The Grey Lady of Little Downham Vicarage
In the quaint village of Little Downham, Cambridge, a rather intriguing encounter took place at the local vicarage. A young child, details of whom remain scarce, was the unwitting witness to a ghostly apparition known as the Grey Lady. This spectral entity manifested before the child in the early to mid twentieth century, although the exact date remains a mystery. The child's reaction was immediate and telling - they bluntly told the entity to 'go away'.
Historical records of the vicarage and its inhabitants during the relevant period are somewhat scarce, which makes pinpointing the exact circumstances of the encounter challenging. However, the fact that the Grey Lady vanished promptly after being asked to leave suggests a rather benign nature, at least in this particular instance. The event, though seemingly isolated, contributes to the rich tapestry of paranormal activity reported across England. While the Grey Lady has not been known to manifest again, her brief appearance has left an indelible mark on local lore.
The vicarage has been a residence for church officials for centuries.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Tall Man
Small farmhouse, Isle of Ely , Gorefield
In the quaint village of Gorefield, nestled in the heart of the Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, a small farmhouse owned by Mr Scrimshaw was once plagued by a series of bizarre and unexplained events. It was here that a poltergeist, reportedly triggered by the presence of a tall, dark man, began to make its presence known. The haunting, which took place in 1923, was marked by objects moving on their own, pictures falling from walls, and furniture being rearranged. The sudden and inexplicable nature of these events left the occupants and visitors alike scratching their heads, searching for answers to the strange occurrences.
Disembodied Left Hand
Field near railway line, Werrington , Peterborough
In a field near the railway line at Werrington, a rather bizarre and inexplicable sighting took place on 26 September 2009. A disembodied left hand was seen making its way around an area by three large trees, seemingly feeling its way as if trying to navigate through the space. The witness who observed this strange phenomenon was later told by a neighbour that they too had seen a young lad wearing a cap and blazer sitting in one of the trees, but he vanished into thin air when approached.
Ghostly Footsteps in Ely
Oliver Cromwell House, Ely
Oliver Cromwell House in Ely has a reputation for being one of the town's most haunted locations. Footsteps have been heard moving along a corridor in the house, followed by the opening and closing of a door. It's as if someone - or something - is trying to make their presence known. A blue woman has also been spotted in the house, adding to the mystery. One woman claims to have developed bruising after a ghostly encounter, which suggests that the entities here may not be just benign spirits.
Etheldreda's Ely Miracle
General area, Ely
In the heart of Ely, a small town in Cambridgeshire, lies the remarkable story of Etheldreda, a seventh-century queen who founded the monastery of Ely. After leaving her husband, King Egfrith of Northumbria, Etheldreda went on to perform a miracle that would save the town from famine. Using only the milk from two does, she managed to feed the population, showcasing her remarkable compassion and resourcefulness. This legendary event has become an integral part of Ely's history and a testament to Etheldreda's enduring legacy.
Ely Monks Ghostly Apparitions
Multiple Locations, Ely
Ely's historic town centre is home to a most intriguing haunting, where numerous residents and visitors have reported sightings of shadowy figures clad in monks' gowns. These ghostly apparitions have been spotted at various locations, including the High Street, often accompanied by unexplained poltergeist activity. Witnesses have also reported finding footprints in the snow, as if the monks had walked by, and some have even caught glimpses of them staring out of windows. The frequency of these sightings spans multiple times throughout the twentieth century, leaving one to wonder about the connection between these events and the town's rich history.
The Wolfhound of Southery
Near ruins east of the town, Southery
Southery, a quaint village in Cambridge, is home to a haunting that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. The phantom hound, known as the Wolfhound of Southery, is said to roam the ruins east of the town, its mournful howls striking fear into the hearts of those who hear them. Legend has it that the hound was mistakenly killed by a soldier, and now it hunts the area, doomed to repeat its final moments for eternity. Locals believe that upon hearing the howls, the listener will die within a year, a chilling prospect that has been passed down through generations.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Vicarage

The Lamb at Angmering
Ely, Cambridgeshire

Ye Olde Griffin Hotel
March, Cambridgeshire

The Old Ferry Boat Inn
Holywell, Cambridgeshire

The Golden Lion Hotel
St Ives, Cambridgeshire