Abington Park Museum: A Tale of Heritage, Hauntings, and History
Nestled within the verdant embrace of Abington Park lies a storied manor, now known as Abington Park Museum. This Grade I listed gem in Northampton, England, is a tapestry woven with threads of grandeur, sorrow, and a dash of the supernatural.
A Manor's Genesis
Our tale begins in the late 15th century when the manor house first rose from the earth, a stately home set within lush grounds. This was a time when knights and nobles walked the land, and the manor quickly became a symbol of prestige. In the early 16th century, the Bernard family held the keys to this noble abode. By 1516, through the entwining of fates and families, the manor became the property of the Thomas family.
Shakespearean Ties
The connection between Abington Park and the illustrious Shakespeare family adds a layer of intrigue to its storied history. One of the most notable connections lies with Lady Elizabeth Bernard, Shakespeare's granddaughter, who once called the estate home.
Lady Elizabeth Bernard was the daughter of Shakespeare's eldest daughter, Susanna, and her husband, Dr. John Hall. After their marriage, Susanna and John settled in Stratford-upon-Avon, where they raised their family. Lady Elizabeth eventually married Thomas Nash, a wealthy landowner, and they acquired Abington Manor as part of their estate.
The presence of Lady Elizabeth Bernard at Abington Park infuses the estate with a touch of literary heritage. Imagine the granddaughter of the Bard wandering the halls and gardens, perhaps finding inspiration amidst the tranquil surroundings.
The Shadows of Asylum
Abington Manor underwent a significant change in 1840 when it was bought by Mr. Lewis Loyd, a financier. He rented it to Dr. Thomas Octavius Prichard, a pioneering figure in mental health care who had previously worked at St. Andrew's Asylum in Northampton. Dr. Prichard turned the manor into the 'Abington Abbey Retreat,' an asylum where he introduced progressive methods of treatment, including the abolition of cruel practices like restraints and starvation.
Instead, Dr. Prichard focused on providing a nurturing environment for patients, offering them resources like musical instruments and books to support their mental well-being. His approach, which emphasized physical and mental exercise, led to better outcomes for patients compared to other institutions of the time.
Sadly, Dr. Prichard passed away at the age of 39, leaving the asylum to his cousin Thomas and then to his brother Henry. In 1892, the asylum's lease expired, and ownership transferred to Lady Wantage, who generously donated the property to the Northampton Corporation.
Witches and the Gallows
During the 16th and 17th centuries, Northamptonshire, England, was gripped by a fervent fear of witchcraft, heightened by religious and social turmoil. This period saw numerous witch trials, driven by superstition and paranoia. The most notable event in the area was the 1612 Guilsborough Witch Trials. In these trials, several women were accused of practicing witchcraft and consorting with the devil. The evidence against them was often based on superstition, personal grudges, and confessions extracted under torture.
In the 1612 trials, five women from Northamptonshire were accused and tried at Northampton Assizes, a traveling court. These women were found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death, highlighting the severe consequences of the hysteria of the time. The convicted women were executed by hanging near Abington Park at a site known as Abington Gallows. The executions were public spectacles, with the condemned paraded through the town to the gallows, adding to the fear and spectacle surrounding the witch trials.
The Secret Church Passage
Hidden beneath the grand manor of Abington Park lies a secret passage, a clandestine corridor that whispers tales of intrigue and refuge. This passage is said to connect the manor to a nearby church, St. Peter and St. Paul, a link forged in times when secrecy was a matter of survival. In an era when religious conflict and persecution were rampant, such passages provided a safe haven for those who sought to practice their faith away from prying eyes. The manor's link to the church would have allowed secretive and secure movement for clergy and parishioners, ensuring their safety during tumultuous times. The passage likely served as a refuge during the English Reformation, a period marked by religious turmoil and the suppression of Catholicism. Priests and loyal followers could use the tunnel to evade capture, conducting clandestine services within the safety of the manor’s walls. For centuries, the secret passage lay forgotten, it's existence fading into legend. It was only during renovations in the 19th century that workers stumbled upon the entrance, hidden behind a thick wall in the manor’s basement. The passage, though partially collapsed, revealed its historical significance and rekindled tales of its use.
THE PARANORMAL
The Grey lady; Perhaps the most famous spectral resident of Abington Park Museum is the Grey Lady. Legend has it that she is the ghost of a former resident of the manor, a woman who met a tragic end under mysterious circumstances. Some believe she wanders the corridors of the museum, her ghostly figure shrouded in misty grey, while others claim to have felt her chilling presence in the dimly lit rooms. With its history as a private mental hospital, Abington Park Museum carries echoes of the patients who once resided within its walls. Visitors have reported strange noises, disembodied voices, and feelings of unease in certain areas of the museum, suggesting that the spirits of those who suffered in life may still linger in death. As a museum that also commemorates the military history of Northamptonshire, it's believed that the ghost of an unknown soldier may also wander the grounds of Abington Park. Some have reported seeing a spectral figure in military uniform, silently pacing among the trees, perhaps searching for peace after laying down their life in service.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our goal is to make the experience enjoyable and memorable for all participants. Before we start, we thoroughly research the location's history and reported paranormal activity. This helps us plan the investigation and gives context to the experiences you might have. You'll receive a briefing on the paranormal equipment being used, and we'll also cover health and safety to ensure a secure exploration experience. you'll be placed in smaller groups for a personalised experience. You'll get to try out various ghost hunting equipment and take part in paranormal experiments.
Old school investigating.
Full use of equipment - ouija boards, k2s, emf meters, cat balls, spirit boxes, etc..
Experiments using table tipping, Estes method, glass divination, human pendulums.
Smaller groups.
Experienced hosts.
Spiritual medium for the evening.
Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be provided.
PARKING
There is no parking on the grounds but plenty of street parking. Charges may apply.
PLEASE NOTE:
Before booking onto this event please read our Terms and Conditions.
We cannot offer refunds and all ticket sales are non-transferable or resell-able.
NO UNDER 18's
ANYONE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED INTO THE EVENT.
This location is unsuitable for people with mobility issues and heavily pregnant women.
Overnight accommodation is not included.
Event Venue
Abington museum, Northampton, United Kingdom
GBP 35.00
