Quarry Bank Mill (also known as Styal Mill) is one of the best preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution. It is now a museum of the cotton industry that is open to the public and owned by the National Trust. Built in 1784 by Samuel Greg, the mill is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building.
In 1790, Greg built the Apprentice House near the factory. Previously, the first children apprentices lived in lodgings in the neighbourhood, but Greg believed he could get the best out of his workers by treating them with fairness. He employed a superintendent to attend to their care, and the children were given instruction in morals and education by members of the Greg family and external tutors.
However, the Apprentice House is allegedly haunted. The attics are said to be the most common place to experience something paranormal. Cold spots and the apparition of a woman have been reported in this area. Others have reported a sense of presence here.
In the mill itself, the ghost of a woman has been reported walking on the upper floors.
Pictured left is the Apprentice House courtesy of Peter Fuller.
Quarry Bank Mill,
Styal,,
Wilmslow,
Cheshire.
For further information, please read Ghosts: Mysterious Tales from the National Trust by Sian Evans.