Rufford Old Hall, a Tudor manor house in West Lancashire, was constructed in the 1530s for Sir Robert Hesketh. The estate remained in the Hesketh family for over 400 years before being gifted to the National Trust in 1936. The hall’s Great Hall, with its impressive hammer-beam roof, is one of the finest examples of Tudor architecture in England.

Over the centuries, Rufford Old Hall has accumulated numerous ghost stories. One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a grey lady, believed to be Queen Elizabeth I. Visitors and staff have claimed to see her gliding through the Great Hall and ascending the staircase. Another recurring spectral figure is that of a man in Tudor clothing, often spotted in the grounds and near the moat.

The hall’s kitchen is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died in a fire. Witnesses have reported hearing her cries and feeling an unexplained cold spot in the area. In the Great Hall, people have experienced the sensation of being watched and have heard unexplained footsteps when the room was empty.

A more recent addition to the hall’s ghostly inhabitants is said to be a former caretaker who lived on the premises in the early 20th century. Staff members have reported seeing his apparition in various parts of the building, particularly in the areas where he used to work.

The hall’s long history of paranormal activity has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts, with many organized ghost tours and investigations taking place at the property over the years.