Haunted Chard Guildhall

Unveiling Chard Guildhall's
Haunted Secrets

A Haunted and Historic Treasure in Somerset

Stroll through the heart of Chard, Somerset, and encounter face to face the imposing Chard Guildhall, Grade II* listed and a witness to centuries of urban heritage. It is more than just an awe-inspiring example of Classical architecture, though; this historic building holds secrets of the past, from its civic function to eerie tales of the paranormal. If you're looking for haunted venues in the UK, Chard Guildhall is the place to visit.

Built between 1834 and 1835, Chard Guildhall replaced an earlier 16th-century guildhall and market house. Local architect Richard Carver designed it as a multi-purpose building, serving as a town hall, market house, and corn exchange.

Chard itself is a town with a rich and occasionally dark history, ranging from its connection with Judge Jeffreys and the "Bloody Assizes" following the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. While the town's present-day Guildhall was not built at the exact time, the "hanging tree" where 12 rebels were executed is said to have stood near where the present Tesco supermarket was erected, casting a long, sombre shadow across the town's history.

Whispers of Justice and Sandal: Judge Jeffreys' Shadowy Connection Chard Guildhall, and Chard itself, is also tainted with one of the darkest judicial reputations in British history:

Judge Jeffreys. Known as the "Hanging Judge," his ruthless assizes following the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 resulted in many rebels being condemned to death. While the existing Guildhall was built later, the infamous hanging tree, where 12 insurgents paid with their lives, supposedly stands where the town's existing Tesco supermarket now stands. This dark past provides a sombre note to the Guildhall's history, reminding us of the severe punishment meted out in the past. While not a scandal relating to the activities of the Guildhall itself, this historical link most definitely throws a long shadow.

The Hanging Judge Geroge Jefferys

The Unseen Residents: Ghosts of Chard Guildhall

For the ghost hunters, Chard Guildhall is an interesting location in which to spend an evening ghost hunting in Somerset. Paranormal investigation groups have logged extensive activity within its walls.

  1. Guests and Staff have reported encounters that suggest the presence of malevolent spirits:

  2. Shadow Entities: Some have witnessed brief shadow entities moving through vacant areas of the building, a sign of ghostly onlookers in another realm.

  3. Ghostly Voices: Whispers and ghostly voices are heard, seemingly out of nowhere, contributing to the haunting atmosphere.

  4. Strange Sounds: Footsteps and thundering sounds can be heard within the Guildhall, despite there being no living beings around, a sign of imprinted energy from its past.

  5. KII and Cat Ball Exercise: In paranormal investigations, equipment such as KII meters (electromagnetic fluctuation measuring devices) and cat balls (activated toys used to detect small energy changes) have been reported to register high activity, crediting intelligent behaviour to the invisible.

These occurrences contribute to the value of Chard Guildhall as a truly haunted location in Somerset, inviting those brave enough to seek out its ghostly residents.