10

A questionable Ghost at Speke Hall, Liverpool

Would you be annoyed if your husband gambled away your entire family fortune?  Lady Mary was. She ended up committing suicide after her husband ‘worthless Sidney’ did just that. It is her ghost that apparently frequents Speke Hall, one of the most famous half timbered houses in Britain.

9

A Murderous Past at Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

This 15th century house reflects its heyday in the Elizabethan era.  Maybe that is why some of its older inhabitants feel comfortable enough to stay around.  Many people claim to have heard ghostly footsteps along corridors, and experienced seeing door handles turned by an unseen hand.

8

Royal Cruelty and a Headless Lady at Corfe Castle, Dorset

Believed to have been first settled 6,000 years ago, Corfe Castle is a majestic brooding ruin, with many years of turbulent history that includes Civil War, torture, treachery and imprisonment. It’s little wonder that the castle is believed to harbour ghosts from its past.

7

A Grieving Ghost at Nunnington Hall, York

Source: Matthew Antrobus

A Grieving Ghost at Nunnington Hall, York

Nunnington Hall, on the banks of the River Rye, has long had a reputation of being haunted by the proud Lady of Nunnington. There were many reported sightings of her ghost gliding through the rooms and ascending the staircase, accompanied by the sound of rustling from her silk dress.

6

A Giant Presence at Dunster Castle

Home of the Luttrell family for more than 600 years, the present building was remodelled in 1868–72 by Antony Salvin. Somerset Staff at the National Trust shop have noted the presence of a mysterious man dressed in green who wanders around aimlessly. Maybe he is looking for the exit?

5

A spurned lover’s revenge at Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire

Set in the middle of this 18th century landscape park is Newton House which, it is rumoured, is haunted at night by Lady Elinor Cavendish.

4

The Phantom Bibliophile at Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk

Noted for its Jacobean architecture and its phantom bibliophile, is the 17th century Felbrigg house. William Windham III is believed to still visit his magnificent library in order to read all the books he didn’t have time to while he was alive.

3

Churchill’s Ghostly Tale at Chartwell, Kent

Churchill employed Philip Tilden to renovate the 16th century house between 1922-4.  Perhaps the job was not quite to the satisfaction of its past residents, as Winston and various other guests have claimed ghostly sightings within its refurbished walls.

2

A lifeless legion march at Treasurer’s House, York

The Treasurer’s House was built over the main Roman thoroughfare leading into York. The National Trust says it is home to the ghosts of a Roman army living in its cellars…

1

The Ghostly Duchess at Ham House, Surrey

The National Trust claims this house to be ‘unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17th century fashion and power’. Maybe the strong-willed Duchess of Lauderdale has stayed in residence to ensure that this continues to be the case: sightings of her ghostly presence have meant the house is ranked as the scariest house in the Trust’s possession.

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