Woodchester Mansion  NYMPSFIELD, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Most Haunted Live Episode 4
First Aired: June 21st 2003
Summer Solstice 2003
Location Background

Hidden in a secluded Cotswold valley, untouched by time and the modern world, lies Woodchester Mansion, an unfinished masterpiece of Victorian building. Designed by the brilliant young architect Benjamin Bucknall for the wealthy Catholic William Leigh, the mansion is a remarkable synthesis of French gothic revival theory and the local Cotswold tradition. In 1868, after 16 years of building, workers inexplicably stopped and walked out, leaving many of the 27 rooms unfinished. Fireplaces remain at great heights waiting for floors to meet them, while doors lead nowhere and upper corridors end suddenly at ledges with views to the ground below. The mansion is said to be home to a headless horse and a floating coffin. Staff working for the charitable trust that now owns the mansion have reported strange noises, banging, and ghostly voices echoing throughout the building.

Brief Episode Synopsis

The investigation begins with Yvette making her way down to the cellar for a solo vigil. When arriving her camera appears to be faulty and she is unable to record any pictures. Shortly after she is joined by Derek, who mentions that the lights had dimmed on his way down, and that they were in the presence of a small, dishevelled man. He then links to the Roman period, and senses that a Roman Soldier also walks the cellar. He also makes the connection with the small man, suggesting that he would be some sort of servant to this soldier. Derek believes this man to be a mischievous spirit who is responsible for most of the activity in the cellar. The team next investigate the 2nd floor corridors where Derek connects with the spirit of a woman who he believed had been garrotted. He also senses the presence of a man, who although was not involved in the murder, certainly knew that it had occurred. During this vigil a loud snapping sound is heard, believed to be the sound of a bulb popping, however no source could be identified. As the evening progressed the team are joined in the Kitchen by celebrity Daniella Westbrook. Here Derek connects with the names of two French workman and felt that a murder had taken place here. As the team attempt to connect with this spirit, there appears to be a strange break in the transmission as the team experience an unexplained hissing sound coming from the corridor. Attempting a second time to make connection the same hissing sound is again heard. It is then decided to investigate the cellar one final time, and they are this time joined by Matthew Smith. The team experience some strange cold breezes moving around the room, while there appears that no obvious source can be found. Other possibly paranormal occurrences during the night included an orb caught on live camera over David Bull's shoulder while at the top of the cellar stairs, while prior to filming the team also observed a strange mist which appeared to move unnaturally.

Paranormal Activity
Activity Icons Explained