Phantom of Wotton House
Wotton House stands serene in the Surrey countryside, its tranquil facade belying a history of unexplained occurrences. On a fateful day in 1873, Dr Samuel Wilberforce met his demise in nearby Deerleap Woods, thrown from his horse in a tragic accident. Yet, in a bizarre turn of events, his presence was felt at Wotton House, miles from the scene of his death. Four individuals reported catching glimpses of Wilberforce peering through a window, a sighting all the more peculiar given the doctor had no prior connection to the estate.
Historical records confirm Dr Wilberforce's untimely death on 19 July 1873. What's remarkable is that his apparition was seen by multiple people at Wotton House, a location he had never visited before. This phenomenon classifies as a crisis manifestation, often associated with sudden or traumatic death. Interestingly, Wotton House has another reported ghost - a man carrying fishing gear, spotted in 1964, adding to the estate's mystique.
The Victorian era saw a surge in reported paranormal activity, often linked to historical events and untimely deaths.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Smashed Furniture Haunting
Sutton Place, Guildford
Sutton Place in Guildford, Surrey, is home to a rather unusual haunting. Staff have reported hearing the unmistakable sounds of furniture being smashed, but whenever they investigate, they can find nothing out of the ordinary. It's as if the destruction is happening in a parallel world, or perhaps it's just a clever trick of the mind. Adding to the mystery are glimpses of a woman in white, who vanishes as quickly as she appears.
Danes Battle Ghosts
Area around Anstiebury hillfort, Leith Hill
The area around Anstiebury hillfort on Leith Hill is steeped in history and paranormal activity. This site was once the battleground where Saxons clashed with Danish invaders. It's said that the restless spirits of soldiers from both camps still roam this land, reliving the fierce battle that took place here. The eerie atmosphere and stunning views of the Surrey countryside only add to the sense of unease and fascination that draws people to this haunted location.
The Mayflower Pilgrim's Ghost
58 - 60 West Street, Dorking
In the heart of Dorking, on West Street, a poignant ghost story unfolds. This is the haunt of William Mullins, a pilgrim who set sail on the Mayflower with his wife and child, bound for the Americas. Tragically, Mullins and his family succumbed to illness shortly after arrival in the New World. Now, it seems, his spirit has returned to stay, forever tied to the town he once called home.
Westcott Headless Horseman Haunting
Road between Westcott and Dorking, Westcott
The stretch of road between Westcott and Dorking in Surrey is said to be haunted by a rather unsettling apparition - a headless horseman. It's a chilly winter's night in 2007 when one brave soul was walking along this very road, enjoying the peaceful evening atmosphere, when he began to feel like he was being followed. At first, he thought it was just his imagination playing tricks on him, but then he heard the unmistakable sound of something trotting along behind him, pushing its way through thick bushes and undergrowth. The man quickened his pace, but the sound kept pace with him, sending shivers down his spine.
Gomshall Ghost Girl
Compasses Inn and River Tillingbourne Inn, Gomshall
The Compasses Inn in Gomshall is home to a mischievous ghost known as the Girl. She haunts the pub's garden, where she's often seen skipping through the grounds and across the nearby River Tillingbourne. Occasionally, she pops into the pub to play with the taps. Legend has it that the Girl drowned in the river after escaping a fire at the pub. Her antics have been reported by numerous visitors and staff members over the years.
Christine the Anchorite Ghost
Parish Church, Shere
Shere Parish Church in Surrey is home to a haunting that's as tragic as it is intriguing. The ghost of Christine, an anchorite who lived in the church, is said to roam the site. According to legend, Christine fell deeply in love with a stranger and tried to escape with him, but the villagers had other plans. They captured her and forced her to stay, and it's said that her spirit never left.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Wotton House

Great Fosters Hotel
Egham, Surrey

Macdonald Berystede Hotel
Sunninghill, Berkshire

The Ostrich Inn
Colnbrook, Berkshire