Haunted Rochdale is alive with ghost stories and supernatural legends. GEMMA JOHNSON explores the spooky and mysterious locations in this spooky part of Greater Manchester.
Spooky places to visit in Rochdale
When our wonderful editor, David, invited me to write about Haunted Rochdale in Greater Manchester, I decided to focus on some of the lesser-known places. There are so many spooky stories, myths and legends in our humble valley town that it’s a challenge to choose just five.
Champness hall
Champness Hall is located on Drake Street, one of the main arteries to and from the city centre. I have the absolute honor of having Champness Hall as my office space, the headquarters of Junior Paranormal Eventsand I am one of the trustees in charge of our glorious building.
Built in 1925 as a memorial to Thomas Champness, an iconic Primitive Methodist preacher, it served as a beacon for the religious community, attracting people from far and wide and filling the enormous hall every Sunday. In later years it became a performance space, particularly for Dame Gracie Fields, a Rochdale-born singer, actress and entertainer.
Champness Hall is a much-loved building, so it is no surprise that many ghosts still visit it. There is always a buzz of activity within the walls, not always by the living, with most activity concentrated in the hall. Images of ghosts are captured in space. The most famous is ‘Maria’, a former Sister of Mercy who loves children and young people.
Healey Dell Nature Reserve
Healey Dell Nature Reserve is a 40 hectare reserve, a few miles from Rochdale town centre. It lies along the bends of the River Spodden, which runs through the heart of the nature reserve. Of all the places to explore in ‘The Dell’, it’s the Fairy Chapel that attracts the most attention. The chapel is located in a rock formation, a natural structure that gives the appearance of a small cave hidden within.
The story revolves around Robert, heir to the Earl of Huntingdon, and a coven of witches. Robert had to produce a ring to prove he was the true heir, but it had already been taken by his cousin. A witch promised Robert that she would get it for him if he did as she said.
Robert felt that the witch was trying to take advantage of him and tried to kill her, but she cast a spell on him and flew away. When Robert woke up, he discovered that he had been saved by a little man who called himself ‘The Fairy King’. Together, the two banished all the witches in ‘The Dell’ to the Fairy Chapel, where they would remain for eternity, unable to practice their evil deeds. There is a beautiful tearoom in Healey Dell which is also well worth the trip!
Old Betts
Owd Betts is a pub in the countryside on the edge of Rochdale, near Norden. The history on the site dates back to 1796, when the pub was originally called the Hare and Hounds. The name ‘Owd Bett’ comes from landlady Betty Ashworth, who took over running the pub in 1869 after the death of her husband John. The pub had been passed down from generation to generation within the Ashworth family, and Betty was the last of the estate. Betty was nicknamed ‘Owd Bett’ by locals, friends and family. The pub was officially renamed ‘Owd Betts’ in 1950 in honor of Betty.
Owd Bett loved the pub so much that it is rumored that she will return to visit the pub, keeping an eye on the current landlords and customers. Footsteps can be heard in empty rooms and along the corridors and rooms in the upstairs apartment. Shadows and the feeling of being watched have been reported by both staff and visitors. The current owners have ensured that the character of the pub has been retained in accordance with Owd Betts’ wishes. It certainly has a quirky, mysterious quality – and if you visit, be sure to try the Cheese and Onion Tart, it’s legendary!
Saint Mary in the Baum
The Church of St Mary in the Baum is located on St Mary’s Gate in the heart of Rochdale town centre. The church that now stands on the property was built in 1744 and was built in 1911. The site has served as a central location for worship and gatherings for 280 years. However, it is the name ‘Baum’ that has supernatural connections.
Baum is local slang for ‘balsam’, an herb that grew in the fields surrounding the church grounds. Legend has it that the ghost of a white rabbit roamed the church grounds. Described by witnesses as ‘white as snow’, it would usually appear under the light of a full moon. Attempts were made to shoot and capture the rabbit, but it disappeared from view when approached.
Although the Baum Rabbit did not appear to be a malevolent spirit, locals suspected it was an ogre related to witchcraft. The area next to St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, hosts ‘Baum Rabbit’ Easter hunts every year.
Hare Hill House
Hare Hill House is an 18th century building that served as the Newall family home for four generations. It is located in Littleborough, a few miles away from the city centre. Hare Hill House’s best-known local legend concerns a monkey that was once a pet of the Newall family, named Mephisto. Mephisto has a small grave on the grounds, and a housekeeper has been seen walking to his grave with flowers on the day of his anniversary.
The alien visitors include a former house sitter who dresses in green, a Georgian man who likes people to introduce themselves when they enter his basement, and a lady in black who wanders around the building.
Have you seen a ghost in Rochdale? Tell us about it in the comments below!
