Ghosts of Bolling Hall

Bolling Hall in Bradford, hidden away from the bustle of the city centre, has been investigated many times in the past, the old hall is reputed to have at least 20 resident ghosts.

The very first report of a haunting occurred in the 1600's when the Earl of Newcastle, who was stationed at the hall after his troops took over the Town of Bradford, claimed that his bed cover had been tugged, waking to see a woman wringing her hands, telling him to "pity poor Bradford". It was the Earls original intention to devastate the town, but after this experience he changed his mind and instead ordered his troops to only kill those who offered resistance resulting in just a handful of people being killed.

A child’s crib has been witnessed on many occasions to rock back and forth as people enter the room. A lady dressed in white has been seen, appearing to float in mid-air across the room and disappearing into the fireplace.

History of Bolling Hall

Bolling Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Bradford and today is used as a museum and education centre. 

Before the Industrial Revolution, Bradford was a small town and difficult to defend as it lay in a basin. However, Bolling Hall occupies a commanding position on a hillside. The earliest part of this building, dating from the 14th century, has been interpreted as a peel tower, although Bradford is somewhat outside the typical geographical area for these defensive structures.

The Manor of Bolling is first mentioned in the Domesday Book and was at that time in the possession of a man named Sindi. The manor then came under the control of Ilbert de Lacy. By 1316 the manor was owned by William Bolling, and Bollings owned the estate until the late 15th century when control went to the Tempests who held the estate until 1649. The estate changed hands several times thereafter until eventually it was let to several tenants until being presented to Bradford Corporation in 1912.It was opened as a museum three years later.

During the second siege of Bradford in 1643, during the English Civil War, the house was a Royalist base.On this occasion the Royalists took the town, which had strong Parliamentarian sympathies, and it was thought that the victors would put the inhabitants to the sword. There is usually material on display relating to the English Civil War including a death mask of Oliver Cromwell. In the 18th century, parts of the house were modernised by the architect John Carr, following a fire. The Hall was designated as a Grade I listed building in 1952.

The Bolling chapel at Bradford parish church, now Bradford Cathedral, was founded by the owners of Bolling Hall and was restored by the Tempest family in the 17th century but did not survive the 20th-century rebuilding of the chancel.

Your Event Includes

• Use of ghost hunting equipment including EMF Meters, K2 Meters etc.
• Experiments including glass divination, table tipping and Ouija Boards.
• Ghost hunting vigils and séances in small groups.
• Includes teas and coffees
• Free time to investigate alone

Address, Maps & Hotels

Address & Hotel Information

Bowling Hall Road Bradford BD4 7LP

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Parking

• Onsite Parking with a Charge

Information

Accessibility

• This location is not suitable for wheelchair users
• This location is not suitable for people with mobility issues or walking difficulties

Important

• All attendees must be 18 years or older
• All attendees must bring a torch
• Wear sensible shoes and warm layered clothing as the location may get cold at night