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Prepare to be engulfed in fear and terror as we delve into the chilling mysteries that haunt Lancashire. Through the eyes of Ghost Hunter Tours Paranormal Investigators, we bring you the most haunted locations that will send shivers down your spine.




1. King George's Hall, Ewood, Blackburn


Step into the organ room where a tragic accident claimed a man's life, forever binding his spirit to


the haunting halls. Witness the apparition of a disfigured man in a top hat, his spectral presence sending chills through your soul. Beware the mis


chievous slum children who roam the corridors, their ethereal forms watching in the darkness.


2. Accrington Cemetery, Burnley Road, Accrington

Venture into the realm of the unknown, where a girl with haunting blue eyes and brown hair vanishes before your very eyes. The spectral energy of this restless spirit lingers, leaving a sense of unease in the air.


3. The Black Bull Inn, Old Langho Road, Blackburn

Uncover the sinister tale of William Dutton, the vengeful Cavalier who haunts this ancient inn. His malevolent presence locks unsuspecting souls in the cellar and manipulates objects with ghostly force. Be prepared for an encounter you won't soon forget.


4. Fox and Hounds, Ewood, Blackburn

Journey into the afterlife, where a ghostly spirit finds solace in the haunting melodies of Tina Turner. Feel the chill as objects are hurled across the room and ornaments are inexplicably moved. Brace yourself for a paranormal encounter like no other.


5. Hoghton Tower, Preston

Witness the lingering spirits that inhabit the inaccessible attic, their heavy footsteps echoing through the corridors. Dare to behold the spectral image of the Green Lady, dressed in 16th-century attire, as she roams the Minstrel's Gallery. Prepare for an otherworldly experience that will test your courage.


6. Samlesbury Hall, Samlesbury, Preston

Step into the realm of ghostly apparitions, where a white lady wanders the corridors and grounds under the cover of darkness. Witness the sorrowful encounter with a knight, their souls fading away as they reach their final resting place. Brace yourself for an encounter with the ethereal.


7. St Anne's Church, Woodplumpton, Preston

Delve into the chilling tale of Meg Shelton, a witch whose presence still lingers within the sacred

walls of this church. Feel the supernatural energy that emanates from her spectral essence, a testament to the dark history that haunts these hallowed grounds.


8. Towneley Hall, Burnley

Embark on a journey through time as the spirit of Sir John Towneley himself haunts the halls and grounds of this historic hall. Listen closely for whispers in the air, the faint footsteps that echo through the corridors, and unexplained lights that flicker in the darkness. Brace yourself for encounters with the unknown.


9. Wycoller Hall, Wycoller

Enter a realm of haunting screams as the ghost of Squire Cuncliffe charges through the hall on horseback. Beware the enigmatic figure of the black lady, whose presence is felt near Sally's bridge. Feel the tendrils of fear wrap around you as you explore this eerie location.


10. Clitheroe Castle, Clitheroe


Prepare to encounter a multitude of spirits within the ancient walls of Clitheroe Castle. From the apparitions of a man, woman, child, and the ethereal white lady, be prepared for supernatural encounters that will test your courage. Join the ranks of paranormal investigators who have captured evidence of the unknown.


11. The Swan and Royal Hotel, Clitheroe

Unveil the tragic tale that lingers within the walls of this historic hotel. Experience the presence of Anne Druce, forever bound to the top floor after her tragic suicide. Feel the eerie vibrations and inexplicable movements as Anne's ghost seeks solace in the afterlife. Brace yourself for a haunting stay.


12. Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe

Enter the realm of the screaming skull, where removing it can unleash supernatural consequences. Witness the ghostly horse that forever charges up the staircase, a testament to the haunting dare that sealed its fate. Brace yourself for encounters with the spectral in this storied location.


13. Chorley Little Theatre, Dole Lane, Chorley

Embrace the darkness as a dark figure graces the stage, accompanied by the haunting presence of a Victorian woman with a child, an actress, and a man in a trilby hat. Join the theater staff as they affectionately refer to the spirit as 'Fred.' Prepare to be immersed in the realm of the unknown.


14. Heskin Hall, Chorley

Celebrate your special day with an unexpected guest as Matilda, the girl hanged for her beliefs, roams the halls of Heskin Hall. Feel the chill in the air as her ghostly presence accompanies you on your wedding day. Brace yourself for a marriage of love and the supernatural.


