Blog Post: Exploring the Hauntings of Chingle Hall

A Manor Steeped in Shadows
Nestled in the quiet village of Goosnargh, Lancashire, Chingle Hall stands as a haunting relic of England’s past. Built in 1260 by Adam de Singleton, this 13th-century manor—originally Singleton Hall—was crafted in the shape of a cross, its timbers sourced from a Viking longboat found in the River Ribble. Surrounded by a moat, its studded oak door and ancient walls whisper tales of sorrow, secrecy, and the supernatural. In Episode 128 of The Shadow Frequency, we dove into the chilling stories that make Chingle Hall one of the UK’s most haunted locations. Let’s explore the manor’s eerie history and the spirits that linger within.

A Catholic Stronghold in Perilous Times
Chingle Hall’s history is deeply tied to England’s religious turmoil. In 1585, the Catholic Wall family took ownership, turning the manor into a secret hub for Catholic masses during a time when such practices were outlawed. Priest holes, ingeniously built by Nicholas Owen, hid fugitive priests from royal authorities. One such priest, Blessed John Wall, was born at Chingle in 1620. His tragic fate—execution in 1679 by hanging, drawing, and quartering—left a mark on the manor. Many believe his spirit, seen as a brown-robed monk, still wanders the halls and gardens, searching for peace. Could his severed head, rumored to be buried on the grounds, anchor him to this place?

The Tragic Tale of Eleanor de Singleton
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching story is that of Eleanor de Singleton, the last of her line. Orphaned at six in 1568, she was confined to the Priest’s Room by her uncles, who declared her mad. By her late teens, she was dead—possibly murdered or lost to childbirth after horrific abuse. Visitors to her room report overwhelming sadness, the scent of lavender, and unseen hands tugging at their clothes. Some even faint, overcome by her lingering grief. Is Eleanor’s spirit trapped in the manor, forever mourning her stolen life?

Poltergeists and Unseen Forces
Chingle Hall isn’t just home to ghostly figures—it’s a hotbed of poltergeist activity. In the kitchen, pots slide across counters, and lights flicker without explanation. In 1985, a chilling incident saw a human hand moving bricks inside a wall, accompanied by loud banging. The Priest’s Room is notorious for smashing sounds, and a mysterious figure with shoulder-length hair has been seen pacing outside a window—12 feet off the ground. A black-robed figure, unlinked to any known monk, terrifies dogs and visitors alike, hinting at a darker presence tied to the manor’s ancient timbers.

A Glimpse of the Unseen: The Skull Apparition
In 1980, a photograph captured a skull-like face at a bedroom window when the house was empty. Some tie this eerie image to Eleanor’s story, possibly the spirit of her child, born with a malformed head. Paranormal experts, like Peter Underwood, have long championed Chingle Hall as a supernatural hotspot, and this photo only deepens the mystery.

A Skeptical Pause
While the stories are compelling, some argue Chingle Hall’s hauntings stem from psychological factors. The manor’s grim history—religious persecution, imprisonment, and death—could prime visitors to “see” ghosts. Creaky timbers and flickering lights might fuel imaginations. Yet, for those who’ve felt cold spots by the great fireplace or heard screams in empty rooms, the manor’s energy feels undeniably alive.

Why Chingle Hall Haunts Us
Chingle Hall’s allure lies in its layered history—Viking origins, Catholic defiance, and personal tragedies like Eleanor’s. Each creak of its timbers seems to carry a story, each shadow a secret. Whether it’s John Wall’s restless spirit, Eleanor’s lingering sorrow, or something older tied to the manor’s Viking roots, Chingle Hall remains a paranormal enigma that draws us into the shadows.

What do you think, readers? Have you visited Chingle Hall or experienced its hauntings? Share your thoughts at shadowpodcast@protonmail.com or leave a voicemail at shadowfrequencypodcast.com. Check out Episode 128 for the full story, and explore our Shadow Blog for more spooky tales!