The history of the Aldermaston estate began centuries before the Norman Conquest. Two wells found on the site of the Manor House indicate that there was a settlement here around the time of Alfred the Great in 870AD. The origin of the Manor House is believed to date back to 1100 and ancient deeds show that King Henry I gave the Manor to Robert Archard who was a distinguished warrior. The estate has seen many changes through the years, surviving family feuds, disease, fire and war. In the early 16th centruy, the estate passed to Sir Humphrey Forster, by virtue of his marriage to the sole surviving De la Mare. Later that century Queen Elizabeth I was entertained at least once during her reign. The house was rebuilt in 1636 by another Sir Humphrey Forster who had inherited the estate in 1618. The estate passed to the Congreve family in 1747 and remained with them until 1843, when the house was badly damaged by fire. Daniel Higford Burr bought the estate in 1849. He and his wife Mary built Aldermaston Court about 50 metres south of the previous house. Mary is still associated with the house as it is widely believed by the staff that she still roams the corridors and rooms. Charles Keyser bought the house in 1893 and his family had the house until 1939. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II the British government requisitioned the estate. During the war, the USAAF HQ IX Air Support Command was stationed at the house and the estate was used for the manufacture of the Spitfire. In 1967, the house became a Grade II listed building. Blue Circle Industries bought the estate in 1981 and restored the house, converting it into a hotel and conference centre. Reported eye witness accounts and activity at the manor include the figure of a white lady roaming around the building at numerous locations while a cloaked figure has also been seen on the driveway. Other experiences include guests feeling that somebody is sitting on their bed, as well as beds moving and shaking on their own, while doors have been known to open by themselves and shadows have been seen in the reception area.

Report will appear here