Norton Priory in Runcorn, Cheshire, was founded as an Augustinian monastery in 1134. It flourished for over 400 years before being dissolved in 1536 during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries. The site includes the ruins of the 12th-century abbey church, a medieval undercroft, and the remains of an 18th-century walled garden.

Several ghost stories are associated with Norton Priory. One of the most prominent is the tale of a hooded monk seen walking through the ruins, particularly near the old chapel area. Visitors have reported feeling a sudden chill and sensing an unseen presence in this location.

Another recurring apparition is that of a young girl in Victorian-era clothing, often spotted in the walled garden. Witnesses describe her as having long, dark hair and a pale complexion. Some accounts claim to have heard her laughing or calling out.

The undercroft, a vaulted chamber beneath the abbot’s lodging, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a monk who was allegedly walled up alive as punishment for breaking his vows. Visitors have reported hearing muffled cries and scratching sounds coming from within the walls.

There are also reports of unexplained footsteps echoing through empty corridors, doors opening and closing on their own, and sudden temperature drops in specific areas of the priory grounds. Some visitors have claimed to capture orbs and mysterious figures in photographs taken at the site.

Staff members have reported books and objects moving inexplicably in the museum area, and the sound of chanting has been heard coming from the ruined church, particularly at dawn and dusk.