Hoghton Tower in Lancashire offers a spine-tingling mix of Tudor history, ghost stories and countryside beauty — with a ghostly black dog waiting to greet you, writes GEMMA JOHNSON
Hoghton Tower in Preston is a grand Grade I building, a sprawling country estate surrounded by glorious countryside.
In summer, there are vibrant shades of green as far as the eye can see, whilst in autumn, the trees create a grand landscape of orange, red and brown, welcoming in the new season.
History of Houghton Tower
Hoghton Tower has been owned by the de Hoghton family for many generations, remaining so today.
The Tower is opened to the public to help maintain the spectacular estate, solidifying its place within local history.
The current buildings were constructed in 1595, however, there were previous structures on the land known to date back to 1109.
It has been graced by the presence of monarchs, dignitaries and influential figures of British history — Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare amongst them.
Hauntings of Houghton Tower
Not all of the visitors are of our world though, as it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted houses in England.
There are thought to be a maze of underground tunnels directly underneath the buildings — secret tunnels that allowed people to be transported out of sight, but not before they had a torturous visit to one of the dungeons.
Preston is in close proximity to Pendle, an area rich in tales of witchcraft and brutal injustices.
Hoghton Tower is rumoured to have connections to the witch trials, with the accused being transported by the secret tunnel system on their way to meet with the hangman’s noose.
Above ground, there are several tales of supernatural, paranormal encounters.
A beautiful Tudor-dressed woman has been spotted within the courtyard area, pacing and looking forlorn.
Could she be waiting for news of a loved one engaged in battle?
There were plenty of fierce battles fought within the areas surrounding Preston and beyond.
And what of the monk that is seen waiting at one of the entrances to Hoghton Tower?
This could potentially be linked back to the English Reformation, when priests were persecuted.
Perhaps he is on watch so he can alert others to hide in one of the many priest holes within the building.
Not all of the otherworldly residents are thought to have such a dark history.
A young girl has been spotted in various parts of the building, playing, the sound of her laughter echoing through the grand rooms.
Whilst a loyal four-legged friend continues to wait for their owner, faithful until the end.
A black dog roams around one of the several outbuildings on the property, tail wagging, curious about its surroundings.
Surely that is enough to make you want to go for a visit if nothing else — who can resist the prospect of a ghostly dog?
Not me, and I’m taking a tennis ball… just in case…
