Oakley Hall, with its Georgian architecture, was built in 1795 on the site of an earlier edifice, known then as Hall Place. Hall Place formed part of the manor of Deane, who’s history dates back to the time of the Doomsday survey. At the end of the 14th century, it was owned by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, the founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford. Wither Bramston, who succeeded to the Oakley Hall Estate after his father died in the mid 1700’s, was not content with the Hall Place and decided to rebuild in 1795. Oakley Hall is said to have connections with Jane Austen, who was good friends of the Bramstons, and frequently visited the Manor. The house passed through many hands over the years, until in 1940, where it became the home to Hilsea College. Today, Oakley Hall has been extensively renovated and is now open to the public as an elegant conference and banqueting centre. In the past few years there has been a lot of paranormal activity noted within Oakley Hall. In the Main Hall on the first floor, several people have mentioned that they have seen a ghostly figure walking from one end of the gallery to the room at the opposite end. Former employees and even clients have said that they have also felt a presence on the first floor and seen shadows moving throughout the Hall and have felt uneasy. Staff have also commented on young children playing in the stairway in period costume. Other paranormal activities have been hearing dragging noises, windows mysteriously opened when they were clearly shut, doors locked by people, drops in temperature in certain areas, and the feeling of being watched.