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

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

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 2 Dalton Square (LA1 1PN)  type "Yes" to continue on the next page for your intro audio.

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

We welcome you to this haunting walk around our fantastic city, where we will discover ghostly beings, haunted houses and delve into the gruesome and macabre history that Lancaster has to offer.

First and foremost, the boring bits. You can walk at your own pace, and feel free to pop into any shops, bars or eateries on the way; just make sure not to close the page. . We are walking across public highways so please do look after yourselves, as we wouldn’t want to add more deaths to the tour would we? 

All set? Let’s start.

When you are ready to start and in Dalton Square type "Yes" to hear your first ghostly story. 

“Red stains on the carpet,
Red stains on your knife
Oh, Dr Buck Ruxton,
You murdered your wife.
The nursemaid saw you,
And threatened to tell,
Oh, Dr Ruxton, you killed her as well.”

Our first story takes us back to the year 1935: with questions of adultery, a well-known surgeon, a beaten housewife and a maid in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Inside these very doors that we stand before, was the scene of a most foul act. 

A well renowned and popular surgeon of his time, Dr Buck Ruxton, later to be known as the Savage Surgeon, practised medicine in Lancaster. To all who knew him he was well liked: amiable, trustworthy, caring: often letting patients off from paying who couldn’t afford the fees. 

However, behind these doors, the most publicised murders of 1930’s took place.

Buck Ruxton, a man born into privilege in Mumbai, settled in Lancaster in 1930, with his wife Isabella. He quickly established Dalton Square Medical practise, and he and his wife quickly became a family of 5, with two daughters and one son. To help look after the children, Buck and his wife Isabella hired a maid: Mary Jane Rogerson, who, by taking on this job; unknowingly had signed her own death certificate. 

Over the years the local police team became very famiar with the Ruxton’s, with allegations of assault regularly accruing from Isabella, screaming arguments regarding questions of her fidelity to Buck could be heard throughout the whole street, and regularly Isabella would leave Buck, backs packed heading to her sisters with the children. However, sadly she returned time and time again.

One fateful night, the early hours of 15^th September 1935, Isabella returned home after visiting the Blackpool illuminations with her family. Sadly, those lights were to be her last memories of this earth. 

When she walked through the door. Buck was waiting. Overwhelmed by jealousy and paranoia Buck lunged at her, his large surgical hands wrapping around her throat…as the air drained from her body. Not satisfied by this, he grabbed a knife, stabbing and beating her repeatedly, crushing bones and mutilating organs. Sadly, for Mary the maid; disturbed by the noises she would have interrupted the scene. A completely innocent victim placed in the situation by pure chance…lay dying as bucks hands suffocated her into silence. The autopsy reports indicate that the amount of blood at the scene suggests that both victims were alive as he mutilated their corpses; and that the mutilation took 8 whole hours. 

Chopping up the body parts into smaller chunks, removing fingerprints and nails, peeling skin away, burning teeth and hair. Deep cleaning his house to remove all traces of his ghastly crime. And driving all the way up to Moffat in Scotland to dispose what remains were left. 

A surgical man thought he could organise the perfect crime scene….only to be thwarted by his own work. 

Inside this bag is the key information that led the police on his trial….who wants to take a peak? (show bag – when people look in open and things fly out – inside bag is extracts from a local newspaper).

The bodies were wrapped in many things, partly in Sunday Graphic newspaper… a national newspaper. However, this edition was one only ever published in Lancaster and Morecambe…the net grew smaller. 

Missing persons reports matched up with forensic examination of the bodies, a cyclist knocked over by Buck on his way back from Scotland filled a report to the police, clothing on the deceased was matched by family members, and on searching the house pools of blood were found under floorboards, carpets and railings. 

The doctors time was up. Proclaiming his innocence throughout he was found guilty by jury of the murder of Isabella and Mary and hanged at HR prison Manchester on 12^th May 1936.

Some say on a quiet evening, just past midnight…if you stand in the square you can still hear the screams…. 

A handwritten note was left to be opened after his death: confessing his guilt to the two murders. So next time you think your Doctor has it in for you….it could be true (Big Smile)

Everyone cheered up now? Excellent. Follow me on to the first of our Haunted residences in this fair city and I will meet you there.

Type "Yes" to continue

1: Walk North Toward Sulyard Street

2: Walk onto Sulyard Street

3: Turn left onto Bryer Street

4: Continue down the lane beside the Golden Lion

5: Turn left onto Lodge Street, Destination on the right




The theatre; a place to relax, unwind and enjoy the laughter and atmosphere of a good show. 

Since opening in 1782 the stage has been host to thousands of cast members and delighted scores of customers. Some have enjoyed it so much that they have never wanted to leave. 

