Haunted Leicester

The origins of the Hall lie with Edmund Craddock, a hosiery merchant, who in 1709 bought a plot of land in Belgrave, a small village located just three miles from Leicester city centre.

The grand Victorian house, complete with equally attractive gardens, was home to Mr Craddock and his wife, who occupied the Hall until his death in 1715. From this point, Belgrave Hall exchanged ownership several times prior to its conversion into a public museum.

Many have reported seeing ghosts.

Following the death of Mr Craddock, the Hall remained in trust until John and Helen Simons purchased it in 1721. Unfortunately, very little has been recorded about the Simons.

The Simons eventually put the property up for sale in 1767, paving the way for a prestigious new resident – William Vann, High Sheriff of Leicestershire.

The Vann family used the property as a base for their popular hosiery enterprise, which employed many local people.

In 1845, ownership transferred to John Ellis MP, a businessman whose reputation preceded his purchase of the property. Mr Ellis was credited with bringing the railways to Leicester in 1833.

Mr Ellis shared the Hall with his family, including seven daughters – two of which (Charlotte and Sarah Jayne) have been rumoured to haunt the Hall since the family's departure in 1923.

Thomas Morley was the next proprietor, between 1923 and 1936, and it was he who sold the property to Leicester City Council for £10,500. The Council then converted the Hall into a museum.

The popularity of Belgrave Hall has not wavered since the conversion. This has been fuelled by the constant rumour of paranormal activity that is said to occur in and around the building.