Council house, Rochdale

In the sleepy town of Rochdale, a strange and unsettling phenomenon occurred at Kirkholt Council House in October 1958. Over a three-week period, a mysterious hammering noise would start at 8pm every evening, sending shivers down the spines of family members and visitors alike. The entity, which would later be described as a poltergeist, seemed to be responding to external stimuli, repeating the noise if anyone made a knock. It was as if the presence was trying to communicate, but in a language that was both familiar and yet, utterly unnerving.

Norden Riviera Open Air Swimming Pool, Rochdale

The Norden Riviera Open Air Swimming Pool in Rochdale was once a popular spot for a dip in the summer months but its idyllic setting belies a rather eerie tale. A phantom male figure was said to have been seen standing outside this open air pool, sending shivers down the spines of those who caught a glimpse of him. The pool itself is no longer standing, having been demolished in the mid-1960s, but the question remains as to whether the figure remained after it was closed.

Toad Lane, Rochdale

Toad Lane in Rochdale is home to the historic St Mary's Church, a place of worship that has stood the test of time. It's here, in the church grounds, that a rather eerie phenomenon has been reported. The shady outline of an unknown man has been seen lurking about on several occasions during the 1970s. This ghostly figure has been described as a thin outline, giving it an ethereal and otherworldly appearance. The fact that it has been spotted multiple times suggests that this might not be a one-off sighting, but rather a persistent presence.

April Cotton Florists, Rochdale

April Cotton Florists on Oldham Road in Rochdale seems like an ordinary shop but locals know its dark past. This was once the barbershop of John Ellis, Rochdale's last public executioner. He took his own life in 1932 but his presence still lingers. One man working alone in the shop felt an invisible push and later got a mysterious slap on his rear. It's as if John Ellis's shade still haunts the premises, unable to rest.

Clegg Hall, Rochdale

Clegg Hall stands as a haunting testament to tragedy and unrest. This ancient hall in Rochdale has borne witness to a gruesome tale of murder and revenge, where two young children lost their lives at the hands of their uncle. Their spirits, it seems, have refused to rest. In 2002, a visitor to the ruined hall reported feeling an unseen presence grasp her hand as she stepped inside, while another presence caught her as she slipped in the mud outside. The children's ghosts are said to have survived at least one exorcism, and locals believe they may have driven their murderous uncle to the brink of madness.

Owd Betts Public House, Rochdale

The Owd Betts Public House in Rochdale is home to a friendly ghost known as Betty or 'Owd Betts'. This historic pub has been a local favourite for generations and its resident spirit is said to be the ghost of its former landlady from the mid-nineteenth century. Staff and patrons have reported hearing the sound of footsteps and movements coming from within the pub, as if Betty is still keeping an ear out for her team. It's said she wanders the premises, checking on the bar staff and making sure everything is in order.