Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!
HM PRISON SHREWSBURY!
I’ve lived in Los Angeles most of my life. It’s always been a magical place for me, and it happens to have a few really amazing locations if you’re in the mood for a paranormal excursion. However, there’s one place that I’ve had the opportunity to visit thanks to my time here at Arrow in the Head and JoBlo. And it’s the one other city that I’d want to live in. Yes, I’m taking about London. From it’s rich history, it’s wonderful architecture and to the incredible people themselves, there’s so much to love about this beautiful home away from home. Hell, I don’t just love London, I love everything about England in general.
While I didn’t get the opportunity to really embrace some of the local haunts during my visits, it’s clear that the UK has more than a few notable places where shadows come to life. While I did spend a morning roaming the monumental Tower of London, I did not get to visit one particularly creepy hotspot for ghostly goodness. The Shrewsbury Prison – located in Shropshire – is a spectacular place for those seeking a good ghost story. Let’s face it, some of the scariest places on Earth are those that have suffered a number of atrocities and violence. Prison’s tend to be filled with tragic tales, death and bad mojo all around.
There has been a prison at this particular location all the way back to 1793, with the present design built back in 1877 according to the prison’s Wikipedia page. While I’ve yet to visit, Nick Groff has certainly had the pleasure. In fact, he spent 72 hours investigating it with his series Paranormal Lockdown. While there, he spent that time lost in the chilling UK fog while surrounded by prison cells, hangman’s nooses and a few other things that would make some people run as far away, as fast as possible.
Aside from my own vague knowledge of the prison, Shrewsbury felt as though it would be the perfect subject for this weeks Nick Groff Investigates. This is especially true considering we’ve spent a lot of time here in the good old USA. So let’s take a trip across the pond, and learn about the secrets that are whispered by those that spent the remainder of their lives behind bars. And of course, if you’ve spent some time there, please share your scary stories in the comments below. Take it away Nick…
"One of the most interesting and haunted locations I’ve investigated in the UK was Shrewsbury Prison. A ton of history and death. The execution room near Death Row was a very bizarre and isolated feeling. The energy came in waves and you can sense the emotions lingering.
Some evidence captured that was not in the episode was when I slept in the death row cell blocks. I left my recorder running through the night and when I listened to the playback the next morning I heard a dog walking up and growling near the recorder. There were other voices captured but we didn’t have enough time to air them in the episode. When I was alone in the officers room on death row, something slammed on the door with what sounded like a baton. There were so many things happening that it was difficult to condense for TV Broadcast.
The journey has been incredible and the locations in the UK have had some amazing discoveries. I would like to explore more and go back to Shrewsbury Prison. I’d like to return with today’s new equipment to test the paranormal activity. I feel three days wasn’t enough to fully dive into the massive location.
The noose moving and our equipment documenting unexplainable activity was the beginning of more to be explored. A great location situated in a historic town. I will be back someday and can’t wait to see what’s next. One of the most fascinating locations with a lot to offer into the unknown."