Ghosts, Hoaxes & Hauntings: A Cultural History of the Unseen

Event information

Why do ghosts continue to fascinate us? From flickering candlelit séances to TikTok spirit hunts, our belief in the paranormal has never faded.
Journeying through the rise of ghost belief and supernatural obsession, this talk will focus on the emergence of the crowd-pleasing ghosts of the 1700s to the return to the old ways of current day. Discover the scandalous case of The Cock Lane Ghost, the sensationalist Fox Sisters, and the scientific curiosity of Britain’s first ghost hunter, Harry Price. How does our fascination with spirit reflect the changing times and where do ghosts fit into our modern world?
As we trace the evolution of ghost culture — through Victorian Spiritualism, 20th-century psychical research, and the modern-day boom in ghost podcasts, YouTube channels, and paranormal tourism — we’ll also shine a lantern on Bodmin Jail, one of the most haunted locations in the UK.
Discover why its setting, history, and folklore continue to stir belief — from buried prisoners and unconsecrated ground to tales of lost children, poltergeist activities and lingering shadows.
Whether you're a sceptic, a believer, or somewhere in between, this talk invites you to explore why ghosts have haunted not only our houses — but our imaginations.

*Age Restrictions*
There is no age restriction on this talk. However, there will be talk of ghosts, the paranormal, the dead, execution and things that go bump in the night, parental guidance advised.

Tickets will be available to buy on the door (subject to availability). It will be CASH ONLY sales on the door