In the central part of England, situated to the east of Churnet Valley, is Alton Staffordshire — Staffordshire. Historically a thriving region, evident by the number of pubs and resting houses on the village high street, today the town is famous for different reasons. Alton Towers theme park provides both entertainment and scares to thousands of annual visitors.
A collection of enthralling rollercoasters, rides and water park, the most recent addition, it is the UKs most popular theme park. To accompany the action packed adventures are two hotels and a conference hall. The park is built around Alton Mansion, home for many years to the Earl of Shrewsbury and designed by Augustin Pugin.
The grounds history dates back to 1000BC when an Iron Age fort, known as Bunbury Hill, was built. Some years later, as a result of the Norman Conquest, the fort was replaced with a castle, most likely used to guard the village, then called Alverton, and allowing it to prosper. As of 716AD, the time of the villages first mention in the Domesday Book, the Saxon King, Ceolred of Mercia, ruled the site. His reign came to a short end, seven years later, due to insanity and laid the foundations for the rumors surrounding the grounds today.
The rumors are reinforced by the legend of the 15th Earl of Shrewsbury, Charles Talbot, who lived in the gothic house. It is supposed that, in 1821, having turned down a beggar, a curse was cast upon an oak tree. The oak tree stands today with its branches chained, an act commissioned by the Earl following the death of a family member.
Today hoards of people visit Alton Towers in the hope of catching a glimpse of the ghosts who haunt the grounds. Sightings are regularly reported in a range of forms. Children dressed in Victorian clothing are frequently seen, as well as the belief that stones are thrown from unseen hands. Two of the most common ghosts are that of a lady, dressed in black, meandering through the mansions corridors and a man in the Music Hall.
It is not only the park that is believed to be haunted, as residents often mention a top hat wearing, horse riding figure moving amongst the village fields. Fear not though as it is not all adrenalin based here. In fact, the surrounding countryside is some of the most awe-inspiring in the UK, with an abundance of nature walks and valleys to be explored.
Visitors to Alton Staffordshire should be prepared for everything, high energy activities, spooks and simple relaxation.
For accommodation in Alton, Staffordshire check this list of Alton, Staffordshire hotels.
Article from articlesbase.com
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Tags: Alton, Haunted, Staffordshire, traditional, village
