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Information about some of the cases that we've investigated since Parasearch was formed can be found below. All images are Copyright © Parasearch unless otherwise stated.

Wem Town Hall, Shropshire

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In the winter of 1995, Wem Town Hall burnt down. This tragic sight drew onlookers from the town who watched the inferno rage. As the Fire Brigade battled to keep the flames from spreading to other properties a local man by the name of Tony O'Rahilly took photographs of the fire. It was only some months later, in early 1995, when the film was developed that Tony noticed something startling on one of the frames. On one of the photographs is what appears to be the figure of a child standing on the metal fire escape on the first floor of the Town Hall. The intense inferno is clearly visible in the building only a few feet away.

Parasearch members Carolyn Adey, Chris Wright, Andrew Homer and David Taylor were the only group to carry out a full scientific investigation. They were able to watch the Fire Brigade video of the event to ensure the figure in the photograph was not a member of the public. With the aid of the local council they were able to take accurate measurements of the site and talk to other witnesses. They had the photograph and negative analysed by an ex-President of the Royal Photographic Society and Kodak analyst. He could find no trickery involved. Some believe the figure in the photograph is Jane Churm, who local legend says was responsible for the Great Fire of Wem in 1677.

Belgrave Hall Museum, Leicester

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In 1998 Belgrave Hall museum hit the headlines when an external security camera recorded something strange. Parasearch were the first group on the scene, and was involved in subsequent attempts to reproduce the visual effect seen on the security camera image.

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Contrary to what is suggested about the image on some other websites, these experiments (which included dangling a rubber bat in front of the camera at one stage!) established that the image was almost certainly caused by falling oak leaves passing in front of the camera lens.

Prior to the picture attracting the interest of the Media, the Museum already had a reputation of being haunted, with several visitors and members of staff reporting the figure of a woman in a long dress walking down the main staircase in the Hall. During one Parasearch investigation, the sound of a human voice was heard by more than one investigator. Despite the 'ghost' image being explained away as leaves, the Museum still has an excellent reputation for being haunted.

The Hawthorn Retirement Home (pseudonym), Midlands
This is without doubt one of the best ASSAP cases (conducted in conjunction with Parasearch) of recent years. The report won its authors the Michael Bentine Memorial Shield for 1998. It concerns events at a Midlands retirement home, and is remarkable both because the investigators succeeded in witnessing most of the phenomena themselves and because of the excellent way it was reported.

Read the amazing investigation report by Andrew Homer and Dennis Bache.

Riverview Theatre (pseudonym), Shropshire

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Since 1995, Parasearch have been investigating this historic theatre. Originally built as a chapel, it became a theatre in the 1960s. The phantom of a lady in a green dress is supposed to walk down the stairs into the foyer. Staff and visitors have reported cold spots, strange smells and shadowy figures. During Parasearch's ongoing investigations a variety of phenomena has been experienced and recorded by its investigators, these include: strange smells, shadowy figures and a mysterious light. The latter has been recorded on video in the foyer of the theatre (see image). It was seen by two investigators at the same time. The theatre continues to be a most interesting venue for Parasearch's ongoing research.

The Manor House Pub, West Bromwich

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This historic building, situated in the middle of a modern housing estate, has more than its fair share of ghosts. In his book 'The Haunted Pub Guide', Guy Lyon Playfair recounts stories of faces seen at windows of empty rooms and shadowy figures seen by members of staff. Parasearch has been fortunate to have investigated the pub for over 10 years. In that time we have recorded stories of figures seen in the bar, glowing shadows seen on the stairs, strange balls of light, ghostly footsteps and coldspots and the inexplicable movement of objects. Parasearch investigators have also been fortunate to have their own strange experiences at the pub. Shadowy figures have been seen as have anomalous light displays in the bar. Movement of a shadowy figure in an empty part of the pub has also been recorded on video. Most dramatic of all was the sighting of a man in 17th century costume in the Great Hall by one Parasearch investigator. The Manor House remains an enigmatic building.

Napton-on-the-Hill Church, Warwickshire
Parasearch's Research Officer, George Gregg, investigated, over a three year period, reports of possible paranormal phenomena occurring at Napton-on-the-Hill Church in Warwickshire. Read George's investigation report.

West Midlands 'Pseudo-Poltergeist' Case
At the end of July 2002, Parasearch committee member Margaret Webb received a referral regarding an alleged haunting from the next-door neighbour of the subject family. Subsequently George Gregg and Margaret Webb carried out a preliminary investigation.

The context was of a small family living in a town house (N.B. Pseudonyms have been used throughout). Both adults (Ronald & Penny) were in their late twenties/early thirties with two children: Mary (aged 3) and Charles (aged about 12 months). The general complaint was as follows:

(1) A pervasive sense of presence
(2) A feeling of being watched
(3) Electrical disturbances such as toys being activated
(4) Mary was waking up at 3am and complaining of an apparition of a lady in the room with her
(5) Mary would become distressed and say something like "No, I'm not going with you. I'm staying with my daddy".
(6) Sometimes the apparition would float up through the ceiling

You can access the resulting investigation report by Parasearch members George Gregg and Frank Smith here.

Dudley Castle, Dudley, West Midlands

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Dudley Castle stands on a limestone hill overlooking the town of Dudley. The Castle is now a ruin, a result mainly of the Civil War. The rich history of the castle ensures that it has plenty of ghosts associated with it. For over seven years, Parasearch has been conducting a long term investigation at this historic Midlands site. Members of Parasearch have been using infra-red video, ultra-sound, electromagnetic detectors and infra-sound monitors to monitor the Castle for signs of paranormal activity. In 1995, members of Parasearch experienced an unexplained 'bang' whilst on an all-night vigil. The Parasearch investigation is still ongoing.

The Ancient Ram Inn, Wootton-Under-Edge, Gloucestershire

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The Ancient Ram Inn (N.B. no longer an inn), was built in the fourteenth century, and is full of charm and character. The building featured in the filming of the 1970s TV drama 'Poldark'. The present owner of the Inn is John Humphries, who welcomes visitors, curious to experience the many ghosts said to be associated with the building. Dark menacing figures have been experienced by people staying the night. It is certainly easy to imagine a menacing atmosphere in some parts of the building. During a Parasearch investigation spheres of light were seen although not recorded. A photograph of something strange and misty on the stairs was taken a few years ago by Julie and Mark Hunt, members of ASSAP.

Stourbridge Poltergeist
In 2003, Parasearch was called in to investigate an outbreak of poltergeist activity in a house near Stourbridge in the West Midlands. The family had not been living in the house for long when they started to notice strange goings on. A water-like substance appeared to ooze from the walls. Ornaments would be moved from shelves into the middle of the floor. Loud bangs were heard coming from empty upstairs rooms and objects would be thrown. Unusually, the phenomena seemed to centre around the father, who had a history of paranormal activity occurring around him. During their initial visit Parasearch investigators were able to witness the poltergeist at first hand! By knocking on the wall of the living room, the father was able to encourage the poltergeist to knock back on the living room floor! This was heard by three Parasearch investigators.

Holbeche House, Kingswinford

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Holbeche House is the scene of the bloody end of the Gunpowder Plot. In November 1605 the desperate conspirators arrived at the house after their failed attempt to blow up the king. It was here that many of them were wounded and killed in a battle with the Sheriff of Worcester and his men.

Parasearch has conducted two investigations at this historic building, following reports of strange figures and sounds being heard. During the last investigation a dark, shadowy figure was seen by an investigator to pass through a wall and into another room where it was seen by another investigator!




Newark Park

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Newark Park in the Cotswolds, built by Sir Nicholas Poyntz who was granted Kingswood Abbey at the Dissolution, is recorded as being haunted by some monks who had failed to make good their escape through the secret passage. Their bones are still in the tunnel but their spirits appeared on the eve of every saint's day issuing from a panelled wall, crossing the room and descending the staircase with candles, chanting as they went. Parasearch investigators have carried out a number of investigations at this historic property using scientific monitoring equipment. On one occasion the infra-red video recorded the sound of a door latch being lifted, the door creaking open and an anomalous image racing up the stairs.





Boomerang Charity Shop, Redditch
In November 2007 Parasearch investigated reports of paranormal activity at the shop in Redditch. The old building, in a residential district of Redditch, has had a variety of phenomena reported. To find out more, click here and here

During the first investigation Parasearch members were witness to a collective sighting of an apparition. Investigations at this venue continue.

A456 Road Ghost
Parasearch has been investigating reports of apparitions seen along the A456 between Halesowen and Hagley in the West Midlands. Reports go back over 40 years of ghostly cavaliers, phantom jay-walkers and mysterious shadowy figures seen by drivers at night. Click here to find out more. To report a sighting on the A456 click here.

Muncaster Castle

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Parasearch were invited to attend an investigation set up by Dr. Jason Braithwaite who has been carrying out scientific research at the site for many years. This glorious historic venue has many ghosts associated with it, and a very haunted bedroom Hauntings often occur in The Tapestry Room. Visitors complain of the disturbed nights, hear footsteps outside the the room, see the door handle turning, and the door opening although nobody is there. A child is frequently heard crying towards the window end of the room, and sometimes a lady heard singing, comforting a sick child. Visitors have also felt cold in the room for no apparent reason.

Other stories concern the 'Muncaster Boggle' or White Lady who haunts the gardens and roadways around Muncaster. She is supposedly the ghost of Mary Bragg, a young girl murdered in the early 1800s on the road near the Main Gate. Read the report here.

Conisbrough Castle
Conisbrough Castle was built around 1180 by Hamelin Plantagenet. The castle has one of the finest keeps in England.

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The curtain walls were built around the keep in the early 1200s. Conisbrough does not have much history to it other than an occasional siege through the years. The keep survived destruction during the English Civil war because part of the curtain wall had already collapsed so parliamentarians viewed it as indefensible and left it intact.

The ghost of a grey monk has been seen wandering about parts of the castle. There is also the ghost of the "White Lady" who has been spotted at the top of the keep, where she was murdered by being pushed over the edge.

Unknown footsteps have been heard in the keep. Strange lights have also been reported coming from the chapel section of the castle.

Parasearch carried out an investigation of the castle along with members of the Sheffield Paranormal Research Group.

Chingle Hall, Goosnargh

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Many believe Chingle Hall at Goosnargh to be the most haunted house in England. Built by Adam de Singleton in 1260, it has passed through various families including the Singletons and Walls.

Father John Wall, born in the Hall in the 17th Century, was hanged for heresy in Worcester in 1679. His head was taken to France but is believed to have eventually been brought back and buried at the Hall.

There are many reported hauntings at the Hall, and Parasearch has conducted four investigations at the venue. On several occasions, strange bumps, bangs and shadows were reported during these investigations.

Tamworth Castle

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Parasearch carried out an investigation at this historic site at the invitation of BRMB Radio and the castle. The event was broadcast live on the night. The castle has several ghosts associated with it and a very famous photograph of a spooky shadow on the stairs. Although creaks and bangs were recorded on the night, nothing of a definite paranormal origin was reported.

Redhouse Glass Cone Museum, Wordsley

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The historic Redhouse Glass Cone was built in 1778 for the production of glass. It is now a rare survival of a once thriving local industry. Following reports by both staff and visitors, Parasearch investigators carried out an all night investigation at the museum. Phenomena reported during the night included a recorded 'cold spot' and the sound of footsteps coming from an empty room. It is believed that the museum is haunted by those men, women and children who died on the site from the heat, fire and toxic fumes from the dangerous glass production process.

Cradley Heath Haunting
A young family from Cradley Heath, West Midlands reported a variety of paranormal activity in their house. The little boy said that a woman in a long dress came into his bedroom and sat on the end of the bed. The mother reported a male figure seen frequently out of the corner of her eye. At night, the family would be woken up by violent banging in the house, which changed location or stopped when investigated. When returning to the house after being out for the day, they would find all the lights turned on. Every-day objects would disappear and turn up in unusual places. During a series of investigations at the house, Parasearch investigators were able to monitor the electromagnetic field activity in the house. This reached unusually high levels in some parts of the house. Most dramatic of all was a recorded rise in the electromagnetic field strength in the house during an outbreak of paranormal activity, thereby adding weight to the theory that EM fields are linked to reports of paranormal activity.

Bonded Warehouse, Stourbridge

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This historic warehouse situated by the Stourbridge Canal is now a conference centre. Staff and visitors at the warehouse have reported a variety of unusual activity, including doors opening and closing on their own, objects moved about, figures seen sitting on the roof beams, cold spots and alarms going off in the night.

Whilst carrying out a series of investigations at the site, a most unusual event occurred. A Parasearch investigator had a fleeting glimpse of the figure of a man in the main conference centre. Positioned in exactly the same location as the apparition was a TriField Meter, used for measuring natural, geomagnetic fields. At exactly the same time as the apparition was seen, the TriField Meter went off - possibly suggesting a link between apparations and electromagnetic fields.

Spar Supermarket, Much Wenlock
The historic market town of Much Wenlock is dominated by the ruins of the Priory. A few years ago the sleepy town hit the headlines when renovation work at the Spar supermarket appeared to stir up paranormal activity. Staff began to report trolleys and food items being moved. Dark shadowy figures were reported by staff and customers alike, as were the sensations of being touched by an invisible hand. Parasearch investigators were soon on the scene to interview staff. It was during one such interview that something very strange happened. While interviewing the Manageress in a small temporary office, an 'extra' third voice can clearly be heard on the tape recorder. The voice appears female and to be aware of the conversation taking place! The voice was not heard at the time of the interview. During the all night investigation, with scientific monitoring equipment set up, an unaccountable 'bang' was heard coming from an empty room. The phenomena seem to have ceased following the Parasearch investigation.

Lilleshall Abbey, Shropshire
In May 2004, professional photographer Lawson Clout was at the abbey taking photographs. As he was about the take a photograph, he was overcome by a feeling of a strange coldness. As he turned to look, he saw the figure of a monk, dressed in a black robe, emerging from a nearby doorway. As the monk approached, Lawson was able to make out facial details and that the figure was holding a book. The figure spoke to Lawson before disappearing through another doorway.

Parasearch has interviewed Lawson, and have found him to be a convincing witness. Unbeknown to him there have been other reports of ghostly monks at the abbey. Parasearch member Christine Sewell is the author of 'Some Ghostly Tales of Shropshire', in which she details similar reports of spectral monks that communicate. Click here to see a selection of Lawson's photographs.

Mason's Ironstone Pottery, Stoke-on-Trent
This now-demolished factory in the Potteries was the location for a one-off vigil. During the vigil in the deserted factory a locked door was heard to rattle. Immediate investigation could not determine any natural cause for what had happened. Luckily, equipment was nearby which recorded the event!








Katie's Cafe (pseudonym), Shropshire
Customers at Katie's Cafe are likely to experience poltergeist activity with there bacon and eggs. During one late night vigil, footsteps were recorded coming from one of the deserted upstairs rooms. These rooms are not part of the cafe and are not accessible to the general public.