Chester: England's Most Haunted City

Orphan Susan

An unnamed café in Bridge Street, at the heart of Chester's walled city, is home to 'Susan', the troubled spirit of a Victorian girl who hung herself to escape the unceasing drudgery of the bakehouse.

Back in the 1860s a frail nine-year-old orphan girl, who had grown up in the local Chester workhouse or Poor-Law institution, was indentured to a local bakery. But the terms of indenture were harsh - by modern western standards almost akin to slavery. Susan was given little or no free time, and worked from before dawn until after dark 6½ days a week. By the time she was twelve, she was so unhappy that she hung herself in the bakery.

She is still there. The café manager often feels a dread chill in her office, finds all sorts of things moved inexplicably, and discovers rooms she knows she left open are now locked. It seems Susan's spirit can now indulge in the childish pranks she was denied in life.