A 17th century mansion where a young woman was kept in a cell by her dad has been named the UK’s top haunted historic site.
Aston Hall, in Birmingham, is home to several spirits including Dick the
houseboy who hanged himself after being accused of stealing.
Stunned
visitors have also reported seeing a former housekeeper sitting in a
chair while wearing a distinctive green dress.
But
the most chilling sight at the Jacobean property is ‘the grey
ghost’, believed to be Mary Holte, a daughter of the fearsome owner
who was locked up in a cell at the property for 16 years after she
tried to run away with a servant.
Aston
Hall was named the UK’s most haunted heritage site in a list
compiled by one of the country’s leading team of paranormal
researchers.
Spectrum
Paranormal Investigations teamed up with the National Lottery for the
Halloween list to celebrate its 25th anniversary of supporting
heritage sites.
Dean Williams, from Spectrum Paranormal
Investigations, said: “Halloween is a time of year when many people
get to enjoy their fascination with ghostly tales and paranormal
experiences at historic sites across the country.
“In
fact, anyone armed with a camera and some sound equipment can enjoy
being a ‘ghost investigator’ for the night.
“We
have experienced the activity and phenomena that's reported at
historic venues across the country, and here are ten of the best, all
supported by anyone who plays The National Lottery.”
Beckenham
Place Park and Mansion in Lewisham, London, was second on the list.
Over
the years, people have supposedly spotted the presence of previous
visitors and residents including soldiers and school children, while
a hooded ghost has been seen floating on a lake.
Castle
Espie Wetland Centre in Northern Ireland was third, where a Victorian
girl wrapped in a shawl has been seen carrying a baby in one hand and
a flickering lantern in another.
John
McCullough, Castle Espie, learning manager, said: “You can hear her
crying out for help as she wanders the woods, looking for shelter and
warmth.
"However,
when you approach her, she slips behind a tree and disappears.”
Other
sites which made the list include famous venues such as the Tower of
London, Tamworth Castle and Llancaiach Fawr Manor.
And
at Beddington Park & Grange in Croydon, the ghosts of Sir Walter
Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth have been seen riding from the gates of
Carew Manor - him with his head under his arm, and she, headless on
horseback.
The
ten haunted heritage sites have been chosen as part of six weeks of
celebrations to highlight how National Lottery players have helped
preserve and enhance important heritage sites across the UK.
More
than £40 billion has been raised for good causes since the first
National Lottery draw in November 1994 - including £8 billion to
over 44,000 projects to support heritage sites.
Eilish
McGuinness, executive director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “After 25 years
funding tens of thousands of historic sites around the UK, it’s
perhaps no surprise that a few of them have spooky tales to tell.
“What
better time than Halloween to see some of our amazing heritage, much
of which has been transformed thanks to money from the National
Lottery.”
THE
TOP TEN 'HAUNTED HISTORIC' SITES 2019
2) Beckenham Place Park and Mansion, Lewisham - home to a hooded ghost who floats on the lake
3) WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Northern Ireland – home to a Victorian girl carrying her baby
5) Beddington Park & The Grange (Carew Manor), Croydon - home to ghosts of Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth
6) Tower of London - residents include Thomas A. Beckett and Anne Boleyn
7) Ruthin Gaol, Wales - home to Josephine, a spirit who moves objects
8) Muncaster Castle, Cumbria - home to the ghost of Tom Fool, a notoriously cruel court jester
9) Llancaiach Fawr Manor, South Wales - home to Mattie, a former maid who burned to death in an accident
10) Swanbourne Area, Buckinghamshire - home to a ghost dressed in a long black cape and black hat
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