HALLOWE’EN has come and gone and reminded me of a few of the many locations in the Stroud area associated with ghosts, writes local historian Howard Beard.

Woodchester Mansion, a secluded, unfinished, Victorian masterpiece built in 1857 by Catholic convert William Leigh, is said to be one of the best places to visit for those wishing to encounter spirits.

It has featured in various TV programmes, notably Most Haunted Lives in 2003 and 2005.

Ghosts reported at the mansion include soldiers, a stonemason and a disembodied female singer. In fact, the only verified nocturnal flittings can be put down to a resident colony of greater horseshoe bats!

A second haunted house, Nether Lypiatt Manor, was built in 1717 for Hanging Judge Coxe.

Spectral visions here include that of his son who committed suicide in the house. Ghosts of a blacksmith and a stallion have also been reported; the blacksmith, it seems, was condemned to death, but reprieved by Coxe so long as he made him a perfect pair of gates.

This was done, but Coxe claimed to see a fault in the gates and hanged him anyway.

Ghosts of horse and blacksmith are said to be seen rushing through the gateway.

Finally, a lesser known apparition, the Chalford Ghost, appears in an Edwardian view of a small building in Chalford Vale.

Readers can decide for themselves what they make of this curious postcard.