Jedburgh Castle Jail
WHERE: Jedburgh, Scotland
Just 14 miles from England's border, Jedburgh Castle was originally built as a safeguard for territorial fighting. After the Scots grew tired of maintaining this outpost, they tore down the original structure and surrounding walls. In 1820, the structure that exists today was built on the site as a reform prison. Men and women sent here were given the opportunity to repent for their crimes and amend their sinful ways.
However, the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and early 19th centuries resulted in elevated crime rates and overpopulation at the jail -- and just like that the focus shifted from reform to punishment. So many prisoners were hung here that the colloquialism "Jedburgh justice" came to mean, "hang first, ask questions later." The prison closed in the late 1870s and now only ghosts remain.
In the men's wing on the second floor, two cells held solitary prisoners awaiting either execution or banishment. While the main floor of the wing has been used for storage since the jail closed, this second floor has remained untouched. At night, dark shadows float across the floor accompanied by strange unexplained noises. One presence in particular has been felt by many visiting the wing -- a menacing spirit who slams doors and hurls objects at unwanted guests.
Strange lights, mists and sudden chills have been experienced all over the Jedburgh Castle Jail, including the surrounding grounds. A local legend tells of a phantom piper who haunts the battlements; workmen and local residents have heard the eerie music emanating from the castle.
Jedburgh Castle Jail is open seven days a week from late March through the end of October. Audio tours, children's guides and an audio-visual display are all available for guests of the castle. Even if you don't see any ghosts on your tour, head to the top of the castle where the views of Scotland are sure to take your breath away.
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