Birmingham Town Hall

Victoria Square
Birmingham
B3 3DQ

History

Probably one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham this acclaimed Victorian hall was built in 1833 originally as a fine music hall. Designed by Joseph Aloysius Hansom the hall became home to musical performances, political speeches, public gatherings as well as being used for general use by the local community and was finally opened in 1834. Since then the Grade 1 listed landmark has been renovated and restored over the years and now dominates Birmingham’s city centre as a neo-classical imposing building.

Paranormal Activity

It is said that a male spirit has been seen sitting in on performances, often sitting at the back of the theatre area. He is said to be a quiet soul, sometimes smoking a pipe but who disappears if approached. The great hall is also said to be haunted by two Victorian workmen who had worked on the roof but died in a terrible accident. John Heath and William Badger had been lifting roof beams onto the roof via an 80ft tower but it broke causing the lifting equipment to smash into the scaffolding the men stood on. Mr Heath died instantly and Mr Badger died later in hospital. It said their ghosts still haunt the platform by the roof, often seen as two Victorian workmen in moleskin trousers, caps and braces. It said on a quiet night you can even hear the sound of the lifting equipment smashing into them and their cries of terror.

The Station Hotel

Castle Hill
Dudley
DY1 4RA
www.stationhoteldudley.co.uk

History

The Station Hotel is based in the heart of the West Midlands town of Dudley. The hotel partially opened on the 28th May 1898. At that time the building was black and white with a courtyard and stables. The main entrance for horses and carriages is now the entrance that is situated on the corner of Trindle & Castle Hill and had a fountain situated where the traffic lights are now. The construction was completed in 1910, but this structure was demolished in 1936 in order to build a larger Hotel. Once situated directly opposite the Hippodrome Theatre, the hotel attracted many famous guests over the years including Laurel and Hardy, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and George Formby.

Paranormal Activity

A maid who was murdered in the hotel is said to haunt the basement and guests have left their rooms shaken by unexplained experiences. The most notorious room is Room 214, which has reported a vast amount of activity. Reported sightings, most frequently that of an unfortunate woman seen wandering along the halls and in some of the bedrooms are often made. Beer Barrels have been known to move on their own in the cellar, while knives have been mysteriously thrown by unseen hands in the restaurant.

Coventry Cathedral

Coventry
West Midlands

History

Paranormal Activity

Since the city was levelled by German bombers during World War Two, some people have reported hearing the sounds of 'old' aircraft over the ruins of the cathedral.