LIVING

Levens Hall, Cumbria

Levens Hall

History
Levens Hall is on the edge of the Lake District and the first dwelling at Levens dates back to 1350. It was built by the de Redman family as defence against the Scottish raiders of the time. It was then a primitive tower, with housing for the women and cattle in time of raids, and a large room where smoke from the open fire would escape through a hole in the roof.

The medieval structure was built in Elizabethan times when the Bellingham family created a mansion and beautified it with fine panelling and plasterwork still to be seen today.

In 1694, Col. James Grahme, former Privy Purse to King James II, added much of the fine Jacobean furniture and built the two wings at the rear of the House, forming a courtyard. All building was completed by the addition of the Howard Tower in 1820. Throughout the house there are beautiful paintings, family memorabilia (with connections to both the first Duke of Wellington and Nelson) and some of the earliest English patchwork.


Phenomena
A Grey Lady is reputed to wander the building and has often been seen. It is thought she was a gypsy woman who laid a curse on the family of the house, after being turned away starving at the front door.

Another spirit of a lady, this one wearing pink, has also been spotted. It is believed she was a nanny working at the Hall. The apparition of a large black dog has also been witnessed, wandering the building and bounding up the staircase.


Investigation
Derek connects with both the spirit of the dog and also the fabled Grey Lady, who he identifies as a member of the de Redman family. He senses a great deal of activity throughout the hall, with many energies wandering around the building. He is drawn to the tower, where he reports that a curse was placed against the building. As the vigils began in the corridor, Derek's jacket is grabbed by an unseen force.

Karl is also prodded, as he investigates a strange noise in the gardens. Back in the corridor, temperature drops are recorded, as are strange EMF readings. Yvette attempts a solo vigil at that destination, but quickly leaves as creaking sounds are heard and a door continually opens by itself, even when she has firmly closed it.


Episode Information

Episode Number: 13
Season Num: 1
First Aired: Tuesday August 20, 2002