Set against the backdrop of the dramatic events of the English Civil War in 1642, sits Aston Hall. The hall itself is an impressive Jacobean mansion in Birmingham, England. As the story goes, the hall was a royalist stronghold and bore witness to the bloodshed of a deeply divisive conflict. However, the most intriguing tale passed down through generations involves the original owner, Sir Thomas Holte. A well-known braggart and bully, Sir Thomas was rumoured to have sold his soul to the devil in exchange for wealth and power. The deal, struck in the mansion’s grand Long Gallery, ended tragically when the devil came to collect. Holte, scared for his life, attempted to back out of his end. Enraged, the devil chased Holte around the hall, carving a path of destruction. Their chase left a deep groove in the wooden panelling of the gallery – what locals now fondly refer to as ‘the devil’s mark’. Ultimately, Holte was chased into a small space, where the devil brought him to a horrific end. As the legend goes, his ghost, trapped between life and damnation, still wanders the hall, tormented by his greed and regret. His restless spirit is believed to be the cause of the eerie noises and cold spots reported by visitors and staff alike, keeping the folklore alive and adding an extra layer of spine-tingling enchantment to Aston Hall. Whether a believer in the paranormal or not, a trip to Aston Hall offers rich history, unforgettable architecture, and a folklore tale worthy of remembrance.