Paranormal Investigations Ltd
" seek and ye shall find "
Hertfordshire Sites
Hitchin Priory.
The Priory was originally built in 1317 for the Carmelite Friars and is set in its own Parkland extending to 29 acres. In 1546, the Priory passed to Sir Edward Watson and then seven years later to Ralph Radcliffe who died in 1559. The Priory was passed down through the Radcliffe family up tp the present day where it has now become a conference and training centre. It was rebuilt during the 1700's.
There have been reports of a number of ghosts seen at this location.
1) A phantom Coach and Horses has been seen in the grounds at the rear of the Priory.
2) A troop of Roman Soldiers have also been seen and heard.
3) A grey lady is often seen in the grounds.
4) Goring the Cavalier who was killed by Roundheads during the Civil War a few miles down the road from the Priory, continues on his journey to his destination once a year.
Minsden Chapel, South of Hitchin
One hundred yards up a dirt track to the left are the ruins of Minsden Chapel, made from flint modules and dating back to the fourteenth Century. It was originally a stop off point for Pilgrims enroute to St. Albans Abbey.
The early seventeenth century found the chapel in ruins but still used for weddings but by 1725 the bells had been stolen and the ruins became dangerous due to falling masonry.
The Chapel became linked with Reginald Hine during the early Twentieth Century. He was a local Historian who had extensively researched the Chapel and fallen in love with it. In 1907, a phantom monk was photographed coming out of the ruins by W T Latchmore, a friend of Reginald. The photograph was to become quite famous.
In 1949, Reginald committed suicide in very strange circumstances at a railway station by calmly stepping in front of a train whilst in mid conversation with a friend.
He is known to have said about the chapel long before he died - " I will endeavor in all ghostly ways to protect and haunt these hallowed walls."
There is also a local legend that connects a local pub, The Brockett Arms with the Chapel although there are mixed views as to whether the Minsden Chapel is meant or another chapel at Ayot St. Lawrence which is actually nearer.
It is thought that there is a tunnel linking the pub to the chapel that is haunted by a monk who either committed suicide by hanging or was hung after being caught trying to burn the building down.
The Monk phanton at Minsden appears on All Hallow's eve at midnight towards the Northeast of the Chapel as the Bells begin to toll. He is said to climb a set of stairs that no longer exist.
A very interesting and atmospheric site to visit.
