What sparks someone’s journey into the paranormal? For some, it’s a chilling encounter they can’t explain. For others, it’s curiosity about haunted places and the stories tied to them. For Stephen, a paranormal investigator from Berkshire, it began in an unexpected way through a TV show that planted the seed for a lifelong fascination.
Since 2016, Stephen has investigated sites across the UK, from shopping malls and historic inns to abandoned prisons. More recently, he’s been turning his attention closer to home, exploring the haunted history of Berkshire and the mysteries that linger in its old buildings and forgotten corners.
In this Q&A, Stephen shares how his journey began, his most memorable investigations, and advice for anyone looking to step into the world of ghost hunting.
Q&A Interview
Q: Your interest in the paranormal began in 2004, and you’ve been investigating since 2016. What first drew you into this field?
Stephen: I became interested in the paranormal completely by accident. I hadn’t long turned 15 and was still at school. I came downstairs one evening and mum was channel hopping on TV. 1 programme she skimmed through showed a group of people talking about the night they’d just had at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in London. Even after those couple of minutes I already thought the programme looked fascinating. The programme was Most Haunted and I’ve been a fan of the show ever since.
Q: What inspired you to focus your research and investigations specifically on hauntings in your home county of Berkshire, UK?
Stephen: They say “Home is where the heart is” and apart from the 18 months I spent living at University, I’ve always lived in Berkshire, in and around Reading. After spending more than half a decade travelling across the country I wanted to spend a bit of time focusing on locations that are practically on my doorstep.
Q: Can you describe some of your most memorable or impactful investigations within Berkshire?
Stephen: The most memorable investigation I’ve done in Berkshire is also the first location I ever investigated – Friars Walk shopping mall in Reading. Sadly the mall has long since gone to be replaced by modern apartments, but I will always remember the sound of an emergency door being opened and a blue plastic ball that would have come from the children’s soft play area 2 floors up, rolling along the floor when no one was near it. I had such a great time I couldn’t wait to take part in more investigations. I was able to go back to the mall in 2017 and I’m pretty sure my full name came through an app – The Portal – which one of the hosts was using. An audio clip can be heard in my first podcast episode.
Q: Which local sites or properties in Berkshire do you find especially haunting, and what makes them stand out?
Stephen: In the years I’ve been investigating I’ve always enjoyed going to prison (I know it makes me sound weird). I do always get let out again at the end of the night for good behaviour. I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve been to Shepton Mallet prison in Somerset, but I have also been to Shrewsbury prison and Gloucester prison. Like those previously mentioned, Reading prison was also decommissioned in 2013 and stands empty. I have been inside the prison when an exhibition was on just so I could be nosey inside, but would love to be able to go there for an investigation and see how it compares to the other prisons I’ve been to, but at the moment the prison isn’t open to that possibility.
Q: What methods or tools do you rely on during your investigation, from EVP recorders and EMF meters to historical research or intuition?
Stephen: I like to go into an investigation without doing any research into where I’m going and like to see if I can sense anything as I go around the venues. I have come across a lot of people who have become very dependent on gadgets such as Mel meters, REM pods, Robots, EDIs etc. I wouldn’t rely too heavily on those, but I would advise keeping kit to a minimum. It’s a lot to carry and will take time out of the vigil to set up. That’s why most of the time I like to keep it simple with voice recorders, cameras and good old fashioned senses. I do have some trigger objects, K2 meter, spirit box and motion sensors like light and laser beam. I will try them but if nothing happens with them over a couple of investigations, I generally leave them at home so I have more equipment not getting used than equipment that does.
Q: How have you seen the local paranormal scene evolve in Berkshire since you began?
Stephen: There are 2 really good paranormal groups around Berkshire that I have been involved with. I’m currently with Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK and used to be with Berkshire Paranormal. Spirit Chasers have done a few locations in Berkshire which I hadn’t been to before (Bisham Abbey and the Corn Exchange theatre in Newbury) but investigate a bit around Hampshire. Although members are based around Berkshire the Berkshire Paranormal group often investigate further afield. A company called Fright Nights used to be based in Maidenhead so they used to do a fair few investigations in Berkshire and at the famous Ostrich Inn, but sadly I don’t think they operate anymore. In all honesty I would say the number of investigations has dropped across the county. Not many locations are coming up with investigations when I look on Google.
Q: Have you noticed any recurring patterns, specific types of activity, or reports that seem unique to Berkshire’s haunted locations?
Stephen: Compared to places I’ve been to further afield, a lot of the locations in Berkshire have been pretty quiet in terms of activity. Bisham Abbey was much quieter than expected and I struggle to remember any activity of significance from The Old Lamb or Ostrich Inn, but in Shepton Mallet prison I’ve seen shadows, heard disembodied footsteps, caught a voice on audio, had a cell door slam shut and encountered a lot of EMF activity and that’s just C Wing alone.
Q: How do you balance being open to paranormal possibilities while maintaining a level of healthy scepticism?
Stephen: If something happens on investigations it’s quite easy to get carried away in the moment and think something paranormal has happened, but 99% of the times things can be explained. I hate to be the one to rain on anyone’s parade, but something I have said to people time and again is to always think logically and always consider the normal before paranormal. If a door suddenly slammed shut, yes it will make you jump and cause mass hysteria, but first look for drafts and open windows. Try slamming the door yourself. Only when you’re satisfied you can’t come up with a logical explanation might be the time to start thinking about the paranormal.
Q: What advice would you give to someone in Berkshire who’s interested in getting involved in their first investigation or learning more about ghost hunting?
Stephen: The best advice I can give anyone is simply go for it. That’s exactly what I did and the first half a dozen investigations I went on I didn’t have anyone to go with so don’t be afraid to go on your own. I even did some which involved staying in a hotel. There are some, albeit old, but useful books with tips on what equipment to use and do’s and don’t’s when it comes to ghost hunting. See if there are any local groups around through social media. They might have investigations coming up which are local to you.
Q: How can readers or paranormal enthusiasts connect with you via social media, your website, or local events to follow your work or reach out for collaborations?
Stephen: I tried setting up a Berkshire Ghost Hunter page on Twitter (hate calling it X. Doesn’t sound right) back in December, but despite following loads of like minded paranormal folk, people following me still remain in their teens so I prefer to use Instagram. Also keep a lookout on the Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK Facebook page for events. You never know I might turn up to one as a host with the team.
Closing Thoughts
Stephen’s journey shows that getting involved in the paranormal doesn’t always start with a dramatic encounter; it can begin with curiosity and a willingness to explore. His experiences also highlight an important truth about ghost hunting: not every night will deliver spine-chilling activity, but every investigation is a chance to connect with history, sharpen your senses, and maybe catch a glimpse of something unexplainable.
For those looking for haunted places in Berkshire or hoping to join their first investigation, Stephen’s advice is simple: just go for it. Start small, keep an open but logical mindset, and don’t be afraid to step into the unknown. After all, the next ghost story whispered through the halls of Berkshire might just include you.
