George Marsh to be remembered on the day he was burned at the stake

It was on April 24 , 1555, George Marsh was cruelly put to death in Chester.

Bolton’s first and only martyr was sentenced to death for refusing to denounce his protestant faith and become a catholic.

This was after Queen Mary declared that anyone who refused to follow her religious beliefs would be executed.

His death has withstood the test of time and it is still remembered to this day- and so has the urban legend surrounding his footprint.

When Queen Mary came to the throne in 1553, many protestants left the country to escape persecution.

George, who was born in Deane, remained and continued to preach his religion.

He came to Smithills Hall out of his own freewill and was interrogated by Robert Barton who was the owner of the hall and also local justice of the police.

After being questioned it was ruled that he should be taken to Lancaster prison to await trial.

Legend has it that as he was being led from the Hall he stamped his foot on the flagstone as a declaration of faith, leaving a mark that has remained there ever since.

The story goes that his footprint will bleed each year on April 24-the anniversary of his death.

Staff and visitors to the hall have reported some spooky happenings and paranormal encounters in the hall.

The Green Room is considered to be the most haunted room in the hall.

According to the Bolton Libraries and Museum Website, a visitor noticed a man at the top of the stairs near the green room as a small child despite being the only people in the hall.

To this day, the visitor is convinced that it was the spirit of George Marsh.

On April 24, two tours will be arranged about the famous Bolton martyr, where visitors will be able to see the room in which he was interrogated before his trial and execution.

The tours will take place at 1pm and 2.30pm.

Tickets are £4 per person and can be booked on Eventbrite.

Visit Bolton Libraries and Facebook page for more information.