Provanhall
Report Two
Investigation Report – 27th of November – 2010
Team – Billy, James, Lisa, Michelle, Mickey, Ruby
Also present – Staff; Stevie Allan
Main Areas of Investigation:
Provan Hall House; Kitchen, Dairy, Annexe, Dining Hall, Master Bedroom
Blochairn House – Stairwell and Upper room.
Background
Provan Hall is now in Auchinlea Park, surrounded by the housing estate of Easterhouse, consisting mainly of local authority rented accommodation. But in the second half of the 15th century, Provan Hall was built by the “prebendary” (ecclesiastical canon) of Provan or Barlanark. It dates from around the same time as Provand’s Lordship beside Glasgow Cathedral, which was owned by the same official. Indeed, there are some who argue that Provan Hall is older than that building (which is marketed as the oldest house in Glasgow).
Before the Reformation, the Diocese of Glasgow stretched as far as the English border and the Bishop of Glasgow’s barony covered an area which was roughly the same as the present-day city. The Prebend or “Provand” of Barlanark provided income for a canon of the cathedral without having to perform any parochial duties. At one time, there were 32 prebendaries of Glasgow Cathedral. Provan Hall was in good hunting country and King James IV would visit there to hunt with his friend Bishop (later Archbishop) Robert Blackadder.
The prebend later passed to James IV’s illegitimate son, Alexander Stewart, who became Archbishop of St Andrews. He died with his father King James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Though still technically a prebend, it was held from 1506 by the Baillie family, who gave their name to the Ballieston district of Glasgow. The family continued to hold the land after the Reformation.
The arms of the Hamilton family, which are visible on the walls, are mid 17th century. In 1667, Provan Hall was bought and maintained by the city of Glasgow, before reverting to private ownership a century later. A dwelling house was added to the older block in the 18th century. In 1938 Provan Hall was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland, but later leased to Glasgow City Council.
Alleged Activity
Provan Hall is reputed to have 3 ghosts, two in the older house and one in the newer building, Blochairn House. Blochairn House is supposed to be haunted by the last owner of Provan Hall- Reston Mather. The older house (Provan Hall) is said to be haunted by a woman and a boy who were killed upstairs. There have been sightings in Blochairn House and inexplicable noises heard in the floors above. Furniture has also been known to move in the dining hall. On our previous investigation, the GPI encountered phantom footsteps, inexplicable bangs/taps and EVP captured on Dictaphones. It is for this reason that team have decided to investigate once more.
Trigger Objects
Blochairn House – Stairwell: due to children being seen, a ball is placed on stair well and a sparkly ring due to Lorraine on a previous visit advising that the spirit of a little girl loved pinching jewellery.
Master Bedroom – Bible and Chalk board
Vigils
Kitchen, Dairy & Annexe:
During various vigils, all team members hear banging and thumping from above rooms and further investigation can confirm no one was above during this time. On asking various questions, throughout the night, the banging seems to be a yes response.
There was no further activity in this area.
Blochairn House – Upper Floor
All team members gathered in this area and asked out for activity. There was a loud bang such as a door slamming and on checking with manager Stevie Allan, he confirmed he did not close any door and was not responsible for this noise. We were unable to capture this bang on Dictaphone or video. Lisa and James both see a small light travel behind Michelle and Mickey and disappear. Billy and James then see a shadow and lights in this room. Michelle advises that she hears faint voices. The team all hear movement in hall and James decides to sit at end of hall with Mickey. Both confirm hearing light tapping and scratching.
Master Bedroom
The team did not encounter much activity whilst in this room however all team members heard some light tapping and banging. This did not appear to be consistent and did not seem to be a response to questions and therefore we are unable to say if this is paranormal in any way. James and Lisa on hearing banging from below this room, return to carry out vigil. Both sit in Dining Room and hear movement from within this room and decide to move into Master Bedroom. On asking out for activity, the emergency light dims and fades slightly. This light is powered by a battery and so the team cannot confirm if this is paranormal or simply needing battery change.
Evidence:
EVP: Below is a breakdown of auditory phenomenon captured on Dictaphones throughout the night:
Dictaphone left upstairs in Master Bedroom
Sound like blowing sound on a glass
Faint whistling
Faint knocking
Footsteps
Furniture moving
Clear thump
Knocking
Billy/Ruby/Mickey
Loud tap picked up on Dictaphone.