15. Bygone Times, Eccleston, Chorley

Unleash your curiosity within this antique store, but be prepared for more than just bargains. Encounter over 30 spirits, from a man in a 1920s suit to children and Victorian figures. Brace yourself for a paranormal shopping experience like no other.


16. Rufford Old Hall, Rufford, Ormskirk

Step into the presence of royalty as Elizabeth I herself is said to manifest within the dining hall. Witness the phantom of the Grey Lady, identified as Elizabeth Hesketh, and an Elizabethan man near the fireplace. Let the supernatural unfold in this historic hall.


17. The "Devil's Highway" between Blackburn and Belmont


Embark on a journey down the "Devil's Highway" and witness the eerie encounter caught on video. Brace yourself for the slow-moving white figure with black hair, a haunting presence that lingers on this infamous road.


18. Barnoldswick, near Rolls Royce's Bankfield factory

Experience the inexplicable as witnesses reported sightings of a silent, grey-colored aircraft resembling a Lancaster Bomber gliding silently through the sky. The isolated accounts spanned an entire month, leaving a sense of awe and mystery in their wake.


19. Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham

Listen for the echoes of "loud clumping footsteps" that resonate through the bedrooms, accompanied by the chilling clanking of chains. Encounter the specter of Sir Cuthbert Clifton as his ghostly energy permeates the halls. Brace yourself for supernatural encounters that defy explanation.


20. Pleasure Beach Arena, Blackpool

Discover that not all ghosts don Victorian attire as the spectral skater boy makes his presence known in the dead of night. Watch as he runs down the steps towards the ice, his figure dissipating into mist. Prepare for paranormal phenomena that will send a chill down your spine.


21. Blackpool Zoo

Explore the boundaries between

the animal kingdom and the supernatural realm. Witness strange lights and eerie noises that defy explanation. Encounter a phantom figure in a boiler suit within the elephant house, revealing a connection between the living and the ethereal.


22. Salisbury Woodland, Blackpool

Enter a realm haunted by men in RAF uniforms from WWII, their ghostly apparitions traversing the woodland. Experience the whispers and screeches that resonate through the air, accompanied by the haunting presence of a torch-carrying monk. Prepare to confront the enigmatic mysteries that await.


23. North Pier Theatre, North Pier Promenade, Blackpool

Unveil the ghosts that seek entertainment within the confines of the North Pier Theatre. Witness the spectral figure walking along the back corridor, the phantom poodle close to the stage, and the ghostly lady whose seat must not be occupied. Brace yourself for a supernatural theatrical experience.


24. Blackpool Tower, Blackpool

Encounter the apparition of former Blackpool mayor John Bickerstaffe as he roams the building in his distinguished top hat. Witness the impossible as a man passes through a locked door, appearing on the dance floor. Engage with the elderly couple who materialize at a table, fading away as they dance. Brace yourself for encounters with the other side.


25. The Grand Theatre, Church Street, Blackpool

Enter the ethereal world of 'Charlie,' a ghost who frequents the upper circle of this historic theater. Experience the whispers, taps on the shoulder, and chilling breezes that accompany his presence. Brace yourself for a supernatural performance like no other.


Unleash your courage as you embark on a journey through Lancashire's haunted landscapes. Join Ghost Hunter Tours Paranormal Investigators and confront the mysteries that lie within these chilling locations. Are you ready to face the unknown?




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In the desolate village of Happisburgh, amidst the sombre gloom of forgotten lives, there dwelled a man named Jonathan Balls. Oh, what tales of woe and terror whispered in the twisted shadows of his existence! An English serial killer, his sinister deeds shrouded in the cloak of darkness, left an

indelible mark upon the annals of horror.


Born in 1769, an enigmatic spectre veiled his early days, concealing the malevolence that lurked within his heart. From the murkiest depths of his blackened soul, he cast a pall of death over his kin, ensnaring them in his web of poison. A "bad character" they whispered, a man whose sins and crimes had painted the walls of a prison cell with hues of despair.


Elizabeth, his wife, bore witness to his twisted machinations, bringing forth three innocent daughters into the world. Alas, their purity was doomed, for the abyss within Balls hungered for their souls. Through his vile acts, he sought to divert the meagre support destined for his family, to consume it for his own selfish desires.


The fiendish dance of death commenced in the early 1830s, as Balls embarked on a sinister quest to acquire vast quantities of arsenic. Cunningly, he wove tales of infested rats, gnawing at the foundations of their humble abode. Maria Lacey, his own flesh and blood, became the first to succumb to his ghastly whims. The mists of cruelty swirled around her, intertwining with the tendrils of an unnamed ailment and the mercilessness of her spouse.


