The Ashton Memorial, a stunning Edwardian folly in Lancaster’s Williamson Park, was commissioned by Lord Ashton as a tribute to his late wife. Completed in 1909, this domed structure stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the city. While its architectural beauty is undeniable, the memorial also harbors a reputation for paranormal activity.

Visitors and staff have reported encounters with the ghost of Lord Ashton himself. Witnesses describe seeing a distinguished gentleman in Edwardian attire walking the grounds at dusk, often disappearing into thin air when approached. Some claim to have heard his footsteps echoing through the memorial’s marble halls long after closing time.

Another frequently reported apparition is that of a young woman in a flowing white dress, believed to be the spirit of Lady Ashton. She has been seen gliding along the balconies and occasionally gazing out from the dome’s windows, as if searching for something in the distance.

The memorial’s lower chambers have been the site of unexplained cold spots and sudden temperature drops, even on warm days. Staff members have reported feeling an unseen presence brushing past them in these areas, accompanied by the faint scent of lavender perfume.

Nighttime security guards have logged numerous instances of lights turning on and off by themselves, and the sound of muffled conversations emanating from empty rooms. Some have even reported seeing shadowy figures darting between the columns on the memorial’s exterior during their patrols.

These persistent reports have cemented the Ashton Memorial’s reputation as one of Lancaster’s most haunted locations, drawing paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors alike to experience its ethereal atmosphere.