoe is now undone (Velcro strap – no sound of Velcro opening heard)
County Court & Cells
Lower Cells
Temp 15.5 on stairs
Mary has a stiff neck and a hanging feeling
Name of David picked up in cell
All team witness a rapid EMF fluctuation by stairs 0.01 – 3.0! – no explanation
Upper cells Temp 16.5, EMF fluctuating in some parts up to 2.0
Team 4
Crown Court
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Temp 20
Camcorder that Steve is filming with dies after 14 minutes filming (fully charged before vigil)
Richard feels very apprehensive in this area
Team call out and Anthony feels tingling in his hand (after he calls out)
Temp on balcony 18
Team notice rooms seems a lot cooler
Temper drop of 10 degrees noted
2 temp guns show temp as 12
1 temp gun still reads 19/20
Cells
EMF is fluctuating violently and at one point peaks at 4.0MG
Magistrates Retiring Rm
Glass Divination
Team picks up on a young man executed for stealing. Responds best when Richard calls out
Glass is moving slowly however it moves for about 30 minutes continuously.
The Juvenile Rm
Nothing sensed or picked up on this vigil , area very quiet so team conduct a Q&A session & discussion with the guests.
The Banqueting Hall
Team attempt a glass divination
Very strong movement
Connection made to the young man accused of stealing that was then executed. He was innocent but would not confirm a name. Date of 1700’s
A personal connection to a guest investigator is also made in this area
Team 5
Magistrates Retiring Rm
Wayne feels a draft on his right hand side
Julie M sees what looks like glittering around the top of the door
Definite cold spot found in corner by the clock – temp 14.5, rest of room 18
Julie M’s face feels cold (temp 22)
Grand Jury Rm
Ed calls out and all team hear a sound of rattling coming from the window – possible wind from outside making window rattle?
Wayne feels a sharp pain in his head and window rattles again
Julie H sees a shadow move across the wall from the door towards and then behind Wayne and then sees a face in the window behind him
Glass divination attempted – feels like glass wants to move but no notable movement recorded
The Mayors Parlour
Nothing experienced by anyone during this vigil
The Oak Court
Maria feels a cold breeze while sat in the dock and feels like she wants to put her head in her hands
Julie H & Marie can feel cold spots near where they are sitting
Julie H, Maria & Ed hear the rattling of chains behind where Maria is sat
Maria picks up on the name Peter
Wayne who is sat in the judges chair feels a cold spot move across his right hand
Julie H gets the name Judge Jeffries come to mind but does not feel it is linked to the notable Hanging Judge Jeffries
Julie H sees a shadow that looks like it is stood behind Maria. Only there for a couple of seconds before disappearing
Julie M feels a continuos blast of cold air on her
Maria gets the word/name Cockerel
Julie H hears a rustle behind her like someone scrunching a carrier bag
Julie H & Maria leave and Marie moves to sit in the dock
Marie gets the name Jennifer in her head
While sat in the dock Marie also gets the impression of wanting to put her head in her hands
Team 6
Grand Jury Rm
Ball of light and a shadow is seen behind Rab
All team hear window rattle after calling out – wind / natural movement?
All team hear a grunting noise
Alan and Natasha see the paper on the table moved in response to calling out
Alan & Shane hear the grunting noise again
Again window rattles when calling out
Sandy can see a face in the glass doors of the display cabinet
Team call out and ask if spirit is a male – positive response noted
Natasha gets the name Albert
Shane gets the name Edward
Team call out asking for response – positive response received when name Edward is called out
The Juvenile Rm
Natasha feels like her nose has been touched
Rab sees a shadow move down the stairs
Team decide to try dowsing rods and rods confirm there is a spirit stood near Natasha
Natasha and Shane see a shadow by the door and Shane sees an orb by the large picture
Rab feels a cold spot by the stairs heading into the room
Natasha feels a cold spot on her legs
Alan & Sandy hear a groan from the bottom of the stairs
Rab gets the name Ian and then sees a white flash in front of him – confirmation?
Team 7
The Mayors Parlour
Temp 25
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Donna feet very cold since entering the room, draught felt around knees also
Donna & Maureen both cold and shivery.
Temp in the area has dropped from 25 down to 21
Door makes creaking sound
Team try dowsing with a pendulum and seem to contact a male who has been there a long time
Donna feels a pain in her left leg (low down)
Martyn feels a draught round his legs – possible draught from door?
Team seem to contact a male in his 50’s, lived in late 1700’s, had children
Name of William picked up
Donna observes an orb move across Martyn
Martyns forehead is sweating profusely yet his legs are very cold
The Banqueting Hall
Tapping heard by Martyn & Donna on floor
A creak is then heard behind Martyn by the window
Martyn feels drawn to the right hand corner of the room for much of the vigil
Orbs captured on camcorder around chandelier
Glass divination tried – slight movement but no notable results
Donna feels she has been poked on her right cheek
The Courts & Cells
Temp 20-21 all round room
EMF 00.1 – 00.2, no fluctuations
Donna feels uneasy
Taps and creaks heard by all of team coming from behind the curtain behind the judges chair
Fight breaks out outside which disturbs the team
Maureen sees a rectangular flash of light on the wall
Paul feels something on his head like he is wearing a judges wig
EMF no change however temp on stairs is 32 fluctuating to 38! Yet wall opposite is down to 18 – No explanation found
Donna still uneasy about the area by the stairs to cells and feels like the team are being watched
Creaking heard by team coming from behind curtains
Upper Cells
Team try divining rods. Rods confirm several spirits in area.
First Cell on the left – The spirit of a man named Frank, died in the 1850’s, 56 years old, a friendly man.
Lower Cells
Team also pick up on a prisoner but they do not get a strong response.
Donna feels like a breath on the left had side of the head/face and the rods started to go mad
Frank appeared to want Donna & Martyn to walk further into the cell.
Paul & Martyn decide to go back up to the upper cells area and felt a strong pull to the left hand cell. They felt Frank was back with them.
The EMF meter started to give readings as high as 4.0 MG however when the team explained to Frank that they needed to leave the EMF meter fell silent.
Contact was made with other spirits however Frank seemed to have the strongest energy.
Personal Reports
Julie Harwood
I have been planning and arranging this investigation since the summer last year and so I was pleased that the time had actually arrived for Southern Paranormal UK and our guests to investigate Salisbury Guildhall……though I would be lying to say I was not a little nervous as Southern Paranormal are not an event or tour company and so I hoped our guests realised they were going to be joining in as if they were regular members.
My deputy Maria and member Dan had completed the pre investigation visit the week before so on arrival on the 17th the whole building was unfamiliar to me, which for once made a nice change.
After we had briefed our team leaders and welcomed our guests, the teams headed off for their first vigils. Myself and Maria were very much in a supervisory role that night making sure everyone was ok, in the right place at the right time and enjoying themselves and so we were not members of a particular team, more floating in between.
Once we had set up the kitchen for the guest’s first break, we decided to hold our own mini vigil downstairs in the lobby (that was acting as the team room). I feel these areas are often neglected during paranormal investigations and are rarely used as vigil areas (due to the fact that obviously as a team room that is where all our belongings etc are). We did not turn off the lights but both seemed to be drawn to look up to the top of the staircase. We decided to take some digital pictures and amazingly enough seemed to catch what looked like the same orb in the same place at the same time. We then took turns taking pictures and seemed to capture what we related to a little storyboard of the orb moving up and down the staircase. We then captured an orb at the top but on our side of the railings and this is when we started discussing a feeling we had of someone jumping or being pushed over and falling into the lobby. We then joked that it would be funny if we caught an orb directly below on the floor where they fell. Low and behold we both took pictures and both captured an orb on the floor not far in front of us. It seemed in exactly the same place on both pictures. This intrigued me as in the past I have put a lot or orbs down to dust however very rarely do we see what appears to be the same orb, in the exact same place caught on 2 different cameras.