One fateful Christmas morn, the life of young Maria Green flickered and faded like a ghostly

candle in the night. Darkness clung to the lifeless body of Ann Peggs, an innocent grandchild who fell victim to a sinister ailment that plagued her tender frame. Death's relentless embrace continued its harrowing grip, claiming Martha Green and her brother William, stealing them away from the realm of the living.

In the stagnant air of Happisburgh, whispers echoed through the worn paths and decayed walls. The neighbours, their minds plagued by trepidation, beseeched the heavens for answers. Demanding justice, they pleaded for an inquest into the seemingly endless string of deaths. But their pleas were met with silence, and the malevolence thrived, shrouded in the darkness of the night.


Samuel Green, a grandson, met his untimely demise in the embrace of the cold earth. Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth, the bedridden wife, breathed her last, her soul ravaged by the horrors inflicted by her own beloved. But it was Elizabeth Anne Pestle, a granddaughter, who unknowingly embarked upon her final journey. Death's talons claimed her fragile form, leaving behind a wake of desolation and despair.

Then, as though the gods themselves had grown weary of this wicked tale, the curtain of life fell upon Jonathan Balls. Gripped by a sudden malady, he withered away, forever sealing his monstrous secrets within the grave. But the ghosts of his victims, restless and tormented, refused to find solace in oblivion.


Fear crept through the heart of the village, its chilling tendrils reaching into the deepest recesses of the community's soul. The cries for justice grew louder, piercing the veil of indifference. The coroner, Mr. Pilgrim, finally yielded to the relentless pleas and commanded the exhumation of Jonathan Balls and Elizabeth Pestle. A macabre gathering ensued, with the presence of churchwardens, police officers, and the spectre of the local pastor.


The corpses, pale and lifeless, whispered their tales of horror through the mouths of the coroners. An unnatural abundance of arsenic tainted their earthly vessels, a damning testament to the depravity that had plagued the family. The authorities, like hounds on the scent of terror, extended their inquiries to the living. Within the dim halls of the estate, they uncovered a maid named Sarah Kerrison, her eyes ablaze with fear. She recounted the malevolent act witnessed, the mysterious white powder sprinkled into a teacup, intended for the fragile lips of a sickly wife. And as Kerrison tasted the tainted morsels, she too became a casualty of the poison's dark embrace.


The tale of Jonathan Balls and his accursed bloodline spread like a virulent plague, casting its shadow over the realm. It seized the attention of the highest chambers of power, permeating even the hallowed halls of Parliament. There, amidst the flickering candlelight, discussions were held, and the need for an inquiry was demanded by the noble attendees. The Home Secretary himself, Sir James Graham, his voice laced with apprehension, vowed to delve deeper into the abyss that had consumed the lives of so many.


The echoes of the victims' names lingered, etched into the fabric of time as a haunting reminder of the horrors that transpired. Maria Lacey, Maria Green, Ann Peggs, Martha Green, William Green, Ann Elizabeth Pestle, Samuel Pestle, Elizabeth Anne Balls, and Elizabeth Anne Pestle. Each name resonated with the weight of terror and loss, forever etched in the darkness that engulfed Happisburgh.



And so, the tale of Jonathan Balls, a specter of malevolence, faded into the annals of history. Yet, the lingering spirits of his victims, forever trapped within the realm of the macabre, shall forever haunt the souls of those who dare to remember their tragic fate. The haunting whispers of their suffering echo through the corridors of eternity, a chilling reminder that evil can lurk even in the hearts we hold most dear. Jonathan Balls was buried in 1846 with a Bible, a poker, a pair of tongs, and a plum cake. No one seems quite certain why Ball requested to be buried with this odd assortment of objects, but what is certain is that Ball was a poisoner, who unwittingly drank a potion intended for one of his victims. When his body and those of his victims were exhumed, their corpses were found to contain arsenic. Ball was reburied with his odd collection of grave goods.


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In the grim and haunting streets of London's Cock Lane in 1762, a chilling tale unfolded, capturing the morbid fascination of the masses. This spectral saga revolved around three individuals: William Kent, a usurer from Norfolk; Richard Parsons, a parish clerk; and Parsons' daughter, Elizabeth

Ghost of cock lane

The dark narrative began with the tragic demise of Kent's wife, Elizabeth Lynes, during childbirth. Bereaved and bound by canon law, which forbade their union, Kent sought solace in the arms of Elizabeth's sister, Fanny. Despite their inability to marry, they clandestinely relocated to Cock Lane, a foreboding abode owned by Parsons.


