Built in 1851 as a Vicarage, the Old Coach House in South Shore is a site worth of investigation – historical and paranormal. On day five of 31 Hallowe’en Tales inspired by Fylde folklore, we find out what may be lurking there.
Today’s instalment was just as surprising to me as it might be to some of you! This place is as local as local can be and yet is little recognised for both its fascinating history and its alleged hauntings.
Without realising it, each day, both locals and holidaymakers pass by the oldest remaining building in what was once the small village of South Shore.
The Old Coach House on Dean Street was built in 1851 originally as a Vicarage, yet it soon began to serve the fashionable droves who were flocking to take the waters here on the Fylde Coast for their health and wellbeing.
The building was one of many at that time providing lodging to those travelling to our shores, but incredibly until very recently it still operated as a bed and breakfast. The Old Coach House has seen a lot of history and no doubt a lot of colourful characters have passed through its doors over the years. According to both staff and previous guests, at least two of those souls have decided to spend their afterlife there too.
The ghost of a man in a dark cap and cloak has been seen staring people down as they tuck into their Full English breakfast. And don’t forget our Shirl – her ghost walks into the dining room and sits quietly at an empty table, watching over the mostly oblivious diners.
As a piece of local history, the Old Coach House is truly a hidden gem and well worthy of further investigation, by both locals and visitors alike. Sadly, it can no longer be booked as a hostelry, however, the building is set to find a fantastic new lease of life. In July 2023 it was been reported that The Old Coach House will become accommodation to support vulnerable mothers and their newborns.
Main image by Jason Connolly
Read our previous Hallowe’en Tales
Day 1 – The Curse of Carleton Crematorium.
Day 2 – The Witch Ducking Stools of Poulton-Le-Fylde.
Day 3 – The Ghost-Seer of Weeton.
Day 4 – Smuggling, Drowned Nuns and Fallen Acrobats at Raikes Hall
Take a look at Zowie Swan’s debut novel, Chingle Hall here.
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