Appuldurcombe house

There has been a building on the site of Appuldurcombe for hundreds of years. The original Manor was built in 1090, but the structure there now was completed by Sir Robert Worsley in 1710. The once proud house is now in a state of ruin, thanks mainly to the German bombing raids of the Second World War. The name Appuldurcombe is thought to have its origins from one of two theories. Firstly that it is from the word "Appuldre Cwm" which means valley of the apple trees, "apelder's combe", or valley. In 1102, the Earl of Devon, Sir Richard de Redvers, became Lord of the Island. He gave the Manor of Appuldurcombe to the Abbey of Monteburg in Normandy. This is the first time the Manor is mentioned in history, but

settlement has been indicated to the previous time of 1090. The Manor remained a Priory until 1414, when it was dissolved. And in 1423, King Henry VI handed the Manor to the Nuns Minoresses of St. Clare-without-Aldgate. The house was then rented by the Fry family until the 15th century, when it went into the possession of Sir John Leigh from Flamstone in Wiltshire.

Sir John obtained a 35 year lease on the Manor in 1498. He also bought several other properties on the Island. His daughter Ann married the young keeper of the King's wardrobe, Sir James Worsley. James was later knighted, and in 1511 became Captain of the Island. He and his descendants occupied Appuldurcombe for the next 300 years. Sir James died in 1538, and one of the descendants, Sir Robert Worsley, built a new Manor in 1710, the remains of which can be seen today. The Manor was built on a grand scale, with a reputed 52 rooms and 365 windows. In 1854, Appuldurcombe fell on hard times. The house was auctioned off and bought by a Company who intended to turn the it into a hotel. This, however, fell through, and in 1867 the Manor became Dr. Pound's Academy, which was a school for young gentlemen.

In 1894 the school folded, and the house lay empty until 1901, when it was occupied by a group of French Monks, who had moved to the Island. The Monks tried in vain to buy the house, but could not afford it. So, in 1908, they left to build Quarr Abbey near Binstead. The house was left empty again until the First World War, when it housed soldiers. In 1932, the house was reported to be habitable, but badly damaged. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, a landmine fell near the house, and the explosion destroyed the roof, leaving the house a ruin. Credit must be given to Lord Mottistone, was thwarted the attempt by the Authorities to completely demolish the house, as it had been recognised as a relic of Architectural Treasure for the Island. Thanks to this ruling, visitors are able to view the ruinous remains of the once grand Appuldurcombe House.

The Ghosts of Appuldurcombe House
Although now a shell, the 18th century Appuldurcombe House still harbours ghosts from its past. A phantom carriage has been seen and heard thundering up the path at the entrance to the house. Ghostly Monks clad in brown, as well as a mad Monk have appeared on a number of occasions. Dark shapes have been witnessed around the grounds, and a young woman has been seen at the entrance to Stable Cottage, with figures reported at its windows. The spooky appearance of a floating candle around the main staircase has sent many people's pulses racing, and the feeling of a presence brushing past them have also been described by a number of visitors. Reports of hearing a baby crying, a child's laughter, and unseen hands leafing through the Visitor's Book, have also been depicted. With its spirits of past residents apparent, Appuldurcombe House is a haven for paranormal activity