The Menace Of Netley Abbey

BLIND PETER

The entity experienced by people venturing into the ruins at night became known as 'Blind Peter', although no one knows why. An apparition has been seen hovering over the sacristy - the place where sacred vessels and vestments were kept - and sensed in the form of a hostile presence in the ruins themselves.

MODERN SIGHTINGS

One summer's day in 1970 a local woman called Mrs Neal and her friend decided to conduct some dowsing experiments in the grounds of Abbey House, adjacent to the abbey. After some while the stick began to react violently. Mrs Neal followed the course indicated for several yards before turning to the right.

Ahead of her she saw a tall, slim figure dressed as a monk in a dark brown cloak with a loose-fitting hood which caused a shadow to hide the face. He beckoned twice in a delicate fashion with his right hand, then pointed in the direction of the abbey as if he was trying to convey something to her. While the encounter lasted, Mrs Neal felt as if she was enchanted. Time had no meaning. She could not tell afterwards whether the experience had lasted seconds or minutes, although it must have been the former. Her friend, while sensing a 'potent atmosphere', saw nothing.

In 1981 a couple and their dog camped out in the ruins. They were awakened in the early hours by a sudden drop in temperature and the feeling that 'something' was prowling outside the tent. Even the dog was affected. It growled, and when it was sent outside to investigate ran off.

DOWSING

Dowsing is of medieval origin and is accepted by many scientists today as fact. It is the art of finding water, minerals, buried treasure and general information by non-physical means and it can be tried by anyone.

Many dowsers use indicators, usually a forked twig, a pair of bent coat hangers or a pendulum. The indicator will twitch or change direction when the dowser is close to what he is seeking.

See also Wotton-under-Edge, page 95, and Loch Morar, page 170.

Two nuns visiting the ruins by day experienced a sudden temperature drop near the sacristy and sensed a 'distinct presence' which conveyed hostility to them.

Visit Netley Abbey if you dare!

How to Find Netley Abbey:

Netley Abbey is on the east side of Southampton Water. Follow the signs for Netley from Southampton.

Consult Ordnance Survey map 196.

NEAREST MAIN TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE:

Above Bar, Southampton, Hampshire, S09 4XF. Tel: 01703 221106.