The Strangler of Belper
In the sleepy town of Belper, nestled in the heart of Derbyshire, stands a manor house with a dark and sinister reputation. It's said that back in the 1940s, a woman staying here woke up to an unbearable pressure on her neck, as if an unseen force was trying to constrict her. The air was thick with the sound of heavy breathing, but when she looked around, she was alone, bathed in the pale light of the moon. It was as if a phantom presence had invaded her personal space, leaving her shaken and frightened.
Historical records of the manor house are scarce, but it's believed to date back to the Victorian era. The reported incident of the phantom strangler remains a singular, yet chilling, account of paranormal activity. The witness, a woman who was presumably staying in the house as a guest or lodger, was understandably distressed by the experience. Her testimony speaks of a sudden and intense physical sensation, accompanied by an audible presence that seemed to vanish into thin air. While there's no concrete evidence to support the claim, the story has contributed to the manor house's reputation as a haunted location.
The manor house dates back to the Victorian era, with possible connections to the industrial heritage of the Derwent Valley.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Knowle Ghostly Noises
The Knowle, Hazelwood
The Knowle in Hazelwood, Derbyshire, has a reputation for strange nocturnal occurrences. After the passing of Edith Maud Hull, the author who once called this place home, The Knowle became the headquarters for the Anglamol company. It wasnt long before staff members began to wonder if they were being kept company by a ghostly presence. They hadnt experienced anything themselves but occasionally received queries from curious individuals asking if they heard unusual noises at night.
Mary Queen of Scots Ghost Ride
Pickard Lane, Heage
Heage Hall on Pickard Lane is where the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots is said to appear. This legendary figure, known for her tumultuous life, is believed to manifest as a rider on a brown horse, dressed in her finest Tudor riding clothes. It's said that she's more likely to be heard than seen, leaving many to wonder if they really did catch a glimpse of her or just heard the sound of horse hooves echoing through the area. The story of her visit to Heage Hall during her imprisonment at South Wingfield has been passed down through the years, captivating those with an interest in the paranormal.
The Cloaked Man of Belper
Car park by the Mill House Public House, Belper
The Mill House Public House in Belper is home to a rather eerie sighting. On a chilly March evening in 2014, around 17:30h, a man dressed in old-fashioned black clothing, complete with a cloak and hat, was spotted standing by the fence of the car park. The mysterious figure had the bottom half of his face covered by a scarf, adding to the enigma. The car park, often used by patrons of the pub, seems an unlikely place for such a ghostly apparition, yet that's exactly what was seen.
Heage House Hauntings
Heage House, Heage
Heage House in Derbyshire has a dark history tied to its former occupant, George Pole, an evil man known for brutally beating his wife until she slowly wasted away. Some accounts suggest she may have taken her own life. Despite building the local church in an attempt to atone for his sins, Pole's malevolent spirit persisted, manifesting in various forms including a foal and a large crow. His ghostly apparitions were seen multiple times before finally being laid to rest by a Parson.
Ancient Briton Ghost Army
Coombs Rocks, Longdendale Valley
Deep in the Longdendale Valley, Coombs Rocks stand sentinel, a site steeped in history and paranormal legend. It's said that the ghosts of an army of Ancient Britons, led by their phantom leader Edas, haunt this area, preparing for a Roman invasion that ultimately led to their slaughter on a nearby battlefield. The eerie atmosphere is palpable, with many reporting strange occurrences and sightings. This historic site has a unique energy, drawing visitors and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
The Devil's Shovel Full Haunting
Circular earthworks, Coxbench
The Circular earthworks in Coxbench are home to a fascinating legend known as The Devil's Shovel Full. This ancient site is said to have been created by Old Nick himself, the devil, after he lost his shoe and was forced to drop a shovel full of earth. According to local lore, the devil had intended to dam the River Derwent in Derby, but his plans were foiled by his carelessness. To this day, the earthworks remain, a testament to the devil's mischief.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Manor House

Alton Towers (Alton Towers Hotel)
Alton, Staffordshire

Colwick Hall Hotel
Colwick, Nottinghamshire