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Inside Sheffield's spookiest pub - VIDEO
WHEN the landlord of Sheffield's most haunted pub decided to sell-up, he was adamant his ghosts must be left in good hands.
After two decades of calling Carbrook Hall home, Phil Skelton knew he couldn't walk away from it unless he had a buyer that would respect the history of the 400-year-old building.
He said: "I couldn't let it go to someone who would turn it into a Starbucks. I knew I needed to find somebody who could keep the pub's many ghostly residents happy!"
After five months on the market Phil believes he's found just the people for the job.
Shaun and Joanne Barefoot, of Rotherham, will be taking over next month, leaving 51-year-old Phil and his family free to jet off to their villa in Cyprus, where they plan to live permanently.
The couple have run a number of businesses although this is their first venture into the pub trade.
Joanne said: "We're so excited. It has a great homely feel and we don't plan to make lots of changes – it's great as it is."
Shaun, 45, agrees: "I think the history and reputation of the place intrigues us even more.
"We've researched a little and Phil has told us lots of stories, but we still have a lot to learn about our new home."
The building dates back to 1620 when it was owned by John Bright, an active Parliamentarian during the English Civil War. The building was used as a Roundhead meeting place during the siege of Sheffield Castle.
Phil told The Star the pub's "most haunted" reputation is well-deserved as the place is inundated with spirits. Over the years, numerous psychics and paranormal teams have put together something of a guest list of his ghostly residents.
"Many of them have talked of a 'troublesome spirit', although I'm told he poses no threat as he has been banished into the wall behind the bar," Phil says nonchalantly, pointing to the place where he says bottles and glasses often levitate or fly off from in the middle of the crowded pub.
Strange sightings are all in a day's work for Phil – who even believes he had an encounter with the pub's former owner John Bright on the stairs late one evening eight or nine years ago.
He told The Star: "I've loved every minute of my time here – ghosts and all!
"I never gave much thought to ghosts before I came to Carbrook Hall, but after spending the last two decades there, am I now a believer? The answer is a resounding yes."
What do you think? Add your comment below.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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