Ghosted at Preston Manor? Tell us about it.

One of Britain’s most haunted houses invites visitors to share spooky encounters in new Spirit Ledger

Visitors to Preston Manor in Brighton are being invited to record unexplained experiences in a new Spirit Ledger, as staff seek to capture the growing number of ghost stories associated with the historic house.

The initiative, led by the charitable trust that looks after the Manor, Brighton & Hove Museums, includes ‘Ghost-it’ notes, which visitors can use to share anything unusual they have seen, heard or experienced during their visit.

The stories will be collected in the Spirit Ledger, creating a lasting record of accounts connected to the Manor and help with research required for a new ghost stories book and events next year.

The idea came after staff found themselves regularly hearing reports of strange happenings from visitors and colleagues. The ledger will provide a dedicated place to record these stories, helping the team build a fuller picture of the sightings and experiences associated with the house.

Preston Manor has a long association with tales of the supernatural, including reports of the mysterious Lady in Grey on the staircase, a White Lady and unexplained activity in the house’s bedrooms.

One of the manor’s most famous stories centres on an 1896 séance in the Cleves Room, when medium Ada Goodrich Freer reportedly communicated with a spirit identifying herself as Sister Agnes. The following year, workmen were said to have discovered a woman’s skeleton beneath the terrace, adding to the house’s enduring supernatural reputation.

With origins dating back to medieval times and interiors remodelled for Edwardian life, Preston Manor offers visitors a glimpse into the past alongside the stories and mysteries that have become part of its heritage.

Kate Turnbull, Project Lead at Preston Manor, said:

“Our staff regularly hear from visitors and even colleagues who have experienced something unusual during their visit, so we wanted to create a dedicated place to record those stories.

“The Spirit Ledger will help us build a clearer picture of the experiences people report, while also contributing to plans for a book and events next year.

“People love our Ghostly Gatherings after-dark events and are fascinated by Preston Manor’s supernatural history. Whether visitors have seen something, heard something or simply felt that they weren’t alone, we want to give them the opportunity to share their experiences in their own words.”

Preston Manor is open Friday to Monday until 30 November, from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm). Admission charges apply and members visit free. For opening times, ticket information and bookings, brightonmuseums.org.uk