Ghost of Mary Fordham
Causeway House in Soham, Cambridge, is home to a rather intriguing ghost story. A guest staying at the house claimed to have spotted the phantom of an old lady dressed in a long black dress, standing stock still with her arms crossed, staring blankly into space. The apparition was said to match that of Mary Fordham, nee Pollard, who once lived at the house. What's fascinating about Mary's story is that she suffered from what we now recognise as catalepsy, a condition that could explain her ghostly pose.
Digging deeper into Mary's story, it's clear that her life was marked by a serious medical condition. Catalepsy, a condition characterised by immobility and rigidity, would have had a profound impact on her daily life. It's tempting to draw connections between her condition and the ghostly sighting, but we must be cautious not to speculate too wildly. What we do know is that the description of the phantom matches Mary, and that she's said to haunt Causeway House to this day. The image of Mary, courtesy of Sarah Morley, adds a poignant touch to this already captivating tale.
Mary Fordham lived at Causeway House in the past
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Voices of Soham Lodge
Soham Lodge Motel, Soham
Soham Lodge Motel, a seemingly ordinary place to rest your head, has a rather unsettling reputation. It's Room 11 that's said to be the epicentre of paranormal activity, where staff have reported hearing mysterious voices echoing down empty corridors. Furniture has been known to move on its own, and a clock has been seen to 'jump' right off the wall. Guests who have stayed in Room 11 have complained of sleeping badly, as if some unseen presence is keeping them awake. The voices, in particular, have been described as unsettling, leaving many to wonder who's behind the strange occurrences.
Joseph Hempsall's Ghostly Apparition
Between Soham Mere and Wicken, Soham Mere
In the misty expanses of Soham Mere, a ghostly figure is said to roam, connected to a tragic event that took place many years ago. Joseph Hempsall, a local resident, spent his last night on earth drinking heavily, and his body was later discovered in a bog near his farm. What's remarkable is that his friends claimed his ghost appeared to them, guiding them to the exact spot where his corpse lay. This eerie encounter has led to numerous sightings of Joseph's spirit in the area, even after his body was buried.
The Isleham Fen Tiger
Exact location not known, Isleham
In the quiet Cambridgeshire village of Isleham, a strange sighting has left residents and authorities alike scratching their heads. On a typical summer's day, 25 August 2008, police received a call about a large, black cat with a remarkably long tail roaming the area. The creature, which has been dubbed the Fen Tiger, was said to be quite imposing. Although there's no concrete evidence to suggest it was a ghostly apparition or a supernatural entity, the unusual description and circumstances of the sighting have sparked interest among paranormal enthusiasts.
Wicken Fen Monk Haunting
Wicken Fen, Wicken
Wicken Fen, a beautiful and historic area northwest of Wicken, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a monk. This eerie presence is linked to Spinney Abbey, a priory that once stood on the site. Legend has it that the monk was brutally murdered back in 1406. People have reported hearing plainchant in the area, adding to the mystique of this haunted location. The atmosphere is certainly spooky, making it a fascinating spot for those interested in the paranormal.
The Shuck of Wicken Fen
Wicken Fen, Wicken
Wicken Fen, a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, is also home to a most unsettling presence - the Shuck. This phantom canine, said to be calf-sized, roams the fen bringing death to all who are unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it. Locals and visitors alike have reported encountering this ghostly hound, which is steeped in local legend and folklore. Its appearances are shrouded in mystery, with no one certain when or where it will strike next.
The Vanishing Dog Walker
Wicken Road, Wicken
Wicken Road, a rural stretch between the villages of Wicken and Deanshanger, has been the site of a baffling paranormal incident. In August 2016, a driver travelling along this winding road with high banks on either side reported slowing down as they approached a person walking their dog. The driver checked their rearview mirror as they braked, but upon looking ahead again, the figure had vanished into thin air. There were no side roads or paths nearby, leaving the driver perplexed.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Causeway House

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire

Lower Bell
Thetford, Norfolk