And with history come ghost stories. Here we look at some the spectres said to walk the walls of our region’s historic buildings.
9. Hylton Castle, Sunderland
Known as one of Sunderland’s most renowned haunted buildings, this historic castle, which first dates back to the 11th century, has its very own ghost. The Cauld Lad, said to be the ghost of stable boy Robert Skelton, is believed to have caused a lot of paranormal disturbance over the past few centuries. Skelton was instantly killed after being struck by a pitchfork after being caught napping by Baron Robert Hylton, and his spirit remained in the castle, throwing dishes, plates and pewter around the rooms. In 1905, a lady who lived in the castle at that time alleged that the noisy goings-on of the Cauld Lad were so loud that it was impossible to sleep in the room where the murder of Skelton took place. Photo: Frank Reid