Ghostly secrets revealed at 13th Century Manor House

A ghost busting medium has been called in to help reveal the ghostly past of Leicestershire’s 13th Century Donington le Heath Manor House.

Previously, many visitors to the 700 year old manor house have reported sightings of ghost like figures including a man dressed in 17th Century attire and a lady in white – some have even heard the sound of footsteps and a child laughing and crying!

Leicestershire County Council’s Donington le Heath Manor House is a surviving example of a family home that was built between 1288 and 1295. It has been home to many families and was once owned by Everard Digby, one of the Gunpowder Plotters. He was executed in London after the failure of the Gunpowder Plot. He was hung, drawn and quartered – the gruesome end for traitors at that time. Legend tells us that when the executioner plucked out Digby’s heart exclaiming ‘Behold the heart of a traitor!’, Digby responded ‘Thou liest!’.

On Saturday August 21st between 10pm and 6am, the manor house is hosting a ghost watch with vigils and experiements, conducted by local medium Patricia Anne Farrar, to find things that go bump in the night!

People can have a go at crystal divination and with dowsing rods or take part in a séance. They might even be lucky enough to contact one of the several apparitions that allegedly still visit the manor house from time to time. Psychic readings will also be available on the night (extra charges apply).

Richard Knox, Curator at Leicestershire County Council’s Donington le Heath Manor House, said: “The history of the manor house is vast and goes back many hundreds of years. It has been home to numerous families, each with their own tales. The ghost watch is a fantastic opportunity to see more of the beautiful house and its wonderful surroundings and perhaps even the chance to meet some of its past inhabitants!”

Tickets are priced at £35 and include a full English breakfast. To find out more or to book a place, please contact: Alison Fearn at the manor house on 01530 831259.

For more information about the history of Donington le Heath Manor House please visit: www.leics.gov.uk/donington