Croxteth Hall

Croxteth Hall is said to date back to 1575 and is located in Liverpool, England. The building started as a small hunting lodge, but was gradually added to and expanded over the years. The last addition was completed during 1902. Until 1972, the manor was owned by the Molyneux family. Folloing the death of Hugh Molyneux, the 7th Earl of Sefton, the manor passed into the hands of the Merseyside County Council and then to the Liverpool City Council. There are over two hundred rooms within Croxteth Hall, and the public can visit for a small entry fee. It is said that this location is haunted, and ghost tours are held here. A notable event which captured that public's imagination regarding the hauntings here regards some cctv footage which was captured during 2009. This footage has contributed to the belief that a past owner haunts the premises. Other spirits include a child, and a short hideous figure in a cloak who was witnessed during 2013.

History

Regarding the land the hall stands on, the park is believed to have been an area of dense woodland during prehistoric times. This would have provided a rich source of food for hunter gatherers in the area. Later in history, it's believed the vikings would have arrived here by travelling along the River Aln which passes through this area; and so it's thought 'Croxteth' derives from 'Croc's steath', meaning 'Croc's landing place'. As for how true this is, I don't know for sure as very few sources have discussed where the name originated from. As for the history of Croxteth Hall itself, this can technically be traced back to 1066 with with Battle of Hastings. During this year, William of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror, sent William de Moulins to take charge of the area called Sefton; presumably as a reward for his part as a knight in the battle.

Over the years this family's last name would change from Moulins to be Molyneux. The family were awarded land in Sefton, and they lived in a moated manor house there. They also had a base at Liverpool Castle as they were responsible for law and order. During 1446, Henry VI granted Croxteth Park to Sir Richard Molyneux of Sefton. It was also granted to Richard's son, who was also called Richard. I have found a contradicting detail here saying that it was actually granted by Henry VI during 1473. Having looked more into the reign of Henry VI, it seems he wouldn't have been able to grant land during the 1473 date as he reigned from 1422 until 1461. He was briefly restored to the throne during 1470, but he was murdered in the tower of London during 1471. Despite being granted Croxteth Park, the Molyneux family did not make Croxteth their home until much later.

Originally, the land of Croxteth Hall was located in West Derby and not Liverpool. During 1461, forestership of the wapentake of West Derby was given to the Molyneux family, and it's thought this may have prompted their move from Sefton to Croxteth during 1548. It's unclear if a previous building stood on the site of Croxteth Hall which predates it's cited 1575 build date. Apparently it was originally called Barrett's Hall, and Barrett was a squire of John of Gaunt. The current name was apparently drawn from the existing name of Croxteth Park. It was during 1483 that Thomas Molyneux was appointed as 'Constable of Liverpool Castle and Steward of West Derby and Salford, and Master Forester of Simonswood, Toxteth and Croxteth'.

More information, which may be contradicting to the park being granted to Sir Richard Molyneux by Henry VI, is that during 1507 the park was granted to William Molyneux and his heirs by the Duke of Gloucester. I've found little more information regarding this time, so I don't know if this information fits with the land being granted by Henry VI. Something could have happened with the ownership between these times, more land was granted, or perhaps information regarding the land being granted to the Molyneux family during one of these time periods is incorrect. For instance, I've found that Croxteth Park became the main Molyneux family residence during 1507, but also that their move from Sefton to Croxteth occured during 1548. Things during this early time period don't quite add up, and I don't know why. Perhaps Barrett's Hall existed as a temporary residence, which the Molyneux family made their main residence during 1548.

What is commonly said is that Croxteth Hall was officially built during 1575. The original part of the building is the south end of the east range, and it was originally built of timber with plaster walls. Also, it was used as a hunting lodge and can be seen at the back of the building. Apparently it was Sir Richard Molyneux who built the original house, but again, I don't know if this was an earlier house, such as what Barrett's Hall possibly was, or if this particular Richard Molyneux was a descendant who built Croxteth Hall. There's also the possibility that this information is just incorrect. I have also found that during 1575, Sir Edward Molyneux gained the estate via marriage. What's very clear is that there are many seemingly contradicting details about who owned the estate at what time, and how they came about owning it.

