Nottingham's scariest ghost story, plus spook-tacular events

Find out the city's most terrifying tale, as well what's on in Notts this Halloween

Nottingham has such a rich history, and has many fascinating tales to show for it. Of course, we all know about the pleasant ones and the quirky ones — but what about the other ones? The stories that are chilling, eerie, and oh-so fascinating? 

With Halloween on the way, we asked The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk to tell us its scariest ghost story. If you don’t want to be spooked, scroll on down for our top Halloween events. But for those of you who are feeling brave: grab a warm drink, nestle down under a blanket, and delve in…

Buried alive: Nottingham’s scariest ghost story

Sitting on the corner of Castle Gate and Maid Marian Way is St Nicholas’ Church; one of Nottingham’s three original medieval churches, along with St Peter’s and St Mary’s. On the western edge of the churchyard, looking towards Broadmarsh, is a revetment wall. In the early 1790s, St Nicholas’ churchyard was extended into this lower-lying area and can clearly be seen on maps of the day, marked as a ‘burying ground’.

During the excavations of this area, the labourers on the site reported many strange and disturbing phenomena. First, the workers began to complain of shadowy figures, flitting around on the edge of their vision. Then, some claimed to be able to hear whispering voices when no one was around. 

These were both originally put down to the labourers enjoying too many pints of ale at the nearby Royal Children and Olde Salutation inns. However, this explanation was not to last, as the phenomena continued to develop. 

This lower area, to the west of the churchyard, had been used as a burying ground before. Hundreds and thousands of human bones began to be disinterred from this area, as the labourers dug further into it. 

No headstones, no grave markers — however rudimentary — recorded who was buried here. They were the unremembered poor of Nottingham.

The plague

In the 1300s, the Bubonic Plague — or Black Death, as it was known — arrived in Europe, from China. At first, it would start with flu-like symptoms. Then, gruesome swellings would erupt on the victim’s body. After a day or two, they would slip into a death-like coma, and then die. Men in masks would roam the streets, pulling carts and shouting “Bring out your dead!” Bodies would be slung in the carts and taken to burial pits, on the edge of the cities.

However, some survived the Black Death. 

They would wake from their comas, weakened but fully recovered, and then immune to the plague. Unfortunately, to a medieval doctor, without the benefit of modern medical technology, a death-like coma looks exactly the same as death. So, it was almost inevitable that some who may have recovered from the plague may have only woken up to find themselves already buried.

As the workers continued to dig into the Earth, they claimed to hear groaning emanating from the ground below their feet. Many of the labourers gave up the job and the wage it gave, refusing to work on the accursed site any longer.

The discovery

The remaining brave souls continued to dig, and soon made a surprising discovery. Amongst the many remains, they found a heavy wooden coffin. Back in the days of the plague, only the wealthiest could afford a coffin. The weight of this coffin suggested that it may be lined with lead; something the rich did, to slow the rotting of the body within. 

The coffin was removed to St Nicholas’ Church and a message was sent to the Bishop at Southwell, to ask permission to open the coffin, and perhaps discover the identity of the body within. The Bishop gave his assent and, back in St Nicholas’ Church, the lid was prised off the coffin. 

Sure enough, inside the coffin were the remains of a wealthy man, fine clothes in tatters and jewellery adorned the man’s skeleton and, as expected, the coffin was lined with lead. 

Lead, though, is a very soft metal. Chillingly, on the inside of the coffin lid, a number of deep gouges had been scratched into the lead of the coffin lid… the last actions of a very unfortunate plague survivor.

Want to learn more about Nottingham’s harrowing history? Join The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk for a tour, which currently run every Saturday from 7pm. thenottinghamghostwalk.co.uk

5 spook-tacular Halloween events in and around Nottingham

The night of mystery and magic is coming around once again. Want to make the most of the spooky season? Here are five events that are fun and frightening (but mostly fun — promise!).

Find your way out of a maize maze

From October 23-24 and October 28-31, Tricker Treat Maze Farm on Lime Lane will have pumpkin carving, stories, face painting and more, all within the Maize Maze. If you fancy a challenge, there will be a scavenger hunt and word search to complete as you walk through the maze. Adult tickets are £11, and child/concession tickets are £9.

Do if: You want a whole day of frightening fun — ideal for families looking to fill a half-term day.

visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/tricker-treat-maze-farm-p823351

Watch a frightening film at Newstead Abbey

Over three nights (October 26-28), Adventure Cinema will be hosting a range of cult-classic Halloween films at the iconic abbey. Ghostbusters will be shown on Thursday, Beetlejuice will be shown on Friday, and Hocus Pocus will be shown on Saturday. Adult tickets are £15.50, and under-12 tickets are £9.50. Wrap up warm, bag a blanket, and pack plenty of spooky snacks. 

Do if: You want to snuggle up and watch your fave Halloween film.

visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/halloween-outdoor-cinema-at-newstead-abbey-p803011

Skate to spooky songs at The National Ice Centre

You can dance, you can jive, having the fright of your life… That’s how the song goes, right? You can do all that at The National Ice Centre on October 27, from 7-9pm. It will have spooky tunes to dance the night away to, as well as colourful lights to add to the atmosphere. Fancy dress is optional, but highly encouraged. Adult tickets are £11, junior tickets are £10, and student tickets are £6.

Do if: You enjoy skating and want to start your weekend with a fun activity.

national-ice-centre.com/whats-on/day-of-the-dead-party

Listen to ghost tales at Sherwood Forest

Head down to Robin Hood’s favourite haunt on October 29 for an evening of spooky storytelling. The forest in the dark will make for an atmospheric spot to listen to storyteller Jim Munro, as he recounts twilight tales as ancient as the trees. There will be a family-friendly sitting at 5.30pm and a general one at 8pm. Adult tickets are £7.50 for both, and child ones for the family one are £5.

Do if: You want to enjoy scary stories in the spookiest setting possible.

visitsherwood.co.uk/event/allhallows-tales

Do the monster mash at Nottingham Castle

Get down with the ghosts and ghouls at It’s in Nottingham’s disco, which is a one-day-only event on October 31. Punters are invited to dress up, as there will be free face painters to complete your look, and a pumpkin selfie station to snap your finished outfit. Admission is free for the grounds-only activities at Nottingham Castle that day, too.

Do if: You have little ones to entertain on Halloween, who want to do more than just trick or treating.

nottinghamcastle.org.uk/its-in-nottingham-halloween-festival-at-nottingham-castle