The Haunted History of Annison Funeral Parlour: A Paranormal Investigator's Perspective

The Old Annison Funeral Parlour, a striking red-brick building in Hull, stands as a testament to the city's rich yet eerie history. Nestled within its walls are tales of tragic events and paranormal activity, making it a focal point for ghost enthusiasts and investigators alike. The building, now housing a late-night pharmacy, was once a bustling funeral parlour and a gathering place for the city's mounted cavalry.

However, it's not the architecture or its historical uses that draw attention—it's the countless reports of unexplained phenomena that have earned it a reputation as Hull's most haunted location.

The most infamous event tied to the Annison Funeral Parlour is the tragic story of Mary Jane Langley, an 18-year-old girl whose life was brutally cut short in 1891. Langley visited the building to meet with a photographer, but she never returned home. Her body was later discovered in a ditch, her throat cruelly slit. Despite thorough investigations, no one was ever convicted of her murder. Among the suspects was Frederick Bailey Deeming, a notorious criminal and Jack the Ripper suspect. This unsolved case left a dark shadow over the building, and many believe that Langley's restless spirit still roams the halls, searching for justice.

Current employees at the pharmacy occupying the ground floor refuse to venture into the upper levels or the abandoned rooms that once served the funeral parlour. Their reluctance is rooted in a deep-seated fear of the unknown, fuelled by numerous accounts of ghostly encounters. Staff members report seeing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, and even feeling an oppressive presence. The most commonly sighted apparition is believed to be Mary Jane Langley herself, described as a young woman in period clothing, silently moving through the building.

One of the more chilling phenomena reported is the sound of horse hooves on the wooden floors, a nod to the building's cavalry past. This auditory experience, along with unexplained tapping noises, footsteps, and cold spots, has become a hallmark of the building's haunted reputation. Even seasoned paranormal investigators have felt an overwhelming sense of unease, with some describing a heavy atmosphere that seems to cling to the building's dark history.

The tales of the Annison Funeral Parlour's hauntings have spread far and wide, attracting the attention of paranormal investigation teams, including the well-known show "Most Haunted." During their investigation, the team experienced a series of unexplained occurrences, including the sound of a chair being dragged across the floor, captured on video. These events, while not providing definitive proof, add to the building's lore and the belief that something otherworldly resides within its walls.

Preparing for the Investigation: What Lies Ahead

Tomorrow, our team of paranormal investigators will embark on an exploration of the Annison Funeral Parlour, armed with a mix of traditional and modern methods to uncover the truth behind these spectral occurrences. Our goal is not only to document any paranormal activity but also to understand the stories of those who may be lingering in this world, unable to move on.

We plan to begin with a traditional approach, utilising methods such as cry-out, séances and quiet observation periods to encourage any spirits present to communicate. Given past reports suggesting a reluctance of the spirits to interact with modern technology, we hope that these time-honoured techniques will yield more responsive results. Our team will also employ the Estes Method, where one investigator, isolated with noise-cancelling headphones and blindfolded, will attempt to pick up and interpret spirit messages while the others ask questions. This method has proven successful in previous investigations, offering a unique way to capture responses that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In addition to these methods, we will use a selection of cameras and audio recording equipment to document any physical evidence of paranormal activity. This includes setting up static cameras in areas with the most reported activity, such as the stables and the upper floors, where staff have reported seeing apparitions and hearing disembodied voices. We will also employ motion sensors and infrared cameras to detect any unusual movements or temperature fluctuations that could indicate a presence.

Our investigation at the Annison Funeral Parlour is not just about capturing evidence but also about connecting with the stories and histories of the spirits believed to inhabit the space. We aim to approach the investigation with respect and an open mind, ready to listen and learn from whatever or whoever we might encounter. Whether it's the spirit of Mary Jane Langley seeking justice or other entities tied to the building's long history, we hope to bring clarity and understanding to the mysteries that have shrouded this iconic Hull landmark for over a century.