During 1702, Richard, the 4th Viscount Molyneux, apparently added the west wing. This has been said to be the most impressive part of the hall. The south range is also said to have been added during this year. Richard, the 4th Viscount of Molyneux, converted to Anglicanism. Then, during 1771, the 8th Viscount became the 1st Earl of Sefton. During the 1800s, Liverpool's expansion gave the family wealth and so they spent this money on extending the hall. The appearance changed after it was encased in brick roughly around the year 1800. The Queen Anne Wing can be seen as brickwork and stone carvings, and this is the leading exterior part of the hall. It's said this wing was built around the time the family moved from Sefton to Croxteth Hall.

There are glasshouses around Croxteth Hall, and these are home to the Liverpool Botanical Collection which may go by the name of 'The Liverpool Botanics'. This was founded during 1803 by William Roscoe, and it's one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. At one point, there was a bakery and a brewery on the land, but these were knocked down to build the front of the house. It was during 1829 that the 2nd Earl and gambler William Philip Molyneux laid the foundation stone at Aintree Racecourse. During 1835, a large portion of West Derby was taken into Liverpool. The rest of West Derby was brought in during 1895.

Croxteth Hall recieved Royal visitors on the 9th of October 1851 when Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, and their children stayed in advance of their arranged tour of Liverpool. I have found a source which claimed their stay was during 1852, but most sources claim the accurate date is 1851. I've found that the 4th Earl hired Thomas Henry Wyatt to add both the south and east wings. The years given are 1874 and 1877. This could be one year for one wing and one year for the other, however it could also be construction began during 1874 and finished during 1877. I've also found that it was during this 1874 - 1877 period that the north range was added. I've also found that the northern end of the east range was added, so it's unclear if the whole of the eastern side was built during this time or if only the northern part of the eastern side was. Apparently the northern end of the east range was built as a space for visitors to stay in.

It seems through most of the hall's history, it has been surrounded by farmland consisting of horses and cattle. At one time only the Molyneux family and their guests were allowed onto this land. The family spent most of their time hunting and shooting. They are known as one of the oldest families in the original county of Lancashire, and originated from the town of Moulineaux, which is in Normandy, France. William Molyneux, the 4th Earl of Sefton, redesigned much of his estate along with West Derby Village. He died during 1897. Also during 1897, his son and heir, Charles Molyneux, suffered a severe head injury while riding in a steeplechase at the Grand National. Charles became the 5th Earl of Sefton, but he was never seen in public again. He was declared insane, confined to Croxteth Hall, and then cared for by his sister and specialist nurses.

It was during 1901 that Charles Molyneux died, and he was then succeeded by his brother Osbert. 1902 was the year building work was completed to the house. This work included building the west range and the range behind the south range. The final 1902 work was done by John McVicar (alternative spelling MacVicar) Anderson. It was earlier said that during 1702 the west wing was added by Richard, the 4th Viscount Molyneux. I would assume 'wing' and 'range' are interchangeable, but I have kept them in the relevant bits of information to how sources have described them. Regardless, I think there is potential here for a mix-up given how similar the 1702 and 1902 dates are, especially as it's been said the west wing was added during 1702 but the west range was added during 1902. Again, it's possibly another inaccuracy, but one I needed to point out. I've also found that the north range was added during the 1902-1904 period by the 5th Earl. This addition closed the courtyard, and so the hall became an Edwardian mansion. This also seems inconsistent to information mentioned earlier as it was said the north range was added during the 1874 - 1877 period. A possibility here, aside incorrect information, is that these sides of the hall were built upon and extended as apposed to added.

Going back to Charles' brother Osbert; he had two sons called Hugh and Cecil. Cecil joined the Royal Navy and was killed in the Battle of Jutland during the year of 1916. This was the biggest naval battle of World War One, and Cecil died at the age of sixteen. He was a midshipman on the battle cruiser flagship HMS Lion, and the ship recieved a direct hit. Cecil was buried at sea with ninety eight others. Lady Evelyn was Cecil's sister, and she died during 1917 at the age of 14 as she had always suffered from poor health. Hugh, full name Hugh William Osbert Molyneux, became the 7th Earl of Sefton.

