Ettington Park Hotel Picture Gallery (Click to Enlarge)
	GHOST HUNT AT ETTINGTON PARK HOTEL, STRATFORD UPON AVON Situated just outside Stratford Upon Avon in Stour Valley, Ettington Park Hotel is one of the most stunning examples of neo-Gothic architecture still standing today. Although the mansion as we see it now owes its appearance to major rebuilding work carried out during the mid-nineteenth century, the core of the building probably dates from 1641. This was when the original manor house (mentioned in the Domesday Book) was largely demolished and a new one built in its place from the salvaged materials. There is, however, strong evidence that the site has been occupied for at least 2000 years. Many Roman artefacts have been discovered during archaeological digs and many experts believe that a Roman villa once existed in what are now the grounds of Ettington Park Hotel. Since at least 1086, when the first landowner records appeared in the aforementioned Domesday Book, the site and its buildings have belonged to the Shirley family, one of the oldest families in Britain. They featured in many important historic events and were renowned for their military prowess. Sir Hugh Shirley, killed in the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, was immortalised in William Shakespeare's play, 'Henry IV'. Shakespeare was part of the social scene at Ettington, being a close friend of the Underhill family, who leased the property for 100 years during the sixteenth century. It is thought probable that he even hunted with the Underhills in the vast grounds there. He was evidently intrigued by the Shirley family history and their connection to several battles which would later feature heavily in his plays. In the Chapel which still stands in the grounds today, and which has functioned as the family mausoleum throughout the ages, there is an epitaph to Anthony Underhill which is credited to Shakespeare himself. Incidentally, it was from the Underhills that he purchased the house in which he lived for much of his life and in which he eventually died in 1616. From 1641, when the Shirley family moved back in to their family home, Ettington went from strength to strength, with many alterations and improvements made throughout the ensuing centuries. Inside it is an eclectic mix of styles from various different eras, including a Great Drawing Room from 1757, a window on the second floor based on a fifteenth century Venetian design and a classic French thirteenth century style conservatory which now serves as the entrance hall. In 1858, the famous architect John Prichard was called in to redesign and rebuild Ettington. The work lasted for four years and involved rebuilding around the core of the old house. Towers and turrets were added and interior rooms completely redesigned. And so Ettington Park as we know it today was born. Sewallis Shirley was the last family member to live in the house. When he died in 1912 it changed leaseholders several times until 1935 when it became a nursing home. During the Second World War it functioned as a prisoner of war camp for Italian soldiers and for a short time afterwards, it rather bizarrely became a night club. There was a great fire which engulfed the house in 1979 and which caused considerable damage, after which it remained locked up and derelict for three years. Fortunately, in 1983 it was rescued by a hotel chain and restored to its former glory. Film buffs might recognise the exterior of Ettington Park from the Robert Wise's 1963 classic 'The Haunting'. Indeed, the whole location looks like it has stepped straight out from the pages of a ghost story. However, Ettington's resident ghosts are in no way imaginary or fictional, as many guests and members of staff over the years can testify. In fact, it was named 'Most Haunted Hotel in the UK' by the AA. There are several apparitions which may greet you as you arrive at the hotel. An old woman, dressed in Victorian clothing, is both seen and heard walking up and down inside the conservatory entrance, while in the reception area the visible ghosts of a man and his dog have been witnessed wandering into the library where they promptly vanish. One night before Christmas several members of staff on reception duty watched as a candle lifted up off the mantelpiece and floated in mid-air by itself! Perhaps the most notorious ghost in the hotel is that of a lady, dressed in a white gown, who glides along the hotel corridors at night before melting into the walls in front of astonished onlookers. It is believed that she may be a former governess, and is known by staff as 'Lady Emma'. Other reported sightings include that of a monk who is seen both inside the hotel and in the grounds, an army officer in the long gallery and a servant girl on the main staircase, who died after a fall many years ago. There are also two children seen and heard in the hotel and in the grounds, presumed to be the two young Shirleys who drowned in Stour River in around 1800. There are many other ghosts at Ettington Park Hotel which you will learn about on the night, and hopefully you may meet some of them in person! There are surely few places like Ettington in which to experience such an evening. With its luxurious accommodation, exquisite food and awe-inspiring architecture, you are guaranteed a night to remember! An Eerie Evening at Ettington Park Includes: ~ Overnight Hotel Accommodation ~ Three Course Evening Meal ~ Historical Talk by Local Historian and Ghostly Tales ~ Platform Readings from our Spiritualist Mediums ~ Psychic Workshop with Séance and Experiments ~ Opportunity to use Ghost-Hunting Equipment ~ Late Night Ghost Hunt & Paranormal Investigation ~ Refreshments Throughout ~ Full Breakfast *The event will run from approx. 7.30pm - 2.30am* Ticket Price: £155 Select a Date December 14th 2007   10% Discount for Groups of 10 or More (Contact us to Check Availability Before Booking)   Please Read Terms and Conditions Before Booking To Pay by Cheque Click Here to Download Booking Form PHONE US ON: 01543 278075 EMAIL: queries@eerie-evenings.com Click here to find Ettington Park Hotel on Multimap