Bracknell, Berkshire
Easthampstead Park is home to two distinct ghostly presences. The primary spirit is the Grey Lady, believed to be a Victorian-era cleaning lady who appears as a flitting female form on the ornate main staircase. She moves along the landing and descends the stairs, regarded as a harmless presence continuing her earthly duties. Additionally, Lady Downshire is reported as a separate poltergeist entity - a harmless aristocratic spirit who also manifests as a flitting female form along the landing and staircase, but with the bearing of Victorian nobility rather than domestic staff. Both spirits appear connected to the mansion's golden era under the Downshire family ownership (1786-1947). Professional paranormal investigations in 2007 documented multiple phenomena including team members sensing 'the presence of a lady but she was shy,' mirror scrying experiences showing a 'haggard, dark-eyed woman,' and glass divination sessions suggesting contact with former staff members.
The Grey Lady (Victorian Cleaning Lady), Lady Downshire Poltergeist
Easthampstead Park hosts two primary ghostly manifestations centered on the grand staircase. The Grey Lady appears as an elderly cleaning lady in Victorian dress, described as translucent and grey, moving with purposeful familiarity along the landing and down the stairs. Witnesses consistently describe her as harmless, suggesting a residual haunting of someone continuing their earthly duties. Lady Downshire manifests as a separate entity with aristocratic bearing, also described as a 'flitting female form' but distinguished by noble comportment rather than servant behaviour. Both spirits appear most active around the ornate main staircase and upper landing areas. Professional investigations have documented multiple phenomena: In March 2007, Paranormal Tours conducted extensive research with team members reporting 'the presence of a lady but she was shy' and claiming contact with spirits including 'Anne aged 42' during glass divination sessions. A journalist participating in a separate 2007 investigation experienced mirror scrying where a 'haggard, dark-eyed woman' appeared in reflections, and witnessed glass movement during séances when investigators asked about staff spirits. The basement investigations yielded additional activity including unexpected temperature changes and alleged spirit communication confirming former staff presence.
The Grey Lady is the primary ghostly figure reported at Easthampstead Park, appearing as an elderly cleaning lady in Victorian dress who manifests on the mansion's ornate main staircase. Witnesses describe a flitting female form moving along the landing and down the staircase, regarded as a harmless presence.
Lady Downshire is reported as a harmless poltergeist at Easthampstead Park, manifesting as a flitting female form that moves along the landing and down the staircase. This ethereal presence may be connected to the aristocratic Downshire family who owned the mansion during its golden era.
Victorian (built 1868)
Royal Hunting Lodge, later a private residence
Easthampstead Park boasts a rich history dating back to the 7th century when it was the site of a home belonging to King Cynegils of Wessex. The current Victorian mansion was built in 1868 by the Fourth Marquis of Downshire. Prior to this, the estate served as a royal hunting lodge, with records of visits from figures like Edward III, Richard II, and Richard III. A significant historical event that occurred at the earlier lodge was in 1501 when King Henry VII arranged the marriage of his son, Arthur, to Catherine of Aragon. It was also from here that Henry VII and Arthur first met Catherine. Later, in 1531, it was at Easthampstead Park that Catherine of Aragon received the news of King Henry VIII's intention to divorce her. The estate was granted to William Trumbull by King Charles I in 1629. Over the centuries, the estate has served various purposes, including being a refuge during the war, a female teacher training college, and even a nuclear bunker. During World War II, part of the mansion was used by St Paul's School, which had been evacuated from London. The Army also utilized the park during this time. In 1947, a fire damaged the top floor of the mansion. Following this, Berkshire County Council purchased the property and it became Easthampstead Park College. Before becoming the hotel it is today, it also functioned as a conference centre.
Jacobean style with curved gables, pierced stone parapet and stone frontispiece of naive classicism.
Apparition of a female figureCold spotsFeeling of being watchedUnexplained noises
The ornate staircase and the landing above it are cited as the primary location for paranormal activity.
Multiple witness accounts describe encountering female spirits on the main staircase, with reports dating back decades. The Grey Lady is consistently described as a 'flitting female form' in Victorian domestic servant attire moving along the landing and descending the stairs. Lady Downshire manifests similarly but with aristocratic bearing and noble deportment. Professional investigators from Paranormal Tours (March 2007) reported team members sensing 'the presence of a lady but she was shy' and achieving alleged spirit contact with 'Anne aged 42' and other former residents. A journalist participating in a separate 2007 all-night investigation documented mirror scrying experiences where a 'haggard, dark-eyed woman' appeared in reflections, glass divination sessions suggesting staff spirit presence, and basement phenomena including temperature fluctuations and alleged communication. Hotel staff remain aware of the paranormal reputation, though specific contemporary testimonials are not formally documented.
Easthampstead Park has attracted significant paranormal investigation interest over multiple decades. Paranormal Tours conducted an extensive investigation in March 2007 with multiple team members documenting supernatural phenomena including temperature fluctuations, alleged spirit communication, and sensed presences. Separately, a journalist participated in a comprehensive all-night ghost hunt in 2007, experiencing mirror scrying manifestations, glass divination sessions, and basement activity that left them convinced of paranormal presence. The mansion continues to attract investigation groups due to its reputation and documented phenomena, though television program involvement remains limited compared to other haunted venues. The location's historical significance and architectural grandeur make it particularly appealing for paranormal researchers seeking evidence in historically authenticated settings.
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📅 Sample dates:2025-08-28 to 2025-08-30 • 2 adults
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms near the ornate staircase and the landing above it are cited as the primary location for paranormal activity. for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
The hotel hosts various events, including weddings and conferences, but does not specifically advertise ghost tours or paranormal packages.
The hotel has accessible features. For specific information, it is best to contact the hotel directly.
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