Champness Hall in Rochdale, England, was constructed in 1925 as a Methodist mission. The building was named after Thomas Champness, a prominent Methodist preacher and evangelist. It served as a hub for religious and community activities for many years.

The hall’s paranormal reputation stems from numerous reported ghostly encounters over the decades. Staff and visitors have described sensing an oppressive atmosphere and feeling watched, particularly in the basement areas. Unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures have been reported throughout the building.

One of the most frequent claims involves the apparition of a man in old-fashioned clothing, believed to be Thomas Champness himself, seen wandering the corridors and main hall. Another recurring phenomenon is the sound of children playing and laughing when no children are present, possibly echoes from its past use as a Sunday school.

In the building’s theatre, witnesses have reported seeing a ghostly audience and hearing phantom applause. Some have even claimed to see figures on the stage when it was empty. The balcony area is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity, with people reporting sudden temperature drops and feelings of unease.

The basement has a particularly sinister reputation, with reports of a malevolent presence and people feeling pushed or touched by unseen hands. Some visitors have described seeing a dark, menacing figure in this area.

Objects reportedly move on their own, doors slam shut unexpectedly, and electrical equipment often malfunctions without explanation. These occurrences have contributed to Champness Hall’s reputation as one of Rochdale’s most haunted locations.