As one of the oldest buildings in Worcester, The Commandery is THE place to go for a truly spooky time this Halloween! On Thursday 31 October and Friday 1 November The Commandery will be opening after dark to give torch lit tours of one of Worcester's oldest buildings.
Said to be one of the most haunted building in the city, The Commandery is a must for any Halloween fans. The night-time tours of the building will give an historical overview of the site whilst keeping an eye out for any paranormal goings on. Returning for a second year the tours are set to be as popular as the last and visitors are being encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.
There have been a number of rumours over the years about ghostly sightings at The Commandery, with many paranormal groups coming to examine what might be going on in the 800 year old building after dark and many staff recounting spooky experiences. These tours will delve deeper into the history of the site and why there is a high chance there could be something lurking behind the doors! Having started life as a monastic hospital in the early medieval period then becoming the Royalist headquarters during the Battle of Worcester in 1651 it has seen its fair share of death and injury, including the death of the Duke of Hamilton who was buried beneath the floorboards as the English Civil War raged around Worcester.
Commandery Manager Rachel Robinson comments: "It's great to have so much history in one place, and it does make you wonder if there's something else in the building too. The staff are always on the lookout for any unexplained spooky activity. These tours were a sell-out last year and we are pleased to be able to bring them back again. It's a great way to celebrate Halloween!"
The tours are not suitable for younger ones and are advised for over 14s only with anyone under 18 needing to be accompanied by an adult, however there will be other activities for family visitors during the half term week. From Tuesday 29 October – Friday 1 November there will be craft activities to learn how to keep yourself safe from dark magic as well as a broom stick obstacle course and a 'pin the wart on the witch' challenge.
The after-dark tours will be running from 7.30pm both days and advance booking is essential, they cost £10 per person and can be booked via The Commandery shop or by calling 01905 361 821. Visit the Museums Worcestershire website for more details www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk.