The Lion & Swan

The Lion and Swan hotel in Congleton dates back to around the 16th century and in the past was Congleton’s main hostelry and coaching Inn. Having survived through the centuries and borne witness to many people and events which have passed through and occurred here it is hardly suprising to find out that the building is haunted.

In the restaurant can be found a wooden fireplace surround which has on it strange carvings, it has been suggested that it once formed part of a bridal bed, and that the un-Christian style carvings were some sort of fertility aid.

It is thought that in the past the bed would have been used by couples who were barren, the hotel would have rented them a room and the bed in the hope they would concieve.

The ghost that is said to haunt the hotel has been seen next to this fireplace, she is said to be that of a young brown haired woman who is said to appear at around the time of a new moon, wearing no clothes, smiling and only having a pair of clogs upon her feet!

The story goes that she died from fever in the Middle Ages after drinking a potion to overcome her inability to concieve. The sightings usually take place in the middle of the night, and she is seen with a poker in her hand tending the fire below the mysterious carved fire surround!