After the first break we joined Wayne, Ed, Brian, Julie & Marie on their second vigil in the Grand Jury Room. This room was beautiful with glass cabinets, old pictures and plaques everywhere. I had to agree with Maria that when you went in there it had a feeling of nobility to it. Ed started calling out and we did hear taps coming from behind Wayne. We soon found these to be coming from the window straight opposite the door. Wayne checked the window and if you pushed it, it did rattle. Maria checked the others and they did the same. We wondered if these may have been the wind however if it was, why was it not rattling any of the other windows. It was not long after that, when Ed was calling out again that I am sure I saw a shadow move from above the door, towards and then behind Wayne, however I reserve judgement on this as there are roads outside and while it did not look like it was caused by a car light I can not be 100% sure. It was just after this that I saw a mans face in the same window that had been rattling. This startled me at first and I called Brian over to have a look and he could sort of see what I could see. It was so clear to me. It was definitely a man and he had a very strong jaw line, a square chiselled chin, heavy features and quite a thick mouth. That was very odd and as much as I looked away and then looked back again, it still remained. Again if this was a trick of the light on glass or a smear (which it could have been) it was very convincing. The team tried glass divination in this room and although very slight movement was detected nothing of any note was picked up.
For the next vigil we joined Rabs team in the Crown Court. Brian and myself and guest Shane sat where the judge would have sat and the rest of the team tried glass divination below us, while a few others investigated the cells.
Brian and I kept feeling a non-constant cold breeze brush past us and the temperature did seem to be dropping in the room. Shane picked up on a woman called Eleanor who was in the viewing gallery so the team moved over there to see what they could pick up on. I stayed for a good 5 minutes on my own where the judge would have sat and although I could still feel the cold around me, I felt very calm but just like someone was watching me. I was soon joined by Martyn, Sandy, Melissa our guest and her friend. They could sense a male presence and got the name George. We started calling out and amazingly we were hearing thuds seemingly in response to our questions, in fact it was from these responses that we learned he was in fact a Sir George. The temperature around us 3 girls was dropping so drastically we really could not believe it and Martyn who had “approached the bench” could feel it straight away and was getting high EMF readings from where we were. We all had hairs up on end and goosebumps yet all the women commented on how relaxed and ok we felt. Martyn on the other hand got the impression that if there was something there, they did not like him approaching the bench in the manner he was.
For the last vigil we joined Waynes team again in the Oak Court. Maria sat in the dock and I sat to her left in the viewing area. Julie and Marie were in front of me, Wayne sat in the judges chair and Ed sat in the witness box. This was a fairly quiet vigil for me until Maria, Ed and myself all heard the rattle of a chain behind where Maria was sat. Maria checked it out but could find no source of the noise. I then thought I saw a shadow behind Maria. We started calling out and Maria was feeling very heady and like she wanted to put her head in her hands. She kept mentioning a connection to 1700 and a man called Peter being tried and convicted of a crime he did not commit. Just after this we heard a bang from somewhere in the room and just as we were discussing where it came from I heard something rustle twice right behind me. This did make me jump, as I knew no one was behind me. It sounded like a carrier bag or one of those big old skirts that women used to wear, but maybe that is just speculation. I was at this point quite glad to leave the vigil.
All in all, I feel it was a highly successful night in a beautiful old building. I know the members enjoyed it and I hope our guests did too. If I was invited back to the Guildhall I would be there in a shot!
Thank you so much to firstly our team members and guests but also to Anita one of the Guildhall Managers, who accompanied us on the night, I hope you enjoyed yourself. Also big thanks to Lucy in the Guildhall office who has made arranging this investigation a pleasant and easy experience as she was so helpful.
Maria Street
I had already had a sneaky peek at this place because Dan and I had gone the previous week to do a pre- investigation check. I was just as impressed on my second visit as I was with my first. Salisbury itself is a bustling market town and is just as alive at night as it is during the day. Dan, Di and I drove down a little early as we fancied having a pub meal before the investigation started. Unfortunately, due to it being St Patrick’s day, there was not a spare place to be found in a pub anywhere, so we settled on Pizza Hut. Not quite the same but at least it was free refills for your Pepsi! We met up with the other team members outside the Guildhall at 9.45 and went inside to set up. This was to be slightly different to our usual investigations because we had members of the public joining us and we wanted to make sure that they took home a good impression of us as a team and hopefully an experience of their own. After the official meet and greet (and the obligatory tea and biscuits), the night vigils began. Julie and I weren’t attached to any particular team, so for this first part of the night, we stayed in the foyer to do a mini vigil of our own. We took digital photos of the upper gallery and noticed an orb above one of the doors. On the next photo, it had moved down the stairs and then it looked as if it was in front of the balcony. Julie felt from this that somebody had either fallen or thrown themselves over the banister so I decided to take a picture of the floor (which I never do) and an orb actually appeared on the ground. Julie then took another photo and captured another one near to where mine was. This was fascinating, as it seemed that we had not only caught an orb in flight, but it seemed to be trying to tell us a story. Fabulous!
We decided to join a team for our next vigil and went into the Grand Jury Room with Wayne, Brian, Ed and guests. This room had fascinated me on my previous visits. It had a stately feel to it with it’s many portraits on the walls and the huge table in the centre where the jury would make their decisions. We settled ourselves around this table and sat quietly to soak up the atmosphere. After a while, Ed called out and we could hear faint taps coming from the corner of the room. Julie could see a black shadow behind Wayne and the window behind him kept rattling and seemed to be in response to questions being asked. We had a look at the window and rattled it ourselves to be sure that this was definitely the source of the sound. We could still not be sure that this was the wind however. There were two other windows in the room and I checked them for movement. They both rattled in the same way, but never by themselves, so I have to reserve judgement on this one. I sat down again and Wayne said that he could feel his chair shaking. As there seemed to be a lot of activity coming from this direction, I decided to sit next to him to see if I could experience anything for myself. This was not the case for me, but as everything seemed to be happening in this corner, it was decided to try a glass divination. Our guests joined us, but whoever was communicating did not like the idea of a glass much, although Julie felt that she could clearly see the face of a man in the rattling window. I left the vigil early with Julie so that we could set up some refreshments for the next break. It was during the break that I went down into the cells with Brian and Ed to do a mini vigil. However, all was quiet and we headed back up with five minutes to spare.
Our next vigil was spent with Rab’s team in the Crown Court, another impressive room. Julie sat on the Judge’s bench whilst the rest of us spread ourselves around. I took a few pictures above the door which seemed to show a horrible face. Not sure if it was a trick of the light but really hope these pictures are put on the website so that others can have a look and decide for themselves. Julie said that the picture was just like the man she had seen in the window of the jury room. We all settled down and decided on a glass divination. This proved very quiet although Rab picked up on the name Elaine or Eleanor. As the glass still did not move, Julie suggested just linking hands. This also did not seem to yield much, so one of our guests, Shane, who had detected a presence in the public gallery, suggested that we sit up there and continue our séance in the same seats that he had felt somebody to be. This we did and as soon as I sat down I felt a tingling all down my left arm and it had turned very cold. This is all the more noticeable because the building was very warm. This was due to the fact, that, although we had asked for the heating to be turned off for the night, the message had obviously not filtered through, and it was in fact left on for the duration. Shane told me that this is where he had seen a female sitting just minutes previously. I called out and a knock was heard near Julie. I then asked a few questions and appeared to be getting answers to them. The cold continued for a while and all of a sudden just seemed to lift. It was then that Julie asked if we would mind if she could call out for a male. I asked if the male’s name was George as that is what I had felt. Shane then said that he had also picked up on a George and it was as we said the name that the lady guest sitting next to me gave a gasp and said that she had felt somebody blowing into her ear! Julie then called out for a George and didn’t seem to be getting any response so I suggested that she call for a Sir George as I felt that this was his proper title. As soon as she did this the knocks started again, seemingly in response to questions. This is rare phenomena and was a bit of a first for me so I was pleased with the events in the Crown Court.
