The Devil's Bend at Chesterfield
Chesterfield's historic church, with its distinctive twisted spire, has a legend that refuses to straighten out. They say the Devil himself was so taken by the beauty of a bride that he spun around to get a better view, warping the spire in the process. Another story claims it was the innocence of the first couple to be married there that caused the damage. Whatever the reason, the spire remains bent, and locals believe it won't be undone until another innocent couple exchanges their vows on the site.
Digging deeper into the history of this Derbyshire church reveals a rich tapestry of stories and sightings. While the exact date of the spire's warping is unknown, reports of strange occurrences have continued down the centuries. More recently, people have reported feeling like they're being followed as they walk around the church. It's a sensation that can't be explained, but it's one that's been experienced by multiple visitors. The church's long history and the enduring nature of these stories have cemented its reputation as a place of paranormal interest.
The Church of St Mary and St Peter has been a place of worship for centuries, with its origins dating back to the medieval period.
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Nearby Haunted Places
The Grey Lady of Chesterfield
Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield
The Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield is home to a mysterious presence known as the Grey Lady. Strange movements of objects, seemingly by no human hand, have been reported here. Occasionally, the Grey Lady is spotted, adding to the theatre's reputation for paranormal activity. Another phantom, believed to be George Stevenson, has also been seen walking across the stage and taking a seat, leaving audiences and staff alike with a sense of unease.
Chesterfield Poltergeist Haunting
Rosehill House, Chesterfield
Rosehill House in Chesterfield was once the site of a rather unusual and persistent haunting. The large house was subjected to the continuous ringing of any bell on site back in the 1830s. It got to the point where the occupier eventually tired of the strange phenomenon and moved out. No one would take up residence after his departure, which is hardly surprising given the unexplained clanging of bells that seemed to occur of its own accord.
French Prisoner Haunting
Unidentified residence close to Market Place, Chesterfield
In the heart of Chesterfield, a quaint town in Derbyshire, there's a haunting that has captured the imagination of locals for centuries. A French prisoner, who once lived in a residence close to the bustling Market Place, is said to have taken to haunting the very home where he was once held. The details of his story are shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain - his presence has been felt by many. The haunting manifestation, which occurred in the nineteenth century, has become a fascinating piece of local folklore.
Marren's Ghostly Apparition
Williamthorpe Colliery, Chesterfield
Deep within the abandoned tunnels of Williamthorpe Colliery, a chilling encounter took place in the early 1960s. A roadman was making his way through the dark passageways when he stumbled upon a figure walking along a shaft. As he shone his light up to illuminate the figure, he was shocked to recognise the face of a man named Marren, who had died just a few days prior. The roadman's reaction was immediate - he ran screaming from the site, never to return to work again. This unsettling experience was not an isolated incident, as another eerie event occurred involving two senior electrical apprentices working on a pump.
Ghostly Coachman of Sun Inn
Sun Inn Inn, Chesterfield
Deep in the heart of Chesterfield, the historic Sun Inn stands as a testament to the town's rich history. It's here, in the locked cellar of this 18th-century inn, that a series of bizarre occurrences took place one November night in 1957. Bottles were smashed and barrels moved around, causing quite a stir among the staff. The culprit behind this vandalism was blamed on a ghostly coachman, whose murdered body was allegedly thrown down a well in the cellar centuries ago. The eerie atmosphere was further intensified by the sound of footsteps echoing through the inn, as if the ghostly coachman was still roaming the premises.
George Stephenson's Ghostly Encounter
Tapton House, Chesterfield
Tapton House in Chesterfield is home to a most intriguing haunting. The ghostly apparition is none other than George Stephenson, the brilliant inventor of 'The Rocket'. Many years after his death, Stephenson's spirit was seen by the caretaker's wife, who quite understandably mistook him for a real person. She was so convinced that he was alive that she even served him a glass of water at his request. This remarkable encounter has been documented and remains one of the most fascinating ghost stories in Derbyshire.