Father Arrowsmith's Miraculous Hand
Bryn Hall, a grand mansion in Wigan, Greater Manchester, was once home to a rather unusual relic - the right hand of Father Arrowsmith, a Catholic priest who met a grisly end in 1628. Depending on the source, he was hanged for either his unwavering faith or a heinous crime of rape. Before his execution, Father Arrowsmith requested that his right hand be removed, and it's said that this severed limb possessed extraordinary healing powers. For many years, the hand was stored at Bryn Hall, where it was revered by locals and visitors alike.
The story of Father Arrowsmith's Hand of Glory takes a remarkable turn in 1736, when the hand was used to heal a 12-year-old boy who had lost the use of his limbs. After the hand was applied to the boy's back, he miraculously regained his mobility and was able to walk once more. This incredible event cemented the hand's reputation as a powerful and benevolent relic. Eventually, the hand was moved to Garswood and then Ashton-in-Makerfield, but its current whereabouts remain a mystery. Despite the passage of time, the legend of Father Arrowsmith's Hand of Glory continues to fascinate and inspire those interested in the paranormal and the rich history of Wigan.
The English Civil War and Catholic persecution
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Nearby Haunted Places
The Smart Man of Wigan
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The Mount and Premier Inn in Wigan has a reputation for being haunted by a mysterious figure known as the Smart Man. In August 2008, one guest woke up to find a man dressed in a 1960s suit standing in their room. The man vanished instantly when the guest cried out in shock. This sighting is just one of several reported incidents at the inn, which was built on the site of a former nunnery. According to a manager, several people have seen figures around the premises, adding to the inn's ghostly reputation.
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Ince Hall Ghostly Apparition
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The Nun of Fir Tree Flash
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The Mount Hotel Haunting: Unsettling Encounters
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