Although it looks ancient, Mow Cop castle is actually a folly or sham castle built as recently as 1754 by Randle Wilbraham of nearby Rode Hall. Built to look like a ruined medieval fortress it was in fact a summer house to be used for picnics and as an eye catcher from the recently built Rode Hall. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Mow Cop Village the folly was built by local stonemasons John and Ralph Harding who were paid one shilling a day for their efforts.
Over the years, several visitors to the castle have claimed to have seen the figure of an old man standing at the window inside the castle even though it has been sealed off with an iron gate and anti-climbing devices. As the walker nears the castle the figure moves away from the window and has vanished by the time the person can look through the bars of the gate. Visitors have also reported seeing a ghostly dog-like creature walking around the folly at night.
Over the years, several visitors to the castle have claimed to have seen the figure of an old man standing at the window inside the castle even though it has been sealed off with an iron gate and anti-climbing devices. As the walker nears the castle the figure moves away from the window and has vanished by the time the person can look through the bars of the gate. Visitors have also reported seeing a ghostly dog-like creature walking around the folly at night.