Thursday May 9th 2019

I first visited historic Haden Hill House / Haden Hall - in Rowley Regis - during the latter half of the 1980's.  I'll happily admit that, at the time, I'd been led to believe that the structure had actually been 'demolished' a few years earlier.... so my trip to the region was purely in order to take a look-see at the spot where the place 'used to stand'.  Thankfully, however, it appears the article that I'd read - from a few years earlier - had been somewhat premature in it's suggestions that the local corporation would be 'tearing the site down' and, instead of an open space, I was overjoyed to find the place was still very much there!! 

At the time of this initial visit, the Victorian portion of the site - Haden Hill House - was undergoing a huge renovation project... which is responsible for the magnificent building that you see today.  Referring to the photograph above, the left-hand portion of the image is the aforementioned, 1870's house, while the right-hand section shows the 17th Century 'Haden Hall'.  (The latter wing is also shown here).  

  During the restoration period, the entire site was understandably 'fenced off' from the public, but a workman had spotted yours truly - mooching around the perimeter - and, sidling over, had asked if I was interested in what was going on?  Replying in the affirmative, I then found myself treated to a comprehensive tour of the entire site!

As readers can possibly guess, there are a number of legends and ghost stories associated with the location and, in more recent years, the place has played host to numerous paranormal investigations and tours.

Possibly the most famous spooky legend is that of 2 lovers.... a 'monk' from Halesowen Abbey and 'Eleanor', the daughter of a Hayseech miller.  (*The identity of the female does sometimes change from telling to telling, however!)  A staple of such stories, their relationship was conducted in secret... until they were discovered and allegedly 'walled up alive' in a tunnel, one end of which surfaced in the cellars of Haden Hall.  As a result, the apparition of Eleanor - clad in white and wringing her hands in despair - is said to haunt the building.......  Certain stories say that the monk appears in a particular, upstairs room in the property.

Confusingly, there seem to be a number of locations in the vicinity where a female ghost - or different female ghosts - have reportedly been seen?  In the surrounding parkland, for example, a typical 'grey / white lady' style figure has often been reported.... as well as a young woman in 'blue garb' being spotted sitting at the edge of the nearby pool....  (Image here).   Staff associated with the property are also said to have seen a 'blue lady' during the 1960's.

The older, Haden Hall is also said to play host to an elderly, female ghost.... that of Eliza Haden, who apparently lived here, alone, until her death in the early 20th Century.  Her apparition is said to have been seen peering from the upper windows of the house and, during the 1970's, a photograph was taken that supposedly shows her face sadly gazing down from the attic area!?  It was also during the 1970's that at least one 'ghost hunt' was held in this older section of the building... and I have a handful of scanned photographs in my files taken from images obtained during this investigation.

  
Returning to the 'physical history' of the place, the Haden Hall section of the site had been allowed to remain in a semi-derelict state for a number of decades until recent renovations thankfully restored it to it's current, majestic condition.  While meaning to re-visit the site in more recent times, it wasn't until only a few days ago - May Bank Holiday Monday - that I was finally able to actually see the wonderfully reconstructed property.  It was a most happy coincidence that this recent decision to go and re-acquaint myself with the location happened to fall on a day when a 'Wartime-themed' festival was being held there... meaning that both houses were fully open to the public, as well as numerous 1940's-styled exhibits and attractions to boot!  Relative to this period - serendipitously - a number of the ghost stories associated with the property actually hail from the WWII period, when 'catering' activities being carried out there had to cease due to staff strictly refusing to enter the site at night! 

Whatever the validity of the aforementioned tales, the site itself is an utterly fascinating and beautiful spot to visit, if you should ever get the chance.....  Please check the official Sandwell Council website for the Hall / House HERE and keep an eye out for forthcoming events and attractions.

