Originally a 14th century Carmelite monastery, Hitchin Priory was rebuilt in the Georgian era as private home and latterly has been developed into a major conference and training venue. It is said to be haunted by the ghost of an unknown Grey Lady, who has been seen regularly in the 20th century standing outside the building, wearing a grey robe. The most famous ghost of Hitchin is that of a Cavalier, named Goring, who sheltered at nearby Highdown House at Pirton during the Civil War to escape arrest by Parliamentarians. When the Roundheads searched the house, Goring escaped but was captured at a nearby elm tree and was killed. His sweetheart is said to have witnessed the whole incident from an upstairs room. Legend say that on the 15th June each year, Goring’s headless ghost is seen riding on a horse to Hitchin Priory, from the direction of Pirton.