Skip to main content

Calverley Headless Horse Ghost

Calverley House, Calverley, West Yorkshire Apparition Elizabethan

Calverley House, nestled in the picturesque Yorkshire countryside, is home to a haunting legend that has been etched into local folklore. This Elizabethan gentleman's temporary fit of madness led to a horrific event that still resonates today. Walter Calverley, the former occupant, brutally killed two of his children and stabbed his wife, who cleverly feigned death to escape her fate. The remorseful spirit of Walter Calverley is said to ride the surrounding countryside on a headless horse, a sight that has been reported by numerous locals and visitors alike.

Historical records reveal that this tragic event took place in the 17th century, a time of great turmoil and social change. The incident has been documented in various sources, with some claiming that Calverley's spirit has been laid to rest, bringing an end to the reported sightings. However, others assert that the ghostly apparition continues to roam the countryside, accompanied by poltergeist-like activities at Calverley House, now possibly referred to as Old Hall. While the exact date of these events remains unknown, the legend of Walter Calverley's restless spirit has endured for centuries, captivating the imagination of those interested in the paranormal.

Historical Context

17th-century English gentry, Elizabethan era

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Historic Country House
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Residence, but nearby areas accessible
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
LS5

Nearby Haunted Places

Poltergeist 1.2 mi

Rawdon Poltergeist Knocking

Rawdon Baptist College, Rawdon

Rawdon Baptist College in Yorkshire was once the scene of a rather unusual and unexplained phenomenon. During the summer of 1909, the handful of residents in the area were disturbed by strange knocking sounds coming from within the walls of the college. It wasn't just a one-off occurrence either - the knocking persisted both day and night, leaving many to wonder what could be causing it. To add to the mystery, items such as potted plants were moved without explanation, suggesting that something more sinister was at play.

School Edwardian
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.3 mi

The Grey Lady of Rawdon Hall

Rawdon Hall, Rawdon

Rawdon Hall, a stunning 17th-century mansion in Yorkshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Priscilla Rawdon, a gentle soul who roams the halls as a grey lady. Her presence is more often felt than seen, with the soft rustling of her dress and the gentle ringing of small bells echoing through the corridors. Some claim to have heard her whispery voice emanating from the priest hole, a secret space that once provided a hiding place for Catholic priests during times of persecution.

Historic Country House Stuart
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.4 mi

Orbs at Dog & Gun

Dog & Gun Public House, Bradford

The Dog & Gun Public House in Wibsey, Bradford, has a reputation for being historically haunted, although the specifics of its ghostly past are unclear. In January 2015, CCTV footage captured strange 'orbs' in the cellar and bar, sparking interest in the pub's paranormal activity. While the orbs were likely caused by dust and a strong light source close to the lens, the incident put the Dog & Gun in the local press and raised questions about its haunted history.

Public House Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.5 mi

Laughter and Legends of Abbey Inn

Abbey Inn Inn, Leeds

The Abbey Inn in Leeds is renowned for its eerie atmosphere and unexplained occurrences. This historic pub, situated in the Newlay area, has been entertaining patrons with ghostly antics for years. One of the most intriguing phenomena is the sound of female laughter echoing from the cellar, which has been reported by numerous visitors during the summer months. But that's not all - this seemingly ordinary pub is also said to be haunted by a grey lady, a mysterious cloaked figure, and a man sporting a Guy Fawkes-style hat.

Historic Inn Medieval
Read Full Story
Apparition 2 mi

Grey Figure of Kirkstall Forge

Kirkstall Forge railway station, Leeds

Kirkstall Forge railway station in Leeds has a fascinating, if somewhat unsettling, history. Back in 1904, a series of strange occurrences took place that would leave a lasting impression on those who witnessed them. A station porter and a passenger both spotted a figure in a long grey sheet with a distinctive red streak running through it, standing on a shed roof. A booking clerk also caught a glimpse of the entity, which vanished shortly after being seen. These sightings werent isolated incidents, as lights had been seen flickering around the station prior to the appearance of the grey figure.

Railway Station Victorian
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 2.2 mi

Yeadon Poltergeist Paint Incident

1 Gill Lane, Yeadon

In the sleepy Yorkshire town of Yeadon, a most unusual and intriguing paranormal event took place at 1 Gill Lane. This unassuming private residence was once the epicentre of a noisy and destructive poltergeist activity that left witnesses perplexed. The entity, which manifested in 1970 and has been intermittently active since, was responsible for breaking dozens of telephones and hurling a large tin of paint across the room. The sheer force and malevolent energy of this entity has left an indelible mark on the property's history.

Private Residence Late 20th Century
Read Full Story