Almost every city and region has its share of mystical locations—eerie places that can take your breath away. There are also plenty of people fascinated by the supernatural who love to visit these ‘haunted’ streets, buildings, and cemeteries. After all, these sites boast a rich history that captivates both locals and tourists alike. Today, we’re delving into the haunted hotspots of Liverpool. To find out more, visit liverpoolname.com.
Haunted Streets
Let’s start our journey with Liverpool’s streets, which are not only steeped in history but are also, according to locals, home to a few ghosts.
- Penny Lane. Made famous in song by The Beatles, this street also has a more mysterious reputation. It was named after James Penny, one of Liverpool’s prominent slave ship owners. Legend has it that the street is home to the ‘Penny Lane Poltergeist’, a mischievous spirit dating back to Victorian times. Apparently, the ghost occasionally plays pranks on passers-by. Another tale speaks of a little girl with long, blonde hair, often seen combing it in the window of number 44.
- Sweeting Street. Another popular street in Liverpool, it was named after Alderman Thomas Sweeting, who served as the Mayor of Liverpool in 1698. Locals claim that Sweeting Street is haunted by two spirits. The first is Rose Poole, whose soul is said to wander the street seeking revenge after her husband removed five gold rings from her body during her funeral. It’s because of this that her spirit cannot rest. It’s also said that the ghost of a little girl haunts the area; she died after an accident while playing with friends and now wanders this part of Liverpool, still searching for a playmate.
- Pickwick Street. This is another location with a spooky history, reportedly home to more than one poltergeist. While there are many stories, the most famous concerns the Pickwick Poltergeist, a malevolent spirit known for decades. Locals tell a story of a woman being lifted from her bed by an unseen force. Around the same time, neighbours reported hearing strange sounds like knocking, scratching, and wailing. One couple even abandoned their home because the building was constantly shaking, and they feared it would collapse.
Mysterious Buildings
It’s not just Liverpool’s streets that are haunted; many of its buildings are also said to be inhabited by various spirits.
- Speke Hall. Built over 600 years ago, this Tudor manor is considered one of Liverpool’s most haunted places. Numerous legends claim it is haunted by various ghosts, including a gardener, a priest, and a “White Lady.”
- Newsham Park Hospital. If you’re looking for a truly terrifying place in Liverpool, a trip to this abandoned building is a must. This site once operated not only as a hospital but also as a Victorian orphanage and a psychiatric asylum. Rumour has it that years ago, a nurse complained of ‘strange’ sightings and was later found dead on one of the wards. The hospital eventually closed, and the building has been derelict for years, with many people reporting unexplained voices and apparitions. Even if you don’t encounter any spirits, the sight of broken beds, anti-suicide grilles, and old wheelchairs is enough to unnerve anyone.
- St James’ Cemetery. A cemetery is an inherently eerie place, and for those seeking a thrill, St James’ Cemetery delivers. Located in a former quarry beneath Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, it holds the remains of almost 58,000 people.
These are just a few of the mystical and haunted locations Liverpool has to offer. We hope you’ve found this glimpse into the city’s supernatural side interesting.