Skip to main content

Lady Fane of Basildon

The Grotto, Basildon, Berkshire Apparition Pre-Victorian

The Grotto in Basildon, Berkshire, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Fane, who reportedly roams the grounds of her former home. While there are no recent witness accounts, local legend has it that Lady Fane's presence was felt by those who lived in the house. One story tells of a woman who, during the Second World War, encountered a phantom young girl wearing a raggedy green dress - an unusual attire for a lady of high standing. This sighting adds a touch of mystery to the already intriguing tale of Lady Fane's haunting.

Historical records suggest that the haunting may be linked to the Mistletoe Bough legend, which is said to have occurred on the site. Although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it is interesting to note that the legend of the Mistletoe Bough has been associated with various English hauntings. The fact that Lady Fane's ghost is said to haunt her former home, and that a phantom young girl was seen by a wartime resident, suggests that there may be some truth to the local stories. Further research is needed to uncover the full history behind Lady Fane's haunting.

Historical Context

The Grotto was once the residence of Lady Fane, a member of the local aristocracy.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Private Residence
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Property
Date / Era
1940s?
Postcode Area
RG21

Nearby Haunted Places

Apparition 1.4 mi

The Drowned Lad of Tidmarsh

Stream near Tidmarsh Rectory, Tidmarsh

In the sleepy village of Tidmarsh, Berkshire, a small stream runs close to the historic Tidmarsh Rectory, its tranquil surface belied by a dark history. They say that on clear, moonlit nights in June, a young boy can be seen wandering the stream's banks, his presence a poignant reminder of a life tragically cut short. This is the haunting of the Drowned Lad, a spirit that has been reported for generations, with sightings dating back to the 1880s. The boy's story is a sad one - he drowned in the very stream that now bears his ghostly presence.

Stream Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 2.8 mi

Murderous Landlord Ghost

Hind's Head Inn Inn, Bracknell

The Hind's Head Inn in Bracknell was once a place of unspeakable terror. This was no ordinary pub, for it was here that a ruthless landlord carried out a series of heinous murders, targeting wealthy travellers who had unwisely chosen to rest their weary heads under his roof. His modus operandi was brutal and calculated - he would wait until his victims were fast asleep, then strike, silencing them forever. It was a reign of terror that only came to an end when one brave soul managed to escape and raise the alarm, leading to the landlord's eventual execution.

Inn Georgian
Read Full Story
Legend 2.8 mi

Aldworth Church Devil's Bargain

Church, Aldworth

Aldworth Church stands sentinel in the rolling Berkshire countryside, its ancient stones bearing witness to a most curious tale of a man named John Euerafriad. Legend has it that he made a pact with the Devil himself, trading something precious for unknown gains. The details of this Faustian bargain are lost to the ages, but its aftermath is etched in local lore. They say Euerafriad was neither fully in nor out of the church, buried under the church wall as a clever compromise to deny the Devil his due.

Church Medieval
Read Full Story
Poltergeist 3.6 mi

Clewer Knocking Poltergeist

Want's Cottage, Clewer

Want's Cottage in Clewer, Berkshire, was once the epicentre of a bizarre and unexplained phenomenon. In 1841, a series of unidentified knocking sounds plagued the house, leaving residents and visitors alike scratching their heads. A policeman, locals, and even a scientist were called to the scene, but despite their best efforts, they were unable to track down the source of the noise. The knocking persisted, even after the furnishings were removed and the flooring was dug up, as if the house itself was trying to communicate with its occupants.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.3 mi

The Woman in Silk Haunting

Old Rectory, Yattendon

The Old Rectory in Yattendon, Berkshire, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A phantom woman, dressed in a black or grey silken dress, would materialise during house parties, causing quite a stir among the guests. This ghostly apparition became a regular feature of social gatherings at the rectory, until she was eventually exorcised. The woman in silk remains a fascinating figure, with her presence adding a touch of the unknown to the rectory's history.

Private Residence Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 4.3 mi

Bradfield Church Monk Haunting

St Andrew's Church, Bradfield

St Andrew's Church in Bradfield has long been a place of worship and intrigue. Locals have reported strange occurrences, including sightings of a ghostly monk. One former vicar claimed to have spotted the apparition, adding to the church's mystique. The exact date of the sighting is unclear, but it's believed to have taken place in the late twentieth century. This eerie encounter has left many wondering about the history and secrets hidden within the church's ancient walls.

Church Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near The Grotto