Get your spook on at new ghost hunting venue
A NEW ghost hunting venue has opened its doors for those who dare …
The paranormal group Simply Ghost Nights held its first event at Prospect House in Mexborough on May 16.
Prospect House was built in 1847 and sits proudly in the shadows of Castle Hill in Mexborough, South Yorkshire.
Historically the ground it was built on was formerly a Norman moat and Bailey Castle dating back to the 11th Century.
The building was originally named Ash Mount and has a lengthy history of paranormal activity and sightings, some of which are believed to date back to the 11th century period.
In 1887 Prospect House was purchased by a successful glue manufacturer named Arthur Cockayne but from day one at the property, Cockayne was plagued by bad luck.
Shortly after buying the property he died in suspicious circumstances and his spirit is one of the most frequent reported – and is often described as a “very grumpy old man”.
The property was sold again in 1905 to Dr John James Huey, a medical officer who over saw the deadly smallpox outbreak in the area.
The doctor decided to turn the building into a medical practice on one floor while living in the upper floors.
The building also doubled as a hospital during the war and Dr Huey's spirit is also believed to present in the house.
Owner of Simply Ghost Nights Rosey Dawson said: “We didn’t know what to expect with the new venue, but the energy was amazing as soon as we walked in.
“There was screaming and shouting on every floor at one point and our guests and team reported their clothes were tugged, and one guest was said to have been prodded in the back.
“A table was also moving by itself – the activity was just crazy.
“We have also purchased some brand new high-tech ghost busting equipment – guests are now able to use this in addition to our extensive equipment such as dead bells, a yes/no box, a tracer wire and a REM (Radiating Electromagnetism) Pod.
“The next event at Prospect House is Saturday, May 30 and we completely sold out within the first fortnight it was advertised – numbers are kept small to optimise the guest experience – but please check our website for future dates in the autumn with this new venue www.simplyghostnights.co.uk/events.”