Is That a Ghost You Are Sitting Upon?

By Harold Cunliffe

Above: The Ring o’ Bells public House

There are many public houses which claim to have a ghost.

One such establishment,

The Ring o’ Bells in Middleton, Manchester

is well documented for having the ghost of a cavalier upon its premises.

One licensee commented that “having a ghost can be good for trade.” In 1969 a young man was employed to cover the bar during the early evenings to enable the licensee and her husband to have a break before the evening rush commenced. The licensee enjoyed playing a baby grand piano so took advantage of a few hours rest. The young chap would serve the odd customer throughout the evening. His first regular customer would arrive around eight thirty; who was an insurance agent who would spend half an hour with a pint seated at a table where he brought his round book up to date. The “Ringers,” as it was known was famous for having a small bar, measuring only thirty six inches wide. One evening in the run up to Christmas the barman who was alone, noticed that the pint pots which were stored on hooks above the pumps, started to sway. The first dimpled pot would start to sway, followed by the next until all the pots were seen swinging in unison. No matter how often he stopped them, they would start again. What happened next would leave him with memories which would last a lifetime. As he was cleaning the bar he noticed a white ball of mist enter the corridor from the staircase. This orb slowly made its way past the bar and rested on the second seat in the small ‘Snug’ which on the left of the bar. Around ten minutes later the insurance agent came into the pub, he was known as Frank. “Hi, it is a bit cold out there, give me a pint,” he said. Then to the surprise of the barman, he proceeded into the same room as the orb, and then sat in the very seat. Having no wish to explain what had just occurred the barman watched with interest as Frank settled down to his bookkeeping. Within minutes the seated man became restless, he moved around in his seat. Then commented,

Above: Licensee, Mr and Mrs John Chapman. Notice the dimpled pint pots above their head Above: Regulars at the “Ringers” showing Frank the insurance agent, rear, right.

“You know, my backside is freezing, I have never known my bottom to be so cold.” The barman advised him to move to another chair, left or right. Frank could not see the point in moving and continued to complain. Next he was advised to move to the next seat to his right which would be closer to the coal fire. Once again he said that it was a waste of time, he had a change of heart when he was suffering so much discomfort and shuffled into the next seat, “Ahh he cried, that is tons better.” He had no idea that he had been sitting on the knee of a ghost.

Friday nights were busy in this cosy Lancashire public house. One of the barmen would wait-on during the evening to help ease congestion. Problem was that on most Friday evenings an old lady, small in stature, beautifully dressed in black lace around her head, complete with a black silk dress would be stood near to the entrance. Her attire looked out of place for this period, but, never the less she always gave a smile as the barman passed by with a tray full of drinks. One evening he happened to mention to the bar staff that the old lady was in causing an obstruction; then turning round to point her out, he was shocked and stunned to find that she had disappeared. And following a search of the premises she could not be found. No one in the pub had seen her, apart from the (sober) waiter.

THE REVENGE OF A CORPSE

There was a time when doctors required a cadaver to work on to enhance their medical knowledge. Body snatchers would ply their trade following a funeral, making good their escape with the recently deceased by boat, sailing down rivers to customers Manchester. One town near Manchester had a cemetery watchman, who would keep watch well in to the early hours of the morning. But one determined snatcher unearthed a body of rather large proportions, and her is where the plan went horribly wrong. In this true story the newspaper reported that two workmen who were making their way to the mill spotted a man hanging from a tree which overlooked the cemetery. Suicides at this time were not uncommon. In due course a policeman arrived to investigate. The officer of the law was shocked when he entered the cemetery to cut the rope which was holding the deceased man, for the rope was anchored around a dead body. Then the circumstances became clear. The body snatcher had a problem in lifting the body over the cemetery wall. He acquired a rope which he managed to suspend from a tree. The problem he next encountered was that the corpse was heavier than he. In an attempt to tie off the rope once the body was in the air he wrapped the rope round his upper body, and under his arms. In a freak accident the rope slipped from under his arm, resting round his neck, thus hanging the culprit. Instead of the cemetery suffering the loss of a body, it gained two.

Above: Postcard picture of the Park and Cemetery where body-snatchers plied their trade.

