Greengate Brewery

The Wheatsheaf Hotel
Middleton Junction
Middleton
Manchester
Lancashire
M24 2AX

Tel: 0161 643 2487

History

It is thought that the original brewery buildings date back to the 17th century, but the deeds to the structure don't shed any further light. They do, however, relate to a "Greengate House" being on the site in 1791. The buildings were bought from William Hilton, on the death of his father Thomas Hilton, who was a weaver. A manufacturer named John Lee bought the row of cottages in 1828 to set himself up as a brewer. About 175 years on, JW Lees & Co. is still going strong. A number of workmen died during the sinking of the brewery well in the 19th Century. In the 1930's, brewery supervisor went missing for days, he was eventually found curled up dead at the bottom of the well.

Paranormal Activity

A lady has been spotted sitting in the JW Lees boardroom, facing away from the table, while another woman in a long, brown dress has been glimpsed coming through the staff kitchen door. While walking past the boardroom, a night watchman once claimed that he was hit across the face by something or someone never seen. He was so scared he waited outside the building until more staff arrived at 6am. One staff member claims that while she was sitting eating her lunch, she felt as if someone had come through the door, walk up behind her and then stand next to her. When she turned around, there was no-one there.

Ordsall Hall

Ordsall Lane
Salford
M5 3AN

Tel: 0161-872 0251
Fax: 0161-872 4951

History

This once moated Hall dates back 820 years. The name Ordsall appears in print in 1177 as Ordeshala. There was probably a house at Ordsall by 1251 when William de Ferrers, Earl of Derby, exchanged the manor for land in Pendleton. The Radclyffe family have been connected with the hall for over 300 years. In 1335 the manor passed into the hands of the Radclyffe family, first twenty years of their ownership were very confused because there were several claimants. In 1354 Sir John Radclyffe established his right to inherit the estate on his return from the French wars. Some members of the family sat in Parliament as Knights of the Shire and Sir Alexander was High Sheriff of Lancashire on 4 occasions. Most were knighted for services in battle and took part in court life: for instance, Margaret Radclyffe became a favourite Maid of Honour to Queen Elizabeth. In 1599 Death of Margaret Radclyffe (semi state funeral) reputedly died of a broken heart after being jilted at the altar. Grief stricken, she apparently climbed the stairs of the Great Hall and threw herself off. The Radclyffes were Royalists and Catholics and according to local legend, (in 1605) Guy Fawkes hatched his plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament while staying at the hall. Such has this legend gained credibility that the street directly adjacent to the hall has been named Guy Fawkes Street. This story, however, has neither been proved or disproved. In 1875 the hall was let to Haworths Mill for use as a Working Mens Club. In 1959 it was sold to Salford Corp. by executors of Baron Egerton and underwent major restoration work. In 1972 it opened to the public as a period house and local history museum.

Paranormal Activity

In the Great Hall, there has often been seen the apparition of a white lady on the raised staging. This could possibly the ghost of heartbroken Margaret Radclyffe. Locals have seen this White Lady in the grounds at the front of the Hall. A monk has also been see here, and the figure of another lady have also been spotted here.

There is the occasional smell of roses and lavender in the Great Hall, even when no-one is around. Dragging sounds have been heard coming from area under the stairs of the Entrance Hall. In the Agecroft Gallery, Footsteps have been heard and one night the security camera (activated by movement sensors) kept pointing at the area where portraits of the ladies are. In the temporary exhibition area visitors have heard the sound of a door being opened and closed. In the attic, people have reported feeling uneasy and unwell - the feeling then passes quickly. Dragging sounds are occasionally heard in what used to be the Oak Pannelled room.

The Ring o Bells

New Lane
Middleton
Manchester

History

In legend the pub stands on an old Druidical temple and parts of the foundations date back to Saxon times.

Paranormal Activity

The pub is haunted by the ghost of a Cavalier nicknamed Edward, and by poltergeist activity. One Landlord had a stone thrown at him while in the pubs cellar.