Rauceby Hospital
Victorian asylum and wartime hospital haunted by patient spirits, phantom soldiers, and unexplained activity in abandoned treatment wards.
Rauceby Hospital opened in 1897 as the Kesteven County Asylum, designed to house over 800 psychiatric patients in a progressive “colony” layout. During World War II, part of the hospital was converted to treat wounded servicemen, adding another layer to its complex history. The facility continued operating as a psychiatric hospital until 1997, and during its century of operation, it witnessed countless deaths, experimental treatments, and the suffering of both psychiatric patients and wounded soldiers. The abandoned buildings have since become known for intense paranormal activity.
Witnesses exploring the derelict site report encountering two distinct types of apparitions: former psychiatric patients in hospital gowns and phantom soldiers in wartime uniforms. The spirits of patients are often seen in the original asylum wards, appearing confused or distressed, while spectral soldiers have been spotted in the areas used as military wards during WWII. The sounds of anguished screams, crying, and moaning echo through the empty corridors, alongside the unexpected sound of military boots marching in formation. Many visitors report feeling suddenly overwhelmed with sadness or anxiety in certain areas.
The hospital’s chapel, morgue, and the former electroshock therapy rooms are considered the most actively haunted locations. Investigators have documented unexplained footsteps, doors slamming shut, and objects moving on their own. The underground tunnels connecting the various buildings are said to be particularly oppressive, with reports of shadow figures and the sensation of being followed or watched. EVP recordings have captured voices in both English and what sounds like German, possibly from POW patients treated during the war years. Many investigators report equipment malfunctions and drained batteries, classic signs of paranormal energy.