POLLY MAKES A COMEBACK

In close proximity of the cemetery and the Ring ‘o Bells is an ancient church. A young boy from Moston, Manchester would visit his aunt Becca who lived near the church during summer holidays. She knew that he was interested in drawing so advised him to visit the ancient church. He fell in love with the place of worship due to its character. It was due to personal circumstances that he became homeless. The housing association offered him a one bedroomed flat which was located within half a mile of the church that he had sketched as a child. He soon became an active member of the congregation, helping the church in practical ways too. He noticed that the wooden ceiling was dry and required a coat of linseed oil. Each Tuesday he would make his way to the church, and with the aid of scaffolding would proceed to preserve the ceiling. Upon entering the building he would take care to ensure that he was alone. Constantly securing the doors. To his amazement he noticed a woman seated in the front row, bent over in prayer. He made his way over to the woman who sported bright red hair, and politely requested that once she had completed her worship to let him know so that he could unlock the door to let her out. Sometime had elapsed before he noticed that she had left. He searched the church but could not find her. He was the only person in the building. It is thought that the ghost was the spirit of a woman known as “Polly,” who, during her lifetime was a bit of a character, who repented towards the end of her life. A wellknown historian was a woman called

Peggy. She also had a fascination with this place of worship. One day she decided t record the exterior of he church for decay and to record how acid rain was eating away at the stonework. It was when she received her snapshots from the developers that she noticed a ghostly face which was captured in front of her camera. This image was featured in the local newspaper, but when the preview was examined in the newspaper office the ghost was not to be seen. It was too late to take action; the paper had been put to bed. An explanation for the attention of the readers was written for the next issue, and then, amazingly as the newspapers arrived from the print-room, the spirit decided she would make an appearance.

MYSTERY OF A GROTESQUE FACE

Undertakers I should imagine are not keen to have ghost stories associated within their Chapel of Rest. About thirty years ago a family member of a deceased decided to photograph their family member at rest in the coffin. A number of shots were fired off including one of the coffin lid which was stood in the corner of the room. The roll of film was sent for developing, but upon the return they were shocked to find a grotesque figure staring at them through the varnish of the coffin lid. Naturally an investigation took place. It was noticed that the flash was clearly visible near to the name plate, and then the outline of a person could be seen. The grotesque face was in fact a reflection of the person who took the photograph.

Above: One of the access roads next to the cemetery. Above: The cemetery wall and tree where a snatcher came to grief.

WHAT THE BUTLER SAW

Over a hundred and fifty years ago there were some wealthy cotton mill owners living in Lancashire. The next true story is relating to the ’death’ of a mill owners wife, a widow in her 90’s. It transpires that one morning a maid entering the bedroom of her mistress found that she was unable to wake her. Thinking that she had passed away during the night she sent for the local doctor, who lived quite close by. Upon examination he confirmed that the old lady had indeed passed away. An undertaker was engaged to carry out the necessary arrangements. No grave was required for the deceased because a family vault existed. Things moved along quickly and the funeral was planned for the very next day. Many friends and family attended the wake and gave their respects to this kind old lady, including the household staff. The butler however spotted a large diamond cluster ring on the hand of the deceased. His thoughts were that with impending unemployment the sale of that ring would secure his future for many months. His thoughts were that it was a waste to place this valuable item in a vault which would rest there for centuries, and never see the light of day, which value would give him security. All night long his mind would not rest thinking about this item, but how could he acquire it? The following day the funeral took place, all went well without a hitch. The butler visited the vault during the early hours of the morning. He managed to gain access to the vault, and eventually opened the coffin lid. You can image how he must have felt, his heart must have been racing. He spotted the diamond ring on the old ladies hand and made an attempt to remove it, but it was a tight fit, as he tried hard to remove the ring the other hand of the deceased took hold of his hand, which frightened him beyond belief, with which he ran off a great speed. The old lady then climbed out of her coffin and made her way back to her large home in the centre of town. A problem occurred, she had no means of entering her home, so had no other option but to ring the doorbell. Both the maid and butler attended the front door expecting to welcome family members who were delayed. As soon as the maid saw her mistress dressed in her shroud she thought it was a ghost and fainted. The butler however was unfazed by her arrival and attended to his employer. They say that crime does not pay, but that may not be the case in this situation. There is no doubt at all that the butler was intent on stealing the valuable ring, but I doing so his actions saved the life of this elderly lady. I am sorry to reveal that I was unable to bring this situation to a conclusion. It would seem that the chap left town and no trace of his whereabouts can be found. I suppose the police would have prosecuted him for his actions. I do feel however that he was given a golden handshake, or maybe given employment at one of their other homes, possibly in Ireland. The mistress however lived for another six years

DECEASED REACHED THE REQUIRED TEMPERATURE

A newspaper reporter who was travelling to Manchester to cover court cases spotted a young woman that he knew in the railway carriage. “Good morning, you are a little late for work,” he enquired. “Yes I am” she said, “I was at a funeral but it did not take place, so I am on my way to the office.“ Newspaper reporters are, by

