Grey Lady of Bretton Hall
IS she a scorned lover who can find no peace in
the afterworld or the illegitimate kitchen skivvy who became the lady
of the house who refuses to take her place in the spirit world?
A chilly breeze sweeps down the corridors of the 18th century mansion
– did someone leave a window or a door open?
Who was that figure gliding across the balcony? Was it the Grey Lady of
Bretton Hall?
Not only has the presence of the Grey Lady been felt, but visitors claim
to have seen the forlorn grey figure of a lonely young woman, pushing
a pram outside the mansion, who walks towards them only to disappear into
the atmosphere, leaving no trace. Is she endlessly looking for someone
or
something?
Those who have seen both drifting figures have conflicting views, one
of an imposing presence that intimidates and the others are left with
a sympathetic, sorrowful sigh.
The mansion house, set in 260 acres of beautiful countryside, holds all
the secrets of the families and people who have lived and died there for
more than 700 years
Little is known about the exact origin of the spectral female figures,
but it is believed they could be a descendant of one of the families who
have lived in the grounds.
The Dronsfields lived there from 1261-1407, the Wentworths from 1407-1792
and the Beaumonts from 1792-1947.
Inhereting the vast estate in 1728, Sir Thomas Wentworth never married,
but numerous stories surround him; mainly to do with his many liaisons
with daughters of local gentry, and ‘low-born maids.’
Sir Thomas fathered many illegitimate children, often arranging husbands
for the ladies and payment for the children.
Many of the women accepted these arrangements but one felt aggrieved.
Ann Dickinson was unhappy at her severance pay and lay in wait for Sir
Thomas at every opportunity to harrass him and shout at him, perhaps roaming
the grounds of Bretton Hall.
Could she be the Grey Lady?
Kitchen staff at Bretton Hall have told of a chilling presence in the
kitchens and being tapped on the shoulder only to turn around to find
no-one there.
Diana Beaumont was Sir Thomas’ illegitimate daughter and is thought
to have been the daughter of one of Sir Thomas’ cooks or his gamekeeper.
As a child she was allowed to run wild and free in the kitchens.
Eventually she became known as the ‘mistress’or ‘madame’
of Bretton and was renowned for her lavish ways at odds with her lowly
birth status.
She has been described as a mix of ‘Cruella’ and ‘Morticia’.
She made sure everyone knew who she was wherever she went, revelling in
her wealth, gambling and partying – perhaps
she felt this was her birthright and refuses to leave the mansion house.
Is she the tormented spirit?
From the middle of last century the story of the Grey Lady
has grown, but the mystery remains...
n The Express would like to thank Leonard Bartle for his research into
the Grey Lady.