There was a fire in the west wing which gutted many of the important interiors of the hall, although it was restored. This part of the hall is known today as the Queen Anne Suite and it was allowed to reopen during 2013. Today, this area is a regular host to weddings and conferences. The most outstanding interior part is said to be the Edwardian entrance hall which features a sweeping staircase surrounded by family portraits. The 7th Earl, Hugh Molyneux, left no heirs to Croxteth Hall and died during 1972. As there were no heirs, he was also the final Earl of Sefton. Impressively, Hugh could trace back his ancestry directly to William de Moulins. Hugh's American widow was Josephine, the Countess of Sefton. She was born during 1903 and died during 1980.

Between the 17th and 20th of September 1973, although conflicting sources say 1974, a big auction was held where the contents of the hall were sold by Christie's. Liverpool museums bought most of the items. During 1974, the estate was given as a gift to the City of Liverpool as it seems Hugh requested for it to be given to the people of Liverpool upon his death. In the same year, it was transferred to the Merseyside County Council Museums Department. It was during 1979 that the estate was designated as a country park, and when the Merseyside County Council was abolished during 1986, the location was managed by the Merseyside Residuary Body. During 1989, the location was then transferred to the Liverpool City Council Environmental Services Department. It is still looked after today by the Liverpool City Council. Croxteth Hall is a grade II listed building, and was first listed as so on the 28th of June 1952. The park and gardens are also grade II listed, and they were first listed on the 7th of February 1995.

The hall and park make up a 500 acre estate and is all open to the public. The estate includes a victorian walled garden and a working farm. There are roughly 230 rooms within Croxteth Hall, and the maids quarters along with the kitchens have been preserved. These areas have been regularly used for TV period dramas. Finally, on the 5th of August 2019, Lewis Canada performed a concert at this location. I assume it was performed within the park, and not within the hall itself.

Hauntings

In the dining room, it is said that people see a young boy flicker past the fireplace. It has also been said that there is a child in ragged clothing who has been seen near the main staircase and in the dining room. There have been speculations that both children are the same. The sound of a child's bare feet has also been heard, as have generic footsteps, and laughter. The billiard room is said to contain an eerie dark figure. This figure disappears as soon as they appear and only briefly lingers in shadows. Dark figures have also been sitting in invisible chairs in the billiard room, and the smell of tobacco has been reported. Another smell to have been reported, although from which room is unknown, is the smell of baking bread.

Disembodied voices, strange shadows, and coldness have all been experienced in the Sefton Passage in the hall. Plus, a soldier dressed in a blue 1914 uniform was encountered near the gothic porch. It's also been reported that a whole line of soldiers in red have been seen aiming their guns at the hall before soon vanishing into the mist. Another reported sighting is a hooded woman in a mirror. It's been speculated that at least one of the Earls haunts the property. The guests and staff of the hall have said the 6th Earl of Sefton roams the tearoom and his former bedroom.

Kitchen cupboard doors have been known to open and slam, and the cellar door has also been seen opening and closing with no apparent reason why. The sounds of servants working have been heard in the kitchen, and a house maid has been seen in the kitchen. In the breakfast room motion detectors go off for no reason, and the former servants quarters in the attic has been referred to as a paranormal hotspot; but I've been unable to find what is said to occur there.

During either the March or April of 2009, a 'ghost' was caught on CCTV. The footage shows a white shape seemingly emerge from bushes, move towards the house, and then disappear off screen. People think that this is the figure of either the 7th Earl, or of William Philip Molyneux. William was the 2nd Earl of Sefton, and people say he still visits the hall during the Grand National. Jason Karl, who worked with the Most Haunted team, said 'video footage of phantoms is very rare, and if this stands up to scrutiny, it could be a very important piece of spectral evidence for the worldwide community of paranormal enthusiasts'.

Another figure seen at Croxteth Hall is a man in a hood. He has been described as short and hideous, and people have described his face as 'horrific'. He has been seen in the basement, on the staircase, and in corridors. It's said he stops and looks at people before disappearing into rooms which are closed to visitors. During 2013, two people exploring the basement encountered what they described as a short hideous figure in a cloak, and they later spotted him on the staircase where he then vanished.

