Is Bridgnorth the most haunted town in Shropshire – maybe – and this ghost walk was enough to send a chill down anyone's spine

Years of spooky sightings and abominable apparitions have been borne out of true-life tragedies played out on the winding streets and in the historic buildings of the hillside town.

With Halloween in full swing the Shropshire Star caught up on the terrifying tales that have haunted Bridgnorth residents for decades – and the sorrowful stories behind them.

On a cold October night under calm and clear skies, this reporter joined Bridgnorth's Ghost Walk, to find out the truth behind the legend.

Across the town ten ghosts told their tales, with scores of eager people traipsing and trudging the darkened streets and steps in their paranormal pursuit.

While the route's wraiths were played by a cast of chilling and talented actors – don't be fooled. The stories they tell are rooted in the legends of the town.

Organised by the Theatre on the Steps, its director Iain Reddihough explained the inspiration for the apparitions.

Perhaps the most harrowing tale of all is the sorrowful story of William and Charlotte – the brother and sister whose fate will make your blood run cold.

Iain explained that the siblings had lived at the Magpie Inn at Cartway – now known as the Bassa Villa.

The town, as is frequent today, had been overrun by floodwater.

The landlady of the pub had sent the children into the cellar to retrieve valuable items to avoid them being wasted in the deluge.

But the cellar door was closed, with the pair remaining locked inside – unbeknownst to their mother.

When she woke the next day the grisly discovery was made as the cellar door was unsealed.

To this day residents have reported hearing the 'banging' on the cellar door or the children's cries.

Their graves were present in the garden for many years, with Iain saying: "Several people say they have heard the children screaming and the woman – who we assume is the landlady, screaming in agony at the tragedy."

The walk saw the tale told in the actual pub garden, with the raging river as a backdrop to the sorrowful story delivered in gripping and chilling tones by two haunting 'siblings'.

Other tales include the old-as-time story of the wrath of the scorned lover.

Iain explained the Crown Inn has been the source of more than one sighting of 'Evie' the vengeful chambermaid.

Evie is said to have murdered her husband's mistress after discovering his infidelity.

Hanged for the crime her ghost is said to haunt the pub, with numerous sightings of the angry apparition.

Former landlords are reported to have frequently heard unexplainable noises from the High Street pub.

'Evie's' appearance on the walk came with a jump that caught more than a few of the walkers off guard – the knife-wielding actor and her blood-soaked apron ambushing the petrified party in an alleyway as she told of the misery of the hangman's noose.

The tragedy came in all shapes and sizes with the tale of the 'fried bride' enough to send a chill down anyone's spine.

The legend tells of a woman dressed up in her wedding gown at her St Mary's Street home on the big day.

The story is that a fire started with the raging inferno blocking the bride-to-be from escaping her blazing home.

The efforts of residents, with ladders and chains of buckets of water were not enough, with the woman burning to death in her wedding gown – with the scorch marks still seen today on the beams in the home.

Her tale was recounted with anguish and desperation from a despairing bride in a St Mary's Street alleyway, with the performance bringing even passers-by to a standstill.

Amid the Halloween excitement around 100 people joined the tours – set off in groups to the darkest corners of the town.

Led by ghostly-guides the actors put on a stunning and spooky display, appearing from the dark to tell of the misfortune behind their long-burnished legend.

Set against the perfect night-time backdrop, amid alleys, dingy steps, churchyards and riverside paths, the costumes and makeup were enough to give even the firmest of hearts a double take.