Shepton Mallet Prison will mark Halloween with a haunting evening of history and mystery on Wednesday 22 October, as it hosts the latest in its Evening Behind Bars series.

Titled The Witching Hour, the event promises to unravel the chilling true story of sisters Jane Brooks and Alice Coward, who were accused of witchcraft in Shepton Mallet in 1658. The talk, led by a prison historian, explores the fear, superstition and persecution that fuelled England's 17th-century witch hysteria.

Attendees will hear about the sisters' ordeal and the tragic fate of Jane Brooks, offering a stark insight into a time when paranoia turned deadly. The immersive evening will also include a Q&A session, set against the atmospheric backdrop of the historic prison.

Tickets cost £10 per adult, with a 50% discount for Annual Pass holders. Each guest will receive a complimentary hot, cold or alcoholic drink on arrival. The event runs from 6pm to 8.30pm and pre-booking is essential.

The Witching Hour forms part of the prison's popular Evening Behind Bars programme, which uses expert talks to bring the site's dark history vividly to life.

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