Steeped in history, it’s little wonder that Chester has a reputation for haunted locations.
With landmarks from medieval times and the days when Rome controlled the walled city still in sight, it’s not hard to walk around Chester and imagine the past. It also has pubs and hotels with spooky stories surrounding them, waiting for owners to share them with guests who stop by for a stay or a bite to eat. Whether you’re an amateur ghost hunter or your interest is piqued by the paranormal, read on to encounter the most haunted places to visit in Chester.
Chester City Walls
A lovelorn Roman Legion legionary reportedly walks Chester’s historic walls that circle the city. After falling for a Celtic girl and neglecting his post, the foot soldier was betrayed by her parents who murdered him along with other sentries during an act of theft. The Chester ghost story states that he now patrols the stretch of walls between Newgate and the Roman Amphitheatre as penance.
The Kings Head
Based at 48 Lower Bridge Street, The Kings Head is a pub and restaurant with many yarns to tell. Its features include timbers from a sunken vessel commanded by Nelson, Elizabethan fireplaces and a secret sword found beneath the floors during refurbishments that now hangs in the bar. Part of an ongoing paranormal investigation called “My Haunted Project”, the pub is also under constant watch for supernatural happenings and invites intrepid members of the public to act as witnesses.
Rowton Moors
Former battlefields are renowned for the spirits of dead soldiers. In 1645, the Royalists fought the Parliamentarians and hundreds of men lost their lives at Rowton Moors. Each September 24th on the battle’s anniversary, it is said that Lord Shaw’s ghost appears while others recount hearing haunting music composed by William Lawes, court musician.
The Pied Bull
Built around the year 1155, The interior of the Pied Bull (https://chester.com/listing/the-pied-bull/) reflects its rich history and heritage. Ghosts are said to roam its rooms, making it an ideal accommodator for fans of scary stories. These include John Davies, who entered the cellar with a knife and died in 1609, and a pair of chilling chambermaids.
If you’re hunting for chills in Chester or curious to learn about local legends and histories, visit some of these places when you’re next in town.