The third oldest theatre in England is home to many a vision in the night, with one appearing more than others. A “Grey Lady” has been seen by many people, leading to a mid-showing nights scream. 

First thing reports say are that the temperature of the auditorium drops slightly….an eerie atmosphere creeping in. A stilled silence hushes over the room as a shiver runs up your spine. 

Then she appears “Sarah Siddons, our grey lady” floats across the stage, still determined to continue her performances of Lady Macbeth that she was so well known for. She can also be found in the back of the theatre, sitting in the stall ready to watch another performance. Just hope she enjoys the show, as if she doesn’t; she will utter the word Macbeth under her breath, casting bad luck and misfortune on those on stage. Sarah was best known for her performances at Drury lane and Covent garden. She toured all over performing Shakespearean roles. She died in 1831 and there is a statue of her in Westminster abbey and a famous portrait of her called Mrs Siddons the tragic muse by Joshua Reynolds. Why haunt the grand you ask? One of her few poor performances was said to be when she was unwell, or possibly tired and emotionally, took place at the grand. It is said one of the audience shouted “Are you drunk Sarah?” She hesitated, then proceeded to the front of the stage, staring at the man she said “ I am not drunk sir, but if I was I would still look in the mirror tomorrow and see a handsome woman, you sir would still be a fat, ignorant pig”. Maybe Sarah never got over this performance and continues to wait for another chanced to prove her worth. 

Records show that Sarah was sister in law to Charles Edward Woodlock, who built the theatre. I suppose you could say that on this occasion; blood is not thicker than mortar. 

There have been many other apparitions and phantoms of the stage, with another common sight being that of a male actor, routinely appearing throughout the main auditorium. Little is known about this man, except that he was a travelling actor in the 1930’s, called Harald, and stayed at the midland in 1937. Maybe he found a friend in Sarah and decided that the Grand Theatre would be a place he would like to call home forever. Or perhaps he will only rest when he has seen a show that meets his expectations. 

Before we move on, just one word of warning. If you ever get the privilege to perform here, request that you avoid dressing room 5. The most haunted of the dressing rooms unknown footsteps are routinely heard here and out of no-where an overpowering stench of alcohol can hit your nostrils. Items can be moved and there has been reports that a strange presence can be felt, company notwithstanding.  Bad luck can follow these signs….so keep your eyes and nostrils peeled…. 

Now; the show must go on….so please follow me.

Type "Yes" to continue

1: While looking at the Grand Theatre, head right into town

2: Cross the road at the traffic lights

3: Turn right onto Rosemary Lane

4: Head straight onto Chapel Street

5: Turn left onto Cable Street and safely cross the road at the lights.

6: Turn right onto Damside Street, your destination is on your left...



A pub steeped in history….and with extra life.

One of the oldest pubs in England it dates back to the 1400’s, it has been previously known as the carpenter’s arms and the red lion before the name you we know it as today: the three mariners. Taking its name its position so close to the lune it was a regular haunt for many sea-faring folks, as well as prisoners and captives alike. 

A unique pub in many senses, this is only one of two pubs in the whole of the U.K to have a gravity fed cellar…meaning that the cellar is actually above the pub, allowing the beer to naturally flow down to the pumps. And being built underneath the castle this allows water from within the castle rock to naturally seep through and cool the cellar all year round, saving on those electricity bills… However, I feel few of you gathered today are here to hear about the benefits of a carbon neutral cooling system….as there are far darker stories within.

Aside from the Castle this is known as the second most haunted place in Lancaster. Due to its location below the Castle it was often used to house prisoners for their final meal and drink before being taken to the gallows…. with its famous guests even including the Pendle witches. 

Every room in the pub has had ghostly apparitions; from cellar down to the entrance; so nowhere would appear safe from an unwanted visitor

The most haunted areas of the pub are located on the first floor, where the toilets and the cellar reside. For decades previous landlords and tenants report a “blonde lady” to inhabit the toilets. With folklore saying she was a prisoner at the castle, she is a tormented soul, angry, upset and restless. 

Appearing at night, with the air chilled and the lighting dark, her presence is noted by a drop in temperature, she can move quickly; throwing items around the toilets and cellars, unexpected banging can be heard from her force….so lets keep on her good side. 

Another famous resident is a well-dressed Jacobite, who was fatefully stabbed within the pub in the Jacobite uprising in the 1700’s. His body left this world, but his spirit never did. He was killed playing cards and likes to be seated in the corners, stood at the entrance or just outside, surveying the river lune; perhaps looking out for trouble; so keep heed of his presence, as he may be offering safety with his appearance. He can often be found close by to another man, unknown in name or voice but a presence none the less. His body was found dead in the pub; murdered and hidden under the box seats. He waits to find his killers…. 

