Ye Olde Black Cross

70 Worcester Road
Bromsgrove
Worcestershire
B61 7AG

History

Ye Olde Black Cross was built on a crossroads in Bromsgrove in 1640. The cellar was used to hold 'criminals' prior to their public hangings, which took place at the rear of the pub, which is now the lounge area and beer garden. The pubs kitchen was originally a Victorian residential house and is said to be haunted by a 14 year old girl who was murdered outside the pub. King Charles II took refreshment at the pub whilst on his escape from the Battle of Worcester. He was dressed as a Farmers hand and brought his horse to be re-shod at the Smithy's, which is now the pubs garage.

Paranormal Activity

The pub’s CCTV regularly shows activity after hours in the lounge area, especially around the well that is situated in front of the serving bar. The dustbin in the kitchen is often moved or tipped over and the lid regularly ends up on the other side of the room! A Cavalier Soldier is said to walk the passageway between the lounge and bar areas. The pub has 4 letting/accommodation rooms, 2 of which are said to be haunted. Some who have stayed in room 2 have said "Never Again!"

Mrs Dee's Rock

Malvern Hills
Malvern
Hereford and Worcester

History

Paranormal Activity

'Mrs Dee's Rock', a small spur of the Malvern Hills, is well known as 'a haunted spot'. Animals, especially dogs, are loath to remain in the area and the occasional evening walker is puzzled to see the 'vague shape of a woman' sitting on a large rock with her head resting on her hands. As soon as it is approached the misty figure disappears. The stone is some distance from a farm cottage which at one time was associated with the original Mrs Dee. Legend has it that her husband mistreated her and on her death bed she threatened to return and haunt him if he was cruel to their 13 year old daughter. Her husband was unable to control his violent moods and made the girl's life a misery. Intending to drown herself she ran to a nearby pond but the ghost of her mother rose from the centre of the water and `with outstretched arms` scared the youngster so much that she ran home, only to find the wrath of Mrs. Dee had been haunting the cottage at the same time.

Brockhill Women's Prison

Redditch
Hereford and Worcester

History

Paranormal Activity

Inmates at Brockhill Women's Prison, near Redditch, have been offered counselling after reports that a ghostly monk has been seen walking through walls. Prison officers have also reported feeling uneasy while on night shifts. The jail, built in 1965 stands in the grounds of Hewell Grange is a former manor house owned by the Earl of Plymouth. A Prison Service spokeswoman said: "Some prisoners have reported the sighting of a ghost, believed to be that of a monk, passing through walls and staff have admitted having strange sensations". Ghost-watchers in the county said they were unaware of a ghost inhabiting Brockhill but the description of a monk would tie in with the Hewell Grange estate and Bordesley Abbey, in Redditch.