Above: Middleton Junction or “Jumbo” as it is known. Above: View of the village of Blackley who had its very own female factory ghost.

their very nature, inquisitive. His mind would not rest until he found out why the funeral did not take place. Reading his notes it transpired that an elderly woman who lived at a place called “Jumbo,” had passed away during a period of very cold weather. On the day of the funeral her coffin was put into he front parlour to enable friends and relatives to pay their last respects. Due to the bitter cold weather a roaring coal fire was made in the room. At nine o’clock the undertaker arrived to carry out the proceedings. He entered the packed terraced house and proceeded to fasten down the coffin lid. As the lid was about to be placed over the deceased, she sat bolt upright. Every person in the house, some screaming, made a dash to exit the property, amazingly the undertaker however managed to be the first person to achieve this. The elderly lady wondered what was going on, and climbed out of her coffin. She lived for many years. It is thought that the woman was in a coma, and once near the fire she awoke once she had reached the required temperature.

SPINNING MILL GHOST

In the 1830’s at the village of Blackley, north of Manchester, a night watchman was making his rounds at the Blackley Spinning Mill between nine and ten o’clock in the evening when he heard a voice say, “What do you want here?” He then froze with fear because he was the only person in the building. He did not reply but turned round to see the ghost fade away commenting, “Good night.” The terrified man ran out of the building and commenced to knock on doors of friends that he knew. He related his experience which emanated with a group of locals taking up watch outside the mill. But after almost three hours waiting and no further sighting they gave up the ghost and went home. Five years later a young employee at the works was instructed to work late. It is amazing that before we had child protection which would oversee the hours children could be employed, our young chap was sent to work when he was seven and a half years old. The young children were given the name of a ‘teer boy,’ who it is aid was like a printers devil, a young person who would assist the tradesmen in their work. Mainly to fetch and carry. Their hours of work were long. Normally starting work at six in the morning until ten o’clock at night. On some occasions they were expected to work through the night, being called back to the mill for midnight. It was the middle of November when he was instructed to return to work to help his master with a special order which would see him working into the early hours of the morning. He arrived at the blockprinters room located on the top floor just before midnight, which was the hour they commenced work. To his amazement no other person had turned up for work. He was sure that the man who he ‘teered’ for had instructed him to return for work that night. It was a bitter cold night so the young employee decided to sleep at the mill due to him having to be back at work six hours later. A large wood burning stove was located I the centre of the room which provided some light. The young chap soon made himself comfortable under the printers table. As he lay wondering why no one had turned up for work, and feeling lonely, he was suddenly disturbed by the sound of a most unearthly sound. Before he could comprehend what the noise was, it repeated itself. This caused his whole body to shake with fear.

Fifty years later he still suffered the effects of this experience. This awful screaming of a female as she passed by him left him in shock. He thought that the hands of this woman would, at any moment, remove the cloth which he was hiding under, take hold of him and dash him to pieces. In his report he claimed that he remained under the bench until the day staff arrived. He was then informed that he had encountered the ghost of “Owd Shay’s Wife” who had cut her own throat at the works and for many years following this violent act had been seen rambling about inside the printworks, upon each sighting that awful ghostly noise was heard. When he was asked if it was a ghost that he had encountered he replied, “I have not the shadow of a doubt, that noise was a ghost to me.”

WILMSLOW

By Megha Seth

Situated 10 miles south from the Manchester City Centre, Wilmslow is an upcoming posh town in Cheshire. With a population of only 7,000 at the time of its formation, this quaint little town houses over 30,000 people today.

Wilmslow also happens to be one of the most desired neighbourhoods for local footballers. A confection of upscale markets with a touch of high streets, people here can experience the true “Cheshire lifestyle”. Exploring Wilmslow is a traveller’s delight for a quick relaxing getaway.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF WILMSLOW

Wilmslow derives its name from the Anglo Saxon term ‘Wīghelmes hlāw’, which means ‘mound of a man named Wīghelm’. The unearthing of Lindow Man, which was preserved in the peat bogs for 2,000 years led to the discovery of the local Iron Age history of Wilmslow. It is one of the most significant Iron Age discoveries in the country, which was reported as “one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 1980s”. However, the artefact was soon transferred to the British Museum, where it is currently a central feature of the Iron Age exhibition.

Recreated as a civil parish on 30th September 1894, Winslow became part of Macclesfield Borough on 1st April 1974. And on 1st April 2009, Winslow became part of the Cheshire East unitary authority.

Wilmslow gained popularity in the Victorian era. It was mainly the wealthy North-Western businessmen who preferred to move to this town with the advent of railways connecting towns easily.