Summary Of Hauntings

1. The 6th Earl of Sefton - tearoom, his former bedroom

2. The 7th Earl of Sefton (?) - CCTV

3. The 2nd Earl of Sefton, William Philip Molyneux (?) - CCTV

4. Man in hood, short, hideous, horrific face - basement, stairs, corridors

5. House maid - kitchen

6. Young boy - by fireplace in dining room

7. Dark figure - billiard room

8. Dark figures sitting in chairs - billiard room

9. Hooded woman - in mirror

10. Child in ragged clothing, (same as boy?) - main staircase, dining room

11. Soldier, dressed in blue 1914 uniform - near gothic porch

12. Line of soldiers in red- outside

13. Smell of baking bread

14. Smell of tobacco

15. Coldness - Sefton Passage

16. Strange shadows - Sefton Passage

17. Disembodied voices - Sefton Passage

18. Footsteps

19. Sound of child's bare feet

20. Cupboard doors open and slam - kitchen

21. Cellar door opened and closed - cellar

22. Laughter

23. Sounds of servants working - kitchen

24. Motion detectors go off for no reason - breakfast room

My Thoughts

I'm quite surprised with this location. I wasn't expecting for the information to be so lacking in detail, and I'm especially surprised at how inconsistent the information I've found seems to be. It isn't unusual for the history of a location to be somewhat muddled or contradictory, but it seems very little is publicly known for sure about Croxteth Hall. Usually, I find sources which add a bit of further detail which adds some sense to anything that seems inconsistent or like a contradiction; but here it seems no one really knows the true and accurate history. Of course, I could be completely wrong with everything I have said and am saying; but this is my honest impression from the sources I have looked through for my research.

Regarding how active I think the hauntings here are, or how many haunting I think there are; I would go here expecting little. I do think it will be haunted, but the activity reported doesn't strike me like the spirits here are all that active. Most of the activity is shadows, footsteps, voices, smells, and laughter. This is all as generic as you can get when describing a haunting. The same goes for doors opening and closing. In my research I did find information about a set of keys which had 'disappeared' and 'reappeared' behind a mug, but I haven't included this in the main bulk of the article as to me that's just a result of forgetfulness.

Regarding the CCTV footage, I will link the video at the end of this article. From looking at the footage, I can see why the first impression was that the figure was a ghost. However, I don't believe this is the case. I remember Cairan O'Keeffe would say that when reviewing footage like this, ideally you want the figure to appear while on camera, to stay in shot, and then to disappear while still on camera. That doesn't happen with this footage. The figure enters frame in the top left corner, moves down, and then exits frame in the bottom left corner. As the figure is completely white, and stays a consistent shape and colour as it moves, I believe it is nothing more than a bug which is crawling down the lense of the camera.

Does the possibility of the figure being a bug mean speculations around the hall's hauntings are false? No. It just means that particular sighting likely isn't legitimate. So, I do think the hall will be haunted; but I don't think Croxteth Hall offers anything for someone who doesn't believe in the paranormal. It's hauntings are vague, and they can't be properly identified with any particular owner or resident. However, I do think this could lend to it's validity in being haunted. The location does run ghost tours, so I'm surprised there aren't tales of more outlandish hauntings. As a result, I think it could be worth a visit to this location as they don't seem to be promoting false hauntings in the same way other locations may.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading this article! I honestly was expecting a fair bit more than what I've written, and so I am genuinely surprised with how little I've found. As usual, please do let me know if anything I've written is incorrect or inaccurate as I do strive to be as accurate and comprehensive as possible in these articles. I feel with this location in particular, there are a number of details which can be expanded on or clarified. The next article will be on Friday the 29th of November, and it will likely be about a paranormal influencer. At the time of writing this, I'm slightly behind with my schedule; so it will either be a paranormal influencer or the next journal entry. Then, the next location article will be uploaded on Monday the 2nd of December. It will document a location in West Wycombe. If you want to watch the Croxteth Hall CCTV footage, you can click the link below:

Croxteth Hall CCTV 'ghost' footage

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