The Grey Lady

Infrared black and white photograph of the statue situated outside Rufford Old Hall, an elegant fifteenth century house near Ormskirk in Lancashire.... more

by Matt Nuttall

Title

The Grey Lady

Artist

Matt Nuttall

Medium

Photograph

Description

Infrared black and white photograph of the statue situated outside Rufford Old Hall, an elegant fifteenth century house near Ormskirk in Lancashire.

The Hall is reputedly haunted by three ghosts; a 'Gray Lady', a man dressed in Elizabethan clothes and Queen Elizabeth I.

The 'Gray Lady' has been seen many times, usually by the main entrance or on the drive leading up to the house. She is thought to be the ghost of Elizabeth Hesketh, a young woman who became dangerously ill while her husband was at war overseas. She vowed that she would not leave this world without saying goodbye to her dear husband, but he never returned and she was never given the chance to bid her farewell.

The ghostly figure of a man in Elizabethan costume has sometimes been seen near the huge fireplace in the Great Hall. It was here that a secret chamber was found, presumably used to hide catholic priests from sight.

Queen Elizabeth I has been seen in the dining room, where she vanishes if anyone tries to approach her.

Rufford Old Hall has also been host to many famous visitors, including William Shakespeare.

Uploaded

July 11th, 2012