The exisiting Manor dates back to the early 17th century, however the East Wing was built in the 14th century and it is believed there has been a building here since at least AD 872. Once owned by Edward the Confessor, the building is noted in the Domesday Book and is also mentioned in the will of King Alfred the Great in 885. The Manor was farmed by abbots of Quarr Abbey and for over 400 years was in their possession. In the reign of Henry VIII the manor came into the hands of the Crown following the dissolution of the monasteries and was leased to the Leigh family for 70 years. In 1560, John Leigh, who was 13 at the time, is believed to have smothered his father, Barnaby, with a pillow. John's young sister, Annabelle, witnessed this, so he threw her from a window to her death. Charles I gave the manor to trustees for the payment of his debts and it was sold to two London Merchants. Charles visited the manor on several occasions and stayed there before being imprisoned in Carisbrooke Castle. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary often visited the manor, while more recently it has been open to the public as a museum. Arreton Manor is said to have many restless spirits, including the ghost of fair-haired Annabelle, a mysterious lady in a purple dress, and many sightings of a silvery-grey figure. A woman in a red dress has also been spotted while monks have been seen walking through walls in the Dining Room, as well as nodding in silent prayer in the 12th-century part of the house.