  

Wednesday 8th May 2019

Visiting allegedly haunted sites will always hold a great fascination for a great many people, as just one, basic, aspect of such a practice is the simple fact that it 'brings you into contact' with, on certain levels, the very ghosts and hauntings that you have been reading about - sometimes over the space of many years - and can serve to make the investigator feel just that little bit 'closer to the mystery' (for want of a better, less theatrical-sounding, term).  My apologies for the dramatic angle here, but, no matter what your approach to this topic might be, it certainly seems that some form of contact with, or connection to, the subject is of paramount importance or emphasis to a great many?

Personally speaking, I've always found it highly fascinating and rewarding to be able to feel that you are bringing yourself 'closer to' the locations, events and characters involved; and - it has to be stressed - speaking as a highly sceptical and wholly objective researcher, this certainly doesn't mean (to me at least) a case of 'investigating in order to believe that I have experienced something paranormal', but, as with anything even mildly 'historical in nature', it's simply a case of 'adding meat to the bones' of the legends and tales we come into contact with and... well, basically... potentially being able to sometimes 'make human again' the highly 'insubstantial' characters that we find we are dealing with......

On this note, it's always felt terribly edifying to yours truly to be able to physicalise, in some way, those 'people that are now being presented to us purely in 'ghostly' form.  A simple example of what I'm getting at here is - as occurred some years ago now - being able to stand at the real-life graveside of a person who was said to be one of the ghosts who haunted a fairly 'famous' (for its ghostly heritage) property in the Black Country region.  Needless to say, this is a purely subjective act - given the overall subject being discussed here - but, purely on a personal level, I find it psychologically gratifying to be potentially able to 'put the human existence back into a ghost' at some level or another.....                       

And so:  I was recently contacted by someone who, it turns out, is a close relative of one of the 'ghosts' that allegedly haunted a site that the W.M.G.C. investigated (on a few occasions) many years ago now.  Because of the nature of the site, I'd initially taken the details related about the character in question with a pinch of salt; though, I hasten to add, that I will - as par for the course - 'make a record of everything' offered to me, over the duration of an investigation (including recordings, interviews, associated legends and stories, etc).  Everything will be noted for reference purposes, while still taking nothing as gospel.... and so forth.

In this instance, the character concerned had been mentioned a great many times over my association with the site in question - by numerous, unrelated people - including conversations with individuals literally years after the investigations / main research venture had ceased.  Again, believing that the data concerned could possibly have been little more than a well-known and much quoted 'legend' - embellished, added to, transformed, etc, with the passing of time - I had made a note of everything said, but still viewed the general topic with a dubious eye.......

On the whole, we will all have heard numerous, tragic tales of people supposedly associated with whatever places we are looking at.... but I'd personally hazard a guess that over 75% of these stories are nothing more than fantasy... or at least transmogrified, unrelated details that have been 'attached to a place' with time.  Needless to say, these stories seem a definite staple when it comes to allegedly haunted sites... the more dramatic the better: murders, suicides, battles, assaults.... you name it, it's been suggested / applied, somewhere along the lines, from place to place.

And so, bringing this brief ramble to a close, I refrain from adding any real, pertinent detail to this note, for most obvious reasons, but suffice it to say it was a highly refreshing change to actually find myself contacted by someone who could verify the real-life details concerning, in this instance, a most tragic legend for me!  As a result of this initially tentative inquiry, I find myself now able to view a death certificate for the person involved, visit a grave and peruse newspaper articles pertaining to their very real and sad demise.  Despite the unfortunate details of the non-too-distant (historically speaking) matter, it is - again - highly satisfying to be able to 'add life to' the unfortunate character concerned......  

Wednesday 8th May 2019 

Within recent days, our old friend Johnny Witton posted a couple of photographs of Dudley Castle on the W.M.G.C. Facebook page (LINK), which prompted one of our members, April Orchard, to tell the story of her first 'ghost sighting' - occurring in 2016, on her very first investigation - at the aforementioned site!!

It appears that there were around 20 people present at the time of the encounter, but only 3 of those actually 'saw the figure'.... which they took to be the famous 'Grey Lady'!

