Aubrey of Aubrey House: A Ghostly Enigma in England’s North
The History and Background
Aubrey House stands on the edge of Whitburn, a small village nestled between the Pennines and the coast of Yorkshire, England. Built in 1829 by William Clayton, the house has a rich history that stretches back centuries. Its original name was Greenknowe Hall, but it later changed to Aubrey House after its second owner, George Aubrey, an 18th-century antiquarian who had extensive connections with local folklore and history.
The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland, offering a serene backdrop for visitors. However, beneath its picturesque exterior lies a darker side—a reputation as one of the most haunted houses in Britain. The tales of haunting have persisted for nearly two centuries, making Aubrey House a significant site in British paranormal lore.
Key Events or Sightings
One of the earliest accounts of supernatural activity at Aubrey House dates back to 1839 when the house was occupied by John and Margaret Clayton. According to local folklore, Margaret experienced vivid nightmares during her stay, feeling as if she were being strangled in her sleep. The couple eventually moved out due to these terrifying experiences.
In 1972, Aubrey House became a residence for the Chorley family. Mrs. Chorley reported witnessing shadowy figures moving around the house at night and strange noises echoing through the halls. Her husband, Mr. Chorley, claimed he had seen a woman in Victorian dress wandering the corridors, which is believed to be the ghost of Margaret Clayton.
The most notable event occurred on January 15, 1978, when a local paranormal investigator named Dr. Sarah Jones conducted a séance at Aubrey House. During the session, an eerie silence filled the room, and a cold breeze suddenly swept through, causing the candles to flicker violently before extinguishing. The participants reported feeling an overwhelming sense of dread, and some even claimed to have seen a figure in a black cloak standing just outside the window.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
Numerous witnesses over the years have shared their experiences at Aubrey House. One account from 1996 describes a woman named Lisa Thompson who stayed overnight with her family. They reported hearing footsteps approaching their bedroom door, which would then open and close repeatedly without any human doing so. The family also felt as if they were being watched by an unseen presence.
In 2003, paranormal investigators from the British Society for Psychical Research (BSPR) conducted a series of investigations at Aubrey House. Using thermal imaging cameras and electromagnetic field detectors, they recorded several anomalies. A significant drop in temperature was detected near the bedroom where Margaret Clayton is said to have died, suggesting the presence of cold spots often associated with poltergeist activity.
Investigations or Research
Several organized investigations have been carried out over the years, contributing valuable evidence to support claims of paranormal activity at Aubrey House. In 1998, the Parapsychology Association of Great Britain (PAGB) conducted a series of experiments using advanced equipment like EMF meters and video surveillance.
In 2005, the Ghost Research Network (GRN) hosted an overnight stay during which participants reported hearing whispering voices and feeling strong emotional distress. They also observed objects moving on their own and experiencing unexplained disturbances in the house’s electrical system.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Despite numerous investigations, Aubrey House remains a place of mystery and intrigue. Many residents and visitors continue to report unexplainable phenomena, leading some to believe that the spirits of past inhabitants still linger. The most recent investigation took place in 2019 by the Haunted Houses Investigation Team (HHIT), who documented several instances of cold spots, electromagnetic fluctuations, and EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena).
The current owner of Aubrey House has expressed a willingness to allow further research but maintains that the house should be treated with respect. Local authorities have not officially recognized the paranormal claims as factual, citing lack of concrete evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the history behind Aubrey House?
A: Aubrey House was originally built in 1829 by William Clayton and later named after its second owner, George Aubrey. It has a rich historical background with connections to local folklore and antiquarian interests.
Q: Have there been any famous investigations or researchers at the house?
A: Yes, several notable paranormal organizations have conducted investigations at Aubrey House, including Dr. Sarah Jones in 1978, the British Society for Psychical Research (BSPR) in 2003, and the Haunted Houses Investigation Team (HHIT) in 2019.
Q: What are some of the most reported phenomena at Aubrey House?
A: Witnesses have reported hearing strange noises, seeing shadowy figures, experiencing unexplained temperature drops, and observing objects moving on their own. Cold spots and electromagnetic fluctuations are also commonly recorded during investigations.
Q: Are there any specific dates or events that marked significant paranormal activity at the house?
A: Notable events include Margaret Clayton’s reported nightmares in 1839, the séance conducted by Dr. Sarah Jones in 1978, and overnight stays by paranormal investigators from the BSPR in 2003.
Q: How has Aubrey House been treated by local authorities?
A: Local authorities have not officially recognized the paranormal claims as factual due to a lack of concrete evidence. However, they remain open to further research and investigations conducted by reputable organizations.