Evening Ghost Hunt - Ring O Bells Inn

About

Become a Paranormal investigator for the evening.

Join us to uncover the spirits of the building and the stories they have to tell.

The Ring O'Bells is said to be one of the oldest buildings in Middleton, and may be one of its most haunted. Historically the pub's foundations are thought to date all the way back to Saxon times, and legend has it that a Druidical temple stood at this spot in the Iron Age – perhaps a place of ancient sacrifice. In the Middle Ages it served as a refectory for monks brewing their potent ale, probably in the area where the pubs cellars are currently situated.

The pub is said to be haunted by a Sad Cavalier, who has been nicknamed Edward. he has been described as dressed in his royalist finery, had been seen on a few occasions, within the pub and outside. 'Edward' also manifested in other less visual ways, including footsteps sounding on the stairs, and other strange noises. He was also known to lay a heavy hand on customers, much to their surprise when they turn to find nobody in the vicinity. One of the more frightening incidents by a previous Landlord he was checking barrels in the cellar around midnight when a stone was thrown at his shoulder, he looked around but no-one was in the room. This was the first time he had been shaken by a strange event within the pub; he had felt a strange presence, and had even seen a glass slide along the bar but the stone throwing seemed a more aggressive action. He thought that someone had perhaps upset the spirit.

The traditional story about the Sad Cavalier suggests he was the son of the Lord (Stannycliffe) of Stannycliffe Hall in the 1600's. The Lord and his family were unwavering Royalists during turbulent times of the Civil War. Unfortunately for them Middleton became more staunchly Parliamentarian, with the Old Boars Head becoming the Roundhead's headquarters in the area. The story goes that a pocket of Royalist resistance – including the Lords son – survived in the area, and used the cellars of the Ring o' Bells as a clandestine meeting place. The cellars are said to be linked to Middleton Parish Church by a secret tunnel, by which they could escape if their furtive council was compromised. One day somebody betrayed the son of Lord Stanycliffe to the Roundheads whilst he was still in the pub. He managed to flee to the cellars and down the dark tunnel, only to be cut to pieces by Roundheads who were waiting at the church by the passage exit. His body is supposed to have been buried under the flagstones of the cellar, where he is said to remain to this day. Some time in the past helmets and pikes have been discovered under the cellar floor, which date to the 1600's, but no human remains have been found.

Some years ago, the skeletons of several bodies were unearthed from the floor of the cellars of the Ring o' Bell. There was sufficient evidence in the way of belt buckles, weapons and other material to indicate they were from the English Civil War. Subsequently, several ghosts have made themselves obvious, for the most part as black shadows in the shape of men. One apparition observed is wearing a Cavalier style uniform with a plumed hat of that period. A more recent ghost is a man wearing a grey suit from the 1930s.

Guests will be able to purchase drinks from the bar during the opening hours, we request guests not to over indulge on alcohol as this will spoil the evening for yourself and others.

Tea and coffee and snacks are available throughout the evening and are included within the ticket price.
Our base room will be the function room upstairs, access to the bar area after pub is closed and access to cellar in small groups.
Opposite the pub is grave yard and surrounding paths, we will be utilising these areas for small group work.
We will be joined by guest mediums throughout the evening.
Free car parking outside.