The group were in the process of holding a vigil in what is known to be the 'Kitchens' area of the ruins, when a 'calling out' session was underway.  April says that - lo and behold - every time they 'asked for a sign', they would hear a 'rustling noise' from the roofless room next door!!  Everyone present was so elated that they appeared to be receiving a response to their questioning, it was suggested by April that they all move into the room where the rustling was originating.... which they did.

Entering the area, they were instantly rewarded with the sound of rustling again...... but then came the crushing anti-climax, when they realised the noise concerned was actually nothing more than a section of 'blue tarpaulin' that was flapping In the wind!!  SOOO disheartening!!  Laugh!!

However...... the now deflated group were in the process of looking away from their discovery, when the figure of a woman suddenly walked from one wall of the room - across the floor - and into another!!  The form, which originated from the wall to the left hand side of the tarpaulin, was viewed by April from a side angle and appeared to be 'legless'... though the arms of the figure were clearly seen 'swinging', as in a normal, walking motion.  The figure was that of a young - late 20's / early 30's - slim woman, with long, dark, 'straggly' hair, and the bottom of her grey dress appeared to be made up on different lengths of fabric......

To her credit - because the figure had seemed so real - April had subsequently looked around the area to see if someone had perhaps set up a projector, or some such equipment, to possibly 'fake' the experience?  As mentioned, there were well over a dozen people in the room at the time, but only three of those present actually saw the figure concerned.  (*This kind of 'some do, some don't' scenario, needless to say, has frequently been reported during alleged ghost sightings, over the years, at a variety of different sites).   It should be noted that there was also a peculiar 'smell' noted at the time of the encounter, but those present were told that this was associated with a 'tramp-type-character' who used to 'hang around' the castle kitchens when they were still in operation.....?

While people do tend to react different to this kind of experience, April tells us that - while overwhelmed - she was left feeling absolutely ecstatic by her encounter!  She reports having been left feeling truly 'privileged' by the experience!

Following her sighting, April then saw the famous, 2014, 'Grey Lady' photograph that was taken at the castle, which was picked up by both National and International media sources after initially being seen on this very blog by 'Birmingham Mail' reporter, Mike Lockley!  On the night of their experience April's group had, coincidentally, entered the kitchen area of the ruin through the very doorway featured in this photograph, some 2 years earlier!!  (Mikes Article - HERE)

*As an asides to the above matter - relating to the 'flapping tarpaulin' matter - we had to admit that we could wholeheartedly share in Aprils disappointment, as 'we too' also had a similar story to tell....!!  Laugh!!  During an investigation at the picturesque ruin of Lilleshall Abbey, in Shropshire, many years ago, the group took some sound recordings... which, upon checking the footage, were found to contain a lengthy sequence of 'rustling noises'!?!  As these recordings had been made in a locked-off section of the ruin - the so-called 'Murder Room' - with no one physically present at the time, we were most excited to believe we had possibly caught something quite inexplicable!! 

However, after a few minutes of excited checking and re-checking, it suddenly dawned on us that we had used a huge, blue, tarpaulin to line the lichen covered floor of the chamber concerned on the night in question.......  A night, it had to be noted, that was particularly 'windy'........  Laugh!! 

A big 'Thank You' from the W.M.G.C. - to April Orchard - for kindly allowing us to re-tell her story here!!  If any of our page / blog visitors might be able to help April in finding the other two 'witnesses' to the sighting mentioned here.... then she / we would be forever grateful!?  If anyone is aware of friends or relatives who have attended a commercial investigation in the past and believe they have had a ghostly experience during the event... then please could you possibly check to see if it might have been the same 2016 matter being discussed here, perhaps?  If so, please drop a note to me - via wmghostclub@yahoo.co.uk - and we will pass your details on to April ASAP.  Many thanks!

Wednesday May 8th 2019

Just within the last few weeks, I have been contacted by someone who (quite enviably IMHO) 'owns a church', which they currently use for private enterprise purposes.  The reason why this person contacted me, specifically, was that they had just been told a peculiar story by a relative and, in searching the internet for potential input on the matter, they came across a mention of the W.M.G.C., listed in conjunction with the (wholly embarrassing) 'Cannock Chase Werewolf' shenanigans of a few years ago.

