A GHOST hunter will be holding a midnight vigil and séance which will be streamed live online from St Osyth’s spooky witches’ prison.

John Blackburn, from paranormal group Mysteria, said The Cage, in Colchester Road, is one of the most haunted locations in the country.

The former village prison, which has been converted into a home, is where Ursula Kemp was imprisoned before being hanged as a witch in 1582.

Mr Blackburn, from Oldham, will be taking part in a lone vigil in the building, which is more than 500 years old, in aid of the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association charity.

“It is believed to be the UK’s most haunted house,” he said.

“I’m a bit apprehensive about undergoing past-life regression there as I know how powerful the house is.

“The vigil will be interactive giving everyone at home the chance to join via livestream.

“During the night all the rooms in the house will be monitored by those watching and the support team via cameras that will be strategically mounted in all rooms, covering all areas of the house.

“Anyone who spots any activity will be able to get in touch with the team and tell me which area you want me to go.

“To make the experience more challenging and interesting I will be taking part in live experiments."

The Cage is owned Vanessa Mitchell, who lives in Point Clear.

She moved into the property with her baby son eight years ago but claimed she was forced to leave after witnessing spooky goings on.

Mr Blackburn said: “Vanessa knew straight away the house didn't feel right and she experienced a whole manner of paranormal activity.

“Cushions were thrown off the settee, door handles rattling and doors slamming, a coke can flew off the table, the TV would change channels and turn itself off and bathroom taps would turn themselves on.

“Two friends even witnessed spots of blood appearing into carpet at the entrance hall.”

Mr Blackburn said he will be blindfolded for an hour during the event, in a bid to heighten his senses and will also undergo past life regression.

At the end of the night Mr Blackburn will be joined by a support team to carry out a Victorian style séance.

To donate to the charity, go to www.justgiving.com/JohnBlackburn17.

The event takes place on November 17 from 4pm, and will be streamed online at www.ktpf.co.uk.

  • Ursula Kemp was one of 13 women who were accused of being witches after Queen Elizabeth I stayed in St Osyth in 1579.

Ursula, thought to be a 57-year-old midwife, was blamed after a fellow villager’s daughter fell from her cot and died.

She then accused other women in the village of being witches including Alice Hunt, Alice Newman, Elizabeth Bennett and Margery Sammon.

Ursula and Elizabeth were hanged after being found guilty at trial.