Steve Watson’s Paranormal Middlesbrough and Teesside uncovers eerie tales from one of the North East’s most haunted areas, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
Steve Watson is becoming one of the go-to writers for the North East’s haunted heritage.
Following his earlier volumes Paranormal Newcastle and Paranormal Sunderland, he now turns his attention to Middlesbrough and the wider Teesside area — and it’s another strong addition to Amberley’s popular Paranormal series.
The history of Middlesbrough and Teesside stretches back to a ninth-century priory and took on new life with the explosive growth of the Industrial Revolution.
Against this backdrop, Watson explores the region’s supernatural side. Here are haunted pubs, ghostly monks, and strange figures lingering in familiar landmarks.
The ghost of Middlesbrough Town Hall makes an appearance, as does the Dorman Museum, alongside Hartlepool’s First World War soldier who is said to still patrol a local museum.
One of the most intriguing stories is the mysterious little boy who is said to appear near Captain Cook’s birthplace.
What makes Watson’s approach effective is the structure. Rather than cramming in themes or trying to connect stories that don’t naturally fit, he gives each location its own chapter.
This allows readers to dip in and enjoy each haunting in turn, whether they know the area well or are discovering it for the first time.
It’s a clear, straightforward style that makes the stories easy to follow and, more importantly, fun to read.
Watson, co-founder of GHOSTnortheast, has investigated over 100 of the UK’s most haunted locations.
His philosophy is simple: he doesn’t try to prove or disprove the paranormal. Instead, he presents the stories, experiences and eyewitness accounts, and lets the reader decide.
This makes the book as much about local folklore and social history as it is about ghosts.
Paranormal Middlesbrough and Teesside is another entertaining and atmospheric journey through a region full of character.
For ghost hunters and history lovers alike, it’s a reminder that the North East is one of the richest parts of the country for supernatural tales.
Have you experienced anything paranormal in Middlesbrough or Teesside? Share your story in the comments below!
Paranormal Middlebrough and Teeside by Steve Watson is available from Amberley Publishing.
