Lincoln Castle
Built in 1068, Lincoln Castle is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the city. From disembodied screams to slamming doors, many people have experienced a number of unexplained occurrences here.
Whilst on duty, staff have reported unexplained noises within the castle and there have been a number of sightings outside. A young mother is often spotted on the stairs of the Victorian Prison; whilst the graveyard, gallows and observatory tower have also all been the source of strange sounds and dark shadows.
One of the most common sightings at the castle is the ghost of a lone rider and his horse. Dating back to the time of the first hangings at Lincoln, it is believed that the ghost was the friend of a local lord, who was wrongfully sentenced to death. The rider was sent with a pardon from the king to save his friend, but failed to reach the court in time. His ghost continues to charge the castle today, trying to finish the journey he never managed to complete.
Greestone Steps
Dating back to the 12th century, the infamous Greestone Steps are at the forefront of many of Lincoln’s ghost stories. Leading up to the cathedral, this spooky stairway is thought to be haunted by three different spirits.
The most common sighting is of a woman believed to be from St Joseph’s convent. Many people have reported seeing her carrying a baby in her arms, before laying the child down in a nearby flowerbed.
Climb the steps after dark and you will find a crooked lamp post half way up, lighting your way. A cleric is often seen stood underneath it, wearing a hat and a long overcoat. It is believed that he once hung himself on the lamp post, and now stands there to protect and guide travellers on their way to the cathedral.
The most infamous ghost of Greestone Steps is that of St Hugh of Lincoln. When he died, St Hugh’s body was dissected into pieces, and sent to cathedrals across the country. His head remained in Lincoln, in a chest surrounded by jewels and gold. Realising its value, thieves stole the chest, but accidentally dropped it, spilling St Hugh’s head out onto the steps. Many people who have climbed the stairs have reported hearing – and feeling! - the head of St Hugh rolling behind them.
Hobbson's Pie Shop
Situated on Steep Hill, the building that houses Hobbson's Pie Shop dates back to 1649. There have been several occupants of this building over the years, but only one who keeps returning.
A young boy called Humphrey is thought to haunt the building, and has been known to cause quite a lot of mischief when he’s ignored. So much so, that the staff at Brown’s have to now greet him when entering the restaurant to acknowledge his presence - when someone once failed to say hello, a knife was thrown across the floor.
Both staff and visitors have also reported hearing strange noises in the restaurant; one person even commented on seeing a child running around the tables…but there were no children in the restaurant that night…
The Lawn
The Lawn was first opened in 1820, as a hospital for people suffering from mental illness. Although the hospital closed in 1985, there are often sightings of ghostly figures still roaming the grounds, looking lost.
Former inmates, including children, are often spotted wandering around the building, appearing to search for something unknown. More sad than scary, the sounds of crying are said to emanate from the walls. Upon arrival, many visitors have also experienced overwhelming feelings of sadness.
Lincoln Cathedral
First built in 1072, Lincoln Cathedral has been at the centre of a great number of tragedies. One of the most damaging events in Lincoln’s history was the bubonic plague. In 1349, the Black Death swept over Lincoln, completely overwhelming the city’s residents.
As the population decreased so rapidly, the space for corpses became limited. The church couldn’t keep up with the amount of people that needed to be blessed and buried. As the death toll continued to increase, the bodies were piled up and given a mass burial on the grounds to the right of the cathedral.
On the anniversary of the burial, it is said that the ghosts rise from the grave and march to the cathedral, singing for salvation. As their bodies were unable to be blessed, it is believed that their spirits remain in purgatory, trapped between heaven and hell.
The Struggler’s Inn
Located opposite Lincoln Castle, The Struggler's Inn was the pub that prisoners were traditionally taken to for a last drink before they were hanged. One of the men who was brought to the inn was William Clarke, a poacher who was sentenced to death for murdering a local gamekeeper.
As he took his last drink, Clarke was accompanied by his faithful dog, who was soon to be left homeless and alone. Taking pity on the loyal lurcher, the landlord of the pub gave him a home, where it lived for the rest of its life. When the dog died, the devastated landlord had it stuffed and displayed in the bar until he himself passed away. It is thought that the dog’s ghost still resides at The Strugglers today, and can often be heard scratching and barking at the door.
The Lion and the Snake
Thought to be the oldest pub in the city, there are at least 3 ghosts in the Lion and the Snake. The ‘Granny With The Bun’ is the most famous, having resided in the pub for over 30 years. Thought to be a former landlady, she is regularly seen upstairs in the living quarters.
In the main pub, staff have often seen the ghost of a dishevelled old man, enjoying a drink at the bar. Not one to be disturbed, when approached, the gentleman appears to get up and dissolve into the walls.
Nowhere is safe to sit in the Lion and Snake… Down in the cellar, there is also thought to be the ghost of a Roman soldier. Much shyer than the pubs other spooky residents, he is rarely seen but often heard - many people believe they have heard the sounds of marching soldiers and chariots whilst visiting the pub.
