Appuldurcombe House - Isle of Wight's Most Haunted Ruin Appuldurcombe House began as a Norman priory in 1100 AD, believed to have been owned by William the Conqueror. For 400 years it served as an abbey for the Poor Clares nuns, then became the Elizabethan home of the Leigh family. Henry VIII was entertained here and practiced falconry on the estate.
The Worsley Era
In 1690, Sir Robert Worsley, 4th Baronet, acquired the property and demolished the Tudor mansion, beginning construction of the current Baroque masterpiece in 1702. He died in 1747 before completion. His great-nephew Sir Richard Worsley, 7th Baronet, greatly extended the house in the 1770s and commissioned Capability Brown to design the ornamental grounds. The completed mansion became "the grandest house on the Isle of Wight" and housed Sir Richard's magnificent art collection. Tragedy and Scandal In 1587, two young boys (ages eight and nine), sons of Captain Richard Worsley, were killed when a gunpowder explosion blew up the Gatehouse. Servants were drying powder when a spark ignited a barrel, killing both children instantly. Sir Richard married 17-year-old Seymour Dorothy Fleming in 1775. Their only child died in infancy, and the marriage collapsed when Lady Worsley had a high-profile affair, eventually admitting to 27 lovers. The divorce scandal became widespread public entertainment. Sir Richard left the estate heavily indebted. Decline and Destruction The property became a hotel, then a school (1867), and housed Benedictine monks (1901-1909). From 1909 it remained largely unoccupied except as a troop base during both World Wars. In 1943, a German landmine severely damaged the mansion, destroying hope of full restoration. English Heritage took over in 1952, but the building remains predominantly an empty shell. The Resident Ghosts
- The Two Blown-Up Boys: The spirits of the children killed in the gunpowder explosion haunt the Gatehouse. Boys' laughter is heard near the Freemantle Gate, and figures are seen moving from the gate down the drive.
- Lady Worsley: The scandalous Lady Seymour Worsley haunts the grand Freemantle Gate entrance. A beautiful woman's ghostly form wafts down the main staircase into the library, though her true identity remains mysterious.
- The Monk: A ghostly monk appears in the cellars, a remnant from when the site served as a priory and monastery.
- The Phantom Carriage: A ghostly carriage appears on the pathway near the entrance to the grounds.
- The Crying Baby: The sound of a baby crying echoes through the property, possibly connected to Sir Richard and Lady Worsley's infant son who died.
Paranormal Activity
- The Cellar - Most Haunted Room: Shadow dancers are frequently seen twirling across the walls, unaware of time's passage since the last ball. Workers feel watched, and eerie shadows dance constantly.
- The Main Staircase: A flickering candle floats around the stairs. People feel someone brushing past them. The mysterious female apparition descends here into the library.
- The Great Hall: Dramatic temperature changes and cold spots occur where the Hall once stood. An overwhelming feeling of being watched pervades this area.
- The Gatehouse: A strong unseen presence is felt here. Unseen hands leaf through the visitor's book, pages turning invisibly.
- Environmental Phenomena: The entire property exudes a spectacularly eerie atmosphere affecting even animals - dogs refuse to approach with hackles raised. A misty form has been seen drifting along the road at dusk.
Modern Day
Managed by English Heritage, the grounds are open 10am-4pm, Sunday to Friday, April to October (interior currently closed). Weekly ghost walks are held Thursday evenings during summer. The house embraces its reputation as part of "the most haunted island in the world." Ghost hunters are occasionally allowed to investigate. Featured on Most Haunted, it remains one of the Isle of Wight's premier paranormal destinations. Despite being a ruin, the estate hosts family picnics and events during daylight hours.