Lancaster Grand Theatre

St Leonards Gate
Lancaster
Lancashire

History

Built in 1782 this grand theatre has been a major part of the social and cultural life of Lancaster. In 1897 the stage and auditorium was re-modeled by theatre architect Frank Matcham but this was gutted in 1908 and has remained in this design pretty much to this day. Over the years the theatre has been used as a cinema by ABC until 1950 and then as an amateur drama and music theatre by Lancaster Footlights Club. The theatre was almost demolished in 1959 when plans were drawn for clearance for a relief road and industrial zone but this was over-turned in 1960. Slowly the building deteriorated and almost faced closure in 1978 due to the lighting system being found to be unsafe and the theatre license was revoked but in 1979 funding was raised through the Lancaster Footlights Club when they became a registered charity. Today the theatre remains a stunning venue, fully restored through the charity’s efforts and is still used for amateur drama, music and dance.

Paranormal Activity

The spirit of Sarah Siddons is a well known resident ghost at the Lancaster Grand Theatre and recent investigations have even picked up a male spirit of a man called Harold. Harold is believed to have once been part of a travelling group of actors from the south who stopped at the Midland Hotel around 1937. Temperature drops have also been felt as well as one staff members seeing a chair move by its own accord as she took pictures of the theatre. The photo clearly showed afterwards an orb and a black smudge by the chair. Strange feelings of being watched have also been felt by other staff members as well more orbs being captured on film.

Mill Hotel

Moor Road
Croston
Nr Leyland
Preston
PR26 9HP

History

Paranormal Activity

A gentle, friendly female ghost has been seen here.

Rufford Old Hall

200 Liverpool Road
Rufford
Nr Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 1SG
01704 821254

History

Built in the 13th Century by Sir Thomas Hesketh this manor house remained in the family until 1936 when it was passed over to the National Trust.

Paranormal Activity

A grey lady haunts this house, believed to be that of Elizabeth Hesketh whose husband left for war and never returned. It is believed her ghost still walks this house, waiting for the return of her beloved husband.