Bolton’s rich history is filled with tales of tragedy, ghosts, and eerie folklore. From haunted pubs to mysterious footprints and restless spirits, some of its landmarks are as fascinating as they are chilling.
If you’re drawn to ghost stories or just love exploring local history, Bolton’s most haunted spots offer a captivating glimpse into the past – with a few supernatural twists.
Ye Olde Man and Scythe – Bolton’s oldest (and most haunted) pub
📍 Location: Churchgate, Bolton
Ye Olde Man and Scythe isn’t just Bolton’s oldest pub – it’s one of the oldest in the country, with records dating back to 1251. Over the past seven centuries, it has seen its fair share of owners, rebuilds, and hauntings.
The pub once belonged to the Stanley family, including James Stanley, the 7th Earl of Derby. His legacy is infamous – in 1644, Stanley ordered the deaths of over 1,000 people during the Bolton Massacre as revenge for an earlier siege on his home, Lathom House.
Captured and executed seven years later at Bolton’s market cross (opposite where The Swan pub now stands), Stanley spent his final hours praying inside Ye Olde Man and Scythe. His spirit is said to linger, particularly in the cellar, and a chair he sat on before his death remains to this day.
Smithills Hall – The ghostly footprint of George Marsh
📍 Location: Smithills Dean Road, Bolton
Smithills Hall, a stunning Grade I listed Tudor manor, isn’t just a historic gem – it’s one of the most haunted buildings in Bolton. Dating back to 1335, it retains medieval features, including the great hall.
But it’s the tale of George Marsh that gives Smithills its eerie reputation.
A local preacher, Marsh was arrested in 1554 during the reign of Queen Mary I (or Bloody Mary) for his Protestant beliefs. Brought before Sir Roger Barton at Smithills Hall, Marsh defiantly stamped his foot while declaring his faith.
Later burned at the stake in Chester, his spirit seemingly left behind a reminder – a footprint that is said to ‘bleed’ every year on the anniversary of his death.
Hall i’th’ Wood – Samuel Crompton’s restless spirit
📍 Location: Green Way, Bolton
One of Bolton’s most iconic buildings, Hall i’th’ Wood is a beautifully preserved 16th-century manor house. But beyond its impressive façade lies the tragic story of Samuel Crompton, the inventor of the spinning mule.
Crompton’s groundbreaking invention revolutionized the textile industry, but riots in 1779 forced him to hide the machine in his attic for fear of backlash. Eventually, he sold his invention for a mere £60 – a pitiful sum for something that changed the industry forever.
Crompton died in poverty and disillusionment in 1827, and his ghost is said to haunt Hall i’th’ Wood to this day. The house, now a museum, even appeared on Most Haunted in 2008.
Blue Boar – The haunted room that stayed sealed for 40 years
📍 Location: Deansgate, Bolton (now demolished)
The Blue Boar pub may be no more, but its legend lives on.
For over 40 years, one room on the third floor was sealed shut due to intense paranormal activity. Reopened in 2011, the room allegedly revealed the spirits of a little girl and an elderly former soldier.
Patrons reported strange noises, flickering lights, and objects moving on their own – cementing the Blue Boar’s reputation as one of Bolton’s spookiest spots.
Turton Tower – The ghost in the dress and the screaming skulls
📍 Location: Turton, Bolton
Nestled on the Bolton-Darwen border, Turton Tower is famous for its ghostly inhabitants. A mysterious woman is said to wander the halls, the rustling of her dress echoing through the corridors.
But perhaps more chilling are the two skulls kept inside.
Originally found at Timberbottom Farm in the 1750s, any attempt to remove the skulls resulted in piercing screams and poltergeist activity. Now part of the Turton Tower collection, the skulls remain undisturbed.
Why visit Bolton’s haunted landmarks?
Bolton’s historic landmarks aren’t just architectural treasures – they’re brimming with stories of rebellion, tragedy, and ghostly encounters. Whether you believe in the supernatural or just love local history, these sites offer a fascinating look into Bolton’s darker past.
Haunted spots to explore:
- Ye Olde Man and Scythe – Stop for a drink at one of the oldest (and most haunted) pubs in the UK.
- Smithills Hall – Discover centuries of history and the eerie footprint of George Marsh.
- Hall i’th’ Wood – Step into the world of Samuel Crompton and learn about his legacy.
- Turton Tower – Experience ghost walks and uncover the mystery of the screaming skulls.
For the bravest souls, Bolton’s haunted sites are a must-visit.
Have you experienced any ghostly encounters at these Bolton landmarks? Share your stories in the comments or recommend other haunted spots to explore!