Samlesbury Hall  PRESTON, LANCASHIRE
Series 5 Episode 9
First Aired: November 9th 2004
Location Background

Samlesbury is an ancient hall once used as an inn and school, but now preserved by local trustees. The original building was constructed in 1325 by the D'Ewyas family, but was destroyed by Robert The Bruce following the battle of Bannockburn. By 1325 the present building was built by Gilbert de Southworth, husband of Alice D'Ewyas. The family fell into debt and were forced to sell the Hall to Thomas Braddyll in 1678, who never lived there as it became steadily more dilapidated. From 1830-1846 Braddyll ran the Hall as an inn called the Bradyll Arms until it became a school for girls until 1862. In 1924 an appeal was launched and trustees were formed to preserve the Hall. The buidling possesses the spirit of a "White Lady" possibly related to Dorothy Southworth (who resided in the Hall in the 17th century). Dorothy, a Catholic, fell in love with the son of a Protestant family, however the relationship was forbidden and the couple eloped. On the evening that they intended to leave Dororthy's lover and his friends were murdered by her father. Dorothy was sent abroad to a convent, where it is said she went mad and died.

Brief Episode Synopsis

The investigation began in the Great Hall where Derek immediately connected with a distressed woman, believing her to be suffering from madness after the loss of her loved one. He felt she had great anger towards her father, and sensed her name to be Dorothy. Shortly after Yvette and other team members hear an strange whistling sound with no apparent source. Moving to the upper floors Derek sensed the presence of two monks, one of which he felt had been brutally murdered. This was confirmed earlier by David Wells who also sensed the execution of a man. Derek also picked up on former owner Joseph Harrison who had shot and killed himself in 1878. The night vigils began with Cath exploring the cellar, where little activity occurred however the atmosphere was oppressive and Karl chose to undertake a solo vigil there. During this time clear, heavy steps could be heard in this enclosed space, while something appeared to fall from the ceiling, most likely flaking paint. Meanwhile Yvette and David Wells attempted Table-Tipping in the parlour, where David sensed the angered presence of former owner Joseph. The team then attempted a séance in the hope that further contact could be made. Derek experienced the maddening possession of Dorothy Southworth who expressed hatred for her father, while David again sensed an angry male. Returning to the parlour with Yvette, David sensed the presence of a small man perched in the rafters, while he then appeared to momentarily lose his voice to the angered Joseph who he felt wanted to shout and scare the crew to leave. Upon returning downstairs both Yvette and David were shaken when a mysterious moan or heavy breath was heard in Yvette's ear, while a similar occurrence took place with Cath in the same place a short while later.

Paranormal Activity
Activity Icons Explained