After another welcome break, then it was on to the Oak Court with Wayne’s team once more. I was fascinated by the dock, so sat there. Wayne played judge and the others scattered themselves around. My first feelings were of a tightness around my head and a feeling of wanting to put my head in my hands. When I mentioned this, Julie was astonished as this is exactly how she had been sitting. The next thing I felt was a coolness across my forehead, just as if somebody had rubbed one of those menthol headache remedies across it. It was also freezing cold in the dock and Julie noticed a black shadow directly behind me. I called out and got the name Peter. I felt that he had been wrongly convicted and kept getting the date 1700 or the 1700’s. We heard the distinct sound of chains clanking together. I thought I had knocked against something, but I was sat in a wooden dock and there was nothing that could replicate this sound. I also got the name Jennifer. Julie also picked up on the notorious Judge Jeffries. We kept hearing other indistinct sounds and a light was seen in a television screen, so I asked for something more definite. A couple of minutes later a resounding crash was heard coming from the corner of the court room, followed quickly by a loud rustling coming from directly behind Julie. It was at this point that Julie and I had to leave the vigil to start with the tidying up. This was a fantastic end to a fascinating night for me and I would like to thank Dan for giving up his free time to accompany me on the pre-investigation visit, Graham for his help on that visit, Anita for her help on the evening and of course to all our guests for keeping an open mind and I really hope you all took some experience home with you.
Dan White
I felt that I knew the site pretty well after begin kindly asked to look over the place with Maria last week (it was full with Mums and babies then ) and then I spent the morning of the 17th looking around Salisbury with my Mum (she nipped into the Guildhall to use the toilet).
The building has really long and large windows – which looked a bit creepy and inside was well decorated with large portraits, red carpets, brass and oak. I really thought that this place would be active...
The Mayor’s parlour
A small room which kind of felt out of place (too modern), especially when compared to the grand adjacent room containing a large table and lots of chairs. Unfortunately nothing happened to me in here, but one of the guests – Donna, started to feel a draft from her ankles to her knee. After a while, she got up, took her jacket off and used it as a draft excluder to `plug` the gap underneath the door.
One of the other guests – Martin – also experienced the same cold sensation. Maureen (the team leader) got out her crystals and said that she could sense her own ghost companion, Beth, was in the room
as well as another entity. I felt nothing but perhaps this was because of the noise outside from the St. Patrick’s day celebrations.
The Banqueting hall
This place was quite reminiscent of the hall at Spelthorne college where I saw loads of orbs circling the top of the chandelier. Again the outside noise made it difficult (for me) to concentrate – which isn’t hard, but I did capture one orb on the video camera. The rest of the group had a séance which I filmed, and although they felt some pressure underneath the glass, the glass did not move when Maureen was asking the questions.
The Oak court
The room contained an odd balcony and two stair cases hidden from view. I stood behind the curtain, hung behind where the judge would sit, this did feel a bit creepy but I experienced or heard nothing. I then sat in the judge’s seat and although I did not mention it at the time, I thought I saw something stick shaped hanging down, maybe like a whip? And something that looked a bit like a black piece of paper being held over the balcony. I can’t describe it but I could see a black edge. I nearly called out to everyone but thought I was being silly and that it was actually my eyes playing up!
Crown court and cells We spent a lot of time in the cells. These definitely were creepy. It reminded me a bit of films that contained a lunatic asylum, so in a strange way it felt like home. I kept looking through the spy holes in the cell doors, hoping to see an eye peering back at me, but no. The visitors (Donna and Martin) `picked up` a male spirit (called Frank I think) using the divining rods and also Maureen’s Beth made an appearance (not literally). The EMF reader also started to register in the position that the rods moved in. The reader also seemed to show that the presence moved down the passageway in the direction of the toilets. Again I felt nothing but the visitors, Maureen and Paul all felt that there was an entity in this area. As we were making our way down the stairs, Martin said that he felt a sharp pain in his back (or the back of his legs, I can’t remember!) He commented that this was Frank saying `goodbye` to him.
This was an excellent place to visit. But I didn’t really experience anything – apart from the orb in the Banqueting hall. Perhaps this was due to some of the outside noise stopping me from concentrating 100%.
Maureen Taylor
I have walked past Salisbury Guildhall on many occasions in the past, but like many people visiting the city, never had an opportunity to see the inside of it – once inside though, it certainly live up to expectations – a beautiful building. I was really looking forward to this investigation, the fact that this building not only served as an administrative centre for many years, but also contained courtrooms and cells suggested all sorts of possible spirit encounters, both good and bad...
Vigil 1 – The Mayor’s Parlour
A small room, but plenty of chairs for us all! After spending a few minutes explaining to our guests how vigils work we turned off the lights and settled down. Both Donna and I had a cold draught around our lower legs, we checked to see if it was coming from the gap under the door, but didn’t seem to be, Donna had the brilliant idea of blocking the gap with her jacket – it made no difference, the draught wasn’t coming in under the door. The draught then started to move around, as if someone was pacing up and down the floor in between us. Dan at the other end of the room felt nothing, it didn’t reach as far as him, even though this was a small room. I got out my dowsing pendulum, and first, having explained about Beth, the spirit who often accompanies me on investigations (I have a friend, who likes to refer to Beth as my ‘guardian spirit’), and got her to demonstrate how the pendulum worked, both Donna and Martyn tried it, with all of us asking questions. We were informed that this was a male in his fifties who once worked in the building. At almost the same moment Donna and I both came up with the name William, and on asking the pendulum confirmed that this was the name of the spirit with which we were communicating. It would have been good to stay here longer and find out more, things were just getting interesting, but as so often happens, time had flown by and we had run out of it, it was time to move on to our next vigil location.
Vigil 2 – The Banqueting Hall
We decided to seat ourselves around a table near the centre of the room, and after a couple of minutes discussion we decided to try glass divination, one of the group, hard to tell which in the dark, but it was either Paul or Dan, went off to the kitchen to look for a suitable glass. We explained how the process worked and gave our guests the opportunity to take part if they wished, or to sit out – all of them joined in, even Sam who was rather nervous throughout the night. Unfortunately for us the room was quiet and we had very little activity in here. Calling out seemed to produce a few creaking and tapping noises around the room, but nothing definite enough to be considered a response to our requests. The glass didn’t respond very much either, and I feel that the very minimal movements that some thought they felt were again too little to be considered a response to our questioning.
Several of the group felt that there was someone in the room with us, but whoever or whatever it was wouldn’t come close and talk to us in any way. We may have picked up a couple of light anomalies on the camcorder, but as they seemed to be around the chandeliers it’s more likely that it was the light from street lights or car headlights outside reflecting off them.
Vigil 3 – The Oak Court
As far as spirit activity is concerned this too was a quiet vigil for us. Unfortunately the noise of what sounded like a fairly major fight going on outside disrupted the first half of the vigil for us. Once the external noise had subsided enough for us to concentrate we once again settled down to observe and listen. Donna was sitting fairly close to the stairs down to the cells and said she was feeling very uneasy about that corner of the room, but couldn’t say why. Calling out produced no responses at all this time. An uneventful vigil for all of us.