No trigger objects moved during this investigation.
Conclusion
The team would like to say a big thank you to Stevie Allan for allowing them access and making them feel so welcome despite the severe weather and Arctic temperatures. Although the team didn’t capture as much evidence as on previous visit, we all agree it is a fantastic location and they will definitely be back for more in depth exploration of this location.
REPORT ONE
Investigation Report – 30th of October – 2009
Team – Billy, Kim, Linda, Lisa, Lorraine
Also present – Staff; Stevie Allan and John
Main Areas of Investigation:
Provan Hall House; Kitchen, Dairy, Annexe, Dining Hall, Master Bedroom
Blochairn House – Stairwell and Upper room.
Background
Provan Hall is now in Auchinlea Park, surrounded by the housing estate of Easterhouse, consisting mainly of local authority rented accommodation. But in the second half of the 15th century, Provan Hall was built by the “prebendary” (ecclesiastical canon) of Provan or Barlanark. It dates from around the same time as Provand’s Lordship beside Glasgow Cathedral, which was owned by the same official. Indeed, there are some who argue that Provan Hall is older than that building (which is marketed as the oldest house in Glasgow).
Before the Reformation, the Diocese of Glasgow stretched as far as the English border and the Bishop of Glasgow’s barony covered an area which was roughly the same as the present-day city. The Prebend or “Provand” of Barlanark provided income for a canon of the cathedral without having to perform any parochial duties. At one time, there were 32 prebendaries of Glasgow Cathedral. Provan Hall was in good hunting country and King James IV would visit there to hunt with his friend Bishop (later Archbishop) Robert Blackadder.
The prebend later passed to James IV’s illegitimate son, Alexander Stewart, who became Archbishop of St Andrews. He died with his father King James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Though still technically a prebend, it was held from 1506 by the Baillie family, who gave their name to the Ballieston district of Glasgow. The family continued to hold the land after the Reformation.
The arms of the Hamilton family, which are visible on the walls, are mid 17th century. In 1667, Provan Hall was bought and maintained by the city of Glasgow, before reverting to private ownership a century later. A dwelling house was added to the older block in the 18th century. In 1938 Provan Hall was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland, but later leased to Glasgow City Council.
Alleged Activity
Provan Hall is reputed to have 3 ghosts, two in the older house and one in the newer building, Blochairn House. Blochairn House is supposed to be haunted by the last owner of Provan Hall- Reston Mather. The older house (Provan Hall) is said to be haunted by a woman and a boy who were killed upstairs. There have been sightings in Blochairn House and inexplicable noises heard in the floors above. Furniture has also been known to move in the dining hall. The Ghost Club, the UK’s oldest paranormal group has conducted several vigils at Provan Hall and discovered a significant level of activity.
Trigger Objects
Blochairn House – Stairwell: due to children being seen, Kim placed a children’s toy on a chair
Provan Hall – Children’s toy in kitchen
Master Bedroom – Bible and Chalk board
Dictaphones left running in upper floor in Blochairn House and in master bedroom.
A night vision camcorder was also left running in the dining room as furniture has been known to move on its own accord.
Prior to our investigation and whilst setting up base within Blochairn House, all team members commented on noises above them and thought someone was in room above. However on querying this with Stevie, he said no one was above and this is a common occurrence. Previous staff members have encountered this and have been terrified. All team members agreed it sounded like someone walking back and forth and furniture was being moved. Lorraine (team psychic) advised that there was a woman upstairs pacing across the floor and was in a state of distress. However, she would not communicate with Lorraine and seemed to be totally closed down. Lorraine felt that she had witnessed a horrific murder and got flashes of lots of blood and someone being near decapitated.
Lorraine advised that there was a man present, not happy at our presence and who seemed to connect with Stevie. He was upset that everyone who visited the property assumed he was the spirit who was malevolent but this was not the case. He was keen to tell Lorraine there was a darker spirit in the house across the courtyard and that we were to be careful. Lorraine felt he was looking after the place and possibly had the same type of role whilst living. She said he was tall, dark greasy hair and was a strong energy. She also advised he didn’t like women very much and felt as though people were making a mockery of him and that “this wasn’t a show.” She felt the name Jack might be associated with him and he appeared to holding some sort of long riding crop. He also wanted it to be known that it wasn’t him that affected Stevie in a prior investigation with another paranormal group. The group brought with them a negative spirit and this is who affected Stevie. Lorraine also felt the name William or Willie was important. This male energy said he would look out for the team and if possible help Lorraine clear the negative energy. He wanted the team to be careful in master bedroom and be mindful of this dark presence.
