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Ghost Stories
For centuries, ghost stories have featured heavily in the folklore of England. A great deal of these tales include historical figures, ranging from queens and Roman soldiers to artists and evil masterminds, many of whom are believed to have passed away in unusual ways.
Ordsall Hall, Salford
Ordsall Hall's most famous ghost is the White Lady. Some people believe that she could be the ghost of Viviana Radclyffe - the lover of Guy Fawkes who supposedly planned the Gunpowder Plot in Ordsall Hall.
Treasurer's House, York
The most renowned ghost story associated with York is that of the Roman Legion marching through the Cellar of Treasurer's House. In 1953 a plumber working in the house saw a band of Roman soldiers, visible only from the knees up, marching through the cellar dressed in rough green tunics and plumed helmets, carrying short swords and spears. After scrambling up the cellar steps to safety he was met by the house's curator who on seeing his face exclaimed, "You've seen the Roman soldiers, haven't you?"
Talbot Hotel, Northamptonshire
The stonework of the hotel is said to come from the ruins of nearby Fotheringhay castle, Oundle, where Mary, Queen of Scots was executed in 1587. The staircase at the hotel is thought to have come from the castle and it's said that Mary walked to her execution down those stairs, leaving her mark by gripping onto the staircase to keep her balance. Mary's ghost has apparently been seen on several occasions walking down the staircase and a picture of her execution has allegedly been known to suddenly jump off the wall where it hangs.
