Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, &c./Part 1/Egerton Hall and "Old Madam"

"OLD MADAM" OF EGERTON HALL

Egerton Hall, in the township of Turton, was a quaint old residence some two centuries ago; but most of it has been pulled down, and the rest converted into a plain modern cottage. There was a curious legend connected with the old house, which still clings to the site, respecting the occasional appearance of the form of an old lady, dressed in white silk, and who is known by the name of the "Old Madam" to the residents in the district. This tradition is a very common one in most parts of Lancashire, as well as in other counties, and answers to the "Lady in White," who has become the common property of the folk-lore of nearly every country in Europe.