THINGS YOU CAN DO IN WILMSLOW

Now that we have warmed up to the history of Wilmslow and have a little idea about what to expect from this quaint upscale town, let’s take a look at the list of places that you can visit when in Wilmslow. Not to forget the activities that you can indulge in while doing so.

A delight for the outdoor and nature enthusiasts, Carrs Park is an ideal spot for spending the day. Opened in 1935, it is spread across a sprawling area of 71 acres. The vast grasslands make it a place perfectly cut out for picnics with friends, family, and loved ones.

The River Bollin meanders through this park. The park also encloses footpath links, woodland walks, a skateboard ramp, a multi-use football area, a basketball arena, and a children’s play area. The Wilmslow Parkrun (collection of events for walkers, runners, and volunteers) also takes place in this park, alongside the Wilmslow Junior Parkrun.

A Visit to the Quarry Bank Mills and Chapel Woods

A Visit to the Quarry Bank Mills and Chapel Woods

This mill is one of the best-preserved mills of the very famous Industrial Revolution. Located on the banks of River Bollin, this picturesque place is still every bit as This mill is one of the best-preserved mills of the very famous Industrial relevant. The water-powered mill produces calico cotton Revolution. Located on the banks of River Bollin, this picturesque place is to date.still every bit as relevant. The water-powered mill produces calico cotton to date.

An Escapade to Alderley Edge

A A 10-minute drive from Wilmslow, Alderley Edge is n Escapade to Alderley Edge a village that houses various tourist attractions. As you reach the village, take in the view with a deep A 10-minute drive from Wilmslow, Alderley Edge is a village that houses breath. The picturesque landscape of the striking red various tourist attractions. As you reach the village, take in the view with a sandstone escarpment with an equally impressive view of the ancient copper mines are legends of both deep breath. The picturesque landscape of the striking red sandstone ancient and modern times.escarpment with an equally impressive view of the ancient copper mines are legends of both ancient and modern times.

During the 1900s, bars of gold were discovered here. But the Edge looks equally enchanting today sans the bars of gold. The charming rural vibe puts your mind During the 1900s, bars of gold were discovered here. But the Edge looks immediately at ease.equally enchanting today sans the bars of gold. The charming rural vibe puts your mind immediately at ease.

As the tale goes, Alderley Edge was the location where King Arthur’s Knights slumbered in wait for daybreak to awaken and rise, to defend their country.

Explore the Flora and Fauna of Lindow Common

Although the heathland is spread over a small area, the Local Nature Reserve is thriving with diversity when it comes to flora and fauna. If you’re someone who happens to be a nature enthusiast, the place would prove to be no less of a paradise. This reserve is identified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

If you’ve got a knack for creativity, try a hand at pottery and ceramic art at these cafés and centres. Bond with your family by doing a fun activity together or unwind alone by spending some quality time with yourself.

Breathe life into that imagination and create your heart away. There are various places to choose from, be it The Happy Potter, Bean and Brush Family Art Cafe, Pottery Corner, etc. Whatever you create is for you to take back as a beautiful souvenir.

Adrenaline Rush at Adventure Parks

Adrenaline Rush at Adventure Parks

If you are an adrenaline junkie and love spending time with your family outdoors, Wilmslow has adventure parks with various fun activities. If you are an adrenaline junkie and love spending time with your family BeWILDerwood Cheshire is based on a magical book. outdoors, Wilmslow has adventure parks with various fun activities. This woodland adventure park has activities for all age BeWILDerwood Cheshire is based on a magical book. This woodland groups. From zip-lining to finding your way out of the adventure park has activities for all age groups. From ziplining to finding MishMash maze, there are various options for children your way out of the MishMash maze, there are various options for childrenA host of live shows makes this place an equally exciting place for some and also a separate play area for toddlers. A host of and also a separate play area for toddlers. enchanting entertainment. live shows makes this place an equally exciting place for some enchanting entertainment.Go Ape is another adventure retreat nestled in Delamere forest. Explore the forest, get going on an adventure trail as you also enjoy various ac Go Ape is another adventure retreat nestled in Delamere tivities like Treetop Adventure, Tarzan Swing drops, etc. A perfect forest. Explore the forest, get going on an adventure trail combination of amusement with a view in the lap of nature. as you also enjoy various activities like Treetop Adventure, Tarzan Swing drops, etc. A perfect combination of amusement with a view in the lap of nature.