Vigil 4 – Crown Court and Cells
This was our busiest vigil of the night. We decided not to stay in the court room, in spite of the amount of space and seating available it was difficult to get to because of the quantity of stuff stored in the room and blocking access to much of it. Instead we headed straight for the cells. Our first ten minutes or so were spent in and around the lower cell area where we got no results at all, in fact, we all commented as soon as we got there how quiet and peaceful it seemed there. We headed on up the stairs to the second group of cells, where comments on the very different atmosphere were made by several of the group. Here, as there was sufficient space to move around a little we tried using the dowsing rods. Unfortunately they rarely work for me (Beth, the spirit who accompanies me on nearly every investigation doesn’t like them and often prevents me from using them, tonight was no different), fortunately though Donna, one of our guests, was eager to give them a try, and got results almost immediately. It was at this point that Sam (Donna’s daughter) asked if I’d hold her hand as she was feeling even more anxious in this area than she had anywhere else during the night, so while the rest of the group went on along the corridor to investigate some of the cells, I stayed at the top of the stairs giving Sam a hug and reassuring her – but we could still hear most of what was going on. I believe they picked up on at least two spirits in this area, one fairly weak, but the other quite strong. His name was Frank, aged 56 and was hanged for his crimes sometime in the 1850s. He seemed to want us to stay and chat to him, and when Donna asked if he wanted them to go into his cell he said yes, he’d like that. As the cells are now mostly full of stacks of old chairs, books etc they only ventured as far as the doorway, but the conversation continued. All through the conversation with Frank the EMF meter was making a great deal of noise and giving off readings of up to 3 or 4. Every time it was moved away from the area where Frank seemed to be the EMF activity virtually ceased.
We left this area and went back to the lower cells for the last five minutes or so of the vigil, but two of the group decided to go back up the stairs and see if the same amount of EMF activity still registered with fewer people up there – from our position at the bottom of the stairs we could hear it clearly, making even more noise than before!! We would have liked to stay here for much longer, but unfortunately time was against us and we had to wind things up. We told Frank that it was time for us to leave, said goodbye to him – though he really seemed to want to chat to us for longer, at the moment we said goodbye all EMF activity stopped instantly!
During the last few minutes or our time around the upper cell area, while the whole group was at the top of the stairs, we had a moment of light relief – caused by Beth (my ‘guardian spirit’), she had stayed with Sam and myself while the rest of the group went along the cell corridor, and when they returned and we were all standing together at the top of the stairs, Donna holding the dowsing rods at this point, both rods moved to point towards me, no sooner had she straightened them up again than they did the same thing - causing a moment of laughter all round. I am quite sure – no, I know – that this was Beth trying to tell Sam that she was with us, and that as long as Beth and I were with her she was quite safe. Just to show that it was Beth with us at that point I asked ‘is that you with us right now Beth’ – and the rods crossed over so far that I even got the feeling that Beth would have bent them and wrapped them right round Donna if she’d have been able, so enthusiastic was her reply – more giggles all round, that girls’ laughter is very infectious and certainly lightened the atmosphere somewhat, and I think was very helpful and reassuring for Sam in particular – at least, I hope it was, I’ve not yet come across anyone that Beth can’t get a smile out of.
A shame that there wasn’t time for every group to do vigils in all of the selected locations around the building, but nonetheless I think we all had a good night at the Guildhall, and I hope our three guests enjoyed their time with us.
It was unfortunate that so much external noise spoiled some of the night to some extent, but that’s one of the hazards of an investigation in the centre of a busy city on a Saturday night – though it did cause one amusing moment for my group - - a moment of silence outside, then a voice doing a countdown – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – GO – and I presume they went... it was followed on our part by comments about holding a sports day in the middle of the night...
Thanks to the Guildhall authorities who allowed us to spend the night there, and Anita in particular who stayed with us throughout the investigation - - and if there’s ever any possibility of a return visit I’d be first on the list...
Sandy Rutter
Well what a fantastic night !
Vigil 1 Grand Jury Room
Rab called out if there was anyone here nothing happened for about 5 or 10 minutes. Then Rab called out again and the window rattled and no one was near it. Rab pushed it. It was good. We asked a few questions and the window rattled again, we established it was a man called Edward then I saw a face in the cabinet near the door. Rabs paper on his clipboard turned over by itself witnessed by Natasha one of the guests and Shane confirmed that he saw something on the cabinet near the door. It was a good vigil.
The Juvenile Room
Rab had some dowsing rods, and Alan had them and every time he went near Seresha they folded over, that was good sign. I saw a shadow down the stairs that was good sign as well. Natasha got her nose touched when she walked into the room. Shane saw something on the big picture behind me. I couldn’t turn round fast enough to catch it. I felt cold on the left hand side when Shane saw what ever he saw and me and Alan both heard moaning and groaning from the stairs.
Crown Courts and Cells
It was fantastic. We gained two girls in our team, so we split up. Me Martyn and the two new girls stayed in the cells area whilst Rab, Shane, Alan, Natasha and Seresha walked into a cell near the stairs on the second level and then came running out and saying no no no.
I asked what was up she said that she heard some one breathing in there. I was tingling all over. I felt a presence of something not quite right about the place. I had a camcorder locked off directed down the stairs to the little corridor hoping to catch something. I called out is there anyone there and I am pretty sure I heard a voice. We went back to the court room and the others were doing a séance. We where all quiet and then I caught two orbs near Julie in the judges chair, it was fantastic and when we left the court room I saw an orb going up the wall.
The Mayors Parlour
This was the most unexciting place we had a vigil. Shane and Natasha both saw a picture on the wall moving but that was about it. Me, Seresha and Natasha tried glass divination but nothing happened though the two girls thought that the glass turned but I didn’t feel anything. Rab joined in and still nothing
In all it was a fantastic night and we went home happy !
Brian Ward
Throughout the night I spent my time filming for a DVD which the group is working on so I had the freedom to go with different Teams and see how the Different teams work. I started the evening with Team 2= David, Di, Mark and guests in The Oak Court. Well I know I was concentrating on Filming and trying to keep the Night Vision Camcorder in Focus. I know they are called Night Vision but they still sometimes have a problem Focusing in extreme dark conditions.
This Court Room I found very Atmospheric a few Taps where heard over the far side which could have been put down to the wood settling but it could not be heard in any other part of the Court Room. There was one light anomaly that went from left to right of the Camcorder Screen.
My next Vigil was with Team 5= Wayne , Ed and guests in The Grand Jury Room this was a fine and grand room with showcases full of silver and old ledgers and other bits and bobs. Julie and Maria joined us on this vigil. Members of the team called out and started hearing a knocking sound coming from the window area. Later into the vigil it was found to possibly be the wind outside making the window knock. The team then opened a Glass Divination experiment with little success .
After a short break I joined Team 6= Rab, Martyn, Sandy and guests Joined again by Julie and Maria in the Crown Court and Cells. Some of the team went to investigate the Cells and the rest of Rabs Team opened up a Glass Divination experiment. Julie and I sat on the Magistrates bench overlooking. Again I found this court just like the other court very atmospheric. While the Glass was going on a very cold Breeze seemed to circulate around the inner walls both Julie and I noticed it but to me nothing else happened.
Last Vigil of the night I joined Team 4= Simon, Steve and guests in the Banqueting Hall. Another grand room with large Pictures around the walls. Simon suggested opening a Table Tipping experiment. I sat on the next table filming and watching with great interest. The Table Tipping was uneventful so Simon changed the Divination to the Glass which seemed to start to move almost straight away, unfortunately my camcorder battery which was fully charged at the start of the vigil went flat, but the Glass Divination was getting interesting telling the story of a 20yr old male who was hanged for stealing something a crime he did not do.
The circle was closed and we left the Hall to start to packing the equipment back into its cases.
CONCLUSION
A lovely old building full of history which had started to tell its story.
I would like to thank Julie and the Staff at Salisbury Guildhall for securing this Investigation for Southern Paranormal UK.
Oh by the way I checked that flat Battery when I got home and guess what it was fully charged, Paranormal I don’t know, you can make your own mind up.
Tim Stevens
Firstly the highlight of the night for me was going through the Oak Court. I spoke to Simon before any of the vigils began, he explained that he had put all the seats up and the Desks in, and that everything was sturdy and there were no loose seats or desks. We left the court to go upstairs when we reached the balcony above the Oak court approx 1-2 mins later we looked in to the court room only to find a seat down and a desk pulled out at the end of the rear isle nearest the entrance door to the room.
To my knowledge no one had been in there since we left as guests and other members were situated elsewhere in the building. We set up a locked off camera on the balcony but unfortunately nothing else was captured.
