Haunted Blackpool

by Stephen Mercer

Overview

Blackpool has long been a favourite for holidaymakers and conjures up cosy images of theme-parks, donkey rides and ice-cream. However, this popular seaside resort also harbours some disturbing secrets. Discover the shadier side of Blackpool with this terrifying collection of true-life tales from across the town. Featuring the ghosts of some of the most iconic buildings, such as Blackpool Tower, the Grand Theatre and Blackpool Opera House, this book is guaranteed to make your blood run cold. Drawing on historical and contemporary sources and containing many tales which have never before been published, Haunted Blackpool will delight everyone interested in the paranormal.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780750959865
Publisher:	The History Press
Publication date:	08/01/2011
Series:	Haunted
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	96
File size:	9 MB

Read an Excerpt

Haunted Blackpool

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By Stephen Mercer

The History Press

Copyright © 2014 Stephen Mercer
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7509-5986-5

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CHAPTER 1

Blackpool

A Short History

Avery warm welcome to Blackpool, the UK's most famous, most popular, most fun – and most haunted, seaside resort. The town has developed over many years to become the nation's favourite holiday destination. In its youth, Blackpool was a small hamlet situated next to the sea, with much of the surrounding area being marshland. The name of the town originated from the old English name for stream, 'Le Pull'. As the area grew the name became Blackpool, so-called because of the dark-coloured water that found its way via a stream from a small lake at Marton Mere to the sea.

The 1700s saw visitors arriving in Blackpool, many of whom were of the 'wealthier classes', who came especially to bathe in the sea. It was a common belief that the sea held secret cures for illness and disease, and people would travel great distances to dip their toes into the salty waters. Not only did the sea become famous for bathing in, it also became known as the final resting place for many ships that were wrecked in the strong tides and currents along the coast.

Blackpool grew in popularity throughout the late 1700s, when a road was constructed in 1781 through the marshland areas, making the town much more accessible. By the end of the century there were four hotels receiving visitors from around the North West.

The railway arrived in 1840 to the nearby village of Poulton. Six years later the line was extended to Blackpool, allowing even more visitors to travel to the seaside. With the increase in the popularity of the town, more hotels were built to house the ever-growing number of tourists, and entrepreneurs began to build and create attractions to entertain the visitors. Many of the buildings that held these attractions remain to this day; many have stories of ghosts attached to them.

The year 1856 was significant in the history of the town, with gas lighting being installed and the construction of the seafront promenade, which was officially opened in 1870. In 1863 North Pier was opened; it was a promenade pier and a place to enjoy the summer sun. Two further piers followed: Central Pier in 1868, known then as South Jetty, with a theatre, and South Pier with its amusements in 1893. North Pier may have been a place to have gentle fun, but it has had its share of tragedy, from fires breaking out in its theatre to ships crashing into and destroying part of the pier itself.

The late 1800s saw more attractions open to excite the visitors, who were now arriving in their thousands during the summer months. Dr Cocker's Aquarium and Menagerie opened in 1875, followed three years later by the Winter Gardens with its indoor promenade and pavilion. Blackpool became the first town in Britain to have electricity in 1879; the same year saw the introduction of what has become Blackpool's most famous and free attraction, the Illuminations, when eight arc lamps were hung and switched on for the very first time, described as artificial sunshine.

In 1885 Blackpool achieved another first, when it became the first town in the country to have electric trams. In 1890, the largest theatre outside of London – the Opera House – opened. The year 1894 saw the opening of the town's main landmark, Blackpool Tower, followed by the Grand Theatre and the then largest Ferris wheel in the world, the Gigantic Wheel, within the Winter Gardens.

The following century saw the opening of Blackpool's first airport, the opening of the Pleasure Beach, Stanley Park, Louis Tussaud's Waxworks and Blackpool Zoo. The Promenade continued to be developed, and by the 1950s Blackpool had become the most popular holiday destination in the UK. The improved road networks throughout the North West meant that even more people could visit the town. More attractions were built to keep tourists entertained during the 1900s, many of which still stand and are as popular today, including the Sea Life Centre, Model Village, Sandcastle Waterpark and Coral Island Amusements, amongst others.

Blackpool is constantly changing and adapting to meet the needs of its visitors, and to entice more tourists to sample its delights during the holiday seasons. It is still the most popular tourist destination in the UK and, with over 2,000 hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and caravan parks to accommodate its visitors, it is likely to continue to be so for many years to come.

With phantom trams, haunted theatres, ghost trains with 'real' ghosts, apparitions of donkeys on the sands, the sound of invisible bells ringing, and spectral screams that are said to come from the poor souls who lost their lives in the ships that were wrecked along the coast, it is no surprise that Blackpool has become one of the most popular destinations in the country for another reason – ghost hunting.

CHAPTER 2

The Promenade

Trams, Donkeys and Shipwrecks

Blackpool's famous Promenade, nicknamed the Golden Mile, is full of wonder and excitement. Jutting into the Irish Sea, it is here that you will find many of the resort's legendary attractions, such as Pleasure Beach Resort, Sandcastle Waterpark, Madame Tussaud's, Sea Life Centre, the three piers and, of course, Blackpool Tower, along with amusement arcades, stalls, cafés, novelty shops, trams, open-air artworks – collectively called the Great Promenade Show – and much more.

The Promenade can best be enjoyed on foot along beautiful pathways, green garden areas and the beautiful golden sands of the town's beach, or by bicycle or tram. During autumn, the Promenade becomes awash with colour with the world-famous Blackpool Illuminations.

Trams

Blackpool's trams first appeared in the town in 1885. The tramway is one of the oldest electric tramways in the world and, although the track now runs approximately 11 miles between Blackpool and Fleetwood, it was originally constructed between Dean Street and Cocker Street (between South Pier and northwards past North Pier), a distance of around 2 miles.

With a selection of single and doubledeck trams that date back to the 1920s still in operation today, taking a ride on the electric trams are a highlight for many who holiday in Blackpool. There are many variations in the styles of trams including the Standard Car, dating back to the 1920s, the Balloon Trams from the mid-1930s, the Coronation Car built during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation year in 1953, the single-deck Rail Cars that had a similar design and look to train coaches in the mid-1950s, and the more modern Jubilee Car dating from the late 1970s and early '80s.

Perhaps the most loved of all, the tram many visitors will queue at the stops to alight, is the Boat Car – a single-deck, open-topped tram so-named because of its ship-like appearance, which came into existence during the 1930s. There have been many other tram designs; many that have sadly come and gone.

During the annual Blackpool Illuminations (in the autumn months of September and October), when visitors flock to the town from all over the world, you can see some of the most decorative and colourful of trams. A selection of single-deck cars were rebuilt in various styles as illuminated and themed trams. Shining bright with colourful lights, you can still see the Illuminated Frigate and the American-style Western Train making their way slowly along the tramway amidst the lights and camera flashes, as people try to capture these marvellous sights.

The Man with the Gas Lamp

The tramway close to the Lytham Road junction with the Promenade is where many have seen the apparition of a man standing in the centre of the tracks, dressed in a smart uniform and holding up a lamp, which he waves from side to side, as if trying to signal to the driver of the tram to stop. Some passengers have seen the man in question and have become worried when the tram doesn't slow down and the driver doesn't seem to notice him. When they look around after the tram has passed by the figure, he has vanished.

George and his father were on a tram heading southwards along the Promenade. It was early evening but already quite dark. They were sitting on the upper deck of an open-topped tram enjoying the ride, feeling exhilarated with the cold wind brushing against their faces.

George could see a figure on the tracks ahead of them and a light swinging from side to side. As they got closer, he could see it was a man dressed in a suit and wearing a cap. He was surprised as it looked like the man was holding a vintage gas lamp. The tram didn't slow down; it just kept going and the man disappeared from view. Worried for the man's safety, George jumped up and ran to the rear of the tram to see where he was, but he had gone. Other people were happily wandering along the Promenade; nobody was shouting or screaming about an accident. He sat down. His father asked him what was wrong, why he had jumped up so suddenly and why he looked so pale. George explained what had happened. His father was surprised; he hadn't seen a thing!

John and his family had just come out of their guesthouse on Lytham Road. They were walking towards the Promenade and planned to go to a fish and chip shop for their evening meal. As they were looking in a shop window, John's youngest son tugged his coat and pointed to a man on the tram tracks who was waving a lamp. They watched as a tram approached and then suddenly the man disappeared. John couldn't explain it.

Maureen and John had come to Blackpool for their honeymoon. Maureen had been visiting Blackpool for many years with her parents and, later, with her girlfriends. She was looking forward to showing John the many wonders of the seaside town as he had never been before.

It was evening when they were on one of the single-deck trams going southwards towards the Pleasure Beach. They had just enjoyed an evening meal and a show at one of the theatres, and were heading back to their hotel. Quite content with their evening out, they were discussing what to do the following day when Maureen stopped talking and pointed in front of her; through the front windscreen of the tram, both she and John could see the figure of someone holding a lamp.

She said to her new husband that it was probably a problem with the track; she had been on a tram before when it had had to be stopped and the passengers were switched to another. She collected her bag and coat, expecting the tram to slowly stop while another was called for to take them on the rest of their journey. However, the tram did not slow down. Maureen and John both looked around them. No one else seemed to be gathering their belongings in readiness to alight. The tram continued.

When it arrived at their stop, John asked the conductor what had happened and who the figure was on the track with the swinging lamp. The conductor laughed. He explained that there had been no one there, but they weren't the first to see a figure with a lamp and that many believe there is a ghost of a man who used to work for the trams many years ago who haunts that part of the tramway.

Tram No. 702

There have been stories for many years of a ghost tram that runs along the Promenade. Darren worked on the Blackpool trams before transferring to buses. He recalls that on countless occasions people have complained about a tram that continues past them even though they are standing at the tram's stop. People see the driver; and many signal to him to stop, but the tram carries on! When asked if they noticed the number of the tram, they all reply 702. Unfortunately, tram No. 702 does not run along Blackpool's tram tracks any more; it was broken down many years ago and, until recently, sat in pieces in the tram sheds.

Mary and Julie were waiting at a tram stop on the Promenade in the North Shore area of Blackpool. They were looking forward to riding the tram to Central Pier, where they were going to see a show. They could see a tram approach from the north and both made ready to board.

Mary thought it strange that the tram wasn't slowing down as it approached them, so she held out her arm, hoping the driver, who could be seen through the front windscreen, would notice her signalling to him to stop. But the tram continued past. Both women, annoyed that the driver would be so inconsiderate as to leave them stranded at the stop, could only watch in anger as the tram drove further away from them.

The next day, they complained to the conductor of another tram. He asked if they knew the number of the tram. Julie remembered it was 702. The conductor smiled and explained that there was no tram with that number. The ladies were very confused.

David and Mary were walking along the Promenade towards the town. They looked behind them, hoping that a tram would come along that they could hop onto so they wouldn't have to walk any more. They had arrived on holiday from Yorkshire earlier that day and had spent the afternoon and early evening walking along the beach and part of the Promenade; they were tired. At last Mary saw a tram behind them, in the distance. They both hurried towards a tram stop that they could see a little further on. They arrived breathless, but laughing and happy. The tram drew nearer and they looked forward to sitting on their seats and being driven further southwards along the seafront to their hotel.

They waited patiently as the tram drew nearer; but it didn't slow. The tram kept its steady speed and continued past them. They were left open-mouthed, wondering how the driver, who could clearly see them waiting at the stop, could just drive on, leaving them behind. There were lights inside the main carriage and, although there were no passengers, it looked like the tram was in operation. They were so tired that they crossed over the road that ran parallel to the tram tracks and went into one of the larger hotels, where they asked at the bar if they could phone for a taxi.

Over breakfast the next morning, Mary and David discussed the incident with the tram and decided that they would phone the operators and make a complaint. They spoke to the hotel staff member who was serving them breakfast, who said she would ask the receptionist to have the number ready for them when they left the dining room. When they arrived at reception, the gentleman behind the desk asked them what had happened the previous evening. Mary explained. The receptionist asked if they had taken the number of the tram. When David told him it was 702, the receptionist said there would be no point in phoning to complain and told them the tale of No. 702, Blackpool's phantom tram!

Blackpool Donkeys

One of the most entertaining sights on the beach are the herds of donkeys, who carry children on walks up and down the sands. These loveable animals have been part of families' holidays in the resort since the Victorian era and thousands of children have enjoyed the short rides as part of their Blackpool break.

In 1942 the 'Donkey Charter' was set up, which gave details of who could ride the donkeys and stated that the animals must have rest breaks. Many years later, in 2005, Blackpool Council enforced the ruling that the animals could only work forty-eight hours a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a full hour for a lunch break, and that they should not work on Fridays.

The Phantom Donkeys

Some residents and holidaymakers to Blackpool insist that they have seen a small herd of donkeys on the beach close to North Pier on Friday evenings, despite the regulation that they don't work on that day. The sightings have occurred in late evenings during the summer months, and, as the donkeys don't work after 7 p.m., why would they have been seen on the beach?

Robert, his wife Mary and their three children were on a long weekend break from Glasgow; they arrived at their hotel on Friday afternoon and, after quickly unpacking, made their way to the seafront to enjoy some sightseeing. They stopped at one of the ice-cream stalls on the Promenade and, while chatting with their attendant, Robert asked about donkey rides, as he knew the children were excited at the prospect of being carried up and down the beach on them. He was told that Fridays were their day off. Initially disappointed, the family carried on and enjoyed their first day in Blackpool. That evening, they went for a walk along North Pier, the oldest of the town's three piers. After enjoying a ride on the carousel towards the end of the pier, they decided to walk back to the amusement arcade, before returning to their hotel.

It was on their way back that Jenny, the oldest of the three children, shouted with excitement that the donkeys were on the beach. All the family could see them and decided to forgo the arcade in favour of running down onto the beach and riding on the donkeys. Within two or three minutes they had left the pier and were walking down the path to the steps that led onto the beach. When they got to the top of the steps they looked to where they had seen the herd from the pier ... but the donkeys were gone. They walked onto the beach and looked up and down the long stretch of sand, but there was no sign of the donkeys anywhere. They were left bewildered.

A similar incident happened to Janice and her daughter Isabelle. On holiday from Yorkshire, they were walking along the Promenade enjoying the warmth of the summer sun on a Friday evening when they saw the donkeys on the beach. Deciding to get closer to take some photographs, they descended the steps onto the beach, but, as they got closer, the donkeys seemed to fade away into a mist.

Who, or what, are these phantoms on the sands? Are they memories of donkeys from years gone by?

Pauline and her sons Jack and Ben were about to leave the nearby pier when Pauline heard children's laughter coming from below the pier. Holding onto a railing and looking over onto the sands below, she could see children on donkeys, obviously enjoying themselves, and she joined in with their laughter. Her sons couldn't see the donkeys or hear the laughter; they just thought their mother was playing tricks on them.

When they said they couldn't see or hear anything, Pauline looked at them with surprise. She remembers pointing down to the beach below, where she had seen the children, but they had gone. She walked to the other side of the pier and looked down again. There was no one there.

Blackpool Shipwrecks

It is not common knowledge, but Blackpool and its surrounding area, the Fylde Coast, has become a ship graveyard. Around 130 documented shipwrecks have occurred along this small stretch of coast. Although many of the crews and passengers were saved over the years, sadly there were lives lost.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Haunted Blackpool by Stephen Mercer. Copyright © 2014 Stephen Mercer. Excerpted by permission of The History Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Acknowledgements,
Foreword,
Introduction,
one Blackpool: A Short History,
two The Promenade: Trams, Donkeys and Shipwrecks,
three North Pier: The Pier and North Pier Theatre,
four Blackpool Tower,
five Pleasure Beach Resort,
six Blackpool Zoo,
seven Blackpool's Parks: Stanley Park and Salisbury Woodland Gardens,
eight The Winter Gardens: Opera House, Spanish Hall and Empress Ballroom,
nine St John's Square,
ten The Grand Theatre,
eleven Haunted Hotels & Pubs,
Sources & Web Links,