With designer boutique shops lined up in a row and countless names to choose from, Wilmslow is a shopper’s paradise if you are into high-end fashion. There are amazing options in the shops lined in the town centre’s shopping street. gardens where you can take leisurely walks as you stay in this immaculate

Look out for the charity shops where you can buy hotel. designer goods at a very reasonable price. In these shops, even a Roberto Cavalli frock costs £99! Thrifting and sustainability, anyone? Since the world has been grappled with COVID-19, the hotels have taken Interesting fact: The town’s Aston Martin dealership every necessary step to mitigate concerns in the wake of the same reason. also happens to sell the highest number of Aston Martins in the United Kingdom. This high demand is From sanitation to contactless check-ins, etc., they aim to make the stay of because of the high number of the affluent population. their guests as smooth and safe as possible.

Sweet Sojourn

Best Western Plus Pinewood on Wilmslow Hotel Cheshire is a delightful hotel located in a convenient spot, within the proximity of both the train station and the airport. Enjoy the natural view of Tatton Park as you stay here. The hotel has an in-house restaurant with a fully equipped bar and a lounge.

Mottram Hall Hotel is an exquisite luxury hotel built on 270 acres of sprawling gardens. It encompasses an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. The Champney’s Spa inaugurated in 2020 is every bit as grand and luxurious as you would expect from one of the finest leading health spas in the country.

Mottram Hall has also received many accolades for the plethora of fine dining options. Pick your pick from the ritzy bar. Bask in luxury and lead a true blue blood Cheshire lifestyle in this hotel.

The Stanneylands, located 1 mile away from the Wilmslow Rail Station, Stanneylands is an extremely elegant hotel. The architecture of the hotel has a beautiful cottage-core vibe while the interiors are elegant and swanky. The rooms live up to the standard of the classic lobby. This hotel also has the option of two dining venues. The property encompasses large gardens where you can take leisurely walks as you stay in this immaculate hotel.

Since the world has been grappled with COVID-19, the hotels have taken every necessary step to mitigate concerns in the wake of the same reason.

From sanitation to contact-less check-ins, etc., they aim to make the stay of their guests as smooth and safe as possible.

Treat Your Tastebuds With Scrumptious Meals

One of the key elements of exploring a place is Treat Your Tas to try out the various cuisines that it has to offer. From delving into the local palettes to pleasing your tebuds With Scrumptious Meals tastebuds with the specialties, a gastronome leaves no tables unturned when it comes to food. Wilmslow offers a variety of cuisines to tourists as well as One of the key el residents.ements of exploring a place is to try out the various cuisines that it has Give a great kick start to your day with a hearty and to offer. From delving into the local palettes to pleasing your tastebuds wit satisfying breakfast at the Village Cafe. The cafe is known for its fresh ingredients and wonderful service. h the specialties, a gastronome leaves no tables l is an exquisite luxury hotel built onun270turn acres ofed when it Enjoy the world pass by with a freshly brewed cup of coffee in your hand if you choose to sit outdoors, or comes to food. Wilmslow offers a variety of cuisines to It encompasses an 18-hole Championship Golftourists as well Co as enjoy the airy interiors. urse. residents. Heddy’s, a restaurant that has been in the longpa inaugurated in 2020 is every bit as grand and standing food business for quite some time. Apart from specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, they also serve uld expect from one of the finest leading health s Middle Eastern, Persian, and Armenian cuisines. This pas in Turkish delight most certainly gives businesses a run for their money. so received many accolades for the plethora of fine

Head over to Bulls Head, a charming traditional pub in a contemporary style to enjoy a lively evening with your friends and family. Pick your pick from all sorts of wine, beer, or simply a cup of freshly ground coffee. The food served is delectable in terms of taste. This pub also boasts of an outdoor beer garden to enjoy your drinks under the pleasant skies.

With a light and airy venue, Phantong Thai is the ideal place to indulge in some authentic Thai scrumptiousness. The quality of food is such a hit amongst the customers that there now exists a second branch of this restaurant.

If you are looking for a Wilmslow equivalent of McDonald’s then The Gourmet Burger is the place for you. Known for its amazing fast food, this place is brimming with life on the weekends with countless kids’ parties.

This is an instant favourite amongst kids and adults the same.

Wilmslow offers numerous choices to pick from for an ideal stay-cation. From sightseeing to finding hidden gems and trying out various cuisines offered here, this town never fails to mesmerise. When in need of a short escapade, you have to head to this part of the country. Find out what makes this town unique as you explore your way through.

With a light and airy venue, Phantong Thai is the ideal place to indulge in some authentic Thai scrumptiousness. The quality of food is such a hit amongst the customers that there now exists a second branch of this restaurant. If you are looking for a Wilmslow equivalent of McDonald’s then The Gourmet Burger is the place for you. Known for its amazing fast food, this place is brimming with life on the weekends with countless kids’ parties. This is an instant favorite amongst kids and adults the same.