Wycoller: Jane Eyre, murder, poltergeists, unlucky hounds and druids

LancsLive describes the village of Wycoller (which includes Wycoller Hall, which may or may not have been the inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Jane Eyre) as 'famous for Jane Eyre, murder, poltergeists, unlucky hounds and druids' so there's a bit for everyone.

Perhaps its most famous structure however are the ruins of Wycoller Hall.

Built in the 16th century, the hall was said to be inspiration for Ferndean Manor in Charlotte Brontë’s novel, ‘Jane Eyre’.

It has also become known for being somewhat of a hive of paranormal activity.

In the late 18th century, the hall was extended by its last owner Squire Cunliffe who borrowed money to fund the building work.

A keen gambler, he died heavily in debt in 1818 and passed this on through the family.

Stones from the hall were plundered to build nearby houses and structures leaving it to fall into ruin.

One family member appears to have stuck around however.

In 1873, John Harland & T T Wilkinson wrote in their book ‘Lancashire Legends': "Tradition says that once every year a spectre horseman visits Wyecoller Hall. He is attired in the costume of the early Stuart period, and the trappings of his horse are of a most uncouth description. On the evening of his visit the weather is always wild and tempestuous."

This is said to be the ghost of the Master of the Hall, Simon Cunliffe, who murdered his wife in cold blood. Time has told two stories of why this ghastly event occurred.

One is that he murdered his wife after she had an affair and and fled on horseback. The second is that while Cunliffe was a fox hunt, a fox entered the hall and ran up the stairs to his wife's chambers.

Startled by the sound of Cunliffe in pursuit on horseback tailed by a pack of bloodhounds she screamed in terror.

Repulsed by her cowardice, her husband raised his riding crop to strike her which resulted in her dying of fright.

Re-enactments of this event at the site have resulted in people hearing bloodcurdling screams which echo around the village. (Catherine Mackinlay)

The Yorkshire Post features a Grade II manor house for sale on the edge of Southowram, near Halifax.

While the village of Southowram itself has plenty of reasons to stay local, from links with Emily Brontë who once lived in the village, to its friendly pubs, cricket club, sports grounds and farm shop.

Elle (France) features singer Vanille.

La Lecture-Thérapie

« C’est grâce aux livres de Françoise Sagan, à la mélancolie heureuse qui me fait penser à la saudade, que j’ai découvert la littérature. J’aime aussi Duras, Murakami, les sœurs Brontë. Lire est une passion qui me soigne pratiquement à l’égal de la musique. Comme je parle portugais, j’apprécie aussi les textes souvent profonds et romantiques des chansons brésiliennes. Même si j’ai un caractère plutôt mesuré, je suis attirée par les extrêmes. » (Florence Tredez) (Translation)

Times Higher Education argues that, 'If peer feedback was good enough for the Brontë sisters, it’s good enough for us'. The post and the Brontës on AnneBrontë.org.