For a long time, reports have been made of ghostly goings-on in the Overgate Shopping Centre in Dundee, a curious place to be thought haunted.
Originally built during the 1960s, the first shopping centre was very different in appearance from that which exists today. It was essentially a two-storey pedestrianised area with shops on one side and open on the other, featuring a rooftop car park. Smaller retailers filled the shopping units along the walkways, while larger stores and a hotel occupied either end.
Many people from Dundee and the surrounding area will have fond memories of the independent shops and the Angus Thistle Hotel, where many work nights out were hosted.
The construction of the Wellgate Centre signalled the demise of the Overgate. The Wellgate was fully enclosed with its own car park, meaning that people could happily browse and shop regardless of the weather, and many of the mainstream retailers moved to units there, leaving the Overgate struggling to fill its shops. The modern appearance and facilities of the Wellgate were also contributing factors to people opting to shop there, and although attempts were made to improve the Overgate, the structure fell into decline.
Towards the end of the 1990s, the majority of the Overgate was demolished, with a new enclosed shopping centre built in its place. Opening in 2000, the new facility attracted many new tenants and it remains one of the primary shopping locations in the city today.
But why would it be haunted?
Most reports do come from the old centre, where, due to the open nature of the construction, the walkways were never closed. It was more common at night for people to experience unusual activity, away from the noise of the busy shopping times. There were claims of an uneasy feeling of being watched and footsteps following when no one could be seen. Reasoning was put forward that people simply felt on edge as they walked along the dark, uninviting street, or that their own footsteps echoed in the otherwise silent structure, making it sound as though someone was following. All possible theories, but could there also be something else?
The area had for centuries been one of trade, surrounded by affluent properties. As time passed and the cityscape changed, the wealthy moved out and the less fortunate moved in. Overcrowding in the once-glamorous buildings became a major issue, along with less legitimate businesses trading, leading to the inevitable decline in the area and society. By the early 20th century, plans were already being made to clear and demolish what were considered some of the worst slum properties in the city, although it did not happen until the 1960s.
It is widely believed within the paranormal community that reputed hauntings in more modern buildings could be related to the land on which they are built, and the Overgate Centre would certainly fall into that category. Not only was there unknown suffering for those who lived in the intolerable conditions, but other well-known people lived there during the more affluent times, including Grissell Jaffray, often labeled (incorrectly) as the 'last witch of Dundee'.
The reason for reports of hauntings could, however, be sitting right beside the shopping centre, the Steeple Church, which incorporates the earlier St Mary's Tower, and events which took place in 1651.
In August of that year, the forces of Oliver Cromwell, led by General George Monck, arrived at Dundee. As a walled city, and despite the formidable army that challenged them, access to Dundee was denied. After a period of waiting while observing the routines of the town's militia, a message was sent to Governor Lumsden of Dundee to surrender. When he refused, the full force of Cromwell's army was unleashed on the city. It took around 3 hours for the cannons to sufficiently destroy the walls, and, once inside, less than an hour for control of the city to be seized with the exception of the church and steeple.
Governor Lumsden and what remained of his militia had retreated there, while the streets were ransacked with a level of violence that even surprised General Monck who is reported to have ordered his men to stop when he arrived and witnessed what was happening. Lumsden was again offered the option to surrender on honourable terms, yet unfortunately for him, what was meant by honourable terms was not made clear and when he left the church with his men, they were all killed. Lumsden's head was mounted on a spike as a warning to anyone considering opposing General Monck.
It is estimated that around 2000 people were slaughtered on that fateful day, and that many of their bones still lie beneath the ground of the old town centre. The existing church dates back to the 1780s, yet it seems little regard was shown during the construction for these remains. In the 1880s, when work was being carried out, skeletal remains were found under the floor of the church. Similar remains were found at the base of the old tower. All are believed to have been those of the victims of the 1651 massacre.
Excavation work in the 1990s found a ditch in which an estimated 130 skeletons lay. Many other scattered bones were also found, and while work was carried out to determine whether this was a mass grave from the massacre, it was concluded that this was most likely a medieval graveyard. While it was impossible to date exactly how old the graveyard was, it is estimated to have been used between the 12th and 15th centuries, with there being multiple layers of burials.
While it is only possible to speculate the reasons for the Overgate to have reports of strange goings-on, if it is indeed haunted then the land on which it is built would offer the most plausible explanation.
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