GhostNav: Black Country Ghosts

The Black Country GhostNav is a new Android smart phone app by Andrew Homer and Nick Williamson for lovers of ghosts and hauntings. Paranormal enthusiasts can use the app to discover haunted locations in and around the Black Country area. Andrew Homer is the co-author with David Taylor of ‘Beer and Spirits, A Guide to Haunted Pubs in the Black Country and Surrounding Area’ and the author of ‘Haunted Hostelries of Shropshire’. Nick Williamson is a professional programmer with an interest in the local area.

The Android app is the first of its kind to be launched in the Black Country region. Users can browse or search for over 160 ghost stories, photographs and detailed maps to discover the regions haunted heritage. Ghost fans will discover haunted houses, castles, hotels, pubs and many more carefully researched and documented haunted locations within our region. Andrew Homer works as a costumed demonstrator at the Black Country Living Museum and the Bottle and Glass pub on the museum site is featured in the app. The GhostNav app also features the ghost of Dorothy Beaumont who is said to walk the castle keep at Dudley zoo and Polly at the Crooked House in Himley who surprises pub visitors by appearing dressed as old fashioned parlour maid. Less well known is the ghost of Queen Henty, queen of the gypsies, who haunts the ominously named Black Patch Park in Smethwick. One of Andrew’s personal favourites is The Manor House in West Bromwich, now a museum open to the public. There have been many sightings here including hooded monks, an old couple looking out of the upper windows, strange light effects and a ghostly black cat who haunts the upstairs area known as the Solar Bar. Around November time ghost hunters can keep a look out for the ghost of Gideon Grove who is said to haunt the Bridgnorth Road outside Wombourne being chased by the Sheriff of Worcester’s mounted men as he flees from the capture of the Gunpowder Plotters at nearby Holbeche House.

The app can be searched by area and from anywhere within the Black Country region it will pinpoint nearby hotspots of paranormal activity. According to Andrew Homer, “This app will appeal to anyone with an interest in ghosts and hauntings. It can be used to discover locations to investigate and is ideal for planning spookily themed ghost walks or drives”.

‘GhostNav: Black Country Ghosts’ costs just 79p and can be downloaded from the Android Play Store.