This
elegant fifteenth century house is situated near Ormskirk in Lancashire and
has been host to many famous visitors, including William Shakespeare.
The
Hall is reputedly haunted by three ghosts; a 'Gray Lady', a man dressed in
Elizabethan clothes and Queen Elizabeth I. The 'Gray Lady' has been seen
many times, usually by the main entrance or on the drive leading up to the
house. She is thought to be the ghost of Elizabeth Hesketh, a young woman
who became dangerously ill while her husband was at war overseas. She vowed
that she would not leave this world without saying goodbye to her dear
husband, but he never returned and she was never given the chance to bid her
farewell.
The
ghostly figure of the man in Elizabethan costume has sometimes been seen
near the huge fireplace in the Great Hall. It was here that a secret chamber
was found, presumably used to hide catholic priests from sight.
Queen
Elizabeth I has been seen in the dining room, where she vanishes if anyone
tries to approach her.