History
In 1588 John Baxter of Kirk Langley was appointed gaoler of Derby's first County Gaol. The gaol was located in Cornmarket over a brook. Occasionally the brook would overflow and drown prisoners in the gaol.

Drowning wasn't the only concern that the inmates may have had. Gaol fever took at least 34 lives from 1630 onwards. Amongst those victims were Anthony Fitzherbert and Humphrey Beresford, both of whom had been held in the name of religion with over 30 other fellow Catholics. In July 1588, Nicholas Garlick, Robert Ludlam and Richard Simpson, all Catholic priests, were hanged, drawn and quartered. Their remains were hung from St. Mary's Bridge. The appalling conditions and lack of food or care led to other horror stories include that of a prisoner who cut his own throat in the gaol and was buried somewhere in Green Lane.

Scandal about the appalling conditions and corruption surrounded the gaol until a new gaol was built in 1756 in Friargate. This was used as a prison from 1756 to 1828. The basement of 50/51 Friar Gate is now a working museum. Derby's third and final County Gaol was opened in South Street in 1827, famous for its public executions until 1862, attracting as many as 50,000. The prison closed as a civilian institution in 1916 and was used by the army authorities until 1928.

Phenomena
Misty figures have been seen walking the corridors and cell doors close by themselves, leaving anyone trapped in there with feelings of nausea. The bodies of hanging men have been reported in some cells and visitors often complain of neck pain and breathing problems. A lady in a large hat has been seen, her spirit presumably dating back to when the gaol was a drinking establishment. Poltergeist activity, with the movement of inanimate objects, has also been spotted.

Investigation
While Derek discusses executions at the gaol while in the condemned cell and the specific case of a woman who died there, Yvette inexplicably bursts into tears. Later the smell of roses is detected in the same room. Orbs are also recorded throughout the investigation.

A 'trigger object' experiment, featuring a wooden cross on a piece of paper, seems to show that the cross has moved, though the room is locked. Video footage shows something unseen 'moving' the paper.