BAKEWELL OLD HOUSE INFODate: 25th September 2027
Time: 8:30pm - 1:30pm
Price: £40pp
HISTORY
Dating back to 1534, during the reign of Henry VIII, Bakewell Old House Museum began life as a tax and tithe collector's cottage. Local people would bring their rents, taxes and tithes to the house to be collected by Christopher Plant, steward to Ralph Gell of Hopton.
The building was enlarged in 1549 and later became a gentleman's residence during the reign of Elizabeth I. Its Tudor history can still be seen today, including the large central fireplace and a rare 16th-century internal toilet known as a garderobe.
The Old House also stands within the fascinating history of the Bakewell Witches. In 1608, two women from Bakewell were accused of witchcraft after a tenant claimed to have witnessed them performing a mysterious ritual. The women were arrested, tried and ultimately hanged in Derby.
Although the Old House was not the cottage involved in the story, it was standing during this period and contains markings believed to date from around the time of the witch trials. Local folklore tells of the spirits of the Bakewell Witches returning on cold, clear nights.
In 1777, industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright purchased the building and converted it into five cottages for workers at the local mills. By 1950, the cottages had been condemned and the building was scheduled for demolition — but was saved by the Bakewell & District Historical Society and transformed into the museum we see today.
With almost 500 years of history, centuries of human activity and its links to the stories of the Bakewell Witches, the Old House provides a fascinating setting for a night of paranormal investigation.
HAUNTINGS
With almost 500 years of history contained within its walls, Bakewell Old House Museum is said to be home to a number of unexplained phenomena and reported ghostly encounters.
One of the most frequently reported apparitions is that of a gentleman dressed in mill worker's clothing, often seen with his sleeves rolled up. Witnesses have described seeing him walking from room to room, only for him to suddenly disappear. His identity remains unknown.
Staff have also reported hearing phantom footsteps coming from the floor above, particularly when the museum is empty. On investigating, they have found no one there. The sound of children laughing has also been reported on more than one occasion.
Another intriguing presence is that of a young girl, who has reportedly been seen or sensed within the building. Her identity and the period she may have lived in remain a mystery. Who was she, and why does she appear to linger within these historic walls?
Other reported activity includes unexplained tapping, disembodied voices, footsteps and loud unexplained thuds.
With so many stories surrounding the Old House, the question remains....are these simply echoes of a building steeped in history, or could some of its former inhabitants still be here?
Refreshments Provided.
Parking: Local on street parking at the bottom end of Cunningham Place.
Granby Road Car Park - DDDC (10 min walk from venue). Please note parking charges may apply.
Event is for over 18's Only.
This event isn't suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
Sorry no pregnant ladies are allowed at this event.
PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol or illegal drugs are strictly prohibited. Anyone arriving at the event under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances, will be asked to leave immediately with no refund.
Event venue
Bakewell Old House Museum, Cunningham Place,Bakewell, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Tickets
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