Athelhampton Manor

There are still parts of this manor dating back 500 years, it was occupied early in its history by the Martyn family from 1350 to around 1600. The Martyn family were devoutly catholic and may have hidden priests within the house during the time England was under protestant rule. Priest holes, which are small secret recesses within walls, have been found which attest to this. They are most commonly found in old catholic Tudor mansions.

A Grey Lady, a black monk and a headless man haunt the house. There is also a story about a ghostly ape, which was walled up within one of the priest holes. The ape is supposed to have been a pet for the Martyn Family during the fifteen hundreds.

On a lighter note the mansion formed the backdrop for the 1972 film Sleuth, which starred Michael Caine.