Both Lisa and Linda during set up reported feelings of being touched on their hands and back.
Lorraine felt this was a little girl trying to get attention and advised team members to be careful with their jewelry as the little girl liked anything shiny or glittery. She felt the little girl was around 11 years old and the name Jenny was closely associated with her. The little girl told Lorraine that her little brother was playing in the kitchen and that they were scared of the “big bad man”.
Vigils
Kitchen, Dairy & Annexe:
All team members carried out various vigils in these areas and reported banging/tapping, some of which appeared to be coming from the room above. Also, reported were loud noises as though furniture was being moved. On checking, no one was present in rooms above and Stevie was across the court yard in his office. Lorraine and Linda both felt their legs and bottom of back being affected and experienced coldness. Lorraine reported that there was a large Irish wolfhound and this is why they were being affected. The team heard various noises coming from the Annexe whilst in the Dairy and Lorraine said that there was a tall man standing in the arch way between these areas, looking at team. He seemed to simply be interested in what the team were doing. Kim and Lisa carried out a later vigil in the Dairy and heard shuffling or scraping noises coming from the floor, possibly in the Annexe again.
Blochairn House – Upper Floor
Lorraine felt compelled to try and communicate with the distressed woman upstairs. The team assembled in what could have been a bedroom previously with a fireplace. Kim placed a Dictaphone on the top of the fireplace. All team members witnessed bangs/taps outside the room and a small bright light was captured on night vision camcorder, travelling across front of fireplace where Lorraine said the woman was pacing. Both Linda and Lorraine experienced extreme coldness on their back and legs. Kim also felt her eyes were affected. Lorraine said that this woman seemed to be mentally disturbed and she was unable to connect to her, however she was receiving horrific flashes of a murder. Lorraine advised that there was a male outside the room and it was at this point all team members heard movement. Lisa placed the K2 meter just outside the room but this was not affected at any point during the vigil. Lorraine then advised the team she felt closed down and could no longer use any of her psychic ability etc and was very alarmed as this was a first for her. She asked for whoever it was to stop affecting her and once again, experienced coldness between her and Lisa. Lisa corroborated this coldness and temperature drop of at least 2 degrees on digital thermometer. Lorraine then advised the group that there seemed to be other energies now present and were curious, but did not seem to know they were dead. Lorraine told them they were no longer living and the team felt this had struck a chord. All team members felt a shift in atmosphere. Lorraine felt she had to leave as it was adversely affecting her and the team brought this vigil to a close.
The team left a Dictaphone running for the rest of the investigation in this room and on collecting this at the end of the investigation; Lisa and Kim witnessed loud bangs on walking back down the stairwell. This startled both team members and as they stopped to listen, there was clear movement coming from the landing or the room.
Master Bedroom
Lorraine advised the team that there was a very negative energy within this room and that the group were to be very careful. She had seen a man watching her from the window throughout the night.
As a sensory deprivation experiment, Kim set up a tent within this room. Billy carried out a lone vigil within this tent but did not encounter much activity, with the exception of one loud bang.
On a later vigil, all team members gathered in master bedroom around an old round wooden table, which was made from wood from the first Glasgow Bridge around 700 years ago. Stevie and John took part also. Lorraine immediately felt this negative male energy behind her and Stevie, who was seated next to Lorraine, also reported this. Stevie then had to leave the vigil. The team continued and each team member introduced themselves. Lorraine felt this male energy had problems with his breathing. Lorraine and Billy both felt that there was someone standing at the door. Taps/bangs were heard but the team could not isolate the source of these noises. Lisa and Lorraine also felt their throat and neck sore. Lorraine felt that females should not be on their own in this room at all. Lorraine was also nipped at various points and also reported her eye being poked.
Dining Room
The team gathered for their last vigil of the night at one of the tables and placed a K2 and EMF meter in front of them. All team members agreed that the atmosphere was heavier. The team began asking questions about the murder and felt that this could provoke some activity; for example why you murdered your wife and child, are you remorseful etc. Lorraine advised the team to tread carefully as the male energy could physically harm them. There were various taps heard and movement from next door in the master bedroom. Kim and Linda felt their chairs shake and Lisa confirmed this, advising she heard the chairs move. Lorraine felt the energy beside her and felt his hand on her leg. Once again, Lisa reported a sore throat and neck. Team members also thought they heard a growl.
