New funding will allow Lancashire’s most famous haunted house to unlock new rooms to the public for the first time in seven centuries.

Samlesbury Hall, a historic stately home situated between Preston and Blackburn is celebrating it's 700th anniversary with a new visitor experience which has been made possible by funding granted by Biffa Award. Part of this new exhibition includes the intriguing Witch’s Garret and Ghost Room, both of which were previously closed off to the public.

Dating back to 1325, the 14th century house, has become a must-visit destination for history lovers keen to learn more about the building's storied past. From the Victorian kitchen and schoolroom to the 1950s bedroom, there is plenty to see, along with changing exhibitions in the Long Gallery.

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Sharon Jones, Director of Samlesbury Hall said: “This generous funding has allowed us to open The Ghost Room and The Witch’s Garret which are located in the attic of the Hall, for the first time. We have also re-interpreted several of our first floor rooms with new content to expand our engagement with the public”.

The Ghost Room, The Witch’s Garret and re-interpreted upstairs rooms will be open to the public during the Hall’s normal opening times

The half-timbered black and white medieval house was built in 1325 by Gilbert de Southworth as a family home for the Southworth family until the 17th century. It is thought it may have been built to replace an earlier building destroyed during the raid by the Scots during The Great Raid of 1322.

The medieval building is known as one of the most haunted buildings in Britain due to its history of tragedy and ghostly activity. One of the most frequently spotted ghosts roaming Samlesbury Hall is the White Lady who is often spotted inside the Hall as well as on fields nearby and even by bus stops. Other tales include the ghost of a Priest who was allegedly murdered by soldiers and decapitated, the Witches of Samlesbury.

As a result of the funding, the complex history of the hall is now being made more accessible to the public. Using key characters from the past, he team at Samlesbury Hall will be able to present a fresh interpretation of history through displays, interactive elements and media.

Jason Karl, Creative Director at AtmosFEAR! Scare Entertainment added: “working with such a rich tapestry of legend, history and local lore gave us a broad spectrum of content regarding the famous ghost of ‘The Lady in White’.

The Great Hall at Samlesbury Hall

"The Ghost Room presents an imagined ‘moment in time’ which imparts the story using audio, projection and lighting effects, while The Witch’s Garret explores the witchcraft connections with the Hall."

Samlesbury Hall is also home to a busy events and functions programme, where visitors can tour the Hall, enjoy a theatre production or murder mystery, experience an evening ghost hunt. Samlesbury Hall is open to visitors all year round, Tuesday to Friday, and Sundays, 10am - 4pm.

The Ghost Room, The Witch’s Garret and re-interpreted upstairs rooms will be open to the public during the Hall’s normal opening times from Friday 17th November 2023. Admission is free and donations are welcome. Opening times can be found on the Samlesbury Hall website.