Some bits and bobs (the boring bits) before we start. 

This is an audio guided tour through some of the most haunted parts of Kendal. 

The premise is simple, progress through the tour and listen to each audio where you will hear chilling stories about that particular place. 

The text will also be available for reading should you need it, and you can go backwards and forwards on your quest at your own volition. 

If there is a fault with your page or you close it accidentally don't worry, you will be able to just reopen it from the start, but we recommend NOT CLOSING the internet page the walk is on. 

We would strongly recommend the use of headphones and to purchase the game for each person on the tour (£4 per person). 

But mostly, have fun....keep your eyes peeled and make sure you are keeping close as a group on this haunting walk. 

When you are at your start point of the Rifleman's Arms, Greenside (4-6 Greenside, Kendal LA9 4LD) press play on the next page for your intro audio.

Intro

Good evening: men, women, boys, girls, pets, creatures, and all other worldly things

We welcome you to this gruesome walk around our fantastic town, where we will discover ghostly beings, deadly deeds and delve into the gruesome and macabre history that Kendal has to offer. If people are with someone called ‘John’ today, please keep a close eye on them as we take our voyage around, as you will soon learn the grim reality of what being called ‘John’ could mean in Kendal!

And so, we start. But please head this warning, we will be travelling over public highways. So, as we progress through the streets of Kendal please be aware of other pedestrians and the prevailing traffic conditions. We wouldn’t like to add any more deaths to the tour, would we?

Once you are at your start point of The Rifleman's Arms press next to hear your first story.

We will start by taking a trip back in time, to the 19^th century where a man named Jonathan Martindale was travelling through Kendal by coach in Victorian times. He was anxious to make it home in time for the birth of his first child. After warming himself by the fire in the Rifleman's arms, he looked outside to see if the coach was ready to leave. Finding it was he stepped outside and climbed in excitedly taking his seat as he would now make it home in time. When he was seated, he looked around and saw a lady sleeping quite soundly with a baby on her lap. As the coach set off up the road to Brigsteer. John noticed that the lady was still asleep, but her face was turned away from his. Very quickly he became aware of an extremely unpleasant smell in the carriage and he went to open a window. The smell filled his nostrils, bringing tears to his eyes and a nauseating feeing in his throat. To his horror the window casing was rotten and came away in his hand as he tried to open it. When he looked back at the woman her face rolled towards him. Gazing upon her, his face become contorted with fear. As he could see no face at all. Just a deep, blood red cavity. He screamed loudly, vomited, and fell from the coach. In a state of delirium, he started to wander through the streets, the horrifying image of a decayed, maggot filled face piercing his vision. The landlord of the Inn found him mumbling and shivering on the road and told him that no coaches had left the Inn that evening. However, what he did say sent John trembling with fear. In 1873 a coach had been travelling on that road towards Windermere and had come off the road killing a woman and her small baby. It is said that people can still hear the sound of the crash and the wailing of the spirits at the dead of night. If you ever have to catch a bus at the bus stop you can see down the road; beware. It may be you climbing onto the coach that doesn’t return.

1: Facing the pub, turn right, keep the road on your right hand side and travel down the hill from greenside onto Beast banks

2: Keep walking down to the very bottom of the hill until you meet the traffic lights and can see the town hall in front of you

3: Cross the road and then turn left where you will find your second location: angel yard (see picture)

This story starts with Bonnie Prince Charles’ entry to Carlisle, whilst riding a white horse in 1745. As they travelled south there were issues within the ranks as to whether to go back to Scotland or carry on further into England. The support of local Cumbrians, in particular two noblemen gave them the courage to advance onwards and southbound.

As they arrived in Carlisle, they met with their two prominent supporters - Colonel John Hamilton and Sir John Arbuthnot. They agreed to advance towards the south and aimed for Kendal thinking it would be a relatively short and easy ride. Unfortunately, they did not plan-ahead, forgetting to tell the locals of their advance, who took to the streets firing arrows and stones at the unknown army. However, this did not deter the Jacobite’s, who continued stoically until Kendall was breached. After the conflict one Jacobite and one farmer lay dead in the streets. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed two nights in the George and Dragon, which you will know today as the George Hotel. The Mayor of Kendall agreed not to further resist allowing the prince a further two nights of rest in Kendal; where he also stayed at a house on Strickland Place which is commemorated by the blue plaque.

However, something much more supernatural happened that night. The Jacobite’s, filled with rage at being shot upon, decided on taking vengeance on some of the local population. Their nearest destination: The Angel Inn.

In a panic, the residents saw their approach and fled, however forgetting one child, left to quietly play in the parlour of the inn. As the Jacobite’s, entered and approached the child, hell bent on causing fury, a shining light lit up the house, and a demonic angel appeared from the floor. With fire in its eyes and shriek that could pierce eardrums it drove the soldiers out, casting protection on the child and the residents of the inn. Angel by name, Angel by nature. Calmness fell upon the house and the family returned, reunited with their child who could have been lost to them.

