Creepy pictures show the inside of an abandoned historic pub including a 'cursed' painting associated with a number of house fires.
The Jolly Angler in Manchester dates back to 1854 but sadly closed just after Christmas 2020. It was a popular venue in its heyday, regularly featuring in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide, and was known for its traditional folk and Irish music nights.
Locals described it as a hidden gem, with one Trip Advisor review describing it as "more like the the only terraced house in the street rather than a pub," and adding: "If you can find it, it’s truly a step back in time and a rare glimpse of how a pub should really be. Its hidden location just adds to its charm."
Recently, the inside of the pub was photographed by an urban explorer called Jake, and the photos uploaded to his Facebook page Exploring With Jake, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It shows signs that it may have recently been used by squatters since it closed in 2020, with old furniture and pub signage still visible inside.
Among the pub memorabilia inside are drinks bottles, food tins, and a sleeping bag.
While a number of the rooms appear to be cluttered with rubbish, there's also a copy of the local paper, the Manchester Evening News, from 1989, celebrating the 80th birthday of legendary Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby.
There is also a collection of strange pictures that have been left behind. One appears to be a print of the infamous Crying Boy painting which is thought by some to be cursed.
Crying Boy pictures were subject of newspaper speculation and rumour in the 1980s after a number of house fires were said to have took place in the homes with the picture inside - the images themselves supposedly escaping the flames unscathed.
Some commenters have put the phenomena of the "cursed" image down to media sensationalism that has gone on to be regarded as modern folklore, and this is how the urban legend was born.
Whether you believe the fanciful tales or not, it's certainly a sad sight to see such a historic pub lying in ruins after over 160 years of service to the community.
Plans for the building's future remain uncertain.
