Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there are plenty of people who believe they have experienced supernatural goings on around Sunderland – especially in some places you may not have expected.
Here are some of the most haunted places across Sunderland, and some of the stories behind them.
5. Ryhope Village Green
There have been multiple viewings of a man carrying a pickaxe and candle across the village green in Ryhope, who vanishes when approached. Local stories suggest it is the spirit of a local man from a well-off family, whose wife disowned him when he fell in love with a maid, resulting in him taking his own life. Photo: Google
6. Hylton Castle.
There are a couple of versions of the story which resulted in Hylton Castle's ghostly goings on but both revolve around a 16th or 17th century tale of a stable boy. The young man either failed to prepare Baron Robert Hylton's horse, or he was caught with Hylton's daughter. One story suggests Hylton killed him with either a pitchfork or sword or he was battered to death. Either way, 19th century stories of ghostly goings on began with dishes smashing out of nowhere. Stories continue to this day with a something apparently paranormal putting out fires and turning off car lights. Photo: Stu Norton
7. Queen Street Masonic Hall
This grade one listed building is the oldest purpose built Masonic Temple under the English Constitution in existence and has a history of some strange goings on. Unexplained bangs and the sound of children singing have been heard in the past while footsteps and a sighting of men in Victorian clothing have also been recorded by ghost hunters. Photo: Google