- Image by Jorge-11 via Flickr
Described as the first non-classical building in Europe, St George’s Hall was designed by Harvey Lonsdale Elmes and opened to the public of Livepool in September 1854. St George’s Hall was frequently visited by Charles Dickens. Only 25% of the building was open during Dickens time and the hall fell into a state of disrepair. In April 2007 it reopened after a £23,000,000 refurbishment. The refurbished Hall allows access to many more areas and Visitors to St George’s today can visit the cells.
Harvey Lonsdale Elmes was only able to work on the building of the Hall until 1847. Due to illness he gave the project to city surveyor John Wightman and structural engineer Robert Rawlinson. Lonsdale Elmes died of consumption in 1847.
Hauntings
St George’s Hall is believed to be haunted. There are reports of a ghostly man sitting with his head in his hands in the concert room. The courts have sentenced many people to death in their time and some guests to the refurbished building continue to report that cold hands have pushed their backs.
The basement is another haunted area and there have been many reports of a tall man shouting into the darkness. The basement is suspected of being a key area of poltergeist activity.
In January 2009 the Hall was the venue for Most Haunted Live‘s the Search for Evil.
In Pure Spirit
Have you seen any of the ghosts of Liverpool’s St George’s Hall? Have you been to the public building?
January 19, 2009 at 5:42 pm
St Georges Hall is probably the most haunted location in Liverpool. I've not heard tale of the ghosts that you mention but have first hand knowledge of plenty of other encounters
February 6, 2010 at 4:24 pm
i was in the court room a few months ago and the next thing a little boy who was in there said to his dad he's over there he's watching us and pointed to an empty area of the room. it went freezing cold and me and my friend became uncomfortable and decided to leave
February 9, 2011 at 3:32 pm
I just returned from visiting St George's hall and had a particulary strange experience, i was in the basement, where the prisoners were kept when i suddenly felt a very heavy atmousphere fill the room. i felt like someone was watching me and even followed me into the court room. I'm not sure if i heard anything due to the sound effects within the chambers but i was filled with fear and all i could think about was that i was not wanted here and to leave.