The Ghost of Ruthin Gaol with Ian Lawman

Ruthin Gaol is one of the most impressive buildings in North Wales. There has been a prison on this site since 1684 and remained as a working prison until 1916. There are many stories of cruelty and hardship throughout its working history which gives a morbid fascinating insight into crime and punishment of its day.

Prisoners were imprisoned for a range of crimes ranging from stealing potatoes to the more serious cases of rape and murder.  One of its infamous inmates was William Hughes, who was the last man to be hanged at Ruthin Goal at the age of 42 on 17^th February 1903. It is said that William Hughes haunts the Gaol to his day and it is believed that he particularly has a fascination with ladies and often makes them feel a range of emotions.

William Hughes enlisted in the army at the age of 18, he spent some time serving in India, he returned home in 1890. In 1892 he married his first cousin, Jane Hannah Williams.  They had three children, one of which died in 1901.  Soon after the death of the child William separated from his wife and was later prosecuted for family desertion.  Upon his release In 1902 he obtained a double-barrel shot gun, called round to see his wife and shot her at such a close rage that her clothing caught fire. William Hughes gave himself up and he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death.  He was executed on the gallows and buried in the grounds of Ruthin Gaol.

Prison life was hard and as a form of work or punishment, crank labour was introduced. Adult inmates were made to turn the handle of a hancrank 1,800 turns an hour, 14,480 revolutions each day. Juveniles had to turn the handle some 1,500 turns an hour, 12,000 revolutions a day.

Oakum picking was another punishment, which was to unravel and clean rope. The hard rope would cut and blister fingers making their daily routine unbearable.

Solitary confinement in the dark cell was punishment for those who committed serious offences to prison officers.  Prisoners spent days, even weeks in the dark confinement to which many were driven insane. 

With such memories from the past imbedded in the very fabric of Ruthin Gaol it’s of no wonder that the location is considered to be very haunted.

• Mediumship walk-around with Ian Lawman

• Ghost hunting vigils and seances 

• Refreshments will be available throughout the night. 

Now for the serious information of the event:

Please note: anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted, and will be asked to leave.

£20 deposit will secure your booking; full payment is required one month before the event.  Please contact Mysteria Ltd on tel No 01457 877008 between the hours of 10am to 9pm.

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