The list of ghostly beings here could go on and on, and often the above figures are said to be accompanied by a cold hand being places on your arm…. softly gripping; getting tighter and tighter. 

Special mention must be made to our mariner of residence. Dressed in the same bold red attire as on the signage, he was a frequent visitor to the pub. He is not known to have died here, but it clearly was a favourite spot of his, as he never wants to leave; his wife must be wondering where he has gone for all this time. Spotting this well-dressed chap is said to bring good luck; so keep your eyes peeled. 

And to finish, for those younger audiences here; keep aware; for the ghostly occurrences within these walls are said to be receptive to children and young adults. So keep close to others, and make sure that it is Mum’s hand on your arm and not anyone else.....

Type "Yes" to continue

1: Walk past the Three Mariners, go through the tunnel on the left

2: Turn right onto Bridge Lane

3: Turn right at Church Street

4: Your destination is straight ahead




Now we stop briefly, to travel back to the 17^th century and look at the gaoler, or the keeper of the Castle: Thomas Covell. Described by his peers as a ‘beastly’ man he revelled in the harsh treatment of his prisoners: in fact, the most famous of the Pendle Witches, Elizabeth Southerns, otherwise known as Old Demdike, died whilst in captivity within the castle.

Judges Lodgings, was the home of Thomas Covell for the time he spent as keeper of the castle, meaning he was responsible for the imprisonment, interrogation and execution of all those sentenced to death at that time.

Although torture was “officially” forbidden, the sadistic Thomas Covell was expected to get his prisoners to talk, any way how…he once slashed off the ears of a man accused of forgery.

He would chain the witches up in a black, dark, wet and cold room. Fixed to the floor they could not move. No daylight would they see, and no air would pass their face. Oh, and beating and starving prisoners was not deemed as torture…did I mention that? So after days of nothing but blackness, coldness, beaten regularly and starved…most would say anything to just see the light of day. 

And if anyone wants to know how truly awful it is, see this extract from George Fox, a Quaker housed at the prison. 

““Then I was put into a tower where the smoke of the other prisoners came up so thick that I could scarcely see the candle that it burned…

Besides it rained in upon my bed… in this manner did I lie all that long cold winter till the next assizes; in which time I was so starved with cold and rain, and my body so greatly swelled and my limbs benumbed.”

Thomas will always go down in history as a notorious witch hunter, and you see before you his residence whilst he put his foul thoughts into motion

Type "Yes" to continue

1: Continue up Church Street on the right side of Judges Lodgings 

2: Follow the steps onto St Mary's Parade

3: Keep going straight, your destination will be on your right

(For those needing to avoid steps take a left at Judges Lodgings and walk up Castle Hill. The you will have to walk clockwise around the Castle until you find the Priory)



The Priory and Parish Church of St Mary, Lancaster, as it is officially known, is mostly a 15th-century building, though it contains several pre-Conquest reminders of an earlier building, including a Saxon doorway and fragments of Saxon crosses, with further roman influence at the hands of Roger Poitou, a relation of William the Conqueror. 

Standing next to the Castle it is steeped in religious history and holds a memorial brass carving to none other that our new friend Thomas Covell at the rear of the church.

Although not as haunted as its neighbour, there are rumouring’s that an unworldly spirit haunts their halls, helping protect those within. 

In fact, in the 19^th century it is documented that a local thief broke into the priory, intent on stealing the golden candlesticks the priory had on display. Unfortunately for him, he was unaware of the extra presence roaming the aisles of the church.

Those that enter uninvited do not leave.

The intruder was startled…….to his death. Found dead in the morning he was still clutching the candlesticks, a paler version of himself, mouth open wide, in startled disbelief.

So, let that be a lesson to those looking for some extracurricular activities, be aware of unseen protectors, who will ensure no harm comes to this church. 

Type "Yes" to continue

1: Turn Around, head towards The Castle

2: Locate the corner, pictured below

WARNING: There may be construction at the place pictured above, please bare in mind and take care


Lancaster Castle. Standing proud over the river lune for over a thousand years, growing taller and grander since it’s humble beginnings as a wooden fort. 

It has been witness to viscous wars, plague, murder and itself has condemned hundreds of people to death. Only second to London in terms of numbers hung which gave it the nickname “The Hanging town” – (it was only made a city in the 1930’s)

Prior to the year 1800 prisoners sentenced to death were either hung at the castle, or at Lancaster Moor, where now stands the Aston memorial. After this time, the decision was made to bring the deaths closer to home…and house them all at the castle. 

The spot you are now standing must be the bloodiest spot in all of Lancaster… “Hangman’s corner”.

