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The Hanging Pit: The Haunting of Bodmin Jail
In the middle of 21st century England lies an old building that has been scarred by tragedy, suffering, and violent death. Built by prisoners of war more than two centuries ago, Bodmin Jail and the land around it have been the site of more than fifty hangings. Thieves, murderers, highwaymen and rapists all died at the end of the hangman's rope, with many of their bodies being buried within the jail grounds. it is unsurprising, then, that the jail has its ghosts. Even today, the restless spirits of those who breathed their last at Bodmin Jail still roam its hallways, lurk within its cells, and prowl the dank underground chambers. Join author Richard Estep (TV's Haunted Hospitals, Paranormal 911, and Haunted Case Files) as he and a team of fellow paranormal investigators uncover the secrets of this historic, haunted jail...
- GenresHorrorParanormal
237 pages, Paperback
Published July 17, 2020
30 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Richard Estep
72 books198 followersI'm a 48-year-old child who has no plans to ever actually grow up.
I make my living as a paramedic, clinical educator, for a busy hospital system and work as a street medic in a 911 system.
In my free time, I serve as the director of the Boulder County Paranormal Research Society, and investigate claims of haunted properties, people, and objects on both sides of the Atlantic. I love to read, particularly SF/Fantasy, history and historical fiction, the paranormal, and basically anything that piques my interest. I appear on the TV shows Haunted Hospitals, Paranormal 911, Paranormal Night Shift, Haunted Case Files, and several others.
I am an avid video gamer, table-top gamer, and love to build Lego. My wife and I are the proud humans of five adopted rescue cats and one smelly but adorable dog.
I make my living as a paramedic, clinical educator, for a busy hospital system and work as a street medic in a 911 system.
In my free time, I serve as the director of the Boulder County Paranormal Research Society, and investigate claims of haunted properties, people, and objects on both sides of the Atlantic. I love to read, particularly SF/Fantasy, history and historical fiction, the paranormal, and basically anything that piques my interest. I appear on the TV shows Haunted Hospitals, Paranormal 911, Paranormal Night Shift, Haunted Case Files, and several others.
I am an avid video gamer, table-top gamer, and love to build Lego. My wife and I are the proud humans of five adopted rescue cats and one smelly but adorable dog.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 28, 2020
This is a well written book about a couple of investigations at Bodmin Jail in Cornwall. I enjoyed learning about the history of the jail as well as hearing about what happened during the investigations. I also liked how the author doesn’t automatically jump to paranormal conclusions and is very level headed. I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
May 21, 2024
This is a book about a group that examines Bodmin Jail to see if they can detect any odd sounds, shadow images or maybe even ghosts. The book goes into the history of the jail and it's not a nice one.
It's in England and goes way back to 1778 when an Act of Parliament was passed to make the jail. It was to house felons, people with minor offenses and debtors. It eventually closed and became a place open to tourists.
The group has the usual investigative tools including things to record EVPs, audio recorders, a spirit box and other things.
There's also the usual things where batteries get depleted quickly even though they were definitely fully charged at the start.
The book describes the places they go in the jail, the things they saw and heard and some spirit box words.
One very interesting thing they do is to try to find a rational explanation for anything odd that turns up. This is a good approach to investigations of this type. When in doubt, throw it out.
There are also negative entities that are in the jail along with a prankster spirit.
One other thing that is brought up is that if you are going into a place like that, be respectful to anything you think might be there.
I like the way the investigation is carried out.
It's in England and goes way back to 1778 when an Act of Parliament was passed to make the jail. It was to house felons, people with minor offenses and debtors. It eventually closed and became a place open to tourists.
The group has the usual investigative tools including things to record EVPs, audio recorders, a spirit box and other things.
There's also the usual things where batteries get depleted quickly even though they were definitely fully charged at the start.
The book describes the places they go in the jail, the things they saw and heard and some spirit box words.
One very interesting thing they do is to try to find a rational explanation for anything odd that turns up. This is a good approach to investigations of this type. When in doubt, throw it out.
There are also negative entities that are in the jail along with a prankster spirit.
One other thing that is brought up is that if you are going into a place like that, be respectful to anything you think might be there.
