The Bride Still Waits
Rufford Old Hall is one of Lancashire's finest 16th century buildings. In the 1450's it was home to the Heskeths. In the 16th century and illegitimate son named Robert Hesketh inherited the estate and he is the one responsible for building the spectaular Great Hall. It is said that William Shakespeare was employed at the Hall in the 1580's.
The white lady of the Hall is said to be Elizabeth Heskith. She was engaged to be married to a soldier who went off to settle down an uprising. Once notified that the skirmish was over and her soon to be husband was alive and well the wedding plans commensed. On the day of her wedding she put on her lovely wedding gown and anticipated the arrival of her groom when a messanger appeared at the door. He was there to notify her that earlier reports of her betrothed surving were false and he actually perished in the battle.
Elizabeth never gave up waiting for her love. She refused to take off her wedding dress and instead spent her days looking out the window waiting for her true love to return. He never returned and she eventually died. To this day her ghost wonders the halls searching for her one true love. 
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