The key reason for the contact was that - a few weeks earlier - a friend of the relative was driving past the church in question when they encountered 2, giant, 'wolf-like' creatures, coming out of some woodland, just 100 feet down the road from the site. They had crossed the road.... and immediately sat down in the church car park, staring at him as he slowly drove past in disbelief!?  The man had been so shocked by the encounter that he immediately called his mum!

The owner of the church messaged all of the neighbours and, initially, no one knew of anyone in the area who owned large dogs, such as huskies, etc.  The witness said that - when sitting - the animals must have been around 4 feet tall.  (Interestingly, 'wolves' happen to be an all-time, childhood fear, of the church owner and - seeing as they work in the building through all hours of the night - it has certainly 'put the fear of God into them', being up there alone!?)

Since our initial correspondence on this subject, the owner admits that they have subsequently spoken to one neighbour who says that she has seen the animals too.  It is NOW believed that the creatures may well possibly be escaped dogs from a nearby rescue centre, perhaps?  

In furtherance to this encounter - but also as something of an asides to the matter too - my contact admitted that, with all the peculiar 'activity' that they had experienced at the church, nothing would shock them!  They have owned the church for approx. 2 years now and, the minute they took over occupancy, they were VERY aware of what was going on.  They believe that they have 'always been able to see odd things'.... as well as experiencing occasional 'premonitions' and the likes.  Our correspondent reveals that they were sure 'killings' had taken place in the basement of the church..... and visiting mediums only served to clear up what they had thought, it seems?

Often, tools would go missing around the building..... inexplicable voices would be heard;  items would be moved or sometimes heard rattling of their own accord!?  After only a few days working there, they noticed the voices of children.... playing late at night!?  In making some inquiries, they were told that the children in the next door property used to 'play with' the ghost children in the past.  The children concerned used to 'see' and 'interact with' a little, 'crippled' boy.... and a young girl.  The son of the family then took his mother to the grave of a girl who had died 140 or so years ago at the age of just 20 months old.  He told her that this was 'where she lives....'.  There was also believed to be a very strong 'male' force present, who would make himself very known when he wasn’t happy...  The father of the owner also said that he was very aware of this character, while he was helping around the property one night. Historically speaking, there is also said to be a veiled woman, dressed all in black.... often seen positioned at the rear of the church during funerals.

Neighbours of the property claim to often hear noises late at night, after the owner has left.

Activity escalated to an extent that the owner eventually called in 3 paranormal teams and one man did mention that the church was situated 'on a portal'?  3 visiting 'mediums' are said to have related quite a lot of information about the site, including suggestions that 'some' of the resident 'spirits are a blacksmith; a mute called big Tom.... and a lady who gave up her child called Jane Bisset.  (It is believed that this woman is the aforementioned 'Female In Black' figure encountered during funerals?)  The ground that the church is built on is believed to be linked to witchcraft.  There have been a number of 'human sacrifices' in the basement of the property.  This has been suggested, because, last year, 2 'malevolent spirits' had to be cleared from the basement area, as they were supposedly causing the owner - and other people - to almost 'faint' at times.  There was a very heavy and oppressive / scary atmosphere in the area and - since they have been cleared - it’s said to be an entirely different place!?  (2 of the 3 mediums  supposedly gave anyone the chance to 'pass over', if they wanted... and those that wished to remain are said to be more than welcome to do so by the owner!)

A recording from a 'spirit box' session is said to have been 'rather terrifying', but this is all that has been said on the subject in question, I'm afraid.  There have also been lots of references to 'the secret... of which no one knows'!?!  (The owner suspects that this is the aforementioned 'sacrifices', possibly!?)

I'm told that the last year or so has been much quieter... now that many of the resident 'spirits' have passed on.  However, it's said that, occasionally, there are 'people' lurking around!?  The owner believes that there is still a woman on the property, but they are unsure who, precisely.  There is supposedly a 'minister' in the graveyard and the last medium still feels there is a man 'trapped in the basement' who was kept there for sacrifice and has been unable to leave.........