The north-east of England – Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside – has witnessed many grisly and tragic events over the centuries and it is no surprise that it is one of the most haunted parts of the country. In Ghosts of the North East paranormal investigator Rob Kirkup examines some of the region’s most interesting ghostly stories. Newcastle’s Norman Castle Keep has many such tales, the best known of which is of the ‘Poppy Girl’ who haunts a condemned cell. Durham Castle has many ghostly legends and further afield in Northumberland, Chillingham Castle is infamous as the haunt of the torturer John Sage, who would maim, torture and kill Scottish prisoners within the twelfth-century fortress. These tales of hauntings and other paranormal experiences in the North East are accompanied by illustrations of places featured in the text. They will fascinate all those interested in the story of ghosts in this region of England as well as those who wish to know more about its history.

'Whether you're a hardened sceptic or a curious believer, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the haunted soul of England's North East. With tales that chill and fascinate in equal measure, Rob Kirkup invites you to take a walk with the spirits, if you dare.' * Select Magazine, Northumberland and Teesside, August 2025 *
'Prepare to be thrilled, informed and perhaps spooked thanks to a new book which is all about the North East’s ghosts.' * Shields Gazette, July 2025 *
'As an introduction to allegedly haunted North-East locations, Ghosts of the North East does a lot right. It offers breadth, readability, and a steady stream of places that a curious reader or an amateur investigator might genuinely want to visit. At its best (Chillingham Castle, Lumley Castle, the Lead Mining Museum, Beamish Hall, and several Tyne & Wear entries), it strikes an effective balance between history and reported phenomena, and it reminds the reader that “haunted place” traditions are often inseparable from the social history and storytelling culture that surround them.' * SPR Journal, 23rd December 2025 *

A dedicated ghost hunter from the north east, Rob Kirkup has had a life-long fascinating with 'things that go bump in the night!' This interest was taken to the next level in 2002 with Rob's first ever ghost hunt for a local radio station. Rob has now established himself with over 50 investigations and several published books on the subject as well as his own podcast 'How Haunted'.