Bisham Abbey Post investigation

Lady Elizabeth Hoby is perhaps the most famous spirit reported to haunt Bisham Abbey. There was some evidence of her presence that came through the investigation, however, as this was through the Automatic Writing, there is a possibility that this may have been gathered through suggestion etc. A spirit came through for one group, claiming to be a female who knew Elizabeth and William, and that Elizabeth was with her. Elizabeth communicated with the Planchette, admitting responsibility for his death, but stated she did not beat him to death.

Vansittarts- SOME EVIDENCE

A spirit claiming to be ‘Charles’ contacted two of the groups through a glass-moving experiment in the Margaret Dickinson room. However, only one group picked up on the surname ‘Vansittart’. Through various lines of research, there is no ‘Charles Vansittart’ listed in Ancestry or Peerage, and definitely not in connection with the property. Another fact picked up on here was that he had been an owner of the property in the 1700’s. The only Charles Vansittart I can find any information on was the 19th Century strongman of that name, who lived in the Yukon Territory, making a living bending railway nails!

What we do know is that the first Vansittart to own Bisham Abbey was George Vansittart, who was followed by George Henry. However, this is not to say that he never existed, more to say that if he did, we can’t find him. We will continue to delve deeper into the history of the property and will update if more information comes to light.

Bryan picked up on a man in a red army uniform by the name of George in connection with the Margaret Dickinson room- through our research George Henry Vansittart was a career soldier, rising to the rank of General. A spirit claiming to be George came through during the glass moving in the room. We know that from that time period, General Wolfe wore a bright red jacket- although a few years prior to this, we can assume General Vansittart may have worn the same style.

Templars- SOME EVIDENCE

Most, if not all of the groups made contact with spirits claiming to be Knights’ Templar. One of the groups experienced the same spirit in two separate rooms. What is interesting about this is that the other groups all came into contact with him in the MD room, however, the group in question did so in both the MD and Warwick rooms. If suggestion was a part of this, the group in the MD room at the time had the highest Male to female ratio, and the spirit in question was angry, and did not like males- making efforts to intimidate them. This was the group Brian felt would most likely come into contact with him, however, he did not come through to this group as it might be predicted he would do. However, another spirit claiming to be a Templar came through, stating that he was intimidated by the stronger spirit, and did not come through normally due to this overbearing presence. This particular spirit claimed to have been hanged from a tree outside. Other investigation groups have said contacted a spirit that claimed to have been hanged in the grounds.

There is a lot of recorded history linking the Knight’s Templar to Bisham Abbey- It was initially built as a preceptory for the Knights Templar c.1260. There is reportedly a Templar burial ground located just off of the site (beneath the tennis courts). The Abbey was seized following the Templar heresy trials in 1307.

William Hoby- SOME EVIDENCE

Several groups picked up on the presence of a child in one of the areas- the area in question was by the door that leads up to the tower room. One group experienced a child playing with a chair, which was filmed by the group. Another group were using a table to try and communicate with spirit- the result was that the tabletop spun round- a member of the group felt that it was a childlike, playful spirit, and the activity increased when this was turned into a childhood game (Ring o’roses). Whether this was the spirit of young William is, at this stage, undetermined- the location being where it was is compelling, however, must be concluded as purely circumstantial. It is worth noting that other groups have also connected with a child named William in this part of the location before. Several children have been sensed here, so to say that it is ‘William Hoby’ is an assumption too far. Also, several Williams have been connected to the property.

Person or persons unknown.- SOME EVIDENCE

Lady with blood-covered corset- (a lady in a corset has been picked up on here by previous groups).

Man with missing finger

Arrogant man who did not feel the team were worthy of his attention

Little boy named James- two groups made contact with a child named James- (A James was picked up on in the same room on a previous investigation by another group).

Lady named Hamitt- picked up on in two separate rooms

Lady with Red Hair (this has been picked up on previously in this location by other groups)

Anne married with 4 children- (has been picked up by other groups previously)

Unknown female who claimed Elizabeth was with her.

Spirit of a dog- (Something sounding like whimpering was recorded in the same location).

Man with long curly moustache, red uniform- the man with the long curly moustache and red uniform is interesting, as this would suggest a military man (most likely infantry or marine), however, the Vansittart family had a long naval tradition, although there were some people connected with the family with an army connection.

Girls heard giggling in the corner.

Jester- (this was picked up by another group on a previous investigation).

Albert or Alfred- Picked up by Bryan in the Elizabethan Room- (this name has come up several times before by other groups)

Due to the scant information available, verification and validation is next to impossible.

Bisham Abbey Post Investigation