1: Looking away from Angel Yard, turn right and continue onto Highgate walking past Ye Olde Fleece Inn on your left

2: Cross the road, and keep walking until you come to woolpack yard on your left - see picture

Hello again, now a tale from more recent times. In 1904 63-year-old John Gilpin died in a house in this very yard, in what you would call suspicious circumstances. John had met a younger woman many years earlier and his family had disowned him due to this relationship. He set up home with his housekeeper, Elizabeth Nicholson, and they quickly brought 5 children into the world. However, as John was getting older, he was described as becoming ‘more senile’. Elizabeth, to help the family took in a discharged soldier called Thomas Metcalf. Thomas was a younger man with a somewhat “colourful” past. Now it does not take Sherlock Holmes to work out what happened next. Elizabeth began an affair with Thomas. After this John’s condition quickly deteriorated and he soon died. There was much suspicion, but after an examination the doctor wrote on the death certificate “senile decay” as the cause, and John was buried. A short time later the police received an anonymous letter, sprayed with blood, saying that he had been murdered. The body was exhumed, and a thorough postmortem arranged. It was discovered that John had been poisoned by massive amounts of arsenic being added to his food and drink. Elizabeth and Thomas were arrested. Thomas admitted forging cheques in John’s name to buy arsenic but said it was for killing rats. The prosecution surmised it had probably been put in his daily drink of rum, and they were both tried for murder. After six minutes of debate by the jury they were found guilty and sentenced to death, to be hanged until the air drained from their body. Elizabeth was found guilty of murder and Thomas with aiding and abetting. However, whilst awaiting their execution date the case against Thomas was dropped and the trail judge stated that it would be unfair to hang Elizabeth on her own. Therefore, the guilty verdict was rescinded, and the two murderers were freed to walk again in society. So, beware tonight when you stop off from your usual tipple, it may be worse than a splash of lime added to it.

1: Head back in the direction your came up Highgate, however take a quick left onto Market Place past the war memorial

2: Continue down the curved road until you meet the junction between Stramongate, Finkle Street and Kent Street (just past the Chocolate House)

Now. Don’t move but take a look down to your feet. On the paving stones you now stand, once ran the blood of a policeman, killed violently as he did his duty to protect the people of this town. PC John Groves was a local police officer in Kendal in 1886. After many years of service, he was looking forward to retirement, settling down with his wife and 7 children; his youngest being just 3 years of age. During his last fateful day, a man named John Airey and his uncle John Obrien were drinking in the Riflemans Arms in Beast Banks. Airey was a known troublemaker when in drink and had been arrested many times for being drunk and disorderly. Airey and his uncle were ejected from the pub for rowdy behaviour and walked down the road to a Salvation Army meeting, causing further problems. A police constable attended but they continued to wreak havoc despite being told to go home and sleep it off. The young constable called for backup and was helped by a member of the public who took Airey’s arm. Airey proclaimed that if he let go of his arm, he would stop causing trouble and go home quietly. He made the mistake of believing a drunk’s words. He let go of Airey’s arm and was then struck violently by Airey knocking him to the floor. The punch was so fierce it broke two teeth, sending them tumbling down the street. By this time word, or rather the whistle (as they had no radios in 1886) had reached PC John Groves and he arrived at the scene as both officers wrestled Airey to the floor to put him in handcuffs. As PC Groves attempted to control Aireys legs, Airey kicked out, smacking PC Groves full on the temple to which he collapsed to the floor, his head making a crunching sound as it smashed against the pavement, blood trickling from his ears and nose. On-lookers to the crime have said as his eyes glazed over, his body lay still, but his mouth continued to move…..as he slowly, and quietly whispered the names of his children and wife, until death came to take away his last breath. John Airey was placed on trial for murder. Although killing a police officer, he was found not guilty, as the jury could not believe one kick could cause such harm. His punishment you ask? For taking the life of another man? Well….Airey was sentenced to just 12 months hard labour. Who says the system is too soft on criminals these days?

1: From where you are stood, find Stramongate and start to walk down it. 

2: When your each the crossing, cross the road continuing still on Stramongate

3: Stay on the road you are on, keeping to the left and you will eventually come to a bridge and river.

4: Cross the river and keep walking and walking onto Wildman Street until you see the destination on your right 

Now, our second ghostly being of the night, a “spirit” made so welcome at this public house that he has never wanted to leave.

A ghost in residence has haunted these premises for many, many years. An interesting being, he likes to walk through locked doors, surprising those in private, and can often be seen standing next to the gambling machine…. perhaps he is waiting to win his money back? The short grey-haired man dressed in shirt and tweed trousers is a dead ringer of a man featured in a photograph in the Feathers games room. Although, like Casper, he is a relatively friendly ghost, he does have a mischievous side. He nearly scared the licensee to death when she woke one morning to find him sat at the end of her bed. After screaming out loud she threw a coat at him, scaring him off…. well; for now at least. One of his favourite tricks is lifts toilet seats up, not caring if they are in use, and turning the tv within the pub on and off at will. Knocking drinks off tables and breaking glasses is a common trick of his, so keep a close eye, and hand on your drink.