Strange reports soon surfaced, recounting eerie knocking sounds and ghostly apparitions that


plagued the premises. These spectral disturbances subsided after the couple's departure but returned with a vengeance following Fanny's untimely death from smallpox. Adding fuel to the infernal fire, Kent successfully pursued legal action against Parsons for an outstanding debt.


Parsons, in turn, claimed that Fanny's tormented spirit now haunted his dwelling, and later, his daughter Elizabeth. Gripped by fear and curiosity, fervent séances were held to unearth the motives of the infamous "Scratching Fanny." The streets of Cock Lane teemed with intrigued onlookers, as the ghostly tale consumed their collective imagination.


The vengeful spirit insinuated that Fanny had been ruthlessly poisoned with arsenic, casting a shadow of suspicion upon Kent as her alleged murderer. However, a commission, including the esteemed Samuel Johnson, concluded that this purported haunting was nothing more than a fraudulent scheme.


Further investigations exposed Elizabeth Parsons as the mastermind behind the deception, coerced by her own father. Justice was served, and the guilty parties faced prosecution. Richard Parsons, condemned by public opinion, endured the pillory and was sentenced to two years behind bars.


The saga of the Cock Lane ghost became a catalyst for controversy between the Methodist and Anglican churches, intertwining with the fabric of the era's literature. Reverberations of this macabre tale resonated through the works of renowned Victorian authors like Charles Dickens, while the satirical prowess of William Hogarth immortalized the ghost in two of his prints.


Around 1756-57, William Kent, a usurer hailing from Norfolk, wedded Elizabeth Lynes, daughter of a grocer from Lyneham. Their love burned bright but was tragically short-lived when Elizabeth succumbed to childbirth shortly after their move to Stoke Ferry. During Elizabeth's pregnancy, her sister Fanny joined the couple as a caretaker for the infant and her grieving husband.


Despite familial disapproval, William and Fanny's bond deepened, though the constraints of canon law prevented them from marrying. Seeking advice in London, Kent learned that their union was forbidden due to Elizabeth having borne him a son. In January 1759, he abandoned his post office and departed from Fanny, hoping to suppress his unfortunate passion by immersing himself in the bustle of the city. Fanny, on the other hand, stayed with her brother in Lyneham.


Undeterred by societal norms, Fanny continued to express her ardor through impassioned letters to Kent, imploring him to spend their lives together. Eventually, Kent relented and allowed Fanny to join him in East Greenwich, where they lived as partners, secretly making wills in each other's favor. Their discreet cohabitation was disrupted when their landlord, privy to their relationship, displayed his disdain by refusing to repay a loan Kent had extended. Kent resorted to legal action, resulting in the landlord's arrest.


During their attendance at morning prayers in St Sepulchre-without-Newgate Church,

the couple met Richard Parsons, the parish clerk. Taking a keen interest in their predicament, Parsons offered the use of a house he owned on Cock Lane. The couple, desperate to escape their current residence, accepted the offer and moved into the Cock Lane house on April 23, 1760.


From the outset, the Cock Lane house seemed to harbor a dark and foreboding presence. Soon after their arrival, the tenants on the lower floor reported hearing strange knocking noises in the evenings. Fearing that these disturbances might result in their eviction, the couple considered leaving. However, the knocks ceased, and they decided to stay.


On August 13, 1760, Fanny's health began to deteriorate, and she was diagnosed with smallpox. Kent, desperate to find a remedy, consulted a local physician who prescribed a risky but innovative treatment involving the application of cowpox. Unfortunately, Fanny's condition worsened, and on September 2, 1760, she passed away at the age of 26. Her death devastated Kent, plunging him into a deep depression.


During Fanny's illness, Elizabeth Parsons, Richard Parsons' daughter, had been a frequent visitor to the Cock Lane house. In the wake of Fanny's passing, she continued to console Kent, spending more time with him. However, Elizabeth also began experiencing strange occurrences, including unexplained knockings and movements of furniture. Rumors of a supernatural presence soon spread, fueling the atmosphere of dread.


Elizabeth Parsons claimed that she had been receiving messages from the ghost of Fanny, who blamed Kent for her murder. These accusations gained traction, and a committee formed by interested parties was established to investigate the haunting.


