George's Ghostly Severed Head
Mowbreak Hall in Kirkham is home to a rather gruesome ghostly apparition - the severed head of George. This crisis manifestation first appeared in 1583 to George's father, shortly after George's arrest in London and before his execution. The head is said to have reappeared periodically over the years, often accompanied by unsettling sounds like cries, groaning, and footfalls. While it's no longer considered a warning of impending doom, the sight of George's bloody head is sure to send chills down the spine of anyone who claims to have seen it.
The story of George's severed head dates back to the late 16th century. George, a young man from the local area, was arrested in London and subsequently executed. His father, devastated by the news, was visited by the ghost of his son's severed head, a sight that must have been truly traumatic. Over the years, the head has made periodic appearances at Mowbreak Hall, sometimes with accompanying sounds that add to the eerie atmosphere. These sightings and sounds have been reported by various people, suggesting that George's spirit has not rested easy.
The haunting dates back to the late 16th century, during the Tudor period.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
The Floating Head of Mowbreak
General area, Wesham
In the rural landscape of Wesham, Lancashire, a bizarre and unsettling phantom has been reported by travellers on the country roads. The ghostly apparition is that of a floating head, severed from its body and eerily suspended in mid-air. This disembodied head is said to appear without warning, causing quite a shock to anyone unfortunate enough to encounter it. The head's presence seems to be confined to the general area around Mowbreak, leaving many to wonder about the story behind this strange and inexplicable phenomenon.
Stable Lad Ghost
Bell and Bottle Public House, Kirkham
The Bell and Bottle Public House in Kirkham, Lancashire, is home to a restless spirit known as the Stable Lad. This ghostly apparition is said to appear occasionally, a fleeting glimpse of a life tragically cut short. The story goes that many years ago, a young stable lad met his untimely demise, trampled to death in the very stables that once served the pub. It's said that his spirit lingers, a melancholy presence that haunts the building, now converted into a restaurant.
Freckleton's Headless Lady Ghost
Road leading to Kirkham, Freckleton
On a stretch of road in Freckleton, a ghostly figure is said to appear, her head tragically severed from her body. This eerie apparition is believed to be the spirit of a woman who met her untimely demise along this very road, her body left decapitated. Locals and travellers alike have reported catching glimpses of her as she drifts along the area where she died, a haunting reminder of the tragic events that took place there.
Bleeding Ears Murph Haunting
Eagle & Child Public House, Weeton
The Eagle & Child Public House in Weeton is home to a rather unusual ghostly presence known as Bleeding Ears Murph. This Lancashire legend is said to make his presence known through audible means, with no visual sightings reported. Murph is reputed to chatter away to himself, creating an unsettling atmosphere for patrons and staff alike. While his origins are shrouded in mystery, his unsettling vocalisations have become a defining feature of this haunted public house.
Ringing Bells of Preston
Site of old monastery, Preston
In the heart of Preston, where the A59 meets Friargate, a haunting phenomenon has been reported for centuries. On Christmas Eve, the eerie sound of church bells can be heard ringing out, despite there being no church in sight. According to local legend, a church once stood on this very site, but it sank into the earth, leaving behind only the spectral sound of its bells. As the story goes, on one special night of the year, the bells come back to life, echoing through the streets of Preston.
The Witch of Woodplumpton
St Anne's Churchyard, Woodplumpton
St Anne's Churchyard in sleepy Woodplumpton is home to a most intriguing legend. Meg Shelton, a local woman accused of witchcraft, lies buried here. After her death, the superstitious locals took no chances, placing a large rock on her grave to prevent her from digging her way out. The story goes that Meg is still hard at work, tunnelling downwards, and some claim she'll one day emerge in Australia, seeking revenge on the descendants of those who wronged her.