The Ghosts of Borde Hill

Borde Hill near Haywards Heath is known for its magnificent gardens, but the Elizabethan house at their heart has its own reputation. The Stephenson Clarke family home, built in 1598, is said to be haunted by figures from its four-century history.

The Estate

Borde Hill has been a family home since its construction in the late 16th century. The gardens, developed in the 20th century, are among the finest in Sussex. The house itself retains its Elizabethan character and atmosphere.

The Grey Lady

A woman in grey has been seen in the house and gardens. She walks the paths between the garden rooms as if taking an eternal stroll through the grounds she loved in life. Her identity is unknown, but she appears to belong to the Victorian or Edwardian period.

The Elizabethan Gentleman

A figure in Elizabethan dress has been reported in the older parts of the house. He may be connected to the original construction or early residents. His appearances are rare but striking to those who witness them.

The Garden Spirits

The famous gardens generate their own supernatural reports. Visitors have reported feeling presences among the plantings, hearing voices when alone, and glimpsing figures that vanish when approached. The garden rooms seem to have accumulated their own ghosts.

Staff Experiences

Those who work at Borde Hill have their own stories. Unexplained sounds in the house, feelings of being watched in certain areas, and objects that move without explanation are commonly reported.

Assessment

Borde Hill’s combination of historic house and celebrated gardens creates an environment where supernatural experience seems natural. The care lavished on the estate over centuries may have attracted spirits who share that love.