VIGIL 1 – THE JUVENILE ROOM
Rachel, Pat, Mary and myself entered the Juvenile room immediately Mary picked up on small, excited children, the smell of chalk dust and a Blackboard situated on the left hand wall as you enter the room. Mary said that she could see a little girl underneath a large painting of a man, and where she said the figure was standing the temperature was 20 degrees C but either side of the spot, both above and below the temperature was 21 degrees C.
Rachel, Mary and Pat said they felt that the little staircase in the room felt slightly oppressive. For me personally there was nothing really out of the ordinary, and I was quite happy in this room.
VIGIL 2 – CROWN COURT & CELLS
For me again nothing really of interest, I did however have two feelings, one in the cells I felt fascinated by the two small cubby holes under the stairs why? I have no idea!
The second was when I decided to leave Rachel, Pat and Mary downstairs and conduct a 5 minute vigil of my own upstairs in the courtroom to no avail, although I did again have a feeling that someone was hiding in the far left hand corner of the court room as I was sitting in the judges chair.
On the whole I felt quite happy.
VIGIL 3 – GRAND JURY ROOM
Again nothing really for me, we did try to conduct a glass divination of which I started to take notes, it seemed something was trying but it was very weak. I did feel however that the glass wanted to come to me with some force (which I kept to myself), of which Mary confirmed when she stated, "I think the glass wants to go to Tim"
VIGIL 4 – THE MAGISTRATES RETIRING ROOM
Again we tried with the glass and got it to move slightly but nothing spectacular.
There were several creaking noises that seemed to be responding to questions, I felt something stroke the back of my right hand as if someone had lightly run their finger across it.
And finally we got a pendant to move that Rachel had set up o a stand.
I must say it was great to chat to the guests, and meet our guests Pat and Mary, and hope they enjoyed themselves.
On the whole for me personally a quiet evening, but a very interesting building which it would seem must have some history, if walls could speak…or maybe they can!
Wayne Blyth
I was quite looking forward to investigating the Guildhall, as, for me, it was new territory.
After arriving and meeting our guests, Team leaders were given a guided tour by Anita. After being shown the Oak Court, I went back to gather up the baseline testers. On my return, I noticed that one of the wooden seats in the court was in the down position. I confirmed with Simon, that he had put all the seats in the up position. We decided to place a locked off camera on the balcony to monitor the area. Results to follow.
Into our first vigil. Myself, Ed and our guests, Julie and Marie ventured into the Magistrates Retiring room.
We attempted asking out, but unfortunately, no positive results proved forthcoming. On a couple of occasions, I felt definite cold spots around my right arm, and it was noticed that the temperature was 2 degrees colder in the corner I was sitting in. There is a large window in this room with a couple of ventilation fans on it that may explain the draughts felt. However, the fans were in the closed position and no draughts were felt to be coming through. Disappointingly, outside, there was rather a lot of noise from "Saturday night revellers", which distracted us to a large degree.
After our first break, we headed off to the Grand Jury room. This is quite an impressive room with various historic items on display, and several large tables. For this vigil, we were joined by Julie and Maria. (SPUK). Again glass divination was attempted, but again, no noticeable results were gleaned. Several knocks were heard from the window area, but I would have to put these down to the wind rattling the window frames. At one point I am sure I felt my chair actually start to shake. Later, we attempted glass divination on a smaller table and the glass did actually appear to move but only fractionally.
After another break, it was on to the Mayors Parlour. A short report for this vigil, as again, nothing of a paranormal nature was to occur. We were rather distracted again though, as there appeared to be a fracas outside in the car park, with lots of shouting and flashing police lights.
Our last break, and our last vigil. Into the Oak Court we headed. This, to me, was the most impressive area. Once again, joined by Maria and Julie, (SPUK), we settled into our preferred seats. Julie SPUK heard a rustling behind her at one point, witnessed I believe by Maria (SPUK). The only thing I was to experience was a feeling of superiority over everyone in the room. Psychological? I was sat in the judges/magistrates chair at the head of the court.
Conclusion:
I would have to say a disappointing investigation, due to lack of events. Julie and Marie, our guests were a pleasure to have around and would be welcomed back any time.
In my mind, I feel apologetic to my guests, as nothing happened, but, in this business, that’s the way it goes. Some investigations you get much, others, nothing. Maybe next time. The search continues.......
Rachel Bettany
Vigil 1 - The Juvenile room
The start of the first vigil was quiet, the guest got the feel for the room and asked us a few questions. After a while they started to pick up on things, a couple of names, (Eliza) also Mary picked up the smell of blackboard chalk, and had the feeling of the room being used as a school room, although I have not had time to check any of this information yet. The rest of the vigil was quiet until we went into the stair well and the EMF gave of some unusual readings although not high very rapid.
Vigil 2 - The crown court and cells
We started this in the cell where again we got some strange EMF readings, we got the rapid low clicks in front of one of the cell doors, then by the stair well we got a very similar pattern of clicks, on two occasions and after watching the video footage the small area where the EMF goes off moves slightly appearing to move behind us. We spent a shorter amount of time in the court room with nothing being noted as odd. Mary did mention the name David and the feeling he was afraid of being deported so attempted suicide, but was still sent to the USA, again I have been unable to check this.
Vigil 3 - Grand jury room
This again started slowly, with both guests getting mixed feelings in the room the name Michael was mentioned, the smell of brandy was noted by the fireplace. Little else happened in this room although possible orbs were spotted on video in several places.
Vigil 4 - Magistrates retiring room
The group settled quickly into a glass divination experiment, which started slowly but we did get some small movements, we heard an odd growl noise from behind the video camera which was picked up, Tim spent some time alone in the toilet but nothing was recorded, so we resumed the glass divination with a little more luck this time, some other knocks, bangs and clicks we heard by all of us. At home watching the video we noticed that while Tim was in the toilet and the rest of us were chatting while watching the pendent experiment, the 'in use light 'on the walkie talkie on the table (which can clearly be seen to be at least 2ft away from anyone) came on and then flashed off ,then on, then off, then stayed on for around 5 mins then went off, it flashed a couple more times then stopped but it never made a sound so no one heard it or looked at it. I also found out after the vigil that a member of another team had there hand stroked while glass divination, this also happened to Tim in the same room in the next seat along
A fantastic night, I would like to thank Pat and Mary who were brilliant and joined in with all our experiments and gave some good information to check at a later date, and I hope they enjoyed there evening with us. Thanks also to the management of the Guildhall for giving us the access, and our fearless leader Julie.
Simon Steadman
Before the start we did the baseline tests and lit walk around.
In the balcony overlooking the oak court -
While discussing where to position a lock off camera myself and Tim noticed that one of the fold down chairs in the court below had come down and the desk had been moved forward. We had only just put all the chairs up on our way through (we made a point of putting all the chairs up) but unfortunately we did not catch it on camera.
Vigil 1 - crown court.
Ambient temp - 21.5
Emf - no readings
The vigil started rather well when about 15 mins into the vigil in the court Steve’s camera batteries ran completely flat, shortly after Tony and Richard found a strange fluctuation in the temperature near the docks it dropped from 21.5 to 12.5 within seconds and was checked using 2 i.r thermometers. on investigation we all experienced cold blasts of air near to the docks only described as 'someone opening a fridge'. after around 10 mins of discussion we found no explanation so we ventured to the cells..
Cells
Ambient temp - 15.7
Emf - no readings
As soon as we went to the first set of cells we first noticed the hole under the stairs Richard checked for emf and was pleased to find high constant readings reaching 4mg.
We put this down to electrical cables (please check this with other teams to see if it was there all night!) we also had some strange clicking noises from the emf in the middle of cell 2's door, we checked all close electrical sockets with no response this fluctuation appeared exactly at chest height and right in the centre of the doorway, as this was happening the vigil had ended but my valiant team decided to forgo the coffee in search of an answer, we found none. We then moved on to our next location.
