Ryecroft Hall in Audenshaw, Manchester is an impressively unspoilt Victorian house built in 1849 by James Smith Buckley. The Buckleys were a family of wealthy cotton manufacturers who also owned other property in the area. The hall took several years to build and was opulently styled in a manner befitting a successful and affluent Victorian family. Many of the rooms still have their original wood panelling and stunning ornate ceilings. The property was inherited by various members of the Buckley family before being sold to businessman and local MP Austin Hopkinson.
During the 1914-18 war Ryecroft Hall was used as a Red Cross hospital and communications centre and remnants of its use can still be observed in the cellar where the original signs are still visible on the old doors. In 1922 the house and grounds were given to the district of Audenshaw and it was used as a social and administrative centre. The property is now used by the local community for civil ceremonies, group meetings and social activities.
The hall has a well-known reputation for being haunted and has been the scene of a abundance of ghost sightings and spooky occurrences.
Manager of Ryecroft Hall, Pam Watkin told Ghost Night Events, "So many of the staff have seen things and had strange experiences. There definitely seems to be something here with us although I love the place and don't feel at all threatened." Pam described the various reported sightings and experiences -;
The figure of a child in Victorian dress on the main staircase - she is thought to be the ghost of a young girl who is known to have fallen to her death
Unexplained smells of food being cooked
Spirits of soldiers have been seen all around the property
Sounds of a tinkling bell in the conference room as though the attention of servants is being sought
Cigarette ends thrown at lady who was alone cleaning in building
The ghost of a woman in a long dark dress has been witnessed on a number of occasions and is sometimes preceded by a flash of light
Oppressive feelings in the cellar
Cold spots and breezes in the back meeting room
The apparition of a young woman in a mob cap has been witnessed dancing in the original ballroom
Strong feelings of being watched by an unseen presence who stands behind people
Christmas decorations have been rearranged by unseen hands
Join Ghost Night Events for what should be a fascinating and thrilling night of paranormal investigation at this impressive property as we try to make contact with its occupants of the past. Following a welcome meeting and demonstration of our ghost detecting equipment we will tour the building with a member of the hall staff who will tell us a little more of the history of the property and the reported ghostly activity. Our medium will also inform us of the phantom presences that can be detected. Following a refreshment break and light buffet we will divide into small groups for the conduct of séances, vigils and experiments in the most haunted areas of the hall.
Participants are welcome to use flash photography and recording equipment at this location.
Please note that this property is suitable for any ghost hunters who require disabled access
"Hi Lesley & Team. Just wanted to e-mail to let you know what a brilliant time we had at the Gainsborough Old Hall night yesterday. We have been buzzing about it since we came home this morning. We experienced so much activity, especially with the table tipping and human pendulum. We had so much fun and excitement and never expected to encounter so much. We cant wait to book our next event. Roll on November." Julie. D - September 2009
