As we get into the grips of autumn, discover the deepest, darkest tales of Chester.
With a long, murky past and notorious spooky sightings, uncover the haunted tales of the city and, if you’re brave enough, book a ghost tour in Chester…
Chester’s History
Chester's history spans nearly 2,000 years, and covers all periods of British history.
It started as a Roman fortress called ‘Deva Victrix’ around AD 70, with many battles between the Welsh and Saxon kingdoms later.
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Chester came under the control of the Earl of Chester. It then became a centre of defence against Welsh raiders, and a launch point for raids on Ireland.
Although it lost its trading importance to Liverpool, Chester grew in popularity during the Georgian and Victorian periods, offering a peaceful escape from the industrial cities of Manchester and Liverpool.
With such a rich history, filled with war and unrest in the earlier years, is it any wonder the city is renowned for its ghostly hauntings?
The Most Famous Haunted Stories
One of Chester’s spookiest tales,
The Pied Bull in Northgate Street is famous for its ghostly goings-on. According to the legend, a man named John Davies fell down its cellar steps in 1609, meeting a tragic, grisly fate.
It's said that his spirit now haunts the building, while others have reported that the ghosts of two chamber maids frequent one of the bedrooms.
In 1645, during the English Civil War, a chilling battle unfolded on Rowton Moor, where 600 soldiers lost their lives. Among these, it’s claimed, was Lord Bernard Stewart. His spirit is now believed to haunt the moors, with his apparition appearing each year on September 24th — the anniversary of his demise.
Do you believe in the supernatural, or are you curious about paranormal activity? This Halloween, why not embark on a ghost walk in Chester, to (possibly) experience it for yourself?
Ghost Walk in Chester
If a ghost walk in Chester takes your fancy, check out these fantastic guides!
Meeting outside the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre on Northgate Street every Saturday night at 7.30pm,
Chester Ghost Tours offers an eerie experience for anyone seeking a chilling thrill!
You’ll visit Chester’s prime activity hot spots in the dark of night, while listening to some of the city’s spookiest stories!
Alternatively,
The Haunted Rooms team promise a frightfully immersive experience. After a ghost walk in Chester, you’ll then brave one of the city’s most haunted homes.
When you arrive back safely at Stanley Palace, the team will greet you with hot drinks, soup, and snacks, to help warm you up after your chilling adventure!
Stay at Our (Spook-Free) Hotel
This Halloween, why not head back to The Chester Grosvenor for a comfortable, phantom-free night, following your ghost walk in Chester?