Vigil 2 - the magistrates retiring room
Ambient temp - 18.3
Emf - no readings
We agreed that during this vigil that we would try some glass divination. Steve took the camcorder and sat on the stairs the other 4 of us arranged ourselves around the glass table. After giving the relevant protection we commenced. Shortly into the experiment we managed to get a small amount of movement from the glass, during this Steve caught at least 4 light anomalies moving from or around the table. We also managed to get a little info from the 'entity' moving the glass. The info we got was as follows,
A young (possibly 26 years of age) male was caught and wrongfully imprisoned for stealing (what, we couldn’t establish) he was then hanged outside (the glass repeatedly moved to the right hand side of the window when we asked where he was hanged). We then managed to find that this happened in 1700. All of the guests took turn in asking the questions. During the divination Tony felt a touch on his right hand. We were all very impressed, after closing the divination down we all tried to make the glass move in the same way and to our surprise it screeched (the glass on glass screech! it sounded like nails on a blackboard) but during the experiment the glass seemed to float across the surface. we took a break and headed for the next location.
Vigil 3 - the juvenile room
Ambient temp - 21.3
Emf - no readings
Unfortunately this vigil was very quiet, this was not helped by a very rowdy crowd outside, but none the less we tried a seance. After around 10 mins we gave up and decided to have a quick q and a session, in which the guests all asked questions and all confessed to having a good night! Other than that it was quiet.
Vigil 4 - the banqueting hall
Ambient temp - aprox 16.5
Emf - no readings
Joining the team were two other guests and Brian.
We decided to try some table tipping as the large tables with a cloth were ideal we tried for 15mins aprox before accepting defeat and trying some glass divination as we had some success before. We were not disappointed we managed to 'contact' the same entity we found in the retiring room with corresponding answers. As we progressed the glass began to pick up a little pace then suddenly stopped. After a couple of minutes we found the glass moving in a different motion. As we tried to communicate the initials M.T. came out and after a few more details were revealed this turned out to possibly be a friend of Richards who sadly died in an accident 3 years ago.
Before any more could be done time had beaten us and it was time to go.
All of the guests tried their hand at all of the experiments and they all enjoyed their night.
I’ve got to admit that this was one of my favourite places to date, the guildhall is a stunning building and the staff I met were fantastic.
I’d just like to give my thanks to my guests for making it fun, joining in and putting up with my whittering.
Great night, I’ll be back!!!
Matt Kelly
This was my first investigation, so I brought with me quite a lot of excitement and expectation. My first impressions of arriving and entering the Guildhall were ones for Grandeur, which came from the high ceilings, red carpeted wooden staircase and old large portraits hanging on the walls. Despite the buildings self display of importance I only felt welcoming feelings and did not feel any real sense of uneasiness which I may have been expecting. This may have all been lost in hustle and bustle of the team busily setting up equipment and getting ready for the evenings investigation. After being equated with Julie, Amanda and several other team members I was sent off to help Tim and Martin with Baseline tests all around the building. It was nice to get this chance of a guided tour by Anita the Guildhalls manager. Most memorable for probably obvious reasons were the prison cells, beneath the building which unfortunately were not included on any of my vigils for later on. Again surprisingly enough still did not feel any sense unease around these cells but we were in a big group with the lights on!! And it was always reassuring to know their was a 2 litre plastic bottle of cleaning fluid holding the cells iron self locking gate open , so we didn’t get locked in!! ? The other notable occurrence during these guided tours and baseline tests was in the oak court room. Apparently after someone on the team had pushed up all the wooden folding seats, only to notice later as we walked around the top gallery looking down that one or more of the seats had decided to fold down. Just to note I was not to witness to this happening only privy to the after discussions it caused.
The Banqueting Hall
This was as you would expect another large room with high ceilings and many old self portrait paintings on the walls. We all sat down on chairs and made ourselves comfortable then turned lights off. Amanda and Alison called out. Anita mentioned she started to feel a bit cold but nothing conclusive picked up with temperature gun. I then swapped seats with Anita but did not have any similar sensations of coldness. Alison then picked up on the name Henry Barton, the smell of lemons and the feelings of someone who would have power over us, a judge for example? Our guest said she was drawn to a picture to the left of the fire place as facing it. A few audio taps heard but so much outside noise it was hard to confirm.
The Oak Court
This room out of all our vigils was the one I would expect to get more activity from with its old wooden fixtures and furnishings. You could easily imagine the emotions that would be attached to this room ranging from the nervous and fears felt by the accused standing in the dock, to the power of the Judges and the responsibilities of the jury. Amanda felt a presence standing behind her whilst seated to the rear of the court. Alison then swapped seats with Amanda to see if she could pick up on the same feeling, but nothing felt. Anita the manager asked Alison if she could pick up on a person called Rosie which I can only presume has past associations to this room. Alison did pick up on Rosie and her second name which I forget, but should be our vigil notes. Amanda asked out using divining rods to confirm if Rosie was with us and they did cross confirming yes. Alison thought Rosie was a 16/17 girl dressed in rags and had been put on trial for drunk and disorderly/prostitution. Amanda whilst seated in the dock picked up on the presence of a lady called Elizabeth but no more than that. At the end of investigation I walked down from the dock once lights where back on to join rest of group in the middle of room and I felt a cold shiver and was left with goose bumps I can only presume caused by a draft coming from the open window. No other paranormal activity noted.
The Magistrates Retiring Room
This was a small room leading off of the court room. We tried Glass Divination with little success. Only notable thing was the our EMF meters alarm did seem to sound at one point but we could not confirm this as it was hidden under other equipment and we couldn’t see the indicating lights(could have been another teams EMF meter in next room). We all concluded this room seemed dead in terms of any activity.
The Juvenile Court
This was in contrast to the oak courtroom a more modern looking courtroom. It was raised room above the Magistrates Retiring room. I had no initial feelings about this room at first. Alison soon picked up on a spirit of Nathan Etherington. Which she believed would have been tried at a young age in this room, Sometime during the 1960/70’s for a somewhat petty crime. Alison did seemed to pick up a lot on the general fear of some of the children as young as 11 yrs old that my have been tried in this room. I can say I did feel somewhat heavy headed in this room and I think Amanda agreed. No other paranormal activity experienced.
Summary
This was my first paranormal investigation with the team, and I thank them all for taking me on board. I can honestly say I did not feel or see anything at the Guildhall personally that would make me believe it was haunted. However it would be interesting to see if any of the names Alison came up with could be traced or match up with any other team’s results. It was very hard to pick up on any audio’s at this location due to outside noise and other vigils being carried out in close proximity. I believe a smaller investigation team on a quieter night might have more success. This was a fantastic building and it was a real honor to get to see parts of it that the general public doesn’t see. I would also like to thank Anita the guildhall manager for showing us around and joining in with our teams vigils. Can’t wait until the next one!!
Martyn Balsom
I was in Team 6 with Rab Gardener and Sandy Rutter along with 3 guests. Our first vigil was in the Grand Jury room, when calling out asking if anybody was there we got a rattling of one of the windows, this appeared to coincide with our question, however it didn't happen on every occasion, we tried rattling the window ourselves to no avail. In saying this the wind outside was quite strong so not sure if it was paranormal. One of the guests thought he could see a face in the glass doors of one of the cabinets unfortunately when I inspected it I couldn't see anything. Although not a lot happened on this Vigil it did leave you wondering what caused the rattling.
Vigil 2 was in the Juvenile room, apart from one of the guests feeling like she was touched on the nose when entering the room nothing else happened.