This committee included prominent figures such as Dr. Samuel Johnson, writer and lexicographer, and John Moore, the Bishop of Ely. Their inquiries involved questioning Elizabeth and conducting séances to communicate with the alleged spirit.


Scratching sounds and knocks purportedly made by the ghost during these séances drew immense public attention. The phenomenon became a sensation, with large crowds gathering outside the Cock Lane house, hoping to witness the ghostly occurrences. People from all walks of life were drawn to the story, including the rich and famous, along with commoners seeking intrigue and entertainment.


The accusations leveled against William Kent reached a fever pitch, with many believing he had

poisoned Fanny to free himself from their forbidden love. In response to these allegations, Kent sought legal assistance from John Glynn, a lawyer and Member of Parliament. Glynn initiated legal proceedings against Richard Parsons and the members of the investigating committee, accusing them of conspiracy to slander and defame Kent.


The trial, which took place in the Court of King's Bench on January 10, 1762, revealed the truth behind the alleged haunting. Elizabeth Parsons, under oath, confessed that she had been responsible for the ghostly noises. She explained that her father had coerced her into participating in the scheme, hoping to extort money from Kent and tarnish his reputation.


Richard Parsons and his daughter were subsequently indicted for conspiracy a

William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield
William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield

nd perjury. On April 10, 1762, Richard Parsons stood in the pillory at the end of Cock Lane for one hour, enduring the public's ridicule and abuse. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was spared the pillory due to her youth but was sentenced to two years in prison.


The Cock Lane ghost affair left a lasting impact on society and the literary world. It drew attention to the intersection of superstition, fraud, and the public's fascination with the supernatural. The controversy also ignited a debate between the Methodist and Anglican churches regarding the existence of spirits and the practices of spiritualism. The tale of the Cock Lane ghost continued to captivate imaginations, inspiring works of fiction and artistic interpretations for years to come.


In the chilling realm of religious controversy, the Cock Lane ghost loomed like a specter, haunting the divide between Methodists and orthodox Anglicans.


The belief in an afterlife, the existence of spirits, and the supernatural had become the battleground for these opposing factions. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, himself had been deeply influenced by a haunting in his family home, leading to his religion being closely associated with the paranormal. On the other hand, the Anglican establishment dismissed such phenomena as remnants of Catholic superstition.



Samuel Johnson, a devout Christian, shared the concern of Joseph Glanvill, an author who warned against the rise of atheism and skepticism eroding religious beliefs. Johnson found the idea of a non-existent afterlife to be abhorrent, but he maintained a cautious distance from the more credulous Methodists.


He believed in the need for concrete evidence of supernatural communication. Johnson's skepticism, however, didn't spare him from being mocked for his apparent gullibility. Satirist Charles Churchill, harboring resentment toward Johnson, portrayed him as one of the more easily fooled investigators of the ghostly occurrences.


The exposure of Richard Parsons' deception didn't dampen the flood of scorn heaped upon the Cock Lane ghost affair. Satirical works, poems, and plays proliferated, ridiculing the credulity of those involved. Horace Walpole, in his memoirs, accused the Methodists of actively seeking to validate the existence of ghosts.


Publishers and newspapers dug into the past, unearthing accounts of previous hoaxes and citing works like Reginald Scot's "Discoverie of Witchcraft" from 1584. The controversy even inspired Oliver Goldsmith's satirical illustration, "English Credulity or the Invisible Ghost," which depicted a séance with a hovering ghost and lampooned various figures, including magistrates and clergy.


Playwright David Garrick capitalized on the public's fascination with the Cock Lane ghost, dedicating his successful play "The Farmer's Return from London" to satirical artist William Hogarth. Hogarth himself contributed to the mockery, attacking Methodist ministers and employing sexual innuendos in his artwork. His prints, such as "Credulity, Superstition, and Fanaticism," drew a connection between the Methodists and political demagoguery, enraging Bishop William Warburton.


The Cock Lane ghost continued to cast its eerie presence in literary works throughout the years. Charles Dickens, influenced by his nursemaid's stories of ghosts, made references to the haunting in several of his books. From Mrs. Nickleby's claim of her great-grandfather attending school with the Cock Lane Ghost to passing mentions in "A Tale of Two Cities" and "Dombey and Son," the spectral legend endured.


The physical remnants of the Cock Lane haunting also became part of history. The site of Richard Parsons' lodgings, believed to be at 20 Cock Lane, was a building constructed in the late 17th century, which sadly met its demise with its demolition in 1979, leaving behind only echoes of the past.


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