The Dunrobin

156 Lightwood Road
Longton
Stoke On Trent
Staffordshire ST3 4LA

History

This pub was once a hotel but has now been demolished to make way for housing.

Paranormal Activity

It is believed that a Victorian lady dressed in black, that is often heard carrying a bunch of keys, haunts this building and witnesses have often reported hearing the sound of jingling.

The Swan

2 St. Edward Street
Leek
Staffordshire ST13 5DS

History

Known as the oldest pub in Leek, this 1620 old black and white building was once the location for JRR Tolkein’s writing, the author of The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings.

Paranormal Activity

Barmaids at this old drinking establishment have reported being victim to a rather ‘playful’ ghost. One barmaid reported having a bottle thrown at her head, causing a bump but the offending bottle was never found, all taking place before the pub had even opened.

Visitors have also reported going to their rooms upstairs and having the door close by themselves and not being unable to open them again.

Tutbury Castle

Tutbury
Off Castle Street

History

Tutbury, celebrated for its ruined castle, was once a market town seated on the south bank of the River Dove. The tower on top of the motte dates from the mid 18th century. The original Norman castle is said to date back to 1071 belonging first to Hugh de Avranches and then to Henry, Lord of Ferriers and Chambrais in Normandy. In 1174, following a disagreement with William Ferriers, King Henry II lay siege to the castle and ordered it to be demolished. In 1263 it came under further attack from Prince Edward (the future King Edward I). Two years later, Henry III gave Tutbury Castle to his younger son Edmund. It has remained in the hands of the Earls and Dukes of Lancaster ever since. In 1362, new walls, towers and buildings were added on by John of Gaunt, second Duke of Lancaster. And in the late 16th Century the castle was used to keep Mary Queen of Scots imprisoned. The final straw came in 1646, during the Civil War when Parliamentary forces inflicted even more damage leaving the ruins which can be seen today.

Paranormal Activity

Wearing a full suit of armour, and behaving in a manner that might best be described as authoritative, one ghostly figure has been seen in John of Gaunt's Gateway and bellowing 'Get these hence!' Mary Queen of Scots is also said to haunt the castle where she was held wearing either white or black. A child, nicknamed Ellie, is frequently seen laughing and tugging at the visitors, while a little boy has been seen sitting on the stairs of the Great Hall. Another Great Hall resident is known as the French Man, who is an imposing figure with long hair.