Beaumanor Hall was built between 1842 and 1854 by architect William Railton for the Herrick family who wanted to build a grand family home. Beaumanor estate was owned by one of William Herrick's uncles until he died in 1832, and the estate was then passed to William. William Herrick was the man who ordered for the Hall's construction, but at some point during the 12 years of it money ran short. He then turned to his uncle James Perry for additional funding to finish the Hall off, to which he agreed on one condition: he would change his surname to Perry Herrick, named after his uncle. William agreed and thus became William Perry Herrick, along with his wife Sophia. On the ceiling in the main hall area, you can still see the initials 'PH' which references this. He married Sophia Christie in 1862 when he was 68, however she was just 31 years old at the time the marriage happened. They knew they wouldn't be able to have children because of William's age, but the two loved each other.

Living with them was William's sister Mary Ann Herrick, who too acquired wealth from their mother.

 

In 1871 Mary Ann Herrick died, and at the good age of 82, William Perry Herrick passed away in 1876. He was described as being healthy and good looking for his age, and it was on a Tuesday in February of that year, when William was riding out on his horse and suddenly felt faint. He was brought into the Hall by his servants who sat him down in what is currently the Bar Room, and it's in that room that William died. His cause of death is unknown, but he did live a very long and healthy life.

 

Beaumanor Hall was inherited by his wife Sophia, who lived on her own in the hall with her servants for 39 years until her passing in 1915. One servant, Elizabeth Ellerbeck, lived with and gave service to Sophia for 30 years. The Hall was then in possession of Colonel William Montagu Curzon and his family, a relative to William Perry Herrick, until World War 2 when the estate was requisitioned by the War Office. It was during this time that the Hall served as a secret listening station to intercept encrypted enemy signals.

 

In 1974, Beaumanor Hall was bought by Leicestershire County Council to be used as a conference, events and education centre, which it's still to this day.

There are many ghosts that are said to reside here at Beaumanor Hall, with one being of a White Lady who roams the Grand Staircase landing where her room once was, before disappearing. No one knows who this woman is, although we speculate it could be the ghost of Sophia Perry Herrick, William's wife who lived in the house for 30 years after his death. It's also on this landing that clear phantom footsteps have been heard by multiple witnesses, including some of our team. They can only be described as heels walking on wood, even though the landing is carpeted.

 

Loud bangs and whistles are heard in the Upper Attic, with no one else around to cause them. On the Ground Floor, mediums have sensed many energies in the Dining Rooms, as if a gathering is taking place.

 

In the Cellars, many people feel like they're being watched by an unseen male presence. Disembodied voices and footsteps are also heard down in the Cellars by staff, believed to be in connection with the soldiers and officers stationed here during World War 2.

DATE: Friday 24th May 2024

 

TIMES: 9:00pm - 3:00am (arrive 15 minutes early and wait patiently outside the front entrance until a member of our team greets you at the door)

 

LOCATION: Beaumanor Hall, Beaumanor Drive, Woodhouse, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 8TX

 

PARKING AT EVENT: Car Parking on site.

 

REMAINING BALANCE: Needs to be paid FOUR WEEKS prior to the event date. Failure to pay your remaining balance before this deadline will result in you forfeiting your places and your places will be sold on.

 

WHAT TO BRING: A torch, a warm coat/jacket, sensible footwear, any equipment you wish to bring along (your responsibility), your positive and open-minded energies.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Bringing alcohol or drugs to this event is strictly prohibited. If anyone arrives at the event under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will not be allowed to stay for the night and will be asked to leave immediately.