GHOSTLY and weird encounters from across Cumbria are described in a new book which investigates the ‘paranormal’ history of the county.
Paranormal Cumbria, written by researcher Steve Watson, takes a deep dive into all manner of spooky stories which believers will find fascinating, including reports of ‘hauntings’ at historic sites such as Carlisle Castle, Muncaster Castle, and Lowther Castle.
Steve (pictured below with his wife) is a regular visitor to Cumbria, fascinated by its dramatic landscapes and history.
In his book’s introduction, Steve describes collecting “literally hundreds” of ghostly tales, with accounts of “apparitions, poltergeists, demons, witches, imps, fairies and sea creatures…I even have tales of UFO sightings in the skies above.
“The county does seem to be awash with paranormal tales.”
Some stories relate to Steve's personal experience gathered during research with colleagues from GHOSTnortheast. There are also eye-witness accounts, folklore, and colourful stories which have been passed down in local communities.
The first chapter focuses on Solway Aviation Museum.
“Reports of apparitions and poltergeist activity are rife within the buildings,” writes Steve, who runs a company that organises ghost walks in the NorthEast.
“Unexplained noises and voices have been reported by both guests and staff over the decades that the museum has been open.
"I was fortunate enough to conduct a paranormal investigation in the museum with my team from GHOSTnortheast and I must admit to hearing and seeing things I could not give any rational explanation for…
“The Solway Aviation Museum is a cosy, friendly attraction during the day with much to see and do, but when night falls and the public leave, the buildings seem to want to tell their stories, and the past personnel want you to know they are there.”
Another section of the book looks at the site of Lowther Castle.
Though the ruins and gardens are now a popular tourist attraction, the site itself is rich in history, with the memory of the castle's aristocratic former occupants providing a rich source of stories.
Steve writes: “There are reports of children in Victorian dress being seen in the gardens and throughout the buildings. People have seen and heard people working in the stables, which have now been converted into storage and public toilets.
“Some of the the most repeated reports are the sounds of parties coming from the hall area.
“Today the hall has no roof and is only a shell of the building, but both staff and guests have reported hearing music and chatter coming from this area, only for no one to be present when they have entered the area.
“A large, very well-dressed man is often seen in the vicinity. Complete in a three-piece suit and yellow tie, he has been reported to be sitting in the middle of this area laughing loudly.
“He will often nod his head at visitors, before returning to talking to someone who is not there. It is believed to be Hugh Lowther [who inherited the estate in 1882] still enjoying his lavish lifestyle from beyond the grave.”
Also included in the book is an account of the history of Lanercost Priory, near Brampton, which for six months became the seat of English government during the early 14th century as King Edward I stayed there recovering from illness.
The area was notorious as a target for raids by the Scots.
Steve writes: “The ghost stories surrounding the priory are many and mostly what you would expect, just like Furness Abbey, mentioned in an earlier chapter.
“Many sightings involve monks or hooded figures seen wandering around the grounds and inside the ruins itself. There have been many reports of chanting being heard echoing through the ruins and white shapes moving around the graveyard.
“There have also been sightings of men running across the field into the trees and towards edge of the grounds.”
The book’s 19 chapters include numerous detailed accounts of paranormal goings on across the country, including in Kendal, Keswick, Wastwater, Boot, Ambleside, Grasmere, Grange-over-Sands, and Long Meg and Her Daughters, near Penrith.
Paranormal Cumbria is the latest title in Amberley's popular Paranormal series. It is priced at £15.99.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here