I like the way the investigation is carried out.
April 5, 2022
I enjoyed Richard stories about his experiences in Bodmin Jail. I found that the first half of the book made me think of historical fiction or a documentary about what happened to the people who died their during this sentence.It seemed to flow really well. I found that Richard being Agnostic was really hard for me to believe due to the fact that his line of work has him on the boarder between a believer and non believer. His career has led him to so many places it’s difficult to read he doesn’t take a side but is rather “neutral”.
October 17, 2020
Totally fascinating!!
Great investigation! Loved all the history along
with the ghostly elements. Many times I wish
I had the means to investigate these places, but
I can still do it through this wonderful and truly
brilliant author, Richard Estep. His books are
extremely riveting and so very interesting to read
that you don't want to put them down. I've lost
a lot of sleep while reading one of his ghostly
investigations. Absolutely worth it!!!!!
Great investigation! Loved all the history along
with the ghostly elements. Many times I wish
I had the means to investigate these places, but
I can still do it through this wonderful and truly
brilliant author, Richard Estep. His books are
extremely riveting and so very interesting to read
that you don't want to put them down. I've lost
a lot of sleep while reading one of his ghostly
investigations. Absolutely worth it!!!!!
August 31, 2023
As per usual with one of Richard Estep's books, the author writes in such a way that you feel like you're right there beside him investigating in a dark and scary location. After reading this book, I have added the location to my ever growing bucket list of venues to visit and investigate. If you're a paranormal investigator or enthusiast, pick this one up!
April 28, 2021
Great
I found this book to be more amazing than the others that I read. I'm not saying his other books weren't great but this one had so much more information on the activities in the jail. The descriptions made me feel as though I was witnessing the events as they happened.
I found this book to be more amazing than the others that I read. I'm not saying his other books weren't great but this one had so much more information on the activities in the jail. The descriptions made me feel as though I was witnessing the events as they happened.
April 8, 2023
Live jail
I felt I was there at the jail with the author and Kirsten who is the jail caretaker. The book is easy to read and hard to put down, which I didn't until I was finished. I hope he returns to the jail for a 3rd time and writes about it.
I felt I was there at the jail with the author and Kirsten who is the jail caretaker. The book is easy to read and hard to put down, which I didn't until I was finished. I hope he returns to the jail for a 3rd time and writes about it.
September 5, 2023
I was not very familiar with the Bodmin Jail, but these were some really interesting stories. I knew that harsh punishments were sometimes inflicted for very minor crimes, but some of the ones mentioned here just had me shaking my head.
Overall, good book.
Overall, good book.
July 19, 2020
The Hanging Pit
Another well written book, which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. I live in Cornwall so want to visit Bodmin Jail once the pandemic is over.
Another well written book, which I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend. I live in Cornwall so want to visit Bodmin Jail once the pandemic is over.
July 23, 2020
Sense of actually being there
Richard takes you along on another paranormal journey as he and his team investigate Bodmin. Well written and paced. Another great read!
Richard takes you along on another paranormal journey as he and his team investigate Bodmin. Well written and paced. Another great read!
June 18, 2021
Very enjoyable
Very much enjoyed this book, having visited bodmin jail before I could picture the places he talks about, first book I've borrowed on my new kindle
Very much enjoyed this book, having visited bodmin jail before I could picture the places he talks about, first book I've borrowed on my new kindle
September 6, 2021
Great book
Thank you for sharing your time at the prison with all of us. Really enjoy your honesty about all of your books. Hope to see a new one soon.
Thank you for sharing your time at the prison with all of us. Really enjoy your honesty about all of your books. Hope to see a new one soon.
January 21, 2022
Hanging pit
I choose 5 star rating because its a super good book. I love Richard writing. Its always informative and interesting
I choose 5 star rating because its a super good book. I love Richard writing. Its always informative and interesting
May 15, 2021
I felt like I was there for Richard's investigations of Bodmin Jail every step of the way. He writes with honesty and candor, and I learned so much about his investigative techniques. Richard Estep's book presents an intriguing account of his paranormal experiences in a remarkable historic place—and Bodmin is now on my bucket list of places to investigate as a result!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews