Haunted history of hall retold
Media students from Blackpool and the Fylde College have interviewed guides and ground staff at Lytham Hall for a paranormal documentary, and even got to see some of the building’s hidden secrets – including ritual burn marks.
Chairwoman of the Lytham St Annes Civic Society, Marion Coupe, who showed the youngsters around, said: “There is a secret history beneath the modern plaster at Lytham Hall.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“We have found only a few signs of the superstition which existed in medieval times.
“Ritual burn marks were deliberate and took about five minutes to create with a candle. They were perhaps to ward off evil spirits or were seen as a protection against fire.”
The shoot saw 16 students work with short filmmaker Brad James, with the college’s specialist practitioner Andrew Davies also helping out.
Course leader Helen Jones, who volunteers at the hall and organised the filming, said: “The students found some of the stories about ghosts at Lytham Hall fascinating, and creating a paranormal documentary was something they were really excited about.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDespite the spooky subject matter, the young people never experienced their paranormal activity themselves.
Liam Quinn, 17, said: “I wish I had experienced something ghostly but I didn’t. One member of staff said they felt something unusual.”
The hall’s activity coordinator, Marianne Blaauboer, added: “We were delighted to see such enthusiasm and appreciation for the hall displayed by the students.”