Dubbed the 'Windsor of the North' by the Victorians, the site of Brougham Hall has been home to a fortified dwelling since 1307, although there's evidence of Roman occupation in the area and a nearby stone circle could date back far further. Brougham has been in decline since medieval times when its usefulness as a defensive structure diminished, but it has seen extensive periods of restoration. The hall was restored in the 17th century and a pele ower was added, however the main construction occurred in the 19th Century. Brougham Hall has a long connection with royalty, King George V was a regular guest, as was King Edward VII. The long and varied history of the hall and its surroundings has thrown up a plethora of paranormal phenomena. People have sensed the presence of soldiers, both from the Civil War and Roman eras. Poltergeist activity is rife with reports of glasses flying from shelves and taps turning themselves on. Loud bangs and light flashes have been seen frequently and there are even tales of a cursed skull which would cause havoc to ensue if removed from the property. It was eventually walled up in an unknown part of the building to prevent this.