It’s almost Halloween, and what better way to celebrate than gathering round the fire (or pub table) to share a spooky tale or two? Delve into Mancunian folklore and you’ll discover that our fair city isn’t short of foul spirits - from poltergeists to the devil himself. Here’s a look at some of the scariest. Read on if you dare.
Back Pool Fold
This is a tiny cut-through off Cross Street, not far from the Royal Exchange. Legend has it that the devil was spotted here during the 19th century, in the depths of winter, revealing himself to startled Victorians as they went about their Christmas business. Ever the cavalier prankster, he often assumed the guise of a goat, and enjoyed terrifying onlookers by walking vertically up the sides of buildings, leaving coal-coloured hoof-prints in the snow.
Albert Hall
Owned by Trof, this ornate music venue on Peter Street was built as a Methodist Church hall in 1910 and is located above what used to be Brannigans (of 'drinking, dancing and cavorting' fame). There were many reports of poltergeist activity here during the 20th century - so much so that the crew from 'Most Haunted' investigated in 2003. One of the entities said to roam the bar is Reverend Samuel Collier, a Methodist minister sporting a long black cloak. The TV crew also reported hearing the sound of a screaming baby in the tower.
St Ann's Church
Fancy playing a cool game to summon the dead? Course you do. Well, next time you’re in St Ann’s Square, walk anti-clockwise (or 'widdershins' as they used to say) three times around the table tombs at the back of the church. Then put your ear to a tomb. You should be able to hear the dead talking. Or it might just be the gurgles of over-enthusiastic ale-drinkers in the nearby Mr Thomas’ Chop House.
Gorilla
This lively little nook tucked beneath the railway arches on Whitworth Street West was once Green Room, a theatre and bar. It was there that this writer found herself pulling pints back in 2002 - and where she, along with several other members of staff, witnessed the doors to the theatre (now the club) violently rattle, as though being shaken from the inside, when the theatre was empty. Another member of staff saw a mop bucket fly across the empty bar as they were locking up one night.
Ordsall Hall
Salford’s Grade I-listed Tudor manor house dates back to 1177 and has a respectable quota of ghouls and spooks. The Great Hall is reputed to be the most active area, haunted most frequently by the enigmatic White Lady, thought to be the spirit of Lady Margaret Radclyffe, who died from a broken heart in 1599 after the death of her beloved brother. The Hall hosts regular ghost nights where you can explore the corridors until 4am. Or if you fancy investigating from the comfort of your own home, check out the Great Hall’s CCTV ghostcam online.
Looking to celebrate the spookiest night of the year? See more things to do for Halloween in Manchester from Time Out.