Vigil 3 was in the crown court & cells, this was my favourite vigil. The whole team went down to the cells and we then decided to split up with half the group going back to the crown court to do some glass divination leaving myself, Sandy and 2 guests in the cell area. We firstly investigated the upper cells and I felt quite at ease along with the others so we headed to the lower cells. One of the cells that was left open appeared a lot colder than the others and one of the guests couldn't look in when she walked past. We then moved to the stairs and corridor which led back to the grand jury room where we stopped and I started filming up the stairs, while I was doing this I felt a cold breeze go past my face at the same time the guest who was stood next to me felt it to, we then asked out if there was anyone there could they give a sign, straight away the light above our heads came on for a second or so and then went off making us all jump, however when we left the cells we checked which switches operated the lights and found they could be turned on at several points so someone on another vigil could've turned them on from another location. We then joined our colleagues in the crown court where I was stood by the bench and when the guys doing the glass divination asked for a sign I heard a knock to my left which was also witnessed by Julie and one of the guests. Another of the guests was sat in the judge’s chair and felt very cold when putting her hand in this area. It did feel like a cold spot. While filming during this time I believe Sandy picked up 2 orbs above my head, unfortunately our time on this location finished and we had to leave.
Vigil 4 was in the mayor’s parlour where we tried a glass divination, nothing moved and all of us on the vigil felt nothing, we sat quietly and continued calling out with no luck.
All in all an enjoyable evening which left a few unanswered questions.
Paul Martin
Vigil 1. - Mayors Parlour.
Maureen, myself and Dan - joined by our guests Martyn, Donna and Sam headed up to this particular room on the first floor to start our first vigil.
We sat around the room, and soon most of us felt a cold draft around the leg area, even though Martyn was very hot, and indeed sweating greatly on his top half.
However, we had to concede that, due to a largish window behind us, and a door with a fair gap around it, there was a good chance that this was the cause.. (and Martyn WAS wearing a couple of thick fleeces..)
Maureen senses a presence behind her, and feels it could be someone called William. Sam/Donna concur with regards to the name.
Maureen produces a pendulum, contacts Beth, and introduces her to our guests who would not have been aware of her beforehand.
Vigil 2. - Banqueting Hall.
We start by sitting around a table in the hall, and almost immediately hear various creaks and taps around the room.
This would have probably been due to the large amount of wood in the room, including the flooring, which would have been cooling down overnight.
During the Vigil, Martyns attention is continually drawn to the far side of the room, but he is not sure why.
We try a glass divination, and despite our attempts to ask that any spirit present move the glass, there is no discernible movement.. Although there is a feeling in the group that there is some degree of energy building within the glass...
Maureen contacts Beth, and asks her to show us how it is done... but still no discernible movement.
Vigil 3. - The Oak Court.
Here again, we encountered lots of creaks that would have to again be put down to large amounts of wood, and wood panelling.
In this room, i felt that something had been placed on my head while i was sat for a while - and i had the thought come into my mind, that it was a Lawyers Court "wig" that had been put firmly on my head... it was only after i got up and moved away that i felt it had gone.
Vigil 4. - Crown Court and Cells.
For this vigil, we went below the main Court, and followed the passage to the older area of cells.
There were lower level cells, and a stairway leading to an upper level of older cells.
It was at the lower end of this stairway that the EMF meter that Martyn was operating, began to "go off" and increase in intensity as we went up to the upper level.
While on this upper level, we appeared to encounter an energy that we were able to exactly pinpoint, and follow as it moved among us.. not only with the meter, but also with the Divining Rods.
Martyn sensed the name Frank.. a name that the energy did indeed appear to respond to... and not only that, but would also appear to come right up to Martyn and myself and stand right between us when we asked it to...
I must say here, that the activation of an EMF meter in this area, was encountered during the Baseline tests done earlier, and we have to bear this in mind when attempting to come to any conclusions as to what we had encountered.
However, the fact that the energy we came across, DID appear to have some degree of intelligence in the way it reacted to our requests, is very interesting... especially as when Martyn and myself told the energy we had to go, and said goodbye.. the EMF Meter instantly went "dead" and the Rods went neutral.. as if the energy had gone.
So if this energy we encountered was a natural, non Spiritual energy that the Baseline test had picked up.. how/why did it instantly disappear when we said goodbye to it?
Did we encounter an intelligent Spirit who reacted to us, and responded well with us...? Or was it a mixture of over excitement and wishful thinking on behalf of myself and Martyn..? - Take your pick...
While this was going on, Maureen contacted Beth.
It was now time to end the vigil, and the investigation so we headed back to base where we packed up and headed out.
I would like to thank our guests.. Martyn, Donna and Sam for their enthusiasm, friendliness and overall goodwill while sharing our investigation, they were a pleasure to have along.
Alison Blyth
My first vigil was in the Banqueting Room. Whilst nothing out of the ordinary happened here and no orbs or taps were heard, I felt a strong sense of a gentleman being present. He was a figure of authority and gave me the impression that he was looking down his nose at me. This made me feel very wary of him being there but I think he was more puzzled by our presence. He gave me the name of Henry Barrett (I think) and seemed to me like a business man holding important meetings here. Other than that I experienced nothing out the ordinary. Drafts were felt but were experienced near to a window and at one point I did smell burning but due to it being a very busy night outside I assumed that this was coming from a group of people smoking perhaps.
Our second vigil was in the courts. I sat in the Judges chair and immediately felt power. I think this was down to what that area symbolised .I also felt that the ’riff raff’ was sitting jeering at me from the top gallery. What did interest me was the contrast between this area and the docks. I sat for a while on the stairs which lead up from the cells and for some reason I felt a distinct feeling of fear and apprehension, strangely one of our guests stated that he felt as if his arm had been pulled in this area. I felt a distinct feeling of shear fear and was given the name of a Rose Dowl but in sharp contrast she was extremely poor and dirty and very young about 17-18years old. She was from a half way house/poor house and was picked up for being drunk and having no money. She gave me a great sense of fear and that upset me as she hadn’t really done anything wrong. I didn’t get to figure out the outcome of her plight due to time restrictions but it did highlight to me how petty the court could have been as the era seemed to be pre Victorian times when the poor were frowned upon and punished for petty crimes. Such a sharp contrast to modern times.
My third vigil was in the magistrates’ room. For some reason I got the image from the film 12 angry men and assumed that this was the jurors’ room where decisions were made. This threw me completely when I was corrected. Nothing was experienced in this room despite conducting glass divination.
My last vigil was in the juvenile room. This area affected me the most as for some reason a young lad came to me giving me the name of Nathan Etheridge. I didn’t get the impression that he had passed but what happened in that room would affect his future outlook on life. He gave me his age of being about 13 and he rambled on at me going over the details of what he had been told I assume by the judge. He explained in great detail what would happen to him and how it was said to him, like an adult explaining to a child why they were there and drilling into them what the consequences of their actions were. I felt myself repeating this over and over again to Amanda who sat patiently listening to me. It was surreal for me as I felt his fear and the point when the penny dropped that he could be separated from his mummy. He gave me the time era of late 60s early 70s and his reaction was regret, fear in fact sheer terror. He kept saying that he had been told by older boys to take what he took but wouldn’t give me the full story of what he had done. I got the impression that he wasn’t sent to a detention centre for juvenile delinquents but came extremely close to it which made him sit up and take notice and change his life around. The judge was strict and made him feel like he was bullied as there were about 10 adults in the room all drumming home to him that he should be punished. I felt so sorry for him and it made me want to cry. In fact when the vigil was over I had to get a hug from my husband for reassurance which was strange for me as I usually brush of any personal feelings and give distance but for some reason his emotions stuck with me.
I would like to thank our guests and especially Anita who joined my team. Thanks for a fantastic evening.
Amanda Horley
Having walked past this building many times when I worked in Salisbury it was great to get the chance to see the inside of it. The difference in room styles with a mix of very old to quite modern was quite a contrast, and even on the initial walk around I was getting strange feelings about the Juvenile Court room.
Our first vigil was in the Banqueting room. I very quickly started to feel light headed, to the extent that I had to sit down at one point, but other than that didn’t really pick anything else up, and can’t explain why I felt unwell for most of this vigil, but not at any other time during the investigation. Alison came up with the name Henry Barton but couldn’t get any further details relating to him. Although we called out several times, we didn’t get any definite responses, although there were some possible knocks from the far end of the room. However, being a very busy St Patrick’s night in Salisbury meant that there were a lot of late night revellers outside which did make it difficult to work out some of the things we may have been hearing.
