Haunting tales, myths and folklore of Lytham and St Annes

Local historian Juliette Gregson explores the ghostly tales, myths and legends engrained in the history of Lytham and St Annes...
The Witch's grave in Witch WoodThe Witch's grave in Witch Wood
The Witch's grave in Witch Wood

In 1895 The Glendower Hotel was formally a ladies college owned and run by Miss Bayley. Around 1905, a pupil committed suicide by poisoning herself with acid, her ghost is said to roam the corridors.

In 1986, when Peter Haworth bought the hotel, he found that the school furniture was still in storage in the cellars.

Kilgrimol

The view of the sea from a dormitory at Kilgrimol SchoolThe view of the sea from a dormitory at Kilgrimol School
The view of the sea from a dormitory at Kilgrimol School
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It is believed that there was once a church known as Kilgrimol that was flooded and buried by the sea, and, it is said that on New Year’s Eve, or in a storm, the church bell can be heard tolling from beneath the waves.

In a map of the area dating from around 1532, a place is shown as ‘Kylgmoles’, which is recommended to have been positioned out to sea between St Annes and Squires Gate. In St Annes over the years Kilgrimol has leant its name to roads, schools and even a Masonic lodge.

Beast of Lytham

The Beast of Lytham raised its paws and head in 2005. In the summer months over 20 sightings had been reported around the Green Drive area of Lytham. The mysterious creature was spotted roaming in thick woodland at a beauty spot. About as tall as a collie dog but with huge ears, a large mouth and a lolloping gait, local Illustrator Sam Shearon came up with his drawing after speaking to several witnesses. One theory is that it could have been a muntjac deer, one of the last remaining from a herd brought to Lytham Hall by the local squire over a century ago.

An illustration if what the Beast of Lytham may look like, courtesy of Sam ShearonAn illustration if what the Beast of Lytham may look like, courtesy of Sam Shearon
An illustration if what the Beast of Lytham may look like, courtesy of Sam Shearon

Pub ghost

At the Ship and Royal Hotel on Clifton Street in Lytham there are reports of a ghostly male manifestation. Locals and visitors have claimed to see the man before he suddenly disappears. Also this spooky male disturbed paperwork and played about with the telephone.

Witch Wood

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A squires horse is said to be seen cantering through ‘Witch Wood’. The Witch was the favourite horse of the local squire, John Talbot Clifton, who lived at Lytham Hall.

Frederick Holt and his lover Kitty Breaks who was found murdered on the sandhills at St Annes in 1919Frederick Holt and his lover Kitty Breaks who was found murdered on the sandhills at St Annes in 1919
Frederick Holt and his lover Kitty Breaks who was found murdered on the sandhills at St Annes in 1919

At that time before the houses were built Witch Wood was part of the grounds of the hall. It’s thought Witch was killed in a riding accident in the woods. Witch’s grave is in the trees by the side of the path. The inscription reads: ‘The Witch. Died January 5th 1888.’

Murder ghost

In the early morning of Christmas Eve 1919, the body of 26 year old Kathleen (Kitty) Breaks was found among the sand dunes at St Annes. She had been shot three times with a revolver by her lover Lieutenant Frederick Rothwell Holt. Locals have reported over the years of seeing a woman wandering around the dunes on Christmas Eve.

Lytham Hall

Lytham Hall dates from the mid 1760’s and was built by Thomas Clifton. Over the years many ghosts have been seen of the late Clifton family. I must admit I was lucky enough to go round on an open day, a delightful building but very spooky.

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One of the most reported sightings apart from the vast grounds is in the upper gallery where portraits of previous generations hang. You can almost feel the eyes in the paintings watching you.

I myself felt like I was being followed, but when I checked no-one was there.

Ley Lines

Ley Lines can be described as an alignment of ancient sites, considered to be earth’s natural energy lines and also that spirits may use these of travelling quickly from one place to another. Over the years at Starr Gate these ‘lines’ have been reported, phantom trams, apparitions in period costume and ghostly boats.

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