The Judge’s Lodgings is a beautifully preserved Georgian building in the Welsh border town of Presteigne — but behind the elegant façade lies a far more unsettling energy.

Originally used as both a residence and courtroom for circuit judges, the building holds layers of legal, social, and emotional history. Trials were held here, and in some cases, death sentences were passed — making it the last place some people stood before being taken to the gallows. That kind of finality sticks.

Reports of paranormal activity span decades. Visitors and investigators have experienced the sound of footsteps pacing across the upper floors, doors creaking open on their own, and sudden unexplained chills — particularly near the former courtroom. EVP sessions have captured muttering voices and sobbing, while the jury room is said to carry a distinct tension that many describe as "judgemental."

One of the most commonly reported sightings is the ghost of a Victorian woman in black — possibly a grieving widow or wronged party — who’s been seen moving between rooms and disappearing at doorways.

Folklore also suggests that a young servant girl died in the building under mysterious circumstances. Her playful but unsettling presence is said to cause light footsteps, misplaced objects, and on one occasion — a full-on giggle captured during an investigation.

Whether you come for the history or the hauntings, the Judge’s Lodgings has a lot to say… you just have to be quiet enough to hear it.