The Britons Protection, on Great Bridgewater Street in Manchester, opened in 1806, a Georgian gem born during the Napoleonic Wars—its name a patriotic nod to resisting invasion. This Grade II listed pub thrived as the city’s industrial heart pulsed, serving mill workers and radicals plotting reform amid the clang of looms. Its dark wood, stained glass, and cozy rooms ooze old-world charm. Today, it’s a haven for ale lovers, but its past fuels Manchester ghost stories that echo through its timeworn walls.
Tied to Manchester’s revolutionary spirit, it hosted secret meetings and survived the Peterloo Massacre’s fallout nearby in 1819. Its long life has soaked up joy and sorrow, leaving a mark some call paranormal. The Britons Protection blends history with a haunting vibe, drawing those keen on Manchester’s haunted pub tales and eerie lore.
Alleged Ghost Stories
One legend speaks of The Redcoat Deserter, a soldier who fled in 1815 and hid here, only to be betrayed and hanged. His scarlet-clad figure paces the back room, a faint drumbeat trailing him—patrons feel a sudden weight on their shoulders. Another tale tells of The Mourning Landlady, who lost her son in a tragic 19th-century mill fire. Her soft sighs drift from the bar, and glasses slide an inch, as if she’s still wiping them down. These Manchester ghost stories make The Britons Protection a chilling yet captivating stop.