Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the spooky tales which have attached themselves to our watering holes are a chance to reflect on the history of these fascinating buildings – and those who lived in the area in much older times.
Victims of a notorious serial killer, an unfortunate pub worker, and a conscientious cleaning lady still keeping things neat from beyond the grave are among the ghosts said to walk our haunted hostelries.
9. The Wheatsheaf, West Boldon
The pub featured in a TV programme on the Discovery Channel in the 2000s, which saw psychic Suzanne Hadwin claim the building was haunted by a six-year-old girl called Jessica Ann Hargreaves, who was murdered there in 1908 by Joseph Lawrence. Photo: The Wheatsheaf, West Boldon
10. Jolly Sailor, East Street, Whitburn
Legend has it the pub is haunted by a Green Lady - a lovelorn girl who was dumped by a visiting coachman, and pined herself away. She haunts the upstairs of the pub in her fine green dress, bought to impress her would-be suitor. There are reports of paranormal activity including a nurse called Rachael and the spirit of a man who apparently died of unnatural causes in the pub. Photo: Stu Norton
11. The Grotto, Marsden
The Grotto's most famous ghost relates to a smuggler named John the Jibber, said to have been murdered by his fellow criminals by being hung in a barrel in a cave close to the present lift shaft and left to starve. Among other ghosts said to make their home in the old tavern include the original owner, Blaster Jack, another smuggler, a black-and-white cat, the daughter of another owner and a poltergeist who haunts the toilets. Photo: Stu Norton
12. The Sun Inn, Newbottle
One story has it that the pub has its own ‘White Lady’ spook, while another report claims the ghost of an old man can sometimes be seen in a corridor near the kitchen or sat in a chair by the door. Photo: Google Streetview