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Ghosts from throughout history continue to haunt Hermeston Hall, one of Nottinghamshire’s most enigmatic country houses, writes RICK HALE
If you’ve ever seen the American coming-of-age film The Sandlot, you may remember Have Ruth’s quote to Benny ‘The Jet’ Rodriguez: ‘Remember, boy, there are heroes and there are legends. Heroes are remembered, legends never die.”
I’ve always loved that quote, and nowhere is it more applicable than to the heroism of the legend of Robin Hood, who robbed from the rich in the woods of Nottingham and gave to the poor.
It is believed that this hero may not have actually existed, but there is a legendary place in Nottinghamshire that has come to be known as one of the most haunted buildings in the region: Hermeston Hall.
An old country house near the villages of Oldcoates and Langold, where the dead from every era of Britain’s long history still roam.
History of Hermeston Hall
Like so many other buildings in Britain, Hermeston Hall was built on a much older manor house built sometime around 1100 CE.
The original house was built for the powerful Cress family, who proudly ruled the house for over three centuries. Their lease finally ended in 1408.
However, it is believed that the land where that house was built dates back much further to a time when the Roman Empire dominated the region.
Researchers came to this conclusion after discovering that a Roman road had been discovered nearby. As well as the remains of a Roman villa that was discovered entirely by accident.
The property’s most notable occupant was none other than Elizabeth Cavendish, or Bess of Hardwick, a clever and extraordinarily powerful woman who through judicious business dealings and marriages earned her the title of Countess of Shrewsbury.
After the violent conflict between those loyal to the King and Parliament, the house fell into disrepair and was abandoned. Sitting as a silent reminder of a long and illustrious history.
Fortunately, the house was resurrected when Edward Challenor bought the building.
Challoner brought it back from the dead and expanded it. When he passed away, his eldest daughter took over and gave us the house we see today.
The Ghost of Hermeston Hall
With such a long history, it’s no wonder Hermeston Hall has earned a reputation for being haunted.
For years, the locals, except for a few adventurous souls, have ignored the house. The reputation of the haunted house has become so well known that the locals have dubbed it ‘the haunted house’.
And according to those brave enough to enter the threshold, the house really lives up to its reputation.
Profession from beyond the grave
By 400 CE, Roman influence in Britain had begun to fade, as the city across the continent, in Rome, was under attack from the various European tribes and soldiers were desperately needed at home to defend their country.
So by 410, the Romans had all but disappeared from Britain. Though the soldiers were gone, those who fell in battle were still left in the land as phantoms.
A ghostly legion of Roman soldiers have been seen marching in column down the driveway of the Hall.
And strangely, the same legion has been spied in the basement where they walk through the wall and disappear from view.
Ghostly servants
It is said that the ghosts of servants from various times in the Hall’s history continue to carry out their duties long after their death.
Gardeners who take care of the upkeep of the grounds have reported a ghostly gardener standing behind them, closely watching their every move.
When they go to ask why he is there, the ghost gardener disappears
And servants in Victorian-era clothing can be seen busy in the halls and rooms of the house.
The attic
Attics are usually not the most inviting places. They are hot, tight and dirty. But Hermiston Hall has something most attics don’t: a very evil spirit.
The ghost of an angry old woman haunts the attic.
If one enters her domain, she has been known to run from the shadows and scream into people’s faces before disappearing.
Spooky kids
Any ghost hunter will tell you that any ghost tour involving a child is always sad. These children were not given the luxury of a full life. And Hermeston Hall has no shortage of ghostly kids.
You can regularly see and feel the images of children playing on the stairs and running through the corridors. Laughing and talking as they run around the room.
A little girl in Victorian era clothing is seen in the kitchen. And suddenly a toddler appears at the piano and starts banging the keys
Berry
Virtually all the ghosts of Hermiston Hall are nameless. All but one, Bess of Hardwick.
The ghost of a woman with bright red hair and wearing a black Elizabethan dress is often seen wandering the grounds.
The mystery woman has been identified as ambitious socialite Bess of Hardwick.
It seems that Bess is still holding court in the mansion she loved so much.
Today, Hermeston Hall is a residential home after briefly serving as a hotel. And it looks like it’s still haunted, but the owners have embraced their ghosts and live peacefully with them.
Have you been to Hermeston Hall? Tell us about it in the comments below!
