Brocade Shoes Curse Haunting
Papillon Hall in Lubenham has a dark history that's been woven into local legend. The remains of a woman found within the walls of this now-demolished house were believed to be those of the Spanish mistress of David Papillon. According to reports, she died around 1715 and uttered a ominous warning: if anyone touched her exquisite brocade shoes, misfortune would follow. It seems her curse was taken seriously, as the shoes remained untouched for nearly two centuries.
The story takes a sinister turn in 1903 when Sir Frank Bellville removed the shoes, seemingly tempting fate. Shortly after, he fell and broke his skull, fuelling speculation about the curse. The shoes were hastily returned to Papillon Hall, but their ill-fated history didn't end there. After the hall's destruction in 1950, the shoes were relocated to Harborough Museum, where they remain to this day. This sequence of events has cemented the Brocade Shoes Curse as one of Leicestershire's most enduring and intriguing ghost stories.
Papillon Hall was a country house built in the 17th century, with a history dating back to the English Civil War.
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Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Papillon Hall
