The Ghosts of Clandon Park

Clandon Park, a grand Palladian mansion in Surrey, was devastated by fire in 2015. Before the fire, and in the ruins since, staff and visitors have reported encounters with spirits from the house’s three-century history.

The House

The Onslow family built Clandon Park around 1730. The house, designed by Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni, was one of Surrey’s finest examples of Palladian architecture. The National Trust acquired it in 1956.

The Pre-Fire Ghosts

Before the 2015 fire, staff reported numerous supernatural experiences. A woman in 18th-century dress was seen in the Marble Hall. Footsteps echoed in empty corridors. Cold spots manifested in certain rooms. The atmosphere in some areas was oppressive.

The Fire

On April 29, 2015, a fire that started in the basement destroyed most of the house’s interior. The building was gutted, though the shell survived. Plans for restoration continue, but the house remains a dramatic ruin.

Post-Fire Activity

Since the fire, workers and security staff at the site have reported unusual experiences. Figures have been seen in the ruined rooms. Voices and sounds have been heard within the shell. The fire seems to have intensified rather than diminished the supernatural activity.

The Interpretation

Some researchers suggest that the trauma of the fire released or awakened dormant spiritual energy. Others believe the spirits who inhabited Clandon in life remain connected to it regardless of its physical state. The house’s tragic fate may have concentrated supernatural activity.

Assessment

Clandon Park represents an unusual case of a haunted building that suffered catastrophic damage. The continued reports of activity in the ruins suggest that hauntings are connected to place rather than physical structure.