Gawthorpe Hall is believed, by some, to be one of the most haunted buildings in Lancaster.
The building is owned by the National Trust today but has been in the possession of the Shuttleworth family for much of history. It began life as a pele tower, build in the 14th century to ward off the Scots, and a Jacobean mansion was added in around the year 1600. It was Sir Charles Barry who extended the hall significantly in 1850.
The initials “KS” appear often around the house which stand for Kay-Shuttleworth.
Some sources claim that Colonel Richard Shuttleworth played a vital part in the Pendle Witches case of 1612 and others believed to be witches in 1633. Others deny this.
Ghosts of Gawthrope Hall
There are many tales and accounts of hauntings at Gawthorpe Hall. Rachel K Shuttleworth is believed to be one of the entities in the hall – she was the last member of the family to actually live in Gawthorpe and was known as extremely skilled at embroider and lacemaking.
Other people speak of the murder of a young woman at the hall. This murder isn’t just associated with a possible ghost but of a sudden pain in the chest that can strike some visitors.
Some people have suggested that Richard Shuttleworth’s involvement with the Pendle witch trial has had an effect on the hall. Richard Shuttleworth was the son of Hugh Shuttleworth and Anne Grimsha and so owned West Close where accused witches Chattox and Anne Redfearn lived.
It is believed that it was Richard Shuttleworth’s servant who accused the women of witchcraft in the first place.
In Pure Spirit
Have you been to Gawthorpe Hall and seen its ghosts? What did you make of the historic building?
If you feel like visiting Gawthorpe Hall you can do so by booking via the National Trust*.
Disclaimer: Links marked with a star(*) are affilaite links.
Colonel Richard Shuttleworth played no part whatsoever in the Pendle Witch trials of 1612,
Hiya, I've updated the post to show the debate. I think the original statement comes from sites like this Lancashire.gov one.