Oakham's Horrible History Private Tour - 'Orrible gore & ghosts!
For such a beautiful picturesque market town, Oakham is an unexpectedly dark and grim history that most people are oblivious to today despite. On this tour we will learn about some of the actual dark history of Oakham, the people who lived and died here... one man who lived, died and lived again! Oakham has Britains oldest court, the only operational gallows in the country and a fantastic set of Stocks in market square. We will visit various spots of executions and see the evidence that remains today. Murders, ghosts, corporal punishments and much more. It's a private tour so runs at a time that works for you but to see the Oakham Castle Court and nearby functional gallows we have to be underway by 3pm.
Your experience
Stop 1
Oakham Castle is known for being one of the best-preserved examples of Norman architecture. It's Great Hall is the oldest court in Britain and it's still used today. All sorts of trials have taken place here including the dramatic trial of John Flower who with her daughters were accused of Witchcraft.
Stop 2
Now a beautiful park with a bandstand and lots of events throughout the year. We won't let such pleasantries deter us though will we? Discover what happened low level crooks and deceitful market traders here.
Stop 3
The last remaining such cross in Oakham is set just off the picturesque market square. Once home to the dairy market, it still is home to the Oakham stocks which uniquely have 5 holes.
Stop 4
Savour the marketplace with its regular market beautiful old Buttercross and recently restored water pump. The market still has original Stocks... so best be on your best behavior!
Stop 5
A fantastic little museum highlighting the mainly agricultural life of Rutland through the ages, Also the resting place :-) of the still working gallows, the only such in the country.
Stop 6
...
Stop 7
....
Stop 8
Once the home to the first of Oakham's prisons and a few feet away, the Whipping Post. Here about a particularly gruesome murder that took place here.
Stop 9
Once a cemetery, a small garden of remembrance remains nearby.
Stop 10
This simple grassy square used to be outside of the town and back then it was a cemetery.
Stop 11
We won't go to the hospital obviously (please don't climb in the gallows, travel insurance might not help there) but from a distance we'll learn about the ghosts from the time of the Plague that have been seen here,
Stop 12
Such a beautiful street today but it's still known as Coffin Lane and a packet of Strepsils won't be much use here!
What’s included
- Private tour guide and a totally personalised tour.
Meeting and pickup
I can meet you by the main entrance /exit. 90 minutes from London. Direct trains from Cambridge, Peterborough, Stamford, Leicester and Birmingham.
Before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
Check dates and book on Viator →Confirm the meeting point, inclusions, cancellation policy and final price on Viator. We may earn a commission from your booking.