Hall’s haunted past revealed in show

Presenter Yvette Fielding and a production crew from the Really channel visited the historic house in Nutter Lane, Birstall, earlier in the year.

Senior heritage officer Eric Brown was filmed talking about the legend of William Batt, who owned the house in 1684.

A bachelor of 25, William’s widowed mother, Elizabeth, lived at Oakwell. The story goes that there was a knock on the door and when a servant opened it, there stood Captain William Batt.

He strode through the hall and up the stairs to his room – where he is said to have vanished.

Later it was discovered that William had been killed in a duel in London that same afternoon of December 9, 1684.

According to the legend, he left a bloody footprint behind in a bedroom. William was buried in Birstall on December 30, 1684.

The popular programme will be aired on Thursday, July 23 at 10pm.

The filming for it took place during an event in January which was organised by Jenny Bryant, manager of Yorkshire-based paranormal events company GCUK.

Meanwhile, six new dates have been added to the Oakwell Artisan Emporium market.

Each week visitors can browse a selection of stalls offering locally-produced crafts, handmade jewellery, paintings, foods, vintage items and more.

These will take place in the Oakwell Visitor Centre Courtyard from noon-4pm on July 19 and 26 and August 9, 16, 23 and 30.

Admission to the emporium, which attracts independent businesses, is free.

Items at stalls this Sunday include handmade jewellery from Baubles, Bangles and Beads and AnnieB, contemporary macramé accessories from Get Knotted and original watercolours and cards by Mandy Day.

Quality hand-knits for children from Cards and Cardies and a range of unusual craft products, including soaps and felt vases from heatherleecrafts, will also be available.

Oakwell Hall’s recently refurbished gift shop also stocks items that reflect the history of the house and the country park, including quirky 17th century ceramics, foods from local makers and delicate artist-painted wildlife mugs.

Oakwell Hall is a 17th century period home which also recently appeared in the Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell TV show on BBC1.

The site includes more than 100 acres of country park, gardens, a playground, café and gift shop.

Any independent business who are interested in holding a stall at one of the Emporiums should contact [email protected] for details.