The museum building is reputed to
be the most haunted in Peterborough!
Given the museum building has a long and
varied history, this is perhaps not surprising. Check our
museum history
page for more information.
The following are just some of the best known
or most common phenomena reported:
A grey figure, said to be the
'Lonely ANZAC', First World War soldier Thomas Hunter who died in
the building in 1916 from wounds received in France. His
ghost is seen on the stairs or first floor corridor, and has
most recently been seen in June 2009. A strange figure was
also caught on camera on the stairs in April 2007.
A ghostly kitchen maid who fell to her death
on the back stairs (which are not open to the public except for
pre-booked tours) - did she fall, did she jump, or was she pushed?
Female visitors report the impression of being pushed from behind
by invisible hands, many people feel unwell in this area and
strange noises have been heard.
A dark male presence has been seen and felt
lurking near our recreation of a period shop on the first floor.
Footsteps have been heard here, most recently in June
2008.
A ghostly Roman soldier is said to be
connected for eternity to his sword, on display in our archaeology
gallery. He has been most recently seen in September 2006.
A white lady who follows visitors around the
upper floor of the building was seen most recently by two
visitors in October 2008.
Poltergeist activity has been reported in
one of the ground floor rooms - furniture has been found
mysteriously moved overnight, most recently in September 2007.
A little girl returns in spirit form in the
Geology gallery, leaving messages on tape recordings as well as
terrifying a workman. She has also been seen on rare occasions,
most recently in December 2008.
Our eerie ancient cellar has a particular
reputation, where slamming doors, strange noises and a threatening
male presence have been reported. Items have been thrown
at some ghost hunters, most recently in April 2009. In
addition a hooded figure, that looks like a monk or priest, has
been seen in the cellar, again most recently in February 2009.
For a view of the cellar check our web-cam. (link to Ghost-cam
page)
Banging doors, ghostly footsteps and voices,
unaccountable smells, mysterious lights and orbs have all also been
reported around the building....
We host candlelit tours and ghost vigils at the museum if you are feeling a
little more adventurous.
Many of Peterborough’s most popular cultural and sporting
facilities are part of Vivacity, an independent,
not-for-profit organisation with charitable status.
Find out more about
the trust on the Vivacity website.