Posted on November 9, 2009 - by Andrew
Ghosts at the Toxteth Gaumont Cinema
- Image by howzey via Flickr
The Gaumont Cinema by Toxteth – more commonly known as Dingle’s Gaumont Cinema – is situated in a very interested spot. It has been observed that the haunted theatre’s position on a map of Liverpool forms a triangle if plotted alongside the nearby Turner Memorial Home and the impressive Ancient Chapel of Toxteth.
Toxteth Gaumont Cinema
The odd shape of the cinema is simply due to the curve of the roads the building stands beside. It was built in 1937 to house Britain’s first Gaumont projectomatic system. This is a cinema system that automatically changed film reels and controlled the lights. The issue of light control is interesting as some of the reported hauntings in the old building have featured the lights.
The art deco building was built to replace the Dingle Picturedrome. After the Gaumont theatre was decommissioned it was turned into a bingo hall.
Hauntings at Toxteth Gaumont Cinema
There have been a number of ghost sightings at the cinema; ranging from strange lights to shadowy figures.
It is rumoured that a bingo player lost her life while playing the game – her heart giving out to the drama. One of the popular stories suggests that she still lingers on in the hall trying to claim her winners. Another local story speaks of a suicide; a man who killed himself behind the cinema screen.
Interesting Locations Nearby
The Turner Nursing Home was created by Anne Turner, wife of Charles Turner (the first Chairman of Liverpool Docks which may also be haunted) and mother of Charles William Turner. Anne out lived them both. The home opened in 1885 and featured work from Sir William Hamo Thorneycroft and the architect Alfred Whitehouse.
The red ashlar home has a large chapel that features octagonal columns and stained glass. Some whisper that the souls of some of the less than sane former inhabitants at Turner may linger still; especially near the chapel.
The Ancient Chapel of Toxteth dates back to around 1604 – nearly three hundred before the Chapel at the Turner – and was originally built by Puritan dissenters from the Church of England but is now owned and used by the Unitarians.
The land which the Ancient Chapel and its graveyard is built one was sold to the Puritan families by the Earl of Derby. The inside of the chapel is dark even in summer.
In Pure Spirit
Have you been to any of the locations mentioned above? What do you think? Have you sensed anything other than natural there?
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