14/05/2026
The investigation of **HM Prison Shrewsbury** (also known as "The Dana") is one of the most intense locations ever featured on *Most Haunted*. Given the prison's brutal history—operating from 1793 until 2013 and seeing dozens of ex*****ons—it provided the perfect backdrop for Yvette Fielding and her team.
The prison has been featured across multiple episodes, including the main series and *Most Haunted: Unseen*. Here is a breakdown of what happened during their time behind bars:
# # # The Investigation Focus
The team concentrated on several notoriously active areas of the prison, which has since become a staple for paranormal tourism:
* **A-Wing:** Known for the **"Shadow Man,"** a figure believed to be a former prison officer who still patrols the landings. During filming, Yvette and Mary Beattie famously investigated this wing alone, only to be overwhelmed by the oppressive atmosphere.
* **C-Wing:** This area is frequently cited for sudden temperature drops and the sound of heavy, disembodied footsteps.
* **The Ex*****on Room:** Perhaps the most chilling location, this was the site of the prison's final ex*****on in 1961 (George Riley). The team reported a "suffocating" energy here, with several members feeling physically ill or emotionally drained upon entering.
# # # Notable Moments
* **The "Old Guard":** In the *Unseen* episodes, a solo investigation by Yvette led to a confrontation with what was described as the spirit of an old guard who reportedly "targeted" members of the crew.
* **Poltergeist Activity:** The crew recorded numerous instances of cell doors slamming shut in empty wings and the sound of dragging chains, despite no one else being in the building.
* **The "Grey Lady":** They investigated reports of a female spirit often seen near the Victorian parts of the prison, believed to be a woman mourning a lost love who was once incarcerated there.
# # # Historical Context
The show leaned heavily into the prison’s dark past to explain the activity:
* **Ex*****ons:** Between 1902 and 1961, eight men were executed within the prison walls.
* **The Georgian Sub-Prison:** The Victorian structure sits atop an older Georgian prison. The team explored the subterranean remains, where they claimed the energy was even more volatile due to the "hidden" nature of the site.
# # # Visiting Today
Because of the fame brought by *Most Haunted* and other paranormal shows, Shrewsbury Prison now operates as a tourist attraction. They offer **"Ghost Tours"** and even overnight stays for those who want to see if they can replicate the team's experiences—though most visitors find the silence of the empty cells just as unnerving as a physical apparition.
Shrewsbury Prison
