Sandford Orcas Manor House

Location

Sandford Orcas, Sherborne, Dorset

History

A Tudor manor house build of golden Hamhill stone and virtually unaltered since it was built around 1550, possibly on the site of a previous 11th century property.

People

In the possession of the Medlycott family since 1736, the house was occupied for some years (1965-79) by Colonel Francis Claridge and his family, who regarded it as 'the most haunted manor house in Britain' and claimed it had fourteen ghosts.

Manifestations

Some years ago there were reports of a Lady in Green, a Lady in Red, a ghost monk, yokel, nobleman, Elizabethan lady, a seven-foot high villain, etc. Also inexplicable music, voices, footsteps, etc.

Probable Identity

The nobleman was said to be Sir Hubert Medlycott; the yokel a man who hanged himself, the other ghosts were not definitely identified.

Frequency

For more than twenty years from 1966, there were numerous reports of various ghost sightings and ghostly activity. No recent reports.

Witnesses and Evidence

Two puzzling photographs were obtained that allegedly show ghosts at Sandford Orcas Manor House. Colonel and Mrs F. Claridge and their daughter and son-in-law were witnesses to apparent paranormal activity here as were Mrs Gates of Taunton, Mrs M. Gallo of Hinton, Admiral Mrs J.N. Grange-Bennett of Poole, a BBC production team, Benson Herbert and a team from the Paraphysical Laboratory who said, after a night or so at the house: 'there is a prima facie case for this house being haunted'.