Ghost hunting at Staveley Hall with MJL Paranormal. Cr: MJL Paranormal.
By Kayleigh Northall.
MJL Paranormal is a dedicated team of ghost hunters who approach their investigations with a scientific point of view.
The group, primarily composed of family members, was formed out of a shared interest in the paranormal. Michael, James, and Lisa, along with Keith, have been enthusiastic about exploring haunted locations for over 20 years.
Their investigations are known for being fluid and adaptable, allowing them to cover different sites and gather comprehensive evidence.
MJL Paranormal’s approach sets them apart from other groups that tend to be more structured. They aim to uncover the truth behind paranormal activities by using various equipment and techniques. Their dedication to the field has led them to numerous haunted locations, including the infamous Staveley Hall.
MJL Paranormal continues to explore the unknown, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to understand the supernatural. The group continues to explore haunted locations in the Derbyshire area, inviting the public to have their own experiences.
On a beautiful spring morning during the Easter weekend, I went on a hunt. It was not an egg hunt, as you would expect, but on a ghost hunt.
Driving through the peak district fills me with serenity at the best of times. Still, today I’m on a journey to find a little hidden gem.
Cromford in Derbyshire.
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
Meandering through Matlock and on through the high-cliffed valley of Matlock Bath you arrive at a village called Cromford. find more information about Cromford and the surrounding area https://visitpeakdistrict.com/locations/cromford
The Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Cromford famous for its mills and it’s connection to Richard Arkwright. Cromford is known as the cradle or birthplace of the industrial revolution.
Via Gellia Mill, built by Richard Arkwright.
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
This area of Derbyshire is known for its cotton mills. The industry is long gone but the structures still continue. Some of the buildings have been adapted into museums, some stand empty, vulnerable to the elements. Most of the mills have been split into smaller units and repurposed into smaller industries. Ironically, this can be seen as an extension to the cottage industry which the mills and industrial revolution decimated.
Via Gellia mill, Cromford. Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
The building is said to be as haunted as the ghostly creations inside. The mill has seen centuries of history. It was originally a cotton mill built by Richard Arkwright in the late 18th century. In 1890, Hollins & Company took over the mill. They began producing the famous Viyella fabric. This fabric is a blend of wool and cotton. Many people have walked the wooden floors. Creaks are said to be heard in places where no living person has tread. As producing cotton was a heavy manual labour industry which famously had child labours, fatalities and industrial accidents were prevalent. Deaths would occur in the mills; some would say leaving an imprint on the fabric of the building. The spirits of some have remained and you feel their presence in this shop.
In the old Via Gellia Mill, there is a ramp at the side of the mill pond. Up this ramp lies the Matlock Ghost Emporium of Spirits and Secrets.
Little Shop of Cute Horrors.
A quaint little shop which sells handcrafted apparitions, shelf after shelf and row after row of ghosts all different creations. No two are alike.
Matlock Ghost Emporium
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
Picking your ghost to take home is a daunting challenge. You are faced with hundreds of little ghosts. They all want to find a home with you. I refused to look at their website. I wanted to find one that I felt an affinity with. That was a task, like walking through a dog adoption facility. I wanted to give them all a home.
A Myriad of Spooks and Spectres.
I scanned the shelves, only glancing at first to see if I relate to any of the hauntings. I realised I was overwhelmed by the choice. It was akin to standing in a forest looking for a tree. Bookshelves full of little ghosts, some friendly, some not, stare out at you. Whilst you study them, you get the overwhelming feeling that they are studying you. On my second round of the little emporium, I found my spook to give a home. I wanted one that embodied or disembodied me. As a lover of books, reading, and writing, I searched for that perfect match. Staring at me was a pastel-coloured ghost with glasses and it was reading a book, perfect.
After picking her out from the rest, I was ushered to the ghost’s photography studio. I positioned my new housemate in the scene and took my photos. This was a cute idea made up by the keeper of the apparitions.
Photography shoot for my ghost.
Cr: Kayleigh Northall.
Possession of a Shy Kind.
I was then asked if I wanted to get my ghost possessed in the S.H.A.D.E machine, spectral holding and displacement equipment. A perfectly decorated machine in which I placed my new friend and closed the door. I pressed the cog, and lights came on and spooky noises were heard coming from the machine. The colour of the light denotes what spectre I have to take home. Blue is a shy ghost. She is my possession. Maybe over time, she will come out of her shell and feel comfortable around me.
The gift wrapping was perfect for the setting. It featured a snuggly box sealed with wax and a complimentary ghost holding an easter egg for Easter. I also received an information leaflet about my ghost, telling me all about her. The shop also has a reward scheme, collect the stamps and get a free ghost. The whole experience was fun, warm, and welcoming, the staff were friendly and knowledgeable about their creations.
Walking back outside, I was transported from the world of whimsical and fun, back into the current day. Walking back through the mill towards the car park, I found myself smiling. I was slightly embracing the inner child in myself.
Back home. My new housemate has been introduced to the rest of the family. She has found her space on a shelf in my living room. Hopefully she won’t be shy for long. After the fantastic journey I went on, I know she won’t be lonely for long. I am already planning my next trip.
How to Find your Very Own Ghost.
Find your spooky friend at Matlock Ghost Emporium, a worthwhile and fun experience. If you can’t visit the emporium please visit http://matlockghostemporium.com or look them up on Facebook, Instagram or Threads and read the story behind this collection of apparitions.
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