6 Ghost stories in Liverpool to send shivers down your spine this Halloween

What is Halloween without a creepy story to send shivers straight down your spine?

Join us as we uncover six bone-chilling ghost stories in Liverpool, guaranteed to leave you with goosebumps and a newfound appreciation for the supernatural mysteries that lurk just beyond the realm of the living.

Liverpool, a city with a lot of history, it’s safe to say it has its fair share of chilling ghost stories, from haunted mansions to spectral sailors, these tales of the unexplained are sure to spook even the bravest souls.

Get ready for a spine-tingling journey through the shadowy streets of Liverpool this Halloween, as we delve into the eerie and supernatural tales that have haunted this historic city for generations.

The Green Lady of Childwall Hall

Childwall Hall is a historic mansion and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman dressed in.. you guessed it… a green gown.

The story goes that the Green Lady is the spirit of a former resident of Childwall Hall, a woman who lived in the mansion during the 19th century. The most commonly mentioned version of the tale centres around her tragic death.

It is said that she was deeply in love with a man who did not return her affections. Heartbroken, she donned her green gown and hanged herself in the mansion.

Her was ghost believed to haunt the hall, appearing in her green dress and roaming the corridors and rooms. Witnesses reported sightings of the Green Lady, often accompanied by feelings of sadness and unease. Some even claimed to hear her sobbing or see her reflection in mirrors.

Although the main hall was demolished in 1949, a lodge building located to the west of the former hall remains intact. 

The legend of the Green Lady of Childwall Hall has persisted for many years, and it remains one of the most famous ghost stories associated with Liverpool. While the exact origins of the tale are unclear, it has become a part of the local folklore.

The Devil on Rose Lane

According to the legend, John Lennon, yes… that John Lennon, was said to have a supernatural encounter on the bridge near Mossley Hill train station.

The story goes that John was walking home, the full moon casting an eerie glow, creating long, ghostly shadows along the deserted lane. It was then, amidst the tranquility of Mossley Hill, that he heard a voice… a faint whisper that sent shivers down his spine.

Startled, John turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows, his features obscured by the darkness. The man was clad in a long, black coat, and his eyes burned like fiery embers. A sinister grin played on his lips.

“You have a gift, John,” said the man, “a gift for music that can move the world. But success comes at a price, and I can offer you the world, if you’re willing.”

As the man spoke, the streets seemed to warp and change around them. The sky darkened further, and the air grew heavy.

The Devil, for that’s who he was, made John an offer that would ensure his name was etched in history. Fame, wealth, and unrivaled musical talent could all be his, but it would come at a cost—his soul.

This encounter was said to have left a lasting impact on Lennon and may have influenced his music and lyrics, particularly in songs like “The Devil in Her Heart.”

In reality, John Lennon’s life and career were shaped by his immense talent, hard work, and collaboration with The Beatles, rather than a supernatural pact with the Devil.

While the story is intriguing and has captured the imagination of many, there is no concrete evidence to support its authenticity. It should be viewed as an urban legend rather than a factual account of John Lennon’s life.

Grey Lady of Speke Hall

The Grey Lady is said to be the spirit of Lady Mary Norris, who lived in the 16th century. The legend goes that Lady Mary was a devout Catholic during a time of religious turmoil, and she used hidden passages in Speke Hall to secretly practice her faith.

It is said that Lady Mary met a tragic end when she was betrayed and reported to the authorities for her religious beliefs. She was arrested, tried, and subsequently executed, and her spirit is said to haunt the hall to this day.

Visitors and staff at Speke Hall have reported sightings of the Grey Lady, often in the vicinity of the Priest Hole. She is described as wearing a grey gown and appearing as a sad and ethereal figure.

The legend of the Grey Lady of Speke Hall adds to the historic ambiance of the mansion, which is now open to the public and is known for its well-preserved Tudor architecture and beautiful gardens.

The Hanging Sailor

According to the story, the ghost of the Hanging Sailor is often seen around the Albert Dock area, which was once a bustling port.

The legend tells of a sailor who, in the 18th century, found himself in dire straits. He had been accused of a crime he didn’t commit, and he was subsequently hanged for it. The injustice of his execution left a lasting imprint on his spirit.

The ghost of the Hanging Sailor is said to haunt the vicinity of Albert Dock, and reports of his apparition often describe a man dressed in 18th-century sailor attire, hanging from a noose or swinging from the masts of ships. Witnesses have claimed to hear eerie cries and the creaking of ropes, even when there is no wind to explain the sounds.

Local legend suggests that the Hanging Sailor’s ghost lingers in search of justice or retribution for the wrongful execution that took his life.

The Silver Bell

The tale of the Silver Bell revolves around a young woman who was buried in St. James Cemetery during the 19th century.

The woman was interred with a small silver bell attached to her grave. The legend claims that she was buried prematurely, and the bell was meant to serve as a precaution in case she woke up from a mistaken death.

If she were to regain consciousness, she could ring the bell to alert those aboveground that she was still alive.

Over the years, stories have circulated about the sound of a bell ringing from the grave late at night. Witnesses and visitors to the cemetery have reported hearing the eerie chime of the Silver Bell, even though the woman’s grave has long since been sealed…

The Lady in Grey at Liverpool Playhouse Theatre

The Playhouse Theatre on Williamson Square is known not only for its impressive performances but also for a haunting spirit famously referred to as the “Lady in Grey.”

This apparition is said to be a ghostly Victorian-era woman, often dressed in an elegant grey gown. She’s been spotted on multiple occasions in backstage corridors and up on the balcony, appearing almost as if she’s watching the performances unfold or wandering in search of something lost.

According to legend, the Lady in Grey is believed to be the spirit of a young actress who had a tragic love story tied to the theatre. Stories recount that her heart was broken, leading her to an untimely death, and her spirit remains bound to the Playhouse, forever lingering between the theatre’s walls.

Actors and staff alike have reported cold spots, unexplained sounds, and even the faint scent of lavender—thought to be the Lady’s favourite fragrance—whenever she appears.

For more on ghost stories in Liverpool you can see:

The mystery of Spring-heeled Jack and his terror across Everton

The Legend of William MacKenzie’s tomb on Rodney Street

Legend of the Bold Street Timeslip