At 3am, the team brings the investigation to a close.
Evidence:
EVP: Below is a breakdown of auditory phenomenon captured on Dictaphones throughout the night:
On entering dining room, Kim heard a dog bark as she walked through the door. At the same area, Lorraine took a photo of the doorway, which showed an outline of a dog sitting on the top stair. An old picture was shown to the group, showing a similar looking dog sitting at the same place.
KIMS DICTAPHONE
Kitchen/Dairy/Annexe- everyone present: –
A voice saying GET OUT
Linda was prodded in the back
A growl was heard over Billy speaking
Lots of voices were picked up on Dictaphone, including a very angry sounding one.
A long whistle is heard
Lorraine spots lights going across room by Dictaphone
A voice stuttering
A groaning noise
A man’s voice heard numerous times.
Blochairn House – Area above base camp – EVPs – Lisa/Kim/Billy/Linda
A faint voice saying GO
A woman’s moan
Tap Response
Knock
Voices
The name Alan said faintly
A man’s voice
Kitchen/Dairy/Annexe – EVPs – Lisa/Kim
Mans Voice
Drumming Noise
Voice saying NO
Voice saying FUCK ME – After Lisa saying come through and speak to us
Voice Saying BITCH
Young child’s voice saying LINDA
Strange Noise
Moan
Voice heard – STEP OUT THE BACK
Blochairn House, Upper Floor – John/Lorraine/Lisa/Linda/Kim/Billy
Footsteps heard
Voice
Whistle
Kim feels strange sensation with eyes – cannot see for a brief moment
Linda hears someone whispering
The word NO response to a question on Dictaphone
Tap in hallway
Voice on Dictaphone
Door seen moving beside Linda by Kim
Lots of taps after this heard in response to asking questions
Moving sound, caught on Dictaphone
Spider web feeling felt on Kim’s hand
Groan
Master Bedroom – EVP’s – All team members present
Male Voice saying HELL
Loud Bang
Two taps on table to question “did your wife cheat on you” Two taps meant NO
Breath
One tap on table to question about bringing shame on family – One tap meant YES
Two taps
Lorraine was nipped on leg
Kim’s chair moved twice
Two taps
Groaning heard by everyone but not picked up on Dictaphone
Various bangs/taps
BILLY’S DICTAPHONE
Tent in Main Hall – Billy
Loud Tap heard when Bill asks “Do you mean us any harm?”
Master Bedroom – Billy/Kim/Lorraine/Lisa/Linda/John/Stevie
Whispering/ angry sounding words heard on Dictaphone – unable to decipher words
Lorraine asks “Do you want Stevie to ask a question?” – Very loud tap heard from table
Stevie leaves room at this point
Faint tap
Faint tap to question
Moaning Sound
Voice
Someone walking caught on Dictaphone
Master Bedroom – Dictaphone Left – No one present
Loud Bang heard
Faint tapping
Woman’s Groan
Lots of knocking on table
Man’s Voice
Movement as though someone is walking around room
Loud noises/movement as though furniture being moved
Faint WOW
Photos
Outline of dog captured at top of stairs, near entrance to Dining Hall
Various orbs captured throughout night
Strange mist captured in courtyard – the team retraced steps; no one smoking and certainly not cold enough for someone’s breath.
Video
Orbs/small bright light captured during vigil in upper level at Blochairn House
Knocks captured in Master Bedroom during vigils
Conclusion
The team would like to say a big thank you to Stevie Allan for allowing them access and making them feel so welcome. We all agree that it is a fantastic location bursting full of history. In all, the team had a very interesting night and with lots of auditory phenomena captured. There were various personal experiences, such as Lorraine being nipped, Kim’s eyes being affected, Linda being prodded and Lisa feeling her neck/throat affected. Strangely, all these experiences were predominantly in Provan Hall House. The team also experienced footsteps and movement above base camp in Blochairn House and can confirm that no one was above them during this time. These sounds were very loud and distinct. Stevie Allan confirmed that previous staff have encountered this and it is regular occurrence. After reviewing all footage, the team agrees that the evidence gathered suggests paranormal phenomena and definitely warrants further investigation.