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Old Rectory, Gawsworth

The Old Rectory at Gawsworth, a 500-year-old mansion once linked to Mary Fitton—believed by some to be Shakespeare’s “Dark Lady”—is said to be haunted by her ghost. Fitton’s lively affairs at Elizabeth I’s court and later in Cheshire made her a figure of fascination, and her spirit is reputed to walk the lime-tree avenue from Gawsworth Old Hall to the Harrington Arms on autumn evenings. In 1964, owner Idris W. Owen held eight vigils in the room where she was said to appear, but the amorous spectre never obliged.

Gawsworth Old Rectory, Church Ln, Gawsworth, Macclesfield, SK11 9QY
53.227563

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-2.166313
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Visiting Information
The Old Rectory is a private residence, and can be viewed respectfully from the roadside.

Visiting information is provided in good faith and believed accurate at the time of writing. As access and opening arrangements can change, please verify details with official sources before visiting.

Sources & Further Reading

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