Charnock Hall, Lancashire

History
Charnock Old Hall, a Grade II listed building,
has been called many names through the years including
Blacklache Hall, The Old Hall and Leyland
Hall. Its most famous occupants were the Charnocks
from Cuerden in the 17th century, who had been living
in the region for close on 100 years prior to their move to the
Old Hall.
When William Charnock died in 1598, his son Roger then aged 11
was left the estate. These Charnocks were a well-known Roman Catholic
family, this being a period when the religion was frowned upon.
The estate then passed to Robert Charnock, a Roman Catholic priest,
who rebuilt the Hall in 1660 as denoted by the coat of arms above
the door. Before he died in 1670, he conveyed his estate to a
Grace Bold, the house and estate to be left in trust for the benefit
of the priests and secular clergy. It being his wish that the
Hall should one day become the residence of a Roman Catholic Bishop
of Lancashire.
After a trial at the Lancaster Assizes in 1686,
it was declared that the property being so left was illegal. In
1688, the Exchequer declared the property forfeited to the King
and following a petition of the parishioners, the house and lands
were granted to the Vicars of Leyland. It then became a farmhouse,
the hall eventually being converted to two individual properties.
Phenomena
Current owners and past residents have witnessed priestly
figures and nun-like transfigurations. Many have experienced strange
activity including electrical appliances turning themselves on,
as well as ghostly footsteps on the stairs. The bathroom door
has also been known to close itself from the outside, trapping
unsuspecting visitor inside, while the figure of a small boy in
the upstairs bedroom window has been seen on occasions. The Middle
Bedroom is reputedly the most active, with tales of ghostly monks
sitting on the end of the bed in conversation.
Investigation
The visit to Charnock gets off to a strange start, as
many members of the crew find they cannot stop giggling. Derek
picks up on the spirits of several children who roam the area,
who play and possibly make noise. He also senses a monk, who may
have looked after the children. Many strange lights are picked
up on camera and Yvette spots an odd indentation on an unoccupied
bed. Later, during the vigil, many of the crew are again overcome
by strange emotions.
Episode Information
Episode Number: 8
Season Num: 1
First Aired: Tuesday July 16, 2002