Legend & Lore

Discover the fascinating tales behind Hampshire landmarks that have become embedded in local legend

- Felix Rowe

With Halloween upon us, what better time to explore some of Hampshire’s most mysterious haunts? Dotted about the county are ancient monuments and buildings that over the centuries have entered folklore due to their fascinating and sometimes gruesome origins. We take a look at five examples that you can experience firsthand. Each story is firmly rooted in some semblance of fact, but no doubt embellished over the generations, taking on a new life of its own.

1 THE PHANTOM MONK OF NETLEY ABBEY

Hidden behind the trees, not far from the Solent shoreline, is the ancient 13th century ruin of Netley Abbey. When King Henry VIII took control of the Church in order to marry Anne Boleyn, the monastery was seized and the monks unceremoniously turfed out. The abbey was then converted into a grand country mansion before later falling into disrepair and becoming derelict. Over the years, the gothic, ghostly ruin became the source of inspiration for artists, poets and writers, from John Constable to Jane Austen. Today the beautifully preserved Cistercian monastery is now cared for by English Heritage. Although supposedly unoccupied for hundreds of years, there are still said to be several inhabitants... Chanting and bells can sometimes be heard at night, while ghostly apparitions are occasionally spotted. One of these is Blind Pete, a hooded monk who was responsible for guarding the abbey’s treasure – a task he is said to fervently continue today. Another tale speaks of one Walter Taylor, a builder once employed to demolish the church for building materials. Shortly before commencing, he woke up in a cold sweat following a nightmare in which he was crushed to death by a falling window arch. He decided to press on with the task anyway, only to later sustain injuries from, yes, a collapsed window arch that would ultimately take his life.

2 RUFUS STONE, NEW FOREST