Is Nothe Fort in Weymouth Haunted?
- Dr Iain M Lightfoot
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
There is something about the old Palmerston Forts that always seems to draw both Barry and I back in. Massive stone structures that were built with a purpose. Built because of fear. Victorian behemoths designed for war, defence and survival. When the total number of forts and defences is considered, there would be in the region of 12000 men needed, Artillery, Infantry, Engineers, Logistics, Signals, Officers and NCOs... and then of course once decommissioned as military defences the forts would have had hundreds of thousands of civilians use them. The sheer volume of people and organisations that have made use of them over the 200 years since building means that, they seem to have absorbed emotion in a way ordinary buildings simply do not.
Recently, Barry and I returned to Nothe Fort in Weymouth for another investigation, and although it was not a night filled with constant activity, it was one of those investigations that leaves you thinking afterwards. The kind where a few moments stand out so strongly that they stay with you long after you leave.
For those unfamiliar with the location, Nothe Fort is one of the famous “Palmerston’s Follies”, Victorian coastal forts built during the 19th century amid fears of invasion of Napoleon III. Thankfully, many of these structures were never used for the catastrophic warfare they were designed for, but thank goodness they were built because today they stand as incredible reminders of our military history. With their thick walls which were designed to withstand canon fire, underground tunnels to move men and ordnance, gun decks and observation positions all combine to create an atmosphere that feels heavy with memory and alive with energy.
As always, we arrived and spent some time simply walking the site. I have always believed that before any equipment comes out, before any formal investigation begins, you need to feel a location firstly. To listen to it and simply take time to observe it. Nothe Fort certainly felt aware that night.
We initially headed onto the gun deck where we spent some time observing the surroundings and settling into the energy of the location. During this period, we witnessed several orbs moving through the area. Now, anyone who investigates regularly knows that not every orb is paranormal because there is dust, insects and moisture in the air. However, you notice that some movement patterns still catch one's attention, particularly when they appear isolated, directional or responsive to activity.
Investigation Aims
From there we moved down into the tunnels beneath the fort. These underground areas are exactly what you would expect from an old military installation, cold, dark and a little oppressive and yet rather strangely atmospheric. Our intention here was actually to attempt to hear reports of the old tannoy system that people have previously mentioned and that Barry recorded last time here.
Instead, something entirely different happened. As we moved through one section of tunnel, both Barry and I suddenly walked into what I can only describe as a wall of energy. It was immediate and physical because we both became breathless almost instantly and experienced intense pins and needles sensations. It felt as though the air pressure itself had changed around us. Moments like this are difficult to explain because unless you experience them yourself, words never fully capture them. Yet, it genuinely felt like walking into an invisible force.
Is Nothe Fort Haunted?
After composing ourselves, we moved into one of the basement rooms where the evening became even more interesting.
Using our methods of communication, we began to communicate with what appeared to be an intelligent interaction with a spirit who identified himself as William. What struck us immediately was the impression that he was young, and he staed that he was 14 years old. During the conversation, William appeared to explain that he was still “doing his job” there and that he enjoyed it. More interestingly, he stated that there were “a lot of people still here.”
That single statement raised fascinating questions.
If genuine, it suggests an awareness not only of us as investigators, but also an awareness of others occupying the location on a level we cannot fully perceive. In simple terms, William appeared capable of seeing both the living and whoever else remains within the fort! We have asked this question a number of times and we get different answers, which if taken on face value means that not all spirits are experiencing the same afterlife or existence.
During the communication, Barry asked if William could make the area around us cold. Shortly afterwards, I distinctly felt something tug at my arm, enough to make me jump. It was subtle but completely noticeable, and William later appeared to confirm that he had done it.
These are the moments that keep you investigating. Not because they prove anything conclusively, but because they create experiences that challenge your understanding and leave genuine questions behind. Following this, we explored the World War II observation post and gun decks again. Interestingly, despite the atmosphere of the location, this area was comparatively quiet. We observed a few more orbs and experienced a small amount of contact, but nothing on the same level as the basement interaction.
That was largely how the night ended
No dramatic apparitions. No chairs flying across rooms. Just a handful of moments that quietly stay with you afterwards.
Reviewing our audio in the post-investigation analysis phase, there were a number of interesting sounds captured throughout the night including whistling, footsteps and metallic noises echoing through the tunnels and rooms. Again, these old forts naturally produce sounds, but some of the noises were certainly intriguing enough to warrant further analysis.
That was it for Nothe Fort on this occasion. Another of Palmerston’s Follies, of seeing an incredible historic location where history and the possibility of something more combine into an experience difficult to fully explain to anyone who has never stood in these places in the dead of night. Is Nothe Fort Haunted? Oh yes... but it is subtle and on their terms!
Honestly, thank goodness these forts were built because today they remain wonderful places, full of stories, mystery and always the promise of adventure.
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