Places associated with paranormal events always seem to attract a lot of interest.
Despite St Helens being a relatively small borough, there is no shortage of 'haunted' places that only the brave would dare to visit. From Mill Street Barracks, said to be haunted by soldiers and even a dog, to Crank Caverns, allegedly haunted by dwarves and witches.
Mill Street Barracks
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The barracks were converted for use by the local sea cadet branch, but over the years the 19th century building has become a well-known spot for sighting spirits and paranormal activity. Built in 1861, it accommodated many different army units and served as a morgue during both world wars. In both 2019 and 2020, it was listed in the top 100 most haunted places in the UK following a study by paranormal website HiggyPop.
The area is rumoured to be the home of plenty of paranormal activity, including the ghost of the former caretaker's dog, Bruce and after the First World War, it acted as an isolation unit for patients with tuberculosis, many of whom died there.
Visitors of the barracks have alleged they've heard footsteps, marching, echoing shouts and voices, whilst others claim to have seen the ghost of a woman known only as Claire.
Crank Caverns
Crank Caverns is an abandoned quarry that has been out of use for many years. Due to the mystery and sheer size of the eerie cave system, the site, close to Rainford, has become the subject of folktales. From an army of bearded dwarves living deep underground, to witches and other spooky paranormal experiences reported.
The 'mousey' was a small opening at the far end of the caverns. You had to squeeze through a little hole but it soon opened up so you could walk.
Lewis Atherton, from Exploring History UK folklore podcast, said: "There's a story from the 1970s of three children, they're teenagers who went through 'the mousey' and it's described in the newspaper that the mousey hole went in a circle and that's all that's left. But they went down there with candles, I don't think they had matches and if they did they only had two or three matches and mountain rescue had to haul them out."
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Another myth surrounding Crank Caverns is that there could be a cathedral deep within the caves, however through research, Lewis, along with Claire Rigby from Momo's cafe, believe this is not the case. In the podcast, Lewis said: "In a caving world, a cathedral would be the opening of a cave, of a mine. The best way to describe a cathedral in a mine is how it is described to this day - a big grand opening with big rooms and big walls.
Stork Inn
Legends surround the Stork Inn in Billinge, which dates back to 900AD. Rumours around the pub include a crypt beneath the building.
A Cavalier was said to have been tortured to death and his ghost haunts the whole building. The hotel is haunted by a highwayman (John Lyon) who was a regular visitor to the hotel, his ghost has been seen galloping on his horse through the village, as well as being heard.