The second vigil was in the Oak Court, which was a wonderful room with a very distinctive smell of old wood and polish. We moved around in this room and took turns at sitting in the Judge’s chair and the dock. At one point when I was sitting at the back of the court I felt that there was someone standing behind me, and Julie (one of our guests) felt apprehensive and nervous sitting in the jurors area. Alison picked up on a young woman when she was in the dock, but despite calling out we did not get any responses. When I moved into the dock I very unexpectedly felt content and confident. Almost serene. I found that I was smiling quite broadly, but although I felt that it was connected to a woman called Elizabeth, I couldn’t get any more detail and don’t know if it was someone who was innocent and got the correct verdict, or whether it was someone who was actually guilty but got away with it. Very frustrating!
The Magistrates retiring room was very quiet, and we didn’t pick anything up there. We tried a glass divination, but that too didn’t respond.
Our final vigil was in the Juvenile Court. Very quickly into the vigil I found this room to be very oppressive, exactly how I had felt when I went in there earlier in the evening. It wasn’t a headache as such, but more like a pressure on the front and top of my head. Very like you would experience during a summer thunderstorm. Matt also described feeling this way. I didn’t pick up on anything specific, but Alison picked up on a boy and described how the juvenile court worked in great detail. Normally when she comes up with information it is very to the point, but on this vigil she time she reiterated what she was saying again and again and wasn’t aware that she was doing this until I pointed it out. Her descriptions went on for several minutes, and were completely out of character to how she normally is on investigations. Unfortunately, we again couldn’t make contact with any specific energies.
It was a good evening from my point of view, as I felt very different to normal in three of the four vigils, but it was also frustrating as I couldn’t explain why I felt the way I did. It was a shame that we weren’t able to make contact with any specific energy, but I would be interested in doing this site again to see what happens next time.
Di Moore
Vigil 1 The Oak Court
Our team, team 2 went first into the Oak Court. Judges bench, seats, dock and walls were all oak. The court itself was amazing. We walked around then the lights were turned off.. Two of the guests felt uneasy so I went and sat behind them, this area felt very cold. There were lots of noises coming from outside and a bit of light too. We sat in silence then did a séance, calling out for any spirits. We heard noises which could be explained but also heard noises we couldn’t explain. We saw a few lights coming from the small balcony which looked like it could have been a window but this had oak panelling across it and a plant standing in front. After a while, I was looking at the judges bench and I saw a dark shadow standing by the curtains which would have been pulled behind the judge. We were calling out at this time and asking spirits to show themselves. This dark shadow was also seen by other members of the group.
Vigil 2 The mayors Parlour
This was a small room but as we sat there (I was sitting in the large judges chair) I felt pressure on my chest. This was also felt by 2 more of the team. We saw lights and heard noises however again some could be explained. At one point I thought I saw a shadow run cross the floor.
Vigil 3 The Banqueting Hall
What an amazing room this was. We settled down and then tried some glass divination. The glass moved very slightly. There were some cold breezes felt on our hands. We then tried a séance where we all heard a few noises but could not tell whether these were coming from outside as it was very noisy. In one photo I got 2 orbs by a table and 1 on a chair.
Vigil 4 The Grand Jury Rm
This was another beautiful room. We did a séance after settling down. It seemed we were getting knocking after asking questions. This could have been a window so we moved to the other end of the room and continued. I looked at this window behind the curtains and pushed on it. It did knock but twice once when it was pushed out and once as it came back in again. The knocks we had heard were just once. We continued doing the séance and the window did seem to answer our questions. We also got a scare as a door creaked open but later we found out that it was another group next door to us.
I had a lovely evening at the Guildhall.
Rab Gardener
Vigil 1 - Grand Jury Room
This large rectangular room has glass display cabinets at both ends and lots of photographs/pictures. We settled down and sat quietly to familiarise ourselves with the different natural light anomalies created by so much glass. We also noticed that the windows vibrated whenever a large vehicle went past on the main road. I began calling out and we managed to get an orb behind Sandy in response. Further call outs were rewarded to by one particular window rattling. Shane got the impression of a male presence and this was verified by the window rattling. We continue to callout and every positive response was indicated by the same window rattling. We were also aware of a cold spot moving up and down the length of the room nearest the windows. Towards the end of the vigil, Shane and Sandy saw a face inside one of the glass cabinets. All in all, a pretty good start to the evening.
Vigil 2 – Juvenile Court
This small room is adjacent to the alley and picked up a lot of noise from people passing by, making audibles difficult to verify. On first entering the room, we all had a sense of something else in the room. I walked across to the stairwell and saw a shadow dart past down the stairs. Natasha also felt a presence rush past her. Everyone chose a spot in the room to sit or stand and then we began to call out. I asked for any presence to touch one of us and to our delight Natasha was touched on the nose. Unfortunately the presence seemed not to want to reveal too much as it wouldn’t respond to our questions and only randomly touched Natasha’s nose.
Sandy, Martyn and Shane were picking up on a presence that was moving about the room, particularly between the main door and the top of the stairs. Interestingly, I also spotted an orb pass behind Sandy on two occasions.
Alan experimented with the divining rods for the first time and managed to pick up a presence. It soon became apparent that the presence was associated with Seresha because the rods followed her whenever she went.
Soon after that experiment Seresha settled down in a corner and it was a while before I noticed that she was too quiet. Every time I asked if she was all right, she said she was ok. I didn’t want to push her, but something was bothering her. After the vigil was over she confessed to feelings of apprehension and worry whilst sat in that corner.
Vigil 3 – Crown Court and Cells
After walking around these areas I decided to split the team. Sandy and Martyn stayed in the cell area and Seresha, Natasha, Shane, Alan and I went into the Court. Julie and Maria joined us on this vigil. We set up glass divination on a table in the middle of the court and soon picked up on a presence moving backwards and forwards amongst us. Soon the glass moved, but only weekly, and confirmed a female presence. Julie and Maria were also getting a knocking noise on the bench in response to our calling out. Shane noticed the presence of 3 spirits sat on a bench further up the court so we moved the séance to that spot and sat in the same seats. Maria was at one end and felt her face being touched, shortly followed by Seresha with the same. Apart from a cold spot moving between us we didn’t get any more info.
Vigil 4 – Mayors Parlour
This was a small room adjacent to the Grand Jury room. At first there was a feeling of someone there, but it soon disappeared. Calling out and glass divination produced no results. After a while though, Shane and Natasha noticed a picture moving very slightly on the wall. Hopefully, since the camera was pointing in that direction, we managed to capture it.
Conclusion
This was a relatively quiet investigation, but a wonderful opportunity to work with new team members and members of the public. I would like to thank Shane, Natasha and Seresha for being great guests and being so enthusiastic and I would also like to thank Sandy and Martyn for doing a brilliant job in supporting our teams efforts.
Ed Ashton
Being a Court House, the Salisbury Guildhall had many obvious similarities between it and the one in Dorchester which we had visited last summer. I think of the 2, the Guildhall was the bigger building but I have to admit that I had a better sense of historic atmosphere in Dorchester. This may obviously be because Dorchester is probably the oldest of the 2 buildings, but not being sure of the age of both buildings I couldn't really say.
Despite the similarities however, the only thing that was comparable between the 2 investigations was the unfortunate lack of paranormal activity! Nothing was sensed by myself all throughout the evening. There were the odd minor occurrences every now and then that were experienced by the 2 guests in our team such as temperature drops etc, but on the whole, a very quiet night! We attempted glass divinations a couple of times but sadly with no satisfactory results.
Having no previous knowledge of any suspected hauntings that may occur in the building I will look forward to reading about them when the final report is published. For now though, I would be very doubtful if the Guildhall is indeed haunted. There is of course the distinct possibility however that like the Court House in Dorchester, there had been no previous sightings as far as we were aware so I guess the same may apply here! Some of the other groups though may have been more successful!