On these fair stones was the public viewing gallery for the hangings. People would turn out in their thousands, including organised school parties, from all over the north west to catch a glimpse of the hangman walking out with the damned, slowly exiting from the double doors you can see.  Across on the bank, up to 6000 people could be based there. 

In front of the sealed archway stood the gallows: consisting of large beams, and several tied lengths of rope. As the condemned slowly walked out, the public gallery would build itself in a fervour, with insults shouted and objects hurled at the prisoners. Then; the hangman would cover their faces with a white hood and wrap a simple noose around their necks… slowly tightening as an eerie hush would descend on the crowd. A spoken word from an administrator or priest before the final screams of the damned…the silence……as the hangman disappeared below the gallery to remove the pins and allow the floors to fall from beneath the prisoners. 

At Lancaster, they favoured the short drop. This meant the now departed did not die quickly, as they did not fall far enough to allow their necks to snap. It would take several minutes as they were gradually suffocated by the rope…their bodies writhing in agony, getting slower, losing breath before finally going limp. The crowd in hysterics at the sight of their plight.  

Their bodies would be left to hang for over an hour as a black flag was raised above the castle. 

The last public hanging here was on March 25th 1865. Stephen Burke, found guilty of the murder of his wife was hanged until he died. After this The Capital Punishment Amendment Act of 1868 put and end to public hangings. 

Within the hundreds of hanging that have taken place at the castle, some stand out more than most. In 1616, Fr John Thules was arrested at the house of Roger Wrenno, a ‘poor weaver’ from Chorley. They managed to escape from Lancaster Castle, but after walking all night they found that they had been going in circles and were still within sight of their prison. Recaptured and condemned, they were offered their lives if they would recant their faith. Both refused. The first attempt to hang Wrenno failed when the rope broke. Seeing this as divine intervention, the Sheriff said to him ‘It is God’s will thou shouldst not die; take the oath therefore and be a good subject and the King will show mercy’. Wrenno replied, ‘If you had seen that which I have just now seen, you would be as much in haste to die as I now am’. He quickly mounted the scaffold again and was hanged.

Finally, in 1646, Born in Leyland father John was brought up a Protestant but later became a Franciscan. He was arrested after saying mass at Bamber Bridge. Eventually brought to court in August 1646, he admitted to being a priest. Nothing further was needed to condemn him and he received the inevitable death sentence. The rope broke at the first attempt, seeking divine intervention he prayed that his life be forgiven. Sadly, this was not to be. He was hung again, and to make sure he was dead he was cut down from the rope just before dying, his body dismembered and displayed on the walls of the castle, as a warning to others.

Type "Yes" to continue

                                     
                                     1: Follow the flat path anti-clockwise around the castle
                                           
                                          2:  Keep following it until you are at the front

It’s not just the red of blood that the castle has seen, the most haunted spot in Lancashire has some visitors that just will not leave, no matter what their punishment in life. 

Staff at the prison often report blue orbs circling the courtroom, whilst footsteps can often be heard scurrying down empty corridors, and loud shrieking noises can suddenly break a hushed silence: again, with no reason.

On these grounds around the castle walks a ghost has haunted this land for centuries. Known as “The Black Monk” he appears only at night, when the sun is down and moonlight shining. Dressed in a monk habit he patrols the castle, his company is known by a sudden drop in temperature, and even in the heat of summer a deathly chill arrives. So keep a look out tonight, as if you feel a chill and a hand grasps your shoulder, or you feel a whispering into your ear, it may be a monk looking for  somewhere warm to stay tonight. 

Within the Castle itself numerous prisoners, staff and visitors have reported sights of a haggard looking woman and her young child. Not keeping to one area of the Castle they have been spotted in cells, in the courtroom and throughout many other areas. The young girl is often seen running, possibly looking for something, possibly trying to get away. No one knows, yet something, or someone is keeping these two captives here forever. 

Perhaps out most famous guest is the aforementioned Elizabeth Southerness, Or Old Demdyke. She was the only Pendle witch to not make it to the hangman’s noose, the brutality of her captivity bearing too much upon her body, leading her to die in prison.

Although her body was removed her spirit decided to remain, forever torturing those that remained within the castle walls.  She is said to be the reason of most of the other worldly activities happening within the castle. Items have been known to be thrown across rooms, mutterings and whisperings in witch like incantations can be heard through the quietness of night, whilst prisoners had been known to become unsettled for no known reason….a spirit come upon them some reported. 

So it seems wherever you venture in this City, you are bound to bump into something of the night, whether it be the sharp point of a doctors scalpel, a thespian who does not want to leave her work or numerous ghouls who refuse to leave their place of rest. 

Keep safe this evening. 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 evening.

Many thanks for all your time.

Type "Yes" to continue