Abbey House
CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE



This 16th century house in Cambridge stands on what used to be Barnwell Priory, which was established in 1112. The first rumours about strange phenomena date from 1860, but the majority of reports go back to the beginning of 20th century when the house was occupied by the Lawson family. The most frequently seen ghost is that of the Grey Lady who has been seen walking along the path of the house. She is thought to be the ghost of a nun who once had a lover at the Priory. The story suggests that the two of them were eventually discovered and were consequently punished for their sins. The Nun was apparently walled-up in a room, and left to starve to death. The House is also said to be haunted by a White Lady, who reputedly has been sighted in the bedrooms of the House, yet no explanation can be found for her presence. There is also said to be a ghostly squirrel that reputedly haunts the grounds of the house is also accompanied by a phantom hare. The squirrel can be seen running along the wall of the garden and onto the grass, but whenever someone approaches it simply vanishes. The hare is seen in the garden too, particularly when there is snow on the ground. Like the squirrel, it too vanishes without a trace. Other ghostly manifestations include the sound of clanking chains, the moving of furniture, the appearance of a disembodied head and mysterious raps and groans.