Overview
Are you ready for a spine-tingling experience? Visit Smithills Hall, where visitors have been known to catch glimpses of mysterious spirits. Some have seen ghostly apparitions moving behind them in mirrors, while others have reported strange lights. If you’re curious to find out what else lurks in this ancient house, book your visit today! You won’t regret it.
SMITHILLS HALL GHOST HUNT
Go on a thrilling ghost hunt with your friends at Smithills Hall! Discover a spine-tingling night of mystery and adventure while you explore the hall, uncovering its haunted history.
Step back in time and venture into the shadows with your friends to uncover its eerie secrets. During this ghost hunt, you’ll get to experience an interactive, exciting environment and meet fellow ghost hunters as you delve into spirit contact, venture through the building, and possibly encounter a ghostly figure or two!
The benefits of a ghost hunt are limitless: not only can you enjoy a unique night out with your friends, but you can also make lasting memories as you investigate and explore Smithills Hall. The evening is sure to be full of surprises; plus, you can take the chance to take plenty of photos for future bragging rights. Most of all, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out if there are indeed any supernatural spirits lingering in the shadows. So gather your brave friends and head to Smithills Hall for a spooky night you won’t soon forget.
WELCOME TO YOUR SMITHILLS HALL GHOST HUNT EXPERIENCE
Are you ready for a night you’ll never forget?
Come and join us at Smithills Hall and embark on a thrilling ghost hunt. Our unique program includes glass divination, table tipping, and human pendulum experiments – and, for those with an extra sense of daring, Ouija boards! Plus, you’ll have access to the best ghost-hunting tools on the market so that you can communicate with the spirits.
We have something for everyone – We offer small groups for those looking for a more intimate experience, or challenge yourself to a lone vigil if you’re up for an extra spooky adventure. So don’t hesitate and come to Smithills Hall – live the unforgettable fear of a ghost hunt today!
Reported Ghosts
On a visit to Smithills Hall as a child, one visitor was astonished to discover that he and his parents were the only visitors left in the hall. As they made their way to the top of the stairs leading to the Green Room, he noticed a man standing there. To this day, the man still believes he saw George Marsh, the protestant martyr who was held and questioned in the same room – the most haunted one in the building.
Likewise, some eerie experiences have also been reported in the chapel. A Friend of Smithills Hall entered the chapel before the hall opened to visitors and observed someone in the midst of prayer. However, upon meeting his colleague in the corridor and informing him of what he had seen, they both went back to the chapel and discovered that the mysterious figure was no longer there. Furthermore, a recent incident involving one of the members of staff revealed an otherworldly presence – she was so forcefully pushed from behind that she fell onto the wall, with lasting evidence of her encounter.
As the manager of the shop gazed into the Pugin mirror that hung on the wall, a strange figure caught her attention. It was a man with white bushy hair dressed in black, watching her from the doorway. The manager spun around to investigate, yet there was no one there. This occurrence repeated itself for a couple of weeks.
The third time the manager looked up from the mirror, the mysterious figure had moved from the door and was standing on the stairs. Instantly, she thought of the Ainsworth family, who had inherited the house in 1870.
In the mornings, museum staff enter Colonel Ainsworth’s room and find the glasses on the table disarrayed and turned upside down. Moreover, the barrier ropes mysteriously swing of their own accord, even if there has been no one nearby. To make matters stranger, cats meowing and children giggling are heard, yet there is no source.
Could the man in black have anything to do with all these mysterious occurrences?
Legends say that, centuries ago, the footprint of George Marsh could be found embedded into the stone floor of Smithills Hall. It is said that George Marsh, a famous medieval priest and bishop of London, came to the hall to challenge the lord of the house to a duel over the accusation of him hiding money from the poor. As Marsh’s courage did not waiver, despite facing a much bigger man, the lord became scared. Before the fight could take place, Marsh began to stomp his feet on the ground, declaring that he would prove himself e. At the end of this amazing story, the footprint remained in the floor, thus earning the legend of “George Marsh’s Footprint.” Stories say as when the stone slab showing this marking was removed, paranormal activity in the Hall became rife. it was then reset and the activities ceased. You can view this footprint today under a glass display.
Venue History
Smithills Hall, situated in the borough of Bolton, is an architectural treasure with a long and fascinating history. Firstly, it was built in the 14th century and has remained standing for over 600 years, standing proudly against the test of time. Its ownership, however, has passed through various hands. Secondly, the hall began life as the home of the landed gentry, and for many centuries, Smithills Hall was held in the private possession of the Sir Robert Walmsley family.
George Marsh was put on trial for heresy in 1533. It all began when he was taken to Smithills Hall in Bolton and accused of violating religious doctrines. During the trial, Marsh vehemently denied all accusations of heresy, but to no avail. Ultimately, he was found guilty of violating religious teachings and, as a result, was excommunicated from the church and sentenced to death by burning. Although this harsh punishment seemed inevitable, George was granted a last-minute reprieve from Henry VIII and instead was sentenced to prison. Today, George Marsh is remembered as one of the first to stand up against religious persecution.
From 1781 to 1947 the hall was passed on to various individuals and entities until it was sold to Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in 1947, which marked a new era for Smithills Hall. Fourthly, for many decades it has served as a wonderful resource for the people of Bolton, offering exhibitions, tours and activities as well as being home to the collections of the Bolton Museum and Art Gallery.
Lastly, today the hall is maintained and run by the Smithills Estate Charitable Trust, which was set up in 2017, and it is the trust’s mission to continue the work of protecting and enhancing the estate and make sure the history of Smithills Hall remains alive for future generations to enjoy.