Arreton Manor

Arreton Manor has a fascinating history which dates back as far as 872 AD, where indications of earlier dwellings on the site have been evident. The Manor incorporates Jacobean architecture with Tudor characteristics. The existing dwelling dates back to the 17th century, although the east wing was built in the 14th century. Edward the Confessor is known to have purchased the Manor during his lifetime. It is also noted in the Doomsday Book, and mentioned in the will of King Alfred the Great in 885 AD. The Abbots of Quarr came into possession of the building for over 400 years, and they farmed the land on the site. Arreton Down holds clues to a Saxon burial ground nearby, giving theories of a Roman Villa as the first building to occupy the site. The Manor fell into the hands of the Crown during the reign of King Henry VIII, following the break-up of the Monasteries. The Manor was then leased to the Leigh family for the next 70 years.

In 1560, a 13 year old boy called John Leigh murdered his father, Barnaby, by smothering him with a pillow. His sister Annabelle witnessed his actions, so he promptly dragged her upstairs, and threw her from a window to her death. To pay off his debts to the City of London, King Charles Ist gave the Manor to trustees. It was then sold to two London Merchants. Charles had often visited the Manor, and stayed there on a number of occasions before his imprisonment at Carisbrooke Castle. Other Royalty connected with Arreton Manor are Queen Victoria and Queen Mary, who enjoyed the surroundings.

The Ghosts of Arreton Manor
With the history of its past residents, it is not surprising that Arreton Manor is a haven for ghosts. The figure of a fair-haired child wearing a blue dress and white slippers has been seen and heard crying 'Mamma Mamma' on a regular basis. It is thought that she is the ghost of John Leigh's young sister Annabelle.

The apparition of a lady with long curly black hair, wearing a cherry red dress with puff sleeves has been witnessed by both owners and visitors. She is often accompanied by a sweet floral smell. She appears to have no face. A separate image of a lady wearing a purple dress has been witnessed, as well as a silvery-grey figure distributing a spooky sweet smell.

Ghostly Monks are known to roam the Manor, especially in the Dining Room, where they appear to walk through the walls. The Dining Room also has the sound of hounds running, as well as the echoing of keys being dropped. In the 12th century part of the dwelling, Monks have been witnessed nodding in prayer state. They have often been heard chanting prayers.

The rear gardens accommodate the phantom of a man, with the smell of sweet pipe tobacco. The Monks also make their presence known in the gardens with their chanting. Their figures have also been seen in this area, but only from the waist up.

Spiritual activity is rife throughout the Manor and its gardens, with other strange occurrences. A dark-haired lady in a white shift glides across the four poster room and disappears through the window. It is not known who she is.

With its ghostly happenings of doors being bolted, footsteps in an upstairs room, cupboard doors opening by themselves, televisions turning themselves on, and distinct knocking on doors and windows, Arreton Manor is not a place for the faint-hearted to visit at night.