Coasting in Dorset – Part Two

Monkton Wyld Court © Ellie Stevenson images

A while ago (far too long) I promised a blog about Monkton Wyld Court. Here it is. Equidistant between Charmouth and Axminster (Dorset), the Court started out as the local vicarage. But with its Victorian gothic pedigree (built in 1848) it looks more like a stately home. St Andrew’s Church, which is just down the... Continue Reading →

24 November 2013 0

Coasting in Dorset – Part One

I recently went on a short visit to Dorset (UK). It’s not a place I know well, but the area is bristling with life and history (and a few ghosts). Here’s what I found. Jurassic Coast The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural world heritage site. The Dorset and East Devon coastline’s geology represents 185... Continue Reading →

25 September 2013 0

A question of ghosts (and other things)

I’ve recently answered some questions for The Omnivore (you can read the answers here) and that, along with the current book I’m reading (The Ways of the World by Robert Goddard) had me thinking about the questions readers like answered by authors. I’m a bit of a Robert Goddard fan and have read all of... Continue Reading →

21 August 2013 3

Borley Rectory: the house and its ghosts – part two

In part one we talked about the history of the house and some of the things that were found on site. The excavations were the culmination of many reports of ghostly phenomena. But was Borley really haunted? The history of the house can be summarised as follows: 1863: the Reverend Henry Bull moved into the... Continue Reading →

2 August 2013 3

Borley Rectory: the house and its ghosts – part one

Houses are a current fascination. Perhaps because my next novel includes a house - but is it haunted? Borley Rectory, on the other hand, wasn’t just haunted, but supposedly England’s most haunted house. It certainly is England’s most complex haunting. Looking at the picture of the house above, the place has an almost ethereal quality.... Continue Reading →

19 July 2013 1

Harvard House: no ghosts but plenty of history

Harvard House Stratford-upon-Avon. Remains of a wall painting on 2 plaster panels, probably from the late 16th century and currently undergoing conservation. Adjacent walls have been painted to show the original appearance.

‘the college agreed upon formerly to be built at Cambridge shall be called Harvard College’ (1639) On rare occasions, both locals and visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon, UK, have the chance of a glimpse at a slice of history. The history in question is Harvard House and although to my knowledge there aren’t any ghosts, there are... Continue Reading →

6 July 2013 0