A clue to the identity of the ghost was given by the ghost himself. One morning the licensee went downstairs to find her silk scarf laid out on the floor in the shape of a capital ’N’. Some say this was the previous licensee, a Mr John Nowell, others a regular to the pub who still is looking to avoid his wife. One grizzly rumour is that the ghost is a man found dead in the pub in the late 1800’s. No one knows how he died, however perhaps the letter N is a clue? Whilst you ponder that mystery, let’s move on to our next haunting.

1: - Turn around and head back in the direction you have came from. Return back onto Stramongate  however turn left onto the A65 / new road and follow the path round keeping the road on your right.

2: Cross the bridge at miller bridge and turn right, continuing to follow the traffic onto Arman road/ the a6

3: Keeping the road to your left keep walking until you reach a metallic pedestrianised bridge and walk onto it to hear your next tale.

And now a tale of possibly the unluckiest, yet toughest woman Cumbria has ever known. Mary Birkett happily ran the Rule and Square public house in Fellside for many years. However, in a drastic turn of events she left the comfort of Cumbria to follow her husband, John, to the Napoleonic wars. Shortly after making the long journey there he was killed in battle, and she was forced to make her own way home. A dangerous mission for anyone, the voyage from France to northern England, let alone a young woman who had just found out she was pregnant. Bravely she proceeded, pressing onwards, marching ever closer home. Yet, her baby could wait no longer, and in squalid conditions, she stopped by a roadside in France to give birth. Sadly, the baby died soon after due to the freezing rain and howling winds. She valiantly continued and managed to find a ship that would allow her to work her passage home. However more bad luck was to come as the ship was shipwrecked in the Irish sea, just off the coast of Cumbria. Mary, having lost her husband and new-born child, desperately tried to stay afloat, and reach the land, however she could feel the currents dragging her down. She breathed heavily, thought of her lost husband and allowed the water to pull her under, succumbing to her fate…..but wait….this is not the end of her tale yet. As her head dropped below the surface, she felt a sharp pull of her tunic, and she was dragged to shore. Gasping for breath she looked up through watery eyes, meeting her savior, a wet, panting sheepdog.  She adopted the dog, and once returned to the pub they made their home together. Many a person has said on a dark, moonlit night, if you cast your eyes upon the streets of fellside you will be able to hear the sound of a dog barking and see a glimpse of auld Molly walking up the hill, followed by her beloved pet.

1: Turn back to the A65 and cross the road at the pedestrianised crossing

2: Keeping the road on your right, follow the traffic down the A65

3: Take your first left onto Parr street and walk to the top of the street where you will come across the entrance to the castle

Follow the steps up, making sure to hold the railing and take care on your climb: for those that cannot manage stairs we recommend listening to the audio here. 

The castle was built in the early 1200’s and is one of the few English castles that does not have a resident ghost, however is more famous for the ghosts it has produced rather than the ones it keeps. It was the home for the barons of Kendall who had a big influence on the development of Kendall and its surrounding area. The Parr family is the best known of the baronial families, the most famous member being Catherine Parr the 6^th and last queen of Henry 8^th. Catherine outlived Henry and shortly after married Thomas Seymour, moving to Sudeley Castle to await the birth of their first child, a baby girl named, Mary Seymour. Unfortunately, only 6 days after the birth of her child Catherine died; and is buried in the chapel at Sudeley.. Not long after Catherine’s death her grieving husband Thomas was arrested and executed for treason against the King; a particularly grizzly affair taking two strong blows to remove his head which was then placed on the walls of the city. And as for their daughter? The whereabouts of Mary differ but she disappears from the history books at the age of two. Historians debate whether she was disposed of to eliminate the linage completely, others say she was passed over to another family.

Since her death however, Catherine Parr has been seen roaming the grounds of the castle dressed in a long green dress, a paler version of her former self; always looking, seeking, searching…but for what? her child perhaps? Her presence brings a cold chill to the air and you will feel the temperature drop.

In another sighting a maid, Margaret Parker, working at the castle report seeing a tall, beautiful woman in a long green gown looking expectantly out of a window…..staring….waiting. She mistook the woman for an artist working in the castle on that particular day, however it turned out the artist was not actually in the castle at all. Margaret Parker believes it to have been the ghost of Catherine Parr. So, although Kendall Castle does not have a ghost of its own, its occupants have become them, and it has provided one of the most famous ghosts of England’s rich history.

So it seems wherever you venture in this Town, you are bound to bump into something of the night, whether it be the poisoned chalice of a pair of freed killers, a guardian angel or a brave woman forever walking the streets of fellside.

Keep safe, Travel well, and before you think you are safe at home, make sure you check you room twice, and hope you haven’t brought home an extra friend this day.

Many thanks for all your time.