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.

1. 1

   Oakham Castle

   20 min

   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.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   10 min

   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.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   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.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   10 min

   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!

5. 5

   Rutland County Museum

   15 min

   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.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   10 min

   ...

7. 7

   Stop 7

   5 min

   ....

8. 8

   Stop 8

   10 min

   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.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   5 min

   Once a cemetery, a small garden of remembrance remains nearby.

10. 10

    Stop 10

    5 min

    This simple grassy square used to be outside of the town and back then it was a cemetery.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    2 min

    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,

12. 12

    Stop 12

    10 min

    Such a beautiful street today but it's still known as Coffin Lane and a packet of Strepsils won't be much use here!

13. 13

    Stop 13

    5 min

    Now one of the most prestigious schools in the country but there is a corner of it with a darker history.

14. 14

    All Saints Oakham

    15 min

    Explore inside the beautiful Grade 1 listed 13th century All Saints Church whose spire you can see for miles around. The church has wonderful architecture and all manner of local memorials and history as well as being an active place of worship. Learn about the incredible tale of William de Goldbaun, a local thief who sought refuge here after being hanged to death!

15. 15

    Oakham

    2 hours

    We will explore the beautiful old streets and lanes of Oakham. See the old Buttermarket and the Stocks in the market Square. See the beautiful park and castle walls. Visit some of the towns well known foodie spots. Speaking of which visit the home of the man who inspired the home of little Tom Thumb and jumped out of a pie to surprise the King.

16. 16

    Stop 16

    5 min

    The archetypal market town pub with some fantastic drinks, authentic interiors and lovely pub garden... it features on our Oakham Pub Tour and you ay want to stay on here after the tour... Centuries ago it was a little different!

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.