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Berrington Hall, near Leominster, Herefordshire, is shrouded in tantalizing tales of ghostly apparitions
Berrington Hall, a neoclassical country house three miles north of Leominster, Herefordshire, has long been a place of intrigue and fascination. Designed by Henry Holland and opened in 1781, the hall and gardens have been in the care of the National Trust since 1957.
However, the house is more than just an architectural wonder; it also has a reputation for being haunted, with ghostly figures and phantom horses said to be seen within its walls and stables.
History of Berrington Hall
The history of Berrington Hall dates back to 1386, when it was owned by the Cornewall family. However, it was not until 1775, when the property was sold to Thomas Harley, a banker and former Mayor of London, that the current Berrington Hall was built. The mansion, designed by Henry Holland between 1778 and 1781, replaced an older house on the site and was given to Harley’s daughter Anne and her husband, George Rodney, upon completion.
The house remained in the Rodney family for 95 years before being purchased in 1901 by Frederick Cawley, a Manchester businessman. In 1957 the property was transferred to the Treasury by Frederick Lee Cawley, 3rd Baron Cawley, and subsequently passed to the state. National Trust. The house was classified as a Grade II listed building in 1959, indicative of its national historic and architectural significance.
The grounds of Berrington Hall are also notable. They feature the latest landscape design from Capability Brown, a renowned British landscape architect, including a striking ha-ha wall and Berrington Pool, a lake and island designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Ghosts of Berrington Hall
Despite its grandeur and historical significance, Berrington Hall is perhaps best known for its ghostly inhabitants. In the 1980s there were reports of a ghostly figure seen in the south wing of the house, but the identity of this apparition remains unknown.
More recently, the supernatural activity has moved to the outbuildings of the house. Witnesses have reported seeing a ghostly figure open the stables door, despite the key being missing for years. In addition, phantom horses have been sighted in the stables, a horrifying sight considering that it has been years since there were any live horses in the stables.
Berrington Hall today
Today, Berrington Hall remains a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into Georgian grandeur on a human scale. The house, gardens and park are completely open to the public.
Berrington Hall, with its rich history, architectural splendor and spooky ghost stories, offers a unique blend of education, exploration and hair-raising intrigue. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, a ghost hunter or simply someone looking for a unique day out, Berrington Hall offers an experience that is both enjoyable and unforgettable.
A testament to the greatness of the Georgian era and a living story of generations past, it continues to captivate its visitors, leaving them with a sense of wonder and a touch of the supernatural.
Have you seen a ghost in Berrington Hall? Tell us about it in the comments below!
