HMP Dorchester, located in Dorchester, Dorset, was a prison that operated from 1795 until its closure in 2013. The original structure was built on the site of a medieval castle and served as both a county gaol and house of correction. Throughout its history, the prison witnessed numerous executions, with public hangings taking place outside its walls until 1867, when they were moved indoors.

The prison has a dark past, with reports of harsh conditions, overcrowding, and poor sanitation. During its early years, inmates endured hard labor, including working on treadwheels and breaking stones. The facility expanded over time, with additional wings and buildings added to accommodate the growing prison population.

HMP Dorchester has garnered a reputation for paranormal activity, with numerous ghost sightings reported by staff and inmates alike. One of the most frequently encountered spirits is that of a woman in a long dress, believed to be Martha Brown, the last woman publicly hanged at the prison in 1856 for the murder of her husband. Witnesses have described seeing her ghostly figure wandering the corridors and yards.

Other reported phenomena include unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and sudden temperature drops in various areas of the prison. Some former guards have recounted experiences of feeling an unseen presence watching them during night shifts, while others have reported objects moving on their own.

The execution room, where hangings took place after 1867, is said to be particularly active, with visitors reporting feelings of dread and unease. Some have claimed to hear the sounds of crying and pleading emanating from this area.