GHOSTLY GATHERINGS

Gresley Old Hall stands on the site of a former priory, which was dissolved in 1536 by order of King Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. In 1556, Sir Christopher Alleyn took over the land, using stone from the ruined priory—material steeped in centuries of spiritual history—to build what is now Gresley Old Hall.
The current structure of Gresley Old Hall was completed around 1734, replacing the original building erected in 1556. However, echoes of the past remain—parts of the original West Wing and the stone foundations still stand, anchoring the hall to its centuries-old roots. In the 18th century, Sir Nigel Bowyer Gresley set up a china factory on the grounds, but it was eventually transformed into a farmhouse and rented out to various families over the years.

Remarkably, traces of those past residents still remain—original Victorian graffiti from the 19th century can still be seen etched into the limestone walls, particularly in the attic spaces. These markings serve as a haunting reminder of the lives once lived here… and perhaps, some spirits who never left.
In 1953, the Coal Board acquired Gresley Old Hall and later converted it into a Miners Welfare Club, which officially opened its doors in 1964.
Now standing abandoned, Gresley Old Hall has become a magnet for ghost hunters and paranormal investigators drawn by its chilling reputation. With a history spanning centuries and layers of past lives within its walls, the Hall is said to be alive with unexplained activity. Visitors have reported strange noises, shadowy movements, and disembodied voices echoing through the empty rooms—suggesting that while the building may be deserted, it is far from unoccupied.

Arrival time is 7 PM and we aim to be finished by 12 AM.

Tea, coffee and snacks will be available all night.

The building was originally a farmhouse, owned by John Thurloe, secretary to Oliver Cromwell. A foundation stone can be seen in the fireplace of Cromwell's bar, dating 1667, although there are lots on uncertainties with regards to it's origins.

There is a history of spooky happenings around the building and poltergiest activity has been reported by both guests and staff alike. Rooms have been messed up, lights have been switched on and off, TV's have been know to turn themselves on and off and hangers have been heard moving in wardrobes. Also reported are temperature changes and childrens laughter. Some have also experienced activity in the cellar!

Arrival time is 7.30 pm and we finish at 1.30 am.

Tea and coffee will be available all night, along with some snacks.

The village of Abington was first recorded in the Domesday Book.

Abington has two connections to William Shakespeare, and it is believed that his personal documents might still be concealed within the museum.

The Bernard family resided in Abington for 250 years before the estate was auctioned off in 1840 to Mr. Lewis Lloyd, who converted it into a lunatic asylum.

In 1982, a hidden passage was uncovered that linked St. Peter & Paul’s Church to the museum. It is believed that this passage may have been utilized by monks and priests during the time of the dissolution of the monasteries.

The entire building has a rich history of paranormal activity. The apparition of a woman has been spotted by both staff and visitors, and it is believed that she took her own life in the East Range around 200 years ago. She has also been sighted in the attic and at the window of the sanitation room.

Women's screams have been heard at all hours, and a scent of roses can be detected on the first floor. In the East Range, loud banging and dragging sounds can be heard, along with creaking noises from the oak staircase and the grand staircase. Shadowy figures have also been reported in the area. Voices, drafts, and footsteps have also been documented.

It’s our first visit here and we look forward to the experience with all those who wish to join us.

Arrival time is 7.30 pm and we will be finish at 1 am.

The Bell originates from around 1493, when it was a coaching in for travellers going between London and Norwich.

The hotel retains numerous original characteristics, including several Tudor wall paintings. Some guests who have visited have reported peculiar phenomena, such as the sound of footsteps, the sensation of icy breath and mysterious scents of perfume.

The ghost of Elizabeth Radcliffe may be behind these supernatural events. Also known as Betty, she was the landylady of The Bell in the 18th century but died in 1750 after being murdered by her lover. She is now said to walk the halls of the hotel with most sightings of her happening in the drawing room.

Additional accounts of paranormal activity at the hotel feature a hooded monk spotted in the main suite bedroom, as well as a ghostly figure of a young girl who observes those passing by from the windows.

Our night will start from 7.30 pm and continue until 1 am. After the restaurant closes we have the run of the entire building, with exception of the cellar.

Come and join us for our first experience at The Bell Hotel, Thetford!

The Bell Hotel

King Street

Thetford

IP24 2AZ

We’ve been invited back to host a ghost hunt at this amazing building, steeped in history and numerous accounts of spirit activity from both staff and guests!

Extract taken from Hertslive…….
“With not just one ghost said to be haunting this Hitchin hotel, the stories and sightings vary suggesting that there could be a number of spirits lurking.
If you think you can handle it, ask to stay in room 10. It is said that a women reportedly makes herself known in this room.
One man woke to the feeling of a woman laying across his face trying to suffocate him, he was so scared that he ran out of the hotel unable to stay the night and didn’t return until the next day.
In the 1800s, Lord Havisham committed suicide in the hotel due to his large gambling debts and is said to still haunt the building. There have been reports by staff members who claim to have witnessed a monk walk across to the bar and help himself to a drink.”

On my walk round a few years ago, I did encounter the lady in one of the rooms, laughing (possibly under the influence!). I saw a huge orb in one of the en suite bathrooms, shoot across the room and had a really strong feeling of someone with me when I entered the ballroom. In the bar, adjacent to the ballroom, I believe there to be a spirit of a young boy.

A small groups of us were able to take part in an investigation for halloween a few years ago and had some amazing activity, both in room 10 and the ballroom. The Ouija board was so active and we believe it to be the spirit of a gentleman who didn’t want his “lady” speaking to other men!

Arrival time is 7.00 pm and we will be eating at 7.30 pm. Please let us know, when ordering your tickets which choice of food you would like. The choices are…

Fish and chips

Chicken in a basket

Butternut risotto

We will be starting our investigations at around 9pm, once we have given you a run down of the equipment we’ll be using and put a protection prayer in place.
At the end of the night you’ll be given the opportunity to use our equipment and go off on your own to investigate. Izzy, our tarot card reader, will be available all night, at an additional cost.We intend to finish at midnight.

The building that we know today as The Harvester, in Hemel Hempstead, started it's life as a posting house, according to census records dating back to 1851. These would be houses or, in this case an inn, where horses were kept that could be rented out. They would be used as post offices are today, to distribute the mail. Back in 1861 it was known as The Railway Hotel and had provisions to stable 7 horse. Between 1855 and 1912, the census records show us that it was run by various generations of the Dunning family.

We were invited here for an investigation, after some of the current staff had experienced strange goings on within the building, the most frequent one being the hand dryer in the ladies toilets turning itself on late at night when the restaurant was being locked up. There was also a recording of someone, in the carpark, walking about and then disappearing, on the cctv footage. Our last investigation proved the building to be very active with lots of emf meters going off, ouija board work and seeing someone's hair being tugged!

Tickets for this event will include a buffet supper and the price of that is included in the price. All you pay for on the night are drinks behind the bar.

Buffet food includes.....

Spicy crackerjack prawns             Chicken breast goujons

Prime chicken wings                     Nachos

Breaded mushrooms                   Garlic bread

Jalapeno poppers                          Chips

Tomato & penne pasta                 Potato salad

Mixed salad                                    Coleslaw

Arrival time is 8 pm and we hope to get started with our investigation by 9.15 pm. Finishing time will be around 1 am.

We do have a deposit scheme available for this event if you would like to pay £20 pp now and the rest 10 days before the event. Check out the deposit section in the tickets page.

Izzy, our Tarot card reader, will be available on the night.

Tea and coffee will also be available throughout the night.

The Mallard

507 London Road,
Hemel Hempstead,
HP3 9BQ