The Bosley Monk Phantom
Along the serene Macclesfield Canal in Bosley, Cheshire, a strange sighting has been reported. In July 2007, a ten year old girl and her mother were enjoying a boat trip when they spotted a figure running across a nearby field. The girl excitedly pointed out the 'jogger' to her mother, who also caught a glimpse of the person in black moving towards them. But as the figure approached, the mother realised that this was no ordinary jogger - the person was wearing a monk's habit and had no face under his hood. The figure stopped abruptly, as if paused in mid-sprint, and then vanished into thin air when the mother turned to check on her daughter.
Historical records of the Macclesfield Canal date back to the 19th century, and it's possible that the monk's habit is linked to a local monastery or a historic figure from the area. The Macclesfield Canal, built between 1826 and 1831, was an important transportation route during the Industrial Revolution. While there are no documented cases of a monk being associated with this specific location, the sighting of the hooded figure in a monk's habit is a fascinating one. The witness, a mother, was accompanied by her ten year old daughter, making this a credible and multiple-witness account.
The Macclesfield Canal was built between 1826 and 1831.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Severed Arm of Capesthrone
Capesthrone Hall, Macclesfield
Capesthrone Hall in Macclesfield is home to a rather unusual ghostly phenomenon - a severed arm. This ethereal limb has been spotted trying to open a window in the premises, leaving many to wonder about the story behind it. Adding to the eerie atmosphere are reports of an assemblage of shadows lurking near the family vault, while a female form dressed in grey has been seen drifting around the ground floor.
The White Woman of Macclesfield
Kendel Road, Macclesfield
Kendel Road in Macclesfield, locally known as the Birdy, has a reputation for being haunted by a mysterious figure known as the White Woman. This ghostly apparition is said to appear with no feet, and while details are scarce, the legend has captured the imagination of locals and paranormal enthusiasts alike. The area's eerie atmosphere, particularly at night, only adds to the allure of this unexplained phenomenon.
Headless King Charles Ghost
Marple Hall, Marple
Marple Hall stands tall in the Cheshire countryside, its grandeur and beauty masking a dark and eerie presence. The ghost of King Charles, beheaded in 1649, is said to roam these halls, despite never having set foot in the place. His headless apparition is a chilling sight, and one that has been reported by numerous visitors over the years. But that's not all - the nearby River Goyt is home to a wailing woman, her spirit trapped in a world of sorrow and loss.
Ghostly Playmates of Bate Hall
Bate Hall Public House, Macclesfield
Bate Hall Public House in Macclesfield is home to a lively bunch of ghostly residents. Landlord Sean Hutchinson has made some remarkable claims about the pub's paranormal activity, stating that as many as fourteen entities haunt the premises. Among them is a mischievous little boy named Richard, who loves to play hide and seek with visitors. Patrons have also reported encountering a grey lady and a mysterious presence that enjoys letting out blood-curdling screams.
Macclesfield White Dog Sighting
South of railway station, Macclesfield
Macclesfield Railway Station is usually a hub of activity, but on one November evening in 2011, a train driver witnessed something truly unusual. As he was departing the station at around 21:45, he caught a glimpse of a white, misty dog moving quickly across the track from left to right. What's particularly striking about this sighting is that the dog seemed to appear out of nowhere, and there were no obvious entry or exit points nearby. One side of the railway is bordered by a six metre high wall, while the other side has a 3.5 metre high mesh fence - it's a puzzle how the dog could have materialised or vanished so suddenly.
Maggoty's Wood Jester Ghost
Maggoty's Wood, Macclesfield
Deep in the heart of Maggoty's Wood, a strange sighting has been reported by locals and visitors alike. A figure, dressed in clothing adorned with bells, has been seen dancing about the woods, its movements carefree and joyful. It's said that this ghostly jester is the spirit of the last 'real' jester in England, whose grave is located within this very wooded area. The atmosphere in Maggoty's Wood can be quite eerie, especially at dusk, and it's not hard to imagine the shade of this former entertainer still bringing a touch of merriment to the forest.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Macclesfield Canal
