The Black Horse pub, located on Old Liverpool Road in Sankey Bridges, is a historic establishment dating back to the early 1600s. While there are other pubs in Warrington that are older, such as the Barley Mow in the town center, the Black Horse is often considered the oldest. The pub has a rich history, filled with tales of the past that have become local legends.
One such legend is that of ‘The Crawling Man’, a ghost said to haunt the premises. The story goes that the pub was once a stabling yard run by a blacksmith named Giles Boston. During the Civil War, a group of Royalists stopped at the pub and demanded horses from Boston. When he refused, he was shot and left to die. Witnesses claim that his ghost, known as the ‘crawling man’, can still be seen outside the pub, holding his chest in pain.
Over the years, there have been numerous sightings of the ghostly figure, with some even reporting hearing loud knocking at the door in the dead of night, only to find no one there when they open it. The tale of Giles Boston and ‘The Crawling Man’ has become a popular story among locals, adding to the mystique and history of the Black Horse pub.
Despite its storied past, the pub has faced its share of challenges. It was formally listed in 1975, and while there were plans to restore it in 2022, it remains closed to this day. The building itself holds a unique charm, with its historic architecture and connections to the past. For those interested in history and the paranormal, the Black Horse pub offers a glimpse into Warrington’s past and the legends that have been passed down through the generations.
Visiting the Black Horse pub is not just about enjoying a drink or a meal – it’s about immersing yourself in history and experiencing the stories that have shaped the local community. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the tale of ‘The Crawling Man’ is sure to send a shiver down your spine and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich history of Warrington’s oldest pub.