Skip to main content

The Book Loving Gentleman of Mannington Hall

Mannington Hall, Felbrigg, Norfolk Post-Mortem Apparition Victorian

Mannington Hall in Felbrigg, Norfolk, is home to a most intriguing ghost story. It's said that back in 1879, Dr Augustus Jessop spent a night in the library, not alone, but in the company of a rather unexpected guest - a red-haired ghost. The good doctor was there to research, and it seems his spectral companion didn't disturb his work. This encounter took place on 11 October 1879, a date that would be etched in the annals of paranormal history.

Fast forward to 1912, and Mannington Hall was once again at the centre of paranormal activity. An exorcism was performed to rid the building of a poltergeist, which had been causing quite a commotion. As part of the procedure, part of the upper floor was bricked up, a testament to the sometimes drastic measures taken to deal with these unexplained phenomena. The connection between the 1879 ghostly encounter and the 1912 exorcism is unclear, but both events contribute to Mannington Hall's reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.

Historical Context

Mannington Hall dates back to the 15th century, with various additions and renovations over the centuries.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Country House
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Private Residence
Date / Era
11 October 1879, and 1912
Postcode Area
NR11

Nearby Haunted Places

Shuck 1.3 mi

Cromer Black Dog Legend

Off the coast of Cromer, Cromer

Cromer's rugged coastline has witnessed countless tales of the supernatural, but one legend that has endured for generations is that of the Black Retriever. This phantom canine is said to appear to lone children playing by the sea, befriending them with its inky fur and playful demeanour. The story goes that a local youngster, enticed by the dog's friendly nature, took it for a swim in the ocean. As they ventured further out to sea, the dog's true intentions became clear - it transformed into a human and attempted to drown the child. In another chilling version, the dog simply barks and growls, preventing the youngster from swimming back to shore. Thankfully, a group of sailors intervened, saving the child from a watery grave.

Coastal Area Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 1.4 mi

The White Lady of Aylmerton

Circular Hollows, Aylmerton

Deep in the Norfolk countryside, the eerie Circular Hollows, locally known as the Shrieking Pits, have been the site of numerous paranormal sightings and unsettling sounds. The White Lady, a ghostly apparition, has been observed gazing into each pit, overcome with sorrow. Her presence has been reported from the 1700s onwards, leaving many to wonder about the origins of this mournful spirit. While some believe she may be a phantom conjured up by local smugglers, others think she could be a genuine manifestation of the paranormal.

Natural Feature Georgian
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 1.5 mi

Roughton Alien Big Cat

General area, Roughton

Roughton, a small village in Norfolk, has been at the centre of some pretty unusual paranormal activity. It's not your typical ghost story, but rather a series of bizarre sightings that have left residents and visitors scratching their heads. In the summer of 1996, reports began flooding in of a mysterious big cat roaming the countryside. The creature was described as being much larger than a domestic dog, but smaller than a horse. It wasn't until a few years later, in 2003 or 2004, that another witness claimed to have seen a big black cat walking through a field of crops before vanishing into thin air.

Rural Area Modern
Read Full Story
Cryptozoology 1.9 mi

The Big Cat of East Runton

Railway Embankment, East Runton

The Railway Embankment in East Runton, Norfolk, is a spot where the ordinary and the unexplained seem to collide. It was here, on a chilly February evening in 1964, that reports began to circulate about a large, mysterious cat roaming the area. The local police, taking these sightings seriously, decided to comb the embankment with dogs, hoping to catch a glimpse of this elusive creature. But despite their efforts, nothing was ever found. It's a case that has left many questions unanswered, and the imagination of locals and visitors alike has been sparked by the thought of what might have been seen that night.

Railway Embankment Modern
Read Full Story
Legend 1.9 mi

Shipden Church Bells Haunting

Off coast, Cromer

Off the coast of Cromer, a town called Shipden once stood, now lost to the relentless sea. The remnants of this forgotten town are said to lie hidden beneath the waves, but its legacy lives on in the form of a haunting phenomenon. The church of Saint Peter, which once served the town, is reputed to exist beneath the waves, and its presence is still felt by locals and visitors alike. They say that just before a storm, the church bells of Saint Peter can be heard ringing out, a chilling and atmospheric sound that seems to emanate from the depths of the sea itself.

Offshore Location Medieval
Read Full Story
Shuck 1.9 mi

Cromer Black Dog Haunting

Cliff Paths, Cromer

Cromer's stunning cliff paths have been witness to a plethora of paranormal activity, with numerous reports of a ghostly black dog roaming the area. Locals claim this creature, known as the Shuck, is the spirit of a dog whose master met a tragic end just off the Cromer coast. The story goes that the dog was deeply devoted to its owner and has been searching for its master ever since. Over the years, many have come forward with tales of encountering this phantom canine, describing it as a large, black dog with an unsettling presence.

Coastal Path Unknown
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Mannington Hall