Museum spooky stuff

Given the museum building has a long and varied history, this is perhaps not surprising.

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 August 2015.

• 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 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 2008.

• A white lady who follows visitors around the upper floor of the building was seen most recently by four ghost hunters – all at the same time – in October 2014.

• Poltergeist activity has been reported in one of the ground floor rooms – furniture has been found mysteriously moved overnight, most recently in September 2011.

• A little girl returns in spirit form in the Geology gallery, leaving messages on tape recordings as well as terrifying a workman. She was heard most recently in October 2015. She has also been seen on rare occasions.

• 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. In addition, a hooded figure, that looks like a monk or priest, has been seen in the cellar, again most recently in April 2015. The cellars have now been opened to the public as ‘The Priestgate Vaults’.

• Banging doors, ghostly footsteps and voices, unaccountable smells, mysterious lights and orbs have all also been reported around the building….

We have had lots of requests from people wanting to experience a real, live, ghost-hunt so we have over the last few years allowed groups of would-be ghost hunters into the Museum.

If you are a commercial ghost hunting company or a private research group who would like to hire the museum for a night to stage an event, please contact us on 01733 864663 or museum@vivacity-peterborough.com for more details of our hire arrangements.